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Pakistan and India traded fresh accusations of crossborder fire in Kashmir on Tuesday, a day after top officials discussed ways of de-escalating tensions over the disputed Himalayan region.

Lt. Col. Manish Mehta, an Indian army spokesman, said Pakistani soldiers fired mortars at Indian army positions and Indian soldiers “appropriately responded to the unprovoked cease-fire violations.” The Pakistani military said its troops responded to “unprovoked” Indian fire, which continued for two hours.

Tensions have soared between the two nucleararmed rivals since a militant attack in Kashmir that killed 19 Indian soldiers.

The mountainous region is divided between Indian and Pakistani-controlled zones, but both countries claim Kashmir in its entirety and have fought two wars over it.

India is now constructing underground bunkers along the Kashmir border as troops say cross-border gunfire in the region now occurs "every night".

Continued on page 26

8th October to 14th October 2016

TM

Indian magnates catch the eye

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

Dr Rami Ranger CBE

Indian community in the UK 'condemns' Pakistan

A new petition has been filed on the official website of the UK Parliament, calling on Britain to "strongly condemn" Pakistan for providing a safe haven for terrorists. The plea has already crossed the number of signatures required to make the government respond to it.

The petition (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/168107) , that has reached 17,482

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signatures as we went to press, has been authored by Naman Paropkari and reads, "Pakistan continues to double speak on the issue of terrorism. It has aided and abetted enemies of the international coalition against terrorism.

Osama Bin Laden's hideout was in Pakistan. Pakistan continues to harbour UN sanctioned terror networks." Adding, "The Inter-Services Intelligence

has often been accused of playing a role in major terrorist attacks across the world, including the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, terrorism in Kashmir, Indian Parliament Attack and Mumbai terror attacks."

The aim is to gather over 100,000 signatures by March 29, 2017, so that the issue is considered for a parliamentary debate in the House of Commons.

More than 40% of companies fear that Britain's vote to leave the European Union will damage their trading prospects. But shipping entrepreneur Dr Rami Ranger CBE believes that the concerns are misplaced, and Brexit will bring new opportunities for small businesses especially in Commonwealth countries and the Far East. In an article in The Times on Tuesday 4 October, he has discussed his 'path to success' and how 'slow and steady' he has built up his million worth business.

Thirty years after he started a shipping company from his garden shed, Dr Ranger is still on a voyage of discovery. His business Sunmark made £200mn worth of sales to 130 countries last year. South America is the latest market in 68 year-old Dr Ranger's unrelenting mission to sell British branded products ranging from baked beans to deodorant cans.

His story is not unknown to the British Asians, growing up in the UK. Rami Ranger's father was an Indian freedom fighter, who was killed during the 1947 partition, two months before Rami was born. He and his 7 siblings were raised single-handedly by their mother, a teacher.

Necessity rather than desire led him into entrepreneurship. He was inspired by his mother's work ethics but wanted to channel his efforts into law rather than business. After graduating from University of Punjab, he convinced his mother to send him to Britain to continue his legal studies.

Continued on page 13

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ONE ONE with Keith Vaz, MP

Asian Voice 8th October 2016

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to

Jawed Habib

Jawed Habib went to a famous hair dressing school in London from where he picked up the art of systematic approach to the hair profession. Over the last 25 years, Jawed has made his mark in the field of hair styling and as of today he is the Signature hair icon of India.

His concept of hairstyling is a perfect amalgam of Indian & western styles. He has set up numerous salons and academies in India and abroad besides setting up prime brands in hair and beauty industry. His brand value is constantly growing with new brands and ideas being added and implemented to his business. He has managed such explosive growth with keen attention to customer satisfaction and quality assurance. Jawed skills, aesthetic sensitivity and solid expertise, helped him to understand the needs of the growing Indian market.

Jawed believes that education can change any profession. He is influential in adding an education element to the hair styling profession in India, and serves as an example by focusing on perfecting his skills and continuously learning every day.

1) What is your current position?

Am the Chairman of Jawed Habib Hair & Beauty Ltd. 2) What are your proudest achievements?

Everyday is an achievement for me as work hard for it but to point one, I can say - 16 Feb, 1997, when I made a record of 410 haircuts in 24hrs for the Limca Book Of Records, India.

London Mayor gives go-ahead to three new Thames river crossings in east London Sadiq Khan gave the green light to three new river crossings across the Thames in East London Tuesday.

The Mayor’s plans include the controversial Silvertown tunnel as well as a “greener” pedestrian and cycling bridge and an extension of the DLR. He argued that the controversial new road tunnel was needed to support economic growth and a massive house-building programme.

In a bid to head off a row with environmental campaigners, he approved the pedestrian bridge linking Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf and the Docklands Light Railway from

Gallions Reach towards Thamesmead.

There was an increased focus on more environmentally friendly public transport crossings as he announced Transport for London would also look at extending the London Overground between Barking Riverside and

Abbey Wood, and a ferry from North Greenwich to the Isle of Dogs.

In addition, Mr Khan said he had made improvements to Boris Johnson’s original proposal for the four-lane motorway linking the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks under the Thames.

Jeremy Hunt vs Doctors, a new threat Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt in his speech at the Conservative Party conference will outline plans for the NHS to end its overreliance on overseas doctors once Britain leaves the EU. Hunt will set out to promise medical schools in the UK would be allowed to offer up to 1,500 extra training places a year, and released figures that said that one in four NHS doctors have been trained abroad.

Hunt will use the platform to stress that foreigntrained doctors do a “fantastic job”, and is expected to say that “we want EU nationals who are already here to be able to stay postBrexit. Is it right to import doctors from poorer countries that need them while turning away bright home graduates desperate to study medicine?”

NHS England is expected to reach the target in 2025. “Of course it will take a number of years

before those doctors qualify, but by the end of the next parliament, we will make the NHS self-sufficient in doctors,” Hunt is expected to say.

The new plans will affect a quarter of the 110,000 foreign doctors in NHS England represented by 150 nationalities with India, Pakistan, Ireland and Greece providing half of the overseas doctors.

The Chairman of the British Medical Association’s governing council, Mark Porter said: “The government must tackle

the root causes of this workforce crisis and the reasons why so many UK trained doctors are considering leaving the NHS.” Doctors will be made to pay back the cost of their training if they leave the NHS too quickly as part of the plans. Under plans, newly qualified junior doctors would be tied to the NHS for four years and will be forced to repay the government’s contribution to the cost of medical school if they move abroad or enter private practice. It is estimated the cost of training a doctor to the taxpayer is £220,000.

AsianVoiceNews

3) What inspires you?

Genuine and Hard Working people inspire me a lot in life.

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

The hair profession has been looked down upon in India, which is definitely an obstacle for anyone including me associated with this profession.

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

The Legendary Indian singer Mohammad Rafi Sahab for his simple, helpful nature & romance for singing.

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

I am today in a position to transform the life of a common man by giving

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him skill & education of this profession which is a great help for his career.

7) And the worst?

I have to sacrifice my personal life for work most of the time.

8) What are your long term goals?

To systemise the hair industry and make it successful/respectable like McDonalds group.

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

I will strongly focus on education, which can change everything.

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

The former President of India, Late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to learn the real meaning of life which lived for oath.

Anger as McDonald’s serves a chicken burger to vegetarian Hindu A Hindu teenager who had been a vegetarian all his life was shocked to bite into a veggie burger in McDonald’s – and discover it was chicken.

For religious reasons, the Kings Heath boy had never ever eaten any meat.

He and his father Katan Naik regularly ate McDonald’s from the Yardley Wood restaurant but were stunned when the mistake had happened.

The 15-year-old schoolboy, who doesn’t wish to be named, was immediately sick as soon as he realised he had taken a mouthful of chicken. They complained to McDonald’s, and been offered a full refund, but the family want more to be done to make sure this

doesn’t happen again.

Katan emailed a complaint through to McDonald’s head office and asked what action it was going to take. He was invited to return to the restaurant for a free veggie burger but is not satisfied with that response and is determined to take it further.

A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “We wish to once again apologise unreservedly to Mr Naik and his son for this incident. Every step is taken to avoid imperfections and errors in our food and it is with regret, that they fell short in this instance.

“The restaurant team has been reminded of the

need to ensure the correct product reaches the customer. Our restaurant team have been in touch with Mr Naik regularly since this incident occurred in August, offering a full refund and our genuine apologies for any distress caused.”

Sunderland NSPCC appoints LPC Chairman for new role Umesh Patel, Chairman of Sunderland LPC, pictured, has been appointed as the Chairman of the region's National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

A statement issued by the NSPCC stated, 'The NSPCC Business Board has raised more than £62,000 for the NSPCC Schools Service across Sunderland and Wearside since its inception. The

amazing work of the board has helped us to reach out to more than 17,000 primary aged children in this area to let them know that abuse is wrong and to give them the tools to speak out should they ever need to.

Umesh has always been an active member of the board and will be instrumental in leading the board in a new direction to help keep even more

children safe Sunderland Wearside.”

across and

Husband 'murdered wife by hitting her in the head with an axe' after divorce row A Weybridge man killed his wife by attacking her more than 100 times with a knife and axe in a "brutal and sustained" assault, a court has heard.

Sanjay Nijhawan, 46, from Crossfield Place, appeared at Guildford Crown Court last Wednesday charged with one count of murder - he denies the charge.

Sanjay Nijhawan with his wife Sonita, above, who was found lying dead

Sonita Nijhawan, 38, was found in a pool of blood at their home in Crossfield Place on the morning of Saturday May 21 this year.

A post mortem examination revealed cause of death to be head and neck injuries.

Mr Nijhawan denies murder. The trial continues.

C MMENTS

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Asian Voice |8th October 2016

Rubicon crossed: India’s surgical strike Enough was enough. Bullies invariably mistake patience for weakness. When innocent men, women and children are killed at random for no other reason than that they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Time and again Pakistan got away with nothing more than verbal admonitions. Indian appeals to third parties, notably the United States, to use their influence to rein in the violators, brought more verbal remonstrations.

At Uri the Pakistanis went a step too far. The accustomed routine of braggadocio, denial and threat followed the deaths of 18 Indian soldiers. Prime Minister Narendra prepared the ground for India’s eventual response with meticulous care. At the G20 Summit in China, he had spoken out boldly against the threat of State sponsored terrorism and its implications for global peace and stability. He kept on hammering this theme at the Laos ASEAN Summit and thereafter.

The Obama Administration issued a ritual condemnation of terrorism, without doing anything substantial on the ground. The US State Department spokesman, Mark Toner, brazenly explained that America’s relationship was no zero sum game, suggesting that India and Pakistan engage in talks, as if they hadn’t been doing so for seventy long years. (See Media Watch, p 12) The time for talking and preaching had run aground. The time for action as a weapon of last resort had clearly arrived. The Prime Minister took counsel with his closest aides; he consulted the Army chief and provided him with his brief. In the early hours of September 29, Indian Special Forces under the cover of darkness slipped deep across the Line of Control in Kashmir and took out eight terrorist bases in a superbly conducted operation without the loss of a single Indian life. The intelligence details given them were clinical and precise. The effect was devastating, the message resoundingly clear Islamabad and the Pakistani media were in a state of denial, arguing that it was a concocted Indian

fable. But truth will out – eventually, when the body bags are delivered for brial. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif summoned 22 foreign envoys to tell them that this wall an Indian fairytale. The envoys will have had their own independent sources. More important, Mr Sharif and his ministers, in time, will have much explaining to do to their own people when the intoxication wears off and the inevitable hang-over sets in and the truth remorselessly unfolds. In 1965, Ayub Khan’s regime collapsed, as did Yahya Khan’s in December 1971, following misbegotten military adventures. What will the future hold for Nawaz Sharif? He was deposed after the Kargil fiasco in 1999 and was exiled to Saudi Arabia, having narrowly escaped the hangman’s noose? Time will tell.

Meanwhile, the SARRC Summit at Islamabad was aborted, with Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka joining India by refusing to attend.

At home, the Modi government called in Opposition parties to apprise them of the situation and ministers were given resounding support, which must have been music to their ears after days of spiteful bickering. In a national crisis India spoke with one voice.

Indian resolve and Indian power will have their own salutary effect on friends and foes alike. The image of a shambling giant unsure of itself, incessantly appealing to others for counsel will now be revised.

India has served notice that there are limits to her forbearance. This includes the leaders of the separatist Kashmiri Hurriyat whose arrogance, hopefully for their sakes, will be tempered with a measure of realism and modesty. Those who value Indian friendship and have done so steadfastly in the past, will invest added value to the relationship. For the people of India, the lesson in resolute statecraft will have left an abiding impression. Prime Minister Modi, who took the final call deserves high praise for his courage and perspicacity; the Army and intelligence services are owed a deep debt of gratitude. Indian unity in diversity has passed a crucial test.

Rafale deal: What it means for the IAF India and France after months of tortuous negotiations, finally signed the deal the Indian Air Force had been waiting for anxiously. Its current strength of 32 squadrons is short of the desired 43 needed to engage in a two-front war. The IAF had originally tendered for 127 fourth-generation medium-range multirole aircraft, and of those on offer their choice was the French Rafale. Due to cost escalation the ortiginally estimated 12 billion dollars climbed to over 20 billion.

Talks had run into the sand, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande agreed to initiate fresh talks for the purchase of 36 Rafales from the manufacturer Dassault, the contract to be underwritten by the French government.

The new dimension to this deal has been the package of weapon systems that will come with the planes.

These are among the most sophisticated, cutting-edge

technologies in the world, and they could well be game-changers for India in any future conflict.

Rafale’s proven capabilities are as follows: It can simultaneously engage in air defence and ground attack missions in a combat range between 7501,500kms; it can carry 9.3 tonne weapons, including nuclear weapons; it has air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles; India-specific tweaks were added to the final price for each plane at Rs1640 crore. The Rafale is a generation ahead of the US F-16, according to Dassault CEO Eric Trappler.

Defence Minister Parrikar was very upbeat about the IAF’s latest acquisition, while the French Minister Jean-Yves Le Drain said the aircraft would add substantially to Indian air power and strengthen the Indo-French strategic partnership. The first Rafale will be delivered in 2019 and the full complement by 2022.

Durga Puja and its eternal charm Goddess Durga is Bengal’s favourite deity, incarnating as she does, the qualities of mercy, compassion and human fellowship. The festive season in Bengal is all pervasive, from towns and villages to the giant metropolis Kolkata. For five days, she comes home to be with her own, before the ritual immersion in the waters of the rivers which marks her return journey whence she came.

Durga Puja pandals are a riveting sight for locals and foreigners alike, who move from one to another to appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of the idols. The new dimension to the celebrations this year was William Shakespeare’s 400 th death anniversary. The British Council in Kolkata partnered three well known pujas in Kolkata and presented video installation of his plays.

Streams of visitors were treated to scenes from Shakespeare’s plays on screens outside the pandals in three different localities. The Globe Theatre’s Complete Walk comprised 37 specially made 10 minute films from each of his plays were up for viewing.. Each film explores a theme in Shakespeare’s imagined setting of his work. Antony and Cleopatra was filmed against the background of the Egyptian pyramids, and The Merchant of Venice, with Shylock, on the site of the former Jewish ghetto in Venice.

The Complete Walk was first screened along the iconic 2-3 mile stretch between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge over the weekend of April 23-24, spe-

cially-made from each of the Bard’s 37 plays. The present setting was the banks of the Hooghly, where Shakespeare travelled across time and space. ‘It is up to us to make Shakespeare fit for our times. The video installation is an attempt to do so,’said Debanjan Chakrabarti, Director British Council East, India.

Pandals in Kolkata’s varied locations tackled the challenging task of bringing Shakespeare to the city’s teeming crowds. It was done in the inclusive spirit of Durga Puja.

What is truly remarkable is that in a far corner of a foreign field Durga Puja was celebrated with amazing gusto. The place was Wales. The Welsh authorities made the festival a national event, with schools and educational institutions popularizing the Puja as a unique cultural event of multicultural significance. Bengali community leaders, mostly doctors and professionals, were enthused by the local response. They and their families had lived in Wales for decades and made it their home, hence Durga Puja there was also marked the homecoming of the Goddess.

A postscript to this is the report that Republican presidential contender Donald Trump will be addressing an Indian American conference to celebrate Hindu culture and its contribution to civilization and the global heritage. He will also laud the enrichment of American society by the Indian presence – a fitting tribute to Durga and all that has incarnated down the ages.

3

Ever tried? Ever failed?

No matter. Try again.

Fail again. Fail better.

- Samuel Beckett (1906-1989)

Malala is Naively Wrong About Terrorism, The West and Pakistan The schoolgirl Malala shot in the face by the Taliban explains in her book the view that the West created Al-Qaeda and the monsters of recent terrorism. This equivalence is popular with Western liberal terror apologists too ‘we brought it on ourselves’ and ‘I am sure we are just as bad as they are’.

It’s worrying that Western youth too often think this way. You are wrong Malala. We in the West did not create terrorists we found hiding in Pakistan like Osama Bin Laden. Let me give you a history lesson – after the Second World War, our former allies, the USSR became our adversaries and enemies.

They wanted a world painted in communism, just as we to this day want one painted in democracy. We think our system is better. We think our system though not perfect, is worth dying for. Yes we actually do, though we would rather live for it. Our system which though imperfect sees women Heads of Government from Britain to Israel to India and hopefully the USA too this year.

Anyway the Russians invaded Afghanistan in 1979, although they claim they were invited – just like the Pakistani army claimed the Kashmiris invited their troops in 1948. We did not want Afghanistan to turn communist and were willing to fight them for that. We don’t like Islamic Republics much either, like Saudi Arabia, not just because of the lack of

freedom of religion, speech and human rights, but we tolerate them. We don’t think all political systems are equal and we do interfere in their affairs ever since we created the UN. Back in 1979, we were not going to tolerate the communists as much as we do now, say in China.

So we funded the Mujahadin, or freedom fighters, led by one Osama Bin Laden. We funded them through the corrupt Pakistani Government and their General Zia. We got played because those funds meant to repel the Russians found their way to Kashmir. Kashmiris doesn’t grow M16 rifles on trees and the kind of special training and gear you need to take out the military posts of a regional superpower like India – so we know where they got their training, it wasn’t in the tranquil Dal Lake.

Anyway, I say we in the West got played because once the Mujahadin, with our Western armoury defeated the Russians, they decided to attack us. Oh, they told us they wanted to live in peace after the Russians. Remember, we didn’t blow them up, we gave them military training, weapons and money.

So why did they turn against us?

Turns out if you’re from Saudi like Bin Laden and crazy enough to go to Afghanistan to hate the Russians, you also are going to hate the West – but even more so.

Continued on page 6

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Asian Voice |8th October 2016

Bradford boy found dead at home Just three weeks into his first term at secondary school, 11-year-old Asad Khan, pictured, hanged himself as it emerged he was being bullied by older students at the school. He was found unresponsive in his bedroom shortly after 4pm last Wednesday evening by his mother after he came home from school.

Ishtiaq Ahmed a former city councillor and a family friend said Asad informed his mother he was facing problems at school.

Asad’s aunt, Rehana Bibi, 34, said “Asad was just a very good, innocent child. He was so very sweet and I cannot believe he has gone alike this. This is obviously a case of bullying from the school.”

The headteacher of Beckfoot Upper Heaton,

Simon Wade said: “It is with great sadness that we learnt pf the death of Asad Khan, one of the school’s newest students. THE school is united in grief.

The school community is working together as students, parents and staff come to terms with these events. All our thoughts are with Asad’s family at this terribly difficult time.”

Detectives are now investigating a report that Asad was beaten up on Wednesday lunchtime in a playground, hours before he was found dead at his home. A spokesman for West Yorkshire police confirmed yesterday that the force received a report about the alleged incident on Friday.

DI Alan Flynn, of Bradford CID, who is lead-

ing the investigation has confirmed that his officers had received reports of a “bullying issue” and it was being looked into. The DI said that while bullying was not a criminal offence, detectives would examine whether there was any criminal behaviour including assault.

He said in a statement “There is a lot of ongoing work to clarify what was going on in this young lad’s life prior to his death. We are looking for information from the community and

we are setting up a specialist email address for the public so they can provide any information or evidence, including visual, that could assist us in understanding what has occurred.”

On Monday, an inquest into Asad’s death was told he had been reluctant to attend his new secondary school. Simon Holmes, the coroner’s officer, told the hearing: “He was a fit, healthy, sociable and chatty boy. Recently he’d started a new school, he was reluctant to attend that school.” Martin Fleming, the Bradford coroner, said the death had happened in “heartbreaking circumstances” before he adjourned the inquest to a provisional date of 24 January.

Emotional tributes to Wednesbury teenager stabbed to death in Cheltenham Emotional tributes have been paid to a Midland teenager who was stabbed to death in Cheltenham.

Camran Green, pictured, was rushed to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital after being knifed in the stomach on Hester’s Way at around 8.20pm on Sunday night.

The 17-year-old, from Wednesbury , died in hospital on Monday morning.

Detectives have since launched a murder investigation and are hunting for a male suspect over the attack. Paying tribute to Camran, his mum Emma

Green told Gloucestershire Echo that her son would “do anything for anybody”.

Emma, from Tamworth, said: “Everybody loved him. He could get along with everybody and he had lots of

friends.

“Camran was a lovely guy. He got along with anybody and was loved by loads. He would do anything for anybody so for something like this to happen.

“I don’t understand why people have to use weapons when they know people have to use weapons when they know full well what consequences it has.

He has got three brothers and two sisters and it is all mixed emotions at the moment.

“My four-year-old doesn’t know, my six-year-

old is trying to get his head around it. We are all just in shock. I just don’t know what I’m feeling.

“I’m feeling angry, upset and confused. I don’t know what to think at the moment. I want him to be remembered as a loving, caring, generous guy who would do anything for anyone. Whoever did it will have to be caught and justice to be served.”

“To be honest, I don’t even know why he was in Gloucestershire.”

More relatives and friends also paid tribute to Camran on social media.

Hundreds attend funeral of Zakir Nawaz who was stabbed to death Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral for the “kind, loving and unique” dad-of-two who died in a stabbing attack in Washwood Heath.

Zakir Nawaz was remembered by his family as a man whose smile "melted hearts".

Zakir, who was known to friends as “Rex”, had become a father for the second time just 10 days before his life was tragically cut short in an unprovoked attack on Highfield Road just after 10pm.

Despite paramedics’ desperate attempts to save him, Zakir was pronounced dead at the scene.

An inquest revealed that he PBV

had died from a single stab wound in his chest.

In a statement his family said: “Zakir was a kind, loving and unique person.

Words are not enough to describe Zakir but his smile would melt hearts.”

The family added that they hoped that Zakir’s death would teach people that life must be lived to the full.

Zakir was given a traditional funeral including prayers for the dead and floral tributes spelt out his roles in life: “daddy”, “brother” and “son”.

His wife, Georgia, released a statement about her husband in the wake of his death. She said:

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Zakir Nawaz became a father for the second time just 10 days before his death, police said

“Our family has been left heartbroken as a result of Zakir’s murder. Zak was a loving husband, father, son and brother. I was his queen and Zak was my world.

“Zak was a fantastic father and although I will ensure that our two children know this, it breaks my heart to know that Zak will never get to see our beautiful children grow.

“Zak’s parents, sisters and all who knew and loved him have been left empty. Zak had the ability to make anyone smile even if they were feeling low. He loved his family and we loved him dearly.”

Washwood Heath councillor Mariam Khan said that Zakir’s death should highlight the need for more funding to tackle Birmingham knife crime.

“A young life has been stolen yet again to knife crime which is an awful disease in this city.

“Incidents like these highlight the urgent need for more resources to be invested into working with young people especially on the issues of tackling violent crime.”

A 25-year-old man was arrested and has now been released without charge.

Police continue to appeal for witnesses.

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Your mouse curry is served, sir

When a group of customers kicked up a storm claiming that their vegetable curry had a dead mouse, the owner literally smelt a rat.

Mohammed Ali, owner of an award-winning Shajan restaurant in Clayton-le-Dale in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire is now suing the eight customers who caused the commotion on their apparent discovery last month.

The party is being sued for damages to his business after food inspectors found the animal must have been deliberately put on the plate.

Not only did the mouse in question turn out to be a shrew is also, crucially, showed no signs of ever been cooked. Pictures of the dead rodent, complete with curry sauce, was circulated on social media but has since been removed.

The local council’s environment health team found the rodent had died from a trauma injury to its back, most probably after being caught in a mouse trap.

Ribble Valley council’s head of environmental health, Heather Coar said: “We responded immediately and undertook an unannounced visit to the restaurant. We conducted a thorough and detailed inspection and found no evidence whatsoever of rodent activity.

Additionally, the restaurant was found to have a pest control contract in place and an audit of the pest control records revealed no history of rodent activity.”

