Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

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First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe

AirAsia crash: 40 bodies found in sea See Page 26

Vajpayee, Malaviya honoured with Bharat Ratna See Page 25

Mumbai attack mastermind Lakhvi arrested before his release

See Page 23

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Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

VOL 43. ISSUE 33

3rd January to 9th January 2015

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No sign of govt formation in J&K

There were no signs of either PDP, the largest group, or BJP, the close runner-up, getting the requisite numbers to stake claim to forming a new government in Jammu & Kashmir as the deadline set by governor NN Vohra for discussions fast approached.

A team of PDP, which has 28 MLAs in a House of 87, led by its president Mehbooba Mufti will meet Vohra in Jammu on Wednesday and discuss with him government formation while the BJP is expected to give its proposal on January 1.

Arun Jaitely

Ahead of the meeting, PDP spokesman Naeem Akhthar said that the party was not ready with any solution "as yet" to

Modi to visit London after UK polls Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to postpone his UK visit planned for early2015 to sometime after the British parliamentary elections in May. Modi was earlier expected to visit London towards the end of January to unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi on January 30 to mark the death anniversary of the Father of Nation.

However, as US President Barack Narendra Modi

Obama is visiting Delhi on January 25-26, there is little time left to prepare for a PM trip to the UK in the same month, officials said. The two governments were also looking at the possibility of Modi visiting London around April next year. That too is unlikely. Modi is visiting Germany in the last week of April, and squeezing in a trip to UK would not be possible due to elections there in May, sources Continued on page 26

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ficult situation and we are trying our best to convert this into an opportunity for the welfare of the state, its economic development and ending political uncertainty about it," he said.

In the middle of continuing political uncertainty, rumours were agog in the Kashmir valley that the 15-member legislature party of the National Conference (NC) has passed a resolution supporting PDP, which was denied by NC general secretary Ali Mohammed Sagar.

"We have verbally stated to PDP that in case they want our support, they should talk to our leadership," he said. PDP is holding intra-party discussions on possible

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Fauja Singh

Meera Syal

The 2015 New Year Honours list was published on Wednesday 31 December, recognising the achievements of a wide range of extraordinary people right across the United Kingdom, from Penzance to the Shetland Islands.

Proving that age isn’t a barrier to outstanding accomplishments, a British Empire Medal (BEM) is recommended for 103 year old runner

Fauja Singh. He is a keen charity supporter and champion for Age UK, and is widely recognised as the oldest marathon runner in the world.

Also Meera Syal has received a Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to drama and literature.

See page 8 for the full list of the 36 Asians in this year’s list.

alliances which the party can enter to form the next government in the state.

Meanwhile, PDP patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed was holding consultations with his MLAs and workers. "Sayeed continued consultations with the party rank and file," Akhtar said.

He said the PDP patron has been meeting party leaders, newly-elected legislators, senior workers and some of the members of civil society in a bid to shape the party's response to the challenge thrown up by the fractured verdict.

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Mehbooba Mufti

end the political stalemate and all options were still on the table for it. "We are not ready with any solution as yet. It's a very dif-

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Lakshmi Kaul, Founder & Executive Member, Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society

Lakshmi Kaul is 37 years old journalism and human rights graduate specialising in development communications and social media campaigning. Her research on unrecognised sector of labour at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) contributed to the drafting of child labour act in Andhra Pradesh and setting up of the National Child Labour Projects (NCLPs) in Delhi. In the recent years, she has evolved as a culture ambassador and community worker. Lakshmi leads a culture initiative in the UK - SPIC MACAY. She is on the Advisory of Indian High Commission's culture wing and is an active campaigner of Indian culture and heritage.

Among her achievements is the recent victory for India at the Kashmir debate held in the British Parliament. She continues to engage with various community members in building the communities stronger via various cultural, social and professional initiatives. Another of her contribution to the Kashmiri Pandits community is the institution of community awards, to build role models and leadership in the community. Being a woman herself and a mother, Lakshmi encourages women of all age groups to bring out their strengths and use them for their own development as well as community development. A number of women have as a result taken initiative and set up their small enterprise including Ria Mitra, a former model and now an insurance company employee.

1) What is your current position?

Currently I am a Founder and Executive Member of Kashmiri Pandits Cultural Society as well as a Chief Executive in SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) (www.spicmacay.co.uk) and the owner of the JoinDots which is Communications Consultancy.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

Championing the cause of the Kashmiri Pandits and raising awareness about the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits among the Indian diaspora and British

Parliamentarians. Successfully lobbying with the Parliamentarians to provide a strong counter on the Adjournment debate sponsored by David Ward MP. Within a short span of under two years, introducing SPIC MACAY in England organised interactive Indian Classical lecture-demonstrations in the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Warwick and also a week-long festival of Music and Dance at The Nehru Centre, London. Another series of programmes in the lecture-demonstration format to be held in November in Universities of Oxford, East London and also at The Nehru

Centre in London. Encouraging housewives and out-of-work young women to take up community initiatives and volunteering for charitable causes thereby helping them overcome depression and contributing community work.

3) What inspires you?

Children and their resilience despite and inspite of circumstances and richness of my cultural heritage being an ethnic Indian.

4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?

Stereotypes of those around me and their inability to embrace progressive change.

5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to

date?

Children from lesser fortunate circumstances who have worked hard and made a place for themselves in this world, making a career and home – I have worked very closely with the rag picker children in the slums of India during my stint at the International Labour Organisation. Big influence on my career had also Mother Teresa and her tireless work for people in need.

She was my inspiration for selfless service and being a community worker. And Dr. Kiran Seth, recipient of the Padmashree award who is the founder of the youth movement I lead here in the UK now – SPIC MACAY. From him I have learnt a lot about volunteerism.

6) What is the best aspect about your current role?

Satisfaction of having done something worthwhile and the rewards in the form of smiles and blessings.

7) And the worst?

It is a tireless, uphill effort often yielding slowly or no results – can be very daunting and disheartening especially when compared to the lucrative, money-minting careers and being equated to success in material terms.

8) What are your long term goals?

Build a facilitative environment

Tributes paid to Indian soldiers who fought in World War I

Many of the 14,500 Indian soldiers wounded in the battlefields of Europe in World War I, were admitted to the Royal Pavillion in Brighton, which was turned into a hospital.

Those who died, the Sikhs and the Hindus, were cremated on the Brighton Downs whilst the Muslims were buried in the Memorial Garden at Horsell Common in Woking.

There is an annual service of remembrance at the Chhatri on the Brighton Downs, memorial to the Indian soldiers (India before partition in 1947 include Pakistan and Bangladesh) on the spot where the cremations took place. It was unveiled by the Prince of Wales in 1921 in the presence of the Maharajah of Patiala.

The Muslims, first buried in the Memorial Garden were later reburied at the Brookwood Cemetery, near the Shah Jahan Mosque, the first Mosque built in Britain and opened by Begum Bhopal in 1889. In this centenary year of the war, and for the first time ever, on 11th December, a special serv-

ice of remembrance also took place at the Memorial Gardens as well as the Brookwood Cemetery.

The historic event was organised by Zafar Iqbal, Senior Policy Officer of the Woking Borough Council, on behalf of the Woking and Horsell Common Preservation Society. Amongst those present, at the Memorial Gardens and later at the Cemetery, were representatives of various organisations, among them, Davinder Dhillon, Chairman of Chhatri Memorial Group, Cllr. M. Ilyas Raja of Woking Borough Council and the Mayor of Woking. After the welcome by Zafar Iqbal came the tributes to the Indian soldiers from the Mayor, the Imam of the Mosque, Dr. Syed Abbas Naqui, Major General Stuart Richard Skeates CBE, Commondant of Sandhurst Military Academy and Rt. Hon. Stephan Williams MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Communities who emphasised the need of teaching

Indian bicycle troops at the Battle of the Somme

the Indian contribution to the war in the schools.

The soldiers may have died a hundred years ago but their spirit of courage and sacrifice for the country not theirs was very much alive and will remain so for a thousand years. Their loyalty to the King George V and the regiments they served in, was supreme and sincere.

Until 1911, Indians were not eligible for the Victoria Cross. Of the 11 Victoria Crosses awarded in World War I, the first recipient was Khudadad Khan.

After a short visit to the Mosque, welcomed by Imam Hashmi, further tributes were paid at the

graves of the fallen heroes, including a floral tribute by the Co-Chair and Founder of the IndoBritish Heritage Trust, Kusoomben Vadgama. A two minute silence followed that concluded the special and the very first pilgrimage to the Cemetery.

The Memorial Garden, built in 1917, much neglected and vandalised, is in the process of being redesigned and renovated in Islamic style within the present wall structure.

The historic event was covered by the local media as well as the BBC for their regional documentary to be screened next year.

and platform for social enterprise and encourage local initiatives through empowerment, guidance and mentorship across communities. My dream is also to build heritage centres of excellence across schools and universities where students and diverse community groups engage with each other and connect to their roots. I would also like to build role models and leadership from within the community, especially women as they are natural project managers.

9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?

I would work towards a model of reorganisation of the economic demography of Britain – unburden London and create more opportunities in different parts of the country by setting up SEZs and Industrial Units to help spread employment generation, economic wealth and welfare of local communities.

10) If you were marooned on a deserted island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?

Mother Teresa. She has been an inspiration since I was a child but I have never been fortunate enough to meet her in person so it will be an honour if I could spend time with her and get first hand insight of her inspirations, experiences and motivation.

It would be a life changing experience for me!

Indian High Commission commemorates India’s contribution to WW1

H.E. Mr. Ranjan Mathai, pictured, The High Commission of India, London organised an event at India House on 9th December 2014 at 4pm to commemorate the Indian contribution in World War I. The event included talks by eminent personalities highlighting the contributions of the Indian Soldiers during the Great War, followed by refreshments.

A welcome address

by Indian High commissioner was followed by speeches by Mr Philip Dunne, Lord Karan Billimoria, Baroness

Shreela Flather, Mr Santanu Das (Kings College) and Mr Tony M c C l e n a g h a n (Secretary, Indian Military Historical society) as well as FD Marshal Sir John Chapple.

Audience listening intently to speeches and included Lord Karan Billimoria

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

COMMENT

Look before you leap on immigration

The general election is just four months away. It is going to be a very tight race – both Conservatives and Labour are almost neck to neck at about 39% each according to the latest opinion survey.

Liberal Democrats will have to pay heavy price because they joined the coalition government in 2010. It is sad. Liberal Democrat inputs have surely mollified the extremes of some Tory policies.

But the price will have to be paid for omissions and commissions of the government. The UKIP has been making, perhaps, too much noise of late. Byelection's victory has given them a boost no doubt.

But the general elections are different.

Both main parties are taking their own positions on various issues. Economy, the national budget, international relations, employment, the gap between the rich and the poor are some of the major issues. In a way both Tory and Labour are moving, in their own ways, to the middle ground.

Perhaps that is how it should be.

The Conservative's have an easier target to curry favours with some voters on the issue of immigrants. This has happened since the Labour's victory of 1997.

Conservative leaders like William Hague, Ian Duncan Smith and Michael Howard gambled on the issue of immigration and they lost. Sadly the message has not yet registered in the minds of some Tory bigwigs. David Cameron has been hyperactive on the immigration issue in the aftermath of the UKIP “rise”. Off late he appears to be somewhat more sensible.

Home Secretary Theresa May has rising ambition to succeed David Cameron as Conservative leader. She cannot disguise it. She has been moving rapidly and dangerously towards the Tory right.

Her most recent proposal to curb on foreign students do not square with Britain's economic interests. The Financial Times in the editorial on 23.12.14 describe Mrs May's curbs as “misguided'.

David Willetts who was up until July this year, the minister for Universities is now a visiting professor of Kings College – London. He, in his opinion column in the Times dated 23.12.14 described, “May's mean - spirited plan will damage Britain” How? Education is a ver big business worldwide.

Some four million students leave their home coun-

tries for overseas studies – almost half a million of them used to come to UK mainly from China, India and Middle East. In the last three years this inflow has reduced dramatically – especially from India.

The condition for post study work is very onerous indeed. A graduate can only stay to work for up to two years if it is “graduate job with licensed sponsor and paid a minimum of £20,000 per annum” This condition encourages or compels more internal migration from Manchester or Newcastle to work in London for obvious reasons. Perhaps the Government should set lower minimum rates for post study work outside London. Mrs May and some other Tory politician are unable to think, such avenues more intelligently.

In several cities education is a very important economic activity. Britain's second biggest export to China is education. There are cities and towns in U.K where the biggest export industry is their local university. Cities like Lincoln, Worcester have been transformed through their Universities and overseas student's financial inputs.

USA is the main attraction for overseas studies.

When U.K is tightening the noose Canada, Australia are giving better incentives for students from India and China especially.

Some 10 years back Theresa May, as the then Chairman of the Conservative party, described it as a 'nasty party'. The same lady today is proposing totally misguided and mean spirited ideas about foreign students. Theresa May's intervention is a piece of low politics. In the past such approach did not help the Conservative party. The business, the academic world and the man on the Clapham Omnibus do not like such division and disadvantageous tactics.

With nearly five million so called immigrants and their mixed race children and the tight race between the two main parties, perhaps there is some advantage towards the Labour stand.

Trevor Shonk, a UKIP County Counsellor from Ramsgate in Kent, has claimed that the influx of immigrants had made Britain a racist country.

Such brazen, provocative and damaging statements are perhaps the follow up to the Tory leaders bigwigs. Great Britain does not need it; it does not support such attitude.

The horrific massacre of 142 children and staff at the Pakistani army school in Peshawar, in the north-west border region of Pakistan, by a suicide unit of the country’s Taliban has traumatised a nation and sent shock waves across the civilized world. The barbarity of the deed and the sheer savagery of the perpetrators are an indecent exposure of the terrorism that has taken hold in vast swathes of Pakistan including within the very seat of power, which is the military and its cloned intelligence services. Jihadi terrorism has long been a primary Pakistani export, especially to it’s neighbours India and Afghanistan. The US and its Western allies indulged their Pakistani client with a cornucopia of financial and military aid [which continues unabated] during the period of incubating terrorist cells. The notorious Hafiz Saeed, one of the masterminds behind the Mumbai attack of 26/11/2008 has the freedom of Lahore and other cities to preach his message of hate against India without let or hindrance. Ritual breast-beating is the name of the game.

Following the heinous Mumbai attack, the [London] Times published a ferocious denunciation of Indian policy on Kashmir, and India’s allegedly hostile attitude towards its Muslim population, by the Oxford University don, Maria Misra.

The piece jelled with the attitude of the newspaper, the BBC and the British establishment at the time.

The US approach was no different. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on her visit to stricken Mumbai, denounced terrorism in ringing tones but said not a word about its source. With the spread of these jihadi tentacles to the West there is visible discomfort at Pakistani behavior, not least, one suspects, because it imperils the effectiveness of Pakistan as strategic partner in the region and beyond. Sections of the Pakistani media, who like their government and the political class, clung stubbornly to the officially prescribed state of denial on the export of terrorism across the border to India in the south, and into Afghanistan in the north-west, are expressing alarm with a new raised voice.

The English-language newspaper, The Nation, wrote: “Not just terrorists, but everyone, from the wider population to the civil and military leadership is responsible for the barbarity our children

were subjected to. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, your government has contributed absolutely nothing towards building a narrative against extremism. Operation Zarb-e-Azb [in Northern Waziristan by the military] started without your permission, and it continues … You have refused to act against seminaries funded through Saudi money, which are poisoning the minds of our youth.” The next broadside targeted the opposition: “Chairman Imran Khan, you are the most mainstream politician and consistent Taliban sympathizer in the country … you couldn’t muster the courage to name the Taliban.” The Army was taken to task for its ambivalence towards terror groups, using some, attacking others. “The country is reaping what it [the Army] has sown over decades,” pronounced The Nation. The Dawn newspaper censured the government in similar vein, dismissing its search for a national consensus in the aftermath of the Peshawar massacre as “quite meaningless.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Army chief, General Raheel Sharif, accompanied by the Director General of the Inter Services Intelligence directorate, General Rizwan Akhtar, rushed to Kabul to demand that Afghanistan expedite the extradition of the Taliban leader Mullah Fazaullah.

Similar Indian requests for the extradition of Pakistani suspects behind the Mumbai killing spree have been ignored. Hafiz Saeed and General Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan’s erstwhile military dictator, have accused India of planning the Peshawar carnage. Thousands of Pakistanis on Twitter and Facebook expressed a similar opinion.

India is on red alert.

The recent Burdwan bomb blasts in West Bengal, and the subsequent trail traversed by Indian counter-terrorism sleuths have revealed a complex jihadi terror network across the country and the subcontinent’s borders. The arrests of leading suspects have unearthed an array of sleeper cells in different regions of India. The guardians of India’s territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens are faced with an existential challenge more daunting than any since the country’s Independence in August 1947. Unity of purpose on the jihadi menace is very much the need of the hour. Of this there should be no doubt.

Peshawar outrage: India’s security challenges

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We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.

- Buddha

Sarah Teather MP Liberal Democrat MP for Brent Central

Two million apprenticeships is good news for young people and employers For much of the time the last Labour Government was in power, the idea that the only way to get on in life was to go to university dominated discussions of what young people should do when they leave school.

But while a university degree can be of immense value for some people, it is not the only option.

The drive to meet Labour’s target of getting 50% of young people to go to university meant that often young people were being encouraged to go to university when actually other learning and training opportunities better suited their skills and what they wanted to do later on in life. It also meant that skilled jobs that are vital to the British economy were often not filled because young people weren’t being encouraged into those professions.

This is why, when the Coalition Government was formed in 2010, the Liberal Democrats made it one of our top priorities to create more opportunities for young people to take up apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships not only offer young people the chance to learn vital skills that can help them find employment, they also mean that employers are able to access the skilled employees that they need for their businesses to flourish and grow.

Last month, I was delighted that the Liberal Democrat Business Secretary, Vince Cable, was able to announce that two million apprenticeships have been created since the Coalition was formed.

To mark the announcement I joined the Liberal Democrat Parliamentar y Candidate for Brent Central, Ibrahim Taguri, to meet with apprentices across the constituency. Since 2010, nearly three thousand apprenticeships have been created in Brent Central, offering local young people fantastic opportunities and allowing businesses in Brent to recruit from the fantastic pool of local talent.

Among the businesses we visited was Imagefarm, which is a cutting-edge food production company based in Park Royal.

Imagefarm exports across Europe and the Middle East and the apprentices we met were among the technicians who were developing innovative production and design initiatives.

Speaking to apprentices in Brent it was clear to me that the increase in apprenticeships has been a real success. This is why I was delighted that Liberal Democrats made sure more support for apprenticeships was included in the Autumn Statement.

From April 2016, employers will not have to pay National Insurance contributions for all apprentices under the age of 25. This will make it easier for businesses to take on apprentices than ever before.

From space engineering, to nursing, to legal services, apprenticeships are providing the opportunities for young people to find jobs and a route employers trust to access the skills they need.

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MIDLANDS VOICE

Keith Vaz challenged over Leicester temple Parliamentary parking petition

Keith Vaz’s Tory election rival has questioned the MP’s decision to raise parking problems near a temple in Parliament.

Leicester East’s Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate Kishan Devani, pictured, said it is baffling Mr Vaz intends to present a petition about the Shree Sanatan Mandir Temple to the House of Commons.

Mr Vaz said he was contacted by worshippers at the Weymouth Street temple about poor parking and lighting. He said the petition was to put pressure on Leicester City Council to look at the issues.

However, Mr Devani said: “I don’t understand why he’s presenting the petition to Parliament. He should be petitioning the Labour councillors for that area. It is, of course, an issue but it’s a local one. It’s baffling.”

A council spokesman said the temple’s location in a residential area of terraced streets means parking spaces are limited, but the ward councillor has met with representatives of the temple to discuss concerns.

He said: “Some of their requests would require significant highway changes – which would need to be priori-

tised against demands for environmental works in other wards.”

Bollards will be installed outside the temple to prevent people from parking on the pavements and blocking the entrance, and the “keep clear” space in front of the entrance will be widened.

Loughborough shopkeeper jailed for stocking counterfeit tobacco

A shopkeeper has been jailed for selling illegal tobacco.

Sardar Khedir Harris (36) who used to run the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Supermarket in Sparrow Hill, Loughborough, has been sentenced to eight weeks in prison after a raid uncovered the counterfeit goods.

A specially trained sniffer dog found the

tobacco haul during the raid at the shop in December last year by Leicestershire County Council’s Trading

Standards Service and police.

The officers seized a total of 123 packets of cigarettes and 53 pouches of hand rolling tobacco, which were in drawstring bags found hanging from a pipe outside the property.

The value of the fake tobacco products, had they been genuine and legal, would have been more than £1,800.

East is East coming to Birmingham Ayub Khan Din’s wonderfully vivacious play East is East is coming to Birmingham this month.

The multi-award winning play is set in 1971 in the build-up of the IndoPakistani War and explores the rending social and generational tensions within the Khan family.

Khan Din himself takes the role of George Khan who is determined to give his children a strict Muslim upbringing against the unforgiving backdrop of 1970s Salford. Household tension reaches breaking point as their long-suffering English mother, Ella, gets caught in the cross fire – her loyalties divided between her marriage and the free will of her children. The crisis comes

when Ella learns that George has arranged for their sons Abdul (Amit Shah, pictured) and Tariq (Ashley Kumar) to marry without consulting the boys or her. In the ensuing row, George beats Ella viciously, and the family seems about to disintegrate.

The drama begins with George in a state of high agitation, having discov-

ered that his youngest boy, 13-year-old Sajit is uncircumcised. The overtly comic dilemma surrounds Sajit’s foreskin “tickletackle” which has somehow remained intact despite the fact that he is now an adolescent.

A truly hilarious play, one with a powerful storyline and a projection of how the thinking and attitudes, particularly those of earlier Pakistani and generations of south Asian descent have evolved, or are evolving with time.

East is East is coming to the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham between 13-17 January.

Ticket prices £10-£25. For more information visit http://www.atgtickets.co m/venues/new-alexandratheatre-birmingham/

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

Teacher's receives life-saving treatment

An infant school teacher who was on the brink of death has vowed to raise money for the hospital which saved her life.

Bally Sarai, from Hamilton, took a few tentative steps to deliver a heap of hampers to patients and staff at Leicester’s Glenfield Hospital on Christmas Day - the start of her campaign. She is learning to walk again after four months in hospital and there were times when doctors warned she might not pull through.

The 48-year-old’s life changed forever at the end of June when she began to feel feverish. Within three days she was seriously ill.

When she arrived at the urgent care centre at Leicester Royal Infirmary her blood pressure was dangerously low.

Bally, who is married with two children, said: “I was diagnosed with severe pneumonia. My left lung had collapsed and the right was on the verge of collapse and I was transferred to Glenfield

Hospital. About two days later doctors said they were going to have put me into an induced coma for two weeks - it turned out to be eight weeks. I was devastated because I didn’t want to miss my son’s graduation in London but doctors said they couldn’t even wait until my family arrived. I just remember taking all my rings and jewellery off and being put to sleep.”

While she has recovered from the pneumonia she is having to learn to

walk again.

Bally, whose husband Kulvinder and her family was constantly at her side, has now pledged to spend the next year raising money for the Ecmo team.

Bally will spend the next year fund raising for Leicester Hospitals’ Charity. She launched it by presenting hampers to staff and patients at Glenfield Hospital as well as by setting up an online donation page which has already raised more than £1,000.

Proposals to increase ambulance target times for reaching some seriously-ill patients have been slammed by the former Chairman of NHS Oldham.

Councillor Riaz Ahmad, pictured, who served as the Chairman of NHS Oldham from 2002 to 2012, has argued the proposals are “dangerous, counter-productive and costly”.

It comes after a leaked NHS document, drawn up by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, showed plans to change the response time for some Red 2 patients, those with “serious but not the most lifethreatening” conditions, including stroke and fits, from eight to 19 minutes in England.

Councillor Ahmad, a former Mayor of Oldham, said: “Any clinician will tell you that the stroke patients need to be seen quickly to enhance the chances of full recovery.

Late arrival of ambulances will therefore delay the treatment, making the recovery process longer, and more expensive, thereby making any savings in ambulances budget insignificant and counterproductive.”

Councillor Ahmad also criticised the proposed move, stating consultation was needed to examine the full affects for patients.

He said: “The NHS never was, never is and never will be safe in Tory hands.

“The Government is introducing this change without any consultation with clinicians, service providers, commissioners or general public and it smacks of politically expedient financial rather than medical decision-making – financial savings at the expense of patient safety.”

According to the memo, there would be no changes to response times where patients have “immediately life-threatening” conditions, includ-

ing cardiac arrest, choking and severe bleeding.

Within the document it was stated that the proposals had been “approved by the Secretary of State” and a target date for implementing the proposals was the first week in January.

However, the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, took to Twitter and dismissed the “scaremongering” claims saying he “categorically refutes” the story. He added: “No plans to double ambulance waiting times, and there never have been.”

The annual dinner of Shruthi UK, a Birmingham-based South Asian arts group, brought together around 100 guests, mainly budding performers, pictured, aged between four and 14 and their parents.

Held at the Solihull Women’s Institute, the evening programme featured an awards presentation, stalls, a raffle draw and Indian karaoke, better known as Antakshari, in which almost everyone took part. Guests were welcomed by pink sariclad Chithra

Ramakrishnan, founder and director of Shruthi UK. Speakers included the Acting Consul General of India in Birmingham, Mr BC Pradhan, and our sen-

ior news editor Dhiren Katwa. Shruthi UK offers a range of classes for people of all ages. To find out more visit www.shruthiuk.com

Bally Sarai with husband Kulvinder and nieces Millie and Roma Basra

Response times “dangerous” - Oldham cllr

Shruthi UK hosts annual dinner

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

Confused topic of mmigration is a ticking time bomb

Sunetra Senior

The issue of immigration was the deciding factor in the outcome of this year’s local elections. The UK saw an unprecedented surge in xenophobic feeling that has only continued to rise. Not only did UKIP storm the EU elections but gained its first seat in British Parliament later this year. Despite such warning bells to major political parties, the current parliamentary landscape indicates that neither Labour nor the Conservatives have reached their rattled electorate.

According to Frank Field, a senior Labour MP and former Welfare Minister, there is so much unresolved frustration around immigration that it has the power to ‘break-up’ the two leading parties; not only are they losing public confidence but that of MPs who are fuming inside too.

As traditional leaders fail to address the issue of border control in depth, Miliband all but omitting the whole issue at the recent Labour conference, Field said that party members will be taking matters into their own hands, formulating their own manifestos for the nation: “Many MPs will be making personal commitments” he announced in an interview with the ‘Daily Telegraph’, “I shall be one of them.

Others will too. They will want to survive.”

The Labour MP went on to praise Farage for “breaking the power of political correctness”.

Indeed the inability to transcend this has been one of Labour's pitfalls.

Apprehension about dis-

Frank Field MP

Yvette Cooper

cussing the nuances of immigration e.g. that it is not foreigners who are the problem but the procedure of regulation and that this itself should be considered within the wider economic and social paradigm because of the fear that they will be scrutinised for the mistakes of a former government, is a lack of party responsibility; one that has manifested in the perceived lack of gumption from voters and MPs. Field insisted that ‘the temporary restriction of immigration must be the cornerstone of our renegotiation” and also chastised Ed Miliband’s office for a briefing note – uncovered by the Telegraph – which told Labour officials to “move the conversation on” from immigration rather than elaborating on the subject.

Last week also saw the Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper warning of “a race to the bottom” between European countries if benefits are cut for migrants and shows Cameron’s government continuing to send mixed messages despite a multicultural country. The PM who has focused on strengthening international business ties with coun-

tries such as India, also pushed plans to cut welfare for immigrants for up to four years. A propagation of generalised anti-immigration sentiment, the Shadow Secretary commented that UKIP’s policies should be “exposed, not ignored”. She conceded that if Britain offered better benefits than France, Germany or Spain there would be “problems for migration” but called out doing the opposite as a fullscale “nightmare”.

