AV 9th December 2017

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Vol 46 | Issue 31

‘LONDON IS OPEN’ 9th December to 15th December 2017

R

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

SADIQ KHAN

Mallya hounded, “else would have paid 80% loans”: Defence

Reshma Trilochun

Sadiq Khan has become the first Mayor of London to lead a trade mission to both India and Pakistan. He started his six cities in six days tour across both countries on Sunday 3rd December.

The focus of the Mayor’s visit to the subcontinent is to build new business and trade links in both counties, and make connections across their cultural and creative industries.

Prior to leaving for the trip, Sadiq Khan expressed, “I want to

Vijay Mallya

Vijay Mallya never “intended to repay” loans from a government-owned Indian bank, lawyers representing the Indian government told a London court on Monday. The businessman faces allegations of financial misconduct relating to the 2012 collapse of his former company Kingfisher Airlines. Monday was the first day of what is expected to be a two-week extradition hearing at Westminster magistrates' court in London. It is not a trial determining Mallya's innocence or guilt. Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot will instead, decide whether evidence submitted is enough to extradite him.

Continued on page 16

greater collaboration. I’m passionate about deepening the relationship we have across a wide range of areas – from trade and business to tourism, technology, education, sport, culture and the arts. I will also remind everyone I meet that London will

As I See It

Sadiq Khan visits Akshardham Temple, Delhi

Sadiq Khan at the Mani Bhavan, Mumbai

strengthen the links that exist between London and the great cities of India and Pakistan. I know there is a huge amount we can learn from each other and that there is scope for even

always be a city full of opportunity and one that embraces people of different, nationalities, faiths and backgrounds. And that as the Mayor of London I am doing everything with-

in my power to make London as warm, welcoming and accessible to Indian and Pakistani students, business people and entrepreneurs as possible.”

Sadiq will press home the main message of his ‘London Is Open’ campaign - that, despite the EU referendum result, London remains the best place in the world to study, do business and visit.

Before embarking on his 6-day mission to India and Pakistan, Sadiq Khan

unveiled a bronze sculpture of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the first Prime Minister of Independent Pakistan at the British Museum in London. Unveiled on 28th November, this bust sculpture marks the 70th anniversary of Pakistan's independence. Post the unveiling ceremony, the sculpture of Muhammad Ali Jinnah was moved to Lincoln's Inn, where he trained as a barrister in 1893.

Continued on page 16

Sardar Nirvan Din: He lives on

Whiz Kids Corner

Back To Roots

Sardar Patel opts for Partition of India

See Page - 8

See Page - 14

See Page - 25

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Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

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Keith Vaz, MP

Meghna Bhadesia Meghna Bhadesia was born in Mumbai, India. She came to the UK to study and then worked and lived in London. One day she was in the heart of Leicester, missing her family and friends, Meghna passed by a shop, which got her attention and she immediately got attracted towards it. She made a decision straight away and thought this it would be the perfect place for her shop, Creative Eleanor. In order to be able to run Creative Eleanor successfully she has two pillars without whom this would not be possible; Nayan Shah and Jignesh Patel.

Nayan Shah has over 15 years’ experience in this field. He is also a Vastu consultant dealing with our ancient Hindu Shastra. Additionally Jignesh Patel is painter who adds his creative flair to the business. In Creative Eleanor they aim to serve the community and offer art and solutions for Vastu Shastra, tarot reading, wedding supplies, antique home décor and some amazing gift ideas.

1) Which place or city or country do you most feel at home in?

I moved to Leicester recently from London and I feel that was one of the best decisions I have taken in my life. I feel very comfortable, safe and lively. It reminds me of back home all the time.

I enjoy the warmth of community, festivals and I get more time for social-

izing. So definitely it is Leicester.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

My proudest achievement is my shopCreative Eleanor which is in the heart of the community in Leicester. Although I had achievements in education and industry my shop is the proudest one in my life.

Earl suggests daughter can switch gender to inherit

The Earl and Countess with their eldest daughter, Lady Willa Franks

The fifth Earl of Balfour believes he may just have found a way for his eldest daughter to inherit his title. The 68-year-old Earl of Balfour, who has four daughters and no sons believes that his eldest daughter can inherit his title if she switches gender under a proposed amendment to the 2004 Gender Recognition Act. According to the law of primogeniture, his children will not be able to inherit his title as they

are all female, and the Balfour title will then be passed on to his Lordship's younger brother.

The Earl stated, “As far as I can see, when I meet my maker, that very day one of my daughters could declare that there has always been a man screaming to get out of her female body.”

He added, “What is there to stop someone from changing gender and taking a title.”

3) What inspires you?

My biggest inspiration is when a customer leaves my shop with a smile on their face, I feel they are taking away a piece of me with them that’s what inspires me the most. I feel I have and I can offer so much to my community which satisfies their needs and I get the opportunity to share my creativity.

My dad Mr. Chandrakant Bhadesia. A man who always believed in me, supported me and helped me to achieve my dreams.

He always stood by me when I was making important decisions in my life. His faith in me was not less than any father would have it in his son.

He is my backbone and he is the reason of who/where I am today.

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

The biggest obstacle was my own fear and doubt, starting my own business was my dream. To achieve that I had to append a lot of time away from my family, do everything on my own, go through tough challenges and make some very important decisions was my greatest fear. The journey towards starting of this was not less than a roller coaster.

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

As a youngest co-partner ofCreative Eleanor I am the youngest Crystal healer. I meet many different people seeking my advice.

When they come back to me with a smile and satisfaction that is something which gives me greatest pleasure. We are also very unique in supplying antique home décor and wedding gifts. Everyone wants something different and we try to customise the best product for their special occasion.

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

7) And the worst?

My business is my biggest dream, I love everything about it. But I wish I could have started this few years ago.

8) What are your long term goals?

To be able to serve community as a positive role model for young, creative talent in Leicester.

9) If you were Prime Minister, what one

aspect would you change?

To ensure that Voices of the community at large are listened to.

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

My younger self. Because I would be able to teach whatever I know now.

Migration drastically falls post Brexit vote According to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the net migration has dropped drastically in a year post the EU referendum, with EU citizens accounting to over ¾ of the decline. The figures reveal that net migration is at its lowest for three years, due to the fall in Europeans coming to Britain, as well as a rise in them leaving.

The figures also reveal that the applications from EU migrants for British citizenship has leaped by 80%, whereas application for EU citizens acquiring a permanent residence card in the UK has increased five times more.

The head of migration statistics at the ONS, Nicola White said,

“Overall, more people are still coming to live in the UK than are leaving and therefore net migration is adding to the UK population. The first full year of data since the EU ref-

The glitz & glam of The Sunday Times business party On Wednesday 29th November, the ballroom of Claridge's hotel in Mayfair played host to the annual Sunday Times Business Party.

Guests for the evening included Labour MP Chuka Umunna, Innocent Drinks founder Richard Reed, CBI president Paul Drechsler, and Priya Lakhani of Century Tech.

erendum vote in 2016 shows a decrease in the number of people coming to live in the UK and an increase in the number leaving. The decline follows historically high levels of immigration and it is too early to say whether this represents a long-term trend.

These changes suggest that Brexit is likely to be a factor in people’s decision to move to or from the UK, but decisions to migrate are complex and other factors are also going to be influencing the figures.”

Corrections

l A photograph of another person was published instead of Dinesh Dhamija. The mistake has been rectified on our website. l Spelling error of “Stroke Association” in last week's newspaper. The mistake has been corrected online. l Spelling error of “Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh” in 25th November's Asian Voice. The mistake has been corrected on our website.

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COMMENTS

Indian company brings hope to Detroit The American dream has ebbed in the city of Detroit, once the global hub for automobiles, but now a dereliction, a wasteland of decaying buildings, empty streets and not much else. It is a symbol of the country’s abject failure to move with the times; and its addiction to military spending and foreign wars. The role of a wouldbe global policeman has been an expensive venture, with little to show for the lost lives. Monies wasted could have been better spent in upgrading Third World domestic infrastructure, inner city development, schools and affordable medical care. The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power is the American establishment’s daily dose of assuring rhetoric to a largely politically illiterate public ignorant of global realities. “Isn’t it wonderfully ironic that an Indian company that began by importing US vehicles … is now coming back and investing in America,’ said Harvard-educated Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, at the inauguration of its new facility in Detroit, the ‘first new OEM operation in southeast Michigan in over 25 years. Anand Mahindra was flanked by the region’s representatives at Capitol Hill, one of whom cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Mr Mahindra who has a way with words, said, ‘We will blend with this community like sugar with milk,’ referring to the legend relating to the arrival of the Zoroastrian community of Iran in Gujarat centuries ago, fleeing the persecution of Islamic invaders from Arabia. The leader of these refugees is believed to have used the metaphor of milk and sugar when he asked for asylum to the local ruler. India’s thriving Parsi community have repaid the debt of their forbears many times over. Jamsetji Tata, JRD Tata, Dadabhai Naoroji, scientists Homi Bhabha and Homi Sethna, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Air Chief Marshal Aspy Engineer et al figure prominently in India’s hall of fame.

Returning to Anand Mahindra, he said he was committed to a long-term vision for the American market, adding that the company would proceed with entry followed by consolidation and the next step and the next. ‘We are going about it in a thoughtful, strategic manner. We have to gradually introduce our brand to the market – tractors, utility vehicles, now this off-roader.

We hope we will creep into the consciousness of the American consumer as the maker of every rugged, tough SUV and cross-overs – this is more of a brand journey,’ he explained.

Detroit has around 50,000 unemployed automobile engineers, with unrivalled experience and skills from which their Indian colleagues would stand to benefit. Mr Mahindra hoped to draw on this expertise in Detroit for the Research and Development hub that his company plans to set up at the appropriate time. Electric cars, next generation trucks and much else are part of the Mahindra dream. It should refurbish the once bright American dream.