Mr Ali said: “We are victims of a targeted and malicious attack by someone who has a grudge against the restaurant.”

A recycling empire on ‘slaves’ A young wealthy businessman lived a life of luxury with the help of a dozen ‘salves’ to build his waste management business.

Police discovered 11 malnourished Polish men and a worker of Asian origin at a flat and two businesses of Shezada Mahboob, 26, in the West Midlands.

The workers in the businesses were paid less than £1 an hour and were forced to sleep on the site on stacks of wasted cardboard.

A 52-year-old man was arrested as police raided CAP Recycling, a business of Mr Mahboob. Among the workers was a man suspected to have a broken shoulder while other showed signs of malnutrition and alcohol dependency, police said.

Shezada Mahboob and a 47-year-old Pakistan man were arrested in the Handsworth Wood area of Birmingham.

Black Country Recycling, another of Mahboob’s businesses

was raided.

Detective Inspector Colin Mattison of the West midlands Police said: “Police intelligence suggested eastern European men were being exploited at the unit and being paid £10 for working long hours. It's believed the men were taking advantage of these people were living luxurious lifestyles and driving in high-value cars.”

DI Mattison added: “Modern day slavery is considered a hidden crime.

I’d urge members of the public to lookout for telltale signs like large numbers of people in multioccupancy houses and people being ferried to and from addresses on vans or minibuses early in the morning and returning late at night.”

Mahboob has been bailed and released without charge.

Woman charged with 'attempted baby snatch A woman has been charged with attempting to take a baby from her mother.

Rukibai Lakhman Karavadra, from Leicester, appeared at the

city's magistrates court.

The 62-year-old has been charged with 'attempting to take a child so as to remove him or her from a person having lawful control'.

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Lord Williams delivers Gandhi lecture on Mahatma's example for peacemaking today Lord Rowan Williams, Master of Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, and former Archbishop of Canterbury, delivered this year's Gandhi Foundation's Annual Lecture on 1st October.

Entitled 'Empathy, ethics and peacemaking; reflections on preserving our humanity', Lord Williams' lecture reflected on what peace makers in today's world can learn from Mahatma Gandhi's approach to conflict resolution.

The Gandhi Foundation was established as a charity after Richard Attenborough's 1983 film 'Gandhi'. It exists to raise awareness of the Mahatma's life and message of non violence and its relevance in today's world, and the Gandhi Annual Lecture is one of its most important events.

In introducing this year's lecturer to the audience at St Martin-in-theField church in London, the Gandhi Foundation's President, Lord Bhikhu Parekh, said Lord Williams was one of the finest thinkers and human beings he knows.

Lord Williams firstly set out an approach to empathy which seeks to understand difference as well as sameness in other people and communities.

He said that it was necessary to take plenty of time to understand different perspectives in people and communities when trying to resolve conflicts.

Lord Williams said our

FU URT THER R RE EDUCTIONS END OF SUMMER SALE S Lord Rowan Williams

Lord Bhikhu Parekh

peace and security could only be secured by ensuring peace and security for our neighbours. When going on to discuss ethics, Lord Williams said it had to be based on the fundamental question of what kind of humanity we want to create (this was a subject that Lord Williams addressed in another lecture also given at St Martins in September entitled 'Who is thy neighbour? The ethics of global relationships'. It is available to listen to at: https://s63.podbean.com/ pb/9cbbc4be405c6ea1520 db21d8e4119e0/57f11df2/ data1/fs156/601733/uploa d s / 1 6 - 0 9 22_Who_is_my_neighbour.mp3).

Lord Williams drew on Gandhi's approach to non violence by saying that his strategy was designed to make violence by the British Raj very difficult to use. Lord Williams observed that conflicts today in places such as Syria and South Sudan are centred on fights for power, which are very difficult to resolve.

Gandhi sought to counter

such power struggles by generating a sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of their communities from the political leaders.

Lord Williams also touched on how peace could be served better through international political institutions. He said that the world was experiencing a 'collective political nervous breakdown' and suggested that the United Nations needs to be more empowered to control local conflicts in the world. He suggested that the UN Security Council might be replaced by a Mediation Council, although he conceded that this was a very unlikely prospect. Lord Williams answered a large number of questions from an appreciative audience on issues such as Britain's referendum vote to leave the European Union and the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

An audio recording of Lord Williams' Gandhi Lecture will be available to listen to at www.stmartinin-the-fields.org/podcasts/

Indian High Commissioner hosts reception for the Conservative Friends of India High Commissioner Navtej Sarna hosted a reception for the Conservative Friends of India on the sidelines of the Annual Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham on Monday 3 October. The event was attended by many senior Cabinet Ministers including Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid, Chairman of the Conservative Party Patrick McLoughlin and Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation Jo Johnson. They reaffirmed the Conservative party’s commitment towards an ever-stronger relationship with India, especially post-Brexit.

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox remarked that while historical ties and past engagements have been steadfast and strong, it is the shared

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High Commissioner Navtej Sarna remarked that India cherishes its strategic partnership with the United Kingdom and is confiRanjit Baxi, HE Navtej Sarna, dent of a further Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson strengthening and and Shailesh Vara MP diversification of this future that makes the bilatimportant relationship. eral relationship between “India is committed to a India and the UK so imporstronger engagement with tant. He called on the need the United Kingdom in the to review the existing tariff years to come, given the and non-tariff barriers to interest levels of the two reap the phenomenal governments in the major potential of India-UK trade economic initiatives underrelations. Mr. Fox, who will taken in India”, the High be co-chairing the IndiaCommissioner said. CoUK Joint Economic Trade Chairs of Conservative Committee (JETCO) later Friends of India Mr. Shailesh Vara MP and Mr. this year, stressed his perRanjit Baxi thanked the sonal commitment to UK’s engagement with India.

High Commissioner for Foreign Secretary Boris hosting the reception and Johnson hailed the partexpressed their commitnership between India and ment to continue to work the United Kingdom and together closely with the the potential of a stronger High Commission of India economic relations towards stronger India-UK between the two countries ties.

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Asian Voice |8th October 2016

Give Children a Voice To support the nationwide Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Legal 500 recommended Law Firm Duncan Lewis Solicitors are pleased to announce the launch of their ‘Charlie’s Weekend Video’ on Monday 3rd October in support of their campaign ‘Give Children a Voice’. This campaign, running for the whole month of October, is aimed to raise awareness of the crime of domestic violence, inform survivors that legal aid is available to them and identify child victims as the ‘silent sufferers’ in many domestic abuse cases.

The video can be viewed a t https://www.youtube.com/ embed/TgxkLUXMycc.

This video depicts a narrative of young Charlie, in a classroom answering the question posed by his teacher: “What’s Everyone’s Weekend News?”. His character’s experiences of domestic abuse in this home contrast to those of his classmates, demonstrating the emotional and alienating effects upon the child.

The video is sharable on all social media platforms since Monday 3rd October.

The main social media outlets to be used will be the firm’s Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube page by adopting the hashtags #GiveChildrenAVoice #CharliesWeekend #StopDV. The ‘Give Children a Voice’ campaign page has been created to share information and support the Charlie’s Weekend video.

The video highlights two key issues:

The impact on children living with domestic violence: Children of all ages can be affected in many ways by living in this situation.

Residing in an unsafe household is a form of child abuse even if the child is not directly harmed by the perpetrator. The cross Government definition of domestic violence and abuse is: Any incident of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to: psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional.

Further, the definition of domestic violence in England and Wales was expanded in March 2013 to include victims aged 16 and 17 years old. It also now includes controlling behaviour and coercive behaviour.

In most cases legal aid is available for domestic violence: Recent case law sparked the change in permitting domestic violence evidence to be provided within 5 years as opposed to 2 years, which meansmore survivors of domestic violence will have access to advice and representation in the Family Courts.

However, this still creates an unreasonable assumption that the effects of domestic abuse are time limited.Consequently, victims of domestic abuse who cannot provide the speci-

fied evidence required within 5 years do not qualify for Legal Aid and are therefore, often left without legal representation, directly facing their perpetrator in court over important and emotional issues.

Being a leading provider of Legal Aid, Duncan Lewis Solicitors can advise victims on how to apply for Legal Aid for domestic abuse/child abuse cases.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors advise on valid evidence to show that domestic violence has occurred, or parents have received a Pre-proceedings Letter from Social Services following a Section 47 enquiry.

Kathy Walker, Director at Duncan Lewis Family & Childcare law department, states: “The ‘little people’ that experience domestic abuse in their family home are often the forgotten victims. Children exposed to Domestic abuse suffer in silence and experience fear for the abused parent/carer.

Children who are exposed to domestic abuse are victims of Child Abuse themselves – more awareness and recognition is needed urgently.”

Members of the public and the media are encouraged to share the video and adopt the hashtags to create a nationwide awareness of the campaign and to help tackle the silence surrounding domestic abuse and to give those who suffer a voice to speak out.

Confidential and expert legal advice can be obtained by calling our National Domestic Violence Number on 0800 689 3275.

Malala is Naively Wrong About Terrorism, The West and Pakistan

Continued from page 3 They hated us well before we funded and fed them and clothed them and gave them their freedom from the Russians.

What did we do but give them billions for their freedom? They didn’t have or need an excuse to hate us back then.

They decided they had a holy war against us. Our fault? No. They played us.

You think they’re too stupid to play clever old us?

Well, they managed to penetrate our airspace – the most secure in the

world and bring down our most prestigious buildings. Oh they played us.

And you know who keeps popping up in this story Malala? Your fellow countrymen in Pakistan.

Guess where we found Bin Laden? In a major Pakistani military city – not in some cave in Afghanistan. You think he was directing global terrorism by himself from there – or you think there are a load more housed, protected from there?

We won’t get played again Malala with

bull**** like ‘we created Bin Laden’ – he and his West hating brethren have hated us the moment we didn’t worship their God, the moment we said free speech is important, and that women can go to school. You created the Taliban as much as the West did Malala – by going to school. And Pakistan gets global funds to help ‘counter terror’ and dupe the world and play us to this day whilst it creates more Bin Ladens in its terror camps and Madrasas.

New therapy that zapped virus from British man's blood suggests a cure for HIV If a group of British scientists succeed, the AIDScausing HIV virus might soon become curable, and a 44-year-old British citizen could become the first person to be completely rid of the virus.

The breakthrough is a result of a new therapy that targets the disease even in its dormant state, says a report in The

Sunday Times. It is the first treatment created to track down and destroy HIV in every part of the body.

Fighting HIV has been one of the greatest challenges facing researchers, because it targets the immune system itself. It entwines with the DNA of T-cells (or T lymphocytes that play a central role in

the body's immune response) in a way that they not only ignore its presence, but begin reproducing the virus as well.

Further, the infected T-cells can lie dormant for years, reproducing the virus without detection from our bodies and activating at a time when the immune system is at its weakest.

Kapil’s

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KHICHADI Follow me on Twitter:@kdudakia

by Kapil Dudakia - email: kapil@abplgroup.com

Bharat Mata ki Jai On 18th September state sponsored Pakistani terrorists attacked India killing Indian soldiers who were guarding the Line of Control to ensure the security of India and Indian citizens.

The whole world knows that those who attacked must have been facilitated by Pakistani officials. In India it drew massive reaction from the public and of course the vast majority wanted immediate retaliation. Armchair pundits were on every TV channel dissecting the news into so many pieces that in the end, most of them were unable to see the bigger picture. So what was the bigger picture?

PM Modi has always worked in a way that is not only different, but very often like a chess player who has multiple options and sees moves many steps ahead. Like in chess, in order to secure check-mate you do need to first move some key pieces to the right place. PM Modi and his team began briefing all key international partners so they were left in no doubt that either they were with India, or they were with the terrorists. Countries that historically had shown two faces were put in a corner and with diplomatic bluntness, they were informed that India is now fully under new management. The old days of appeasement were over.

At the same time the armed forces had already been informed that they will be given a right for full retaliation, and that they should put in place a master plan of what can be done in various phases. Yes, you read that correctly, in various phases means what you have witnessed in only phase one.

At the United Nations Pakistan’s international beggar, PM Nawaz Sharif went with his begging bowl and found the place empty to his pleadings. It what must have been one of the most embarrassing speeches at the UN, to an empty auditorium, he read out a script written by his terrorist loving army chiefs. His body language confirmed that even he did not believe a word of what he was saying, let alone trying to hoodwink the rest of the world. He left disgraced to return to the gutter

PM Narendra Modi

PM Nawaz Sharif

from whence he came.

India’s First Secretary to the United Nations, the young selfconfident determined Smt Eenam Gambhir gave one of the most devastating rebuttals in just under 3 mins. She destroyed Pakistan and the terrorist state it has become. If that was not enough, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj followed this up a few days later with what will go down as one of the most ‘surgically’ targeted speeches ever made against Pakistan. Whilst she spent most of her time discussing global issues (as a developed global player would do on the world stage) she left her most ferocious attack for Pakistan.

There was no doubt, at the UN she declared with absolute clarity – Jammu and Kashmir are integral to India and will remain so, permanently.

However, all this was just a precursor to what was really about to happen. By now Pakistan was totally isolated on the world stage. Apart from China showing mild support, every other country denounced Pakistan and left it stranded. And at this time PM Modi made his speech. Most people did not understand his speech, including many in the media and even the so called pundits.

Read in between the lines PM Modi stated with precision to Pakistan, India will split Pakistan into four. As the specialist were debating the speech, orders had already been given to the armed forces, Phase One was a go. Indian special forces infiltrated way deep into Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (remember, technically India had entered its own territory).

They had been monitoring the launch pads for terrorist attacks and had every angle covered.

Delhi said, go and within a matter of hours the Indian armed forces had

destroyed the launch pads, killed all the terrorist and also some Pakistani soldiers. They returned back to India before the world was awake and with minimal injuries to rapturous commendations from everyone.

If that was not enough humiliation for Pakistan, the SAARC conference was boycotted by everyone. Who wants to sit with the head of a terrorist state?

So whilst you and I sit here in the UK, what can we do you all ask?

Well we cannot be at the LOC and take the bullets. However, there is something that every true Indian in the UK can do. I ask you all to sign the following petition (please go the website immediately): https://petition.parliament.uk /petitions/168107/ The idea of the petition is to register our voice, to send a message to the politicians of what we think and to even get the Government of the day (which by the way is very pro-India anyway) to make a special statement. So all you have to do, and that means everyone in your family and in your network, is to sign this petition.

Surely we Indians can all be united on this very simple matter?

I end by saying, we are entering one of the most important phases for India. Pakistan will split into four in the very near future. The atrocities and genocide in Baluchistan is finally an international issue thanks to PM Modi. The issue of Gilgit-Baltistan and the plight of thousands of Pashtuns was also highlighted. The Sun is rising from the East, the world needs India and it is incumbent on all of us to ensure the land of Dharma Rakshaks rises to it deserved status.

Bharat Mata ki Jai, Bharat Mata ki Jai, Bharat Mata ki Jai.

www.asian-voice.com Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

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Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

A visit to promote people to people friendship between India and UK Aaditya Kaza Recently Mr Vjiay Jolly, Ex-BJP Global Convener Overseas Affairs along with Mr Vijay Mehta, Merchant Banker & Vice President Delhi Study Group visited the Asian Voice office during their visit to the United Kingdom.

Their visit seeks in promoting people to people friendship. The diplomatic initiatives were taken by the government of India, but we as public spirited individuals who have connections not only in London but worldwide. Mr Jolly said, “I am firmly on a global spree, to connect with the Indian diaspora and promote people to people friendship and understanding.”

Among the many things discussed, they talked about Indian politics, in Delhi Mr Jolly said Arvind Kejriwal's style of functioning has been hammering the traditional political parties and the traditional political system and that caught the imagination of the people. Plus when they split from the Anna Hazare movement to create the party, people still expected that Congress never did anything, BJP kept loosing Delhi so this time let's try them.

Other things discussed were the elections in Punjab, the current situation between India and Pakistan and its implications in practical terms.

Coming from a person who has been with the BJP for the last 40 years, serving many posts under different Indian Prime Minister’s his views were insightful.

Today India is the third largest investor in Britain with 140 projects after the United States of America with 570 projects and China with 156 projects.

After UK's exit from EU, there exists a potential trade & investment opportunities for Indian entre-

L-R: Vijay Jolly, CB Patel and Vijay Mehta at the Asain Voice office

preneurs. Vijay Mehta who having over 35 years of experience in business simply said: “The confidence of the corporate world in Mr Modi’s government could easily be gauged by the response to the Sensex stock market.”

In addition the global investor's confidence in the ability of the Indian economy to roll over. There was gloom before, I still remember when we came over here and castigated the Congress about the lack of Foreign Direct investment coming in. The attempt has made in producing a corruption free movement, starting from the top, that is immense confidence in what people in India and overseas have about India, Mr Jolly added.

Vijay Mehta explained that the surge in the economy can be gauged by the order book of the capital goods manufacturers as they are the ones supplying the machinery and unless new machinery is ordered expansion is not going to take place. The cement industry, for example, is doing really well meaning there is a lot of construction going on. Capital goods are being ordered

meaning that people are expanding. He says “After another 2 years, the results will be clearly seen. India today is already seen as an economically strong country all over the world. We will continue to be among the top 10 economies in the world and slowly we are going to inch forward and try to be number 5. In the ease of doing business, we have improved our performance from 150th, we are close to 78. These are all good signs.”

Their visit to the UK will involve the gentlemen meeting with leaders of BAPS Swami Narayan temple, seeking the Southall Gurdwara’s Guruji's blessings & meeting with prominent Sikh leaders. They have also been specially invited by Maa Charity Trust, UK to attend Pravachan & spiritual guidance program by Didi Maa Sadhvi Ritambhara. They will pay a courtesy call on Indian High Commissioner Navtej Sarna, now Ambassadordesignate to the US. Finally, on 30th September, The Punjabi Society of the British Isles hosted an exclusive dinner reception at Bombay Palace for Mr Vijay Jolly,

along with Mr Vijay Mehta, visiting the UK to promote ‘People to People Friendship’ between India and the UK. The Chairman of the Punjabi Society of British Isles, Atul Pathak CBE, the Society’s Patron, Dr Rami Ranger CBE, CB Patel, Professor Nat Puri and Lord Loomba CBE gave speeches in praise of the Indian Government under Shri Narendra Modi and Mr Jolly’s hard work.

Tribute was also paid to the 18 soldiers who were murdered in Uri and applauded the surgical strikes conducted in Pakistani Occupied Kashmir.

In his speech, Mr Jolly praised the Indian community in the UK for their hard work and for promoting India overseas. He stated that India is proud of their achievements and will maintain close ties.

Chairman Mr Pathak presented the pride of India award to Mr Jolly and Mr Mehta who both presented the Society’s Committee members with Prime Minster Narendra Modi’s book. The evening concluded with a vote of thanks given by Dr Ravi Gidhar.

A national museum for British Asians?

The British architect David Adjaye was a known face among superstars, a designer of homes for artists and celebrities like Alexander McQueen, Jake Chapman Ewan and McGregor among others.

When the financial crisis hit David was on the brink of bankruptcy in early 2009. But then just two months after he reached an agreement with his creditors, an extraordinary offer.

David Adjaye was approached to create a $500 million (£384.4 million) building on the National Mall in Washington DC, to be

neighbours with the W a s h i n g t o n Monument.

The building was no ordinary building to house office spaces.

Rather it was to be a centre for history, a National Museum of African American History and Culture.

President Obama promised it would stand beside “the monuments to those who gave birth to this nation”, offering America hard truths about the horrors of slavery and recognising the “central role that AfricanAmericans have played in

the life of our country.”

The museum was opened recently to great fanfare and even though it's free, has been booked until December. “This about the particular story of the

A f r i c a n American community in America, and doing some kind of healing through this acknowledgement”, David said. With a historical tie that stretches centuries between the UK and the Indian subcontinent, the question remains, will Britain ever see a museum for Asians?

Couldn't that possibility be even closer with an Asian mayor leading London?

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

New rules for UK foreign aid pledges Patel In her address to the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Priti Patel announced every pound of British aid spent abroad would be scrutinised to guard against waste and corruption. She promised to “follow the money” citing Margret Thatcher’s remark there is “no such thing as public money.”

The International Development secretary wanted the conference that any schemes deemed not delivering would be scrapped and those the UK already invests in should be “mutually beneficial”. As Ms Patel seeks to justify the amount the UK on aid, she said the if the country spent less on the humanitarian crisis in Syria, the migrant crisis across Europe would be much worse.

She said: “As Margret Thatcher famously said: there’s no such thins as public money - it is taxpayers money. And when we open budgets and let people see where the money is going, we can help root out corruption and ensure that resources reach the most vulnerable.”

Ms Patel who campaigned to leave the EU said that the news direction will send “a clear message to the international aid community. If we can demand more from one of the best performing institutions… we

Priti Patel

are certainly going to demand much, much more from everyone else, too.”

In her speech, she made the case to continue spending 0.7% of the GDP on international aid. She warned that unless the UK was committed to solving problems abroad, citizens would suffer at home.

“If we stand back and abandon countries that suffer from poverty and weak institutions, then not only do the people who live in those countries suffer, and not only do those countries become vulnerable to insecurity and terrorism, but the problems that they have, come closer to home,” she said.

Ms Patel pledged to spend £750 million on supporting Afghanistan over a three year period to keep the UK safe and “do justice to the sacrifices made by our brave Armed Forces.”

UK to have a new Indian High Commissioner Mr. Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha who has finished three years in Sri Lanka, will come to London as the new high commissioner.

A diplomat for over 35 years, Sinha has handled several important assignments at the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi and in Indian diplomatic missions in South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, South America and the Permanent Mission of India at the United Nations in New York. He holds the rank of Secretary to the Government of India and has represented India at numerous international and regional conferences and meetings.

Born on October 4, 1958 in an eminent family from Bihar, he began his schooling in Chesham (UK) and finished at St. Michael's High School, Patna. He graduated with Honours in History from St. Stephen's College, Delhi and also did his Masters in History from Delhi University. He has a diploma in Arabic from the American University,

Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha

Cairo. He is married to Girija, and they have two sons: Ambuj and Vinayak.

Dinesh Patnaik has joined as the deputy high commissioner in London, after just completing a stint as India's ambassador to Morocco. He has replaced Dr Virander Paul, who has moved to Geneva as India's Deputy Permanent Representative to UN, after his 3 successful years in the UK. The outgoing Indian high commissioner to UK, Navtej Sarna, will take over from Arun Singh as India's ambassador to the US. Singh is scheduled to retire at the end of the month.

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Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

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Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

Gandhi Jayanti

Value vs column of UK exports

Referring to your news London to celebrate Gandhi Jayanti published in Asian Voice last week, I went to Westminster Square last Sunday. It was very nice of Asian Voice for giving this news as a sort of reminder to us all.

Gandhiji not only made India to be independent but made people of India to rule themselves than to be ruled

by Kings. Before Independence in 1947 Indians had always been ruled by Kings First by Hindu Kings and then Muslim and Christians. This change not only happened in India but went round the whole world.

Dharam Sahdev Ilford

Mrs May’s Manifesto

Last Sunday Mrs May declared Brexit manifesto at the Conservative Party conference. Before the end of this financial year she will introduce a Great Repeal Bill to undo the 1972 Act of joining the EC and will invoke the Article 50 of Lisbon Treaty (2007). This manifesto has silenced the Doubting-thomases and the hard core Europhiles at the same time. Three month delay in the declaration is due to the previous Government’s raw arrogance which did not allow them to do preparatory work for the eventuality of “Leave” vote majority. A sensible government would have prepared for both options.

We will be negotiating the terms of leaving the EU from a position of strength as they need us more than we need them. The remaining EU members even cannot communicate with each other without our language and a same position is there in Finance, Defence, Intelligence and Research. All of us should unite behind our PM and her team so she can lead our great sovereign nation to a bright future especially for the young generation. The EU is only 0.44 billion people but there are other seven billion people with whom we can freely do business without the shackles from Brussels.

Narsibhai Patel New Malden

In 2014, UK exported 671,000 cars to the EU at an average price of £20,600 earning us £13.8 billion. UK imported from the EU 1,058,000 cars at an average price of £13,000 costing us £13.8 billion.

Historically, we export almost 50% of our goods to the EU and just over 50% outside the EU. Probably the bigger picture is the same: overall, we export high value goods in smaller quantities and we import lower value goods in bigger quantities from the EU. If a 10% tariff is imposed both on exports and imports of goods between UK and the EU, one needs to forecast not only on what the change in value will be, but also what the change in volume will be. In essence what the price/volume mix impact would be.

Once the Prime Minister triggers Clause 50, negotiations will commence and let us say we reach a trade agreement with the EU by end 2019. Non-EU countries will not sign trade agreement with the UK until they know UK’s trade terms with the EU. That will take a few more years.