This all comes amid cautioning by The Commons’ home affairs select committee to have an efficient system in place if the Conservatives are to re-introduce the 'e-borders scheme' by the end of March.

Though the exit checks for those leaving the country may be more thorough, the report states there could also be unnecessary queues that will have “a serious negative impact on business, trade and tourism” and actually provide “opportunities” for “illegal migrants to attempt to embark vehicles.”

Potential for chaos looming, this is a microcosm of how traditional parties are faring win the run-up to general elections.

immediate circle but so many people whom she came to know in her younger days. During her visits to London she travelled in most of London’s buses and knew which bus would take her to her destination. When travelling in a car she is able to notice when the driver takes a different route - such is her memory.

Being a very practical and wise lady she got married at a very young age - 15 or 16 years old.

She had seven sons and four daughters and also took care of her sister-inlaw’s children when she passed away. She has always been very alert mentally with a sharp memory and is also able to sign her name in English.

She is very inquisitive and keen to learn about things having worked during her younger days and was very confident when it came to travelling to Whiteways in Nairobi to buy and sell her material in an area where mainly English people used to frequent. This was highly unusual especially during colonial times as many people did not know how to travel into mainly European dominated areas.

Jasodaben currently resides with her daughter-in-law Saroj Nalin Shah in Kenton, in North - West London

Octogenarians to be honoured In succession to an Honouring Ceremony which was held to show our respect of the Octogenarians in 2011 and November 2014 by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar along with ‘Sangat Centre’, and the ‘Lohana Community South London’ will once again pay a rich honour to all the people aged eighty years or over. It will take place on Saturday 24th January 2015 from 3pm till 7pm at the Lohana Community Complex

(LCC), PV Raichura Centre, Lower Coombe Street, Croydon, CR0 1AA. Welcoming and honouring all the elderly people is in itself a matter of privilege for us and we will truly be blessed by their auspicious presence on this occasion. During this get-together, we will enjoy cultural programmes followed by real vegan delicacies with the elders and not to miss out the vital information for the revered elders regarding healthy lifestyles.

If there are any elderly who are aged 80 years or above in your family or friends, please fax their short bio-data and photo on 020 7749 4081 or you can also shoot an email to kamal.rao@abplgroup.co m or send in by post to Kamal Rao, Gujarat Samachar, Karma Yoga House, 12, Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW on or before 15th January 2015.

For more information call Kamal Rao : 020 7749 4001 / 07875 229 211.

Failed 21/7 London bombers lose European court appeal

Four men jailed over a failed plot to bomb the London transport network on 21 July 2005 have lost an appeal at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Three of the men claimed their human rights had been breached because statements they made to police without lawyers present had been used as evidence. A fourth man argued he had been treated unfairly when interviewed as a witness.

Ramzi Mohammed, Muktar Said Ibrahim and Yassin Omar were found guilty of conspiracy to murder and sentenced to minimum terms of 40 years' imprisonment. Muktar Said Ibrahim Muktar Said

Clockwise from top left: Ismail Abdulrahman, Muktar Said Ibrahim, Yassin Omar, Ramzi Mohammed

Ibrahim was captured on CCTV on board a bus. A fourth defendant, Ismail Abdulrahman, was convicted in 2008 of assisting one of the failed bombers and fail-

ing to disclose information about the planned attacks.

He was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment, which was reduced to eight years on appeal.

Centurian Jasodaba

Born in Padana on 1.1.1915, to parents Karamshi Khimji and Pachiben, Jasodaben moved to Thika when she was just 10 months old. Her schooling was in Nairobi as there were no schools in Thika.

Jasodaben is a truly remarkable lady. Despite her age she has a remarkable memory and takes an interest in everything that is happening locally and internationally around her.

As a prolific reader in Gujarati she forgets everything around her and is lost in her reading whether it is a newspaper, a magazine or a religious book. She also manages to read simple English texts and reads the headlines in English newspapers and watches news and Hindi/Gujarati serials on television.

Her memory is so good that she remembers the names of not only her

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Asian Doctor charged with gross negligence manslaughter Spriha Srivastava

Christie’s to offer Ellsworth’s collection Federal Reserve wrapChristie’s, the world’s ping up its bond-buying leading art business has raising alarms for the been entrusted with the government and the censale of the Collection of tral bank. But things Robert Hatfield then started to look betEllsworth, the distinter after a new-age camguished American scholpaigning led by the then ar, dealer and collector BJP-leader Narendra of Asian Art who passed Modi who later became away in August 2014. the Prime Minister of Widely recognized India in a landmark victhroughout Asia and the tory.

Americas for his groundAnd since then breaking role in the things have been looking study and appreciation up for India. Narendra of Asian Art, Mr. Modi-led government Ellsworth was a distinhas been extremely guished connoisseur proactive in strengthenwho opened new arenas of collecting to Western Paramasukha—Chakrasamvara ing relations interna(detail) Tangka, Gouache on tionally. UK-India relaaudiences and built a successful business pur- cotton Tibet, late 15th-early 16th tions took another big veying the very finest century from the Robert Hatfield step after UK’s Deputy Ellsworth Private Collection Prime Minister Nick works of art to his gendesign and decoration.

Clegg led a trade delegaeration’s foremost collecHis apartment became a tion on a visit to India in tors. gathering place for August. In October, the His personal collecclients, academics, and Regional Pravasi Bharati tion of over 2,000 items members of the internaDivas was organized in was assembled over a tional bon ton. It was a the UK which led to furlifetime and widely recogunique, glamorous world ther strengthening of nized as the most imporof commerce and pleasrelations between the tant grouping of Chinese, ure, the product of a two countries. The High Japanese, Indian, decades-long journey in Commission of India in Himalayan and fine art. the UK hosted a number Southeast Asian sculpAn entire sale day will of ministers from India ture, paintings, furniture be dedicated to a ‘treathis year and the Indian and works of art. To celesure trove’ of English furdiaspora community in brate this exceptional niture, fine and decorathe UK got a chance to collection and the genertive arts from Robert H. meet them too. ous and benevolent man Ellsworth’s home from But all was not good behind it, Christie's is his primary residence this year. There were organizing free public located on Fifth Avenue, many unfortunate inciexhibitions and a special New York. His collection dents in the world like five-day series of aucreflects his discerning the forming of the ISIS tions and online-only and distinctive eye for state, the Russia-Ukraine sales to be held during harmoniously living with conflict, the shooting Asian Art Week at Asian and Western art. down of a Malaysia Christie's New York in “This is the best busiAirlines in Ukraine and March 2015. ness in the world for me.

A global tour of highYou never get bored, you lights from the collection never have to retire... Life kicked off November 21 is always interesting,” in Hong Kong, and will Robert H. Ellsworth had continue to stops said. throughout Asia and Europe prior to the New York sales.

Good bye 2014!

While Mr. Ellsworth is well remembered for Every year around this his remarkable discovertime we look back at the ies within Chinese art, year that has gone by and the collector’s connoislook forward to the New seurial eye also extended Year with hope and optito the arts of India, the mism in our eyes. What a Himalayas, and year 2014 was! The year Southeast Asia. Notably, started with a bit of iniin 1981, he acquired tial hiccup for the Indian Deputy Prime Minister nearly 1,500 works from currency due to external Nick Clegg the renowned collection factors such as the U.S. of J.R. Belmont, known the mysterious disapas the Pan-Asian pearance of MH370, the Collection, from which unfortunate rape cases in several works will be on India raising questions of view and offered in the women’s safe in the sales. country and the year endThe sumptuous inteing with Air Asia’s crash rior of Mr. Ellsworth’s killing so many innocent own 22-room Manhattan people. residence displayed the As the year comes to collector’s obsession an end, I would like to with Asian art — as well extend my heartfelt conas his signature elegance dolences to all the vicand joie de vivre. Fine tims and their families.

Chinese furniture and 2015 is here and let’s sensual Indian bronzes hope for all good things Indian Prime mingled effortlessly with and happy events this Minister the best in Western year. Happy New Year!

Narendra Modi

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

A doctor and two nurses have been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the death of six-year-old Jack Adcock, pictured, at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

The charges against Dr Hadiza Bawa-Garba, Sister Theresa Taylor and Staff Nurse Isabel Amaro were announced by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in December following a review into the death of Jack Adcock on February 18, 2011.

Fiona Morrison, specialist prosecutor with the CPS Special Crime Division, said: “We have carefully considered the evidence gathered by Leicestershire Police into the treatment and care of Jack Adcock by Dr Hadiza

Bawa-Garba, Sister Theresa Taylor and Staff Nurse Isabel Amaro.

Having completed our review, we have concluded there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for Dr BawaGarba, Sister Taylor and Staff Nurse Amaro to each face charges of gross negligence manslaughter.”

Dr Bawa-Garba, Sister Taylor and Staff Nurse Amaro will appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday, 23 January.

Pensioner jailed for 18 years for Oldbury acid attack An 80-year-old man has been jailed for 18 years for orchestrating an acid attack in Oldbury on his teenaged ex-girlfriend after she ended their relationship.

Mohammed Rafiq, pictured, of Cheshire Road, Smethwick, was sentenced on Friday December 19 after being convicted at the end of a three-week trial for plotting the offence which left Vikki Horsman with horrific injuries.

Ms Horsman was left with serious burns to her face and neck after the caustic liquid was thrown at her when she answered the door of her home in MacDonald Close on April 15. Aged 19 at the

time of the attack, she had informed 80-year-old partner Rafiq that she was leaving him due to his controlling behaviour and a short time after their split she was attacked.

Wo l v e r h a m p t o n Crown Court heard Rafiq, of Cheshire Road, Smethwick, masterminded a plan to injure his exlover in revenge for her decision to leave. He

enlisted 25-year-old Steven Holmes and 23year-old Shannon Heaps to carry out the attack, both of whom were convicted of causing grievous bodily harm to Ms Horsman.

Holmes received a 14year sentence with four years on extended licence; and Heaps, of Queen's Avenue, was jailed for 12 years.

Initially Rafiq was treated as a victim, having also suffered minor burns when splashed with the liquid. But his part in the plot later became clear and he was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and perverting the course of justice.

Ex-fire chief is new Chair of Trent RFCC Vijith Randeniya OBE, former chief fire officer of the West Midlands Fire Service, has been appointed Chairman of the Trent Regional Flood & Coastal Committee.

Selected by Liz Truss, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Mr Randeniya is the first person, ever, from an ethnic minority background to hold this role. However, Mr Randeniya, pictured,

said he wants to be recognised for his effectiveness, not his ethnicity.

RFCCs bring together local councillors and independent regional representatives to oversee the regional programme of flood risk management work. The Chair leads the strategic direction for the Committee, including contributing to national discussions on flood risk management and sets regional strategic priori-

ties for managing flood and coastal erosion risk in partnership with others.

Vigil held in Leicester for Peshawar attack In Leicester people of all faiths joined the people of Pakistan to support them, which showed that Leicester was indeed multi cultural.

16-12-2014 was indeed a “dark day” in Pakistan, when terrorists got into an army school based in the city of Peshawar in Pakistan and opened fire killing 149 people which included 133 children.

People all over the world have condemned the attacks and prayed for the people of Pakistan.

The Chief executive of the Leicester Pakistan Youth and Community Association Mustafa Malik organised a vigil in Leicester City at the Clock tower on Friday the 18th of December. He said, “What has happened is an inhumane and barbaric act

and we condemn this act of terrorism.

Vic Sethi a Leicester based businessman said: “I was shocked to hear the news of the attack on children in the school. It is a un human act by these barbaric killers. They are not the followers of Islam as Islam teaches peace and unity. My heart and prayers go out to the Victims, Families and the Loved Ones. We pray to

the Almighty to bless the family and the loved ones of the Victims with courage and strength in this sad and difficult time.

We have all gathered here to show our support to the people of Pakistan and condemn such brutal actions of terrorism.”

MP for Leicester East Keith Vaz and MP Jon Ashworth also attended the event amongst other leaders.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

The New Year Honours list 2015

As I See It

Letter writers are watching ...

During the Christmas break I rang around A few people to know their likes and dislikes of the contents of Asian Voice and or Gujarat Samachar. Periodically we have organised some type of readership survey by sending a list of questions. If I may say so, the reading material presented in Asian Voice is to a certain extent farmaish or pasand of our esteemed readers.

Of course, there have always been Letter's Page and several readers express their views and opinions under the banner of “Your Voice”.

Some of them are loyal and regular letter writers.

Sometimes opinion of a letter writer is corrected or challenged by another letter writer.

Such debate, if it is well mannered and to the point, is surely welcomed.

Recently one of the most prolific letter writer, Nagindas Khajuria (NK) compiled some 400 letters, mainly written to Asian Voice, some to other journals and publised them as a volume and as I understand it has been well received.

NK's effort surely is also a chronicle of the changing scenario in the world, from his point of view.

Similarly, some years back Ramesh Jhalla also compiled his first 100 letters in Asian Voice as a

small booklet and it was well received by the readers. If I am not mistaken Bhupendra Gandhi was planning or has published similar compilation of his letters to the Editor.

In the last (almost) 43 years we have regular space allocated for letter writers. They actually are in a way – a barometer of the vibrancy of a newspaper. I am really grateful to all the letter writers. We expect to organise another seminar of letter writers sometimes in the coming February / March as we did some three years back, so that they all have an opportunityof meeting the fellow letter writers.

I am sure in the next weeks my esteemed letter writers would raise their voice about reporting in the British Media.

For example a letter writer phoned me that in the “Sunday Times” magazine of 21.12.14 there is extensive reports of “The Year in Pictures.

Big news from this country, Europe were highlighted.

Somehow the biggest democratic election in India of May 2014 where 550 million voters exercised their franchise and voted for a single party majority in the Indian Parliment was not mentioned. Why?

A letter from Sir Winston Churchill's future sisterin-law has been discovered which shows his family had concerns that he might convert to Islam.

The letter from Lady Gwendoline Bertie, written in August 1907, was found by Cambridge academic Dr Warren Dockter, the Telegraph reports.

Lady Gwendoline, who married Churchill's brother Jack in 1908, writes: "Please don't become converted to Islam; I have noticed in your disposition a tendency to orientalise, Pashalike tendencies, I really have. If you come into contact with Islam your conversion might be effected with greater ease

Such epoch making news are surely not only worth recording but they will inspire other countries and strengthen their democracies.

Another reader mentioned about “Financial Times” special magazine on Saturday 20.12.14 – “Year in the Arab World”.

There are extensive reports about the situation in the Arab world where conflicts, bloodshed and vicious ISIS Inc at the moment is reported. Yes, what is happening in the Middle East and most Muslim dominating countries is very, very sad except in Indonesia, to a certain extent in Malaysia and in India with a population of, some 200 million Muslims. Why? Why such imbalance in reporting? Why the redrawing of the map of Middle East in the aftermath of the First World War is completely ignored?

The cause and the consequence go together.

It is very deeply sad that everyday perhaps hundred's of Muslims are killed by fellow Muslims either because of Shia/Sunni hatred or the likes of Jihadis mind - set and subsequent terrorism. Why? What is the way out?

- CB

Winston Churchill's family feared he might convert to Islam, letter reveals

than you might have supposed, call of the blood, don't you know what I mean, do fight against it."

Premjibhai Vaghela celebrates 99th birthday Heartfelt congratulations have been sent to Premjibhai Vaghela, former Manager of Standard Bank Dar-esSalaam on his 99th birthday.

Tochi Sandhu, Director of Commercial Business Development at Envision Financial, wrote: “He is 99, but still looks good for his age and reminds us of his wonderful days in Dares-Salaam. He was a true sportsman, playing cricket, golfing at Gymkhana Club as well as a professional banker when he worked as Chief Manager at City Drive branch, the position with

which I was blessed with after his retirement and met us at the Lodge and other social functions.

His contribution to the business community along with his ever smiling approach is still afresh. We all celebrate his birthday and pray to Lord Parmatma to bless him with good health and happiness.”

Sushila Jashvant also had this to say about P r e m j i b h a i : “Congratulations and 99th Happy Birthday.

You have been a Cricketer and so a "Century" in your birthdays would be right wish of ours. You have been

my first Bank Manager since 1963 when I joined the business life. Well you have been my GURU in my life and turning my family's fortunes into "club of millionare " in 1965. There was a saying in those days that if you fail in your exams in Azania school then Premjibhai will get you a job in the bank (if you are Washingtonwala).

Your helpful nature has been remembered by the businessmen in Dar-esSalaam and your comunity as well. Your role of a "Officer and a Gentleman" and all of us (friends) salute you for that.”

ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Commanders of the Order of the British Empire Ms Shakuntala Michaela GHOSH: For services to Venture Philanthropy and the Voluntary Sector particularly Homeless and Disadvantaged Young People. (London) - Miss Adeeba MALIK, MBE: Deputy Chief Executive, QED-UK. For services to Interfaith and Community Cohesion.

(Bradford, West Yorkshire) - Ms Uma MEHTA: Chief Community Services Lawyer, London Borough of Islington. For services to Children. (Billericay, Essex) - Ms Meera SYAL, MBE: Actress and Author. For services to Drama and Literature. (London) Officers of the Order of the British Empire - Dr Mohinder Singh AHLUWALIA and Bhai Sahib Mohander Singh: For services to Interfaith and Community Cohesion.

(West Bromwich, West Midlands) - Gulfaraz AHMED: Headteacher, Parkinson Lane Primary School, Halifax. For services to E d u c a t i o n .

(Huddersfield, West Yorkshire) - Dr Roshan MAINI: For services to the Life Sciences Industry.

(Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire) - Ms Sajda MUGHAL: For services to Community Cohesion and Interfaith Dialogue.

(London) - Professor Venugopal Karunakaran NAIR: Head of Avian Viral Diseases Programme, Pirbright Institute. For services to Science.

(Kidlington, Oxfordshire) - Professor Dilip NATHWANI: Director of Medical Education, NHS Scotland. For services to Treatment of Infectious Diseases. (Carnoustie, Angus) - Surat Singh SANGHA: Managing Director, Asiana Ltd. For services to Entrepreneurship.

(Nottinghamshire) - Jatinder Kumar SHARMA: Principal and Chief Executive, Walsall College. For services to Further Education.

(Wolverhampton, West Midlands) - Professor Iram SIRAJ: Professor of Early Childhood Education,

Institute of Education, University of, London.

For services to Education. (Stapleford, Cambridgeshire) Members of the Order of the British Empire - Ms Shabana Iltaf ABASI: Head of Service, Cafcass Greater Manchester. For services to Children in Greater Manchester. (Cheadle, Greater Manchester) - Waqar Afzal AHMED: Prevent Manager, Birmingham City Council. For services to Challenging Extremism and Empowering Communities. (Dudley, West Midlands) Shahnaz, Mrs AKHTAR: Foster Carer, Slough. For services to Children and Families.

(Slough, Berkshire) - Ulfat Shahin, Mrs ASHRAF: Muslim Chaplain, Birmingham.

For services to Interfaith and Community Cohesion. (Birmingham, West Midlands) - Hasan BAKHSHI: Director, Creative Economy in Policy and Research, Nesta. For services to the Creative Industries. (London) - Ahmed BASHIR: Head, Operations and Finance Business Partner, Marketing, UK Trade and Investment. For services to Equality in the Public Sector. (Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire) Subhash Chander C H A U D H A R Y: Mammalian Cell Culture Venture Leader, Fujifilm D i o s y n t h Biotechnologies.

For services to Biotechnology Manufacture in North East England.

(Darlington, Durham) - Miss Daksha DABASIA: Senior Project Manager, Business Improvement and Compliance Team, Crown Prosecution Service, London. For services to Law and Order, particularly Digital Working.

(London) - Surinder Kaur, Mrs GHURA: For services to Interfaith Understanding and to the community in Newcastle upon Tyne.

(Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear) - Gurmel Singh KANDOLA: Chief Executive, National Sikh Museum, Derby. For services to the community. (London) - Abdul Razaq KHAN: Foster Carer, Slough. For services to Children and Families.

(Slough, Berkshire) - Surinder Pal Singh

Abul "Abz" Hussain, who was expelled from George Galloway’s Respect party for racism and anti-Semitism, is serving as a magistrate in London. He describes himself as a "follower of David Icke," the conspiracy theorist who believes that the world is ruled by a race of giant lizards and

that global leaders, including George W. Bush and the Queen, are the descendants of extraterrestrial reptiles.

On his Facebook page, Mr Hussain, a British Bangladeshi, condemns "ignorant" people who "want me to ‘integrate’ into a decadent [Western] lifestyle."

KHURANA: For services to the community in North East Lincolnshire.

(Grimsby, Lincolnshire) - Ms Vanita PARTI: Founder, Blink Brow Bar. For services to the Beauty Industry and to Street Children in India through Butterflies. (London) - Ushma, Mrs PATEL: Diary Secretary, Department for Communities and Local Government. For services to Public Administration and to the community through the Dharmaj Society of London. ( Fa r n b o r o u g h , Hampshire) - Mohammad Aslam RASHUD: Headteacher, John Summers High School, Flintshire. For services to Education in Wales.

(Warrington, Cheshire) - Mohammed Kabir UDDIN: Imam, HMP Wormwood Scrubs. For services to HM Prison Service. (London) - Muhammad ZAHUR: For services to the Pakistani community in Sheffield.

(Sheffield, South Yorkshire) Medallist of the Order of the British Empire - Mohammed Amal ELHAJJI and Kamal ElHajji : Front of House Security Manager, Ministry of Justice Headquarters. For services to the Ministry of Justice. (Buckhurst Hill, Essex) - Ms Effat RAHIMIKALOUJEH: SIMS Operational Manager (Inclusion), Westminster Academy, London. For services to Education.

(London) - Dr Shazad SALEEM: Dentist, Manchester. For services to Dentistry.

(Cheadle, Greater Manchester) Fauja SINGH: Marathon Runner. For services to Sport and charity. (London) DIPLOMATIC SERVICE AND OVERSEAS Order of the British Empire OBE - Dr Babu Mizanur RAHMAN: United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, Mogadishu, Somalia. For services to peace building and conflict prevention in Somalia MBE - El Khidir DALOUM: Former Regional Director for Latin American, Caribbean and Middle East, Save the Children.

For services to the protection of children in Africa

'Racist' Respect leader a serving JP

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

Leading Lights

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

Brilliant scientist now addressing the science of Modi politics Until very recently, Vijay Chauthaiwale was a molecular biologist and vice president (discovery research) at Torrent Pharmaceuticals. Around seven weeks ago he was appointed In-charge, Foreign Affairs Cell and Overseas Friends of the BJP. He is putting his team together but was in London for a few days and after a meeting in our Editor CB’s office, Vijay agreed to be a Leading Light.

Mr Chauthaiwale has been a member of the RSS since he was a young child. He said that his father, uncle, and whole family had always been involved with the group.

“The RSS taught me discipline and how to interpret the values of my culture and heritage,” he commented. “It gives a wider purpose to life in addition to family and career. It inspires you to serve the country by telling you that family is bigger than yourself and country is bigger than family. Being in the

RSS does not mean that I am antagonistic to other religions or faiths. I respect all other faiths and

religions as much as I respect my own.”

Mr Chauthaiwale is a specialist in molecular and

Sikhs in Aberdeen teamed up with local oil and gas workers over the Xmas period to provide food to the region’s less fortunate.

The “small but passionate” Sikh community of the northeast region set up a Christmas food bank at the Seaton Community Education Centre in Aberdeen to help some of the city’s most deprived people and

was organised by Mandeep Singh Khalsa.

The 28-year-old consultant said the food bank brought the Sikh community one step closer to setting up a “langar” – a common kitchen and canteen for all – in the region.

Speaking to the local newspaper Mr Khalsa said: “The Sikh community in Aberdeen is quite small but full of passion.

We haven’t got a Sikh temple at the moment, but everybody’s a good cook. Even without a temple we thought we would do a curry around Aberdeen. We hope to show there’s no difference between people in India and the UK. We should be blind to colour, race, religion and any other difference – we’re all the same, and love Santa.”

Vijay Chauthaiwale

Sikh community in Aberdeen help those less fortunate during Xmas

Indian auto magnate Rahul Bajaj donates £200,000 to the Gandhi statue The Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust last month received £200,000 – the largest donation so far – towards the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Parliament Square, London.

The donation was from Rahul Bajaj, chairman of Bajaj Auto, to the trust established by Professor Lord (Meghnad) Desai to raise funds for the Mahatma Gandhi statue which will be sited directly opposite the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.

Professor Lord Desai said: “This is a wonderful gift for the trust just before the New Year.

Rahul Bajaj epitomises the best of Indian industrialists who have seen the transition of India from

Rahul Bajaj

colonial rule to independence.

“When he called me a month ago to express his desire to donate, he was straightforward and impressive. He was happy to give the donation because he is a true Gandhian, and a believer all of his values.

“The Bajaj family has

been associated with Gandhi for a long time. It is fitting that Rahul Bajaj has made this tremendous gesture.”

The trust expects all the money required for the statue to follow swiftly from this major donation.

Small and large donations continue to flow in through the website of the trust at www.gandhistatue.org from followers of Mahatma Gandhi in the UK and the rest of the world.

With these donations from the general public, as well as pledges still coming in from larger donors, the trust is confident of completing its entire fundraising at the end of January and will be ready for the unveiling of the statue shortly after that.

cell biology in India. He spent four years in America at the National Institute of Health in Bathseda, Maryland, one of the world’s top institutes in Biomedical Sciences. His key work in science in India has been in drug discovery, particularly in cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.

“When I joined Torrent, drug discovery was in its infancy and relatively new to India,” said Vijay. “We went through learning and got molecules into clinical trials.

Ours was one of the few companies working on drug discovery in India.”

He had been working in science in Ahmadabad for 18 years.

When he was approached by the BJP leadership to take a break from research and serve Narendra Modi’s PM election campaign, he decided to make the tough decision to leave his first career.

“I was always inspired

by Mr Modi when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat over three terms. I had observed his working style, his commitment to development and good governance.

I could see history was in the making as I was pretty sure in my mind that Mr Modi would win. I took four months’ sabbatical and instantly accept-

ed.”

Mr Chauthaiwale found it fascinating to be based in the BJP Delhi office, working on back office coordination.

“The campaign changed from a BJP party campaign to the peoples’

“Mr Modi has a laser sharp focus and never loses sight of the big picture.” campaign. People were as determined as the BJP to make Mr Modi win. To see the whole evolution was one of the best experiences of my life.

Though the party machinery was working hard, people were selfmotivated. They created slogans, video clips, songs.

They posted them on their own on social media, YouTube, Whatsapp; they didn’t want a return. Selfhelp groups spawned across the country. All this contributed significantly to the overall victory.”

But Vijay also had challenges to contend with.

“India is vast; there are regional aspirations and issues to address. To address all of them as well as keeping the message throughout India was a

9

big challenge. But I guess we did a reasonably good job.”

He feels that he has been given a new purpose in life and finds his work rewarding.

He is dedicated to the idea of “being part of the overall government agenda of Mr Modi, to seeing my country prosper, and to bringing it to the pinnacle of glory.”

Since he is now responsible for reaching out to NRIs around the world, he has this message.

“Every person of Indian origin can be a local ambassador of India and the government’s agenda of Mr Modi, wherever they are. The NRIs will benefit by feeling that they are part of the transformation of India. They will reap economic benefits and the prosperity of India will also be of benefit to them locally.”

Lastly, as Mr Chauthaiwale works fairly closely with Mr Modi, The Asian Voice wanted to know what his observations were about his leader.

“Mr Modi has a laser sharp focus. At the same time, while doing anything he never loses sight of the big picture. It is therefore fun for me to work with him. He is a democratic person and consults with stakeholders all the time.”