Donald Trump won Michigan in his Presidential campaign on the strength of his promise to restore Detroit to its former glory. His catchall slogan ‘Make in America’ won over a deeply disillusioned electorate. He will surely be heartened by the presence of Mahindra in Detroit and the future that might unfold. His Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has cited Mahindra’s investment in America as an example of mutually beneficial commercial ties between the two countries. In this regard one should also point to the considerable footprint of Indian IT firms, from Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Wipro and others, and their employment of local Americans. The two-way Indo-US relationship is already much in evidence and is set to expand exponentially.

Pakistan military call the shots

The recent three week-old standoff on the outskirts of Islamabad blocking the road linking the capital to the garrison town of Rawalpindi by a relatively obscure Islamist party Tereek-i-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah, demanding the resignation of the country’s Law Minister Zaid Hamid on the ground of blasphemy. It resulted in a political crisis that exposed the fragility of the ruling civilian government. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi heads a Muslim League(Nawaz)Ministry handpicked by his predecessor Nawaz Sharif, who was forced from power for his alleged involvement in the Panamagate scam. There was deadlock between protesters and government, with violent clashes, deaths and injuries on the streets.

The government’s power base is Punjab, the heart of Pakistan. Desperate situations call for desperate remedies, which in this case was an urgent call for help to the Pakistan Army. The Army obliged. General Bajwa put the ball firmly in the prime minister’s court by telling him to settle the dispute through dialogue. Law Minister Zaid Hamid resigned and the leader of Tehreek-i- Labaik, Khasim Hussian Rizvi, called off his blockade and peace was restored. But for how long and with what results?

The first truth emerging from this murky episode was confirmation of the military’s stranglehold on power. An al-Jazeera TV discussion with three Pakistani participants, two journalists, the third a member of Amnesty International, who all agreed that every political party in the land had a military connection; in other words, were puppets on a string. The tentacles of the military through the body of Inter Services Intelligence directorate are like the embrace of an octopus.

The mere charge of blasphemy has long the clarion

call to mobs to take direct action. A Christian girl of 13 has been sentenced to death for blasphemy; it turns out that a quarrel with a Muslim neighbor over a pitcher of water led to the accusation! – the neighbor’s revenge.

Religious minorities, Hindus and Christians mostly are victims, with apostate Ahmediyas as occasional company..

If such developments were simply confined to Pakistan they would evoke regret, with perhaps an offer of asylum for those wishing to escape a perilous existence. But this culture incubates jihadi terrorism.

The military’s connections with Islamist terror groups run deep. Some fall out with their benefactors and target the state, while others obedientl volunteer for the holy wars against ‘Hindu India’ and the construction of a new Subcontinental caliphate to replace it. Christine Fair, the American academic, has authenticated this in her book on the Pakistan Army with a rich haul of documentation in the local Urdu language.

The naïve among us will have to wait for Godot, if they hope for a determined response from the West.

Ivanka Trump’s gala reception in India notwithstanding, Daddy Donald in the White House is likely to twitter a warning to Islamabad to mend its ways, before turning to matters elsewhere.

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed ‘concern’ at the release from detention of Hafiz Saeed, one of the masterminds of the Jihadi assault on Mumbai in November 2008. In Britain, the Labour Party, with its reliance on jihadi vote banks, can be trusted to say nothing of consequence.

India must look to its own resources in defence of the realm. These are not insignificant. It will require the requisite will to bring them into play.

Ashwin reaches a milestone The spin wizard of Indian cricket, Ravichandran Ashwin, reached a milestone in his illustrious career, when he took eight Sri Lankan wickets in the Test match at Nagpur, claiming his 300th victim in 50 Tests to become the first international cricketer to achieve this feat in this limited timeline and overtake the Australian fast bowling legend Dennis Lillee.

At 31, Ashwin has at least five more years of peak performances, said the former Sri Lankan maestro Muttiah Murlilitheran, whose aggregate of 800 Test wickets places him at the top of the table. Ashwin earned the plaudits of his giant predecessor, who judged him to be the foremost purveyor of spin in the contemporary game.

During the same match, India’s Test captain Virat

Kohli continued his amazing run with bat scoring his 19th century in 61 Tests and his 5th double hundred at 29 years of age and much good cricket hopefully ahead of him. Cricket’s uncertainties require caution, not stargazing since many a heralded star in the past fallen from grace into the dark hole of anonymity.

India is fortunate to boast an abundance of budding batting talent: Sreesh Iyer, who has received the selectors nod for the coming ODIs against Sri Lanka is one such talent; Prithvi Shaw (hailed as the next Sachin Tendulkar), is a mere 18, as is Washington Sundar and Sanju Sampson 22. Indian selectors are partial to mediocrities long in the tooth but loath to retire from the limelight. The youngsters waiting patiently in the wings dserve better.

Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

3

Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.

-Rudyard Kipling

Alpesh Patel

Mayor Should Not Have Equated India and Pakistan I am slow to take insult. Either this Mayor is British, or British Pakistani. I don’t mind which.

I am after all British Indian. Priti Patel, as the Prime Minister pointed out is British Indian. So let’s assume the Mayor of London is British Pakistani. Nothing wrong with that.

But just because he is British Pakistani, does not mean he has to visit Pakistan after India.

There is a reason British politicians have not visited India and Pakistan in one trip. To equate the two countries is an insult to Indians.

Just because the Mayor of London is British Pakistani, is no reason to put British interests secondary to his Pakistani origins. If you want to visit Pakistan, do it on a separate trip. It is good for London and Britain that the Mayor of London is Pakistani. British Pakistanis have not had much to be happy about, especially with child sex grooming being predominantly a British Pakistani affair.

This mayor is role model for British Pakistani school children who typically underperform virtually every category of school child. But a visit to Pakistan after a visit to India on the same trip is not in British foreign policy interests. It stands the danger of damaging UK-India relations.

And before some do-gooder of a liberal bleeding heart says ‘how can we move on if we do not forget’ – well tell that to the victims of the Pakistani bombings at the Taj, that the Mayor went to pay homage to. Ironically, he is the first major politician of Pakistani origin to do so.

I am not seeking to stir up hatred. Far from it. I am seeking to stir up some respect. Respect for the fact that deaths happen in India weekly at the hands of Pakistani backed terrorists. That India is the more important country to Britain and her interests to Britain should come before the ethnic origins and allegiances of a Mayor, and a Mayor should not be forming foreign policy, regardless of political ambitions to be leader of his party and Prime Minister in due course.

Although British Indian myself, my first allegiance has to be to Britain. I like so many Indians wish Pakistan well. In a week when Donald Trump tweeted about the problem of Islamic Fundamentalism – he doesn’t need to tell British Indians. They are all aware Islamic Fundamentalism can tear a country apart – can create out of one nation, two countries, because Islamic Fundamentalists wanted an Islamic Republic within the country.

Read that again. What else would you call a group of individuals who wanted to carve out of their own country, an independent nation, Islamic by Constitution? Fundamentalists; an allegiance to faith before nation is fundamentalist. That is what happened in 1947. India is history’s warning to all democratic nations of the world.

Editor: CB Patel

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Ten face trial in Rotherham sex abuse case

Ten men are to stand trial accused of raping and sexually abusing eight teenage girls in Rotherham.

The men, aged between 33 and 38 and all from South Yorkshire, are charged with a total of 33 offences said to have taken place between 1998 and 2005. They were charged as part of National Crime Agency's investigation into historical child abuse in Rotherham.

The men, who deny the charges, will stand trial at Sheffield Crown Court in September and November 2018. Those facing trail are: - Mohammed Imran Ali Akhtar, 36, who is charged with four counts of indecent

assault, one count of rape, one count of supplying a controlled drug, one count of sexual assault and one count of procuring a girl under 21 to have unlawful sexual intercourse - Nabeel Kurshid, 34, who is charged with two counts of rape and one count of indecent assault - Iqlak Yousaf, 33, who is charged with two counts of rape and one count of indecent assault - Amjal Rafiq, 38, who is charged with one count of indecent assault - Salah Ahmed El-Hakam, 38, who is charged with one count of rape - Aftab Hussain, 38, who is

charged with three counts of rape, one count of abducting a child and two counts of indecent assault - Abid Saddiq, 36, who is charged with five counts of indecent assault and four counts of rape - Waseem Khaliq, 33, who is charged with one count of rape

- Masaeud Malik, 33, who is charged with one count of indecent assault - Sharaz Hussain, 33, who is charged with one count of indecent assault Two other men, Tanweer Ali, 36, and Mohammaed Ashen, 33, who have been charged in connection with the case, were not arraigned.

Far-right supporter tries to kill Muslim Marek Zakrocki, the supporter of the far-right group, Britain first has avoided prosecution for attempted murder despite claiming that he was going to “kill a Muslim” before driving a van at the manager of the Indian restaurant, Spicy Nights.

48-year-old Zakrocki was carrying a knife and a Nazi coin when he was arrested in Harrow, North London in June.

He was convicted of dangerous

driving.

She allegedly shouted “white power” and gave a Nazi salute before attempting to drive into Kamal Ahmed, but narrowly missed.

Polish-born window cleaner, Zakrocki attempted the attack on the anniversary of the EU referendum, 23rd June.

It is said that he was drunk on wine and had earlier assaulted his wife before smashing the restaurant window.

Grenfell Tower fire: Home Office extends immigration amnesty for foreign nationals Nitin Gadkari

Foreign nationals who were living illegally in Grenfell Tower have been given more time to apply for the government's immigration amnesty.

An extra two months has been given for undocumented residents living in the tower to claim protection from deportation, the Home Office announced on Thursday

Marek Zakrocki

Muslim woman becomes Scotland Yard's detective superintendent

Development in India Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari spoke about development in India at a Meeting organised by Anil Agarwal, the founder and chairman of Vedanta. Read the full report in next week's Asian Voice.

When police raided his house, they found leaflets and newspapers promoting Britain First.

It is also alleged that at the scene of the event, he told the police, “I'm going to kill a Muslim. I'm doing it for Britain. This is the way I'm going to help the country. You people cannot do anything.”