After all that, what the pattern of trade will be will take a few more years to evolve.

Nagindas Khajuria By email

Consultation on Webcam

Under pressure surgeries are turning to private doctors who can see patients on webcam, even though based a long distance from patients home. This will indeed reduce waiting time from days to hours but at a price to the patient who will have to pay £50 for 15 minutes consultations during working hours and £70 at any other time.

Could this be a slippery road to privatization through back-door? Could it not be better if NHS introduce nominal consultation fee of say £10 for a visit to GP surgery with minimum exemptions? This could reduce, even eliminate unnecessary consultations freeing GP’s time for real patients. After all we pay for dental treatment and prescription charges. These could even encourage some private doctors to come under NHS, especially if all or part of these consultation fees go to GPs. This may only work if A & E also introduce charges, to stop A & E being inundated if it is free. I wonder what access these private doctors could have to patients’ records and could they prescribe medication on NHS or as suggested they email prescriptions to their GPs who may electronically transfer these prescriptions to patients’ pharmacists and who would take the blame if a wrong medication is prescribed? It would be interesting if GPs involved in these schemes inform and educate general public.

Kumudini Valambia By email

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Reintroduction of grammar schools

Though meritocracy of the grammar schools is unquestionable, pupils not gaining the admission (large proportion) felt as failures, rejected and lost parity of esteem.

Comprehensive schools were introduced to give equal opportunity to all pupils, i.e. less fortunate, slow learners, children of working class parents. The system also provides special arrangements to encourage bright students to aim high. Mrs. Thatcher’s government then restructured the whole education system to bring in exams for 7 yrs, 11 yrs and 13 yrs old to monitor the progress of all children and league tables to show each schools’ performance. High school children are streamed in ability groups and top groups are given extensive help to stretch their achievements.

The problem of dropped standard is the result of successive governments making exams easier to bump up the exam results' figures . However, new measures to improve exam standards and quality are now in place and recognized as extremely challenging by all concerned. The decision to open more grammar schools could have been postponed to see if these changes are effective. The fund and facilities for the grammar schools should be provided to state schools across the country to benefit all pupils.

Ila Kapadia By email

Surgical strike by India

Pakistan failed to heed India’s requests to deter cross border export of terrorism to India. In order to avenge attack on army camp at Uri, where 18 Indian javans died, on29-9-2016, Thursday, Indian commandos attacked/ destroyed 5 terrorist training camps, killing about 38 terrorists. Our whole hearted congratulations to Prime Minister Modi and commandos for success. But India’s hands are clean, as attack was “along LoC”, in territory illegally occupied by Pakistan, and “not across”. Thus India has not invaded Pakistan; no Pakistani fatality. As terrorists were declared as foreigners, non-state actors by Pakistan it may not be right for it to sympathize with them. As terrorists are said to have no religion, India has not attacked Islam.

No nation has objected to this attack; many have warned Pakistan against Nuclear threat. Actually Pakistan should be grateful to India for cleansing action that Pakistan could not do. Here we must praise Muslim unity too: Pakistan banned all Bollywood films soon after surgical strike, declaring Bollywood as enemy. But Indian, Muslim actor is not accepting that by same standard Pakistani artists in Bollywood are enemies of India. Muslims and whole world must see India’s tolerance as irrefutable reality.

Ramesh Jhalla By email

Man’s best friend

Dogs have been considered man’s best friend due to their close relationship, loyalty and companionship with us humans. Dogs do all the little things to please and put smiles on faces around the world. So it was disturbing to read in the media that a man left his three dogs for three hours in a hot car on a scorching hot day last July. The poor dogs died of heat stroke after being stuck inside the car which was heated to 40 degrees celsius due to the sunshine. The dogs would have gone through stages of panic, heat stress and likely seizures and injury in an attempt to escape before dying. It is distrurbing to note that the poor creatures were subjected to such an ordeal.

We all love dogs. They act as loyal friend, watchman to guard our homes from intruders or as guides for blind people and play mates for young children. Like horses, cows and cats, these domestic animals have been used by man and are rewarded for their usefulness. In India where many people do not have enough to feed their families, they still share their food with their “Moti” as dogs are often called by this name.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Would French Rafael give India edge over Pakistan?

Indian has finally signed Euro 7:87 billion deal to deliver 36 Rafael fighters to IAF that was under discussion over 16 years. These fighter planes were once described inferior to American F16 and British Tornados jointly developed by Britain, Germany and EU nations. The latest version of Rafael includes many improvements, innovations and latest technology with significant Indian input. French promise of technology transfer will help India to manufacture even more advanced fighters locally, thus making India self-sufficient and a potent force for in arms industry, boosting export to friendly countries.

India has one eye on China who has far superior and better equipped fighting force than India who needs $100 billion investment and technical support from West, namely from America, Britain, France and Israel, especially when India, Russia relations are in the doldrums. This is indeed an expensive deal, each fighter costing Rs 700 crore. But India needs these planes urgently, as Russian Migs are old, outdated and considered “Flying Coffins” due to high casualty rate and no match to Pakistan’s American supplied F16, only Indian pilots’ skill, training and dedication gives India temporary edge over Pakistan. This could give India a long term security and arm industry that could be an envy of the world.

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

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EDUCATION

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Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

Welsh university tuition fees to catch up with England’s Welsh university students could face paying £9000 in tuition fees after the country’s Labour-led government performed a u-turn.

In a review published by the Welsh government recommends abolishing the current £3,900 students pay towards their degree with the reminder £5,100 being subsidised.

An expert panel led by Sir Ian Diamond, vice-

chancellor of the University of Aberdeen proposes students take a loan to cover the full tuition fees cost of up to £9000. These proposals would affect students whose main residence is Wales, regardless if they are studying at a university in Wales or England.

The Diamond review says that all students should get a non-repayable

COUNCIL NEWS

Council to explore "different direction" for Harrow Arts Centre Harrow Council last Friday announced it would explore a "different direction" for Harrow Arts Centre after ambitious plans with c h a r i t y CulturaLondon to transform the site fell short of fundraising targets.

All services – including productions and classes at the Arts Centre, bookings at Headstone Manor and the Harrow Music Service – will continue as normal and are unaffected by the announcement.

In January this year, Harrow Council and CulturaLondon, an independent charitable trust, set an initial £3.5 million

maintenance grant of £1000 per year, with addi-

fundraising target to start redeveloping the Hatch End-based Arts Centre – with new features to

include cinemas, galleries, restaurants, bars and a new, larger theatre to complement the historic Elliott Hall. The challenge proved too great, with neither local fundraising nor grants and industry funding hitting their original targets.

tional grants based on the parent’s income.

Heavy fines for Kingsbury tenants who held Brent council worker against his will

Two Kingsbury men have been convicted of obstructing a Brent Council housing enforcement officer from doing his job and holding him against his will.

Willesden Magistrates Court heard that Riken and Raj Patel became highly aggressive towards the officer while he was helping resolve a dispute between them and their landlady at the property they rented on Brampton Avenue, NW9.

Although it had been legally rented to him, his wife and two children, Riken Patel then secretly allowed Raj Patel and six other people to stay in the house without the land-

lord's permission - something that was expressly forbidden by his tenancy agreement.

He then became hostile to his landlady when she discovered that the house had eleven people living in it and was dangerously overcrowded.

Both Riken and Raj Patel were convicted of obstruction. Riken Patel was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,318 - a total of £3,318.

Raj Patel, who did not even bother to turn up for sentencing, was fined £2,500.

The tenants, who have not paid their rent for the last five months, are in the process of being evicted by their landlady at the moment.

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SOAS researchers granted £6 million The Department of I n t e r n a t i o n a l Development (DFID) has awarded a team of the SOAS University of London, a £6 million contract to research ways on tackling corruption in developing countries. Led

by Professor Mushtaq Khan, Professor of Economics at the Uni, the SOAS-led consortium will also include the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, along with three major developing country partners, the BRAC Institute of Governance and Development in Bangladesh, the Centre for Democracy and Development in Nigeria and Research on Poverty Alleviation (REPOA) in Tanzania.

Khan said, "Corruption is a critical issue in many developing countries, and a major factor in many of the problems that DFID is committed to addressing.

Our research offers an innovative approach, with a research framework that will generate operationally-relevantand contextspecific research for DFID as well as other donors and developing countries. The ACE research is explicitly about anti-corruption and

will help to identify what to do about corruption, not just describe it." He added, "We have put together a high-calibre of experts, bringing together organisations with strong track records in research and operational experience.

Not only will we be delivering high-quality research but we will also engage with practitioners and policy makers to ensure its uptake."

The study will mainly focus on Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Tanzania, and identify instances of corruption with an high negative impact on economic deveopment, and explore the different interdependent drivers responsible for them. Professor Richard Black, SOAS ProDirector for Research and Enterprise, said, "Projects like this continue to demonstrate SOAS' position as a leading research institution with expertise spanning multiple disciplines. Our work continues to be instrumental in tackling some of today's most complex global issues. I also wish to congratulate Professor Khan and his team on receiving one of the largest research contracts in SOAS' history."

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MEDIA WATCH

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Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

India-Pakistan tensions show no signs of easing anytime soon.

The deaths of 18 Indian soldiers by Pakistan-sponsored jihadis in the Uri sector of Kashmir, it would appear, crossed the red lines. India clearly means business, but the form and execution is being mulled over before the action button is pressed. This is as it should be: act in haste, repent at leisure is a warning that should be heeded. There are multiple options for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his advisers to consider through careful risk analysis. Mr Modi is to expand India’s access to the waters of the Indus river system, without abrogating the core of the 1960 water sharing agreement with Pakistan.

As in any arrangement of this magnitude there will surely be space for flexibility, viz, permitting withdrawal from those provisions that depend on Indian goodwill. ‘You cannot have blood and water,’ he said pithily, when addressing a public rally in Delhi.

He also announced that India would not be attending the South Asian (SAARC) Summit in Islamabad scheduled for November. Its Chairman Nepal has been informed accordingly.

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka joined India by staying away. The Summit was cancelled.

India will now be setting its sights on developing closer neighbourhood economic and transport ties with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand. (Times of India, Hindu, TV networks et al September 26,27, 28, 29)

British columnist’s salvo

British columnist Julie Raven (nee Burchill) has never been afraid to pull her punches dealing with jihadi states. True to form she fired a broadside at Pakistan: ‘What a disgusting rotter! I’ve always been keen on the Indians.

It’s disgraceful that this country (UK) isn’t more partisan towards this admirable democracy compared to our indulgence and assistance to the vice theocratic hellhole Pakistan.’ (Daily Mail Online September 26)

Weasel words

The Obama administration’s weasel words on the subject show no signs of abating. Mark Toner, the US State Department spokesman affirmed that Washington’s relationship with Pakistan was not a zero sum game. Nor is it with the likes of Al Nusra and other terror groups in Syria. Toner’s sage advice to India was to keep talking to Pakistan. The US has given Pakistan $20 billion in military and economic aid since 2001.

(Hindu September 28) Obama, the Nobel Peace laureate has three weird sisters advising him on foreign policy: Samantha Power at the UN, Victoria Nuland at the State Department and Susan Rice, National Security. Macbeth too had three nameless weird sisters giving him counsel. See where it got him.

Six top jihadis arrested

Six top operatives of the Jamaatul-Mujahideen Bangladesh were arrested in Kolkata by the Special Task Force of the Kolkata Police last week. This was a major breakthrough since these men

were believed to have been involved in the Bardhawan bomb blasts over a year ago and were planning to hit targets further afield in Assam and other places in India. The six arrested men were: Anwar Hussian Farukh, Maulana Yousef, Sahidul Islam, Mohammed Rubel, Abdul Kalam, and Zahidul Islam. All six were tracked down in different places in West Bengal at the time of their arrests (Telegraph, Times of India, Hindu September 27)

Smart fence along India-Pakistan border

The government has approved the installation of smart fencing along the entire stretch of the Indo-Pakistan border stretching from Jammu & Kashmir to Gujarat with satellite sensors monitoring the space.

Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force has been conducting a series of exercises in the western sector (Times of India September 27)

Forget Kashmir: Sushma Swaraj

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, addressing the United Nations General Assembly Summit in New York, told Pakistan to forget Kashmir. Its acquisition by Islamabad and its surrogate: the separatist Hurriyat was never going to happen. Period (Times of India September 28)

ISRO triumph

Amidst the existential challenges it currently faces, Indian science and engineering – the surest guarantors of the country’s future - forges ahead. While India

another to its substantial cap, launching a total of eight satellites in two different orbits.

Besides the weather satellite SCATSAM-1, two satellites, PRATAM and PISAT from Indian academic institutions, three from Algeria (ALSATIN IB and 2B) and one each from Canada (NSL-19) and the United States (Pathway-1) were launched in longest PSLV mission to date.

ISRO workhorse lauded

parency in the financial sector and innovation and sophistication were listed as the lead items behind this current performance.

However, more needed to be done, said the WEF report, a judgment few would contest (Mint, Hindu, Business Line, Times of India September 28)

Beijing jitters on Job losses to India

As China’s giant telecom firm, Huawei starts manufacturing in India, the country’s official media have voiced their concerns about job cuts at home because of production bases increasingly shifting to India. ‘China needs to worry about the effect of industrial transfers to India of production chains,’ said an article in the state-run Global Times.

Cost to China

ISRO Director A.S. Kiran Kumar

ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar lauded the performance of the PSLV rocket, India’s longstanding workhorse at a press conference at the Sriharikota spaceport, for its proven capability to ‘undertake any type of mission.’ Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Antrix Corporation – ISRO’s commercial arm – S.Rakesh, said the launch had enhanced the ‘marketability and versatility of PSLV in a ‘unique position’ in the global services market.

Student-built satellite

For students and the faculty PES University at Bangalore, it was a day to celebrate the academic imaging satellite PISAT. It was a collective effort of 250 and more students from the university and four colleges. The project began in 2012 as a training programme for students and was completed in 2014.PISAT then underwent tests under a strict supervisory regime until the launched gained ISRO approval, the successful feat for which participating students are justly proud (Hindu, Times of India September 27)

Huawei’s ‘joining a wave of smartphone vendors establishing production facilities in the promising mobile phone market’ would result in job cuts if mobile manufacturing shifted to India… .Frankly speaking China can’t afford that….India’s relatively stable political environment, sustained economic growth momentum, huge population dividend and cheap labour costs have attracted international investors,’ said the GFlobal Times report (Times of India September 27)

Russian supplier for Kudankulam- Phase II

Zio-Podolsk, the engineering arm of Russian nuclear group Rosatom, has been selected to supply equipment for the third and fourth nuclear power units to be in Tamil Nadu. The audit for the second phase of the Kudankulam project was carried out by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India and the general contractor, ASE Engineering Group.

Long-term plan

In 2014, New Delhi and Moscow signed an agreement for the construction of 12 nuclear power units across India using Russian

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technology. (Business September 24)

Knee jerk reaction

The Pakistan-Russia army exercise, some forty km from Peshawar, evoked some handwringing and fevered media speculation. Was Russia downgrading its Indian relationship?

India and Russia are conducting more intensive military drills near Vladivostok, and the scale of its relations with India based on a convergence of their national interests ought to have evoked a more adult response to the Pakistan demarche. It is likely that Moscow kept New Delhi informed of its reasons for engaging with Pakistan (Times of India, Hindu, Mint September 26)

President’s condoles Shimon Peres’ passing

President Pranab Mukherjee expressed his condolences at the death of Shimon Peres, 93, veteran Israeli politician former foreign minister, prime minister and, finally, President of the State of Israel.

President Mukherjee who met Mr Peres during his visit to Israel last year, described as a force for peace in the Middle East and one of the principal architects of IndoIsrael friendship

Indira Gandhi airport goes fully green

New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport became the Asia-Pacific’s first fully green airport last week by earning carbon neutral status. Around 25 airports in the world, most of them in Europe, have acquired carbon neutral status.

The Indira Gandh Airport is managed by a private operator Delhi International Airport Ltd boasts green buildings, solar power plants, rain water harvesting systems etc have helped reduce and offset carbon emissions. ‘With this achievement, we have set a new benchmark for other airports in the region,’ said CEO I.Prabhkara Rao (Hindu September 29).

India 39 in global compettive index

India’s latest space launch

exports IT, Pakistan exports terror, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Spot on. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) added

India moved up 16 places to 39 in the Global Competiveness Index for 2016-17 released by the World Economic Forum (WEF). At the last count its position was 55, hence the latest figure is a great leap forward. This is the fastest rise among the 138 countries assessed. Amongst the BRICS nations, India now stands second to China in 29th place.

The WEF said the recent government’s economic reform measures had played a significant part in this exponential improvement. Improving public institutions, market efficiency, greater opening up to foreign investors and greater trans-

Prime Minister Modi and ministers with Opposition leaders. see comment page 3

Rafale aircraft. see comment page 3

Line

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Indian magnates catch the eye

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AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Continued from page 1 But the UK failed to live up to his expecttaions. “It was a total cultural shock.

I realised my perception of the UK was totally wrong. I’d seen English movies and I thought everything would be so easy here.

But the government had changed the rules to say that overseas students had to be in the country for three years before he or she could qualify for grants.”

Looking at the soaring expenses for his education, he decided to earn some money before returning to India. This proved easier said than done, because everybody asked for experience. The first job he got was cleaning cars. The second was working as a cook for KFC, the fast food chain, in south London, earning 35p an hour.

He had two frustrating stints running convenience stores. “In those days Asians were buying corner shops, so I did the same. Those were difficult times because Asian immigrants were not treated as well as they are now.”

Fed up with the early starts, he sold the shops and got a job at Dixons, the electrical retailer, where he noticed a trend of people coming to the UK on holiday and buying televisions, videos and other electronics to take home. Excess baggage was expensive, so in 1987 he started Sea, Air and Land Forwarding to help them ship the products back from a shed with just £2 and a typewriter.

He says that he is not a risk-taker and his approach to building the company has been slow and steady. After ten years, the business was a success, turning over £10 million. By then he was being asked to ship other items aside from electrical goods and personal effects. In 1995 he started a second company, Sun Mark, which makes cheaper versions of the branded British

products sold by fast-moving consumer goods giants.

He told the Times, “I took the model of Sainsbury’s and Tesco, who had their own versions of products they were selling more cheaply. But whereas these supermarkets do not give nice names to these products, calling them ‘value’ or ‘basic’, I decided to give nice names like Pure Heaven, English Breeze and Golden Country.” The approach worked. “My business just snowballed.”

The company has won numerous Queen’s awards for enterprise. Africa, the Middle East and Far East are proving his most lucrative markets and his big sellers include energy drinks and cooking oils. Dr Ranger’s strategy is to sell products that are overpriced in the target market, so customers save 30 to 40 per cent if they buy his brands.

He is now chairman of both businesses and the day-to-day operation is overseen by his son-in-law, who is chief executive.

Mr Ranger says that the secret to his success is that he did not rush to prove himself.

Now that Sun Mark has scale on its side Mr Ranger is ready for a calculated gamble or two. “We are financially strong and able to fight the competition. We can sustain ourselves until the product is accepted.”

Speaking about Brexit, he added, “For the last 40 years we only looked at Europe and we were under the influence of the EU,” he says. “Its rules and regulations [meant] we couldn’t think for ourselves.

We were told by the EU where to go, what to think and do.

“I’m very optimistic that Brexit will be a great thing for us. We will be able to forge relationships on our own terms.”

Ambarish Mitra: The tech-entrepreneur to change your world view Ambarish Mitra's working life started two decades ago in a Delhi slum, after he ran away from his home as a teenager.

Now he is building a technology business, set up in London in 2011, that has ambitions eventually to rival Facebook and Google. He is the Chief Executive and CoFounder of Blippar, a tech company, growing rapidly, specialising in augmented reality, artificial intelligence and computer vision. He was named ‘EY Entrepreneur Of The Year UK 2016 overall winner’ at a ceremony in London on Monday night.

Blippar's free app turns a smartphone camera into a tool that scans, recognises and identifies everyday objects and brings up online information about them on the screen.

While working two jobs, as a door-todoor salesman by day and at a tea stall by night, Mitra won a nationwide business plan competition. The prize money funded the launch of his first business, Women Infoline, which gave free internet access to women earning below a certain wage.

At 21 Mitra sold the business and moved to the UK, where he started three business ventures over the next ten years.

His ‘lightbulb moment’ happened in a pub, after sharing a joke with Blippar’s co-founder, Omar Tayeb, about the Queen coming to life out of a £20 note. A few days later a prototype was created and Blippar was born. The company now has twelve offices across the globe, including London, New York, San Francisco, Delhi and Singapore, with plans to expand.

Blippar harnesses image recognition, augmented reality and computer vision technology to bring the physical world to life through smart and wearable devices.

Once they have downloaded the app, consumers can blipp (‘scan’) objects they are curious about and unlock content. The

app has over 65 million users in 175 countries.

The judges described Mitra as “a man with big vision and a driving ambition, but also one that is matched by his social conscience, driven at least in part by his own early life experiences”.

Stuart Watson, UK Entrepreneur Of The Year Programme Leader said: “Ambarish wowed the judges with his technology and his entrepreneurial spirit.

This is an entrepreneur with an unwavering determination to succeed, who sees each triumph and failure as feedback to help drive the business forward. They were also impressed by his personal journey from teenage runaway in New Delhi, to a CEO of a fast growth, high-tech multi-national, transforming interactions with consumers.”

Mitra has entered the awards programme three times in the last three years and will now go on to represent the UK at EY’s World Entrepreneur Of The Year in Monaco next June, competing with more than 50 other country winners for the global title.

An independent judging panel chaired by Rosemary Squire OBE, Founder Director and Deputy Chairman, Ambassador Theatre Group and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year UK 2014 overall winner, selected the winners from 40 UK finalists, who have combined revenue of £2.4bn and employ a workforce of over 16,000.

UK Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

Medical Misdiagnosis and Delay in Treatment When you are feeling unwell and you seek professional m e d i c a l treatment, you expect your doctor, dentist or any other q u a l i f i e d m e d i c a l practitioner to provide you Divya Anand with a competent standard of care when treating you.

The last thing you want is for your ailments to worsen or remain untreated due to professional negligence.

A misdiagnosis or delay in treatment can lead to devastating effects and can even lead to fatality.

Patients place an enormous amount of trust in medical professionals and they often receive an early diagnosis leading to urgent definitive treatment.

There are some cases where, despite making numerous attendances to see your GP, doctor or dentist, there are delays in providing you with a diagnosis which, in turn causes a delay in treatment. In some instances, you may be misdiagnosed and it is only a number of months later that you are given the correct diagnosis. In some cases, this delay can have substantial repercussions as certain conditions need to be treated promptly to improve your prognosis.

Recognising professional negligence can sometimes be tricky and it is not always obvious breach has occurred. Some are a little more apparent, for instance, a patient suffering from severe headaches has been told by their GP that they were suffering from migraines. Later on, the patient will be diagnosed with a brain tumour which proved fatal. Had this been diagnosed and treated earlier, the outcome may have been very different.

Even less serious cases, such as

13

appendicitis, if not treated on time, could lead to perforation and require invasive open surgery. Or, due to the delay in treatment of a patient’s fracture, his or her mobility might be impaired for life.

At Duncan Lewis Solicitors, our team of specialist Clinical Negligence Solicitors are experts in medical negligence claims in relation to misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.

We instruct medical experts in order to assess the following: l l

l l l l l

The severity of any misdiagnosis or delay in treatment; Whether there was an misinterpretation of radiology imaging, tests etc; The duration of any delay in diagnosis; The duration of any delay in treatment; The requirement for any care and equipment; Whether you have incurred any financial loss; Changes in life expectancy.

In most cases, your case will be funded on a “no-win, no-fee” basis, also known as a “Conditional Fee Agreement”.

If you or a loved one have suffered from a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment, please contact Duncan Lewis specialist clinical negligence solicitors on 020 7923 4020 for a free initial consultation.

About the author: Divya Anand Divya is a Solicitor at Duncan Lewis within the Clinical Negligence Department. Divya has significant experience with multiple clinical negligence claims relating to negligent laser eye surgery, orthopaedic claims, amputation claims, birth injury claims and spinal injury claims. Divya has also significant experience with claims relating to cerebral palsy, cardiac related injuries and gynaecological claims.

For tickets - www.bhavan.net info@bhavan.net Tel: 020 7381 3086 - 020 7381 4608

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SP

TLIGHT

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Amar Adatia: Gangsters, Gamblers, Geezers

Teacher’s assistant in the dock for relationship with schoolgirl AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

Sunetra Senior

Actor, writer, producer Amar Adatia is a bona-fide film-maker.