10

UK

Water bills

After months of campaigning, the water regulator Ofwat announced it will order Thames Water to slash Londoners’ bills by 5% over the next 5 years.

For the many Londoners struggling to cope with years of stagnating wages and rising living costs that announcement will be a great relief. Water isn’t one of those bills you can avoid, nor do we have a choice about our supplier. For too long water companies have had customers over a barrel – there was nowhere to turn when prices rose.

The 5% reduction will, on average, mean a £17 cut to bills in Brent and Harrow. Whilst that’s encouraging water companies are still allowed to increase their overall prices with inflation. That will mean people could quite quickly end up paying more.

The Mayor of London has taken his eye off the ball in not taking on the utility companies that are squeezing Londoners’ pockets, we on the Assembly will continue to be vigilant to ensure Londoners get their very best value from their water and energy bills.

Thames Water was one of the only water companies in the country to propose price rises, in part it said to fund the new Thames Tideway Tunnel. Whilst the so called super-sewer is important, Ofwat rightly recognised that the project cannot be funded by squeezing yet more out of Londoners' pockets – something I totally endorse.

Navin Shah AM Greater London Authority

Criminally negligent politicians

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

Opposition to Modi – subtle or silly?

Conversion Issue in India

Recently there was a huge furore in Lok Sabha, the Indian Parliament, caused by the opposition MPs, especially by UPA MPs forcing complete suspension of parliamentary agenda for the day. This is because a number of Christians in Tamil Nadu have come back to their original Dharma Hinduism. The complaint against Mr Modi was that as Prime Minister of India he should not have allowed such a change to take place. In other words, what these MPs have told the people of India is that religious conversion in India is a one way street.

Muslims and Christians can convert Hindus but Hindus cannot have any such right or freedom.

Originally there were no Muslims or Christians in India. The huge demographic change taken place in India was because of religious conversion of Hindus into Islam and Christianity. Since independence religious conversion of Hindus has been taking place on a regular basis under the watch of these socalled patriots of India whose mission is to transform India into a Muslim or Christian state through one way religious conversion. They should understand that those days are over. Since Mr. Modi became Prime Minister the opposition parties are finding it very difficult to criticise the programme he has undertaken.

The people of India cannot be fooled any more.

Dr Jatindra Saha By email

NPH A&E failing residents

Your editorial comment (AV 20/12/14 – Blot on Indi’s noblest traditions) is misleading, unfair and an insult to proud Hindus.

You have commented on the symptoms but totally ignored the malady. For centuries, Hindus tolerated open and concealed conversions of its people in millions through force, fraud and inducements by the proselytising Abrahmic faiths.

Evidence of this is as clear as daylight.

This was Hindus’ noblest tradition of giving freedom to all to practice their religion without interference from outside.

But this tradition was taken advantage by the missionaries and Islamic rulers.

And what was the result? Wherever the Hindus became a minority, that piece of land broke away from the Motherland and as a result, they were either driven away or converted to Islam.

So when RSS and Sangh Pariwar started playing the same game as the missionaries for the defence of Hindu society, we find these pseudo-secularists create an uproar in Parliament.

Why were they silent for so many years when such conversions of Hindus were taking place?

RSS wants a national debate on this issue and also a central law to stop conversions by force, fraud or inducements. I would welcome your editorial comment on this matter.

Dhiraj Shah B’ham

Shop while you drop

Although "Sydney Siege" was dwarfed by the horrific attack on the Pakistani school children resulting in 141 deaths, the Sydney siege which resuled in two innocent deaths has indeed shaken Australia, normally an easy going, fun loving, sun soaked paradise where every one would like to settle down.

Australians are entitled to ask how Iranian terrorist, Sheikh Haron Monsi, self acclaimed preacher wanted in Iran for alleged atrocities was granted political asylum without proper check, unwatched

by Australian police, although there were raft of allegations, including murder of his ex-wife Noleen and 34 counts of indecent assaults.

Australian Minister of Home Affairs, (Immigration) who signed papers giving asylum is guilty of criminal negligence, as are our politicians who are responsible for bringing in hate preachers, ex Taliban and refusing to extradite criminals, Chechen terrorists to Russia on ideological ground.

Pakistani government turned a blind eye when Pakistani based terrorist committed similar atrocity in India. Let us hope that this carnage will open eyes of our "Ivory Tower" politicians who care more for Gautamano Bay prisoners than victims of terrorism, especially in Asia and Africa.

I remember reading in local newspapers our knowledgeable MP Barry Gardiner warning health chiefs not to close “A&E” at Central Middlesex and Ealing Hospital in haste, until extra beds and other facilities are put in place before carrying out their half-baked controversial “Shaping Healthier Future” plans. How true his words have proved, as NPH now has the longest waiting time in the country.

Patients have to spend hours in ambulances whilst paramedics are unable to hand over patients to A&E departments are bursting at the seam.

Attending various “Health Care Meetings”, we are told that changes are put into practice after extensive consultations and approval of the public. Yet we fail to find a single person in favour of closing down A&E departments While Government has promised to provide 700 beds in Sierra Leone, Hobbesian caring gesture, it could not provide 140 beds needed at NPH, especially with onset of winter, A & E will be inundated with fragile patients, made worse by binge drinking public, as some 70% visitors to A & E on week-ends are drink related cases. It is time government and all political parties stop fooling people with rhetoric, adopt glasnost, put inauspicious overseas aid on slow-burner until they have sorted out our health, social and housing inadequacies.

By the time this edition of Asian Voice lands on your doormats, Christmas would be over and the streets and shops will become overcrowded with people on a shopping spree at the sales.

In these hard times, one would have thought that people would be vary of wasting money. As if the the spending spree at Christmas was not enough, now the great sales have started and the shop till you drop culture will take on.

People will flock in droves to the high streets to undergo a retail therapy through bargain hunting. But where is the money coming from? People buy on tick by borrowing from banks, financial institutions or pawn brokers and pay-day loans without thinking that the money borrowed has eventually to be paid with exorbitant interest charges.

So people will borrow more to pay the debt and thus the vicious circle will continue revolving. We go to sales for bargain hunting and come away with things which we did not need but we buy them because we think we have grabbed a bargain by getting them at a cheaper price.

Sale or no sale, one must haggle by asking for discounts and most of the time one can strike a bargain and come away with goods either at a lower price or receive additional benefits in cash or kind. It is indeed necessary to haggle for a bargain price otherwise we fork out much more than the item’s worth.

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Kumudini Valambia By email

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

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"Performance of the arts.... mind, body and soul"

I was most interested to read the article about the Indian Journalists' Association, not necessarily reading about the great and the good who attended but of Ash Mukherjee performing at the function.

The article shows great works by this young man and I would welcome more and fuller articles by GS/AV to enlighten the readers on these great artistes which makes a society great.

I would also welcome GS/Av to promote the various small organisations in the UK who try very hard to bring education and this joyous wonder of language and arts to our children.

Yogi Pandya By email

Re-conversion

Congratulations for writing a splendid editorial in your 20th to 26th December issue of Asian Voice, page 3 about the dangerous philosophy of re-conversion that is being peddled by bigoted people and groups in the Hindutva movement.

This philosophy is a reaction to some of the conversions that were, and still are, carried out by Muslim and Christian evangelists in India.

Two wrongs do not, however, make it right; in modern India today any notion of conversion and re-conversion should be condemned as both revolting and nefarious.

Sensible people in BJP should therefore distance themselves from the sectarian fanatics who are bringing Hinduism into serious disrepute.

Burjor Avari Manchester Metropolitan University

Different celebrations

New Year is celebrated by different communities at different times of the year. In Maharashtra, it is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra. The day is called ‘Gudi Padva’ by the Maharashtrian community.

Tamilians celebrate their New Year on April 13. It is called ‘Vashaparapu’ by the Tamilians, meaning beginning of the year.

Christians celebrate their New Year on January 1. On New Year’s Eve, a dummy of an old man is made. This old man signifies all that should be put away like evil thoughts, bad behaviour, etc.

The dummy is kept on the road or in lanes and passers-by drop coins into the tin that is kept besides the old man. The dummy of the old man is then set on fire at 12.00 midnight sharp. The burning of the old man marks the end of the old year and the start of a new year.

Jubel D’Cruz Mumbai, India Continued page 11

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

Archives show Thatcher explored education overhaul and had fears in the wake of the Southall Riots

Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher

Margaret Thatcher explored plans to overhaul the structure of English education when she was PM, files released by the National Archives show.

The documents from the 1980s reveal Mrs Thatcher wanted to make state schools independent of local authorities. This has been the central plank of the current government's education reforms.

In 1986, policy adviser Oliver Letwin wrote that she had "failed" to give people more responsibility for their own lives within the education system.

In Mrs Thatcher's personal files, there is a critical, very direct memo from Mr Letwin - his "swansong" as a member of Mrs Thatcher's policy unit.

"You were elected to give back to individuals a greater degree of responsibility for their own lives.

In education, you have so far failed," he wrote.

He said there had been no effort to change the "framework" - a point endorsed by Mrs Thatcher with a large black tick in the margin - and that education was still "a nationalised industry".

Mr Letwin, who is still an MP and a Cabinet Office minister, acknowl-

File photo of Southall Riots

edged that radical restructuring would not be popular in some quarters. "It would provoke intense hostility" from the local authorities and the teaching unions, he wrote.

However, he saw it as the only way to improve the "quality" of schools.

Like Michael Gove, who stood down as education secretary in July this year, Mr Letwin believed giving power to the "customer" - the parents would drive school improvement.

Mr Letwin suggested state schools could "declare UDI", rather like academies today, and suggested extending the "assisted places" scheme where the state paid for places at independent schools. Parents could then have the choice of moving their children if they were unhappy with the local state school - just as Free Schools are intended to provide an alternative under the current government.

Meanwhile, the former prime minister, secretly voiced fears of an Asian rising in Britain if Irish nationalists were allowed

to express their identity in Northern Ireland, newlydeclassified government files reveal.

In a crucial peacebuilding summit between the then prime minister and Ireland's premier Garret FitzGerald in 1984, Mrs Thatcher said she could not understand why Catholics in the region were looking for certain rights.

At the November 19 talks in Chequers, the Tory leader said there were minorities all over Europe who were not making the sort of claims nationalists were for reforms in policing, justice, equality and power-sharing.

During their exchanges, described by those at the top-level meeting as rapid and vigorous, Mrs Thatcher fretted about the wider consequences of addressing Catholic alienation in relation to ethnic minorities in Britain.

She said: ''... if these things were done, the next question would be what comes next? Were the Sikhs in Southall to be allowed to fly their own flag?''

Youth vote 'could be key to win' Up to three million young people have not decided how to vote in next year's general election, a think tank says.

About 44% of 18 to 25year-olds have yet to decide which party to back on 7 May, research by Populus, for left-leaning think tank Demos, suggested.

Demos said the party that could tap into this pool of young voters "may just win the keys to Downing Street".

The survey of more than 1,000 18 to 25-yearolds also found parties needed to use social media more effectively.

Demos said Skype or FaceTime MP surgeries, hustings via Facebook and online voting could all boost youth political participation. The research found more than three quarters (77%) intended to vote but only 30% of young women said they were interested compared with 48% of their male peers.

Asked to name the issues they were most concerned about, 69% included the cost of living, 62% affordable housing, 58% unemployment and the same proportion said the NHS. Exactly half put online

YOUR VOICE

Jawarhalal Nehru

I refer to the article by Mr Ramesh Jhalla regarding the 125th birthday of Jawarharlal Nehru in Asian Voice dated 22nd November 2014 in which he states Nehru was born Hindu, raised Muslim and was practising Christianity.

In reply to this Mr Dhiraj Kataria in Asian Voice dated 6th December states “I completely disagree I have never come across a more inaccurate and scurrilious

privacy among their main concerns - more than the environment (45%), immigration (43%), tax avoidance (37%) or Britain's future in the EU (34%).

Almost one in five (19%) said celebrity endorsement would make them more likely to vote, while (18%) said it would make them less likely.

More than half (56%) said they would be more likely to vote if there were more working class MPs, while fewer (31%) cited more women MPs as a factor, and an even smaller number (27%) cited ethnic minority MPs.

letter” and so on.

In this respect I would like to add that indeed Mr Nehru admitted that “by education I am English, by thoughts universal, by culture am Muslim and only by British accident I am Hindu.”

Sir, in this respect I saw an article in the Mumbai Samachar about two months ago on this very subject. It is excellent article worth reading by every Indian.

Jairam Patel Wembley

EDUCATION/COUNCIL VOICE Sunetra Senior

“Mean-spirited” May

David Willetts, Conservative MP and former universities Minister, has denounced Theresa May's proposal to essentially deport foreign students after they complete graduation. Willetts said that May's policy, which will push non-Eu students to leave the country and apply again for a visa if they wish to return for work in the UK, was extremely “mean-spirited”.

Universities and institutional equivalents are set to face fines if they fail to play their part in the departures procedure.

Willetts commented in 'The Times' that little under 500,000 of the fourmillion plus students who study abroad come to Britain for a higher education, and as such “this is an export market with

massive opportunities for us (…) If we implement the latest idea from the Home Office for new restrictions on overseas students, we would not only miss this golden opportunity, we would be acting in a mean-spirited and inward-looking way (…) A further tightening of post-study work, as floated by the Home Office at the weekend, would do real damage to our universities and drive away overseas students."

The minister also commented that, in lieu of such extreme action, the Government could set lower minimum pay-rates for foreign graduates in university cities such as Birmingham to combat the issue of students who are illegally overstaying their visas. He said although people were worried about immigration “Chinese students study-

Theresa May

ing physics” is “not the problem."

This decrying of party policy comes at a time when many MPs are feeling disillusioned with their allies. The forfeiting of international capital because of anti-immigration sentiment has been a particular rift-causer amongst the Tories- for a related article turn to page 5. "There is a global trend for more students to study abroad” continued Willetts. “We should aim to increase our share of this growing market.”

University offers at record high

Universities are making record levels of offers to would-be students amid intense competition to attract good candidates, official figures suggest.

Young people in England and Wales have never been more likely to win a degree place than they were in 2014, according to Ucas, which has published a detailed analysis of university admissions for this year.

The data shows a surge in the numbers of youngsters going to university, but also shows wide gaps between men and women and differences according to where applicants live.

And it suggests that an English teenager's chances of going to a top university without scoring the best grades at A-level have dramatically increased.

Overall, the number of students securing places

11

on degree courses at UK universities and colleges through Ucas topped half a million for the first time in 2014, with 512,400 people in total gaining places. This was up by nearly 17,000 students (3.4%) compared to last year.

There was also a rise in the number of UK students accepted - up 3.2% to 447,500 this year compared to 2013.

12

MEDIA WATCH

Minority communities in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh seeking refuge in India are to be granted five-year visas instead of the one-year visa that is currently the norm. This is a welcome decision, long overdue in the light of their precarious situation where they have been (and are) fair game for Islamist fanatics and jihadis, who often (as in Pakistan) enjoy the patronage of the state. One must hope that on the expiry of their visas these unfortunate people and their families will be offered full Indian citizenship, for with it will come the security and opportunity to better their lives. It should be a reminder to all Indians not to take the privileges they enjoy under their country’s Constitution as a blessing to be treasured, and that rights come with obligations to society. In a fragile neighbourhood, India with all its problems, remains an oasis of democratic stability. Strengthen this resolve in the new year and in the years to come.

Space triumph The first lines of the opening paragraph of the Hindu’s editorial (December 19) put India’s latest space success in context. “It has been a glorious year for the Indian Space Research

provide India with supercomputers, which India ultimately developed itself. The Indian software for the Tejas warplane was confiscated from Lockheed - which had been contracted as a consultant - by the US State Department, delaying the entire project by almost a decade. It is as well that these events are best not forgotten.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

cedures of the defence ministry.

The pace of the decision making has impressed service chiefs. “I don’t recall the council passing these many procurement proposals and in four meetings,” said Air Marshal R.K. Sharma. The sum cleared in the previous fiscal was less than half the present sum. The modernization of the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy will hopefully gain fresh traction (Mint December 17)

DRDO scientist honoured

Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Director, Research Centre (RCI) Immarat, near Hyderabad, was given the Honorary Fellowship of the Computer Society of India during its recent Golden Jubilee celebrations in Hyderabad. The RC I, the critical complex of laboratories which designs India’s missiles, is part of the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO. Dr Reddy received the award for his out-

Putin visit

ISRO Chairman K. Radhakrishnan

Organization (ISRO). The successful launch of Mangalyaan into Mars orbit on September 24 on its maiden attempt was the crowning glory. On December 18, the space organization followed it up with another stupendous success with the first experimental launch of a GSLV Mark III vehicle and the safe splashdown of a crew vehicle in the Bay of Bengal off the Andaman and Nicobar Islands after re-entry into the atmosphere and best exemplify the maturing of the Indian space programme and its capability to take the country’s space missions to greater heights.”

Kanwal Sibal, a former Indian foreign secretary, in an editorialpage column in the Telegraph (December 16) summed up President Putin’s recent visit to India as a success on every count, not least in his rapport with Prime Minister Modi. Sibal concluded: “Putin declared that he is highly satisfied with his visit and its results, while Modi has stated that the summit had reinforced his conviction in the extraordinary value and strength of the India-Russia partnership.”

Sibal drew attention to “inopportune” US cautions to India on its ties with Russia, but these had had no impact on New Delhi, for whom it was “Business as usual” with Moscow

Bullish on India

Adrian Mowat, Chief Emerging Market and Asia Equity Strategist at JP Morgan, the Wall Street investment bank, was

Cryogenic engine

The 639-tonne Geosynchronous Satellite launch Vehicle (GSLV Mark III) will enable India to carry heavier communications satellites into a higher orbit, hence save valuable foreign exchange by not relying on foreign agencies for such ventures in future. India is still developing the third and final stage of its own cryogenic engines [ which provide greater thrust]for the achievement to be complete.

(Business Line, Mint December 19)

Dr G Satheesh Reddy

standing contribution to the growth of computers, information technology, and his leadership in the designing and development of a wide range of onboard mission computers, navigation computers and miniaturized high-speed computers based on System-on-Chip for a variety of DRDO-manufactured missiles including those of the shortrange, medium range and intercontinental-range Agni series.

Innovator

Dr Reddy led the development of real-time mission software for missiles and initiated important projects, which included their high-speed avionics (Hindu December 17)

New technologies to benefit India

Adrian Mowat

US pressure

upbeat on the prospects of the emerging economies of India and Indonesia in the light of falling oil prices. The oil price dynamics made him more bullish on the Indian story, he said.

The previous cryogenic engines were Russian. The Clinton administration applied strong pressure on the Yeltsin government in Moscow to abort the deal to continue supplying these engines, following those already supplied. President Putin vowed that Russia would never bow to such pressure ever again. Prior to this, the Reagan administration reneged on its undertaking to

Prime Minister Modi’s government has cleared a record number of 41defence acquisitions worth $19 billion in only four sittings of the Defence Acquisitions Council much to the relief and delight of service chiefs, long accustomed to the dilatory pro-

Record defence acquisitions

McKinsey Global Institute has identified 12 new technologies that could give a fillip to India’s economic growth and aid poverty reduction. The listed technologies range from Mobile Internet to cloud computing to advanced genomics. Mobile Internet is the most critical of these technologies, and will likely reach 700900 million Indians by 2025. In all, these technologies can add $550 billion to $1 trillion to economic value by 2025.

Vision statement

These technologies could contribute 20-30 per cent to India’s Gross Domestic Product from now to 2025m ensuring a better

quality of life for the people. “For all India’s prowess in IT, large parts of its economy have yet to benefit from new technologies.

That is about to change. The combined economic impact of the 12 technologies in 2025 could be up to six times the value of the Indian IT industry. They can contribute as high a share of the national economy as the entire manufacturing sector does today. “Some of the revolutions are happening right now setting up the base for these technologies….The Digital India programme which has been announced by the Indian government makes the adoption of these technologies a huge opportunity and not just aspiration,” said Noshir Kaka, Managing Director, India, McKinsey (Mint December 17)

Tech Mahindra’s innovation drive

Tech Mahindra, part of the Mahindra Group, has invested $100 million in the last few months on an innovation initiative at its sprawling facility on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Says C.P Gurnani, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tech Mahindra, “It has got three arms.

Ile the 15 labs focus on the internal talent by encouraging employees to come up with creative ideas, Solution Scape works on building different solutions for different sectors such as banks, oil and gas.” The third component is Co-Create that lets employees, partners and customers to co-build products and solutions. He concludes: “But the investments you make on the innovation will yield results in the long run. We are investing for the future, though you cannot show these in your utilization rates.” (Business Line December 17)

Agra arrest

Nani Kishore Valmiki alias Kishore Lal Valmiki, the main accused in the religious conversion controversy, was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh police in midDecember. He was interrogated on his role in the conversion of 56 of poor Muslim families living the environs of Agra. Vaslmiki contested a seat in the Agra Municipal election on a BJP ticket. According to a Muslim rag picker Valmiki promised to acquire ration cards and lured them with other material benefits if they converted to the Hindu faith. (Hindu December 17)

Modi’s riot act

Narendra Modi has already displayed sufficient vision and resolve to become a truly great Indian prime minister. Whether he achieves this iconic status will surely depend on the modernization of his country economy: it is the economy, stupid was the message the visibly irate prime minister conveyed to BJP MPs. The columnist Swapan Dasgupta wrote thus on the editorial page of the Telegraph newspaper (December 19): “For the Modi government, the next few months are certain to be challenging. The government seems clear on its priorities but there are sufficient

roadblocks that have to be negotiated calmly. It is important to ensure that subterranean currents remain firmly under control and don’t create diversions from the path the electorate voted to travel down”- a calibrated reference to the conversion circus organized by the lunatic fringe of the Sangh Parivar and its affiliates, and the unease this is causing to the Indian mainstream (Karen Thapar in Hindustan Times, December 18).

Patels are our shared blessing

President Pranab Mukherjee autobiography relates a few tidbits from India’s past to which he was privy. In August 1946, a year before Indian independence, Calcutta was convulsed by communal violence in the wake of the Direct Action Day call by Mohammed Ali Jinnah to force the India’s partition and the creation of Pakistan. The “Great Calcutta Killings,” that followed was organized and directed by Bengal’s then Muslim League chief minister H.S.Suhrawardy,.

When the bloodbath had ceased and peace was restored, Suhrawardy and Sarat Bose, put their heads together and came up with the cockeyed plan for a united Bengal that would have the option of remaining a separate entity from India or Pakistan, with Calcutta as its capita.

Shyma Prasad Mookerjee, then a Congressman and subsequently the founder of the Jan Sangh, the progenitor of today’s BJP, had spoken out for a partitioned Bengal, believing, correctly, that co-habitation with the Muslim League was impracticable after all that had happened.

Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru turned the contentious issue over to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. India’s ‘Iron Man’ dismissed the harebrained scheme with the remark that the new India would be seriously diminished without Bengal and its metropolis. A possible disaster was nipped in the bud.

Switching locales, Amit Roy, the Telegraph’s Correspondent in London, told how Peter Hollingworth, a Deputy District judge at the Preston Magistrates’ Court, ruled that plaintiff, one Deepa Patel 22, be present on a particular day for a hearing.

Deepa’s legal representative said her client was unable to oblige at such notice. Judge Hollingworth responded with the condescending observation that, “With a name like Patel and her ethnic background, she won’t be working anywhere important where she can’t get time off.” Britishborn and bred Deepa Patel, who works in an office and has a law degree, understandably affronted by the gratuitous comment, vented her anger in no uncertain terms. Judge Hollingworth duly stepped down from the bench.

Amit Roy’s “Patel count” at public schools, a few years earlier, had revealed “that it was the most common surname at Dulwich College, an indication that even South London shopkeepers of modest means wanted the best for their children.”

Taking on the Patels is a risky business! Long may they and their kind prosper.

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

13

Holocaust memorial candles by Anish Kapoor to light up January The Politics of Time As the year ends, one in which an Indian spacecraft reached Mars and we make our New Year Resolutions to make our lives renewed and purposeful, I am reminded of the words of cosmologist Carl Sagan, “Every one of us is, in the cosmic perspective, precious. If a human disagrees with you, let him live. In a hundred billion galaxies, you will not find another.

The size and age of the Cosmos are beyond ordinary human understanding.

Lost somewhere between immensity and eternity is our tiny planetary home. In a cosmic perspective, most human concerns seem insignificant, even petty. And yet our species is young and curious and brave and shows much promise. In the last few millennia we have made the most astonishing and unexpected discoveries about the Cosmos and our place within it, explorations that are exhilarating to consider. They remind us that humans have evolved to wonder, that understanding is a joy, that knowledge is prerequisite to survival. I believe our future depends on how well we know this Cosmos in which we float like a mote of dust in the morning sky.”

Within our speck of dust in the vastness of our galaxy, you and I in our lifetimes will live 700,000 hours. That is all.

What then in our great insignificance can we do of meaning?

A philosopher once said, I don’t know why we are on this planet, but I’m pretty sure it is not just to have fun.

Speaking of Carl Sagan, he also pointed out, ‘“The Hindu religion is the only one of the world’s great faiths dedicated to the idea that the Cosmos itself undergoes an immense, indeed an infinite, number of deaths and rebirths. It is the only religion in which the time scales correspond to those of modern scientific cosmology. Its cycles run from our ordinary day and night to a day and night of Brahma, 8.64 billion years long. Longer than the age of the Earth or the Sun and about half the time since the Big Bang.”

We shall use our religions for good – to leave the Cosmos better than we found it – for our faith also teaches us, we are all inter-connected; if one is slave or slain, we are all slave and slain. Or as the Jews put it, ‘if you save one life, you save the whole of mankind’.

A series of giant candles created by Turner prizewinning sculptor Anish Kapoor will be lit and placed around the UK in January to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

The hollowed-out wax candles will be lit on 27 January in 70 locations around the country, including the Manchester Jewish Museum, York Minster, Leeds prison, Lancaster Castle, and Lowestoft railway station in Suffolk, where many Jewish children and youths arrived as refugees from Nazi Germany.

Kapoor, 60, was commissioned by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust to create the memorial candles. He also created a Holocaust memorial for the Liberal Jewish Synagogue in St John's Wood, north London, in 1996.

"I was very happy to get the commission," Kapoor told The Sunday Times. "Though my father was a Hindu and my mother Jewish, I feel more relaxed now about my

own Jewishness. I accepted the commission because it is very important to remember the terrible things we do to human beings like murdering six million Jews in the Holocaust. I can recall from my own time spent in Israel as a teenager that quite a few people there had the concentration [camp] numbers still stamped on them. It is sometimes hard to memorialise the suffering. That's why I think the candle is appropriate. The candle is a curious space, but it has a narrative, and I hope I have captured it."

Kapoor has spoken about how his experience

of living in Israel in the early 1970s inspired him to become an artist. In 2010, he designed a monument for the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

However, he has been an outspoken critic of Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories and the Israeli government's West Bank barrier, which the Israeli government says was built to protect against terrorist attacks by Palestinian militants.

"The walls they have built are a crime against humanity," Kapoor said.

Detectives have been handed a dossier naming six serving parliamentarians accused of involvement in a Westminster paedophile ring, it has been reported.

The three MPs and three members of the House of Lords were included in a file compiled by the Labour MP John Mann, which was handed to Scotland Yard in early December.

It included the names of 22 politicians in total, the Sunday Times reported. Fourteen of the individuals identified by Mr Mann were Conservative politicians, five were Labour and three were from other parties.

The MP, who has played an instrumental role in securing an inquiry into the alleged establishment paedophile ring, distilled the list of names

from hundreds of pieces of information handed to him by members of the public.

Mr Mann said: “All those 22 names are worthy of investigation by the police.

The evidence against half of them is very compelling. Some of them could definitely be prosecuted and I believe several of them were definitely child abusers.”