He is due to be sentenced on 12th January 2018 and may face imprisonment.

Anil Agarwal

(November 30).

A policy on leave to remain outside the Immigration Rules for eligible residents of Grenfell Tower and Grenfell Walk was introduced in July to ensure victims of the tragedy get the access they need to vital services, irrespective of immigration status.

Shabnam Chaudhri has become the first Asian and Muslim woman to be appointed as detective superintendent of the Scotland Yard for her “outstanding contribution”.

Having been in the police force since 1989, BritishPakistani Shabnam Chaudhri moved to the UK from Karachi at the age of 2.

Her parents were initially against her career choice and would have preferred that she settled down and had children.

Chaudhri expressed, “My parents wanted me to get married early and settle down. I opposed and joined the police to make a difference. When my parents saw that I was fighting crimes and helping people in need, they became happy and proud of me. Those were times when

there were not many Asian and Muslim women in the Police.

Women from our background are still reluctant to come to the police but I think they should apply for the police jobs.”

In the span of 28 years of police service, Chaudhri has won dozens of awards for her work in London. She is currently the only Muslim woman detective within the Met police, and the only at this rank nationally.

COLORS TV partners with Sky to use its revolutionary platform Sky Adsmart to promote Bigg Boss

As a first amongst Asian TV Channels in the UK, COLORS TV will promote the biggest Indian Reality TV Show, Bigg Boss, using

targeted advertising technology, Sky AdSmart.

Hosted by Salman Khan, the ongoing season of the show has already created

Subscribers of Asian voice and Gujarat Samachar will be receiving a copy of the Asian House & Home Magazine in this week's edition

waves across weekday and weekend ratings for the Channel.

Sky AdSmart’s expertise in geotargeting households enhanced COLORS TV ability to reach out to the ideal audience for the channel.

The platform helps cherry-pick audiences using thousands of combinations from age, location or life style and COLORS TV will be using it to advertise to key London areas.

Govind Shahi, Business Head, IndiaCast, Americas, Europe, APAC & India Outbound said: “We have always believed in attempting innovative means to talk to our viewers, be it through the path breaking content we produce, or impactful advertising. Sky AdSmart over the years has proven success records across various genres and I am sure that this activity will fur-

ther strengthen our marketing campaign.”

Graeme Hutcheson, Director of Sky AdSmart and Digital at Sky Media said: “It is great to see COLORS TV embracing the unique targeting capability of Sky AdSmart.

The platform will enable the campaign for Bigg Boss to engage key areas in London, reaching new and existing viewers via the loved and trusted medium of TV.”

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Durham Police officer in court over sex offences

A Durham Police officer has appeared in court charged with a string of offences, including four rapes.

Mohammed Perwaze is accused of 19 offences, including five of indecent assault, three counts of actual bodily harm and controlling behaviour.

The 45-year-old, from Hury in County Durham, was remanded in custody at Peterlee Magistrates' Court.

He will appear at Durham Crown Court on 4 January. A force spokesman said the officer has been suspended.

Ch Supt Jane Spraggon added: "Durham Constabulary takes all alleged offences of this nature extremely seriously. As soon as we were made aware of the allegations we acted immediately."

7-year-old dies in the cold

Seven-year-old Hakeem Hussain was found dead by paramedics at a house in a suburb of Birmingham. It is said that his death may have been caused by hypothermia after being outside his home in the cold.

Hakeem's mother, Laura Heath, 35, and her uncle, Timothy Busk, 56, were arrested on suspicion of wilfully ill treating a child.

West Midlands police revealed that a post-mortem examination had proved indeterminate and hence further tests would be carried out.

Hakeem's mother and great-uncle have been released under police investigation.

The headteacher at Hakeem's primary school, Nechells E-Act Academy, Julie Wright said, “Hakeem was a most beautiful little boy, a great friend to many staff and children with a wicked sense of humour and an infectious giggle. He was a warm and generous-hearted soul who was talented across many areas of the curriculum but especially so in music and arts. His performance as the Christmas star in Year 2 Nativity play last year will stay with me forever as he totally stole the show. There wasn't a dry eye in the house as he delivered his lines with poignancy, grace and humour.”

Woman 'wickedly' accused police officer she never met of rape

A woman who “wickedly” accused an innocent police detective of raping her has been jailed for two years and three months.

Halina Khan’s false claim caused suffering and distress to the Leicestershire officer, whom she had never met.

The detective constable was subjected to a humiliating and unnecessary five week investigation, which incurred forensic science costs of more than £10,000.

Khan admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice last November by making a false rape claim against the detective constable.

Sentencing the 40-year-old at Leicester Crown Court, high court judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said Khan had committed “a wicked crime” which had “serious consequences” for the victim and his family.

She said such false claims affected public confidence in the genuineness of real rape victims.

The court heard that Khan had two previous convictions for incidents of racially abusing police officers.

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India-UK Year of Culture comes to end with Bharat Symphony concert Photo courtesy: HCI London

The year-long festival, India-UK Year of Culture, came to an end with its final major event in the UK on Tuesday, 28th November with Bharat Symphony, a grand musical concert at the Barbican Centre. The event was flagged off by Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Indian Minister for Road Transport and Highways.

The event was preceded by a reception hosted by the High Commissioner of India, Mr. YK Sinha, and Lord Mayor of London, Charles Bowman, at the venue.

Mr. Gadkari, Mr. Sinha, and Mr. Bowman addressed the gathering of artists, experts and cultural enthusiasts from the world of culture in the UK. The High Commission of India, Ministry of Culture, TeamWork Arts and Lord Mayor of London brought to London this musical concerto-grosso celebrating 70 momentous years of India’s Independence, a

Photo courtesy: Jatin Kampani

Charusmita

Mr. Bowman, Mr. Sinha and Mr. Gadkari

new orchestral work by award-winning violinist L. Subramaniam.

The concert highlighted the tapestry of Indian culture in four movements, symbolizing the four major periods of Indian heritage – the Prehistoric Vedic period, the Mughal period, the British period and finally, the post-Independence modern period. It began with a sample of Indian classical music, performed by Dr. Subramaniam, along with Tanmoy Bose on Tabla, and Dhulipala Srirama Murthy on Mridangam, and then moved on to the main symphony. As

explained by Dr. Subramaniam himself, the concert incorporated melodic chants from Rigveda, 5000-year-old sacred Sanskrit texts and Hindustani instruments, with the fourth movement symbolising the post-independence period, tracing global influences over the last 70 years.

In the first movement, there were Slokas mirroring the Vedas, later the chants increased and last few sections featured influences of Gandhian thought, such as the concept of ‘Satyamev Jayate’ (Truth, Honesty) and ‘ V a s u d h a i v a

Dr. L. Subramaniam

Kutumbakam’ (The World is One Family) with ideas of diversity and plurality all of which will were sung by Kavita Krishnamurti, one of India’s most celebrated vocalists, along with the London Voices community choir. The composition was performed by the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) and it was conducted by the Josep Vicent, the Orchestra Conductor for LSO. The ‘Bharat Symphony’ was commissioned by The City of Chicago to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Indian independence.

Food label to inform Hands-free conversation shoppers to keep fridges cold causes death for biker

In 2018, a new “little blue fridge” food label will be placed on food packets to advise shoppers to store their products in their fridge at a temperature of below 5C. According to a report by the waste reduction charity, Wrap, around 2/3 of fridges in Britain are too

warm and retailers are somewhat being blamed for this as they have failed to advice customers on food storage.

The charity also suggest that clearer food storage labels will prevent 350,000 tonnes of food worth £1 billion to be discarded.

Singletons more likely to develop dementia

According to a research, married people are less likely to develop dementia, compared to those who remain single.

Overall, those who remained single for life are 42% more likely to develop dementia.

Research suggests that those who are single are more likely to develop dementia, whereas widows

and widowers are also at heightened risk. For those whose spouse passed away, bereavement was likely to cause stress, and possibly damage the brain.

James Pickett, of Alzheimer's Society said, “The analysis hints that poorer physical health among those who remain single is partly responsible.”

The government had introduced the ban on using mobile phones while on the driver's seat to prevent more fatal accidents from taking place. But it seems like using your mobile phones on handsfree mode, which is legal, is equally as dangerous.

34-year-old Samantha Ayres was in the middle of a hands-free conversation when her vehicle drifted to the other side of the road in Lincolnshire, hitting 26year-old motorcyclist, David Kirk, head-on, ultimately killing him.

Ayres has been found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving by the jury, and the judge stated that a prison sentence was inevitable. Judge John Pini QC said, “There has to be an immediate custodial

sentence. The fact that using a phone (handsfree) is lawful does not alter the fact it is an actual distraction. The guidelines make that clear.”

Pete Williams, RAC road safety spokesman expressed, “Just because it is legal to use a phone hands-free does not mean it is always safe to do so. If a driver feels they will be distracted by talking, they need to take responsibility by declining when and when not to speak, or to pull over to somewhere safe, switch the engine off and then have the conversation.”

Asylum seekers cite sexual orientation as basis for claim New statistics reveal that one in five people who seek asylum in the UK from Pakistan in the last two years have alleged it was due to their sexual orientation in their claim.

There have been 5,000 claims lodged from Pakistani nationals between July 2015 and

March 2017, 1,000 of which cited sexual orientation as the reason or part of it. It is said that Pakistani nationals had submitted the highest number of claims which referred to sexual orientation- 1/3 of the overall total. However, nearly ¾ of the claimants were rejected.

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Man from Harrow jailed for attempting to cause children to engage in sexual activity Suresh Varsani, 27, from Harrow has been jailed for three years and four months after pleading guilty of causing children to engage in sexual activity. He was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on 27th November.

Varsani was arrested on 9th September 2017 following information passed to officers in Brent by members of the public who had been posing as a 12-year-old girl known as Mollie Banner and an older girl known as Amber Jones. Varsani had sent very explicit images and text messages to both 'Mollie' and 'Amber'.