Resolving to take the creative reins instead of continuing to be typecast into more minor and predictable roles as a young British-Asian, Adatia has launched a string of dynamic scripts to actively right the lopsided norm.'His energetic escapade-comedy Gangsters, Gamblers, Geezers (2016), starring himself and a long-time friend in leading roles, is currently screening in cinemas across the UK and has opened to great commercial and critical acclaim, while action-fantasy Requiem and thriller Name of the Game are successfully being wrapped up in post-production. “If you’ve got an idea, just go ahead and make it,” he told the Writing paper. “Once you’ve got the buzz, you can just ride off of my own that. I’ve gone from being a complete unknown to now having the pleasure of working alongside celebrated and popmaterial has ular names, all of whom have shown enthusiastic support got me for my work and my vision.” Gangsters, Gamblers, Geezers through a lot stars Richard Blackwood, Liz McClarnon of Atomic Kitten of doors and INBF champion Jodie Marsh, in Name of the Game Adatia stars with Calum Best and the writer/producer is also in talks that will take him to the American film market. It is no wonder Adatia’s initial venture is the story of “two loveable losers” Krish and Lee, “who get fired from their call-centre jobs after a crazy month of partying and must then get their rent to an irate landlord” – it’s this fun-having, yet overall ordered trajectory that’s at the heart of Adatia’s success: “it’s about throwing yourself into things as well as working hard” he aptly added. “16 years on from my first acting gig and I don’t feel like it’s work at all. Carry on going until the end and your labours speak for you.”

What inspired you to write the screenplay for Gangsters, Gamblers, Geezers; had it been in the works for a while?

I’ve always loved comedy and I particularly love the American comedy Harold And Kumar. I wanted something along those terms. Whether you’re15 or 50, black or Chinese everyone loves the comedy element of that.

It was more about memorable people.

I learnt a lot from Richard Blackwood who’s a very, very humble guy. He had a lot of wisdom to share.

What do you like so much about comedy acting?

Comedy acting is a talent you either have or you don’t. Much of it is about timing: when to deliver the jokes, give the right facial expressions. I wrote the script for myself too so it was especially enjoyable.

You’ve got a crazy cross trip across Europe happening and a cross-dressing dwarf making an appearance: where did you get What are your top three tips for these ideas from – all of them being on set and having a good can’t be experiences from real day? life?

As a producer: stay calm and don’t (Laughs). Yea, there’s an Irish gypsy, let any sudden issues throw you.

That’s going to happen no matter and a cross-dressing dwarf too! I love how much you’ve planned. As an the comedy genre and they’re all conactor – don’t worry if you forget cepts that came to me naturally.

My co-producer and I sat your lines, you can always you're there for three weeks brainhave another go. That’s one storming it. We had plenty of the benefits of film as only as of ideas: we just needed opposed to live theatre or good as to get them down. television. And as a piece your last of advice for the team The script sort of work in harmony. Get that script reminds me of a Guy movie shot. Everyone’s there Ritchie creation meets Dog for the same reason, and it’ll Eat Dog; what kind of style be much more rewarding if you can would you say describe the film as having?

The movie isn’t as serious as a Guy Ritchie film but he’s certainly a huge influence. We have a lot of random storylines designed to make you laugh.

What was the most memorable moment when shooting for Gangsters, Gamblers, Geezers?

all work together.

Have you always been into acting; how did you get started?

I’ve actually always been a confident guy and my parents have always encouraged me to be the best I can be and never give up. I’ve felt the excitement and buzz of acting, since that first call at 14 and I’ve never looked back.

Tell us more about your other projects?

Requiem is a film about a fallen angel who falls in love with a suicidal girl: it’s very Twilight-esque. The other, Name of the Game, is about a pro-footballer who gets involved with the Russian mafia and they go on heists, embezzling millions of pounds.

Do you have a unique style emerging for yourself?

My films are all totally different, and that is the unique element of it. I’m not being typecast as a doctor or terrorist and I’ve been able to play very different roles. As Krish, I’m a silly ordinary sort of guy, in Requiem I play a ruthless angel and in Name of the Game I’m playing something different again. Writing my own material has really opened a lot of doors. I’ve produced an eclectic range of films, but stylistically what they have in common is an edgy thrill factor I think.

What do you watch to wind down?

My favourite film of all time has to be Ali G. I also watch a bit of reality TV to just chill out and switch off: Made in Chelsea for example.

Finally, do you have a motto to share?

Work hard because you’re only as good as your last film – you can only ever get better. twitter.com/amaradatia

A class assistance who gave love notes and jewellery during their eight-month relationship found himself in the dock at Taunton crown court.

Hamid Bhatti, 24 denies five charges of sexual activity with a child.

They met while he was at work placement at the school, he was 22 and she was 14. He was fired from his job in Yeovil, Somerset in June 2014 after they were spotted blowing kisses. In October 2014, the girl’s mother contacted the police after finding note allegedly by him saying “You were amazing last night as always.”

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Hamid Bhatti

Bhatti, now living in Rochdale admits sleeping with the girl in February 2015 but denies knowing she was underage at the time.

The trial continues.

Scrutiny over ‘hate leaflet’ at Mosque A mosque is being investigated by the Charity Commission over leaflets distributed saying Ahmadi Muslims, a minority group, should face capital punishment if they do not convert to mainstream Islam within three days.

Leaflets ladened with information like this was found at Stockwell Green mosque in south London.

Mosque officials said they knew nothing about the leaflets and have suggested it may have been left maliciously.

The Charity Commission visited the mosque and identified “serious regulatory concerns over governance, financial management and trustees “carrying out activities outside of the charity’s stated objects”.

Churchman jailed for raping own daughter

Mark Anderson

Rebekah Anderson

A church minister was jailed after abusing his status as a pillar of the community, hiding the fact he raped his own daughter.

Mark Anderson, 54, who worked in an Apostolic Pentecostal church in Hackney, north London, raped his daughter Rebekah Anderson twice in their home when she was aged nine and 12.

He sexually assaulted and attacked her when she was 14 causing actual bodily harm as she tried to warn her mother of the abuse. Now 22, Miss Anderson chose to waive her right to anonymity to encourage other victims to speak out. “I couldn't take it anymore , it was too much of a build-up, it was holding me back and I couldn't take it,” she said.

Her father used his position in the church to

abuse her between 2003 and 2009. “He would use his position to hide what he’s done,” “[He would say] ‘I couldn't have possibly done that, I'm so high up in the church’. He was hidden by the fact that he believes he is a Christian.”

Ms Anderson said.

Sentencing Anderson, Judge Christopher Hehir said he had “committed the gravest offence”. “What you did involved the most horrendous abuse of trust. You preyed upon your own daughter. You used her for your own sexual gratification. You chose a situation where Rebekah would be venerable.”

Mark Anderson now faces 19 years in prison, convicted of on two charges of rape, one of assault by penetration and one of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

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Learning through challenges

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

Ravleen Beeston: Successfully Balancing Career and Family Ravleen Beeston is an ambitious character who aims to reach her potential in everything she does.

Championing a work- life balance, Ravleen Beeston is the UK Head of Sales for Bing and a happy wife and mother. She is an active member and leader of the Women’s Group for Microsoft Advertising in Europe.

By example, Beeston shows how a modern woman can realize herself in a family and on a professional level.

Childhood

Born in Gravesend, Kent, Ravleen Beeston background has an Iranian setting. Both of her parents were born in the Punjabi community in Iran, but moved to England in 1970.

Her father was in the Royal Air Force, then her parents settled in Kent to work in a factory.

One of her brightest childhood memories was of being surrounded by family and friends. She never felt

lonely or sad, as there were often weddings, birthdays and other family celebrations.

These were filled with delicious food and refreshing drinks.

Everyone was dancing; everyone was enjoying himself or herself - the atmosphere was filled with love and commitment.

Turning point of her life

At the age of 11 Beeston lost her father. Although she was terrified by the news, and went through a tough period, she learned how to be strong and fearless no matter what. She says: “It was a turning point in my life for many Ravleen Beeston reasons; it taught be independent and selfme to expect the unexpected sufficient and above all to and not fear big challenges, appreciate life and live every it made me resilient, gave minute of it to the full.” me the fire to ensure I could

One of the biggest challenges Ravleen had to face was deciding to marry a man of a different cultural background. For Beeston it was the right choice, although it was an unusual practice in her surroundings. Ravleen saw her relatives going through pain and being unhappy with her choice, but managed to stay strong and keep her own principles.

After marriage there was another challenge awaiting Ravleen. She gave birth to her son and was in a position to choose whether to return to work or stay at home with him. And, despite the critical comments of others, she decided to continue with work after a while. All this made settling back into family/career life even harder, but she wanted to bring herself back to her favourite place. She shares the importance of this experience: “I wanted to set an example for my child that mummy and/or daddy could work; I wanted to be enriched so I could continue to enrich him and I felt my work enabled me

UK Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

to do that.” around work when needRavleen says that the ed.” By doing this, Beeston key to success here was in feels satisfied. communicating with her Even though Ravleen husband and sharing all has Friday as a day off, she responsibilities with him. is still responsible for When the other half does everything happening in his half, it makes everythe office. She arranges her thing easier and more timetable so that she manmanageable. During this ages the expectations of her period the couple became stakeholders and does even closer and there was a everything that she is lot of support for each required to on time. other.

Beeston Staying organized is a recalls: “Not only key to success here. did he support Making to-do me in returnlists for work ing to work, As the weekdays and for home but he helps. are full, Ravleen became a As a hard spends Fridays champion of working perDads doing son, Ravleen with her son and their half in Beeston someweekends with her every aspect times finds it family and of family life.” hard to leave a friends She also mentask to the next tions that he day. In order not was the one to to feel overloaded give up his job for a with projects, Ravleen year to spend time with learned to say “no” to their son so that Ravleen some of them. Being realiscould focus more on her tic is a key. career. “What an amazing As the weekdays are partner right?” says full, Ravleen spends Ravleen.

Fridays with her son and weekends with her family How to achieve work and friends. During this life balance time she doesn’t check her emails and only responds What helps Beeston to find to calls in an emergency. It harmony between her famis the time to speak to her ily life and her career is a loved ones and have fun flexible timetable. Ravleen with them. Ravleen appreworks four days a week and ciates such times as she doesn’t feel guilty about it. says: “After all, these are She mentions: “I proudly the people who give me the and openly make work fit encouragement and energy around my life and life fit to keep striving for more.”

Let your family enjo oy

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Bhajan Tarpan at Bhavan a huge success

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Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

Anand Pillai

Hats off to the subscribers of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice who made the Bhajan Tarpan programme – organised by Asian Business Publications Ltd at Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan on September 28th – a huge success. The Bhavan hall packed to capacity on a working day (Wednesday) for a unique yet important Pitru-Tarpan programme spoke volumes about the values of the readers of the newsweeklies who came out in large numbers taking time out of their busy schedule.

It was unique because it happened in London, a city consumed by materialism, and that too in 2016 when people arguably don’t have time for such events or many even look down upon such programmes in 21st century. It’s a tribute to the vision of AV/GS for organising such a unique programme. The good intention was consummately complemented by Dr M N Nandakumara and his team at the Bhavan and especially by well-known singer Maya Deepak. Needless to say, the Bhajan Tarpan programme was absolutely one of a kind.

Pitru-Matru Tarpan ritual provides an opportunity to repay debt to our ancestors.

6 pm was the assigned time to assemble at the Bhavan. People trickled into the Bhavan reception little by little. By 6.30 pm it was jam-packed. They were soon served dinner on a staggered schedule to avoid overcrowding in the dining area. A well-arranged dining hall coupled with a delicious vegetarian dish, just made their day.

The programme began at 7.30 pm sharp. Kokilaben Patel, Mangaging Editor, Gujarat Samachar, welcomed the gathering and effortlessly moderated the programme throughout in her inimitable characteristic style.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr M N Nandakumara, Executive Director, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, said the greatest wealth of all wealth one can think of possessing is the wealth of culture, wealth of art, and wealth of wisdom because no thief can ever steal that from you. No government can claim tax on it. No brother will come and claim right over it (referring to share in ancestral property). This wisdom is never a burden. More importantly, this wealth keeps on increasing the more you spend, the more you give. The more you teach, the more you gain. The more you teach, the more experienced you become.

Your teaching becomes more meaningful.

That’s why “vidya dhanam sarva dhanam”.

So the wealth of knowledge is the greatest wealth, he added.

Dr Nandakumara recited the relevant Sanskrit shloka to substantiate it. न चोर हार्यं न च राज हार्यं न भात्रू भाज्यं न च भारकारि व्ययं कृते वर्धत एव नित्यं विद्याधनं सर्वधनप्रधानम Na chora haaryam, na cha raja haaryam, na bhaatr bhaajyam, na bharakaari Vyayam krute vardhat evam nityam vidhyadhanam sarvadhana pradhanam (Cannot be snatched away by thief, cannot be snatched away by king, cannot be divided among brothers, not heavy either.

If spent daily, it always keeps growing.

The wealth of knowledge is the most precious wealth of all.)

Throwing light on the significance of Shraddh, Dr Nandakumara said: “If we are grateful, we progress. If we are ungrateful, we go down.”

Shraddh Paksha is that time when “we express our gratitude to our parents who are no more, to all the people who have made our life richer through their contributions, through their blessings, they need not be your parents, maybe somebody working in your house, a teacher who has

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nomena; next one is called the ‘Rishi Rina’ – our indebtedness to our Rishis. Rishis are great scholars who have given us the scriptures, the very essence of wisdom by reading which we have enriched our lives. How do we pay back to these sages? By becoming more and more educated, wisdom-oriented, by teaching others what we have learned. When you learn and teach others what we have learned, that’s when we repay our debt to our ‘Rishis’ or pay our ‘Guru Rina’.

“The final one is called ‘Pitru Kokilaben Patel, Dr M N Nandakumara, Sarlaben Rina’ – parents who have given Brahmbhatt (Kamal Rao's mother), Kanti Nagda, birth to us. How do we pay the Authority on Gujarati language Shri Jagdish Dave, debt? By family tradition of progAshok Patel of Travelpack and Harrow Mayor Rekhaben eny, by performing the final rites Shah light the lamp to inaugurate the of our parents when they depart Bhajan Tarpan programme from this world and performing taught you at school, a friend who has Shraddh on a regular basis. And doing opened your eyes, even an animal which ‘Ishtakamya’ – karma which is performed has taken care of you, our Vedas say we according to Vedic traditions is called must be grateful to everything in this world ‘Ishti’. ‘Isthi’ means Yagna. because we have taken something or the “Another karma is called ‘Sarvayne’. other from them. Especially the gratitude How do we do that? Many people dig wells to our parents – we will never be able to so that travellers can quench their thirst by repay the debt we owe our parents, the only drinking water from them. Many people way we can feel better or less guilty is by build hostels, hospitals and roads, many remembering them whenever we can. We people grow trees so that they are helpful should remember them every day, if we to others. Through these they remember can’t, at least think of them during their parents. In the name of my father I Shraddh Paksha”. want to do this, in the name of my brother Elaborating further Dr Nandakumara I want to do this, in the name of my mother said: “When we think of our father or I want to do this. Like this if we are able to mother who are no more on this earth, we remember our parents and engage in some literally cry. We remember all the blessings kind of ‘daan’, giving away something not we have received from them. This debt we for ourselves but to someone who is not will not be able to repay, the only way we related to us, for some cause which we can feel better is as long as we are alive, know very well is going to serve the comthink of them every year during Mahalaya munity, that’s when we make our deceased Paksha 15 days from Pratipada until parents and departed souls happy. We Mahalaya Amavasya. We say a prayer – should pray for our parents, friends, Gurus, This is for my father who gave birth to me, people who have worked with us, all those from whom we have received some thing or the other. This is the meaning in a nutshell of Mahalaya. This is the greatest way of offering our prayers to our parents or the departed souls.”

Dr Nandakumara said: “Nandi is the word for the prayer – a prayer to the departed ones seeking their blessings to be able to repreWell-known singer Mayaben Deepak - accompanied by Sonu on the drum, Naushad on tabla and Anant Patel on sent the family traditions to keyboard - performing on the occasion which we all belong.”

Dr Nandakumara concluded his speech brought me to this world whose blesssings by reciting the following shloka that offers I can never repay. This is for my Guru who prayers to the departed souls. opened my eyes to be able to see the things एको विष्णुः महद्-भूतम् पृथक् भूतान्यनेकशः / the way they are. This is for my dear friend त्रीन् लोकान् व्याप्य भूतात्मा भुङ्क्ते विश्वभुगव्ययः // who passed away but someone who made Earlier speaking about the Bhavan, Dr me feel or realise that even I can achieve Nandakumara said the institute’s name is something. People remember in different Vidya Bhavan. Vidya does not mean – only ways the departed ones seeking the blesswisdom. Vidya means culture, Vidya ings of their ‘atma’ because it is said in our means spirituality.

Shastras that during this particular time all He said a place like Bhavan is very spethe Pitru Devatas are waiting for us to say cial for people who are interested in India’s ‘Namaste’ or to say ‘Oh Pitru Devatas we art, culture and spiritual heritage. “Even are grateful to you,’ ‘Oh Pitru Devatas before we started in 1972, Shri CB Patel please come and receive our offerings’.” and Gujarat Samachar have been associatCiting a story from Mahabharata, Dr ed with the Bhavan. I only came here in Nandakumara says Pitru-Tarpan helps 1977. Since then I have known CB and have them go from Pitruloka to Swargaloka. All received enormous support from him. pitrus are waiting for the children to offer Bhavan under one roof teaches 23 different Tarpan, remember them with gratitude, so subjects – music, dance, drama, yoga, lanthat they can go to the higher world. guages, etc. We have teachers specially Dr Nandakumara says: “There are cerinvited from India. tain aspects in our religion and rituals, “All of us should make use of this place which we cannot understand unless we are so that we are always in contact with our totally dedicated and devoted. These are art and culture. We will be really rich when not within the sphere of scientific experiwe will be able to give potion of our art and ments because this is connected with our culture to our children. Any other wealth is faith. no wealth.”

“We have three types of debts that we Earlier Parvati Nair from the Bhavan need to pay once we come to this world. offered prayers, while Dr Nandakumara, One is called the ‘Dev Rina’ which is by Harrow Mayor Rekhaben Shah, Kamal offering our prayers to the Gods through Rao’s mother Sarlaben and Mr Kanti ‘Yagna’ by respecting all the natural phe-

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Nagda lit the traditional lamp to inaugurate the programme.

Mayaben's Magic

The star attraction of the evening was renowned singer Mayaben Deepak who created a musical mood with her warm and pleasant presence and soulfully rendered prayers, bhajans and patriotic songs on the occasion. She started off with a bhajan from the the film ‘Seema’ – Manna Dey’s classic ‘Tu Pyar ka Saagar Hai…..’ and ended with the ultimate patriotic number – ‘Ae mere vatan ke logon…'. This classic by C Ramachandra, Pandit Pradeep and Lata Mangeshkar had brought tears in the eyes of Pandit Nehru. Mayaben too enthralled the audience with her rendition, in between she sang a couple of Gujarati numbers as well, much to the delight of the audience, majority of who were Gujaratis.

All in all Mayaben’s songs were music to ears. Needless to say, she charmed the audience with her mellifluous voice.

Acknowledging the presence of everyone on the stage and in the audience and thanking them for gracing the occasion, CB Patel touched upon the importance of culture and values in human society. He said the humankind is resting on two core pillars – culture and values. They define who we are – both individually and as an organisation – and direct our activites every day.

Singing praises of Dr Nandakumara, CB said Nandaji is doing an excellent service to India by running the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan so efficiently. In real sense he and the 900-odd young students learning at the Bhavan about India’s culture and heritage are the real ambassadors of India.

CB called upon everyone to remember their departed parents and pray for them.

Before signing off, CB also called on stage his team members from Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice and introduced them to the audience.

Harrow Mayor Rekhaben Shah also spoke on the occasion. Thanking ‘the omnipresent’ CB Patel and the ABPL group for inviting her, she said it’s been an honour for her to be present on the occasion. In a lighter vein, she said ‘the ubiquitous’ CB is present everywhere – any function here or there, CB is present. “My daughter’s wedding was in Ahmedabad in India. Much to everyone’s surprise and delight, CB was there also. He did not even have the address, but with the help of Mayaben Deepak, he made it to the auspicious occasion and blessed the new couple.”

Mayaben Deepak thanked CB for giving her troupe the opportunity to perform on the occasion. She was accompanied by Naushad on tabla,Anant Patelon keyboardand Sonu on the drum.

Mayaben’s son Kunjanalso made his presence felt by rendering a couple of old Kishore Kumar numbers on the occasion.

Kamal Rao, News Editor, Gujarat Samachar, delivered the vote of thanks. For a change, Kamal Rao’s vote of thanks was unsually informal, yet effective and interesting.

Bhavan programme committee and drama committee chairman Surendrabhai Patel also spoke on the occasion.

Last but not the least, Bhanubhai Pandya’s jokes are always a laughing matter. He too entertained the audience with his characteristic wit and humour. At the same time, he was of great help in arranging and organising things behind the scenes along with Kamal Rao. The programme got over at 10 pm. It was a huge success, the credit for which goes to the thousands of subscribers of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice. Thank you to all of them.

Picture courtesy: Sharad Raval For more pictures please visit: www.sharadraval.com/photos/tarpan

UK Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

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May sets out Brexit blueprint to make Britain 'truly global' AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

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Theresa May

T

heresa May has set Britain on course to leave EU by 2019.

She pledged to trigger the formal two-year exit negotiation by March 2017. In her first significant speech on the subject, saying the UK would become a “fully independent, sovereign” country in the clearest sign yet that she wants a clean break from Europe's single market.

The Prime Minister told the cheering Conservative supporters at the party's annual conference that Britain insists on taking full control of immigration and refused to accept the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. Although Mrs May's team denied she had decided to leave the single European market, EU sees the free movement of workers and oversight of a single court as indispensible pillars of a common market.

According to The Times, Mrs May started the Brexit countdown at the opening of the Conservative conference in Birmingham as: • Philip Hammond, the Chancellor prepared to put Britain on a renewed austerity drive by saying that current levels of publioc borrowing are unsustainable.

• David Davis, the Brexit Secretary, waved aside warnings that 75,000 City jobs will be lost when Britain brexits EU. • The Scottish National Party said that it could block a so called Great Repeal Bill to move all EU law on the UK statute book.

Setting the deadline for triggering Article 50, Mrs May told EU leaders she wanted, “some preparatory work so that once the trigger comes we have a smoother process of negotiation.”

That reflects fear in Downing Street of a humiliating rejection when Britain finally spells out its opening demands. Ministers fear that elections in Germany and France next year will increase pressure on European leaders to be seen to be punishing Britain, though the PM making the case, added, it is in Europe's interest to ensure Britain's “smooth transition from the EU.” In the meantime on Tuesday, as we went to print, the sterling fell to a 31-year low against the dollar, continuing its slide since Mrs May set out the details of the timetable for Brexit negotiations on Sunday.

However, at the same time, the FTSE 100 share index has risen above 7,000 for the first time since May 2015.

Mrs May told BBC Radio 4 that the negotiations would be complicated and that while "life is going

to be different in the future... I want to ensure it is a success".

She said businesses she had spoken to, including foreign companies with substantial workforces in the UK, realised the process would not be straightforward.

"Of course they know it is not going to be plain sailing and there will be bumps in the road and they want certainty as soon as possible about the future holds but the attitude I am hearing is... 'let's make sure we come together and grasp the

will also announce that that the Government will deliver on another Manifesto commitment and introduce a new £140m Controlling Migration Fund, designed specifically to ease the pressures on public services in areas of high migration and support action to reduce illegal immigration, stop housing benefit going to people that have no right to be in the country, reduce rough sleeping by illegal immigrants, and crack down on the rogue landlords who house illegal migrants in the most

Theresa May was in the right place at the right time The starting point of all achievement is desire or ambition. But not every ambitious person gets what he wants. There is something more to it.

Perhaps being in the right place at the right time is also vital to catapult you to the desired place.

Theresa May was not only ambitious butwas also determined and committed in the pursuit of her goal. She had set her sights on Downing Street very early in her life and had done her homework well. She was just looking for the right opportunity to strike. The iron was hot opportunities that are available'."

Asked what kind of concessions the UK would have to make to retain full access to the single market, she said the UK should not be approaching the negotiations thinking what aspects of the EU membership it should keep, but should be thinking about what kind of relationship it wanted with the EU and the wider world as a "sovereign, independent" country.

"I am going to be ambitious as we go into discussions," she said. "I want British businesses to be able to trade with the EU and operate within the EU and EU businesses to be able to operate within the UK. "It is not about the UK, in some sense, being a supplicant to the EU but the reciprocity here - a good trade deal is going to be a benefit to us and the EU." Home Secretary Amber Rudd on Tuesday announced that the Government will consult on the next steps to reduce net migration from outside the EU. The Home Secretary has challenged universities, colleges and businesses to work with the Government on the best way to bring down net migration to attract the brightest and the best and protect our economy.