The dossier included the names of 13 former ministers. It came after Scotland Yard announced it was investigating the alleged paedophile murders of three young boys in the late seventies and early eighties.

The probe into the historic sex gang, codenamed Operation Midland, centres on claims of paedophile parties at Dolphin Square, an exclusive block of flats in Pimlico, central London, which has long

been popular with MPs because of its proximity to the Houses of Parliament.

The senior officer leading the inquiry said people who lived or visited Dolphin Square in the 1970s "will have seen or heard something that they only understand the significance of now".

A witness who has played a critical role in the inquiry so far, known only as “Nick”, is understood to have told detectives he saw a Conservative MP strangle a 12-year-old boy to death at an orgy in around 1980. Detectives have described Nick’s wider evidence about the paedophile ring as “credible and true”.

The police’s decision to go public with the claims is likely to mean they have been able to secure some corroborating evidence surrounding Nick’s claims.

Sculptor Anish Kapoor

The hollowed-out wax candles that will be lit to mark 70th anniversary of liberation of Auschwitz

'Paedophile' dossier naming MPs and peers handed to police

On the 6th December 2014, NHSF Kingston University participated in the London & South Zone Sports Competition in Kho-Kho. NHSF Kingston went undefeated and became the winners of Kho-Kho 2014. Congratulations to NHSF Kingston

Yoga, a therapy for cardiovascular disease

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials has concluded that the popular mind-body practice of yoga can be a potential therapy for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Out of 1,404 records, 37 randomised controlled trials were included in the systematic review and 32 in the meta-analysis.

Compared to non-exer-

cise participants, yoga showed significant improvement for body mass index, systolic blood pressure, lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Significant changes

were seen in body weight, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides and heart rate but not fasting blood glucose.

However, no significant difference was found between yoga and exercise.

One study found an impact on smoking abstinence. The team concluded that there is promising evidence of yoga on improving cardio-metabolic health.

14

UK

Labour losing the race for ethnic minority votes

Recent statistics show that Labour has been losing its typical core voters since 2010. The party, who have historically enjoyed support from Britain's ethnic minority communities, have suffered abandonment from a shocking three quarters of BritishIndian citizens in contrast to the 77% who were backing them in 1997. The British Election study also showed Pakistani support decreasing from 77 to 57 per cent while Caribbean votes have dropped by 14 per cent from 78 to 67.

Support from the African community has dropped by 20 per cent, from 79 to 63.

Dr Maria Sobolewska, an expert on the team conducting the Ethnic Minority Election Study, announced at a conference: "What is happening is that the Labour party is sitting pretty, or at least they think they are sitting pretty, they think they have the minorities in the bag (…) but I will make these people here representing Labour a little bit uncomfortable about this

Opposition Leader Miliband

assumption that minorities will vote for them as a matter of course.”

Although ethnic minority support for the Tories has seen a gradual rise over the last five years, Sobolewska asserted that this was not necessarily the consequence of people defecting from Labour.

The Conservatives, who have increased their vote from the 16 per cent of black and ethnic minority (BME) voters at the last election, have been pushing to win over more of the multicultural community to fight the insurgent UKIP: “The Conservatives have been trying to win some of this vote because

they think that ethnic minorities are natural small 'c' Conservatives” Sobolewska stated, “And they have been trying for a while. But I don't think for the effort they are putting in they are getting enough back – in fact they think what is going to happen to them is this so-called death by demographics that has been advertised as something that is already happening to the Republicans in the US." The expert also added “Looking at the 2014 figures I am hoping that all of you from the Labour party are shifting uncomfortably in your seats: this is a disaster.”

Both proposed offences mark significant incursions by the State into what have previously been regarded as private affairs.

A Home Office spokesman said the law would be drafted carefully so it did not affect "ordinary power dynamics" in marriages and other relationships.

"Victims of coercive control can have every aspect of life controlled by their partner, often being subjected to daily intimidation and humiliation.

There are a number of

ways that witness testimony could be supported at prosecution. These include using documentary evidence such as threatening emails and text messages, and bank statements that show the perpetrator has sought to control the victim financially," the spokesman said.

The type of behaviour the Government is seeking to outlaw includes people who control "minute aspects" of their partner's lives, such as "when they are allowed to eat, sleep and go to the toilet," he added. It will cover not just spouses and partners but other family relationships as well.

Home Office research has previously shown that 16 per cent of men admit to being victims of domestic abuse during their lifetimes compared with 30 per cent of women.

Bullying husbands face five years in jail for 'controlling behaviour'

Bullying husbands who keep their wives downtrodden by banning them from having friends, hobbies and access to money could face five years in jail under a new criminal offence.

Theresa May, the Home Secretary, said the Government is to press ahead with a new domestic abuse offence of "coercive and controlling behaviour" - which will apply equally to men and women.

The offence will outlaw behaviour which amounts to extreme psychological and emotional abuse but, crucially, stops short of violence. It comes after the Government unveiled a “Cinderella” law earlier this year which will see parents who starve their children of love and affection being prosecuted for “emotional cruelty”.

Crime charity's safe drinking message to Loughborough people A crime-fighting charity has gone out and about to warn festive revellers of the risks of drinking too much alcohol.

Crimestoppers spoke to people in Loughborough this week as part of a campaign called Gauge Your Behaviour.

Crimestoppers East Midlands regional manager Kiran Dhanda, said: “This campaign has been really successful in making people think about the amount of alcohol they

is trying to spoil their festive fun, we just want to ensure they are kept safe from harm by raising awareness of potential risks that they can face.

Volunteers are Crimestoppers volunteers Lydia Unsudimi, key to this important Kiran Dhanda and Romail Gulzaar work, which is drink and consider the why we’re always encourpotential risks to them of aging people to come fordrinking to excess. No-one ward and support us.”

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

Cameron ‘blocks ban on caste bias’ David Cameron has been accused of vetoing moves to make discrimination on the basis of caste illegal in Britain, Senior Whitehall sources claim the prime minister blocked a proposal, already signed off by ministers, to extend discrimination laws to people of low caste.

Cameron has been accused by critics of bowing to a powerful “vested interest” and wealthy Hindu businessmen who oppose the move. The law would have made it an offence to insult or discriminate against Dalits, or people of low caste.

People who are regarded as untouchable in India have also found discrimination in Britain where they have been denied jobs, had weddings opposed by families and have been told they cannot eat off the same plate as people from higher castes.

An employment tribunal last year heard claims from Vijay Begraj and his wife Amardeep that they were discriminated against by their employer because Begraj was from a Dalit background. The case was halted when the

Vijay Begraj and his wife Amardeep

judge “recused” herself, that is, chose not to hear the tribunal case.

Ministers had drawn up proposals to make it illegal to bully, harass or socially exclude an estimated 200,000 people, mainly of Nepalese or Indian origin, on the basis of their caste. It came after parliament voted to make caste discrimination illegal, defeating the government. Ministers are angry the law change has been blocked.

“It was all signed off and ready to go but Cameron said this is not happening before the election,” said a senior Whitehall source. “We are pretty shocked that he is overruling the will of par-

liament.”

Downing Street denied Cameron had blocked the proposal and said it was waiting the outcome of an unemployment tribunal on caste before consulting on the matter.

Keith Porteous Wood, of the National Secular Society, said: “The government has been directed to introduce anti-discrimination legislation by parliament and the UN. For it to defy both can only be explained by conflict with a strong vested interest.”

At the time of going to press Asian Voice tried to get a reaction from the Hindu Forum of Britain but no one was available.

Decorative Royal Guards have been withdrawn from their positions outside Britain's palaces in anticipation of Islamist terror attacks. The distinctly dressed soldiers will be moved from the more accessible sentry boxes in front of royal premises and will be stood behind locked gates and iron fences.

The order was issued

by Buckingham Palace who had reason to believe that these ambassadors for Britain might be targeted

by ISIL supporters in light of the internationally escalating events. As well as drummer Lee Rigby who was hacked to death in broad day-light by extremists, there was also the murder of a Canadian soldier who was on ceremonial duty at the country's

war memorial.

Royal Guards have been warned not to stand alone when they take a shift, and though Buckingham Palace had already taken this precaution, orders now extend to St James' Palace and Windsor Castle also. The move has been seen as a “retreat” in the face of ter-

rorism but as retired officer Major Iain Dalzel-Job of the Scots Guards told 'The Mail': “the changes are necessary as there is a significant threat.”

Former Welsh guardsman Terry O'Shea also added: “Unfortunately this is a sign of the times and how unpredictable the current situation is. We've seen horrific incidents across the world and in our capital city, so some action had to be taken to reduce the risk, even if it can never be eliminated (…) You could argue that there should be a defiant stand but how do you protect the soldiers on parade in a bright suit, shiny boots and a furry hat?”

A female primary school teacher who hit a six-yearold pupil on the head with a ruler in class cleared of assault last month. Rina Khan, pictured, 41, was accused of smashing the child with the ruler so hard it broke as punishment for getting a question wrong during a maths lesson. She went on trial charged with common assault and child cruelty at Birmingham Crown Court.

Prosecutors said she lost her temper before lashing out with the sta-

tionary and also claimed she called the boy a “muppet”.

The court was told a teaching assistant watched in horror as part of the ruler “flew across the room” after the attack on March 20, which left the Year 2 pupil “sad and scared”.

But Khan wept in the dock as she told the court she only “tapped” the boy on the head because he was misbehaving by poking another pupil with a pencil.

Outside court Khan, who looked visibly relieved as the not guilty verdcits were read out, spoke of her relief following her ordeal that saw her suspended from her job and taking antidepressants.

Royal Guards withdrawn from 'target' posts for their safety

Teacher who hit boy, six, over head with ruler acquitted of assault

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

Andy Chande

Prime Minister Modi: First six months in office

Narendra Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister born after independence, was elected with a big mandate to make things happen. During the campaign he continuously emphasised that development was one of his Party’s major priorities.

Over the last five years India experienced a sluggish economy with high inflation rate and declining employment.

The second UPA government under Manmohan Singh was sclerotic, bumping from one scandal to another starting with the Commonwealth Games in 2010. This left the country, its people and its businesses with little hope and enormously frustrated by a corrupt environment, lagging job growth and a government incapable of providing services for its citizens.

India therefore is emerging from its worst economic slowdown in a quarter-century and according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) it needs big structural reforms to return to the eight-percent plus growth needed to generate jobs for its burgeoning young population.

OECD left unchanged its 5.4 percent growth forecast for this financial year to March 30, 2015 – a figure broadly in line with government projections and up from 4.7 per cent expansion posted by India last year.

But OECD revised upwards its forecast for next year, projecting Asia’s third largest economy will expand by 6.6

percent – compared with its 5.7 per cent estimate in May. Mr Modi’s foreign policy moves have been marked by briskness.

There is a new dynamism in bilateral ties in the neighbourhood – he made quick trips to Bhutan and Nepal early on; his first major foreign visit was to Japan, where he secured a $.33bn pledge from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. In the past six months Mr Modi has made some dramatic international manoeuvres, including securing sizeable infrastructure funding commitments from Japan and China as well as establishing enhanced security arrangements with the United States.

Domestically, he moved forward on introducing land and labour reforms and with the drop in crude oil prices, he has been able to reduce fuel subsidies. This will further improve India’s investment environment and with the declining current account deficit he will have more room to take bolder reform measures.

Contrary to OECD’s revised focus I believe that at the end of this year the growth will hit 6%.

The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation declined to 2.38%, a five month low, due to the base effect. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) by 50 basis points, giving banks greater freedom to lend.

In July end 2014, the foreign exchange reserve was USD 319.8 billion.The figure dropped to USD 314.6 as on

You have seen him on the BBC’s hit show Strictly Come Dancing and can find him in the Guinness log of World Records; it’s singer/songwriter Navin Kundra with his lively new single ‘DANGEROUS’.

The track is aptly named. Kundra has gained fierce popularity with a fan-base of over 3 million and accolades such as ‘2013 Entertainer of the Year Award’ presented in the Houses of Parliament.

He talked a little about the latest release: “It’s an exotic international urban pop record and so far the reaction has been awesome! It’s a new harder and more powerful sound for me.” The video has an Ocean’s 11 type theme with the same degree of style: “It’s the biggest production I’ve ever done and I’m even acting in it” Kundra commented. “We wanted to make more of a short film and I can’t wait for everyone to see it!”

Kundra hails from the Midlands city of Coventry and has already released six number one singles in languages of Hindi, English and Punjabi. He was also a finalist in the celebrity talent competition ‘Unsung’ hosted by the BBC Asian network in which he won both the ‘Audience Favourite” and “Judge’s Choice” categories for his rendition of Robbie Williams’ ‘Feel’.

Though the recording of his ‘DANGEROUS’ new track has been a thrilling experience, Kundra has said “the highlight” so far “ has been singing on my

A recent global report is stating that up to 80,000 people can protect themselves from dementia if they take preventative measures over waiting for the cure. The data, which will be put forward at the World Innovation Summit for Health in Doha, shows that careful changes to diet and exercise, and engaging in cerebral activities such as crosswords and Haikus can rescue people in thousands from the degenerative disease.

Writing in 'The Telegraph', Lord Darzi, surgeon, former Labour health minister and chairman for the Summit said individuals should adopt a "use it or lose it"approach when it comes to the mass of electric impulses known as one's brain. He wrote with fervour as predictions state that people could be saved in the millions by the year 2040, if they subscribe to a more active lifestyle. He states

that as opposed to “twisting our hands in despair" we can “look after our brains – sharpen those chess skills, pick up that crossword and solve that puzzle.” Drawing on evidence that suggests dementia sets in during the late forties he said: "eating a healthy diet, avoiding obesity and getting plenty of exercise are all important to brain health because what is good for our hearts is also good for our heads."

George McNamara, head of policy and public affairs at Alzheimer’s Society announced that it is “no longer possible to ignore the growing mountain of persuasive evidence that modifying certain lifestyle factors may

Narendra Modi

December 5, 2014. The monthly average exchange rate of the Rupee as on December 5, 2014 was Rs 63.44 compared to Rs. 60.06 per USD.at the end of July 2014.

Indian markets reached historically high levels on 24th July 2014, with Sensex breaching the 26,000 level and closing at 26,271.85, and nifty breaching the 7800 level and closing at 7830.60.

Net Foreign Direct Investment was USD 2.4 billion in June 2014, compared to USD 1.8 billion in the previous period. In July 2014, the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approved fourteen proposals worth USD 254.48 million.

Economic growth hit high during June, the highest in the past three years.

According to Nomura, India is at the starting

Navin Kundra: a slick new sound

Sunetra Senior

point of the pickup in the growth cycle.

This action-oriented performance has unlocked, if not yet unleashed the bureaucratic blockades.

Manufacturing, which makes up nearly 15 per cent of the economy, expanded by 3.5 per cent in the three months ending in July, recovering from a 1.4 per cent annual contraction in the past quarter. The mining sector similarly expanded to 2.1 per cent. The highest growth rate during the last quarter was recorded by the financial services sector at 10.4 per cent.

The construction sector expanded 4.8 per cent during the quarter up from 1.1 per cent growth in the earlier period. The auto, pharmaceutical and drug as well as garment making industries – all grew by 10%.

The Government has relaxed the norms for

allowing foreign direct investment in many vital areas.

The Foreign Investment Promotion Board will now be playing a much more active role in this regard. With the relaxation of the rules relating to FDI in the construction development sector it is expected that the move will boost affordable housing projects. Needless to say, investment opportunities abound in the country especially with a new found optimism and energy.

According to the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) the business confidence index showed an upward trend for the quarter ended June 2014 and this is continuing.

In the first six months of his term, Modi has focused on incremental measures like faster regulatory clearances to make it easier to do business.

He has to tackle many structural reforms, such as the proposed general sales tax that will unify the market. He has energised the Government and launched a few laudable schemes including that of providing a bank account for every household in the country where only 40% have one. Also, an investor will now be allowed to exit on completion of a project or after three years from the date of final investment, whichever is earlier.

Despite the strongest election mandate in 30 years, Modi lacks a majority in the Rajya Sabha to get the approval for key bills. That has already delayed the proposed legislation to

favourite TV show, Strictly Come Dancing.” With a viewership of 10 million this comes as no big surprise: “I loved working with Dave Arch and the Strictly Come Dancing Band” said Navin who performed on the programme as a guest vocalist. “The response I’ve received has been incredible.” Indeed the show was one of the biggest in the current series dubbed the ‘All Around the World Week’ special.

Navin’s new single comes as a commemoration of the star’s welldeserved success. Having used his music to help raise the £10,000 + that garnered the Guinness Record, there is no doubt that this talented songbird will only soar higher. To find out more about Navin and his current single ‘DANGEROUS’ visit www.Navin-Online.com

15

increase foreign direct investment limits in the insurance and pension sector. He also has to content with the cooperation of the States administration who have a mandate on issues such as land. Happily, despite the many odds, BJP has achieved a working majority in Haryana elections and is the single largest party in Maharashtra and is working in coalition with Shiv Sene.

Impediments which Modi’s Government is facing includes the weak monsoon which will impact agricultural growth which constitutes 14% of the economy and now the disaster caused by heavy floods in Jamu and Kashmir could also cost at least $.500 million in rehabilitation efforts.

Another critical issue for the Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley will be of working within the parameters governed by the Reserve Bank of India which has a mandatory role to play in the monetary policy.

Mr Modi’s most significant challenge will be providing the necessary skills to employ the one million people entering the work force every month for the next 15 years (more than 50 per cent of India’s population is under the age of 25).

India is home to the second largest highly paid expatriates in the world after China and ranked ninth by expatriates looking for a well-balanced, high-quality lifestyle according to a survey conducted by the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC).

Proactivity is the prescription for protecting oneself against dementia

Lord Darzi

reduce the risk of developing dementia (…) with numbers rising and costs soaring we need all of society to lead the fight against a condition which represents our biggest health and social care challenge.” These new medical findings are taken from test subjects-1,200 men and women in their 60s and 70s from Finlandwhere half made changes to their eating, brain and social activity and yielded significantly healthier results.

16

INDIA

Hindu Mahasabha to build Nathuram Godse's temple

The Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha said it would build a temple to Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin, Nathuram Godse, in Sitapur district of Uttar Pradesh.

For this, it has bought land in Siddhauli’s Para village, where it purports to begin construction on January 30, the day Gandhi was shot dead.

Hindu Mahasabha spokesman Sharad Gupta said Godse’s urn, kept in Pune, would be brought to Sitapur through a “kalash yatra”.

The urn is with

Godse’s niece Himani Savarkar. The land identified for the temple belongs to one Kamlesh Tiwari, who claims to be the working president of Hindu Mahasabha.

Interestingly, the Mahasabha is mired in internal bickering, with many members claiming

to be real officebearers.

It’s the same plot of land on which the Bharat Mata Temple was to be built, Gupta said, adding that the Mahasabha had originally thought of approaching Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lay the foundation stone to the Bharat Mata temple.

“However, since the BJP is not showing much interest in the Hindu agenda like the Congress, the Hindu Mahasabha has decided to come up with a temple on Godse,” Gupta said.

Rajkot girl's device for painless insulin injections wins prize

Thousands of diabetics will have a reason to smile as they will be able to take their daily dose of insulin without feeling pain.

Rajkot girl Devina Kothari has developed an insulin delivery system that is virtually pain-free.

A graduate from CEPT University in Ahmedabad, with post-graduate degree in industrial design from Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB), Kothari feels that her design will benefit the children and teenagers the most. She was recently given the Red Dot Award, considered to be the ‘Oscar of Product Design’ by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, Essen, Germany, for the innovative insulin delivery system.

Kothari’s pain-free device is all set for commercial production by multi-national drug giant Sanofi. The device comprises of a close loop of two inter-connected units, one for monitoring the insulin level in the body and other to diffuse insulin. The monitoring unit has an embedded GPS with a microprocessor, LED display, physical connector and a stainless steel probe which functions as a biosensor and continuously detects and monitors the blood glucose level and the pulse rate.

Based on input from monitoring unit the diffusing unit releases insulin as per body requirement.

“The microprocessor is also connected with the

back-lit LED which displays the current glucometer reading, pulse rate, insulin content in the reservoir and the current battery reserve of the microprocessor,” Devina said while explaining the device.

The device is highly recommended for children, unconscious, handicapped, and dependent patients or those under intensive care as it monitors, delivers and alarms simultaneously without frequent human intervention, she said.

“Use of an array of microneedles for continuous transdermal diffusing of insulin is what make the process painfree,” Kothari said, adding that she got the idea from a mosquito bite.

Kerala girl becomes National Spell Bee champion

Quinquagenarian, a word that even adults may not be able to pronounce or spell with ease, was the winning word for 14-yearold Malavika Deepak at the seventh season of the Classmate Spell Bee. Malavika, from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Ottapalam, Palakkad, Kerala, was declared as national champion of India's largest spelling competition. The competition was conducted across India and engaged with more than 275,000 students across 800 schools in 30 cities by testing their mettle in English spellings.

This year it was themed `Every child is unique and so is every word'.

“I spent the last few weeks looking up online for new words and their meanings.For most words, I would try to break them and spell,” said Malavika.

An initiative by Radio Mirchi, the initial phase of the competition was an

intense on-ground exercise in schools. Next, the top 15 spellers from each school competed in the online city finals round.

After a city-level competition, the top 16 students from across the country fought it out in the national finals, which will be telecast on The Discovery Channel, Discovery Kids and Discovery Tamil pan India.

Hosted by actor Soha Ali Khan, the finals saw a nailbiting finish between Malavika and Mukund Choudhary of Krishna

Public School, Raipur, who emerged as the first runner-up at the contest.

“It is so inspiring to be among such young, bright minds. Today, when the young are getting hooked on to SMS lingo, it is great to see them care about spellings,” said Khan, who considers herself particular about English.“There have been times when I have interrupted my friends in the middle of a conversation and argument to correct a pronunciation, grammar or spellings,” she said.

BJP chief Amit Sha Sohrabud www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

A special CBI court in Mumbai discharged BJP President Amit Shah in the fake encounter case relating to killing of Sohrabuddin Sheikh and Tulsi Prajapati.

Shah was accused of being party to the conspiracy.

All charges were dropped against Shah after the special court accepted his discharge application. This means that Shah will not have to face trial in the case any more.

Taking into account the alleged threat to witnesses, the Supreme Court had transferred the trial of the case from Ahmedabad to Mumbai.

On November 10, 2014, the CBI court had granted exemption from appearance

Bodo ultras kill 76

National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit faction) militants shot dead at least 76 adivasis, including women and children, at five different places in Assam last week.

Later, the Army was called in to maintain law and order in the troubled areas. Police said the killings at Maitalubasti in Sonitpur district in northern Assam, bordering Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan. Twenty-three bodies were found in the area that is located inside the Pabhoi reserve forest.

Minutes after the attacks at Maitalubasti, the militants shot dead three persons at Pak hriguri village in Kokrajhar district in western Assam, bordering West Bengal, police added. The militants also targeted Ultapani village in Kokrajhar district from where six bodies were found.

Two more villages were attacked in Sonitpur district.

Ten people were found dead at Phulbari and six at Batasipur. All the five places

fall under the jurisdiction of the Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts (BTAD). Most of the adivasis living in the region are from Chhotanagpur Plateau and central India.

Additional DGP (special branch, Assam Police) Pallab Bhattacharya said, “We are still trying to ascertain the number of casualties.The places where the killings took

place are remote and close to the Bhutan border,” he added. On Monday, the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit faction) had warned the government of retaliatory attacks if the security forces did not stop operations against its men.

Bhattacharya said, “We had information that the outfit would carry out retaliatory attacks but it was difficult to

Assembly polls in Delhi may be scheduled in second or third week of February, with an announcement likely in the first week of January.

“The Delhi polls can be announced soon after the electoral rolls are published on January 5. They may be scheduled anytime before February 21, before the budget session of Parliament gets underway,” an EC functionary said.

Incidentally, the preparatory exercise for the polls has already begun, with deputy election commissioner Vinod Zutshi reviewing poll preparedness with the state chief electoral officer (CEO), district election officers (DEOs) and senior officers of Delhi Police.

Zutshi, during the review meeting, asked CEO Vijay Dev and DEOs to ensure error-free electoral rolls and launch a voter awareness drive asking voters to check their names in the final elec-

toral rolls due for publication on January 5.

Directing the DEOs and DCPs to undertake vulnerability mapping of polling stations in Delhi, Zutshi sought identification of critical polling stations and preparation of a security deployment plan for the ensuing election. DEOs were directed to ensure preparedness with regard to all areas of election management including manpower requirement, training of human resources and communication plan.

All DEOs and DCPs briefed the EC about the poll preparedness of their respective areas.

Kejriwal to run from New Delhi: Ending speculation about whether Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal would contest fresh assembly elections from the New Delhi constituency or chose to contest from elsewhere, the party officially announced his

name as its candidate from New Delhi.

Kejriwal had won this seat from former chief minister Sheila Dikshit last year by a massive margin and gone on to become the chief minister of Delhi. But the delay in announcing his name and a poster campaign

by AAP projecting a direct contest between him and BJP's former Janakpuri MLA Jagdish Mukhi led to rumours that Kejriwal might not contest from New Delhi.

“AAP had been very clear that Kejriwal would not desert his constituency even though other political parties tried hard to fuel rumours that his constituents were unhappy with him,” said a party source.

Seven other names have also been declared, with which AAP has so far revealed names of 59 candidates.

Sources said that one more list, probably the last, should also be out before year-end.

Delhi polls likely in February

h gets clean chit in ddin case www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

to BJP President Amit Shah, an accused in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, till the framing of charges.

Shah had sought permanent exemption but the court had granted him exemption only till the charges are framed, a stage which is followed by commencement of trial.

In September 2013, the CBI had chargesheeted Shah - the former Home Minister of Gujarat - and 18 others, including several police officers. Shah was charged with criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence and offences under the Arms Act. According to the CBI, Sohrabuddin Sheikh and his

wife Kauser Bi were kidnapped by Gujarat's AntiTerrorism Squad in November 2005 and killed in a fake encounter. The Gujarat Police had claimed Sohrabuddin had links with Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Tayiba and planned to assassinate important political leaders.

A year later in December 2006, Tulsiram Prajapati, a witness to the encounter, was killed by the Gujarat Police, who claimed he had been trying to escape from custody.

The CBI alleges that Shah, who was Gujarat's home minister at the time, was involved in both killings as the police reported to him.

Shah, who was in the

Gujarat cabinet led by then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, stepped down in 2010 after he was arrested in the case. He got bail three months later. The CBI had said that Tulsiram Prajapati, an eyewitness to the fake encounter, was also killed by the police in another fake encounter at Chapri village in Banaskantha district of Gujarat in December 2006.

Both cases are being heard simultaneously in the Mumbai Court.

CBI has charge-sheeted 37 accused including Shah, who was Minister of State for Home of Gujarat when these encounters had taken place, and several police officers in the two cases.

pinpoint the locations.”

A source said, “The NDFB (Songbijit faction) might have targeted the adivasis suspecting them of passing on information about its cadre to police.”

Meanwhile, the Army and security forces stepped up counter-insurgency operations against the militants amid reports of Assam police's failure to prevent the

killings despite prior intelligence specifying date, time and location of the attacks.The state government insisted the intelligence inputs came too close to the attacks, allowing it little time to tighten security.

More than 5,000 adivasis and Bodos left their homes and took shelter in schools and churches in Sonitpur and affected district. Agriculture minister Nilamani Sen Deka, in Kokrajhar to oversee relief operations, said there were are about 3,000 inmates from both the communities in six relief camps in the district.

The National Investigation Agency will probe the killings, said Union home minister Rajnath Singh after a meeting with Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi.

Singh, accompanied by MoS home Kiren Rijiju, took stock of the situation and said the massacre should be treated as an “act of terror.” “The Union home minister directed security forces to deal firmly with the outfit and

treat it as a terrorist group,” a source said.