He admitted that between 21 August and 9 September he attempted to cause a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, attempted to engage in sexual communication

Suresh Varsani

with a child under 13 and attempted to cause a child under 13 to watch a sex act. He admitted the same three offences in respect of a child aged 13 years or over between 19 August and 31 August.

In addition to the prison sentence, Varsani was also given a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Muslim population in UK to triple by 2050 According to predictions by a US think tank, the Muslim population of the UK is expected to triple in 30 years. The model which predicts median migration levels suggest that the number of Muslims in the UK will increase from 4.1 million in 2016 to 13 million in 2050.

Suggested by the Pew Research Centre, Germany has been the top nation in Europe where most refugees go, whereas the UK is the leading destination for economic migrants.

Further on, it is suggested that the UK has one of the biggest gaps in fertility rates between Muslims and nonMuslims. It is said that Muslim women have an average of 2.9 children, whereas non-Muslim women have 1.8 children.

In other words, even if migration was to decrease or halt completely, the Muslim's population share

is allegedly to grow by over 3% in the UK, as well as Belgium, Italy and France.

The reports have predicted that if migration continues at the same rate but the movement of refugees stop, then the UK will have the highest overall population of Muslims in the European Union. At a predicted 13 million by 2050, they will make up 16.7% of the UK population. The reports reveal, “Relatively few recent immigrations to the UK (60,000) were refugees, but more than 1.5 million regular migrants arrived in recent years. Overall, an estimated 43% of all migrants to the UK between mid-2010 and mid-2016 were Muslims.”

On the other hand, the study also reveals that the UK has one of the lowest hostility levels towards refugees from Syria and Iraq, compared with 39% people in France, and 60% in Poland.

The food and tobacco wholesaler, Palmer & Harvey, who have been in business for 92 years and have had annual sales of over £4 billion, has crashed and gone into administrations, with the loss of about 2,500 jobs.

The wholesaler was Britain's biggest, supplying to retailers such as Tesco, and providing frozen foods and tobacco to 90,000 customers ranging from your local corner shops owned

by Asians, to big supermarket chains.

The administrators said, “The group has been

hit by challenging trading conditions in recent months and efforts to restructure the business have been unsuccessful.

This has resulted in cashflow pressures and it has not been possible to secure additional funding.” What has also been alleged is that Palmer & Harvey had paid out approximately £77 million in dividends a year to selected managers and executives for nearly 10 years after a management buyout. Thousands of workers are enraged after losing their jobs just weeks before Christmas.

Palmer & Harvey collapses with loss of 2,500 jobs

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Forever Cruises win Rising Star Award On the 17th November 2017 at the De Vere Connaught Grand Rooms, London – Cruise Trade News Rising Stars Awards celebrated new and emerging talent within the cruise industry.

One of the biggest surprises of the day was the “Late to Cruise” Rising Star Award winner – Forever Cruises. The award was presented to Simon Lee, Director of Forever Cruises and Lee’s Travel.

Forever Cruises was founded in December 2015 by Manish Suchde, with over 33 years’ experience in the travel industry and his cofounder Altamash Parkar.

Forever Cruises is a part of the Lee’s Travel Group which is a family run business serving for over 43 years. Lee’s Travel was founded in London in the 1970’s by Mr Hwee Yiow Lee and is now based in a bespoke office in China House at Wing Yip Business Centre near Staples Corner in North West London.

Establishing a part-

nership with Lee’s Travel, and with the aid of David Tan, Business Development Director, with over 44 year of experience; Manish and Altamash have made Forever Cruises a reliable, trustworthy and industry applauded company.

Along with the recently won “Late to Cruise” Rising Star Award this year, Forever Cruises have won the CLIA Rising Star Award and the Royal Caribbean International's “Newcomer of the Year” award, both in 2016. They were also nominated for the “Best Cruise Holiday Retailer” at the prestigious British Travel Awards 2017.

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Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

Mayor outlines new work to help London’s BAME communities thrive On 29th November, The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, put the capital’s diverse communities at the centre of his work as he published his new draft London Plan. For the first time, the draft Plan makes strengthening BAME communities and relationships across London’s diverse groups a key priority, outlining work to ensure Londoners from all backgrounds are given the opportunity to develop businesses and benefit from the capital’s cultural offer.

From the outset of his Mayoralty, Sadiq Khan has been clear that London’s diversity is its biggest strength, and that the capital is open to all, regardless of ethnicity, age, race, sexuality, gender or disability.

London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with over 300 languages spoken and 40 percent of Londoners from BAME backgrounds. Sadiq Khan strongly believes the success of the capital’s communities relies upon this diversity and that they must remain open and inclusive, allowing everyone to share in and con-

tribute towards the city’s success.

The draft Plan provides a framework to ensure tailored support is given to BAME Londoners who want to start, or grow, a business. Complementing the Mayor’s Economic Development Strategy (EDS), this support includes the retention and provision of workspace, which offers valuable collaboration opportunities for fledging businesses.

And with London’s population set to grow to around 10.8 million by 2041, the Mayor has outlined plans for new ‘growth corridors’ in areas of higher density, set out alongside planned new infrastructure which will support new employment opportunities.

These

include Crossrail 2, Thames Estuary, and the Bakerloo line extension.

As well as working to boost BAME employment, the Mayor is committed to ensuring all Londoners, whatever their background, have access to affordable housing. He is working to make 50 per cent of new homes built in the capital genuinely affordable, and his new draft Plan removes outdated constraints to give a significant boost to the number of new and affordable homes given planning permission in the capital.

The Plan also encourages Boroughs to consider how their cultural offer serves different groups of people including those from BAME backgrounds,

how these facilities can be protected and where gaps may be. In addition, making London’s night-time culture accessible and safe for all is a priority, and the Mayor is urging Boroughs to work with local police, businesses and land owners to ensure Londoners of all backgrounds feel confident to go out at night.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London’s greatest strength is its diversity, where people of different ethnicities, nationalities, religious backgrounds and sexualities live side by side. Our capital is open to all – but everyone must be allowed to share in, and contribute to, its success if we are to truly thrive as a global city. BAME communities are a vital part of London’s rich tapestry, and helping them flourish and grow has to be at the heart of civic planning. By strengthening relationships between London’s communities, we can make sure all Londoners are benefitting from everything the capital has to offer, and create a city that prospers even more thanks to its incredible mix of people.”

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As I See It

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Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

CB Patel

Sardar Patel Nirvan Din: He Lives On On 15th December, the 167th death anniversary of revolutionist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel will be commemorated across the world. United and independent India which was rightfully achieved after hundreds of years of being ruled, is attributed the herculean efforts of this Iron Man of India.

Some iron, some steel!

Up until August 1946, Vallabhbhai Patel was wholeheartedly supporting Mahatma Gandhi's efforts for undivided India after the British rule.

Gandhiji even offered prime ministership to Muhammad Ali Jinnah; a price he was willing to pay to avoid division on religious lines.

In August 1946, Muslim League headed by M.A. Jinnah along with then chief minister of Bengal Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy called for the notorious Action Day in Kolkata. One of the darkest times in Indian history, at least 12,000 people, predominantly Hindus and Sikhs, were butchered in a single day.

Vultures feed on abandoned bodies of those massacred in the bloody riots

Vallabhbhai Patel and M.A. Jinnah had been close colleagues up until 1935, when Jinnah, a self-claimed nationalist Indian, began to support the call for division of India. Earlier in 1937, under British-promoted “reforms”, Indian provinces, after election of provincial assemblies became more or less semi-self governing under the tutelage of British governors.

Punjab and Bengal were governed by the Muslim League and allies, and Vallabhbhai Patel became increasingly concerned about several policies and administrative manoeuvres supporting one religious group against another. To put it bluntly, Hindus and Sikhs were being progressively marginalised in both provinces.

Patel and Jinnah were similar in more ways than one. Both were Gujaratis, Bombay residents, qualified barristers, excellent criminal lawyers, and yet after the Action Day, 16 August, 1946, it was Sardar who came to realise that unless he “cut the losses” independent India will face religious strife and possibly, anarchy.

It is a sad part of history. Jinnah never desired a religiously fanatic Pakistan. Yet the forces unleashed by the Muslim League, resulted in present-day Pakistan. The hatred, religious bigotry has created the present state of affairs in that country. It is indeed very tragic. But the fact is the blame should be laid at the door of Jinnah, whose lust for power at any price created a horrendous situation.

(For further details, see Back to Roots on Page 25) Wedding Bliss, or a Miss?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are engaged and wedding bells are likely to be heard in May next year. Even with all its limitations, a wedded bliss is the most preferable form of co-habitation and British tradition correctly welcomes that.

But since 2012, the Home Office, run for a steady six years by Theresa May, has created enormous hurdles and time delay before two loving individuals can manage to live together.

I recently received the set of Immigration Rules necessary to bring your soon to be betrothed to the country, from Mr Kant Nagda of the Sangat Community Centre, who is wellknown in the community for his selfless services.

The length of the process and the financial burden the government has put at the smallest of step, makes me sad.

Immigration Rules l If she/he comes on a Fiancée/Fiancé visa, they have to pass an English language test (not necessary if from an English speaking country) and has to get married within six months of arrival. Visa processing fee is £1464. l Immigration health surcharge for two and a half years. Fee £500. l Once married, they have to apply for spouse visa. Visa fee is £993. Those opting for a one day service would have to pay £1583. Spouse visa would be granted for two and a half years. l After that period, apply for extension of visa, another two and a half years. Fee is £993 and £1583 for one day service. l Pay £500 for Health surcharge again for another two and a half years. l After completing five years stay in the UK and if the marriage is still subsisting, apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK. Fee for this process is £2297. l Need to pass “life in the UK test” (even if one is from an English speaking country). Fees is around £50. l After getting ILR, apply for British citizenship. Fees is £1282. l Once naturalised, one gets a citizenship certificate. They can then apply for a British passport for a fee of £75.50 pounds. l All the fees are as per recent updates. The Home Office normally raises the prices every April. l One of my colleagues experienced the same set of hurdles and for almost two years, she had to experience an agonising wait. The British government considers its immigration laws, especially for those set to marry, as a milking cow. Perhaps the intention was to restrict the number of new arrivals. Was it worth it? Is it civilised of our nation to exploit love between two people?