The Home Secretary

post-EU referendum and she did not waste any time to strike it. A calculative and shrewd operator, Mrs May's decision to campaign for the UK to remain in the EU but to do so in an understated way and to frame her argument in relatively narrow security terms reaped dividends after the divisive campaign. As other candidates fell by the wayside after David Cameron's resignation as PM, Mrs May emerged as the “unity” candidate to succeed him. She became the second female Continued on page 27 appalling conditions. For people who are here legally the money will be used to provide more English language training to improve integration.

Mrs May said the authorities needed to be constantly aware of loopholes in the system but insisted there was no magic bullet to substantially reduce net migration - currently at more than 300,000 a year.

On the third day of conference, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Education Secretary Justine Greening are among the other speakers.

Critics have defined this as “Hard Brexit” , though Mrs May tried to rest the terms of the debate, claiming that the choice between hard and soft Brexit was “muddled thinking” and a “false dichotomy” between continued EU membership and wholesale rejection of trade with Europe. Mrs May's uncompromising stance to put soverreignty over market has delighted Brexiteers such as Boris Johnson. It is likely to make George Osborne and David Cameron, who have called for the best possible access to the single marketunhappy.

Speaking ahead of next week's court challenge seeking to overturn the gover-

ment's decision not to put the start of the Article 50 talks to Parliamentary vote, Mrs May attacked those she said were trying to “subert democracy”.

She criticised Nicola Staurgeon, the Scottish first minister, who has suggested that Holyrood could veto over EU exit talks. Mrs May said, “There is no opt-out from Brexit.”

Domonic Grieve, the former Attorney General on Monday night questioned the significance of the move beyond “symbolism”. The cross party open Britain campaign has warned that Mrs May should not “expect any favours from

HYDERABAD MUMBAI AHMEDABAD BANGALORE DELHI CHENNAI

Parliament” on her repeal bill.

The Great Repeal Bill encompassing the legislation that is needed to take Britain out of the EU and annul the European Communities Act 1972.

This measure is to be introduced in the Queen's Speech next year, once enacted, would make the country free and independent once again, no longer pooling sovereignty with other nations. This, in essence is what the Referendum was aboutcontrol over our own destiny, though most EU rules will remain in place.

Mrs May wants the

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'right deal' for Britain. Of course there are fundamental differences of opinion about that. Whatever the policy changes be by the new PM, the next few years will be dominated by Brexit. Mrs May's task is to chart a course between the two extremes and find a way that both holds her party together and benefits the country, while retaining a good relationship with Europe. It is a monumental task, she is beyond capable but she needs the support and confidence of her citizens. She has to reach out- in a direction her admirers may not have anticipated.

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India must open up further: Panagariya AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

RBI cuts repo rate by 25 basis points The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Tuesday cut repo rate by 25 bps to 6.25 per cent. Reverse repo rate under the LAF stands adjusted to 5.75 per cent, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate to 6.75 per cent.

All six members of the monetary policy committee voted in favour of cutting repo rate.

In its policy statement, the central bank said that the decision of the monetary policy committee was consistent with the accommodative stance of the monetary policy. Retail inflation is expected to be 5 per cent by March 2017 with upside risk.

Tuesday’s policy review was Urjit Patel’s maiden announcement as RBI Governor. This was the central bank’s fourth bimonthly policy statement for the year 2016-17.

Earlier, former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan had the final say on interest rate cut decisions. Patel now has to go by the advice of a newly set up six-member monetary policy committee (MPC). This is for the first time that decisionmaking on interest rates

Urjit Patel

has shifted to the six-member panel which has equal representation from RBI and the government.

Since January last year, the RBI has cut the reporate – the rate at which RBI lends to banks – five times. India’s retail inflation has touched a fivemonth low of 5.05 per cent in August, triggering hopes of a rate cut. The RBI and the government have set a retail inflation target of four per cent for the next five years with an upper tolerance level of six per cent and lower limit of two per cent. Mounting bad loans will remain another focus area of Patel’s debut policy review. Rajan has set a deadline of March 2017 for banks to clean up their balance sheets. Patel has to ensure that there is no letup on this cut-off date.

Joblessness in India at 5-year high As per a new employmentunemployment survey conducted by the Labour Bureau, joblessness in India is currently running at a five year high of 5 per cent of the 15 plus years work force. The report said that over a third of the working people are employed for less than a year and 68 per cent of households are earning up to only to Rs 10,000 per month.

Over 780,000 people in 160,000 households were surveyed across the country, between April and December 2015.

Expectedly, urban areas

continue to provide more and better paying jobs compared with the rural areas. While 82 per cent of job seekers get year round jobs in urban areas, just 53 per cent of rural job seekers manage to get such security. About 42 per cent of workers in rural areas work for less than 12 months in a year, a result of dependence on the seasonal agriculture work. This means, 77 per cent of the rural households have an average monthly income of less than Rs 10,000. In urban areas, about half the households earn between Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000 per month.

Govt faces steep climb as GST deadline nears The Revenue Department will have a tough time training 60,000 field officials for implementation of GST from April 1, given it has only provided requisite skills to only 3,074 personnel. The National Academy of Customs, Excise and Narcotics has been given the mammoth task of training officials of both the Centre and states.

Latest date reveals only 3,074 field officers have been trained as against the target of 60,000 and the government is in the works of rolling out the goods and services tax regime from April next year. However, targets in different other types of 'trainers' have been

achieved, and in some cases, surpassed. "There are undoubtedly huge challenges before us as we go about learning the nuances and provisions of the new law.

We need to recognise the changes taking place and reorganise our existing administrative set-up to meet the requirements of the new tax regime," CBEC Chairman Najib Shah said.

He asserted the CBEC will have to provide a lead role in implementation of challenges, training officials, the trade and industry, holding workshops with all stakeholders and acquiring and imparting necessary IT skills.

Arvind Panagariya

Addressing a global conference on world trade at Columbia University, New York, NITI Aayog ViceChariman Arvind Panagariya said India should open up further and make business conditions better for investors as it was likely to be the "natural place" for global firms

that would face the challenges of shrinking labour and rising wages in China over the next 10 years.

He said demographically the labour supply in China was now shrinking and the already high wages there were soon to rise even quickly. "This could lead global firms based in

China to move out over the next decade and look for better markets." He said the scenario poses an "opportune time" for India.

"These firms are going to go out of China. India is likely to be the natural place. So my pitch to Prime Minister Narendra Modi is that we ought to take advantage of this great opportunity, open up further, make business conditions better for the investors. That is ultimately going to be what will sustain growth in India over the next two decades," Panagariya said.

He said the pace of reforms in India slowed after 2004. Due to this, "India lost about 10 years

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time. It, however, did manage to grow rapidly on the back of the reforms that were done in 1990s and early 2000s," he said.

Panagariya added, "India has been about 15 years behind. If you look at all the characteristics of growth, trade, India is about 15 years behind China. India's GDP is two trillon dollars today. This is where China was 15 years ago." Stressing on the openness of the "key policy lever", he cited the example of China. "Most countries don't have that kind of GDP. Openness is a very critical part of the Chinese growth experience and the massive poverty reduction that it brings about."

Intelligent ATMs to meet all your needs ATM managers like Diebold and NCR are looking to launch intelligent deposit ATMs, with multifunction capabilities like cash recycling, foreign exchange, loan repayment, cheque encashment, and bill payment for utilities, mobile recharge, and DTH top-ups. Intelligent ATMs have been designed with a gold coin dispensing facility, at AGS' innovation centre in Mumbai.

"Dispensation of gold coins is an attractive feature for the Indian market.

Our CINEO C4060 model has many features, including passbook printing, statement printing and a

gold coin dispensing facility. We've put in elaborate security measures in place, including firewalls, server clamping, ATM shutdown, to ensure our ATMs are 100 per cent secure," said Ravi Goyal, chairman and MD, AGS. Using a self-service module, these machines facilitate instant account opening and dispensation of personalised debit cards. They also offer a video conferencing facility and scrutiny of mandatory KYC documents.

Chandrasekhar, president-services, Electronic Payment and Services, said, "Cross-selling of products like granting of

Strategic sale of lossmaking PSU okayed The Central government has approved strategic sale in loss-making Bharat Pumps and Compressors Limited, a move that came 12 years after a state-run company Jessop & Company was sold through the route. The cabinet committee on economic affairs approved "in principle" the strategic sale in the Allahabad-based public sector enterprise which was set up in 1970 as an import substitution unit for manufacture of process pumps and compressors for sectors such as oil exploration, refineries, petrochemicals, chemicals, fertiliser and down-stream industries.

The Cabinet also approved the closure of Kolkatabased Hindustan Cables Ltd, where production activity stopped in January 2003. Government will pay voluntary separation package to the employees. Cash infusion for the closure of the company is estimated at £131 million, as per a government statement.

Modi's government has vowed to push through strategic sales, and expects

Arun Jaitley

to raise £2.05 billion from the route in the current financial year. The overall target from disinvestment is estimated at £5.65 billion, lower than the previous year's target of £6.95 billion.

The government had entrusted the Niti Aayog to suggest a roadmap for strategic sale in loss making and other state-run firms. The agency has submitted two reports to the government on the issue.

The government is also pursuing strategic sales in some state-run hotels as well. It has decided to shut down 15 loss-making public sector units, of which at least six have now been cleared by the cabinet.

loans is something that is very easily doable and our ATMs have the capability.

It's the underwriting and credit checks that needs to be in place from the banks' end." Retail insurance products like motor policies currently can be bought online from insurance sites and ATMs can also be embedded with the same functionality. "We can tailor-make any ATM for any cross-selling product based on the individual bank's requirement."

A State Bank of India official said bill payment for utility companies via ATMs is something the bank looks forward to. For

forex, ATMs by OEMs like NCR and Hitachi have inbuilt capacity for three to five dispensation slots and banks can then select if they want to dispense US dollars, euros, pounds, Singapore dollars or dirhams from those slots.

An executive from NCR, which has launched forexenabled ATMs in countries like Mexico, said, "When foreigner visits India, they can use their American/British debit or credit card to withdraw Indian rupee from an ATM. The reverse, which is dispensation of US dollars or euros or pounds is not possible in India."

RCom and Rel Jio virtually merged: Anil

Anil Ambani

Ambani brothers Mukesh and Anil, are working together to realise their father, Dhirubhai's dream.

A tweet from Reliance Group, read, "Anil & Mukesh Ambani are working hand in hand to create the India that Shri Dhirubhai Ambani dreamt of." Anil later told a group of shareholders of his Reliance Communications that the telecom services of RCom and Reliance Jio, owned by big brother Mukesh, have "virtually merged".

He said both the companies have started sharing the telecom infrastructure, which includes mobile towers, optical fibre networks and spectrum of RCom and electronics and 4G LTE services of RJio. Reliance

Group officials later clarified that the younger Ambani wasn't hinting at a legal merger. "The two companies are not merging. But we are sharing all the infrastructure and every RCom customer is now enjoying 4G services just like RJio services. Also, if required, RJio can also use our spectrum for 2G and 3G services. We have agreement to share spectrum also."

Reliance Industries chairman, Mukesh Ambani said, "I am personally happy that we have put the past behind us and our relationship on the family level is very cordial. As far as businesses go, we are separate, and fundamentally, we would work with all players."

REALESTATEVOICE

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THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS AsianVoiceNews

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Last week we finally exchanged on a property in Quebec Ct, which is in Seymour Place, W1. The property is only around the corner from Cumberland Hotel in Marble Arch, where prices range from £171 per night; and this rate is probably the lowest of the low seasons.

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap London Property Investment

The reason why this is noteworthy, is because one of the main reasons why this property is being purchased is for it to be short let, meaning rented for a time period of less than six months. Renting at £170 per night would mean the yearly rental will be £62k, giving a gross yield of 10% on a purchase price of £625k.

In W1, this is unheard of, these are the yields you typically get in the north of England, where you sacrifice capital growth for yield.

There the prices don’t go up for years, but there is surplus cash at

the end of every month, after paying your mortgage.

The property was purchased by a client who bought it blind, despite this being the first deal he has done with us, purely off the back of a referral. We attempted to conduct a viewing but couldn’t make the times match, and the time for doing the deal came before we could arrange a viewing. The quick exchange was propelled by the freeholder expressing interest in purchasing the property for a higher price.

This gave us the impetus to exchange quickly.

Although given the current uncertain, and at best flattish, market, my opinion is low end flats will still be selling fast. We are focusing on getting properties which have high yields, but are in solid locations. This is generated through two ways, one is through room lets and the other is

A CLEAN AND A SPARKLE ISN’T ENOUGH Adequately preparing your property for tenants is of the utmost importance, as failing to do so gives the impression that you may be a lazy or incompetent landlord.

Good presentation increases the value and desirability of your property, and first impressions count! If the property is in bad condition during a viewing, there’s not much of a chance that the tenant will want to live there.

Preparing a property for tenants can seem

overwhelming, even if you’re a fairly experienced landlord. No matter what your experience, it’s totally normal to feel stressed – preparing a property is about a lot more than just cleaning it, after all.

The best place to start is normally with the decor of the property.

When preparing a property as a landlord, you have to pay no attention whatsoever to your own personal tastes. Strong colours and patterns are a no-go, as they date quickly and can be difficult to

BUY TO LET OPPORTUNITY

repair/maintain.

Bathrooms and kitchens Both should have neutral decor, and should have all appliances and installations working. For example, check that everything such as fridges and ovens work in the kitchen; and that all of the taps in the bathrooms function as normal. One of the most common faults that tenants find in their properties after moving in is that the shower or bath doesn’t work.

Central heating Consider replacing the

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Asian Voice |8th October 2016

focusing on properties which are favourable for short lets.

We have two properties that meet this criteria in the pipeline. One in Camden, an area which is undergoing major regeneration, this property is perfect for the student market, and can be rented on a room basis to obtain a rental of nearly 10% on a purchase price of half a million. The other is a deal which refuses to die in Covent Garden, this one due to its

boiler if it is over ten years old, and has failed more than twice. Remember – if a boiler begins to need multiple repairs, it’s likely that it will continue. It’s nearly always cheaper to replace a boiler as soon as it begins to need repairs, instead of forking out for multiple repair costs.

Anything else?

Use carpet or flooring from a well-known supplier. If you need to replace any in the property in the future, it’ll match the rest of the property.

As an overall rule, everything in the property should be as clean as it can possibly be. It may seem like common sense to most people, but you’d be

Excellent buy to let investment opportunity

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Large studio apartment

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Portered block

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Resale value expected to be around £420,000

Maida Vale, London W9 Purchase Price: £335,000

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Call us now to find out more!

locality is perfect for short letting.

Both of these deals are ready to be concluded, we have the contracts in and the lawyers are ready for a quick exchange. It is rare where you’re able to obtain the best of both worlds, a high rental and to purchase in an area where you have tremendous capital growth.

The current market allows you to pick up these gems. Get in touch, if you would like to take advantage of this market.

surprised at the number of tenants that have viewed houses with dirty countertops or baths, amongst other things.

Regardless of the number of properties concerned, it’s important to be prepared with all of the contracts and legal information you need at all times.

It’s all too easy to get overwhelmed with paperwork and the like, however it is important to get it right in order to avoid breaking any laws.

It may seem like a lot of

hard work and effort in order to get your property ready, however, if you do not have the time, or do not wish to make the time, then contact Sow & Reap, as our team will turn your property around in next to no time and have it ready for your new tenants.

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FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel

Dear Financial Voice Reader, I write to you from Tokyo, where my wife is working, whilst I happily tap away this column whilst overlooking a traditional Japanese Garden with waterfall- the things I do for my beloved readers!

I think it vital to travel and a perspective on the word from the biggest banks and traders first hand - it's especially important for me given my business and especially from the biggest markets like Tokyo, and before major global events.

So from here in Tokyo, I want to share exclusively with you my findings from the word from the big traders and their advice to their biggest clients: GBP is a one way bet down for now, whilst traders will buy this weakness and try to test GBPUSD of 1.3, every announcement will be seen as a negative for GBP, especially as the EU will not offer any concessions at all.

The Japanese Government and companies which are large UK investors are making only negative/threatening comments that they will pull out investments from the UK - and this is also bearing heavily on negative GBP sentiment.

The market is attracted like a magnet to the GBPUSD lows of July post-Brexit and will keep kissing those to test weakness.

GBPJPY 130 is holding and has done for the past weeks. For now, we say it holds.

EURGBP is a one way ride up presently USDJPY is the preferred 'Trump' trade. Buy Nov 7th and 8th as a Trump victory looks unlikely and relief ensues. Sell Nov 9th as the results come through and profit taking sets in, or god forbid, Trump wins and a crash happens like with Brexit. This fits with the Goldman target of USDJPY of 108.

As for UK stocks. I sold my US holdings after Brexit and using the cheap pound bought UK banks and housing companies which I felt had fallen too far. Now is the time to take all those profits in price rises since those post-Brexit falls, and buy those US stocks again I think.

SC extends Subrata Roy's interim bail till Oct 24 The Supreme Court of India has allowed Sahara chief Subrata Roy and two other company directors to remain on interim bail till October 24 on payment of £20 million. It asked Sahara to submit a road map and scheme on October 24 for paying the balance amount of £1.20 billion due from it. The SC said it has lost faith in the company due to its past conduct and said the scheme to repay £1.20 billion must come with an affidavit.

The Supreme Court had earlier cancelled the interim bail to the Sahara chief and sent him and two others

Abhishek Sachdev

Negative rates are here already for Japan, Europe, Sweden and Switzerland, but is it really a possibility for the UK to have negative rates?

Monetary policy has been the main talking point

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Unaccounted black money worth £6.52 bn declared AsianVoiceNews

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In one of the biggest ever declaration of black money, £6.52 billion was declared as unaccounted income and assets under the government's four month long Income Declaration Scheme 2016, which ended last week.

A total of 64,275 people declared their unaccounted wealth under the window; an average of £10 million per person.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the figures were most likely to be revised upwards after the tabulation of data is finalised. Out of the total amount of £2.93 billion as tax and penalty from these declarations, around £1.47 billion will flow into central government coffers in the current financial year, while the remaining amount will be collected in the next financial year.

Jaitley said, "Some disclosures have not been tabulated and those have to be

verified. So the £6.52 billion will be revised upward.

So far, 64,27 declarants have disclosed an amount of £6.52 billion." He said it was a "good figure", and that the declarations came from people with significant resources, adding that the government would maintain the secrecy of these disclosures. The minister listed the achievements of the government in the call against black money over the last two years, and said that from among the names figuring in the HSBC list, the Central Board of Direct Taxes has already filed 164 prosecutions, amounting to an assessment of £800 mil-

lion. The probe is being monitored by the Special Investigation Team set up under the directions of the Supreme Court. The government extended the deadline for payment of tax and penalty in July, and allowed declarants to pay the amount in three instalments by September 30, 2017. The first instalment of 25 per cent will have to be paid by November 2016, followed by another 25 per cent by March 31, 2017. The remaining amount will have to be paid by September 30, 2017.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Revenue Secretary

Hasmukh Adhia and the Central Board of Direct Taxes Chairperson Rani Singh Nair, on Twitter, saying their team had "put tremendous effort on all aspects relating to IDS2016." A CBDT statement said the tax department took several measures to spread awareness about the scheme, due to which declarations picked up during the last two months. Over 5,500 public meetings were conducted in various cities, talkathons and street plays were organised, and a series of FAQs were issued by the department to spread awareness about the scheme.

Foreign inflows surpass £2 bn in Sept India has seen over £2 billion foreign investment into the capital market in September, making it the highest inflow in 11 months. Sentiment turned better after the current account deficit narrowed sharply to just $ 300 million, or 0.1 per cent of GDP, in the June quarter and domestic passenger vehicle sales grew for the 14th straight month in August.

Experts said the trend would most likely continue in the coming weeks as reg-

ulator Sebi has decided to offer direct entry to wellregulated foreign investors for investing in corporate bonds. The latest surge of foreign capital is ascribed to factors like sound progress in rollout of GST, better corporate earnings and the US Fed's decision to not lift interest rates.

As per depositors' data, net investment by FPIs stood at £1.04 billion in equities last month, while

the same for debt was £978.9 million, taking the total inflow to £2.02 billion. This was the highest net inflow in capital markets since October 2015 when FPIs had infused £2.23 billion. The latest inflow has taken FPI investment tally in equities to £5.13 billion in 2016, while the same for the debt market stands at £244 million, resulting in a net inflow of £5.37 billion.

India jumps 16 places in competitiveness Subrata Roy

back to Tihar jail. The top court had passed the order irked by the arguments of senior advocate Rajeev Dhawan. Sahara immediately withdrew him and apologised through senior advocate Narendra Hooda.

Later, the SC agreed to reconsider the bail plea of Subrata Roy and gave him time to surrender.

India climbed 16 places in the World Economic Forum's 2016-17 Global Competitiveness Index, emerging as the highest rising economy. Ranked 39 out of 138 countries, the improvement is said to be due to goods market efficiency, business sophistication, and innovation.

Switzerland, Singapore and the United States have been ranked as the world's most competitive economies, China stands on 28, Russia on 43, South Africa at 47, while Brazil took a fall six notches and now stands at 81. The GCI

report said, "Thanks to improved monetary and fiscal policies, as well as lower oil prices, the Indian economy has stabilised and now boasts the highest growth among G20 countries." The report was derived after measuring 12 areas, including institutions, infrastructure, macro-economic environment, health and primary education, higher education and training, goods and market efficiency, labour market efficiency and others.

DK Joshi, chief economist at Crisil said,

"Relative to other economies, the Narendra Modi government has focused on repair and reform of the economy which is pushing up India's competitiveness. India's ranking in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business is also likely to go up." According to the report, Pakistan has shown recovery on the economic front, where the country has been successful in improving its macroeconomic framework to improve its global competitiveness.

Pakistan improved

from 119 in 2015-16 to 111 in 2016-17 on the institutions pillars, while infrastructure improved only one point and stands at 116 this year. Corruption, followed by crime and theft, tax rates, access to finance and government instability and coups, has been identified as the most problematic factor for doing business in Pakistan. The report also indicates that a 10-year decline in the openness of economies at all stages of development poses a risk to countries' ability to grow and innovate.

n’t be a rush of banks paying businesses to borrow!

However, when a business takes out a fixed rate loan, more often than not, an interest rate swap is used to fix the rate. But when rates go negative, the fix is broken and interest payments increase as rates go lower!

This happens because of the complicated flows of payments related to a swap and loan. To keep the relationship working, the loan would have to start paying the borrower, which isn’t going to happen!

This worrying situation could affect thousands of

businesses that have fixed rate products and opens the door to increased interest payments if rates go below zero.

For personal accounts, it is unlikely that negative rates would be passed on directly, with extra costs likely to appear via increased monthly current account fees. The concept of monthly fees is nothing new and have been in existence in the UK for many years.

With all this talk of negative rates, is this a possibility for the UK? No, the likelihood for rates below zero in the UK are remote, and whilst we can’t totally rule it out, there does seem to be an

increasing number of economists that are raising the question about the effectiveness of ultra-low rates.

Banks in particular need higher interest rates to become more profitable, and whilst the banks are better capitalised than they were prior to 2008, we still need a strong healthy banking system with an appetite to lend to businesses.

If there are any aspects of a business loan you would like to discuss, please call us.

How would negative rates impact you?

for economists ever since the financial crisis of 2008.

Interest rates across the globe were rapidly slashed to unfreeze and add liquidity back into the banking system. The bank’s refusal to lend to each other caused the failure of high profile UK names such as Northern Rock and caused global economies to rapidly fall into recession. Limited fiscal policy changes meant that the central banks took on the full challenge of pulling the world out of recession.

Lots of acronyms have been thrown around such as

QE (Quantitative Easing), APF (Asset Purchase Facility), APP (Asset Purchase Programme) and the list goes on. But the main tool that most central banks use to control monetary policy is via the mechanism of adjusting interest rates. So what would happen if we saw negative rates in the UK? Firstly, business accounts would be the first to be hit with negative rates, with a % charge being applied to hold cash on deposit. Banks have already applied floors in lending agreements, so there would-

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WORLD Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

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Reliance and the Rafale venture

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The Reliance Group has won one of the biggest contracts in India’s defence industry. In a deal set to earn the group €1.9bn, the company announced a joint venture with Dassault Aviation to help build and maintain the fleet of 36 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.

Dassault Aviation agreed to supply the new jets in a government to government deal worth €8bn. as part of the agreement, just under half of

own 51% of Dassault Reliance Aerospace and will help support some 1,500 jobs in India. The new company will have a factory based in Nagpur, with jet production set to start by the end of the year.