Defence PRO Lt Col S Newton said 10 Army columns, called in following a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gogoi, were deployed in the troubled areas of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Sonitpur and Udalguri districts.

“Special area domination patrols have been deployed.

Senior Army officers are supervising the operations and helping the civil administration and Assam police,” he said. Aerial surveillance by Army helicopters are in service, he added. “We're going all out against the militants. I had a discussion with the Prime Minister and the Centre has directed the Army to take out the militants,“ said Gogoi.

“The Centre has also sent us 55 companies of paramilitary forces. The militants have taken shelter in Bhutan and Myanmar and AP ,” he added.

The Bharatiya Janata Party leader Raghuvar Das was sworn in as Chief Minister of Jharkhand in Ranchi on Sunday. Three BJP MLAs and one of the All-Jharkhand Students’ Union were sworn in as Ministers.

Governor Syed Ahmed administered the oath of office to them. Das is the first Chief Minister of the State from outside a tribal community.

Neelkanth Munda, C.P. Singh and Louis Marandi from the BJP and Chandraprakash Chaudhury from the AJSU are the new Ministers. More Ministers are likely to be appointed as, by law, the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly allows a 12-strong Cabinet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah could not attend the swearing-in as dense fog in Delhi upset their travel plans.

Union Ministers Venkaiah Naidu and Radha Mohan Singh; Union Ministers of State Sudarshan Bhagat and Jayant Sinha; and Raman Singh and Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Ministers of Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, attended the function. The former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, was present.

The 14-year-old State of Jharkhand has a coalition government with an absolute majority for the first time, with the BJP securing 37 seats and the AJSU bagging five in the Assembly election.

Nine governments have ruled the State, and President’s Rule was imposed thrice.

After the swearing-in, Das went to the Karmatoli locality of Ranchi and wielded a broom to initiate the Swachh Bharat campaign in the State. He later attended

a meeting with top officials in the Secretariat.

The appointment of Chaudhury, 45, as Minister has raised eyebrows as he faced corruption charges while he was a member of the Madhu Koda Cabinet from September 2006 to August 2008.

In August 2010, the Jharkhand High Court ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the assets of Koda, Chaudhury and other Ministers. Again, the CBI raided his house and office in May 2012 for his alleged involvement in a cash-for-vote scam during the Rajya Sabha elections.

In 2009, Income Tax officials raided the house of Manoj Kumar Singh, former personal assistant to Chaudhury, and reportedly unearthed details of fixed deposits of Rs 140 million in banks.

6 people in Assam

Raghuvar Das assumes office as Jharkhand CM

INDIA 17

50 global CEOs confirm Vibrant participation

More than 50 top global CEOs and more than 30 senior political leaders of various countries have confirmed their participation in the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit (VGS). The Global CEO Conclave will be held on January 11. The Gujarat Government is awaiting confirmation from a number of other CEOs and political heads.

Among the CEOs who have confirmed their participation so far are Vittorio Colao, Vodafone Group CEO; Osamu Suzuki, chairman & CEO, Suzuki Motors Corporation, Japan; Gin Yong Cai, CEO, International Finance Corporation (IFC), USA; Kazuaki Kama, chairman, IHI Corporation Japan; Ahmad Chatlia, CEO, Sun

Edition, USA; Sunil Kumar, Booth School Management, University of Chicago, USA; Sam Walsh, CEO, Rio Tinto, Australia; Anita George, Sr Director (Energy), World Bank, USA; Kandeh Yumkella, CEO, Sustainable Energy for All, Vienna, UN; Michel Benezit, special advisor to chairman & CEO, Total SA, France; Johannes Teyssel, CEO, Eonse, Germany; David Schoch, president Asia Pacific, Ford Motors, USA; Hamad Rashid AlMohannadi, chief executive officer, RasGas; Go Watanabe, CEO, Bank of Tokyo; Jaspal Bindra, CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, USA; Ajay Banga, CEO, MasterCard; Stephen Schwarzman, chairman and CEO,

Blackstone Group; Peter J Coleman, CEO and managing director, Woodside Energy, Australia; James P Gorman, CEO, Morgan Stanley and Jo Chi Tsou, chairman & chief executive officer, China Steel Global Trading Corp.

Among the politicians and other dignitaries, USA Secretary of State, John Kerry; UN SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon, Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay; Israel's agriculture minister Yair Shamir; John Baird, Canada's minister for foreign affairs, Andrew John Robb, Australia's minister for trade and investment; President of the Republic of Macedonia, Gjorge Ivanov and S Iswaran, Singapore's minister have confirmed their participation.

Ahead of the annual Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas, the Modi government assured the NRI community that it is working on providing them voting rights.

“EC is working on it, there are two suggestions proxy voting or electronic voting machines (EVMs) be kept in embassies or they may come and vote.

They will soon come up with a solution,” external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said while addressing a press conference on the upcoming event.

Parliament had in 2010 passed the Representation of People (Amendment) Bill, 2010 to allow NRIs to vote in Indian elections. An estimated 11 million NRIs are living in various countries across the world.

The 13th edition of the three-day PBD event beginning January 7 has a

special significance this year as it will also commemorate the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa.

The government on Monday has assured the NRI community that it is working on providing them voting rights just ahead of the Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the conclave on January 8 while President

Pranab Mukherjee will confer Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards to distinguished overseas Indians on January 9. external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said around 3,000 delegates from the diaspora community from across the world are likely to participate in the event being organized by the ministry of overseas Indian affairs along with Gujarat government.

NRI doctors will soon be able to bridge - to some extent - the gap created by the shortage of 1700,000 doctors in India. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is going to sign an MoU with Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO) to facilitate their short-stint practice in India.

Currently, only Indian citizens are allowed to practise in the country, while NRI doctors are permitted to work only for teaching, research and charitable purposes with prior approval of the Medical Council of India (MCI).

Addressing the 89th national conference on

IMA NATCON 2014, World Medical Association president Dr Ketan Desai said: “The Centre will put the draft of new health policy in public domain in January first week. The government has assured us that we will also be consulted for policy drafting and not just implementation.”

With stricter health policy and norms on cards, Dr K K Aggarwal who took over as IMA honorary secretary general said: “We will have a digital code of conduct next year restricting advertisement on social media and will also restrict doctors from adding patients in FB friends list. Plus, there will be a cap on e-consulta-

tions. We will send a draft of IMA proposals to the Centre in January.” To curb corruption, IMA is drafting ethical and unethical codes. “Only medicine samples will be allowed. If a doctor is found accepting other gifts, his licence will be suspended. We have proposed a uniform code for doctors, pharma firms and corporate houses. If corporate houses do not follow norms, we will boycott them,” he said, adding that there will be restriction on irrational prescription of drugs by medicos.

IMA, and Healthcare Foundation of India, will also provide financial support to any girl with congenital heart defects.

Govt working on voting rights for NRIs

NRI docs may be allowed to practise in India soon

18

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

Dear Financial Voice Reader, Each year for the past 10 years I pick stocks I like for a 12 month holding period. (If any drops 25% during the year, I sell it and hold cash). These names come up from my award winning software: Sharescope Alpesh Patel Special Edition (www.sharescope.co.uk/alpesh) and over the past decade I have outperformed by 300% Warren Buffett.

Bellway, Card Factory, Clipper, ISG, Maintel, Plus 500, Ryanair, Smith, Smirfit, Travis Perkins ‘But is this a good time for a novice to invest’?

‘But is this a good time for a novice to invest in the market’ asked a friend on Facebook. A brilliant question. Here are 7 reasons why the answer is yes, and remember, I am not trying to sell you a fund, so am not biased.

Reason 1: Even experts don’t know the best time to invest. Trying to pick the best time to invest is seductive but notoriously difficult. Want to know how bad experts are? Just look at their returns on any league table. They often don’t beat bank accounts. Sometimes they don’t beat the mattress. That means a novice can rely on themselves without too much of a disadvantage.

Reason 2: You don’t have to buy rubbish: Yes at the time of writing in the last 6 months, big name companies are down over 50%, others have risen so much you question whether to invest at all. And these are big brands. But that is the point. We can be very selective, choose carefully and buy and hold. Of course someone has to teach us how to do that. But the point is, just because you hear of stock crashes, does not mean you ever needed to have bought them. With some careful stock picking you could have avoided the stinkers. Still worried? Try an index tracker – see below.

Reason 3: All stocks don’t drop in bad markets: Sure for a while when markets plummet everything stinks. But cream rises over time. We have to ensure we are looking at cream. To do this we use some time criteria. That way we sleep like babies in the difficult times knowing we own quality. Now wouldn’t that be exciting?

Reason 4: It is easier than ever for a novice to toedip: With the internet, brokerage costs are so low, that even if you start with as little as 500 euros, dollars, pounds – it does not eat too large into your investment.

So you can start small. What’s the rush? No one is switching off the market. But this is an important point.

Private investors lose money when they are in a rush to make a lot.

Reason 5: Searching for good stocks using simple criteria is easier than ever: You want a large company that is growing its sales every year for the past three years and its valuation is one of the lowest of all companies on the stock market and it pays dividends at a rate beating bank accounts. That is just an example. It used to take hours to get this kind of data. Now you can do it in seconds.

For instance see www.sharescope.co.uk/alpesh or http://www.google.com/finance/stockscreener Reason 6: When is a good time? Surely you don’t think a good time is when a market has just rallied?

Then people would argue, ‘is this a good time?’ or what about after it has rallied and rallied and is ready to burst. That is when everyone gets in. That is a called a top. So what are you left with. Logically, you say when it is falling. Or as Warren Buffett put it, buy when others are afraid and sell when they are greedy. Well people are definitely afraid now.

Reason 7: Products mean instant simple diversification: Products such as exchange traded funds, which track indices, mean you can follow 500 stocks by owning just one. These are relatively cheap to buy and own.

So there you have it.

India gets one more month to sign FATCA

The government can breathe easy for a little while, with the United States giving India and some other countries another month to sign the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), an agreement that will result in greater flow of financial information.

The agreement is stuck

following Supreme Court's observations related to the government signing multilateral and bilateral agreements on information flow. In the absence of an agreement all remittances from the US would be hit as they would be subjected to 30% tax. So, an exporter can hope to get $70 on an order of $100.

Modi rules out privatisation of railways

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ruled out privatising the Railways and asserted that his aim was to ensure growth and modernization of the state run transporter through private investment, and not public funds.

He said public funds, which are the property of the poor, should be used to fulfill their basic needs including health and education. Modi, who was in Varanasi to oversee the progress of several projects being undertaken in his constituency, linked the Railways to his ‘Make in India’ campaign.

He said the Railways would never be privatised and termed reports about it as complete rumour.

The nod to FDI for segments in Railways had triggered apprehension that the government would privatise the state run transport giant.

“Railway is my love and its employees are my family,” Modi said in Varanasi, where he arrived earlier in the day to observe ‘Good Governance Day’ to mark former Prime Minister

Atal Behari Vajpayee’s birthday.

He said private investment would be used to modernise Railways and make it service-oriented, so that it could become an engine of growth for the nation. The PM also said the postal and railway networks could be leveraged to become drivers of rural development.

Modi said opening of four railways’ universities was part of his plans to modernise the sector with help of other countries.

“Railways would emerge as a platform to generate employment for the country’s youth,’’ he said.

The revenue department has got cracking to get its field officers to mobilize more resources during the last 100 days of the financial year as the government faces a tax shortfall of over Rs 1,000 billion. Revenue secretary Shaktikanta Das discussed ways to mop up more resources during a video conference with 50 income tax chief commissioners. A weak corporate sector performance has got the department to ask the direct tax field formations, especially in Mumbai, to accelerate efforts to meet the targets. Barring Delhi, most centres are a little behind the asking rate on the direct tax side, prompting North Block to step in early to avert any possibility of lower-than-budgeted collections. The Mid-Term Economic Analysis has estimated that the government may have overprojected revenue collections

by Rs 1,100 billion with the majority of the shortfall on account of customs and excise duty estimated at around Rs 690 billion. But, it acknowledged that hefty refund payments to clear arrears of close to three years and weaker than expected economic recovery may result in a shortfall of around Rs 360 billion on the direct tax front.

Customers Bancorp, Inc. the parent company of Customers Bank, announced its intention to transfer the listing of its Voting Common Stock, $1 par value per share, and its 6.375% Senior Notes Due 2018, from the NASDAQ Global Select Market to the New York Stock Exchange.

Customers’ Voting Common Stock and Senior Notes have been approved for listing on the NYSE and are expected to commence trading on the NYSE on December 30, 2014 under the ticker symbols “CUBI,” for the voting common stock, and “CUBS,” for the Senior Notes. Until the transfer is complete, Customers’ Voting Common Stock will continue to trade on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “CUBI,” and the Senior Notes will continue to trade on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol “CUBIL.” “Listing Customers’ shares on the NYSE represents an important milestone for us,” said Jay Sidhu, Chairman and CEO of Customers. “We now join the many prominent banks that trade on, and benefit from, NYSE's

IT dept told to step up tax collection

Loan waivers didn't help farmers: Rajan

The Prime Minister added railways’ resources were going to be utilized for skill development programmes. “Skill development centers are being proposed at small railway stations that would to be connected with railway universities,’’ he said.

Modi was speaking at Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) after flagging off a high capacity locomotive. He later inaugurated a project for the expansion of DLW. Earlier, the Prime Minister called for making India the largest producer of teachers to meet the world’s demand at a function to pay tributes to Banaras Hindu University (BHU) founder Madan Mohan Malaviya. The Centre named Malviya along with Atal Behari Vajpayee for the Bharat Ratna award. The Prime Minister said a new four or five-year course would be started that would merge undergraduate and BEd programmes to produce quality teacher.

Debt waiver schemes of central and state governments have not benefited farmers as they restricted credit flow subsequently, Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan said. “Studies have shown that debt waiver programmes have been ineffective, constraining credit flow to farmers after their loans were waived off,” Rajan said at a conference in Udaipur. Concerned over farmers' suicides, arising partly out of their inability to pay back loans, Rajan said there was a need to study if they were caused by indebtedness or “other factors.” He recalled that waivers were declared for farmers in Andhra Pradesh after cyclone Phailin made landfall in October 2013.

Referring to subsidies in the agriculture sector, the RBI governor said it would be worth studying if they (subsidies) have actually helped farmers. “The concern is if the benefit in the form of cheap credit to agriculture is being put to right use or leading to overindebtedness,” Rajan added.

innovative and proven market model. We believe that listing on the NYSE will further raise the profile of our company and provide support and visibility for our current and future shareholders as we continue to deliver solid financial performance.”

Scott Cutler, NYSE, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Listings, commented, “We welcome Customers Bank to the NYSE community of leading listed companies and we look forward to partnering with the Company and its shareholders as they transition to our platform, which combines leading technology with the human participation of designated market makers.”

In recognition of the transfer, representatives from Customers will ring the NYSE Closing Bell at 4 pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2015.

Institutional Background: C u s t o m e r s Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company located in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania engaged in banking and related b u s i n e s s e s through its bank subsidiary, Customers Bank. Customers Bank is a community-based, fullservice bank with assets of approximately $6.5 billion. A member of the Federal Reserve System and deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Customers Bank provides a range of banking services to small and medium-sized businesses, professionals, individuals and families through offices in Pennsylvania, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Jersey. Committed to fostering customer loyalty, Customers Bank uses a High Tech strategy that includes use of industryleading technology to provide customers better access to their money, as well as a continually expanding portfolio of loans to small businesses, multi-family projects, mortgage companies and consumers.

Customers Bancorp announces transfer of its listing to NYSE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

Crossing the line

REAL ESTATE VOICE

19

A few days ago we finally sold the last flat from a block of 14 flats we had purchased. The property was completed on the 31st March 2014, we had agreed a two month period between exchange and completion.

This gave us enough time to resell one of the flats on the completion date and had several more under offer by the time we got to completion.

The property was called Newman Court and was on Castlebar Rd, Ealing, W5. It was one of the most well-built blocks I had seen, the property had 14 car parking spaces located on the front and a rear garden too. The developer had put his heart into this project and hadn’t cheaped out in the way he built. All the rooms were well proportioned and the communal areas wide and well maintained.

The deal was agreed in January 2014 and I was asked to come and view a freehold block of 14 properties, in a prime road in Ealing called Castlebar Rd. The deal was through an agent but was off market. We met the owner, an old school Irish gentleman, who had clearly made some money in his time.

The property was built well, and he didn’t try and reduce the square footage to the bare minimum to try and squeeze more units in. The properties were large, light and airy, many came with balconies.

Th e seller was o ld schoo l and we were eager to do the d eal the re an d t hen kno wing ho w h ot th is area was. One of t he reasons for this is we had bee n o ffered this property by anothe r age nt f or £6m. This ag ent had n’t even se en the propert y and was coming t o se e the pro perty afte r us so t hey cou ld agree the d eal f or a l ot less and th en flip it back on to us. Hen ce we we re kee n t o c lose t he d eal t here and t hen before they c ame.

Th is is t he sn eak y and inc est uous wo rld o f property, espe cially in prime part s of L ondo n.

However being an old boy he refused to shake hands with us, and commit there and then knowing there was a viewing later on. As it transpired the vendor took an instant dislike to the other party who came across very egotistical and inquisitive; he simply didn’t want to deal with them. We were consequently able to secure the contract on this and then had it pulled. However after we agreed the deal a fellow property trader whom we have done plenty of business with contacted us and we got talking; The conversation went like this, “Are you looking at anything?”, “Yes there’s a block of flats somewhere in Ealing we are looking to buy.” .......silence. “Is that a new build block in Casltebar Rd?”.....”Yes how did you know?”

Apparently they wanted to purchase the property and had the offer agreed for the same price, but they never received the contract - we had.

They were not prepared to let the deal go.

We purchased this property for £5.65m, paying about £400k per flat.

The property qualifies for a multiple dwelling relief on stamp duty therefore we paid only 3% on the block as opposed to 7% it would have attracted if it was done as one dwelling.

As soon as we exchanged, we moved quickly into action appointing the two most aggressive agents in the area for the individual resells. The flats were getting sold quite quickly, but as we had completed we wanted as close to asking price as possible for each of the flats.

In terms of buyers, we were not looking for the First Time buyer or the novice investor, we wanted someone who could execute the deal quickly and would not ask silly questions along the way. Our plan was to keep the conditions of sale strict, a deposit to be taken when the price has been agreed, exchange will happen within 7 days and completion within 28 days. There is no reason why all sales cannot be done in this way, this ensures there is some level of seriousness and security for both sides. Auctions operate in this manner and also new build properties as well. However what happens often is files are kept on a lawyer’s desk and they do not move in a hurry.

When we are flipping a property, meaning reselling the property prior to completion, we would be prepared to give a discount from the open market value. This is due to several reasons, firstly we have only put 10% into the deal, secondly we have not paid the arrangement fee for financing or the stamp duty, and thirdly we have a time pressure on us. Once we cross the threshold of completion and the money is already spent then we have all the time to achieve top money for each of the flats.

Two th in gs can h appe n, one is we compete an d t he hig hest bidd er wins, or more sen sibly we agre e to work toget her an d purchase the property at the agree d price . We went with t he sen sible option and agreed the latte r, so we purchased the block t hrough the fu nd we had lau nched .

The area of Ealing is going up heavily, there is major regeneration going on in this location, and it is rare to find properties which have been so well made and designed with a discount of this level. Properties are selling fast at current market values and therefore there exists no reason to give any discounts.

New Year Plans

Currently we are managing assets in excess of £50m and are looking to launch a new fund listed on the London Exchange of £40m. This will allow us to have a purchasing ability of £80m.

In the end we sold all the flats totaling £6.9m, n etting us a good prof it. Fun ding had been pre arrange d on this deal at 80% LTV this me an s we put in £1. 12m in to th e deal. Th is is the be aut y with property deals, it’ s easy to ge t fu nding fo r deals. This allowed us to more than do uble our money. You can not ge t t his level of borro wing fo r an y business de al you may have. This is one of th e great t hings about property, mo ney can be made using the bank’s money and very lit tle of your own .

l In 2015 our emphasis will be more in holding on to large blocks of flats long term. We feel this will be more in tune with the market.

Of course trading properties will still be going on in the background, but the main objective will be to hold onto stock.

The property was bought in the vehicle of a fund we had set up in December 2013. This combined with another block we purchased in Earls Court have been a couple of the transactions the fund has completed on and resold on, all within the first year. The second property was a block of flats in Earls Court on the sunny side of Nevern Sq. Both areas are increasing heavily in price. Earls Court is attracting probably the heaviest investment in all of London. These two blocks have been resold but holding stock like this is also very profitable. The fund has been designed to have a short shelf life designed to give investors a high return in a short space of time thereby laying the foundations for our next fund which we will be launching next year where we will be looking to raise £40m, this will be listed on the main stock market in London. So investors will benefit from the transparency and regulation this brings, as well as being able to cash in their investment any time they wish.

l The range of current set of investors vary from someone as little as £25k and upwards. l We have various ways of working and are keen to build relationships and are open to working with other parties and introducers.

be particularly aggressive this coming year and realise the importance of building good workable relationships with those who have the same values as us.

l If you feel there is some common ground why not have a chat with us, we are going to

If you find this exciting, we are just a phone call away!!

0207 993 0103

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

Specialists in

Central London Property Sourcing

info@sowandreap.co.uk

www.sowandreap.co.uk

55 Bryanston Street, Marble Arch Tower, London, W1H 7AA

Follow us online:

Sowandreapuk

SowandReapProperties

Tips of the Week

l Investing in bricks and mortar means the investment is real, hence it cannot simply disappear, like non tangible investments such as stocks and shares. Moreover property provides a good long-term gain and you can expect it to deliver regular income too. l Control your emotions. When it comes to an investment property try not to mix it with your personal preferences, don't think how your family will fit into the rooms a few years down the road, keep the two separate.

20

BUSINESS

PM Modi lauds 'Make in India' workshop, Jaitley urges RBI rate cut

Sending a clear signal to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to cut interest rates, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley called for increasing the flow of funds in the market at a workshop in New Delhi on 'Make in India' described by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an example of "minimum government, maximum governance".

Inaugurating the highprofile workshop on the government's 'Make in India' programme, Jaitley said: "The cost of capital and, I think, in recent months or years, is one singular factor which has contributed to the slowdown of manufacturing growth itself."

"The credit offtake is slow, infrastructure creation becomes slower, the manufacturers find it difficult to afford costly capital, because it is going to add to each one of their costs.

And, therefore, this is one area where each one of us has to be concerned about," he added.

The prime minister said his government was adding a new paradigm to the public private partnership (PPP) model by involving all stakeholders in key decision-making processes.

"This workshop was an example of openness, and working together to achieve desired goals. The decisions taken at this workshop would have taken years in normal course," Modi said at the concluding session.

GDP growth to improve in 2015-16: Jaitley

India's economic growth is expected to pick up in the current fiscal and will be "much better" in 201516, finance minister Arun Jaitley said. "The last two years witnessed an economic slowdown. This year may be somewhat better, and next year will be much better," he said.

Indian economy was growing at over 9 per cent for three years before it was impacted by the global financial crisis of 2008.

The growth rate fell to sub-5 per cent in the last two consecutive fiscals 2012-13 and 2013-14. In the first half of the current fiscal, it improved to 5.5 per cent, up from 4.9 per cent recorded in 2013-14 fiscal. The government expects the GDP growth to be 5.5 per cent in 2014-15, up from 4.7 per cent recorded last year. Minister of commerce and industry Nirmala Sitharaman said India is among the few countries for which IMF has upgraded its growth outlook. IMF in October has projected India's GDP expansion at 5.6 per cent in 2014-15.

Industry's pitch for rate cuts and economic reforms has become sharper with factory output registering a negative 4.2 per cent growth during October as compared to last year, even as retail inflation eased to a historic low of 4.38 per cent in November.

The RBI has maintained the benchmark repo rate - the rate at which banks borrow from it since January this year.

The 'Make in India' campaign was launched by Modi on Sept 25, promising the investors, domestic and overseas, an environment conducive to turn the country into a manufacturing hub and, in turn, create job opportunities for at least 100 million youths.

The 25 sectors identified for advancing the 'Make in India' programme made presentations at the day-long workshop, titled 'Sectoral Perspectives and Initiatives', featuring ministers, industries and state chief secretaries.

A total of 18 sessions

were held on the 25 sectors including chemicals, oil and gas, petrochemicals, capital goods, pharmaceutical, food processing, tourism, aviation, automobile, aerospace, defence production and skill development.

The sector-specific sessions at the workshop are required to prepare action plans for one and three years. Representatives of Ford India, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, state-run enterprises, the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) participated in the workshop.

Voicing industry sentiments, FICCI president Jyotsna Suri said: "We are entrepreneurial by nature.

Give us a conducive environment, a rational tax regime and capital at a reasonable cost, and just see how we unleash the lion of the 'Make in India' programme."

Rejecting the con-

tention of economists against India adopting an export-led growth path, Jaitley said the 'Make in India' programme is about manufacturing quality products at low costs, and is not relevant to whether these are sold in India or abroad.

"Whether 'Make in India' is made for consumers within India or outside is not so relevant. The principle today says that consumers across the world like to purchase products which are cheaper and are of good quality.

They hire services which are cheaper and good quality," the finance minister said, referring to the changes wrought by globalisation.

Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that while foreign direct investment inflows into India rose by about a quarter during April-October, a number of challenges remained in making the country a global manufacturing hub.

Nadella meets Modi, promises to invest more in India

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

Indian pharma firms barred from enticing doctors

Indian pharma companies have been barred from doling out freebies to doctors from January to prescribe their medicines. After an inordinate delay, the government has woken up to again curb unethical marketing practices of pharma companies by spelling out a uniform code of conduct for the industry.

The code will be voluntary to start with, and kicks in from January 1, 2015. It will be reviewed after six months, and if not implemented “effectively”, the government will “consider” making it mandatory. At present, the pharma industry follows a “self-regulatory” code that curbs unethical sales promotion and marketing expenses, bans personal gifts, and allexpense paid junkets for doctors and their families, but there have been several instances where companies have violated the code, industry experts say.

Many say that it exists only on paper as companies try to influence prescriptions through several ways.

This is the first time in years that the code has been finalized by the government, as earlier attempts to do so got mired in the bureaucratic red tape. The govern-

ment had first decided to ban these through a uniform code in 2008-2009, but the exercise was futile as the pharma associations did not agree to it.

When contacted, Indian Drug M a n u f a c t u re r s Association secretary general Daara Patel said, “The code seems to be strict. We are in consultations with the government. If we cannot educate about a particular medicine or disseminate information, how will doctors know about it.”

Industry body IDMA, representing certain domestic companies and OPPI, which represents MNCs, have their own “self-regulatory” codes in place, drawn up a couple of years back, and revised again in 2013. Industry experts say that the government's `Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices' for pharma companies has been modelled on the Medical Council of India (MCI) guidelines for doctors and healthcare professionals, which were further tightened in 2012.

The code talks about banning gifts, hospitality, medical samples, medical grants, and clarifies the relationship with healthcare professionals.

Foreign investors have put in $2 billion in the Indian capital markets in December till date, taking this year's total inflows to a whopping $42 billion since January, latest data showed. Net investment by overseas investors into Indian equities stood at $116 million during Dec 126, while total inflows into the debt market for the period were $1.94 billion.

The debt market attracted most of the funds this month, and investment in equities was just $116 million.

Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have invested heavily into the debt market with an exposure of $$26.4 billion, while $16.40 billion have been poured into the equities markets. Encouraged by recent governmentbacked reforms and the hope of a strong revival in

India's growth, foreign investors have pumped in more than $42.44 billion into the Indian equities and debt markets.