As You Sow, So Shall You Reap On Monday, Prime Minister Theresa May was fighting to save Brexit deal after the Unionist veto. In less than a week, UK has to complete the procedure to get the Brexit negotiation up and running along a previously agreed time-table.

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) dynamited the Brexit deal which was negotiated with Brussels late into the night with EU and UK bureaucrats. Guess our beloved Mrs May must address the Irish question prior to any agreement from Brussels.

This political knot is creating so much confusion and problems for businesses as well as for people. It is foolhardy to say that British people decided to leave the EU in the referendum. It has become transparently evident now that the referendum campaign, especially from leave promoters was based on falsehood and misleading promises. It was impossible to create a free and fair referendum. It was outright fraudulent as most people recognise now. Such a state of affairs will not stand on its feet in any court of law.

After the referendum of disaster, prime minister David Cameron resigned in matter of hours, and Theresa May became PM with a reasonable Tory majority in the Commons. She gambled for a larger majority and ended in a minority party, made a deal with the DUP for its 13-member support. Agreed a bribe of billions of pounds to cement that relationship, and historic problem between Northern Ireland and Irish Republic come today to stop the negotiation about departure from EU. Other than going from frying pan into the fire, is it not wise to accept the illogicality and admit that the referendum was not fair and justifiable? Arrogance almost always leads to major disaster. The Conservative Party, first with Cameron, and now May, are reaping exactly in proportion to what they had sown. It is unBritish to commit harakari. Britain became 'Great' because it has historically maintained its focus on values, standards, along with pragmatism. It is painful to watch current leaders of the country losing out on the basic principles the country once stood for and prospered.

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Shemara Wikramanayake Creating a niche for Asian women

Shemara Wikramanayake, 56, is the head of management of the Australian financial services provider, Macquarie, best renown globally as an infrastructure investment leader. She has led the asset management of the company to A$472 billion.

Wikramanayake, who is also the Chair of Macquarie Group Foundation, used to live in London. Her Sri Lankan father worked as a doctor in the UK before the family moved to Australia where she attended the reputable Ascham school for girls. She went on to complete her education in Bcomm and LLB, from the University of New South Wales, Australia in 1984, and completed an Advanced Management Programme at Harvard University, in 1996.

Shemara Wikramanayake

She enjoyed being low profile until her photograph was on the cover of the Australia's Boss magazine in 2016. Shemara shares, “People would look at me after that interview and ask, 'Is that what you really look like?' But I'm not Nicole Kidman. They found it very uplifting to see a picture of a non-white female on the magazine cover. It helps kids to think, 'I could do that job'.”

Benetton boss to revive brand

Controversial adverts of United Colors of Benetton

Coming out of retirement at the age of 82, the founder of the Benetton Group, Luciano Benetton is planning to salvage his clothing company by bringing back the bright colours and imaginative yet controversial advertising campaign.

Founded in 1965 with his three younger siblings, United Colors of Benetton became successful due to its brightly coloured jumpers and rather unique marketing campaign.

Some of the photographs from the advertising campaigns include an AIDS sufferer on his deathbed, world leaders kissing each other on the mouth, as well as a black woman suckling a white baby. His advertising campaigns have garnered many complaints to the British Advertising Authority.

Blooming in success, the company was making a profit of €155 million when Benetton decided to

step down in 2008. However, the tables have turned and the company loss €81 million last year.

Luciano Benetton said, “It's an intolerable pain for me. That's why I am stepping in again, together with my sister Giuliana, who has returned to making sweaters at the age of 80. While others were imitating is, United Colors was was switching off its colours. We have defeated ourselves. The shops, which were pools of light, became dark and dreary like those communist in Poland.”

Facebook, in partnership with Faith Associates launched a new guide aimed at improving the safety of the Muslim community online. The guide, Keeping Muslims Safe Online: Tackling Hate and Bigotry, has been produced to support Muslim communities in dealing with risks including bigotry and hate speech, and giving them access to the tools and resources available to stay safe online.

Simon Milner, Head of Policy UK, Facebook said, “We're proud to be supporting Faith Associates in the development of their online safety guide. Facebook welcomes all communities, and

there is no place for hate on the platform.”

The CEO of Faith Associates, Shaukat Warraich expressed, “Faith Associates is excited and privileged to have partnered with Facebook to develop this vital resource for the global Muslim community. We have seen the dramatic rise of Islamophobic rhetoric and terrorist inspired content that manifests online and appreciate Facebook’s effort in supporting grass roots organisations to enhance the knowledge and develop the skills of Muslims users to directly deal with it when they see it.”

'Keeping Muslims Safe Online'

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Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

Neel Radia – NACC Chair, Caring about Care Catering Neel Radia is the National Chairman for the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), the lead organisation for caterers working in the care sector.

The NACC’s main aim is to raise the standards and profile of care catering within the UK, whether meals are delivered to the home through services like meals on wheels and lunch clubs or through residential and nursing homes. The Association is 30 years old.

Neel Radia is in his third term as elected chairman, so this is his fifth year in office.

The NACC The NACC is a not for profit organisation run by volunteers. Neel tells us, “As Chairman I strategically lead the association to uphold our vision and purpose, drive our campaigns and ensure the executive committee, with its six regional committees, runs efficiently.

We publish guidelines, organise training and development seminars and conferences, facilitate the National Care Chef of the Year competition -all to help raise standards”.

to deliver”.

Meeting cultural, religious and medical needs and assistance Examples of the areas that Mr Radia has challenged over the past four years include; Leading a political campaign to raise awareness of the importance of the Meals on Wheels service, that ensures older and vulnerable people have access to hot meals being delivered to their homes. The service has historically been subsidised and delivered by local councils, but with government funding cuts to social

Neel Radia’s role at the NACC Neel Radia

Mr Radia explains, “As this is voluntary, I do this role on top of the day job so it uses a lot of my free time. I am passionate about the care sector and I am at a stage in my life where I am able to make a difference, and raise standards to ensure older and vulnerable people within the UK care system get the best meal time experience that we are able

care budgets the NACC research has found that over 50% have shut these vital services down.

The campaign he led gained media attention across the major national broadcasters like the BBC and national newspapers. Neel went on the Sunday Politics show to debate with politicians.

Finding companionship at 90 and whizzing off on a cruise he enjoyed going on cruises with his late wife but was unable to do so any-

more without a companion as his eyesight is failing him, making it difficult for him to read menus. Post the getaway, they both decided to stay in touch and remain friends.

VACANCY

One is never too old to find love and companionship. This is what 90-yearold Vera Burrell and John Mason, 91, believe. They both met each other for the first time in a pub and 45 minutes later, they were at a travel agent, booking a luxury cruise together.

Vera Burrell from Suffolk said, “Life is for living. You have got to get on with it, haven't you?”

They started chatting away when John Mason came and sat down at her table in the pub. And before they knew it, Mr Mason was booking a Mediterranean cruise worth £3,700. Mrs Burrell explains, “He asked me if I had ever been on a cruise.

I told him I couldn't afford it and my late husband would never have gone on a cruise”.”

Mr Mason told her that

Funeral Director

Duties Include: Making arrangements and conducting funerals, home arrangements, weekend funerals, out of hours preparation of deceased.

The position requires excellent communication skills in a number of languages, along with a compassionate nature and a high level of professionalism.

Full training will be given along with a competitive salary and non-financial benefits. There are also opportunities for career progression.

If you think you have the qualities we are looking for, then please email a CV to:

manuel.hermida@dignityuk.co.uk

Although the royal family is not able ences including Australia and Canada on to get involved politically in campaigns the importance of good nutrition and the NACC received the support of HRH hydration for senior citizens.

Duchess of Cornwall who joined him in St Why Neel Radia took on this volunAlbans to meet service users of Meals on teering role wheels at a day centre. Together, they raised awareness around social isolation “I am a 38 year old British Asian. We and the importance of these services to were brought up on the values of looking reduce this for our older citizens. The after our parents and grandparents, taking campaign involved a round table meeting care of each other and the at the House of Commons importance of food.

Everything we do within with MPs and Ministers to I am our homes and culturaldiscuss further action. ly, revolves around food and The NACC has just passionate launched England’s first meal times. qualification in Health and The reason I joined the about the social care catering that will NACC was because it does not care system be available in colleges from matter who you are or where Spring 2018. you come from. We all and I am During Mr Radia’s chairdeserve access to good food able to make and nutrition. We see an manship the NACC identified the lack of accredited on the importance a difference. emphasis training available for of school meals and hospital chefs working in health meals in the media but rarely and social care catering. much on elderly and vulnerable people.

It has painstakingly put a course together I was in the right place to step forward which was just recently approved by and volunteer my time to make a difference and I have not regretted this deciOffQual (regulators for qualifications in England). sion. We are making a difference, not only Neel says, “This took hard work, but it to the care system, but to the wellbeing, is gratifying. This qualification will dignity and lives of older vulnerable peoensure that minimum quality standards ple who unfortunately do not always have are fulfilled. the opportunity to voice their opinions.

The qualification will also encourage It is imperative that we work together younger chefs who are entering the world and take responsibility to ensure that not of hospitality to consider the care sector only do these services stay in place but as a viable career path.” also meet recommended standards. Not Neel has spoken at many national only for those in our care today but also and international Healthcare conferfor us in the future.

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READERS’ VOICE

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Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

Twenty-two percent of Indian exports originate from Gujarat

My attention has been drawn to a very informative article in the ‘As I See It’ column featured in Asian Voice page 8 dated 25th November in which you have mentioned that Gujarat comprises 6% of the total land area of India and 5% of the total population contributes 16% of Indian exports.

My relations own a large tyre manufacturing company in Gujarat which exports the largest volume of tyres both within India but especially overseas.