Chairman and chief executive of Dassault, Eric

the construction and supply of the contract will be handled by Dassault Reliance Aerospace, the new company of the joint venture. Reliance is set to

HUMOUR CORNER A woman in a hot-air balloon is lost, so she shouts to a man below, "Excuse me. I promised a friend I would meet him, but I don’t know where I am."

"You’re at 31 degrees, 14.57 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude," he replies.

"You must be a Democrat."

"I am. How did you know?"

"Because everything you told me is technically correct, but the information is useless, and I’m still lost. Frankly, you’ve been no help."

"You must be a Republican."

"Yes. How did you know?"

"You’ve risen to where you are due to a lot of hot air, you made a promise you couldn’t keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You’re in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now it’s my fault." *** A woman had never had surgery, and was nervous. "This is a very simple, noninvasive procedure," the anesthesiologist reassured her. She felt instantly better, until he continued, "Heck," he continued, "you have a better chance of dying from the anesthesia than the surgery itself."

The vandal of Versailles

French officials expressed outrage when antisemitic graffiti appeared on a sculpture in Versailles by Sir Anish Kapoor. Now the officials are facing damaging claims by Sir Anish that the neo-fascist slogans were put on with the help of palace staff.

Even a local councillor has backed the claim the graffiti was “an inside job”, but blamed it on the sculptor’s studio, claiming it was done to get publicity.

Officially called the Dirty Corner the 60m long

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steel and rock exhibit has widely known as the Queen’s Vagina after Sir Anish said it meant to symbolise “the vagina of the Queen taking power,” in reference to Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France.

The exhibit was vandalised four times last year.

An investigation has been launched but no one is believed to have been arrested. While there is no evidence the château’s management were involved, it was that possible that vandals had inside accomplices.

Trappier said: “The formation of this joint venture illustrates our strong commitment to establishing ourselves in India and to develop a strategic industrial partnership under the ‘Make in India’ policy promoted by the Indian government.”

The deal is a success

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for Anil Ambani who seeks to reposition Reliance as India’s foremost defence company. The group started its defence sector expansion after the surprise acquisition of the controlling stake of the Pipavav shipyard in Gujarat last year, worth $300m.

“Sir, this bootlegger is that constable who was suspended last month.”

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WORLD

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Labour party conference validates a bruised and divided party Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

The Labour party conference in Liverpool last week has validated how last year's in-fighting resulted into a bruised and divided party that perhaps will take a long time to come together. It has been a year wasted and should not be repeated. Though Mayor Sadiq Khan seems to be a glimpse of hope for Labour's future, the Conference failed to prove as an opportunity to put things right.

The rash decision of some Labour MPs to resign from the Shadow cabinet following the shock of Brexit and to force a leadership election in the hope of undermining Corbyn’s mandate, but had the opposite effect. Sadiq Khan, Labour’s current star, had a very good, very stark and clear speech. He said, in no uncertain terms, that only in power you change things. He had the chance to

Jeremy Corbyn with Baroness Chakrabarti

show that he could rise above the in-fighting and solidify his position and standing with both new and old members.

Khan has come out as a possible future Labour party leader material, but critics have pointed out that his speech portrayed unwillingness to compromise for the greater good, preferring an act of defiance and borderline patronising Jeremy Corbyn.

Jeremy Corbyn called on

Labour to unite on a 2017 election footing and end the "trench warfare" as he gave his keynote conference speech as leader. In his biggest new policy, Mr Corbyn announced a wave of extra council borrowing against housing stock to fund up to 12,000 more council homes a year. He also announced a special 'pupil premium' for the arts and committed to spending 3% of Britain's GDP on research.

However, Labour now faces claims of hypocrisy after it emerged controversial peer Shami Chakrabarti’s son goes to a top private school. The 13year-old attends £18,000-ayear Dulwich College in southeast London, an academically selective boys’ school where former Ukip leader Nigel Farage was a pupil. The revelation came just days after Labour vowed to oppose Theresa May’s plans to open more grammar schools.However the party has reportedly tried to head off the storm by suggesting Baroness Chakrabarti’s lawyer ex-husband was to blame for the decision to send him there.

Corbyn's actions now have to match their words to heal the rifts. If Labour unites, it will be unstoppable and it will win the general election whenever it may come.

Sweden's Satsang UK celebrates the 129th birth Norway Spruce anniversary of Sree Sree Thakur AnukulChandra is oldest tree in the world

In Brief

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Saudi Arabia switches calendars

RIYADH: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has switched from following the Islamic calendar to the Gregorian one in a bid to pay government workers. The switch makes the working month longer as part of its cost-saving measures. The loss of the lunar-based Hijri calendar means workers will lose around 11 days of pay annually and bringing them in line with the private sector workforce.

Baghdad’s Shia Muslim area attacked

BAGHDAD: Two Shia Muslim areas of the Iraqi capital were struck by suicide bombers, killing at least ten and wounding 30 people. One bomber attacked a market, while another hit a stall providing refreshments to the religious service. No one has yet claimed responsibility, but recent attacks on Iraqi Shia Muslims have been carried by Islamic State.

Pak opposition demands Sharif's disqualification

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan opposition Tehreek-iInsaf has demanded the disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, forwarding the plea to the Election Commission. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said, "I decided to send the reference to ECP to strengthen the Parliament... the decision was taken after I went through the documents."

Led by cricketer turned politician, Imran Khan, the party had filed a reference against Sharif on August 15, calling for his disqualification as a Member of the National Assembly. Party's Deputy Parliamentary Leader in the Assembly, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Chief Whip Shireen Mazari and senior leader and MNA Arif Alvi handed over the reference to Sadiq in his office.

Russia plans e-visas for Indian tourists

Satsang United Kingdom joyously celebrated the 129th birth anniversary of Sree Sree Thakur AnukulChandra on Saturday the 17th of September. The event was held at the William Torbitt Primary School in Ilford.

Over 250 people including followers and devotees from across the United Kingdom, Norway, Germany and United States participated in this event.

The programme was held in two segments, the first half included prayers, meditation and womens’ congregation (matri sammelan). Satsang members Mrs Binata ray and Mrs Pooja Mishra spoke about the qualities that made Sree Sree Thakur’s wife (respectfully called ‘Boroma’) the ideal woman.

There was enthusiastic participation on the children’s front. Rishabh Roy, Shruti Prushty, Tapasi Samantara, Tapaswini Samantara and Aditya Chaudhry voiced their views on Sree Sree Thakur.

The second half of the programme also had prayers and meditation, the environment was stimulated by a melodious bhajan sung by Mrs Binata ray and further elevated by kirtans sung by Mr. Deepak Rai , Mr. Ramkinkar Thakur, Mr. Yogesh Joshi and Mr. Rajanikanta Samantara. Mr. Mike Gapes, honourable mem-

ber of Parliament for Ilford South and Mr. A.S. Rajan, Minister Co-ordinator, Indian High Commission were the chief guests. Both the dignitaries, in their address to the gathering, congratulated the Satsang community on the celebrations and commended Satsang’s spirit of communal harmony. There were

Honourable Mr. Mike Gapes

Sushanta Prushty. Dinner was then provided to all participants. Two persons also took initiation (diksha) with Sree Sree Thakur's Holy mantra.

The whole event was covered live by popular Asian radio channel Lyca Dil Se

Honourable Mr. AS Rajan with Satsang members

speeches by Satsang members Mr. Ramkinkar Thakur, Ms Mery Diaz, Mr. Nihar Mishra, and Mr. Prasna Ray on various aspects of Sree Sree Thakur. This was followed by the children’s programme wherein various music and dance performances were presented by Dylan Shah, Sanchali Sahu, Divija Mishra and Aditya Chaudhry. Mr. Mike Gapes presented all child participants with a trophy as a mark of appreciation for their efforts.

The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Mr. Rajarshi Roy and a concluding Dhwani by Mr.

by popular presenters Mr. Ravi Sharma and Miss Kajal.

Sree Sree Thakur Anukulchandra was a prominent spiritual leader, philanthropist and philosopher in pre- independence India. Today he has millions of followers across the world. The organisation Satsang holds regular Satsangs in Ilford, Reading and Wembley. These satsangs are open to the individuals of all religions and beliefs.

Further details regarding Sree Sree Thakur and Satsang can be obtained from the website www.satsang.org.uk.

DALARNA (SWEDEN): The world's oldest tree, claimed to be 9,550 years old, has been found atop the Fulufjället Mountain in the Dalarna province of Sweden.

The Norway Spruce, native to Central and Eastern Europe stands at just 16 feet tall. Old Tjikko was discovered in 2004 by geologist Leif Kullman, who named it after his dead dog.

Kullman, a professor of Physical Geography at Umeå University, said vegetative cloning is the only reason the tree survived for thousands of years. While the tree itself looks relatively young at just a few hundred years of age, it is its root system that is thousands of years old. Carbon dating was done on genetically matched plant material collected from under the tree, which gave scientists the remarkable proof. One of the amazing facts is that while the trunk of the tree may die and regrow a couple of times, the root system remains alive and intact.

"The fact that we can see this spruce as a tree today is a consequence of recent climate warming since about 1915," said Kullman.

The harsh weather on the shrubby mountaintop, at 2985 feet high, also helped the tree survive in shrub from. Kullman believes it was only in the last century that Tjikko grew into a full-fledged tree.

MOSCOW: Russia might soon launch e-visas for Indian tourists and launch direct flights between Mumbai and Moscow to woo Indian travellers to the country. Valery Korvokin, head of the international department of the Russian federal agency for tourism, said, "We are pursuing the e-visa issue with our foreign ministry. We expect a positive development in the next few months." The department is also planning a certification course for Indian tour operators, specialising in Russian tours, he said. The agency's deputy head Sergey Korneev said the authorities are also looking at different measures, like increasing the number of English and Hindi translators for Indian tourists.

Goddess Durga's idols vandalised in Bangladesh

DHAKA: Idols of Hindu goddess Durga were vandalised in northeastern Bangladesh by a bunch of unidentified people ahead of the Durga festival.

The incident took place at a temple in Futarmati village under Nabiganj upazila of Habiganj district, 170 km from Dhaka. The police launched an investigation and later said some local youths started a fight over a minor issue with the artisans making the idols. Two people have been arrested on charges of vandalism but no case has been registered.

UN says US drone strike kills 15 in Afghanistan

KABUL: At least 15 civilians were killed and 13 injured, in a US drone strike in eastern Afghanistan, announced the United Nations calling for an independent investigation into the incident. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), said militants may have been killed in the strike, but several victims were civilians, including students, a teacher, and members of families called "pro-government". "UNAMA reiterates the need for all parties to the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law. UNAMA calls on the government and international military forces to launch a prompt, independent, impartial, transparent, and effective investigation into this incident," the UN said in a statement. US forces responded saying, "We take every possible measure to avoid civilian casualties in these operations, and will continue to work with Afghan authorities to determine if there is cause for additional investigation."

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Indian American Hillary widens lead in shoots 9 before being polls of key states killed by police AsianVoiceNews

HOUSTON: A Texas attorney randomly shot and injured nine people on 26 September, before the police shot and killed him.

While the Houston police department did not immediately name the suspect, it later confirmed IndianAmerican Nathan Desai, 46, as the shooter.

Desai shot at cars and pedestrians from behind a tree, until the police arrived at the scene and took him down. Acting Houston Police Chief Martha Montalvo said nine people were injured in the shooting, three were not seriously injured and were released from the hospital after a check up, three were treated and released the same day, but the remaining three were in a serious condition.

Multiple officers engaged with Desai, as other policemen rescued the wounded.

Desai was dressed in a vintage Nazi uniform with no body armour. He was found shooting with a semi automatic .45 caliber handgun, and was also in possession of a tommy gun. Both the weapons were purchased legally.

The police also found more than 2600 rounds of ammunition in his car.

Houston Police

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Department Homicide Captain Dwayne Ready told the media that no motive has been established for the shootings yet. "We believe he was acting alone." He also said the suspect was also armed with a knife.

Nathan Desai had received his law degree from the University of Tulsa, and began his practice in 2003.

His law partner Ken McDaniel said they shut down their boutique law firm recently, due to financial reasons. "I guess the best way to put it is just the business was slower than it's been.

And we felt that we could probably be better off going on our own and assuming our own private practices rather than a partnership situation," McDaniel said. "He was always at work every day, we always went to court, did his work. He was a good lawyer, good standing with the bar.

I'm at a loss for words for what has happened.

It's horrible."

Desai's father, Prakash, a retired geologist said, "He was upset."

He noted that Nathan was licensed to carry guns, because of the nature of his law practice.

WASHINGTON: Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has outpaced rival Donald Trump by 15 points in Wisconsin, according to the state's leading poll. Numbers released by the latest Marquette Law School poll show Clinton with strong leads in states that will prove pivotal in the November election. The polls found Clinton leading Trump 52 to 37 per cent.

Strategists of Republican candidate and billionaire Donald Trump, who is mostly known for his loud-mouthed obnoxiousness, than his competence to run the country, have argued that he can win the election by appealing to the working-class white voters in industrial states from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and Michigan to Wisconsin.

However, the odds are certainly not in his favour just yet. In Wisconsin, the four way match up among likely voters found Clinton at 47 per cent, Trump at 34 per cent, Johnson 9 per cent, and Stein 3 per cent. The survey also found that voter impressions of the Democrat had grown more favourable since July, while Don's has mostly remained steady, and negative. Among registered voters, a mere 27 per cent had a favourable view and 53 per cent were unfavourable.

Meanwhile, Don mocked Clinton's recent bout with pneumonia, at a late-night campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

Addressing a mass of supporters, he said, "Here's a woman who is supposed to

RAF's Red Arrows to perform at the Indian Air Force Day The Royal Air Force’s world-renowned aerobatics team, The Red Arrows, will visit India this week to perform at the Indian Air Force Day on 8 October 2016.

The British High Commission’s Defence Advisor, Brigadier Mark Goldsack, said, “I’m delighted that the Red Arrows are visiting India.

Those who followed Prime Minister Modi’s visit to London last year will remember the flypast they put on in his honour, decorating the skies of London in the colours of the Indian flag.

“The visit celebrates the strong historical bond and a close relationship between the RAF and the Indian Air Force. The Red Arrows fly the Hawk aircraft, which is both a British and now Indian success story.”

India has purchased 123 Hawks to date, 99 of which have been built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, using parts supplied

by BAE Systems and engines supplied by Rolls Royce.

More than 600 IAF pilots have been trained so far on the Hawk 132 AJT

and the first batch of the three Indian women fighter pilots is being trained at present on the Hawk.

The Red Arrows will help showcase teamwork, engineering excellence and the best of British in advanced manufacturing and aerospace shortly before the first ever IndiaUK TECH Summit which takes place in New Delhi from 7-9 November. The TECH Summit will highlight excellence and collaboration between India and the UK in innovation and technology.

The Red Arrows are honoured to be invited to perform an aerial salute to the Indian Air Force on Air Force Day on 8 October in front of the Chief of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha.

Apart from flying, while they are in Delhi, the Red Arrows team will be welcomed at an evening reception hosted by the British High Commissioner on 5 October. The crews will also visit schools and universities to talk about hitech education and training opportunities in the UK. The visit to India is part of a major 60-day tour of the Asia-Pacific and

Middle East regions by the Red Arrows.

Upon returning from their Far East part of the tour in November, the Red Arrows are planning to deliver further aerial displays in Hyderabad and Bangalore.

It is team’s biggest overseas tour in a decade.

More than 20 displays and a series of flypasts will be performed by the Red Arrows. The deployment will contribute to the UK government’s GREAT campaign.

Squadron Leader David Montenegro, Team Leader of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team and Red 1, said: “Ever since the team’s first season in 1965, the Red Arrows have performed on a global scale.

“The team – flying British-built aircraft – has displayed to millions of people in more than 55 countries around the world.

“This year, in 2016, we are excited to represent the United Kingdom on an even greater platform, to new locations and events.

“Indeed, we feel privileged to have been invited to perform a display in honour of the Indian Air Force on Air Force Day.”

Hillary Clinton

fight all of these different things and she can't make it 15 feet to her car." He then mocked her by swaying side to side, and take a few stumbling steps away from the podium, in a mimick of her departure from a September 11 memorial event when aides helped her into a van after she fell ill. This isn't the first time Trump attacked her health.

While the Clinton campaign hasn't responded to the latest jibe, the former secretary of state lashed at the Republican saying, "As soon as he travels to 112 countries and negotiates a peace deal, a cease fire, a release of dissidents, an opening of new opportunities in nations around the world, or even spends 11 hours testifying in front of a congressional committee he can talk to me about stamina."

WORLD Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

In Brief

23

Sikh man shot dead in Afghanistan

PESHAWAR: A Sikh man was abducted from his home and gunned down by suspected militants in Nangarhar province in Afghanistan, bordering neighbouring Pak. Sardar Rawail Singh, was kidnapped from his own house by militants wearing military fatigues. The incident has triggered massive protest by the minority Sikh community who staged a demonstration by placing Singh's body outside the provincial governor's house in Jalalabad and demanding the arrest of the killers. The protesters were later met by deputy governor Mohammad Hanif Gardiwal.

PIO teen from S Africa wins big at Google Science Fair

JOHANNESBURG: A teenager of Indian-origin won a $50,000 scholarship at the annual Google Science fair in the US. Kiara Nirghin, 16, a Grade 11 student, used orange peel to develop a cheaper "super-absorbent material" that will help soil retain water. She submitted her project titled 'No More Thirsty Crops', which was aimed at coping with the severe drought situation in South Africa. "These SAPs are not biodegradable, costly and full of acrylic acid, sodium hydroxide and other chemicals.

Saudi to raise visa fees for Mecca pilgrims

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will soon increase charges for visas for people who visit the country for Islamic pilgrimages. The ruling council of ministers, chaired by crown prince Muhammad Bin Naif, announced that anyone applying for a visit to complete the Hajj for a second time, will be charged SR2000 (£410) for each visit. Prices for general visits will increase to SR200 (£41) for a two-month visa and SR300 (£61) for three.

The revised compensation comes as the country struggles to handle the decline in its oil revenue.

24

INDIA

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Karnataka agrees to release water to TN In Brief AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

BENGALURU: After taking the Supreme Court head on for days, the Karnataka government on Monday relented and agreed to release water to farmers in Tamil Nadu. The Karnataka legislature, which held an emergency session in the day, advised the government to take appropriate decision in this regard. After this, the Karnataka cabinet headed

by Siddaramaiah decided to release water for irrigation.

Sources said the government plans to release at least 6,000 cusecs of water for six days from Monday night to evade the SC's wrath Karnataka said it has decided to release water to its own farmers to save standing crops in Mandya and Mysore districts - the outflow will reach farmers in Tamil Nadu

as well. The state government moved a resolution in the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly saying: “It has been brought to our notice that standing crop in the Cauvery basin is suffering and there has been pressure from farmers to release water.

The government can now take appropriate decisions on the release of water from dams, after ensuring drinking water requirements are met.”

Jaya under UK doctor's care CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, who has been in the hospital for more than a week now, is being attended by a specialist doctor flown all the way from England. A statement was released by the party, 40 hours after the last update on her health. "She is recovering well. We hope she is discharged soon. It is not necessary to release pictures of Jayalalithaa. We are answerable only to people, not to opposition," a party spokesperson said. Several rumours have been doing the rounds, with many believing her health has deteriorated.

DMK president M Karunanidhi asked the Tamil Nadu government last week, to put an end to rumours on the CM's health, and release proper information along with photographs. "As I had already mentioned, though I differ with her ideologically, it is my desire that she recovers soon and takes up official

Jayalalithaa

duties as usual," he said. He added her health was a matter of public concern and all details should be made available to the people to end speculations that were doing more harm than good.

However, AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswathi said Jaya, 68, will be back home soon after being cleared by the doctors who have put her under observation. A health bulletin issue said the chief minister was responding well to treatment and has been advised a few more days of rest.

Experts question Punjab border evacuation CHANDIGARH: After the Punjab government decided to evacuate villagers from border areas, following the crossLoC's strike by the Indian Army, the move was called unwarranted and premature by military experts. Several senior retired defence officers, said the decision to vacate the villages was not well thought out, especially when the Army itself did not give any signs of mobilisaton and had not occupied forward defences. The Punjab state government had launched a big-scaled evacuation exercise in all villages in six districts of Fazilka, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Pathankot.

Former Director of Sainik Welfare Department, Punjab, Brig KS Kahlon, said, "There was no necessity to do this.

This step has been taken in a great hurry with adverse impact on people who have standing crops which are waiting to be harvested in fields. Who will prevent van-

dalism of houses and crops."

Former GOC-in-C of Northern and Central Commands of the Army, Lt Gen HS Panag called the move "premature reaction", adding a response from Pakistan was highly unlikely.

"Thousands of villages have to be evacuated as per the Punjab government directive.

It is ridiculous to do this. If we are to go on offensive then our villages should be behind you."

He said it made more sense to evacuate the civilian population in adjoining Jammu and Kashmir between Kathua and Jammu, where there is a history of firing from across the border. "Where is the need to do this in Punjab when you have such a large army with offensive capability. What are you scared of?"

Brig Kahlon said that even in full fledged wars the villagers of border areas had not abandoned their houses and had helped the Army personnel deployed in the area.

By doing this, t h e Siddaramaiah government has escaped from contempt of court proceedings which could have forced the SC to order its dismissal for not complying with orders to release water to Tamil Nadu. On Monday, in a major relief for Karnataka, the Centre told the Supreme Court that forming the Cauvery Water Management Board is the sole prerogative of Parliament and that the court cannot order the government on this. The Centre's submission has come as a huge relief to Karnataka and Kerala which have been opposing the

Board saying it will take away their rights over the Cauvery reservoirs. The order to form the Board before October 4 was passed by a two-judge bench of the SC to decide future distribution of Cauvery water among the four riparian states - Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.

It had led to further anger in Karnataka with JDS leader HD Deve Gowda sitting on a dharna till he got a call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to end the fast. The Karnataka government had on Saturday decided not to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and decided to face the consequences of defying the Supreme Court's directive following a mandate from the opposition parties.

Six ‘IS-inspired’ men held from Kerala THIRUVANANTHAPURA M: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said it had busted an Islamic State-inspired terror module and arrested six persons in Kerala for conspiring to carry out terror acts. According to the NIA, “Information was received that some youths from Kerala and Tamil Nadu along with their accomplices have entered into a criminal conspiracy to commit terror acts by collecting explosives and other offensive material to target important persons and places in various parts of south lndia.”

Based on the information, the Union Home Ministry had directed the NIA to investigate the matter and accordingly, the agency registered a case at its Kochi branch under IPC sections for criminal conspiracy, waging or attempting to wage war against the Government of India, collecting arms, etc with the intention of waging war against the GOI and sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Acting on the informa-

tion, NIA teams along with Kerala, Delhi and Telangana police, launched surveillance on the movements of the accused allegedly involved in the conspiracy. According to an NIA statement, “During searches conducted in the districts of Kozikhode and Kannur in Kerala, six persons have been arrested for their involvement in the conspiracy. Five of them were arrested while conducting a meeting at Kanakamala hilltop in Kannur district, Kerala.

Subsequently, another person was arrested from Kuttiyadi in Kozhikode district later.”

“During the searches, incriminating material, including electronic devices, were seized from them and their premises. Follow-up searches are being conducted by the NIA in Chennai, Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and Kannur, Kozhikode and Mallapuram in Kerala.”

Incidentally, these six have no connection with the group of 22 who reportedly left for IS-controlled Nangharhar in Afghanistan.

Gau rakshaks seek arms, ammunition licenses GURGAON: Gau Rakhshaks in Gurgaon, Haryana, have applied for arms licenses, claiming they face threats from armed cow smugglers.

The group said when they try to stop cow smugglers at night, they are attacked with arms.

Dharmendra Yadav, head of the Haryana Gau Rakshak group, said the smugglers now work in groups of at least 10, and all of them are usually armed. Calling himself a victim of their attacks, he said he has applied for an arms license, and sought police protection. Gurgaon Police Commissioner Sandeep Khirwar said no person can be granted an arms license just on the issue of protecting themselves from cow smugglers. He added inquiries are

conducted as to why a person is applying for an arms license, and whether he or she will be able to prevent the misuse of the arm, besides other factors. Yadav, who had applied for a license a year back, is yet to recieve it and has written to Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Khattar for help. Once there is an all clear on all parameters being met, only then is an arms license is issued Meanwhile, reports suggest gau rakshaks have been targeting migrants and meat sellers over suspicions of them dealing in beef. They in response, admit that several from their groups are bringing a bad name to the entire community and agreed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks.