The foreign institutional investors (FIIs) along with sub-accounts and qualified foreign investors have been clubbed together by market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to create a new investor category called FPIs. This is the first time after 2010 that the country has witnessed such a robust in-bound flow. In 2010, India attracted a net investment of $39.38 billion. This year, the mark was overtaken even before the year ended. With strong fundamentals and expectations of more reforms, the foreign investors have been attracted to the Indian markets.

Indian capital markets attracting foreign investors

The high-profile visits by global tech honchos with Prime Minister Narendra Modi continue. After Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon's Jeff Bezos, it was the turn of Microsoft chief and India-born Satya Nadella to come calling in the corridors of power in Delhi.

Nadella met Modi, finance minister Arun Jaitley and telecom and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, promising further engagements and investments in India.

Nadella also said the company was keen to part-

ner the government's programmes like `Digital India' and would provide assistance wherever required.The Microsoft boss discussed modernization and security of the government's digital infrastructure, among other issues. “It was a courtesy visit. Microsoft is the company that is a multinational but is operating in India for India and Indian businesses... In every meeting both `Digital India' and `Make in India' are top of the mind for us in terms of our contribution to India,” Nadella said after his meet-

ing with Jaitley.

Sources said Nadella had informed Jaitley that Microsoft was keen on “investing more” in India.

Microsoft said it was keen on collaborating with the government in providing last mile net connectivity, through Wi-Fi. Nadella shared his ideas on modernization of government, stating that Microsoft can help build secure government-controlled digital infrastructure.

Other issues like data security and domestic electronic manufacturing were also discussed.

CURRENCY VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

21

Foreign Exchange

Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX,

Bad year for UK companies Currency Specialists.

GBP It has been a bad year for UK companies trying to accurately predict their profits. According to a report by financial services firm EY, the number of profit warnings issued by the UK's largest listed companies in 2014 was higher than in any year since the height of the financial crisis.

During the 12 months to midDecember this year, 87 profit warnings were issued by FTSE 350 companies – 12 more than were issued in 2013. The last time this number was exceeded was in 2008, when 90 warnings were issued. In terms of the number of companies issuing warnings, this amounted to approximately one in five – a higher proportion than in any year since 2008.

Of all the major companies that have issued warnings this year, Tesco has suffered the most.

In December, it issued its fourth warning in six months as its business continued to be affected by trading inaccuracies. But for the majority of companies issuing warnings, the cause was poor performance in the energy and mining.

The Bank of England’s financial policy committee said that it’s worried that the fall in crude prices could fuel geopolitical

risks. They also point out it could also drive the Eurozone closer to deflation. This is relevant in many economies in Eurozone where core inflation is already weak. Low headline readings would further depress expectations of future inflation. This, in turn, could result in slower rates of growth of nominal incomes, increasing the burden of existing debts.

Household spending drove Britain's economic recovery once again in the third quarter despite a slight fall in disposable incomes and weaker business investment growth than previously reported, official data showed.

GDP grew by 0.7 percent in the July-September period from the second quarter, in line with a previous estimate and slowing only a bit from a revised 0.8 percent between April and June.

Household spending rose 0.9 percent from the April-June period, and was the main driver of growth.

EUR Consumer confidence in the Eurozone came in slightly better than expected, although still in negative territory. According to an initial estimate from the European Commission, consumer confidence in the

Eurozone rose to -10.9 from a revised -11.5 in November.

Analysts had been expecting a figure of -11.

USD The dollar matched a two-year high versus the euro amid speculation the Federal Reserve will increase interest rates as early as April while other major central banks maintain monetary stimulus.

During Fridays trading gauge of the U.S. currency was about 0.2 percent from the highest level in more than five years before reports on Tuesday that analysts said will show America’s economic growth quickened and orders for durable goods rose for the month of December.

The US housing market recovery is starting to look a little rocky. After two consecutive months of increases, sales of existing homes fell to a six month low in November. The National Association of Realtors said they dropped 6.1% to an annual rate of 4.93m units. The forecast was a figure of 5.2m. October’s sales rise was revised slightly down from 5.26m units to 5.25m.

Orders for U.S. durable goods unexpectedly declined in November as corporate investment stagnated and demand

weakened for military equipment. Bookings for goods meant to last at least three years decreased 0.7 percent, the third decline in four months, a Commerce Department report showed in Washington.

Business demand for computers, metals and electrical equipment declined or was little changed last month as the global economy cools. Orders for motor vehicles increased, underscoring a pick-up in household spending that helped spur the economy in the third quarter.

The U.S. economy was boosted in the third quarter as consumer and business spending fuelled the biggest expansion in more than a decade. Gross domestic product grew at a 5 percent annual rate from July through September, the biggest advance since the third quarter of 2003 and up from a previously estimated 3.9 percent, revised figures showed on Thursday. The median forecast of economists surveyed projected a 4.3 percent increase in GDP. Consumer spending is poised to grow in 2015 as stronger employment and lower gasoline prices boost household buying power, one reason why the Federal Reserve will probably raise interest rates next year.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 30th December 2014 @ 2.30pm GBP - INR = 98.58

USD - INR = 63.36 EUR - INR = 77.13 GBP - USD = 1.56 GBP - EUR = 1.28

EUR - USD = 1.22 GBP - AED = 5.71

GBP - CAD = 1.81

GBP - NZD = 1.98

GBP - AUD = 1.90

GBP - ZAR = 18.03

GBP - HUF = 402.43

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Information provided by RationalFX. None of the information on this page constitutes, nor should be construed as financial advice. The exchange rates used are the commercial foreign exchange rates provided by RationalFX. For a live quote or to find out more about how RationalFX can help you, call us on 0207 220 8181.

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22

WORLD

ISIS jihadis forced to face victims' kin on TV show

Baghdad: Haider Ali Motar was convicted of terrorism charges about a month ago for helping to carry out a string of Baghdad car bombings on behalf of the ISIS extremist group. Now, the 21-year old is a reluctant cast member in a popular reality TV show. “In the Grip of the Law,” brings convicted terrorists face-to-face with victims in surreal encounters and celebrates the country's beleaguered security forces.

The show, produced by state-run Iraqiyya TV, is among dozens of programmes, cartoons and musical public service announcements aimed at shoring up support for the troops after their humiliating defeat last summer at the hands of the ISIS group, which now controls about a third of the country. On a chilly, overcast day last week, the crew arrived at the scene of one

Pakistan to expedite terror case trials

Islamabad: Pakistan said it would set up military courts for terror-related cases, as part of an ambitious anti-terrorism plan following the deadly Taliban school attack that killed 150 people in Peshawar.

In a midnight address to the nation after almost 11 hours of deliberations with leaders of political parties, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said strong action was needed to root out extremism and warned no mercy would be shown to those behind attacks.

He announced the establishment of military courts as part of the 17-point plan of action - a week after a six year moratorium on the death penalty was lifted for terror cases in the wake of the deadliest assault by militants in Pakistani history. “Special courts, headed by the officers of armed forces, will be established for the speedy trial of terrorists,” he said. The special courts will operate for two years.

“The Peshawar atrocity has changed Pakistan, we need to eradicate the mindset of terrorism to be able to defeat extremism and sectarianism,” said Sharif in his televised speech. “This horrendous attack has shaken the nation... the terrorists struck the future of this country, when they murdered those children.” The plan also includes cutting financial aid to terrorists and preventing banned organizations from operating with new names. He also announced the formation of special anti-terrorism force and regularization of religious seminaries known as madrassas.

of the attacks for which Motar was convicted, with a heavily armed escort in eight military pick-up trucks and Humvees.

Passing cars clogged the road to watch the drama unfold, but were quickly shooed away by soldiers.

After being pulled from an armoured vehicle, a shackled Motar found himself face-to-face with the seething relatives of the victims of the attack. “Give him to me -I'll tear him to pieces,” one of the relatives roared from behind a barbed wire barrier.

A cameraman pinned a microphone on Motar's bright yellow prison jumpsuit as he stood alongside a busy Baghdad highway looking bewildered. “Say something,” the cameraman said to him. “What am I supposed to say?” a visibly panicked Motar asked.

Once the cameras were rolling, the show's host Ahmed Hassan quizzed the still-shackled prisoner.

When Motar was confronted by one of the victims, a young man in a wheelchair who lost his father in one of the attacks, the convict

began weeping, as the cameras rolled. Iraq has seen near-daily car bombs and other attacks for more than a decade, both before and after the withdrawal of USled troops at the end of 2011. But the central message of the show, the filming of which began last year, is that the security forces will bring perpetrators to justice. “We wanted to produce a programme that offers clear and conclusive evidence, with the complete story, presented and shown to Iraqi audiences,” Hassan said.

The episodes often detail the trail of evidence that led security forces to make the arrest. All of the alleged terrorists are shown confessing to their crimes in one-on-one interviews. Hassan said the episodes are only filmed after the men have confessed to a judge, insisting it is “impossible” that any of them are innocent.

Lanka president vows new war crimes inquiry

Colombo: Under pressure from his main rival in the upcoming polls, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa promised a fresh “transparent” judicial probe into allegations that the army killed thousands of Tamil civilians towards the end of the nearly three decades-long civil war. “If any rights have been violated (during the war), justice will be ensured through a transparent domestic judicial mechanism,” Rajapaksa said in his election manifesto.

He, however, reiterated that he would not cooperate with a UN-mandated investigation into the government's 2009 defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebellion.

The promise of a probe by

Mahinda Rajapaksa

69-year-old Rajapaksa is being seen as a response to similar pledges made by his main challenger Maithripala Sirisena, 63.

He did not make it clear how such a probe before the snap election would be different from an inquiry he ordered in July amid intense international

pressure to account for the 2009 killing of Tamil civilians. President Rajapaksa has called a snap election on January 8, two years ahead of the schedule. The Tamil Tigers were defeated after their leader Velupillai Prabhakaran was killed by the Sri Lankan forces in 2009.

North Korea's internet links were unstable and the country later went completely offline. Links were restored later, and the possibilities for the outage could be attacks by individuals, a hardware failure, or even that it was done by North Korea itself, experts said. Matthew Prince, CEO of US-based CloudFlare which protects websites from webbased attacks, said the fact that North Korea's internet was back up “is pretty good evidence that the outage wasn't caused by a state-sponsored attack, otherwise it'd likely still be down for the count.” Almost all of North

Korea's internet links and traffic pass through China and it dismissed any suggestion that it was involved as “irresponsible.”

Meanwhile, South Korea, which remains technically at war with the North, said it could not rule out the involvement of its isolated neighbour in a cyberattack on its nuclear power plant operator. It said only non-critical data was stolen and operations were not at risk, but had asked for US help in investigating. South Korean President Park Geun-hye said the leak of data from the nuclear operator was a “grave situation” that was unacceptable as a matter of national security.

North Korea is one of the least-connected nations in the world, and the effects of the internet outage would have been minimal.

Internet blackout rattles N Korea

Seoul/Washington: North Korea, at the center of a confrontation with the US over the hacking of Sony Pictures, experienced a complete internet outage for hours before links were restored last week, but US officials said Washington was not involved.

US-based Dyn, a company that monitors internet infrastructure, said the reason for the outage was not known but could range from technological glitches to a hacking attack.

Several US officials close to the investigations of the attack on Sony Pictures said the US government had not taken any cyber action against Pyongyang.

US President Barack Obama had vowed to respond to the major cyber attack, which he blamed on North Korea, “in a place and time and manner that we choose.” Dyn said

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

In Brief

Drop in middle-age drinking

London: Research has shown that middle-aged drinkers have cut their alcohol consumption by a fifth in the past decade as they become increasingly concerned about their health. Affluent, middle-class men are most likely to drink, particularly if they divorce, while women drink much less after separating, according to a study of 4,500 people aged over 45.

Afghanistan attracts adventure tourists

London: Well-heeled travellers are exploring blacklisted parts of the world in ever-increasing numbers, despite the threat of terrorism there.

Bookings for group tours to destinations such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraqi Kurdistan have more than doubled in the past year, according to Wild Frontiers, a specialist tour operator. Hinterland Travel, another specialist agent, said that 2014 had been its busiest year for trips to Afghanistan.

Police arrest charity worker

London: The counter terrorism police have arrested a charity worker at Manchester Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Pakistan. The family of Mohammad Suleman, 24, have insisted he has no terrorist links after he was detained. It is believed that he had been set to travel on to war-torn Syria.

His arrest came 24 hours after the North West Counter Terrorism Unit raided his family home on Peakdale Avenue, Crumpsall. Officers seized laptops and computers from the semi-detached property and detectives are understood to be examining whether terrorism-related material is stored on the equipment. Suleman travelled to Syria 18 months ago as part of a charity food mission and had recently been visiting family in Pakistan and Qatar.

He returned to the UK four weeks ago.

Police have stressed the arrest did not relate to any threat posed to the Greater Manchester community.

Man charged for dangerous driving

London: A 20-year-old man was charged for causing death by dangerous driving after two people were killed as they crossed the road the night before Christmas eve. Paula Jolly, 37, a mother of five, died at the scene at Whalley Range, Manchester. Her partner Michael Ward, 45, a father of ten, died later in hospital. Police said that a blue Vauxhall Corsa had collided with the couple as they crossed the road. Mobein Ali, who lives in the area, was charged and remanded in custody. Jolly’s mother, Slyvia Duddle, 61, said that she had been planning to spend Christmas with her daughter for the first time in years, surrounded by their family. She said: “We were in contact again, it was like a fresh start. We’d lost contact for a while, but about five months ago we heard from Paula again. She was supposed to be coming to one of my other daughter’s houses and staying for Christmas, but then I found out what had happened in the early hours of the morning. I feel broken.”

Lawyers under attack for NHS fees hike

London: An MP has demanded that the NHS complaints system should be “completely overhauled” in the face of rising litigation costs that now take up a quarter of the annual £1 billion bill for clinical negligence claims. The amount paid out by the NHS Litigation Authority has almost doubled in five years, with legal costs of £250 million. In 2009-10 the total bill for claims was £650 million, with £150 million of it going to cover legal costs.

Prince Harry was fathered by James Hewitt, claims play

London: The West End production - Truth, Lies, Diana - will suggest that former household Cavalry officer James Hewitt fathered Prince Harry.

Again, a white cop kills a black in US

Washington: The familiar script of a white cop gunning down a black man occurred again last week less than five miles from Ferguson, Missouri, where a similar case in August this year triggered AfricanAmerican unrest across the country. Police said the officer was on a routine patrol near a gas station after responding to a call of a theft when he approached two men near the building in the suburb of Berkeley, Missouri. The officer exited his vehicle to question them when one person pulled out a handgun. “Fearing for his life, the Berkeley officer fired several shots, striking the subject, fatally wounding him. The second subject fled the scene,” police said.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

In Brief

13 killed in Lahore shopping mall fire

Lahore: A fire in a shopping mall in Lahore killed at least 13 people, local media said. Mohammed Usman, a city government official on the scene of the blaze, said the victims died of suffocation and burns. They included a woman and a child. Usman said the fire burned the main gate of the shopping centre, where mostly watches and clothes were sold. He said there was no exit in the back part of the mall. The fire was reportedly caused by a short circuit in one of the shops.

Boxer Amir Khan visits Peshawar school attack site Peshawar: British boxer Amir Khan visited the school in Peshawar where Taliban militants massacred scores of children. Khan went to the school as part of a multiday visit to Pakistan. He said he wanted to pay his respects to those who died in the attack and help encourage children who were scared to return to school. Khan was born in Britain but is of Pakistaniorigin. During his trip, Khan announced that he would be building a boxing academy in Lahore.

ISIS militants shoot down warplane, capture pilot

Beirut: The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) shot down a warplane of the US-led coalition over northern Syria, a monitoring group said, with the jihadis claiming to have captured a Jordanian pilot. “We have confirmed reports that ISIS members took a (non-Syrian) Arab pilot prisoner after shooting his plane down with an anti-aircraft missile near Raqa city,” the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. A senior Jordanian military official later confirmed the pilot was seized, saying his plane went down in Syria's Raqa region. The ISIS branch in Raqa published photographs on jihadist websites purporting to show its fighters holding the captured pilot, with a caption identifying him as Jordanian and giving his name.

Mullah Omar hiding in Pak, says Afghanistan spy chief

New York: Taliban's reclusive leader Mullah Muhammad Omar is alive and hiding in the Pakistani city of Karachi, a top Afghan intelligence official has said, echoing a similar assessment by Western intelligence officials. “There is a lot of doubt whether he is alive or not. But we are more confident that he is in Karachi,” acting Afghan intelligence chief Rahmatullah Nabil was quoted as saying. An European official that there is a “consensus among all three branches of the Afghan security forces that Mullah Omar is alive.” “Not only do they think he's alive, they say they have a good understanding of where exactly he is in Karachi.” The report said that Mullah Omar has always functioned more as the spiritual and ideological leader of the movement than as an operational commander.

Saudi women drivers to be tried by terrorism court?

Dubai: Two Saudi women detained for nearly a month in defiance of a ban on females driving were referred to a court established to try terrorism cases, several people close to the defendants said. Activists said it marks the first time that women drivers have been referred to the Specialized Criminal Court in Riyadh, and that their detention is the longest of female drivers in Saudi history. Four individuals close to Loujain alHathloul, 25, and Maysa al-Amoudi, 33, said they are not being charged for defying the driving ban but for opinions they voiced online. The individuals declined to elaborate on the specific charges due to the sensitivity of the case. They said that the women's defence lawyers immediately appealed the judge's decision to transfer their cases to the court, which was established to try terrorism cases, but has also been used to try peaceful dissidents and activists.

UN drops Hafiz's `sahib' tag

United Nations: A UN panel has regretted the use of the salutation `sahib' for the Mumbai terror attack mastermind and JuD chief Hafiz Saeed and issued a “revised” letter removing the word after India objected to it. The chair of the Security Council's al Qaida Sanctions Committee issued a revised letter in which it has “regretted the mistake” in the previous letter dated December 17. The committee's chair is Gary Quinlan, who is the Permanent Representative of Australia to the UN. Quinlan had made the reference to Saeed in the communication regarding banned terror outfit Lashkare-Taiba and its founder. The new letter clearly mentions the correct primary name of the Pakistani terrorist as Hafiz Mohammed Saeed. Saeed himself is a UNdesignated terrorist. The resolution entails freezing of funds and assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities, and prevention of entry into or transit through their territories by designated individuals.

WORLD

23

Mumbai attack mastermind Lakhvi arrested before his release

Islamabad: Mumbai attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi was on Tuesday arrested just before his release following a Pakistani court’s suspension of his detention.

“Lakhvi has been arrested in another case,” an interior ministry spokesman said.

Lakhvi was set to be freed from the Adaila Jail in Rawalpindi on Tuesday morning on the order of the Islamabad High Court.

“Lakhvi was then presented before a magistrate who remanded him in custody,” the official said.

The Islamabad High Court on Monday suspended the government’s Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) under which Lakhvi was being held under detention, paving the way for his release. Earlier, India's Foreign Secretary Sujatha

Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi

Singh summoned Pakistan High Commissioner Basit in New Delhi and the Indian mission in Islamabad took up the issue with the Pakistan Foreign Office.

While suspending Lakhvi’s detention order, the court directed the Pakistan government to file a reply in this regard on January 15.

Lakhvi, who was the operations commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, was charged along with six

others in 2009 in the Mumbai attack case.

Ajmal Kasab, executed in India, and David Coleman Headley, convicted in the US for planning the attacks, had identified Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi as the operations mastermind for the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai in which 166 people were killed.

Earlier an Islamabad court cancelled his detention order. But bowing to India's concern and international criticism, Lakhvi’s bail was cancelled and he was detained under the Maintenance of Public Order at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail.

Earlier, India's ministry of external affairs summoned Pakistan high commissioner Abdul Basit, hours after it became evident that Lakhvi may walk free after

a court order. Coming out of MEA, Abdul Basit refused to comment on the meeting. "Ask the ministry officials who called for the meeting," Basit told the waiting reporters.

In the petition Lakhvi's counsel Raja Rizwan Abbasi had claimed that legal requirements were not fulfilled in the detention of Lakhvi. Besides, the legal grounds the government had cited in the matter were not maintainable, he had said. Before approaching court, Lakhvi had submitted an application with the Pakistan government seeking an end to his detention under MPO. The decision to grant bail to Lakhvi, 54, drew sharp criticism from India and surprised many for its timing, just days after Taliban massacred 148 people, mostly school children, in Peshawar.

Pakistan kills `facilitator' of Peshawar attack

Peshawar: Pakistani security forces have killed a Taliban commander who allegedly facilitated the Peshawar school massacre, which left 150 people dead in the country's worst ever terror attack, officials said. Named only as “Saddam“, the militant was killed on last Thursday night in a gunfight with security forces in the restive Khyber tribal area, which borders the northwestern city of Peshawar where last week's horrific attack took place.

“Commander Saddam was a dreaded terrorist, who was killed in an exchange of fire with the security forces in Jamrud town of Khyber tribal region,” local administration official Shahab Ali Shah said in Peshawar.

He added that Saddam is believed to have facilitated the school attack, although the extent or capacity of his alleged involvement was not known.“Authorities are currently interrogating the injured terrorists,” Shah said.

He described Saddam as an important commander in the Te h r e e k - e - Ta l i b a n Pakistan (TTP). Saddam and his accomplices had been involved in recent attacks on forces that had

resulted in heavy casualties, Shah said.

Analysts said his killing was a major setback to the Tehrik-eTaliban alliance because Saddam was one its few commanders still mounting regular attacks on the country’s government and military. The deliberate targeting of children by seven Taliban gunmen was greeted with horror throughout Pakistan and Afghanistan where both Taliban and al-Qaeda leaders denounced it as "un-Islamic”.

Since then the government has ended its moratorium on capital punishment and executed six convicted terrorists as part of a renewed campaign against terrorist groups.

It has announced new military courts to fasttrack trials of terrorist suspects and new curbs on madrassa seminaries, which have been blamed for encouraging students to join terrorist groups.

The Peshawar school massacre is believed to have been ordered by Umar Mansoor on behalf of Maulana Fazlullah, the Tehrik-e-Taliban’s top leader. But according to Pakistani officials the planning of the operation was carried out by Saddam, the leader of the umbrella group’s Tariq Gedar faction.

He was also said to be the mastermind behind the 2013 attack on a team of polio immunization workers in which 11 security personnl were killed

and an attack which killed eight government paramilitary Scouts and several tribal elders.

Brigadier (retired) Mahmood Shah, a former head of security in the lawless tribal areas, said that Saddam’s death was a serious blow to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan when it was already facing an Army onslaught.

“Saddam, a commander of the Darra Adam Khel chapter of the TTP was a significant man because he had been fighting the security forces at a time when most Taliban have gone into hibernation”, he said.

Jan had attacked Army personnel and members of the Lashkar Islam militant group which opposes the Taliban, he added.

Pak to execute 500 convicted terrorists

Islamabad: Pakistan plans to execute around 500 militants in coming weeks, officials said, after the government lifted a moratorium on the death penalty in terror cases following a Taliban school massacre.

Six militants have been hanged last week amid rising public anger after the massacre of school children in Peshawar.

“Interior ministry has

finalized the cases of 500 convicts who have exhausted all the appeals, their mercy petitions have been turned down by the president and their executions will take place in coming weeks,” a senior government official said.

A second official confirmed the information. Of the six hanged so far, five were involved in a failed attempt to assassinate

then military ruler Pervez Musharraf in 2003, while one was involved in a 2009 attack on army headquarters.

In Karachi, the Sindh HC suspended the death warrants of two terror convicts just a day before they were due to go to the gallows.

“The Sindh HC suspended the death warrants of two terrorists,” addi-

tional advocate general Mustafa Mehsar said.

Both the accused were sentenced to death in July 2004 for killing a doctor in Karachi in July 2001.

The Lahore HC Rawalpindi bench suspended the convictions of five prisoners who were handed the death penalty for involvement in an attack on an army camp in Gujrat in Punjab in 2012.

24

INDIA

1 killed, 3 injured in Bengaluru blast

Bengaluru: One woman died of wounds in an IED explosion on the busy Church Street in the heart of Bengaluru and three others were injured, triggering a red alert in the IT capital of India on Sunday.

Bhavani, 37, succumbed to her wounds in a hospital, while her nephew Karthik, 21, was being treated. The two others injured were friends who had just finished dinner and stepped out of a restaurant.

Police commissioner M N Reddi told reporters it was a “low-intensity explosion” triggered by an improvised explosive device. Police suspect the bomb was kept in a cloth bag between a row of plants and the compound

Chennai: Faced with a negative investment climate and in the absence of its charismatic leader Jayalalithaa at the helm, Tamil Nadu is betting big on the Global Investors Meet (GIM) here.

The government plans to spend Rs 1 billion for the event in May and expects to attract Rs 1,000 billion in investments in just two days.

“Very ambitious but farfetched” is how industry captains observed. Sample this: Tamil Nadu received over $12.5 billion worth of FDI from 2000 to 2014. In its Vision 2023, the State has targeted to attract $250 billion for infrastructural development. And, the GIM is seen as the gateway.

The GIM also comes in the backdrop of Nokia shutting down its largest plant in the world and Foxconn sus-

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

wall of a hotel. The family was in front of the main gate when the device went off.

Bhavani took the brunt of the blast and was thrown to the middle of the road. Passersby took the injured to a hospital.

“There was a threat perception to Bengaluru for some days, but the advisory was generic. We are on alert,” Reddi said, adding it was too early to say who triggered the blast. The injuries were

caused by shrapnel, the commissioner added.

SIMI, al-Ummah hand suspected: The central intelligence agencies strongly suspect the involvement of two jehadi groups Students' Islamic Movement in India (SIMI) which is trying to revive itself - and Southbased al-Ummah, known for targeting Hindu leaders and sending warnings to BJP and RSS. The intelligence agency view the blast as a terror attack because of the nature of explosive device.

According to them, packing of ammonium nitrate and shrapnel in an iron pipe suggest the hand of an expert bomb-maker and the intent to inflict casualties. But

sources also underline the fact that the bomber used a single device when he could have planted many to say that the attack involved an individual bomber and may have been meant to send out a warning. Even as investigation is underway and the agencies are not ruling out any thing, including the possibility of a 'lone wolf' belonging to Indian Mujahideen (IM) striking in solidarity with jailed IS propagandist, the suspicion at this stage of the probe is focused on the involvement of SIMI and alUmmah. Five SIMI members, who escaped from Khandwa Jail in Madhya Pradesh last year and have since been busy plotting terror attacks, are among the prime suspects.

pending operations this month. Already, the grim power scenario over the past eight years has kept investment at bay in the State.

The government, however, is optimistic. “This is a very important meet. We don’t want to miss out on even a single opportunity that comes our way,” says a senior official in the Industry Department. A micro-website - www.investingintamilnadu.com - is already up and has started enrolling members for the meet.

To make the GIM a success, the government has chosen IAS officer Pingale Vijay Maruti, who was shifted out of the Chennai Corporation for taking on the inefficient contractors.

“Yes, he will be the nodal officer for the meet,” a senior official said.

Chennai: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa described India as his relative and China as a friend. "I will not allow my soil to be used against my friends and neighbours.

That will not happen in Sri Lanka as long as I'm here," Rajapaksa said in a rare interview to a Chennaibased Tamil television channel. Thanking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his foreign policy initiatives, Rajapaksa said, "The Indian PM has opened up his foreign policy to enable our two countries to have stronger ties. That is what enabled me to take the decision to release the (five) Indian fishermen, who were sentenced to death (for smuggling narcotics)."

The interview comes at

a time when there is growing hostility against Rajapaksa among some proEelam parties and aggressive posturing by mainstream parties in Tamil Nadu on the fishermen issue. But in recent months the new bonhomie between Modi and Rajapaksa saw defusing of diplomatic tensions resulting in both sides releasing fishermen detained for maritime violations.