Similarly the ceramic industry which consists of some 800 units in Morbi, Saurashtra, exports top class ceramics worth RS 10,000 crores.

Also engineering goods from Rajkot also are worth many millions of pounds.

Please allow me space to elaborate a bit more.

A Goyal Ahmedabad

Trump’s Tweets

One wonders how, against all the odds, did Donald Trump land the most powerful job on the planet. He played on people’s emotions by inciting hatred – hatred against muslims, hatred against jews and against the hispanics.

He had overtly stated that he will ban muslims from entering the country. He had also stated that he would build a wall between the US and Mexico to stop immigration from that quarter. His overtly racist comments about muslims, Mexicans and so on have received plenty of attention from the Americans.

When he won the US elections we wondered what repurcussions would his victroy have on the world as a whole? The world waited with abated breath to see what other tricks he pulls out of his bag.

Now he has reverted back to his old tricks of inciting hatred by retwitting inflamatory anti muslim videos spreading messages of far right group “Britain First” on Twitter. He had previously tried to stop people of certain countries from entering the US but his ban was overruled by a high court judge.

The Home Secretary has repeated Downing Street’s statement that Trump was wrong to spread messages of the far right group “Britain First” onTwitter. Londond’s mayor is also reported to have stated that Trump was not welcome to the UK. His inflammatory twits need to be nipped in the bud.

So far his state visit to UK has not been cancelled.

Lets wait and see what happens next.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

A Star On The Horizon?

Normally we do not watch Michael McIntyre’s popular programme, although occupying prime slot on Saturday evening, especially as another equally popular programme “Strictly Come Dancing” precedes it.

Thanks to a piece in AV, “Young Singer to Appear on Michael McIntyre Show” we were eagerly awaiting the appearance of Sanjna Vekaria, wondering what she would prefer, would it be Hollywood or Bollywood heart-beat music that is gaining fast popularity.

I must admit Sanjna did not disappoint any one; in fact she exceeded our expectations with a beautiful song, expertly sung in a sweet voice that one may expect from an 18 year old young person.

The praise equally goes to her mentor parents, as without their encouragement and whole-hearted support, it would not have been possible for Sanjna to progress, shine at such a tender age. Normally Indian parents do not encourage their children either on music or sport front, preferring them to concentrate on academic education, to go to university and graduate in science, art or commerce. No wonder British Indian community have one of the highest percentages of pharmacists, doctors and accountants, compared to their tiny overall population, although they are fast catching up on law, the procession once dominated by Jewish community.

Let us wish talented Sanjna a bright future in whatever profession she may choose, whether on pop, country, classical music or professional front.

Kumudini Valambia By email

ASIAN VOICE is published by Asian Business Publications Ltd Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW. Tel: 020 7749 4080 Fax: 020 7749 4081 Email: aveditorial@abplgroup.com www: abplgroup.com © Asian Business Publications

Celebrating Christmas

Christmas to me is a celebration, which includes spending time with my family, decorating the entire house, inside and out, and shopping for the people I love the most. Christmas is also the best time of the year for me as it brings friends and families together.

It is a time to renew our enthusiasm and efforts to find our Lord Jesus Christ in what the world considers as poor and marginalised. If we are able to find Jesus, then we are truly blessed and our Christmas will be more meaningful.

Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai, India

Care Home Crisis in UK

The current financial situation is causing social crisis in UK with the rising costs of care homes making it increasingly difficult for pensioners or their families to afford the much needed care.

A recent research study found that the rate has rapidly risen nearly by 10% when compared with 2016. This is a heavy burden for the elderly people to afford.

The average pensioner income is unable to keep up with these rates and has risen by just 0.5% in the last year. Moreover, there is great disparity of cost, up and down the country.

This crisis became a major talking point in the General Election, with the Conservative Manifesto outlining plans for councils to cover the costs when a person’s assets fell below £100,000, as opposed to the current level of £23,250.

However, this was controversial as it would, for the first time, include family homes in the meanstesting formula for at-home care. The Government had to do an u turn.

The money the Government is putting in is inadequate to meet the demand of the elderly people. The Government has to pump in more money into the system to make it easier for pensioners to receive the care that they need without families having to make huge financial sacrifices that could have a knock on effect.

Investigations by the ‘Observer’ reveal how some of the largest providers may have to pull out of supplying services because of an escalating financial crisis.

Such a grave situation will leave the pensioners in a lurch and a huge burden on their families. It is time for the Government to wake up, and promptly sort this matter as no further dillying and dallying will be acceptable.

Baldev Sharma Rayners Lane, Harrow

Asian Voice is now a must read

Asian Voice of late is providing contents which are not available elsewhere. You have some eminent columnists, selection of news from UK, India and the diaspora as well as many profiles of various outstanding individuals, Readers’ Voice, Back to Roots column and, last but not least, the As I See It column.

As a Patel myself, I was very happy and delighted to note that Publisher/Editor CB Patel calls himself audaciously proud of our history and heritage.

I must admit that the details about the origin, emigration and professional trials and triumphs of Patels who are going from strength to strength is not only very interesting but informative for my three children with whom I shared your article.

I belong to Central Gujarat and my grandfather did talk about Vir Vasandas. You have said that though he was not well educated formally he was a very skilled chess player and had an expert eye for diamonds and precious stones.

Can I humbly request you to write a separate article about the period prior to the major Patel gathering in Pipalav with relevant details. We ought to know more about Pati-land and Dar-Owners.

I await your cooperation.

Ashwin Patel Croydon

MAKE YOURSELF HEARD

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Note that all your letters are subject to being edited by our team for valid reasons.

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Is Russia Fake News Factory?

According to print media, well organized Russian cyber network is targeting Britain on health front, spreading false information on vaccinations for flu, measles and other contagious diseases, via social media. This may have persuaded many children and elderly people to avoid vaccination, thus putting British population at risk.

Recent outbreak of measles in Liverpool may be due to such propaganda machine gaining upper-hand in cyber warfare. But it is not unusual for West, in particular Britain to blame Russia and President Putin for our setbacks, whether it is Brexit or general election setback, disaster for Tories.

Our PM, whenever she makes an important speech, not only targets Putin but threatening Russia, unlike America, France and Germany who would like to build close relations with Putin’s Russia. Is PM trying to deflect attention from her mounting problems on home-front? If so, “Crying Wolf” may put us off from believing her.

Spreading false news is not sole Russian domain.

We are aware how our media and indeed some politicians behaved when targeting law abiding but downtrodden Hindu community. “Caste” legislation is prime example when papers were full of false propaganda, trying to make us believe that there is widespread discrimination in employment, social and cultural front, barring so called low caste Hindus from entering temples. This is prime example of “What you sow, so you reap!”

In reality no one cares about caste and no one stops and asks you your caste before entering Hare Krishna, Swaminarayan temples. In reality Hindu temples are more easily accessible than other religious places; Hare Krishna temple in Watford is prime example where everyone enjoys Sunday dinner, irrespective of caste, colour or religious orientation I so often visit during summer months with my Christian and Muslim friends.

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Trustees

Mr Bharat Sacahnia’s letter (Gujarat Samachar of 212-2017), is eye opener. It mentions that trustees in some organizations are not willing to leave their posts and treat organizations as family property. The letter should have been also printed in English for youth, who can take up the challenge posed by Bharat ji. Innovative youth can contribute a lot to any posts they occupy.

Holders of posts are not to be blamed, because they have understood the interplay between organizations’ constitution, government laws, and needs and tastes of the members. Thus they cannot make each and every member happy.

But there are some hurdles for youth to undertake such mission. They are rightly preoccupied with enhancing their careers and heading towards success.

But by the time they retire, they are polarized towards their community affairs or temples. Organizations that do not belong to such umbrellas are losers as there are no youth to take over.

I have also noted that talented persons have their own agenda and massive ego. They at once form splinter group. These capable persons; succeed, but organizations that need talents are starved of new office bearers. They just limp along with full commitment of incumbent office bearers. Needy organizations are used as stepping stones by ambitious persons. Whereas this effort cannot or should not be denied, such splinter groups insulate themselves and do not communicate with needy organization or with each other.

Youth must be given information about new and old organizations, who need new members, and where their innovative ideas can be implemented.

Older and mature members can become consellors and consultants. Youth must be seen, heard and encouraged to offer their talents to needy organizations.

Ramesh Jhalla By email

Disclaimer

Asian Business Publications Ltd (ABPL) is not in any way responsible for the goods and services rendered by its advertisers. The ABPL management accepts all advertisements in good faith and it is entirely up to readers to verify advertisers’ products and services, should they feel the need to do so.

EDUCATION

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Numbers given extra exam time soaring The number of pupils in England given 25% extra time in GCSEs and Alevel exams because of a special need has almost doubled over five years.

There have been warnings about schools gaming the system - but the latest figures show the numbers getting allowances in exams continuing to rise.

The exam watchdog, Ofqual, says it will contact schools with unusually high levels of pupils receiving extra time.

Exam boards say they have "robust procedures" in place. They have tightened regulations and require evidence of pupils' need.

Ofqual figures show 223,000 candidates were given 25% extra time to sit exam papers in 2016-17, up by: - 8% on 2015-16 - 36% on 2013-14 In total, more than 390,000 exam candidates were given extra allowances because of physical, social, mental or emotional needs.

There was an increase in pupils needing modifications to their exam

papers - such as using different coloured paper.

But the number of students using exam papers in Braille fell to 1,130.

Ofqual said it was fair for pupils with disabilities to receive a "reasonable adjustment" when taking exams but some schools were much more likely to have high numbers of pupils receiving extra help and if there were no "obvious good reasons" it would now ask them to "review their approach".

But it would also contact schools where unusually few pupils received extra help, in case there were candidates missing out.

A report earlier this year suggested independent schools were disproportionately likely to have pupils receiving extra time in exams, but the Ofqual figures do not have a breakdown of state and private schools.

Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

Teach Reception children how to grip a pencil, says Ofsted Children in Reception class in England should be taught how to grip a pencil properly and how to sit correctly at a table, says the watchdog Ofsted.