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Tantrik arrested in Hyderabad for torturing children

HYDERABAD: Police arrested 16 con artists in Hyderabad after videos appeared on "black magic" dens. The videos showed a child being tortured with scalding hot water, another's ears being poked, and a third, nude, kneeling down, and tied to a chair. Self-proclaimed tantrik Faiyaz Mehmood Ansari, 38, was arrested after a complaint was registered against him by a man whose 12 year old son was allegedly kidnapped and tortured. Police also arrested Anwarullah Khan, who calls himself "Disco Baba". He has allegedly cheated lot of people by pretending to perform rituals and produce fake gold biscuits and diamonds.

Puducherry airport to be ready from Jan 2017

PUDUCHERRY: An MoU has been signed between the Puducherry government, Civil Aviation Ministry and the Airports Authority of India to operationalise the Puducherry Airport in January next year. A statement said, "The process to operationalise the flights is likely to be completed and flight operations would be started by January 2017." It also said the government has proposed to have air connectivity to and from nearby cities, mostly within 500 km radius, and that the "cost of fare is going to be only Rs 2,500 which is certainly affordable." .

Telangana to become first state to have culinary policy

HYDERABAD: Telangana will soon come up with a culinary policy to promote cookery, festivals, and culture in the state. State tourism secretary Burra Venkatesham said, "Telangana will be the first state in the country to announce a culinary policy. The policy has been sent to the Chief Minister for approval and may be announced in November." An official release quoted him as saying, "The objective is to promote our state through its culinary arts, festivals and culture. We are also working on exclusive 'Telangana Restaurants' by (involving) the private sector." A 'Maha Bathukamma Festival' will be held at Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad, on October 8, where 10,000 are expected to participate.

SAD leader, son booked

MOGA: A case has been registered against Akali Dal sarpanch Daljit Kaur's husband and son for assaulting a nurse in Moga last week. The Alamwala sarpanch's husband Paramjit Singh and his son Gurjeet thrashed nurse Ramandeep Kau at Goyal Hospital, when asked to wait outside. The two have been booked under Sections 451 (house trespass to commit an offence), 323 (punishment for causing hurt voluntarily), 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation), and 34 (common intent in crime) for the Indian Penal Code at Baghapurana in Moga district.

Pigeon with ‘message’ held

PATHANKOT: The BSF has taken into custody a pigeon after a letter written in Urdu and addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi was found with in Bamial sector, Pathankot, on Sunday. The message reads: "Modi Ji, do not consider us same people as we were during 1971 (Indo-Pak war). Now each and every child is ready to fight against India." Pakistani visitors also hurled stones at the viewers' galleries on the Indian side at Attari during the beating retreat ceremony and also shouted anti-India slogans.

Black flags greet Kejriwal

AMRITSAR: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal chose to visit Punjab by flight, after he was heckled by BJP and Congress workers during his last visit by train. However, he was yet again shown black flags by Congress women workers as his convoy left the airport. Punjab Mahila Congress members led by president Mamta Dutta, protested against Kejri Government's alleged misgovernance in the national capital. Heading straight to Jalandhar, from the airport where he was scheduled to attend a gathering of the Aggarwal community, Kejri was welcomed with placards reading 'Kejriwal Go Back'.

SPECIAL Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

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25

Maharaja Hari Singh and Kashmir Dilemma AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Nehru’s Minister Mahommedali Currim Chagla countered Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in Security Council on February 5, 1964, saying, Muslims not a Minority in India

Dr Hari Desai

Sabha, he was initially in favour of a Hindu State independent of secular India, and then toyed with the idea of acceding to Pakistan. Once the accession to India was formalised, the Government of India wanted it approved through a referendum as desired by the M a h a r a j a .

Unfortunately, soon after signing the Instrument of Accession to India, the Maharaja wrote a letter to Sardar Patel o n 31st

Even after seven decades of India's Independence, Kashmir continues to bleed and cause rupture between India and Pakistan. The last Viceroy of British India, Lord Louis Mountbatten, cousin of King George, after prolonged negotiations with Indian leaders, made a declaration of the last plan for Independence on 3rd June, 1947. It made the Partition of British India into two i.e.

Indian Union and Pakistan Union, leaving nearly 565 Princely

States free to make a choice either to join any of the Unions or to remain Independent.

The Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, was in a real dilemma as he was a Hindu King with majority of his subjects being Muslims. Before Partition, even Jammu province had a Muslim majority.

According to the 1941 census, 70% of Jammu population were Muslims, and over 90% in Kashmir. The Maharaja had his ambition to make Kashmir the Switzerland of the East – a State that is completely neutral.

M A Jinnah, the Governor General of Pakistan, was desperate as he wanted J&K by hook or by crook. The raiders with the active guidance of the regulars of Pakistan Army started invasion on J&K on 22nd October, 1947.

The Maharaja was helpless, his Muslim officials deserted and the invaders reached Baramulla, looting, killing and raping the innocents, creating chaos.

The Ruler sought military help from New Delhi, but since J&K was “a foreign

Maharaja Hari Singh of Kashmir

territory”, Mountbatten, with the consent of Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and other ministers, agreed to despatch forces only after getting the Instrument of Accession signed on 27th October, 1947.

Blame game was always on. The Maharaja

Dr Karan Singh

of the State agreed to the accession after considerable vacillation. Supported by the All Jammu and Kashmir Rajya Hindu

January, 1948, expressing his willingness to withdraw the accession.

Somehow, Sardar convinced him not to go back on his commitment.

There are some more myths about Article 370 (earlier 306-A) of the Indian Constitution, giving special status to J&K as well as the Plebiscite.

Balraj Puri, an authority on Kashmir affairs, states in “Kashmir: Insurgency and After”, that “These two commitments are believed to be a part of Nehru’s policy of appeasement of the Kashmiri Muslims. But the fact that needs to be re-emphasised here is that the collective wisdom of the entire leadership of India at that time, whether within the government or in the Opposition, considered these commitments as the only way to make the State a part of India.

“M J Akbar has correctly pointed out that Sardar Patel and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee were members of the front row of the treasury bench-

HISTORIC MOMENT: Photocopy of the Hindustan Times dated 28th October, 1947, declaring “Kashmir accedes to India” and the Plebiscite to take place

es in Parliament when commitment for the UNoverseen plebiscite was made by the Government of India. Similarly, both were members of the Cabinet when it accepted Article 370. It is, however, true that Patel did not share Nehru’s faith in the Muslims of Kashmir and, therefore, was not keen on the State’s accession to India. He had conveyed to Maharaja Hari Singh through Mountbatten that if he acceded to Pakistan, the Government of India would not take it amiss.”

Even Dr B R Ambedkar was keen on Muslim–majority Kashmir Valley going to Pakistan after ascertaining the view of Kashmiri people in the manifesto for the first General Election of Lok Sabha!

Nehru’s Education Minister Justice Mahommedali Currim Chagla presented India’s case most effectively before Security Council in February 1964 countering Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the then Foreign Minister of Pakistan. “Muslims are not a Minority in India in the ordinary sense of the term. They constitute 50 million of the total popu-

lation of India. India is the third largest Muslim State in the world. Muslims are the sons of the soil, they are Indian by race and they enjoy all the rights of citizenship. Every office is open to them, and in fact many of them hold the highest offices in the land….We have no official religion.

Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Parsis and others have full freedom of worship, and fundamental rights under the Constitution are guaranteed to every citizen. We have no first-class and second-class citizenship.

Before the law everyone is equal.”

Jammu and Kashmir remains an integral part of India. Pakistan is yet to vacate the occupied Indian territories. The historical events need to meet the challenges of the contemporary world.

(The writer is a Sociopolitical Historian.

E-mail: haridesai@gmail.com)

Sardar Patel with Sheikh Abdullah

Jawaharlal Nehru

Next Column: Arrival of Christianity in India

INDIA

26

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Islamabad SAARC summit cancelled ber states."

Talks of cancellation began to build up after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan sent formal official communications to Kathmandu on September 27 almost tailing India's decision of not being able to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances".

The source said Nepal did not take any decision on the summit as it is the current SAARC Chair. "We wish that a diplomatic breakthrough could be found with a possible change of venue but no one can guarantee success of such steps as four countries have already declared their inability to attend the summit without seeking an alternate venue," he said.

The 2016 SAARC Summit has been cancelled after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan followed India's decision to stay away from the meet initially scheduled to be held in Islamabad this November.

A Kathmandu-based diplomatic source said, "There is no question of holding the summit if four countries declare their unwillingness to participate. As the current SAARC Chair, Nepal has the responsibility of seeking a solution to such presummit disputes but under the current circumstances nothing much can be attempted. We will do the due formalities and will declare the summit of 2016 should be cancelled due to non-participation of mem-

The other three countries apart from India, also put forth their concern regarding cross-border terrorist attacks, in their official notes to Kathmandu. A communication from Dhaka to Nepal read, "The growing interference in the internal affairs of Bangladesh by one country has created an environment, which is not conducive to the successful hosting of the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad in November 2016.

Bangladesh, as the initiator of the SAARC process, remains steadfast in its commitment to regional cooperation, connectivity and contacts but believes that these can only go forward in a more congenial atmosphere."

Principal caught taking bribe suspended the AMP law college in August, he was told that he would get admission only after he pays Rs 4,000 as bribe to Vadher who was acting as the principal of the law college at that time.

Since the student did not have money, he requested Vadher to first confirm his admission and promised to pay the money later," said ACB HP Doshi. After the student got admission, Arvind Jadav, a peon from AMP Law College, who was acting as a middle-

Gujarat Government has suspended Chandrika Vadher, principal of Dharmendrasinhji College, after she was caught redhanded taking Rs 2,500 bribe from a student last month. In a follow up investigation, the police recovered Rs 1131,000 in cash from Vadher's house.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau said the principal earns around Rs 125,000 every month.

"When the student applied for admission at

man kept pressuring the student to meet Vadher. It was the constant harassment that made him contact the ACB. ACB sleuths caught both Vadher, and Jadav red-handed. Agency officials said there were already three departmental inquiries pending against the principal. "Search is on at Vadher's house. We will also probe all the admissions at the AMP Law College during Vadher's tenure there," Doshi said.

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India, Pak in fresh war of words

Continued from page 1 The work on the bunkers began after the militant attack on an Army base in Uri, Kashmir, an event that changed India's attitude towards neighbouring Pakistan.

The bolstering of fortifications along the Line of Control, shows India's level of preparedness to combat hostilities following its surgical strike on terrorist launchpads. Soldiers who slept in canvas tents, have built a series of stone and cement walled boxes, each measuring approximately six to ten feet. They provide cover, particularly at places where the border is slim due to the Himalayan valley. Troops from the 116th Infantry Brigade said exchange of fire at night are now more frequent, and intense. "They shoot every time they see us. They shoot on sight. If we see movement we shoot. We fire snap shots back. Every night they fire at us and we fire at them," they said.

Both the countries have been at headlocks, with India growing more wary of Pak's next move. As the situation grows grim in the disputed Valley region, it is also known that Indian generals are now calling upon the Centre to approve a sustained six-month campaign to destroy "terrorist infrastructure" on the Pakistani side of the border. A top Army official said, "We have to look at a sustained campaign. The terror network is on the back foot, but to really achieve something, we have to look at a medium-term plan, a six-month campaign. A one-off event will not deter them." Another report says generals believe they can possibly destroy 40 militant launch pads hosting over 200 troops, if they are given the go for the operation. "We have the opportunity right now.

Everyone is geared up and we have a much stronger hold on LoC than the other side. This is the time to make an actual difference that will deter cross-border terror support," an official said.

Certain that the Uri attack on Indian soldiers, was conducted by Pakistanbased militants, India conducted a series of "surgical strikes" across the LoC last week, killing at least 38 terrorists. Almost in retaliation, yet another group of militants opened fire at another Indian Army camp in Kashmir's northern district of Baramulla. The latest attack resulted in the death of one border guard, and another getting severely injured.

As the common geographical grounds remains in conflict, Pakistan extended a hand of diplomacy, with Pakistan High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit stressing on the importance of a dialogue

between both countries before things get out of hand. Speaking in a media interview, Basit said, "It is important to avoid raising false expectations, as happened after the cross-LoC firing on September 29. We cannot afford to go down that route. Statements are made, but I think both countries do understand serious implications of escalating the situation either horizontally or vertically."

He added that the if India was ready, Pakistan "will be willing. But if India is not, we can always wait. India has to make up its mind."

The official also said, "Both our countries understand war is not really a solution to our problems and there is simply no room for conflict in a nuclear environment." The statement is a reflection of

as an “illusion being deliberately generated by India to create false effects”.

Claiming that foreign media appears to be backing Pakistan’s claim, Kejrival, a stern critic of Modi, in a three-minutelong video message posted on his Facebook page, said: “My blood boils to see such reports. Pakistan is trying to internationally defame India [therefore] I appeal the prime minister… to expose the propaganda…

The nation stands with you…”

Bollywood entangled in India-Pakistan tension: In light of the current hostilities the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) has banned Pakistani actors, singers and technicians from working on Indian movies. The association

A petition urging Obama and the White House to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism, gathered over 135,000 signatures, pressuring the US administration to take a call on the issue. The petition put forward by the Indian-American community came at a time when ties between New Delhi and Islamabad could be seen going south.

The plea cited HR 6069, a bill moved by two Congress members seeking to designate Pakistan

a state sponsor of terrorism, to argue that the matter is "important to the people of the United States of America, India, and many other countries which are continuously affected by Pakistansponsored terrorism."

However, the White House has shut down the online petition after suspecting fraud. The website reads: “This petition has been archived because it did not meet the signature requirements. It can no longer be signed.”

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif made a provocative threat of nuking India if it raged war.

The international community has conveyed its sympathies towards India, taking a strong stand against terrorism. With its state of denial, Pakistan has over the years, more so in the recent past, built quite an image for itself. The European Parliament backed the strike with Vice President Ryszard Czarnecki saying India's cross border action against the terrorists should be "commended and supported by the international community." Russia "welcomed" the strikes saying every country had the right to defend itself.

Delhi CM questions authenticity of India's surgical strikes: Following suspicion raised by international media over India’s claim of carrying out “surgical strikes” against ‘militants’ in the Pakistani side of Kashmir, politicians across the border have now started questioning the authenticity of the incident. Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal on Monday urged Indian premier Narendra Modi to release evidence of the ‘strikes’ which are still shrouded in mystery.

Pakistan has already ripped to shreds the farcical claim

passed a resolution banning Pakistani actors and technicians in India until tempers cool and normalcy returns in ties between both countries.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a regional party in the western state of Maharashtra, issued a stern diktat asking Pakistani actors to leave India or face consequences.

Some Indian actors came out openly in support of Pakistani actors and musicians, arguing that politics and art should not be mixed up. Filmmaker Karan Johar minced no words when he pointed out that boycotting artists from the neighboring country was no solution to terrorism. His upcoming movie "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil," which stars Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, has been the target of protests by the MNS. Even superstar Salman Khan jumped into the fray.

Others like veteran actor Suresh Oberoi and film makers Mahesh Bhatt also emphasised that artists should not be treated like "terrorists."

Actor Fawad Khan, affected by this ban left for Pakistan and have rumoured to have spoken ill of India after this incident.

Also in a tit for tat, Indian films have been banned in cinemas across Pakistan.

Petition urging White House to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism shuts down

UK Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

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Tribute assembly held at Neasden Temple to celebrate life and legacy of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj AsianVoiceNews

Dignitaries and well-wishers gathered on Thursday 22 September 2016 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London (popularly called the ‘Neasden Temple’) to pay tribute to the life and legacy of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, passed away in India on Saturday 13 August 2016.

He was 94.

The special assembly was attended by several prominent guests, including His Excellency Navtej Sarna, High Commissioner from India to the United Kingdom; The Rt Hon. the Lord Boateng, former Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Member of Parliament for Brent South; His Grace Sruti

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Dharma das, President of ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor, Watford; Shri Gopichand Hinduja, businessman and philanthropist; and Nigel Lane, architect and planner of the Mandir.

Youths began the assembly by chanting Vedic prayers for world peace. The selfless life and humanitarian work of Swamishri was portrayed through a video presentation thereafter.

Yogvivek Swami, Head Sadhu of the Mandir, recalled Swamishri’s dedication to serve and inspire others, personifying his motto, “In the joy of others lies our own.” A personal testimony from a young man who experienced Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s unconditional love further underlined Swamishri’s universal compassion.

The profound impact of Swamishri’s life has res-

HE Navtej Sarna, the Indian High Commissioner

onated through an endless collection of glowing tributes from many distinguished individuals across the world. A collection of these were shared with the congregation.

Speakers at the assembly reflected upon their uplifting thoughts and experiences of Swamishri.

Mr G P Hinduja

Nigel Lane explained, “He was our inspiration and leader. His inspiration came to us not through grand speeches but the simple personal connection that he made.”

Lord Boateng described the atmosphere of “peace and tranquillity” that he experienced in Swamishri’s presence,

including during his visit to Parliament.

Shri Gopichand Hinduja praised Swamishri’s leadership: “The greatest quality he had was leadership with humility.”

His Grace Sruti Dharma das explored some of Swamishri’s personal qualities. He specifically touched upon Swamishri’s kindness “not only for Gujaratis or mankind but for all creatures of the world.” His Excellency Navtej Sarna described Swamishri as a “monumental spiritual figure who dedicated his life in service of human beings.”

Ishwarcharan Swami, convener of BAPS’s global activities and Project Lead for Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi, offered his insight into His Holiness’s exemplary life of devotion and selfless humanitarian service. His Holiness Mahant Swami

Maharaj, the spiritual successor of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, also shared his impressions through a video message.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales conveyed his respects through Mr Hitan Mehta, Executive Director of The British Asian Trust. Mr Sadiq Khan, The Mayor of London also sent his condolences with Mr Rajesh Agarwal, The Deputy Mayor of London.

The Mayor of Brent Cllr Parvez Ahmed presented a special certificate in recognition of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s “outstanding contribution to Brent”, by building the Neasden Temple. The iconic arch of the nearby Wembley Stadium was also lit in orange in honour of His Holiness.

The tribute assembly concluded with prayers and reflections.

Theresa May was in the right place at the right time Continued from page 17 prime minister, taking charge of the UK at one of the most turbulent times in recent political history.

Friends recall a tall, fashion-conscious young woman who from an early age spoke of her ambition to be the first woman prime minister.

Mrs May's university friend Pat Frankland, speaking in 2011 on a BBC Radio 4 profile of the then home secretary, said: “I cannot remember a time when she did not have political ambitions. I well remember, at the time, that she did want to become the first woman prime minister and she was quite irritated when Margaret Thatcher got there first.”

In the early days at Westminster she became known for her exuberant choice of footwear. Her kitten heels became famous in political circles in the noughties.

But it is her toughness and no-nonsense approach which has become her political hallmark. She has coped with being one of only a small number of women in the upper echelons of the Conservative Party for 17 years. She famously laid bare some home truths by informing party activists at the 2002 conference that “you know what some people call us – the nasty party”.

Generally thought to be in the mainstream of Conservative thinking on most economic and law and order issues, she has also challenged convention by attacking police stop and search powers and calling for a probe into the application of Sharia Law in British communities.

Theresa May

She backed same sex marriage. She expressed a personal view in 2012 that the legal limit on abortion should be lowered from 24 to 20 weeks. Along with most Conservative MPs she voted against an outright ban on foxhunting.

Even before occupying 10 Downing Street, she made history by becoming the second longest serving home secretary in the past 100 years.

The daughter of a Church of England vicar, Hubert Brasier, who died in a car crash when she was only 25, Mrs May's middle class background has more in keeping with the last female occupant of No. 10 Margaret Thatcher, than her immediate predecessor.

Hubert Brasier hailed from south London, the son of a regimental sergeant-major and a former parlour maid.

“My father encouraged me to, whatever job I did, just go get on with it and do my best,” says Mrs May. “I think you have to believe in what you are doing.”

Professor Linda Woodhead, an expert on the Church of England at Lancaster University, says: “She has a very strong sense

of vocation and destiny and a very clear sense of right and wrong. Like her father, she has huge grit and determination to see through the moral vision she believes in.”

Born in Sussex but raised largely in Oxfordshire, Mrs May attended a state primary, an independent convent school and then a grammar school in the village of Wheatley. She remains a practising member of the Church of England attending communion most Sundays.

Like Margaret Thatcher, she too went to Oxford University. In 1976, in her third year, she met her future husband Philip, who was president of the

Oxford Union. It is said they were introduced at a Conservative Association disco by former Pakistani prime minister late Benazir Bhutto. They married in 1980. After graduating with a degree in Geography, Mrs May initially worked at the Bank of England and later rose to become head of the European Affairs Unit of the Association for Payment Clearing Services.

She was elected as a local councillor in Merton, south London, and served her ward for a decade, rising to become deputy leader. However, she was not content and aimed for the stars.

The Tory party's electoral fortunes hit rock bottom in 1997, when Tony Blair came to power in a Labour landslide, but there was a silver lining for the party and for the aspiring politician when Mrs May won the seat of Maidenhead in Berkshire.

It's a seat she has held ever since.

While the Home Office turned out to be the political graveyard of many a secretary of state in previous decades, Mrs May refused to let this happen to her when she was the home secretary in the Cameron government. Her homework and microscopic attention

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to detail stood her in good stead. Crime levels fell, the UK avoided a mass terrorist attack and in 2013, she successfully deported radical cleric Abu Qatada – something she lists as one of her proudest achievements, along with preventing the extradition of computer hacker Gary McKinnon to the US. Former Conservative chancellor Ken Clarke who had run-ins with her reportedly said that Mrs May was good at her job but a “bloody difficult woman” – before adding as an aside, a bit like Mrs Thatcher.

Mrs May has never been one of the most clubbable of politicians and is someone who prefers not having to

tour the tea rooms of the House of Commons where gossip is freely exchanged.

She has rarely opened up about her private life, although she revealed in 2013 that she had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and would require insulin injections twice a day for the rest of her life.

Mrs May at 59 is the oldest leader to enter No. 10 since James Callaghan in 1976 and will be the first premier since Ted Heath who does not have children.

While her wider political appeal is, as yet, untested, Mrs May will not have to face a general election until May 2020 unless she decides to seek a fresh mandate.

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Dhanushâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 'Kodi' avatars a hit already Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

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Prabhu Deva dances with his father in reality show

A

The spotlight is yet again on Dhanush, as the actor released a motion poster of 'Kodi' and got the Twitteratti talking. The poster, introduces two different versions of the actor, with one sporting a moustache, and the other a thick beard. A mass following half as good as his fatherin-law Rajinikanth's, led to the poster going viral quickly.

The actor's wife, and filmmaker Aishwarya praised the poster, tweeting, "Feels like Diwali already". Expectations from the film double up, given

Dhanush is playing a dual role onscreen for the first time.

Directed RS Durai Senthilkumar, 'Kodi' is a political thriller and its story revolves around twin brothers. Thanking people for the response, Dhanush tweeted, "Thank you all for the overwhelming reponse for #kodi first look and motion poster. Love you all. #massaudiosoon."

'Kodi' is bankrolled by director Vetrimaaran's Grass Root Company along with Escape Artists Motion Pictures. Music is given by Santhosh Narayana.

ctor-DirectorChoreographer Prabhu Deva shook a leg with father Sundaram on a dance reality show on TV last week. A national award winning choreographer himself, Sundaram first danced to Chanda Re from Prabhu's film 'Sapnay', and later on the request of the anchor, the fatherson duo danced to song Gandi Baat.

Sundaram spoke about his son's visit to a Mani Ratnam shoot, and how when they were short of a dancer, a young Prabhu was asked to fill in, and received a standing ovation for his performance.

Chennai actress wins Nayan, Vignesh pray in Kumbakonam temple Hollywood award

C

hennai actress Pooja Devariya was awarded the prestigious 'Emerging Artists Award' at the Short and Sweet Theatre Festival's Hollywood edition in Los Angeles.

Pooja and Mathivanan Rajendran of 'Stray Factory' were the only Indians at the world's largest short theatre festival where other groups from Mexico, USA,

'Mirzya'

Australia and UAE were present.

Plays 'My Name is Cine-maa' and 'Va Van Gogh' were performed. The award was given in recognition of 50 performances of the former play, for which the two received Best Actress and Best Director awards. In addition to this, the play has been performed in Sydney and Auckland as well.

A movie adapted from Punjabi folklore Mirza Sahiban, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra brings yet another tantalising tale with Harshvardhan Kapoor and Saiyami Kher in the lead.

A

ctress Nayanthara and Vignesh Sivan have been romantically linked up since they worked together in 'Naanum Rowdy Dhaan'.

While the pair have neither denied nor confirmed their alleged relationship, they are often spotted in public together, and recently, were seen visiting the famous Shiva temple in Kumbakonam, Tamil

Nadu.