To a question on the nature of his relationship with Modi, the Lankan president said, "We have spoken many times. I think we have very similar visions for our countries, which is what has made it possible for us to further strengthen our relations. I believe our relations will continue to grow in a number of areas".

TN bets big on Global Investors Meet

Punjab to set up NRI cell in every district

Moga: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said the government would set up separate NRI cells in every district across the state to facilitate nonresident Indians in getting their administrative works done smoothly.

Addressing a gathering of NRIs of Punjab origin, the Chief Minister said the deputy commissioners of every district would be asked to provide a separate room for NRI cell in the respective District Administrative Complexes (DACs) so that the NRIs are able to get their work done in a hassle-free manner.

The cells must be provided with adequate infrastructure, Badal said adding that the formal orders regarding setting-up of these cells would be issued soon. The Chief Minister further asked the Home Secretary of the state to review the list of NRIs Proclaimed Offenders so that no injustice was done to them, who were not involved in any crime.

Batting for amicable resolution of disputes of the NRIs, the chief minister said

Parkash Singh Badal

that NRI police stations could play a pivotal role in it. Rather than registering cases in such matters, the NRI police stations must try to resolve these issues with mutual understanding, he said. Badal also said a fivemember committee comprising NRIs would also be set up in every NRI police station so that such matters could be solved with mutual consent.

Holds Sangat Darshan for NRIs: Meanwhile, Badal held a 'Sangat Darshan' (people meeting exercise) in Moga for NRIs to redress their grievances speedily.

NRIs hailing from eight districts - Moga, Bathinda, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Mansa, Muktsar and Barnala participated in the first ever Sangat Darshan programme.

India is a relative, China a friend: Rajapaksa

New panel to probe Vadra's land dealings

Chandigarh: The Haryana government would soon set up a new commission to probe the land dealings of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra. After meeting the chief minister and other ministers, BJP's Haryana incharge Anil Jain said they would not work in a vindictive manner against anybody, but the public had every right to know the truth in the Vadra case. Asked whether he had discussed the issue of inquiry with CM Manohar Lal Khattar, Jain said, “Whatever I'm saying is with full responsibility.

Functionaries of the state government collectively would decide in what manner the matter should be probed.”

Meanwhile, a probe by two senior officers of the Haryana government has found that Vadra's company Skylight Hospitality owned land way beyond the prescribed limit in the state at the time when he got the licence for land in Shikhopur in Gurgaon.

Haryana's director, land records and consolidation of

Robert Vadra

holdings and additional chief secretary, revenue, have told the government that Vadra's company owned 79 acres in the state in 2008. The Haryana Ceiling on Land Holdings Act, 1972 states that total physical holding of a person or family cannot exceed 53.8 acres.

The state revenue department has sought permission from the government to take action against Vadra for failing to declare surplus land.

The reports of both the officers have been combined and are lying in the office of state revenue minister Captain Abhimanyu since December 17. Captain Abhimanyu said he could not see the detailed report and findings of the officials because of several official engagements.

South Brief

Kissing Baba arrested in AP

Hyderabad: Police in Andhra Pradesh's Kadapa district arrested a man who reportedly hugged and kissed his devotees to remove their problems and solve financial and domestic issues. Popularly known as Kissing Baba, the man had been reportedly treating people with his hugs and kisses for the last two months.

Police said the baba operated from a room behind an Ayyappa temple in Kadapa. The baba was arrested and produced in a court at Kamalapuram town, which remanded him to judicial custody till January 7. The court also referred the baba to a mental hospital in Kadapa town as he behaved incoherently during the hearing. The police said they have also arrested one of his followers, Subba Reddy, who allegedly publicised the baba's miracles in Kadapa district.

Sun Network official held in sexual harassment case

Chennai: The chief operating officer of the Sun Network, C Praveen Kumar, was arrested on charges of sexually harassing a former programming head of Surya TV, a Malayalam channel that is part of the network. A team from the central crime branch questioned Kumar and he was later remanded in judicial custody.

In her complaint filed after she resigned from her job five months ago, the woman said she was being harassed by her then boss Kumar for more than two years. An investigating officer, quoting her complaint, said Kumar had been holding back dues, including her provident fund and gratuity that added up to Rs 3800,000. “He sent several messages through SMS and WhatsApp to her mobile phone saying she would get her dues only if she treats him well,” the officer said.

IAS, IPS officers allocated to Telangana, AP

Hyderabad: The Department of Personnel and Training has released a provisional list of Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service and Indian Forest Service officers allocated to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Officers can apply for cadre swap in the same category and grade pay by January 10. The list will be finalised in 45 days of the publication of provisional allocations. “After publishing the list, a fresh window may be opened to all officers to opt for swapping within the same category and in the same grade pay as on June 1, 2014,” said a DoPT notice. While the Telangana cadre has been provisionally allocated 128 IAS, 92 IPS and 56 IFS officers, the Andhra Pradesh cadre will get 166, 119 and 71, respectively.

North Brief

Guru Gobind Singh epitomised ultimate courage: Modi

New Delhi: On the occasion of the birth anniversary celebrations of the tenth Sikh Guru, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Guru Gobind Singh saying his life and ideals inspire eternally. "He epitomised ultimate courage and a spirit of sacrifice. I bow to him," the Prime Minister tweeted. Thousands of devotees thronged gurudwaras across India to take part in the celebrations of birth anniversary of the Guru. Guru Gobind Singh was a warrior, poet and philosopher and succeeded his father Guru Tegh Bahadur as the leader of Sikhs at the young age of nine.

ED questions Punjab Minister Majithia

Jalandhar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned Punjab Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia for over four hours in connection with its probe into the alleged money laundering in the Rs 60 billion international drug racket case. According to ED sources, Majithia's statement has been recorded and he has assured full cooperation in the probe. Emerging out of the ED office, Majithia told reporters that the "truth will and must come out. I will proactively cooperate with ED in the investigation... I could have asked for another date to appear before it but I have come on the first opportunity..." The minister also submitted to the investigators records of some of his financial statements and transactions, as had been sought by the agency.

TRAVEL - INDIA

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

25

Vajpayee, Malaviya honoured with Bharat Ratna

Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Madan Mohan Malaviya

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The Narendra Modi government conferred India's highest civilian honour, Bharat Ratna, on former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and late Madan Mohan Malaviya, a leader of the freedom struggle and one of the iconic Hindu nationalist figures who founded Banaras Hindu University.

“The President has been pleased to award Bharat Ratna to Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya (posthumously) and to Atal Bihari Vajpayee,” a Rashtrapati Bhavan press communique said. The announcement of Modi government's decision came ahead of Vajpayee's 90th birthday, and Malaviya's 153rd birth anniversary, on Thursday last.

The fact that the government conferred Bharat Ratna on Malaviya 69 years after his death suggests that it may be ready to implement the known view of a strong section of the BJP leadership that people like Kanshi Ram; founder of Gita Press,

Hanuman Prasad Poddar, who is credited with popularization of Hindu epics, and others who have been ignored should also be honoured with the top civilian honour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the conferment of Bharat Ratna on Malaviya and Vajpayee was a “fitting recognition” of the services of the “illustrious stalwarts” to the nation. BJP had long campaigned for a Bharat Ratna for Vajpayee, the first member of Sangh Parivar to have served as prime minister.

Vajpayee became PM thrice, and was the first one from outside Congress to have served a full term. A powerful orator, he led BJP-led coalitions to decisive wins in Lok Sabha elections in 1998 and 1999 in the first phase of saffron supremacy. The highest decoration for Malaviya had looked a distinct possibility since Modi took over as prime minister.

The respect for him

runs deep in Sangh Parivar and was evident when Modi began his sole trip to Varanasi during the Lok Sabha elections by garlanding Malaviya's statue.

One of Malaviya's grandsons was Modi's proposer for Varanasi seat.

With the government's decision, the number of those bestowed with Bharat Ratna award goes up to 45. Last year, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and scientist CNR Rao were chosen for the honour.

Overseas Friends of BJP in UK hails the honour Overseas Friends of BJP UK has welcomed the decision to honour Vajpayee and Malaviya with Bharat Ratna.

Lalubhai Parekh, the president of O F B J P UK, said he welcomed the decision of Government of India and congratulate Modiji and the President of India for such bold decision to appreciate life and time of our great leaders, past and present.

Buy only made-in-India gadgets, ministries told

The government has issued strict guidelines to all ministries asking them to give preference to domestically manufactured electronic products, a move aimed at boosting electronics production as part of PM Narendra Modi's `Make in India' drive.

A committee of secretaries has decided that all ministries and departments should identify department-specific domestically manufactured electronic products for procurement and notify them within a fortnight, a statement from the PMO said. All government departments have been asked to adhere to a tender template already issued by the department of electronics and information technology for procurement of electronic items.

The department of electronics and IT has also been asked to put in

Narendra Modi

place an online monitoring system for reporting by ministries and departments and states on procurement of electronic products.

“This system, to be operationalized in a fortnight, will capture the break-up of domestically manufactured electronic equipment by value,” the statement said.

Industry leaders cheered the move. “We are hopeful that if this is implemented in letter and

spirit, it will lead to creation of an electronics manufacturing hub in India. We look forward for a formal notification from the government in this matter,” said N K Goyal, chairman of Telecom E q u i p m e n t M a n u f a c t u r i n g Association of India.

Some experts said the decision should be followed through to ensure that it is implemented.

“After seeing the nonimplementation of preferential market access, this is a good decision by the government. It should have been taken long back. Now it needs to be supported with statutory provisions. Wishfully, it should be extended to all the purchases in India, whether government or private,” said Ravi Sharma, chairman, CMAI (Association of India Communication Multimedia and Infrastructure).

26

INDIA

AirAsia crash: 40 bodies found in sea

Jakarta: Indonesian rescuers searching for a missing AirAsia plane carrying 162 people pulled bodies and wreckage from the sea off the coast of Borneo on Tuesday as relatives of those on board broke down in tears on hearing the news.

Indonesia AirAsia's Flight QZ8501, an Airbus A320-200, lost contact with air traffic control early on Sunday during bad weather on a flight from the Indonesian city of Surabaya to Singapore.

The navy said 40 bodies had been recovered as dusk fell.

The plane has yet to be found and there was no word on the possibility of any survivors. "My heart is filled with sadness for all the families involved in QZ8501," airline boss Tony Fernandes tweeted.

"On behalf of AirAsia, my condolences to all. Words cannot express how sorry I am."

Pictures of floating bodies were broadcast on television and relatives of the missing gathered at a crisis centre in Surabaya wept with heads in their hands. Several people collapsed in grief and were helped away.

"You have to be strong," the mayor of Surabaya, Tri Rismaharini,

said as she comforted relatives. "They are not ours, they belong to God." A navy spokesman said a plane door, oxygen tanks and one body had been recovered and taken away by helicopter for tests.

About 30 ships and 21 aircraft from Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and the United States have

been involved in the search of up to 10,000 square nautical miles.

The plane, which did not issue a distress signal, disappeared after its pilot failed to get permission to fly higher to avoid bad weather because of heavy air traffic, officials said. It was travelling at 32,000 feet (9,753 metres) and had asked to fly at 38,000 feet, officials said earlier.

Pilots and aviation experts said thunderstorms, and requests to gain altitude to avoid them, were not unusual in that area. The Indonesian pilot was experienced and the plane last underwent maintenance in midNovember, the airline said.

The aircraft had accumulated about 23,000 flight hours in some 13,600 flights, according to Airbus.

AirAsia plane with 159 aboard overshoots Philippine runway Meanwhile, an AirAsia Zest plane carrying 159 people overshot the runway and got stuck in a muddy field at an international airport in the central Philippines after landing from Manila in windy weather on Tuesday, officials said. There were no reports of injuries.

Crew members launched emergency slides to help passengers disembark from the Airbus A320-200 after it skidded off the runway in the resort town of Kalibo in Aklan province before nightfall, Giovanni Hontomin, who is in charge of AirAsia Zest's operations, said.

Initial reports indicated that three of the plane's tires got stuck in the mud, said Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines spokesman Eric Apolonio. He said the busy airport would be closed to air traffic until the stalled aircraft, which likely sustained some damage, is towed away from near the runway's end.

No sign of govt formation in J& K

Continued from page 1 PDP split on alliance with BJP: The PDP is now split wide open over whether to seek BJP support to form a government.

Highly placed sources in the PDP have confirmed that at least half a dozen of the 28 PDP MLAs have rejected the idea of a tie up with the BJP, saying it would go against their mandate.

While senior leaders and a former deputy CM Muzaffar Hussein Baig has openly supported a tie up, Mehbooba Mufti and newly elected Rajpora MLA Haseeb Drabu, widely tipped to be the state's finance minister, have opposed the alliance.

The PDP leadership has been meeting the MLAs individually before it takes a final call ahead of its meeting with the governor on January 1. "If we go with the BJP, it will be political suicide for us," one of the MLAs said. "It is better to have governor's rule if required." However, the group which wants a tie up feels that this is the best chance for the PDP to redefine the politics of the state. "Six years is a long time in politics and if Mufti Mohd Sayeed as CM delivers, we will be able to strengthen ourselves in both Srinagar and Delhi."

The fact that the BJP is in power at the Centre is an obvious attraction since central funds for flood relief will be the immedi-

ate challenge. A ModiMufti tie up is seen by the pro-alliance group as a partnership that can outlast the equation the Abdullahs had with the Congress leadership.

But the mathematical reality is being confronted with a political reality. A section of the PDP is worried that the tie-up will lead to backlash in the valley. "The high voter turnout was because the voters didn't want the BJP to bloom in the valley. If we tie up with the BJP today, the National Conference will benefit tomorrow." The antialliance group emphasises that saffron outfits are carrying out "ghar wapsi" drives across India.

Mehbooba Mufti had made strengthening article 370, soft borders and revocation of AFSPA key elements of her campaign.

During an interview on the campaign trail, she said these were non- negotiable issues. The BJP knows that it's voter in Jammu doesn't want a compromise on these issues either. "It's a tough situation for both sides to evolve a common minimum agenda," admits a BJP leader, "whatever we gain in one region, we will lose in another.”

Among top leaders there are strong misgivings in the top leadership of the PDP about entering an alliance with a party per-

ceived as a Hindu majoritarian force in the valley.

Highly placed sources in the PDP said the situation was one of compulsion versus choice. The so called "secular grand alliance" being pushed by Ghulam Nabi Azad or a PDP alliance with Congress and NC is increasingly being rejected as an option, because it is seen as bringing in through the back door parties which have lost the peoples' mandate.

However, pro-alliance PDP leaders are willing to look on the positive aspects of Modi's leadership. They say that one of the positive features of PM Narendra Modi is that he doesn't listen to the IB when it comes to Kashmir and does not have a conspiratorial mindset on Kashmir. Modi is seen as someone who might demilitarise Delhi's mindset on Kashmir and actually push decision making on an institutional civil service level. "Modi has a healthy disregard for the constant IB conspiratorial suspicions about Kashmir, which is a major change and one that the PDP appreciates," said a highly placed source within the party.

However the PDP believes it will have to "defang" the BJP while in alliance. This will mean a very strong terms of engagement between the

two parties. The party believes it is helping the BJP save Kashmir and save India, because if the BJP tries to cobble its own government or impose a Hindu CM, the state may see a return to militancy.

The de-fanging of the BJP will rest on two factors: 1.

If the BJP talks of Article 370, PDP will walk out of the government and second that AFSPA must go and there has to be a review of the larger role of the army and a heightening of civil society's role in Kashmir society.

The PDP leadership says it is fully aware of the political risk it is taking, but blames the Omar Abdullah government for ceding Jammu to the Congress since it was the Congress's defeat that has made the BJP's big win in Jammu possible. BjP gained at the expense of the Congress because it was the Omar Abdullah government which effectively trifurcated the state between Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh. "Today the Congress is a defeated force, how can we go with them? Do they have the legitimacy to help us in dealing with Pakistan or with the Hurriyat?

Congress killed 1 120,000 Muslims through militancy and it was the Congress which single-handedly destroyed Article 370," said the highly placed PDP source.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

Happy 7th Birthday

Louis Eden Patel

D.O.B.: 02/01/2007 Mother: Dr Sarah Patel Father: Dr Merul Patel Sister: Amber Place: Brighton Wishing you a Happy 7th Birthday!

Lots of love from Mummy, Daddy, Grandma, Grandpa, Baas, Dada, Foi, Fua & all cousine, friends & family.

You are a wonderful son and lovely precious grandson. May all the love and pride we feel keep growing year by year.

May God Bless You.

Bapu's first Swaraj text now in French too

One of the most important scholarly works by Mahatma Gandhi, the Hind Swaraj or ‘Indian Home Rule’, first published in 1910 has now been translated into French language. This feat has been achieved by a team of scholars from The Nantes Institute for Advanced Study in France. It is in the Hind Swaraj that Bapu first expressed his views on Swaraj, modern civilization and mechanization.

The translated work called ‘Hind Swaraj: L’emancipation a I’indienne’ carries a preface by renowned a linguist and anthropologist Charles Malamoud, who is a specialist of religions in India. The French version of Hind Swaraj relies on the Gujarati version that Bapu originally wrote as well as ‘Hind Swaraj A critical edition’ by Suresh Sharma and Tridip Suhrud. The translation work was led by Annie Montaut in the institute.

Bapu had written the Hind Swaraj in Gujarati while travelling from London to South Africa onboard SS Kildonan Castle between November 13 and November 22, 1909. In the book Gandhi gives a diagnosis for the problems of humanity in modern times, the causes, and his opinions on their remedy.

“Hind Swaraj is considered a seed text for any scholar interested in understanding Gandhiji.

The book’s translation

into French would encourage leading European scholars to pursue further research in Gandhian studies,” says director Sabarmati Ashram, Tridip Suhrud.

Bapu's Hind Swaraj is actually written in a dialogue form between two people, which are `The Reader' and `The Editor'.

The Reader in Bapu's book represents an Indian commoner whom Bapu would have been addressing with Hind Swaraj. The Reader voices the common beliefs and arguments of the time concerning Indian Independence.Gandhiji, The Editor, explains why those arguments are flawed and interject his own arguments.

“A book written in a dialogue form allows the author to set up contradictions far more clearly, especially when it came to addressing complex issues of a society. Bapu understood this very well and he chose this style keeping the Indian audience in mind. The Gita for instance or teachings of Buddha or any other great religious texts of our country follow a similar style. It is the language most Indians understood,” Suhrud added.

Continued from page 1 pointed out. The PM, though, may visit some other countries in Europe along with Germany, they said. The schedule has not yet been fixed.

Also, one of the views within the government and ruling BJP is that the PM should travel to the UK only after the election results become clear, sources said. The David Cameron government in Britain has been keen to host Modi since he was

elected as the Indian PM in May. The past sevenmonth period has seen nearly 15 UK Ministers, including Deputy PM Nick Clegg, travelling to India to engage with the Modi government.

The two PMs first met in Brisbane in November, on the sidelines of the G20 summit. Senior Ministers of the British government will also travel to Gujarat for the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas followed by the Vibrant Gujarat Summit.

Modi to visit London after UK polls

27

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

HEALTH WATCH

W

Sushma’s Health & Beauty Blog

Foods for healthy hair

hile eating healthy for good skin is a known fact, did you know that your hair can also reap the benefits?

Shampoos and conditioners can do only so much — what you eat is even more important. Experts say that the nutrients you consume help fortify your hair follicles as well as your scalp. Here are some foods that are known to do wonders for your tresses...

Salmon: Packed with vitamin D and protein, which make your hair stronger, the omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon help your body grow hair.

Other sources of essential fatty acids include sardines, trout, avocado and pumpkin seeds.

Walnuts: Walnuts have good amounts of omega-3

Reduce salt intake for better kidney health

T

oo much salt in one's diet increases the risk of contracting kidney problems, says a new research. The researchers found high sodium intake is linked with an increased risk of needing dialysis, but no benefit was seen for low sodium intake. "Our findings extend the known benefits of healthy eating and show that the consumption of a healthy diet may protect from future major renal events," said Andrew Smyth from the National University of Ireland, Galway. "As dietary modification is a low-cost, simple intervention, it offers the potential to significantly reduce the burden from chronic kidney disease, while also protecting from cardiovascular disease," These findings were confirmed by a separate study that found that reducing salt intake reduces albuminuria, or excess protein in the urine, which is a hallmark of kidney dysfunction. In the study involving 120 rural villages in China, researchers analysed the results of an 18-month sodium reduction programme. Another study in Australia revealed that individuals who underwent sodium reduction had a 33 per cent decreased likelihood of having albuminuria compared with individuals in the control villages.

To Our Readers

We are publishing these items in good faith, kindly consult your Doctor before you try to implement it. We do not hold any responsibility for its efficacy...

are circulated well.

Eggs: The protein in eggs plus minerals like zinc, selenium, sulphur and iron are good for your hair. Iron helps cells carry oxygen to the hair follicles. When one is anaemic (inadequate iron), it caus-

es hair loss. Other iron sources include chicken and fish.

B l u e b e r r i e s : Blueberries contain vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient for hair. It helps circulation to the scalp and also supports the blood vessels that feed the follicles. When your body doesn't get enough vitamin C, it leads to hair breakage. Other options include kiwis, tomatoes and strawberries.

Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes helps produce vitamin A, and produce oils that sustain your scalp. Inadequate vitamin A levels can result in an itchy scalp and dandruff problems. Other foods that help include carrots, cantaloupe, mangoes, pumpkin and apricots.

your tongue out and curl the sides of the tongue upward towards the center of the tongue. Breathe in through the mouth, hold the breath and slowly exhale through the nose.

Repeat 5 to 10 times.

Sheetkari pranayama (Cooling breath): Close the right nostril with your right thumb. Exhale completely through the left nostril and then breathe in through the left nostril.

Close the left nostril with your little ring finger and exhale through the right.

Repeat 5 to 10 times.

Yoga Mudra Sit in Padmasana or Sukhasana: While keeping your eyes closed, bend your body forward until your forehead touches the ground.

Relax in this position and then return back to the starting position. Repeat this 5 to 10 times.

Simhasana (Lion pose): Kneel down on the

yoga mat and place your right foot below the left buttock and vice versa. Place your hands on the knees, spread out the fingers and lean forward. The weight of the body should be on the hands while the hands remain straight. Open your mouth and stick the tongue out.

Eyes should be wide open and face muscles tense.

Your gaze should be fixed on the tip of the nose or at the center of the eyebrows.

Shankha Prakshalan: The most advanced and popular technique or Kriya that cleans out the entire Gastro Intestinal tract. It involves drinking one and half liters of lukewarm salt water and then doing specific Yoga Asanas.

Tips for optimum oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily preferably with natural toothpastes; use a tongue cleaner to get rid of depositions on the tongue; clean your mouth with a few gargles after each meal; drink plenty of water; keep away from alcohol and tobacco; reduce meal size, chew properly; avoid eating food with excessive garlic or onions; avoid eating junk food; practice yoga regularly

your natural hair colour rich.

Spinach: Spinach contains iron, beta carotene, folate and vitamin C, which are known to keep hair follicles healthy and also ensure that scalp oils

fatty acids, biotin and vitamin E, that help protect your cells from DNA damage. And since your hair is rarely covered, walnuts are great protection. Very little biotin leads to hair loss.

Walnuts also contain copper, which helps you keep

B

Beat bad breath with yoga

ad breath, clinically known as Halitosis, is an unlucky charm that makes you uncomfortable and kills your confidence.

Though most would feel that lack of brushing the teeth properly is the only reason for bad breath, this may not be entirely true.

Bad breath may be caused due to: irregular food habits, improper digestion, less intake of water and type of food consumed.

Yoga Postures: Researchers believe that people with dry mouth are more prone to bad breath.

Smoking and alcohol fouls your breath too. The white deposition on the tongue also serves as home to a lot of bacteria and thus fouls your breath.

While oral hygiene should definitely be given priority, you may find that bad breath keeps coming back no matter what measures you adopt to counter it. At such times, one must look at options such as Yoga. Though yoga may be perceived as a physical workout regime, it also helps overcome problems such as bad breath. It also helps calm the mind and reduces stress.

A few simple postures that will help you beat that bad breath: Kapal Bhati pranayama: Sit comfortably with your spine erect. Place your hands on the knees, palms open to the sky and breathe in. As you breath out, pull your stomach in.

As you relax the navel and abdomen, the breath flows back into your lungs automatically. Repeat this for 20 times.

Sheetali pranayama (Cooling breath): Stick

An Ayurvedic Secret For Thick Shiny Hair

According to Ayurveda, a healthy beautiful head of hair requires an ongoing care routine that starts with nourishment. Why wait until you experience hair probSushma Bhanot lems? As with your skin, Pharmacist, Ayurvedic and start taking care of it now, Homeopathic Consultant, and you’ll reap the benefits Lecturer and Author. Heads Research and Development for years to come.

G Massaging the scalp and at Coolherbals hair with warm oil, preferably infused with hair-friendly herbs, is the best way to nourish the scalp and hair topically. Not only does the massage work wonders for your hair, but it also relaxes the mind and nervous system.

G The oil for the massage can be customized by hair and body type. If your hair is thin, dry and frizzy and prone to split-ends, you have Vata hair. If you have fine hair prone to premature thinning or greying, you are Pitta predominant hair. If your hair and scalp is predominantly Kapha, your hair will tend to be thick and oily.

G Using traditional ayurvedic oils and botanicals has been associated with thick, dark, shiny hair. If you can massage an ayurvedic hair oil into the scalp once a week and wash off in the morning, you will better quality of your hair.

G While massaging with an appropriate base oil can be helpful, ayurvedic oils designed for hair and scalp massage typically include one or more traditional herbs to enhance the benefit of the massage.

G Brahmi helps calm the mind and nervous system, pacifies Vata energy and is nourishing for the hair. It helps promote hair thickness and body.

G Amalaki is cooling, nourishing and purifying all at the same time, so it is beneficial for all types of hair. It is especially beneficial for Pitta-predominant people because it pacifies Pitta energy and helps fight premature thinning and greying of hair. It also helps prevent dry scalp and flakes.

G Bhringaraj, which translates to “king of tresses,” is also Pitta-pacifying and very nourishing for the hair.

G Neem is good for Kapha hair. It has purifying and cleansing properties.

G Rosemary and Lavender are excellent for all types of hair. Rosemary helps stimulate hair follicles and promotes growth, helps retard premature thinning and greying and soothes and conditions the scalp. Lavender stimulates hair growth, balances oil production and replenishes the hair and scalp.

Ayurvedic hair oils are also important in hydrating the scalp and hair. Dry, brittle hair can break more easily and a dry, flaky scalp is more susceptible to diseases such as psoriasis and seborrhea, which can weaken the hair follicle and cause hair loss. Which is your oil ?

My recommendation for Oils: For dry brittle hair use my oil Coolherbals Vata Oil. This contains lavender and other natural oils such as Sesame, Bhringaraj and Rosemary oils. This natural mix nourishes your hair and scalp, helps in fighting hair loss and stimulates hair growth.

For greasy hair or hair loss use the cooling Coolherbals Pitta Oil-contains cooling Coconut oil, Sandalwood oil and Amla oil.

For normal hair use the Coolherbals Kapha Oil-with rich Wheat Germ Oil, Lavender Oil, Mustard Oil, Olive Oil, Clary Sage.k

Buy one Coolherbals hair oil (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), GET ONE FREE!

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

Charmme's shocking comments about Ileana

Dhanush's Rajini fan dies while watching 'Lingaa' New Year R gift to fans

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ajinikanth's fan-following knows no bounds. So much that the superstar has even been worshipped for years by his fans.

In a latest incident that came to light, an ailing fan of Rajini was determined to see his latest release “Lingaa” despite suffering from kidney problem. According to a report, 56-year-old Rajendran was found dead on his seat at a cinema house after the show with the intravenous driptube intact, police said. Being an ardent Rajinikanth fan, he wanted to watch the movie, but strict vigil at the hospital prevented his movement, said the report.