Inspectors say a third of five-year-olds do not have the essential knowledge and understanding they need following their first year at school. They say the picture for children from poorer homes is worse, with nearly half failing to gain necessary skills.

Heads said the good work of early years professionals should not be undermined. Ofsted says primary-school teachers should be reading lots of stories, poems and rhymes out loud to children and encouraging them to join in and learn them by heart introduces them to new vocabulary, language structures and ideas.

Providing children with the right reading books to practise what they have been taught in their phonics lessons will make sure they master the alphabetic code so they can read by themselves.

Reading should be the focus in the Reception year and reading "was at the heart of

the curriculum" in successful schools.

The report - Bold beginnings - also says schools should: - ensure that when children are learning to write, resources are suitable for their stage of development - ensure they are taught correct pencil grip and how to sit correctly at a table - attach greater importance to the teaching of numbers and counting, recognising small numbers of items, comparing numbers and solving problems - provide frequent opportunities for children to practise and consolidate their skills The watchdog says the Reception year is essential as, for many children, it is their first experience of full-time education. It says it is a time when teachers set the routines and expectations that will serve children well for the rest of their school life.

NI and England schools in global top 10 for Reading Northern Ireland and England are in the top 10 of the world's best primary school readers in global rankings. The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study - known as PIRLS - shows Northern Ireland in joint sixth place, with England in joint eighth.

Both Northern Ireland and England have reached their highest point scores in reading tests taken in 50 countries. Russia takes the top place - the first time it has headed an international education league table. The Republic of Ireland, in fourth, is second only to Russia among European countries.

Geoff Barton, leader of the ASCL head teachers' union, praised the work of schools in England and Northern Ireland and said the results reflected "the huge focus that schools have placed on the teaching of reading over the course of many years".

The tests taken by almost 320,000 10-yearolds around the world, show Northern Ireland's pupils as among the highest achievers, ranked joint sixth with Poland. The result puts them only marginally behind long-standing high achievers such as Finland.

England was ranked

joint eighth, alongside Norway and Taiwan, and England's school standards minister Nick Gibb hailed the positive impact of the phonics system of learning to read. This is a much higher ranking than in the international Pisa tests for secondary school pupils, run by the OECD, in which England is not in the top 20 for reading or maths.

The Top 10 Countries for primary reading are: 1. Russia 2. Singapore 3. Hong Kong 4. Republic of Ireland 5. Finland 6. Poland = Northern Ireland 8. Norway = Taiwan = England Comparisons with the last rankings from five years ago depend on which measures are used, says the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), which runs the PIRLS tests with Boston College in the US. Five years ago, the IEA says England was ranked 11th, but as there was no statistical significant difference with US, Denmark, Croatia, Chinese Taipei, and Ireland this "could be interpreted as a joint sixth ranking".

Sterling Milestone!

The team from left to right - Vijay Thakrar, Jaishree Rughani, Sanjay Rughani, Manish Babla, Tehmina Mirza, Sheila Savani, Sharad Bhagani

11

A leading finance intermediary, Sterling Professional Finance Ltd, led by Sanjay & Jaishree Rughani recently marked a very special milestone with their introducers and clients. Established in 2002, the company celebrated 15 years of working in the financial sector.

Approximately 200 people attended this celebratory event where Sanjay and Jaishree Rughani thanked their clients and introducers alike for their support. Sanjay said, “Without our professional colleagues, the triple AAA rated service we have come to provide would not have been possible, especially during the recession.”

He went on to thank his colleagues Manish Babla, Sharad Bhagani, Sheila Savani, Tehmina Mirza, Vijay Thakrar, his colleagues within SME Business Finance including Neil Hutton, along with his family and Prakash Jariwala for their guidance.

Website: www.sterlingpf.com Email: contactus@sterlingpf.com Contact Number – 020 3752 6999

Guests at the event

Sanjay Rughani and Jaishree Rughani

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MEDIA WATCH

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Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

November 26, 2017 was the ninth anniversary of the Pakistan-based terrorist attack on Mumbai, India’s financial hub. The jihadi unit came by sea from Karachi and launched their premeditated assault on targeted sites, including the railway station, the iconic Taj Hotel, a popular eatery and the Jewish Centre; it was a commandostyle operation, with Pakistani handlers guiding the operatives through cell-phones. Some 167 men, women and children perished on a day that will live with infamy.

Mumbai was deliberately chosen: in March 1993 a similar assault resulted in almost 300 civilian deaths; between times a suburban train was subjected to bombings.

Mumbai’s grieving citizens on the anniversary of 26/11 2008 terror attack

an exporter of terrorism and remains America’s ‘closest nonNato ally.’

Other Indian cities were victims of similar assaults. In December 2001, Parliament in Delhi was attacked by jihadi gunmen seeking to enter the chamber but prevented from doing so by an alert police woman who sacrificed her own life in raising the alarm. Carnage would have ensued but for her courage and call to duty.

Earlier, the BJP Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had made a peace journey to Pakistan, the response was an invasion of Kargil in the summer of 1999 by the Pakistan army, leading to a limited war in which 700 and more Indian soldiers died. The jihadi attack on the Indian Air Force base at Pathancot in 2016 awoke the Indian establishment from its slumbers to the realization that Pakistan was conducting a covert war against India, necessitating an appropriate response.

Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg, the father of Gavriel Rosen, who, along with his wife Rivka were murdered in cold blood at Mumbai’s Jewish Centre by the Pakistani jihadis on that terrible day, mourned their passing in dignified seclusion and prayer.

The only source of comfort was the near miraculous escape of his two year-old grandson Moshe Holtzburg, thanks to the courage and presence of mind of his Indian nanny Sandra Samuel, who fled the scene carrying the toddler in her arms. Now an 11 year-old boy, ‘He feels a strong connection with Mumbai,’ said his grandfather Shimon Rosenberg (Hindu November 27).

PM’s speech

Mumbai security beefed up

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a rousing speech on Sunday (November 26) on the anniversary of the Mumbai attack of 2008. He paid homage to the victims and said nations had come to realize that terrorism was now knocking on their doors, Indeed, the barbarians are not only at the gates but through the gates, as their depredations in London Paris, Belgium and German cities demonstrate only too well. Mr Modi said the world must unite against terrorism, and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley declared that Pakistan will be isolated (Hindu, Times of India November 27) However, if the past is anything to go by, such expectations are a trifle optimistic. States that were once abettors of jihadi terror as an instrument of realpolitik, cannot jettison old habits easily. Some still distinguish between good and bad terrorists, the former given an appropriate label fit for purpose. Such double standards and double talk endure.

Pakistan thus escapes censure as

The security apparatus in Mumbai has undergone radical changes, with closer coordination and smarter responses to such crises in future. Technology training, effective weaponry and new gadgets have strengthened the police force. Sensitive sites in the city are under close watch and surveillance (Hindu November 27)

Israeli family in mourning

Bangla jihadi held Special anti-terrorist team of the Kolkata police tracked down and arrested yet another operative, Umar Farooque by name, of the Bangladesh-based Ansar-ulIslam at a village in the Darjeeling hills, the third such operative to caught in a week (Telegraph November 29)

on intelligence sharing and related measures against international terrorism. These were formalized in treaty by the two ministers. This replaced the treaty of 1993. Mr Singh also called on other senior Russian leaders to discuss the entire gamut of the Indo-Russian relationship set against the international scene

kms, 24 station stretch of the Hyderabad Metro is a landmark in the city’s history and opens a new and exciting chapter of its unfolding future development as one fit for 20th

Indian carmaker’s Detroit waves Mahindra & Mahindra’s arrival in Detroit, Michigan,

Anand Mahindra

Significance of visit Defence experts in Delhi recalled the critical help rendered to India by Russia in 1971 in the war with Pakistan. As in 1971, Mr Singh’s presence in Moscow was a message to Pakisan and China.

Meanwhile, T. Suvarna Raju, CEO of the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd assured the government that the facility, which manufactures the SukhoiMKI30, has the infrastructure and skills to construct to produce the Russian Fifth Generation fighter jet should the Cabinet decide on a joint venture with Russia, a hint swrely that the project is likely to pass (Hindu, Mint November 27).

GDP figures point to recovery According to the second quarter figures (July-September), India’s economy has bounced back from a sluggish start of 5.7 per cent to 6.3 per cent. The manufacturing sector, in particular, has recovered from its July blues when the GST [General and Services Tax GST] took wing, posting 7 per cent growth. The early glitches have been sorted, and the economy is powering ahead. However, there are fears about the rising fiscal deficit (Hindu, usiness Line, Times of India December 1)

Jihadi death toll in Kashmir 200: DGP Director General of Police S. P. Vaid told reporters in Srinagar that jihadi death toll this year had reached 200 and rising.

‘Today, the collective efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army [and the paramilitary], CRPF and the people of Kashmir have led to the neutralization of of more than 200 militants in 2017 alone,’ he said. Three were killed in the latest encounter (Hindu December 1).

Hyderabad Metro a game-changer Inaugurated with pomp and circumstance last week by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 30

Anand Mahindra and US hosts at the inauguration of auto plant in Detroit

century purpose. Constructing the Metro was no easy task; its pains of labour were a fraught experience involving litigations for land clearance of shanties, surmounting numerous ecological hurdles, resulting in delays and costly overruns. ‘Sweet are the uses of adversity,’ wrote Shakespeare, and how right were (and are) his words.

has created quite a splash, with local dignitaries out in force to welcome the company and Managing Director Anand Mahindra (See page 3).

Ivenka Trump in Hyderabad

Link to Old City The last mile linking the spanking new Hyderabad to the Old City is work in progress to cut through congested dwellings and alleyways and bazaars and the like. What has been achieved in Phase 1 is an engineering marvel for Hyderabad, Secunderabad and the IT hub of Cyberabad; its commercial and social impact will be hugely far-reaching.

Phase II will extend the Metro to 66kms and 61 stations by November 2018.