Sources said they visited the temple to pray for the success of Sivan's upcoming 'Thaanaa Serndha Koottam', which features Suriya in the lead. While the female lead for the project is yet to be finalised, most have their money bet on Nayan. The movie will be bankrolled by Studio Green Productions, with music from Anirudh Ravichander.

Vijay to work with Selvaraghavan for his next?

A

ctor Vijay, who is currently shooting for Bharathan's 'Bairava', is most likely to work with Atlee again. If reports hold true, director Selvaraghavan might work with the actor for his 62nd

film. It is learnt, the 'Nenjam Marapathillai' director narrated a script, which he really liked.

While an official confirmation from either of them remains, it does sound like a good possibility.

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www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Hair care brand may replace Ash with Priyanka

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Arjun Kapoor's 'DDLJ' moment on 'Half Girlfriend' set

Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

I

Arjun Kapoor, who is currently busy with 'Half Girlfriend' said he had his own 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' moment on the film's set. Sharing a photo of himself along with costar Shraddha Kapoor, the actor wrote, "Our very own 'DDLJ'

moment!

Shraddha Kapoor, Mohit Suri, Chetan Bhagat 'Half Girlfriend', shoot life, Mumbai local."

The image is similar to 'Dilwale Dulhania's' iconic scene where Shah Rukh Khan is seen standing in a train, extending his arm for

Kajol, who is seen running alongside the train on the platform.

Co-produced by author Chetan Bhagat, 'Half Girlfriend' is an adaptation of his own book. Directed

by Mohit Suri, the movie is locked for release on May 19.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a selfie queen: Kareena Kapoor

'K

i & Ka' actress Kareena Kapoor Khan calls herself a "selfie queen" due to her obsession with selfies.

Speaking for an upcoming episode of Vogue BFFs where she was present with designer Manish Malhotra, she was asked by host Kamal Sidhu about the last picture she took on her mobile phone. In reply, Bebo said, "I am a selfie queen. So, I keep taking pictures of myself, so it's probably every five to ten minutes."

The actress said she never planned her life but was always sure of one thing, that she wanted to be a huge star. "I have never planned anything and Manish is like my brothe r

n what could be the next clash of the queens, it has been known that a popular international hair care brand that actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been endorsing for years now, have decided to replace her with Priyanka Chopra. The latter's current success in Hollywood, with American TV series 'Quantico' and, 'Baywatch', has resulted in her gaining global appeal.

Given her growing fan

following, the brand now wishes Priyanka to be the face of their products.

They reportedly want a younger and an equally popular star. While there are no reports on how far the talks have gone, we are guessing, with her increase in pay, it remains to be seen if the brand meets with PeeCee's demands.

Priyanka became the first Indian actress to make it to the Forbes list of highest paid TV actresses after starring in the hit American TV show, 'Quantico.'

Priyanka ranks eighth on the coveted list.

Irrfan and Tom Hanks share a warm friendship

B

oth Irrfan Khan and Hollywood actor Tom Hanks share a rather warm friendship. Their upcoming 'Inferno' is one of the most awaited movies of this year. Speaking about Irrfan, Hanks, in a recent interview, said he was privileged to work with him, and that it was when they were working together that he realised, he was working with the Indian version of Sir Laurence Olivier or Sean Connery.

"Bollywood has emerged into a very modern and vibrant film society. I must say, when I was told that Irrfan is going to be in this movie, I felt like it was working with the Indian version of Sir Laurence Olivier or Sean Connery or somebody who is a giant in his

culture. So, we as actors had more in common because of that than the differences."

Hanks has been pretty vocal about his adoration for Khan. In another interview, he had said.

"He's (Irrfan) a tremendous actor and I've been a fan for a long time. I'm just beguiled by his magic eyes. He has a physicality to him that is so specific and endear-

ing. His value is his artistry. And when I spoke to him about the movie, he specifically asked about the role of Sims. Irrfan does not fit the description of the character as written in the book, but his case for himself, his creative ideas about playing Sims, completely won me over and he's an absolute pleasure to work with, and is incredibly intelligent."

the actors have managed to avoid each other on numerous other occasions.

Months after their split, Ranbir and Katrina opened up about their

breakup. Ranbir even went to admit that his break up with Kat hurt and also called her the most influential person in his life, after his parents.

Katrina trying to move on from Ranbir Kapoor

A so he would know.

I have never thought of anything, I just follow my heart. The only thing I pictures as a child was that I wanted to be a huge star."

When asked what was the most fake compliment she has received, the 36 year old said, "I hope the compliments I have got are not fake!

I don't deserve fake compliments."

ctress Katrina Kaif, who recently broke up with beau Ranbir Kapoor is reportedly trying to move on with her life. In a fresh media report, it was known that Kat has bought dozens of healing crystals to bring positivity in her life. As a staunch believer of Vaastu Shastra, she believes the crystals would spread positive energy in her apartment and shift her attention towards good things in life. Meanwhile, the former couple might not be promoting their upcoming 'Jagga Jasoos' as both

30

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Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

Gandhi Jayanti observed in London

HE Navtej Sarna addressing the audience

Among many celebrations worldwide, Gandhi Jayanti was marked in London with special enthusiasm.

Like every year, this year as well, the Indian High Commission and India League celebrated the annual Gandhi Jayanti at the Tavistock Square, London on Sunday 2

Son killed by motorist as father looks on A father watched helplessly from his bedroom window as his son was hit and killed by a car while crossing the road outside his home. Aaron Matharu, 11, was thrown into the air on a pedestrian crossing in Hounslow after he was struck by a black Volkswagen Polo at 5:45 pm on Friday. Kuli Matharu, 41, said he rushed outside after seeing

continues to occupy your Solar 10th house for some time to come. Its influence will help you to maintain a high energy level and achieve positive results in anything that requires drive and initiative. If you are involved in a fairly competitive field of activity, you will be the one who comes out on top.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 It's an excellent period for

the crash from an upstairs window. Passers-by used CPR before an ambulance crew arrived but he died later in hospital.

help of Indian High Commission and Camden Council, India League has been celebrating Gandhi Jayanti at the Tavistock Square for the last several decades. He also wished the outgoing High Commissioner for his future endeavours.

Mahatma's favourite

Muslim newsagent threw out autistic boy over his guide dog

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CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 Jupiter, Mercury and Sun transit your solar fourth house now. During this cycle, you are especially fond of spending more time at home around the family. You are more receptive and tend to be sentimental or nostalgic now. Loyalty and sensitivity in your relationships are more important to you than typically.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

Your communication sector is all-abuzz with planetary energies firing you up preventing you from sleeping properly. Give yourself plenty of physical outlets to drain off some of the excess mental stimulation. You feel like you can finally settle into a more grounded and steady routine instead of letting your schedule run you.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 Your energy and attention will be very much devoted to financial matters. The tide of fortune continues to run strongly in your favour for some time to come. You will be working harder than usual, intent on getting thing done. Close personal relationships may come under some stress and strain.

Nehal Gheewala, Cllr Manji Kara, CB Patel, Bob Blackman MP, Harrow Mayor Rekha Shah, President Mahatma Gandhi Foundation Jagdish Dave, Indian High Commission representative Gyani Singh, Neetiben Gheewala, Bhanu Pandya, Ilaben Pandya at the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation Gandhi Jayanti

bhajans were sung by students of Bhavans. This was followed by a Peace Walk to the Gandhi statue at the Westminster square and flower tributes were presented to the statue there.

Besides these many other community organisations organised independent events to mark Gandhiji’s birthday including the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation, UK.

increased energy and motivation, so that new endeavors, whether they are business or health-related, or personal, fare especially well. You are more decisive and forward-looking now, and you feel that your decisions are right. With Venus in your opposite sign, love should be blossoming.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 Pursuit of pleasure increases and you are more inclined to take the initiative in affairs of the heart. Brilliant energy is with you, take advantage of this phase and make changes in your life where required. This is especially a passionate time for you - be careful not to burn the candle at both ends.

Spend your money wisely.

Around 10,000 people attended Shree Kutchh Leva Patel Community annual gathering at India Gardens in Northolt on Sunday 25 September. More than 250 ladies participated in the cultural event. Full story in next week's Asian Voice

October 2016 at 11am. The event, which is open to public, was attended by the Mayor of Camden, local Councillors, Asian MPs and Peers, community leaders and organisational heads. High Commissioner of India, HE Navtej Sarna spoke about Gandhiji's message to the world and Swachch Bharat campaign.

India League Chairman CB Patel said how with the

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 Your ruling planet Mars,

Dudu Miah a newsagent in Limehouse threw out James McCafferty, an autistic 11-year-old boy and guide dog Kizzy out of his shop as James, his mother and brother came to top-up their Oyster card. In the incident last year the shopkeeper refused to serve them before they reached the counter, he shouted “Get out of my shop. No dogs in my shop.” Now a court has ordered him to pay James £6,775 in compensation for his “serious act of discrimination” and court costs of £15,225, totalling £22,000.

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LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 There will be increased scope for varying your activities, widening your network of contacts and getting out and about. It is an excellent time for exercising your mental energies, clarifying your and other people's ideas and getting involved in discussion. Exercise caution when it comes to making financial decisions as being hasty will cost you !

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

The transit of three planets in your Solar 12th House indicates that experience will put you in a deeply reflective mood. This is a favourable time for getting away from usual routines and seeking a retreat for a few days. It will be good for you to get involved in therapies that help you to get in closer touch with your inner self.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

Mercury, Jupiter and Sun continue to journey through your solar eleventh house. This is a time when various networking activities are much appreciated and offer you learning experiences. Your ideas are progressive and you are also interested in spending time with people who are likeminded.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 With Sun, Jupiter 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.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

Jupiter, Sun and Mercury grace your solar ninth house. During this cycle you might become inspired by someone who might awaken a new perspective or way of thinking in you. You could also enjoy a trip, or a new adventure of sorts. In fact, you are attracted to anything that is non-routine and beyond your comfort zone.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 Legal matters are likely to occupy your attention this week. A long-standing problem or disagreement will need to be sorted out before allowing you to restructure both personal and joint financial interests more efficiently. Extra energy and drive will serve you well in getting things accomplished.

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BCCI rejects key Lodha panel recommendations on reforms AsianVoiceNews

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has accepted many of the "significant recommendations" of the Supreme Court appointed Justice Lodha Committee recommendations, excluding the important one which are a bone of contention between the cricket body and the Lodha Panel.

The recommendations, which have still not been accepted by the 30-member committee - one-state onevote, age limit of 70 years, cooling-off period of three years, which included the tenure of the administrators, continue with the fiveselectors and keeping to retaining the powers of the president and secretary as per the earlier constitution of the board are the other recommendations.

"Many significant recommendations of the Lodha panel have been accepted by the members of the Special General Meeting. However, wherever they find the legal challenges or technical difficulties, they have given their view points and have not

Anderson, Wood out of Bangla tour

England pace duo James Anderson and Mark Wood have been ruled out of the team's tour of Bangladesh following recurrence of their recent injuries, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said. Anderson, who is England's all-time leading test wicket-taker, sustained a stress fracture during the home series against Sri Lanka in June, though he did play three tests against Pakistan in July and August. "He requires more time to ensure optimal healing of a stress fracture he sustained during the summer," the ECB said of the 34-year-old in a statement. Nottinghamshire's Jake Ball was added to the test squad but the selectors would consider a further replacement at a later date, the board said. Durham seamer Wood has had a recurrence of left ankle symptoms and was replaced

by Middlesex's Steven Finn in the one-day squad.

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Anurag Thakur addressing media after the board meeting

accepted those recommendations," BCCI president Anurag Thakur told reporters after a Special General Meeting (SGM) in Mumbai. "BCCI has always been very open about the reforms. We believe in transparency, accountability and professionalism. We said that on day one and have done that in the last 18 months," he added.

The SGM also accepted Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials, AntiDoping Code, Anti-Racism Code, Anti-Corruption Code and Operational Rules of the first timeline report of the Justice Lodha Committee for implementation for the next IPL season.

With regards to Item

No. 4 of the timeline report issued by the Lodha Committee, the members drew the attention to the fact that while it was the effort to ensure a 15-day gap between the national calendar and the IPL - the same will not be possible in the year 2017 because of the ICC's Champions Trophy being scheduled in England at around the same time.

Item No. 5 (Agent Registration Norms) of the timeline report - was adopted unanimously.

The Supreme Court hearing between the BCCI and the Lodha panel is set for October 6. Earlier, Lodha Committee submitted its status report with the Supreme Court, accusing

the BCCI of defying the apex court's orders and stalling its proposed reforms.

Tearing into the BCCI for ignoring the directions of the Lodha panel, the apex court has directed the cricket governing body to respond to the panel's report before October 6.

The panel, formulated in the wake of the 2013 IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal, had recommended a set of sweeping reforms for the BCCI, including adopting the "one state, one vote" policy, restricting the tenure of office bearers, introducing a cooling-off period for administrators, cutting down the present five-member selection panel to three among others.

England football manager, coach fired after newspaper sting An investigation by a newspaper has led to the firing of two England football officials. Two days after Sam Allardyce lost his job as England manager following an undercover operation by the Daily Telegraph, second-tier club Barnsley fired assistant coach Tommy Wright. Wright was filmed apparently accepting an envelope which the Telegraph said contained 5,000 pounds from a fake Asian firm to help place players at the northern club.

Video footage was released by the newspaper and Wright was immediately suspended by Barnsley.

"After considering Wright's response to allegations about breaching (Football Association) rules over player transfers, Wright was dismissed," the club said.

Earlier, the English Football Association decided to terminate Allardyce's contract after video showed him appearing to offer advice to fictitious businessmen on how to sidestep an outlawed player transfer practice, and also negotiating a 400,000 pound public-speaking contract to top up an annual England

Sam Allardyce

Tommy Wright

salary of 3 million pounds.

The newspaper published an article last week with video of Southampton's assistant manager, Eric Black, allegedly telling undercover reporters that he knew a colleague at a second-tier club who could be persuaded to pass on information "for a couple of grand (thousand pounds)" about players to a fictitious company that wanted to represent footballers. The Telegraph said Black denied wrongdoing. Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger, who has been in Toronto, said he didn't have enough information to make a judgment.

"We will participate completely in the process to make sure that this is an

opportunity for English football," Krueger said. "In regards to the situation with Eric, it's a personal issue for him. It has nothing directly to do with us as a club, but we will take proper procedure in the process."

Second-tier Queens Park Rangers is investigating footage that appeared to show its coach, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, seeking a fee of 55,000 pounds to work for a fake Far Eastern firm that suggested selling players to the second-tier London club. Hasselbaink denied any wrongdoing, saying he was offered a fee to make only a speech in Singapore and did not ask QPR to sign players said to have been represented by the fake firm.

SPORT

Pak hockey passing through bad times Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

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Pakistan, which were a formidable force in the field of hockey, have been passing through a bad patch recently. For the first time in the history of hockey they failed to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics and are now languishing at No. 13 on the rankings table below Ireland, Korea and Canada. After their failure to qualify for Rio, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) chief Brig (retd) Muhammed Khalid S Khokar had vowed to re-build the side from scratch. However, the recent terrorist attacks in Uri may eventually end up hitting PHF’s re-building process. With the Indian government looking to isolate Pakistan on every front, Pakistan team’s participation in December’s Junior World Cup now hangs by a thread. Scheduled to take place between 8- 18 December in Lucknow, the event will feature 16 best junior teams from around the world, which also includes Pakistan.

Fingers crossed: PHF is uncertain about the future. “We are looking at it from the sports point of view. The event is in December, we don’t know what will be situation then. We can only pray that the situation improves so that we get to participate in the tournament,” PHF director general Massaratullah Khan said. “This is a big tournament for Pakistan also because the team didn’t qualify for the Olympics and we are in the re-building process. We should keep sports and politics aside and there should be 100% participation from both sides. We should support each other in sports,” Khan added. According to Khan, Pakistan’s participation also hinges on the clearance from its own government. “At the federation level we look to participate in every tournament. For that we have to take permission from our government. If we get the green signal we will surely come. Junior World Cup is a big event for us and we are keen to participate,” he added. Khan also recalled the time when things were good between the two countries and they played many reciprocal series. “From 2000 to 2006 I was the secretary of the PHF. During that period the two countries played a lot of series against each other.

Even Hockey India chief Nardendra Batra had shown willingness of conducting such series,” he said.

After Yorkshire row, Adil Rashid braces for a long winter

Leg-spinner Adil Rashid might have ended his summer sour note with Yorkshire, however, he remains a key player for the England squad as he and the team prepare for a long winter.

Rashid’s decision to miss the Yorkshire County Championship at Lord’s impaired his summer. So much so he felt compelled to issue a statement, citing fatigue and a family illness for not coming to the ground, for the biggest game in Yorkshire’s history since the 1960s.

While his future in Yorkshire seems uncertain one reason behind his pullout was to prepare for England’s long winter in Bangladesh and India. England's Bangladesh visit started with a warm up 50 over the game in Fatullah. England and India face-off in their first test next month in Rajkot.

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Asian Voice | 8th October 2016

India h s a r h t New Zealand zoom to top in ICC rankings India pulled off a brilliant all-round performance to trounce New Zealand by 178 runs in the second Test to clinch the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead which also propelled them to the top of the ICC rankings dethroning arch-rivals Pakistan, in Kolkata on Monday. Virat Kohli’s men wrapped up the series-deciding victory on the fourth day of the match after setting the Black Caps a mammoth target of 376 runs to chase.

The visitors showed some spark in the beginning but their chase floundered in the post-tea session and the side was bowled out for 197 in 81.1 overs in what was India’s 250th home Test.

The home team had earlier finished its second innings at 263 in 76.5 overs.

Following Rohit Sharma’s 82-run knock on Sunday, Wriddhiman Saha also picked up his second successive half-century of the match by scoring a 120ball 58, laced with half a dozen fours. Faced with an improbable chase, New Zealand were off to a confi-

dent start before things went downhill in the final session of the day.

Opener Tom Latham top-scored for them with a 148-ball 74, which included eight hits to the fence. His innings gave New Zealand some hope of springing a surprise but off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin put paid to any such eventuality in just the second over after tea, inducing an edge off his bat which was comfortably taken by wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha. Besides Latham, Luke Ronchi was the only one to play an innings of significance,

accounting for 32 runs (60 balls, 4x4).

However, rest of the Black Caps’ line-up failed to apply itself on the tricky track, exploited well by both the pacers and spinners.

Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were the top Indian wicket-takers with hauls of 3/82 and 3/41 respectively.

Among the pacers, Mohammed Shami grabbed 3/46 in a fine concerted bowling performance. The two teams will now move to Indore for the third Test starting October 8 which would be followed by a five-match ODI series.

Having extracted reverse swing with the old ball, Shami cleaned the tail after new ball was taken in the 80th over. Trent Boult was the last wicket to fall when he tried to pull a bouncer but instead top-edged to Murali Vijay, who completed a clean catch.

New Zealand desperately missed skipper and batting talisman Kane Williamson, who was ruled out of the match owing to illness. Latham, however, stood out with a stellar knock but the left-hander lacked support at the other end, and the writing was on

400 wickets, and Ashwin moves on

Ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Monday bagged his 400th wicket in all forms of cricket, by claiming the wicket of Ross Taylor. He has played 185 international matches so far. For the record, he has played 38 Tests, scalping 206 wickets at an average of 25.06. His best in Tests is 7 for 66.

He has taken 19 fivewicket hauls and 5 10wicket hauls in Tests. In the 102 ODIs, he has taken 142 wickets at an average of 31.73. His economy in ODIs is very impressive at 4.85. His best being 4 for 25. In the 45 T20 internationals, he has taken 52 wickets at an average of 22.19. His economy rate is 6.91 and his best being 4 for 8.

the wall after he was dismissed in the second over after tea. Having starred in Kanpur with a 10-wicket match haul, Ashwin, bowling with a corn in his middle finger, was once again the key on an eased-out track that looked slow, aiding little turn. Ashwin struck in the fifth ball after lunch to give India the first breakthrough by dismissing senior opener Martin Guptill (24), snapping the 55-run opening partnership. Jadeja joined in before Ashwin took his second but Latham stayed on completing his second successive half-century and ninth overall. Latham looked in firm control of the proceedings till he took a leading edge on 66 but survived owing to confusion between

Azam anchors Pakistan's series win over Windies Fast-rising Babar Azam cracked a second successive hundred to guide Pakistan to a 59-run win over the West Indies in the second one-day international in Sharjah, gaining an unbeatable 2-0 lead in three-match series.

Azam's 126-ball 123 formed the cornerstone of Pakistan's imposing 337-5 which also featured half-centuries from Shoaib Malik and Sarfraz Ahmed. West Indies finished on 278-7 from their 50 overs with Darren Bravo hitting 61 and Marlon Samuels scoring 57. The final match will be in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

"It was a wonderful team effort," said Pakistan captain Azhar Ali. "We needed a good partnership after losing two early wickets and Azam and Malik

gave that to us with pace and wisdom."

West Indian captain

Jason Holder rued his team's bad bowling. "I think we didn't bowl as well as we would have wanted and in the end 330-plus was too much for us," said Holder.

West Indies needed to improve on their best chase of 285 against Pakistan which came in 1993 at this same venue, but Pakistan's varied attack kept them at bay. Bravo added 89 for the second wicket with Kraigg Brathwaite (39) after Johnson Charles was removed for two in the second over by Mohammad Amir. Bravo hit three sixes and five boundaries off 74 balls before he was smartly run out by paceman Hasan Ali who knocked over the stumps at the non-striker's end after the batsman aimed for a quick single.

Babar Azam

Samuels also tried his best during his 52-ball 57, spiced with four boundaries and two sixes, and added 67 for the fourth wicket with Denesh Ramdin (34) before fiery pace bowler Wahab Riaz (2-48) removed both in successive overs. Kieron Pollard, playing his 100th one-day international, made 22 and Holder, who scored 31 not out, found the going tough as West Indies needed 121 in the last 10 overs and 87 in last five.

Earlier Azam anchored Pakistan's highest one-day total against the West Indies, beating the 307-8 they made at Perth nine years ago. Azam added 169 for the third wicket with Malik who missed his ninth one-day hundred by 10 runs, scoring an attractive 84-ball 90 with six hits over the fence and three boundaries. It was another dominating batting display by Pakistan, with Azam and

Malik shredding the West Indian bowling at will, and Sarfraz Ahmed finishing it with 47-ball 60 not out.

Azam reached his second one-day international hundred with a single off Carlos Brathwaite. He was finally caught off paceman Alzarri Joseph at long-on in the 46th over. Malik was also ruthless as he reached his 38th half-century off 55 balls before hitting three successive sixes off left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn, one went out of the Sharjah stadium. Azam and Malik steadied the innings after openers Ali (nine) and Sharjeel Khan (24) fell in the space of three deliveries with the total at 40.

Ahmed, who hit seven fours, helped Azam add another 73 for the fourth wicket as Pakistan added 97 in the last ten overs and 55 in the last five. Joseph and Holder took two wickets apiece.

Kohli and Ashwin. Kohli dived for the catch from short cover but it was a halfhearted attempt after realising that Ashwin too was going for it. But neither of them could hold onto to it and Latham did not mind it. Latham, however, could not extend his vigil as Ashwin once again gave a crucial breakthrough in the second over after tea by ending the left-hander’s elegant innings. Bowling around the wicket to lefthanders, Shami got reverse swing from the wicket and took two in successive overs dismissing Mitchell Santner (9) and BJ Watling (1) to dent New Zealand’s chase. Having trapped Saunter LBW, Shami got a second one after Watling got out to a ripper, a lovely delivery that came back in to uproot the off-stump.

Earlier resuming on 227 for eight, India were bundled out for 263 in 76.5 overs setting New Zealand an improbable target. The highlight of the day’s play in India’s second innings was man of the match Saha, who remained unbeaten on 58. For the Kiwis, Trent Boult (3/38), Matt Henry (3/59) and Mitchell Santner (3/60) returned three each.

Saha had also remained not out in the first innings with a stellar 54 and he followed it up with yet another impressive knock, his fourth fifty in Test cricket.

Resuming the day on 39, Saha was watchful to start with getting himself adjusted to the condition which seemed better but the ball kept slow and sometimes low. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, at the other end, looked to go for his strokes and hit the first boundary in the seventh over.

India win U-18 Asia Cup hockey

Indian colts defeated host Bangladesh 5-4 to win the Under-18 Asia Cup hockey tournament last week at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium, Dhaka.

India thus revenged their 4-5 loss to the host in the opening match of the fourth edition of the tournament. According to Hockey India, the winning goal came in the final 20 seconds of the match. Earlier, the Nilam Sanjeep Xess-led side defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1 to make the final. Hosts Bangladesh, competing in the tournament after 15 years, beat Chinese Taipei 6-1 to reach their maiden final.

Indian Vice captain Hardik Singh was adjudged Man of the Match.