However, he made up his mind to watch the late night show and reportedly managed to give the slip to the hospital staff.

hanush is revelling in the success of his “Velai Illa Pattadari” and awaiting the release of his upcoming film with KV Anand, “Anegan.” He is currently busy shooting for “Maari.” After the completion of “Maari,” Dhanush will team up with the same old VIP gang and star in another film. We have been receiving updates on latest additions to this gang for the past few days too. It is reported that “Velai Illa Pattadari” will be releaseing in Telugu, titled “Raghuvaran B Tech.” The Telugu songs of Raghuvaran B Tech are already a super hit with the fans and sources say that the film will be released on the New Year's Day, as a treat for all Dhanush fans.

W

hen actress Charmme was asked during a Telugu talk show that whom she could not see without makeup, her reply without any delay was: I l e a n a D'Cruz. The ' K a d h a l Azhivathillai' and 'Kadhal K i s u k i s u ' actress further said that one cannot see Ileana without make-up and suggested that she carries makeup kit always.

These comments

by Charmme are said to have upset the fans of 'Nanban' actress.

It may be recalled that Charmme and Ileana had acted together in NTR Junior starrer 'Rakhi'.

Kajal joins Trisha and Amy Jackson

T

raditionally, the heroines always have soft corner towards animals and the same has been proven by many times in the past by people like Trisha and Amy Jackson by involving themselves in the PETA campaign to voice their opinion on animal torture.

The latest to join in the noble cause is none other than the ‘Jilla’ girl, Kajal

'Mumbai Can Dance Saala'

Amitabh to team up with Ranbir, Alia Bhatt?

T

“Mumbai Can Dance Saala” is an upcoming Bollywood film written and directed by Sachindra Sharma. The film stars Ashima Sharma, Aditya Pancholi, Shakti Kapoor and Rakhi Sawant in lead roles.

Agarwal. “I’m happy to be associated with the cause. I truly believe that if all of us can make our kids aware of the kind of tortures animals in circuses go through, we can work towards the Animal Welfare Board of India to ban using animals in circuses,” says, Kajal.

hat Ayan Mukerji has roped in Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt for his next directorial venture is known to all. The untitled project is a superhero flick and for the very first time Jr Kapoor will be seen opposite the “Highway” actress on the big screen. While we can’t wait to see this fresh pairing, it is heared that the “Wake Up Sid” director is now planning to bring Amitabh Bachchan on board for the same film. Well, if that happens then Ayan will pull off another casting coup for sure. Apparently, Ranbir’s best buddy-cum-filmmaker wants to cast Big B in an important role.

Let’s hope things do fall into place because it would be interesting to see three very talented actors come together for a film that too for the first time.

It's strange to walk on stage in bikini: Priyanka

T

he organisers of The Miss World contest have removed swimsuit round from their competition starting next year. To this, Priyanka s a i d : "Obviously it's strange to walk in heels and swim suit on stage. Take us to a pool or a beach and do that shoot, that's fine because that's a natural environment. I have found it awkward myself but I am happy that it didn't happen with me in my years during Miss World. We didn't have this swimsuit round," she added. Rolene Strauss of South Africa was crowned the 64th Miss World winner in London on Dec 14 and it marked the final event featuring contestants wearing bikinis.

Malaika turns teacher for Rajkummar

S

tyle diva Malaika Arora Khan who is known for giving some chartbuster songs, is all set to sizzle on the silver screen with her special number from “Dolly Ki Doli.” What we hear is that Rajkummar Rao who will also be seen shaking a leg in the song was in awe of the actress. A source close to the team said, 'This special number comes during Rajkummar and Sonam's wedding sequence. So Rajkummar is very happy and is supposed to let loose when he dances alongside Malaika. When Rajkummar came on the sets, he was quite awestruck by Malaika's presence. Later in no time both of them got along with each other and in fact Malaika even showed him a few steps and practiced with him to be in sync and get it correctly.' Well, that learning dance from Malaika is definitely a dream come true for Rajkummar!!

Produced by Arbaaz Khan Production, the film is directed by Abhishek Dogra and is all set to release on 23rd January.

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

Sonam joins the biopic bandwagon

B

ollywood actor Sonam Kapoor who will next be seen in “Dolly Ki Doli,” is gearing up for something more serious and concrete. Joining the list of Farhan Aktar (“Bhaag Milkha Bhaag”) and Priyanka Chopra (“Mary Kom”), Sonam might soon be seen in a biopic on the life of Neerja Bhanot.

According to the reports, the film will be directed by Ram Madhwani and written by Saiwyn Quadras of “Mary Kom” fame. Neerja Bhanot was the senior 23-year-old flight purser on the ill-fated Pan Am Flight 73, which was hijacked by four heavily armed terrorists after it landed at Karachi at 5 am from Mumbai on September 5, 1986.

After 17 hours of being trapped, the hijackers opened fire and set off explosives.

Bhanot opened the emergency door and helped a number of passengers escape. She could have been the first to jump out when she opened the door but she decided not and was shot while shielding three children from a hail of bullets.

Bhanot was recognised internationally as "the heroine of the hijack" and is the youngest recipient of the Ashok Chakra Award, India's most prestigious gallantry award for bravery during peace time.

Kangana Ranaut left without a hero

Salman shares stage with A Rajapaksa

B

T

Bipasha, Karan heat up the dance floor

he makers of “Alone” have added a dash of hotness to the festive season by releasing their much-awaited song “Touch My Body” and with its foot-tapping beats and peppy music, the track has all the elements to be the party number of the year. While the song is a winner in itself, it's the film's lead pair Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover's sizzling chemistry that scorches the screen. After watching the video, one can confidently say that Bipasha and Karan are the new 'it' couple (on-screen) of Bollywood. Bipasha is seen wearing three different outfits in the video and looks smoking hot in all her avatars. Karan too

has flaunted his droolworthy six-pack abs in it and the duo steal the show. The lead pair of the movie elevates the oomph factor as they touch each other and tease and tantalize the audiences with their sexy moves.

ollywood a c t o r Salman Khan and Lanka-born actress Jacqueline Fernandez shared the stage with President Mahinda Rajapaksa at a health camp organised by the youth wing of the island’s ruling party.

Amid speculative reports in local media that claimed the actor was in town to help the incumbent drum up support in his re-election bid, the actor participated in the

event, though he did not speak. Media spokespersons at the President’s office were not available for comment.

Salman Khan is known to be a close friend of Namal Rajapaksa, the President’s son and a parliamentarian. In November, journalist Rajat Sharma, also a friend of Salman Khan, was in Colombo to invite President Rajapaksa and Namal for the wedding of Arpita Khan, Salman's sister.

Namal Rajapaksa attended the wedding and tweeted about it then.

Prachi Desai to pair up with Emraan Hashmi again

P

rachi Desai, who was last seen opposite Emraan Hashmi in the 2010 period crime drama ''Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai,” will pair up

with the actor again for another Balaji production.

Sccording to a report, she will play Mohammed Azharuddin's first wife Naureen in the biopic being helmed by Tony D'Souza. After his divorce in 1996, Azhar married actress Sangeeta Bijlani, whose role will be reportedly essayed by Kareena Kapoor Khan. Prachi insists that she's nothing like Naureen but is keen to play a woman who was never in the limelight despite the fact that her husband was a cricketing star. "This is the second time I will be playing a Muslim woman and put a face to a young and innocent character who has never been spoken about," Prachi said.

R

fter 13 years, Saif Ali Khan was to team up with his 'Dil Chahta Hai' producers Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar for a film directed by Reema Kagti.

Saif was to play the protagonist, a suave womaniser in the film titled 'Mr Chaloo'.

Kangana Ranaut was cast opposite Saif in the dark comedy.

But the reunion has been ruined. The actor and the producers have parted ways due to differences over Saif's remuneration. A source said that studio heads at Excel were of the opinion that after Saif's recent flops the actor should reduce his fee to make the project economically viable.

However, Saif was not ready to budge.

After weeks of talks, the two parties failed to resolve their differences and the makers eventually decided to look for an alternative for Saif. A source close to the development said, "Saif argued that he is getting a certain amount for the Sujoy Ghosh directorial being produced by Ekta Kapoor's production house. The amount offered by Excel was a much smaller. He couldn't accept two drastically different figures from two rival studios. Excel's offering was way below Saif's market price."

Ritesh Sidhwani was optimistic about Saif even a few days ago. While talking about the same issue, he had said: "We have full faith in Saif. He is a very good actor and perfect for the part. We start the film with him in January."

Kareena to have a special song in 'Brothers'

umour mills have reported that Kareena Kapoor will have a special song in Karan Johar's upcoming production titled “Brothers.” Kareena, who is extremely busy with “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” will assuredly dedicate some time for this song. The song will be composed by AjayAtul and will be shot in February, report sources.

The film that will be directed by Karan Malhotra of “Agneepath” fame, is a remake of the popular 2011 Hollywood film “Warriors.”

The film's cast comprises and Kumar Akshay Sidharth Malhotra along with Jacqueline Fernandez, who plays the lead lady of the film.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015 UK British flight lands safely after technical snag

30

A Las Vegas-bound passenger plane of British airline Virgin Atlantic has landed safely back at Gatwick Airport following a technical issue with one of the landing gears, the airline said Monday.

"Virgin Atlantic can confirm that flight VS43 has landed safely back at Gatwick. Our priority now is to look after our passengers and crew," the airline announced on its Twitter account, Xinhua reported.

In an earlier statement,

Virgin Atlantic said that the flight travelling to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas

A couple from Perivale have been handed substantial court fines after failing to comply with an enforcement notice, following the conversion of their home into two selfcontained flats.

Shahzad Gul Aga and Mehvash Khan Jakhrani, both of Rydal Crescent, Perivale, appeared at Ealing Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 18 December as a result of a thorough investigation by Ealing Council’s planning enforcement team. Aga received a fine of £4,000 and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £125

and costs of £1,000.

Jakhrani was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £125 and costs of £500.

The couple were reported to have converted their house to two flats without permission in April 2009.

An enforcement notice was subsequently issued by the council in April 2011 requiring them to cease the use of the house as two flats; remove kitchen facilities on the upper floor; remove partition wall and doors installed to separate access to each flat; and

The year in which you're born might affect the activity of a gene that could raise your odds for obesity, a new study finds.

Members of families

who share an obesityprone mutation of the FTO gene are more likely to carry extra weight if they were born after 1942, the researchers found.

Monday returned to London Gatwick Airport due to a technical issue with one of the landing

gears.

The aircraft had prepared for "a non-standard landing procedure" at Gatwick Airport, some 45 km south of London.

The plane "is being reviewed and passengers are disembarking", Gatwick Airport tweeted following the landing of the aircraft. The airport said that "emergency services are on standby at the airport purely as a precaution" in line with its standard procedure.

Couple fined for flouting planning regulations

Coming Events

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TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Expansive Jupiter in your 4th house, with Sun and Mercury in your Solar 9th house of travel and spirituality is good for widening your horizons. Business dealings, particularly long-distance ones and those involving publicity and promotion, are likely to be profitable now.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

Sun and Mercury transit your solar eighth house of joint finances, loans, taxes, sexuality, and psychological matters. This is a time of increased accumulation of wealth and in some cases, a significant tax refund or inheritance, or other such benefits.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 Sun and Mercury in your opposite sign makes you feel invincible, but the way to utilise this transit is to sift through all the opportunities that come your way. You know you have no choice but to streamline and reassess your priorities. Try to create a balance between expansion and conservation. remove resulting rubbish from the site.

Aga and Jakhrani failed to comply with the notice and, after issuing a letter of caution in November 2013, the coun-

cil decided to prosecute the owners.

The couple have been ordered to pay the sums due by monthly instalments starting on 27 January 2015.

According to the researchers, prior studies have linked variations in the FTO gene to a propensity toward overweight and obesity. For example, federal researchers earlier this year reported that people with mutated FTO genes are more likely to eat

high-calorie or fatty foods as they age, compared to people without the mutations. While the study couldn't prove cause-andeffect, the findings suggest that changes in American culture may be boosting the obesity threat tied to the FTO gene mutation.

Your birth year could influence your odds for obesity, study suggests

l An exciting kite-making workshop for children age 6-14 years: Sunday 11th Jan 2015, 2.00pm.

Address: Gujarat Hindu Society, South Meadow Lane, Preston PR1 8JN l Variety Cultural Show in celebration of Republic Day of India: Sunday 25th Jan at 3.30pm.

Address: same as above, hosted by the Gujarat Hindu Society l Sweet Sangit Geet Ghazal in honour of Sankrant Human Service Trust: 18th January from 3-5pm. Address: 67A Church Lane, N2 8DR l Tarikh: 4th January 2015. Address: Social Club Hall, Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow HA1 3UJ

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 With Sun and Mercury in your solar 10th house, your career is lit up and bodes well for the coming weeks.

Some of you will be in a reflective mood and taking stock of your lives and working out the best direction to take. This is a good time to re-assess your home and work balance.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 If your ambitions have been undefined, don't worry as from now on, you understand exactly what kind of impact you need to make on the world. Sun and Mercury in your work sector rules your daily life. All those little details should run perfectly, without you constantly worrying. Health-wise you will be feeling fit and relaxed.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 Jupiter, planet of growth and expansion is transiting your 12th house and Sun and Mercury are transiting your solar fifth house. With these transits you are likely to see benefits, and experience growth, in the areas of romance, creative expression and children. For single Virgos, meeting a special person is highly likely.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

Jupiter, the planet of plenty in your 11th house, with Sun and Mercury in your solar 4th house will bring noticeable improvements to your environment. This is a time when you put down roots and seek to belong. Besides, the focus can be on cultivating and nourishing your inner foundations that support you and your growth.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

Jupiter, the planet of growth and expansion is in your 10th house, Sun and Mercury are transiting your solar third house. During this period educational and communication opportunities present themselves and your ideas will be well received. The ability to express and communicate your ideas is extremely important to you at this time.

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SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Sun and Mercury are transiting your solar second house. During this cycle, you are likely to see and enjoy benefits to your earning power and this will boost your own sense of security and wealth. Money problems from the past may clear up, if you manage your resources properly.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

Sun and Mercury are transiting your sign. Jupiter is transiting your 8th house. Your charisma, appearance and self-expression are to the forefront. This transit heightens your optimism and generosity, and the entire cycle has the potential for being a relaxed, fortunate, and hopeful time in your life. Furthering your personal ambitions comes more easily.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

Sun and Mercury transits your solar twelfth house. This transit brings benefits to activities that take place "behind the scenes".

Meditation and retreats may be particularly helpful to you now, as they regenerate and invigorate your spirit.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

With Sun and Mercury riding high in your 11th house, you should enjoy a very popular phase in your life where everyone wants to invite you to parties. This will give you a chance to meet people of your own calibre and pursue any romantic liaisons that might present themselves.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

Australia run out of time, but win series against India

A draw was enough for Australia to regain the BorderGavaskar Trophy under the stand-in captaincy of Steven Smith, and also enough for MS Dhoni's India to avoid a series whitewash. So hands were shaken, backs slapped and stumps drawn. Despite the odd moment of rancour - Virat Kohli versus Brad Haddin - or transcendence Mitchell Johnson's ripping cutter to bowl Cheteshwar Pujara this always seemed the most likely result.

It was a revealing day for Smith, showing that in his second Test as leader he was unprepared to risk a 2-0 series lead over opponents who had chased boldly and capably until tripping up within sight of the finishing post in Adelaide. In this, Smith showed a level of pragmatism more in common with another former captain who bowled leg spin in Richie Benaud, as opposed to the greater gambling instinct of Michael Clarke and his mentor Shane Warne.

Right from the start of the day, Smith had appeared intent on making sure India would not be presented with too amenable a target on what

always remained a friendly batting surface. India's captain MS Dhoni seemed to be hoping just as much for a closure early in the morning session, affording his batsmen the chance to pursue a target in the region of 350.

But the hosts pushed on, Shaun Marsh advancing to the cusp of a third Test century when he chanced a quick single to mid-off and was thrown out by Virat Kohli's direct hit. When the innings was closed with Australia's last pair of Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood at the crease, it was the coach Darren Lehmann, not Smith, who waved them in.

Ryan Harris struck the first blow for Australia, getting Shikhar Dhawan for a duck. Still, 70 overs

was a not completely insubstantial amount of time.

Ryan Harris struck with his second ball, finding late swing to pin Shikhar Dhawan in front of the stumps.

KL Rahul was unexpectedly promoted to No. 3, but completed an unhappy match when he hooked convulsively at Mitchell Johnson and was held by Shane Watson, jogging back from first slip. M Vijay fell to the first-change Josh Hazlewood soon after, struck in line though the ball appeared likely to be sliding past leg stump.

Kohli had made only four when he was almost run out - David Warner's excellent diving save devalued somewhat by a throw not accurate enough to strand Kohli as Haddin ran in to collect.

The first verbal confrontation between Kohli and Haddin caused India's No. 4 to complain to the umpires, while Haddin goaded him with a series of exaggerated handclaps.

Not quite as fluent as they had been in the first innings, Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane were helped by the ball losing some of its earlier hardness. Each had close calls, Harris raising

an lbw query against Kohli and a fiercely struck Rahane cut shot bursting through the fingers of Chris Rogers at backward point.

India managed to reach tea without further loss, but that achievement was made moot when Kohli flicked a little too hastily at Harris' first ball of the evening session and arrowed it straight to Joe Burns at square leg. Pujara had been dropped down the order as something of a safety blanket, and his 95-ball union with Rahane was enough to dim Australian hopes.

Johnson had to conjure the ball of the Test to find a way past Pujara, his fast offbreak the stuff of Derek Underwood's wildest dreams, but there was not the same purchase for Lyon, and the other pacemen lost penetration as the day wore on. Rahane's mistimed pull shot to square leg left a narrow window open, but R Ashwin and Dhoni looked secure enough to leave Smith thinking he had run out of time four overs before he actually did so.

An enjoyable and wellattended match had thus faded away. The series is Australia's, not in the sort of circumstances that prompt wild celebrations, but more the sober handshakes in recognition of a job completed.

Indian Amateur Boxing Federation, which has been terminated by AIBA for manipulation in elections.

BI came into existence after fresh polls were conducted in September this year under the supervision of an AIBA observer.

“This is nothing to do with the Government. It is up to the IF to recognise the National Federation, not the Government to recognise it,” explained Wu, who is a member of the IOC's Executive Board.

Wu said IOA's stand violates Article 29 of the Olympic Charter, which states: “To be recognised by an NOC (National Olympic Committee) and

accepted as a member of such NOC, a national federation must exercise a specific, real and ongoing sports activity, be affiliated to an IF (International Federation) recognised by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and be governed by and comply in all aspects with both the Olympic Charter and the rules of its IF.” The AIBA chief said he has already taken up the matter with IOA chief N Ramachandran during the recent IOC meeting in Monte Carlo.

“Nobody can argue against the Olympic Charter because everybody follows that,” he said.

old from Uttar Pradesh smile even more with pride.

“We have a set formula for calculating these things. He has performed consistently for India in the concerned period (September 2013 till now), and deserves his promotion. He is a key player for us in the World Cup and this should motivate him,” BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said, while explaining Bhuvi's promotion from the `B' to `

A' grade. Kumar has delivered regularly with the ball and even with the bat at times ever since his debut in international cricket a couple of years ago. With 19 wickets and three fifties, he was one of the few success stories of India's disappointing Test series defeat in England.

In all, the list of contracted players has increased from 25 to 34 this time. Not surprisingly, senior players Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh, who have been left out of

AIBA urges IOA to recognise Boxing India

Calling on the IOA to recognise Boxing India, International Boxing Association (AIBA) President Dr Ching KuoWu has said that refusing affiliation to BI amounts to going against the Olympic Charter.

Speaking to sports website 'insidethegame.biz', Dr Wu offered his opinion on the continuing logjam over Boxing India after the IOA refused to grant affiliation to the newly-formed body.

“The NOC (National Olympic Committee) has nothing to do with the recognition of the National Federation. It is up to the International Federation to recognise the National Federation,”

Wu said. The IOA has adamantly denied recognition to BI, stating that there have been complaints against the manner in which elections for the body were conducted.

However, it has refused to specify the nature of complaints despite repeated requests for recognition from BI. The IOA has maintained that it only recognises the erstwhile

SPORT WORLD

Ankita breaks $25,000 title drought for Indians

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Ankita Raina has been running on empty for the last couple of weeks but that didn't stop her from adding a new chapter to Indian tennis. Last week, the 21yearold Pune-based Gujarati girl won the $25,000 NECC ITF women's singles title, beating Britain's Katy Dunne 6-2, 6-2 in just over an hour at the Deccan Gymkhana courts.

It's Raina's first singles title at this level and also the first by an Indian on home soil. The last Indian to win a $25,000 title was Sania Mirza, who won back-toback in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2004. The only other Indian to have won a $25,000 singles crown so far is Nirupama Vaidynathan-Sanjeev, whose title in Bad Gogging, Germany, on indoor carpet in 1996 paved the path for her compatriots.

“It proves for all the Indians that we can do it. It's not as difficult as people think or speak about it,“ Raina said after the win.

It was the Ahmedabad-born player's 28th week on court this year, excluding the Fed Cup, the Asian Games and the Premier Tennis League. Twenty-one of them have been on foreign soil. Not surprisingly, her game last week was less about power and skill than guts and maturity. “The first half of the year I had points to defend and then I needed to win more points to go up in rankings,” said Raina, who reached the final in Indonesia in June.

“I had to mentally push because I had not trained, so my fitness was gone and the shoulders were stiff. I was just mentally hanging in there.”

That should explain the first round exit last week in Navi Mumbai. “Last week I had nothing (left in me),“ she said with a tired smile. On the positive side, Raina has been bitten by the WTA bug. “Once you play on the Tour, you don't feel like to coming back to the ITF circuit,” her eyes glinted.

It's not only the organisational (and the pampering) aspects but also the game side of it watching and hitting with the top pros - that has got her hooked. The 50 WTA points are likely to catapult her within 250 in world rankings from her current 294.

Raina was also richer by $3,919 .

NZ beat Lanka in first Test

New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the first test on Monday, with Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson steering the Black Caps to a four-day victory built upon a strong performance by their pacemen. Sri Lanka resumed the final day at 293 -5 in its second innings and was soon reduced to nine down before Shaminda Eranga (45 not out) and Suranga Lakmal (16) shared a rapid 59-run stand for the final wicket to set New Zealand a target of 105 to win. That last -wicket stand raised Sri Lanka’s hopes of pulling off the rare feat of a test victory after following on, and there was further encouragement when both New Zealand openers were removed cheaply.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews boldly chose off - spinner Tharindu Kaushal to share the new ball with Eranga. The gamble played off when Kaushal sharply turned a ball to opener Tom Latham (17), providing a catch to Mathews at slip.

Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh left out of BCCI contracts

If there is one player India have missed badly during their first two Test defeats in Australia, it is Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has been out due to an ankle injury. The young seam bowling all-rounder's meteoric rise was officially recognized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as he was awarded a grade ` A' contract which would allow him to take home a pay cheque of at least Rs 10 million regardless of his performance or availability. That he has

replaced retired legend Sachin Tendulkar in this elite list of players, which includes skipper MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin and Suresh Raina, should make this 24-year-

the 2015 World Cup's 30man probables list, haven't been given a contract this time. Both have been removed from the Grade `B' pool and it gives a fair idea where these two talented batsmen stand in the current scenario. Raina and Ashwin's continuation in the Grade ` A' contract list is debatable. Though both are exceptional limited overs performers, Raina has failed to make the cut in the Test side over the past two years, while Ashwin too isn't a surety in the XI out-

side India. In this context, Ajinkya Rahane, who has done well in tough overseas conditions in all formats in the past year, had a genuine case for a Grade `A' contract, though he has jumped from `C' to `B'. `Keeper Dinesh Karthik and seamer Jaydev Unadkat found themselves out in the cold with a 13 new players earning Grade `C' contracts.The notable names are youngsters `chinaman' Kuldeep Yadav and opener KL Rahul, who are yet to play for India.

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 3rd January 2015

Dhoni retires from Test cricket, Kohli to lead India

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Tuesday surprised the cricket world with his sudden announcement of immediate retirement from Test cricket, making way for Virat Kohli to don the mantle of captaincy.

Announcement of Dhoni's retirement after the wicketkeeper-batsman had played in 90 Test matches, 60 of them as captain, was made immediately after India lost the current Test series to Australia following a drawn third Test here.

"One of India's greatest Test Captains under whose leadership India became the No. 1 team in the Test Rankings MS Dhoni, has decided to retire from Test Cricket citing the strain of playing all formats of Cricket," the BCCI said in a statement.

"MS Dhoni has chosen to retire from Test Cricket with immediate effect in order to concentrate on ODI and T20 formats.

BCCI while respecting the decision of M S Dhoni to retire from Test Cricket, wishes to thank him for

to an unprecedented two World Cup titles (2007 Twenty20 World Championships and the 2011 ODI World Cup), had been drawing flak for India's poor run in overseas Tests. India have won just six away Tests out of the 30 that Dhoni has cap-

and inspirational Australian skipper Ricky Ponting.

Tendulkar congratulated Dhoni on a wonderful career and also urged him to help India defend the World Cup title. "well done on a wonderful career in test cricket

Dhoni's captaincy record since June 2011

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

his enormous contribution to Test Cricket and the laurels that he has brought to India," it added.

India, trailing 0-2 in the four-match series after Tuesday's draw, would be led by the 26-year-old Kohli in the fourth and final match in Sydney.

Kohli has been India's standout performer with the bat in the ongoing series, having scored three hundreds so far.

"Virat Kohli will be the captain of the Indian Team for the Fourth and Final Test against Australia to be played in Sydney from

the 6th of January 2015," the BCCI stated.

The 33-year-old Dhoni, however, did not speak about his retirement at the post-match press conference or at the presentation ceremony. The announcement was made through a BCCI press release.

The BCCI statement was a bolt from the blue as Dhoni, despite his poor overseas track record as captain, had not given any indication that he would step down in the near future.

Dhoni, who led India

Opponents England Australia South Africa New Zealand

Matches 5 3 2 2

tained.

Among the most embarrassing defeats under Dhoni were the 0-4 whitewashes suffered in England (2011) and Australia (2011-12).

Besides the team also suffered defeats in South Africa and New Zealand and had been beaten by England yet again this summer.

Dhoni's retirement prompted widespread reactions on social media, with tributes flooding in from all corners of the globe, including from legendary Sachin Tendulkar

Wins 1 0 0 0

Lost 3 3 1 1

Draw 1 0 1 1

@msdhoni.

Always enjoyed playing together.

Next target 2015 WC my friend!!," Tendulkar tweeted. Reacting to Dhoni's retirement from Test cricket, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting praised Dhoni for his competitiveness and also said Indian cricket owed a lot to him.

"A great competitor, and someone who I think Indian cricket owes a lot to," former Australian captain Ponting wrote on Twitter.

Indian legendary spinner Bishan Singh Bedi was taken by surprise follow-

ing Dhoni's decision to quit in the middle of the ongoing Test series.

"MSDhoni's retirement in midst of test series leaves lot of us perplexed!

But that's his prerogative.I'd like 2 wish MSD Happy Retirement!!," Bedi wrote on Twitter. Dhoni (eight catches, one stumping) last act of note in the Test arena saw him become the first Indian wicketkeeper to effect nine dismissals in a Test match in Melbourne.

Overall, he became the third wicketkeeper to achieve the feat against Australia — the first two being David Murray (West Indies) at Melbourne in December 1981 and Ridley Jacobs (also of the West Indies) at Melbourne in December 2000.

Dhoni also became the first Indian batsman to complete 10,000 runs or more as captain in international cricket, joining Ricky Ponting (15,440), Graeme Smith (14,878), Stephen Fleming (11,561) and Allan Border (11,062).