Smart cards which can package different transport services will make journeys easier for consumers.

NVS Reddy, Managing Director of HMRC, describes the Metro as an urban rejuvenation project that would transform Hyderabad into a global metropolis (Business Line November 28,29)

US envoy lauds Hyderabad US Ambassador to India Kenneth Justa hailed Hyderabad as an investment hub for American IT companies. ’This is the most dynamic part of the world as a large part of the world’s economic growth is here. It is also critical for international relations, prosperity and freedom of trade,’ he said (Mint November 28, 29).

Rajnath Singh in Moscow for talks India’s Home Minister Rajnath Singh left for Moscow for talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Kolokolov

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First Metro rail journey in Hyderabad

Modi with Ivanka Trump

Ivenka Trump – US President Donald Trump’s daughter – arrived in Hyderabad to a glittering welcome by the Telangana government and by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

She was the star attraction at the international conference on empowering women entrepreneurs (Hindu, Times of India November 29).

IIT-Kharagpur makes major tech discovery A research team at the Indian Institute of TechnologyKharagpur, led by Sajlal Dhara, has had their researches published in the prestigious science journal ‘Nature Physics’. Their work promises a quantum leap in the speed of the storage capacity at which laptops and smartphones work; they will be smaller, more efficient. The Dhara team showed how the next generation devices like quantum computers can be designed without the use of electrons, as the artificially created new particle is higher than the mass of the electron by 0.0001 times.

Simply understood For the layman this will translate into simple solutions to the most intricate problems and lightning fast solutions.

‘Quantum computation is just one application, there are limitless possibilities…the new particle is half-light, half-matter,’ said Professor Dhara. This work was a collaborative effort of many institutions including the University of Rochester, and the The International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, Bangalore (Times of India November 27).

UK

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Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

Hero taxi driver saves girl from paedophile Taxi driver, Satbir Singh Arora has been commended by his taxi licensing authority, Cherwell council for saving a 13-yearold girl from being kidnapped by a paedophile in December 2016.

Arora had driven the girl from Bicester to Gloucester railway station, where she had planned to meet a man who would pay her taxi fare. The taxi driver had become suspicious because she was dressed in her school uniform and was reluctant to talk about this man, whom she didn't seem to know.

Arora asked the girl to speak to his wife and it appeared that the girl's parents were unaware of her whereabouts.

His wife contacted the police and an officer spoke to the girl at the train station. 24-year-old Sam Hewings from Gloucestershire was sen-

Satbir Singh Arora

tenced to five years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to attempting to abduct the girl at Gloucester Crown Court.

When the police had arrested Hewings at his residence, they found a rucksack containing cocodamol tablets, duck tape and knives.

The 39-year-old taxi driver had received safeguarding training from the council months before the incident occurred.

Arora stated, “The train-

13

ing was really useful.

Because of the cases we read about on the safeguarding course I was able to recognise the signs and quickly spot that it was a grooming case.”

G l o u ce s t e r s h i r e police were full of praise of Mr Arora.

Detective Constable Ian Bennett said, “I cannot praise the taxi driver enough for his actions in this case. He undoubtedly saved harm from coming to the girl and provided vital evidence for the prosecution.

Safeguarding training for taxi drivers is hugely important as this case highlights, and it’s good to see it happening in other parts of the country.”

Arora has been awarded a certificate of outstanding achievement by Cherwell District Council for his heroic act.

Multinational general insurance company New India Assurance (NIA) hosted a cocktail reception on the 30th November 2017 at the Double Tree by Hilton, London. It was attended by the well-known Lloyd’s of London Underwriters and Brokers, and other industry experts.

“Sepsis – doctors’ failure to recognise and treat sepsis symptoms leads to lifethreating consequences for patients and clinical negligence claims for lawyers” Shockingly, sepsis causes more than 40,000 deaths across the UK every year.

Sepsis, or septicaemia, is commonly known as blood poisoning. It is a rare but serious Alla Kingswood complication of an infection and if not treated quickly, can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Sepsis can affect anyone from newborns to the elderly and is quite common after childbirth or surgery.

Sepsis develops when chemicals the immune system releases into the bloodstream to fight infection cause an inflammatory reaction. Patients usually experience abnormal heart functions, problems breathing, changes in mental ability and unconsciousness.

Antibiotics are the main treatment for sepsis and getting the treatment quickly is key. The problem for doctors is recognising symptoms before it’s too late. Doctors often fail to spot symptoms of sepsis or mistake them for other conditions such as flu, chest infection or a mental disorder. Worse is a lack of clarity regarding what to do when sepsis is suspected. This leads to delays in treatment and, potentially, to septic shock, organ failure or death.

Delays and multi-organ failures that result in delaying diagnosis and the commencement of effective treatment may give rise to a clinical negligence claim.

To avoid clinical negligence claims, doctors should be trained to spot the signs of sepsis and act accordingly.

There are tools available to medical practitioners to ensure misdiagnosis of sepsis and potential breaches of duty are avoided. In 2016, the National

Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published new, clear guidelines in relation to recognition, diagnosis and early management of sepsis. A new definition of sepsis has also been published - “Sepsis 3” - to enable doctors to assess a patient’s condition, identify symptoms and commence effective treatment.

Cases involving injury or death from sepsis are distressing for claimants and their families. Although medical assistance will have been sought in the early stages, claimants will have been incorrectly reassured by doctors that their illness was not concerning. This is precisely how such a devastating condition may lead to a successful clinical negligence claim.

Author, Alla Kingswood, is a Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury solicitor at Duncan Lewis specialising in representing Claimants who have been victims of life-changing injuries such as brain injuries, serious orthopaedic injuries, amputations or spinal injuries.

Duncan Lewis Clinical Negligence Solicitors The Duncan Lewis Clinical Negligence team has significant experience acting in a vast array of claims including unnecessary surgery claims, accident and emergency failures, GP negligence claims, misdiagnosed fractures and wrongful death claims. They also act for children and adults who have suffered profound and permanent brain, spinal or neurological injuries and associated disabilities as a consequence of failings in medical care in both NHS and private hospitals.

If you believe your doctor has made a mistake and wish to claim compensation or have any questions about treatment you have received, please contact our team of solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

(R-L): Mr K V Raman Dy. CE NIA UK, Mr Girish Radhakrishnan CE NIA UK, Mr CB Patel Chairman ABPL Group, Mr Paren Patel, Claims Manager NIA

Dhamecha distribution for Viiking Ventures’ Goa Beer ahead of Christmas surge

Viiking Ventures, the importer of the awardwinning Goa Premium Beer, has secured a distribution deal with Dhamecha Cash & Carry ahead of the busy festive trading period.

We m b l ey- b a s e d Dhamecha is one of London’s largest and most successful independent wholesalers.

Established for more than 40 years, with 9 sites, it has recently expanded into the Midlands with new depots in Leicester and Birmingham.

Goa Premium Beer is now being sold at Dhamecha’s Wembley, Hayes, Barking, Leicester and Birmingham sites, to support the areas where the authentic Indian gluten-free pilsner has strong penetration into both on– and off–trade outlets.

The distribution

agreement follows a series of successful trade days at the wholesaler in October.

Viiking reps attended selected Dhamecha depots, explaining the strength of customer demand for a gluten-free craft beer and a preference for an authentic Indian import.

The ability to meet so many potential new customers at the trade days, also allowed Viiking sales people to explain in detail the marketing support offered to retailers and

restaurants.

Goa Beer was recently named Best Marketed Product at the prestigious English Asian Business Awards.

The trade days generated considerable volumes which directly led to opening of more than 70 new trade accounts.

“Securing Dhamecha as a wholesale partner, which enjoys excellent customer loyalty among our core demographic in key locations, in time for Christmas, is a great result,” said Vikking Ventures’ MD Ben Parmar.

Brewed by the familyrun boutique Impala Distillery & Brewery in Goa, which was acquired in 2015 by Bollywood actor and film producer Sachiin Joshi, the beer is popular an accompaniment to spicy foods and a standalone drink.

Oldest Latin Bible returns to Britain after 1,300 years After over 1,300 years, the oldest known Bible written in Latin will be returning to Britain. The Codex Amiatinus, considered as one of the great treasures of the Anglo-Saxon world, was written in the early 8th century, by monks at We a r m o u t h - J a r r o w monastery, in the North East. Weighing over 75lb and measuring a foot thick, the Bible was taken to Rome as a gift for Pope Gregory II. It was kept at the Abbey Saviour in Monte Amiata in Tuscany, before being sent to the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana in Florence.

The library in Florence has agreed to lend the Bible to the British Library for the

2018 exhibition, Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms.

The exhibition curator, Dr Claire Breay said, “It is the earliest surviving manuscript of the Bible in Latin, and we are excited to be bringing it back to Britain for the first time in

1,302 years. It is one of the greatest treasures of Anglo-Saxon times, yet it is not very well known by the public.”

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COMMUNITY

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Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

An evening on the legacy of Shirdi Sai Kingdom), Mr. Bhagwanji Chohan (Mayor of Brent), Mr. Muhammed Butt (Leader of Brent Council) and other dignitaries also attended the event.

At the event, Mr. Chohan felicitated Dr. Satpathy ji for his humanitarian and philanthropic contributions in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world.

The attractions of the evening included scintillating dance performances like Kuchipudi,

To commemorate the Centenary Year of the Mahasamadhi of Shri Sai, on 18 November, 2017, Shirdi Sai Global Foundation in association with Shri Shirdi Sai Sansthan (UK) organised a cultural evening, comprising different Indian classical dance forms and music, in London. The event was organised at Shri Sanatan Hindu Mandir Wembley, London.

Dr. C.B. Satpathy ji graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Mr. Virendra Sharma (Member of Parliament, United

Asian Voice is starting a new children's section, Whiz Kid Corner to entertain and interact with your young ones.

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK e, “ You are braver than you believ stronger than you seem and smarter than you think” - Christopher Robin

Dr. C.B. Satpathy with Virendra Sharma MP

Odissi, Bharatanatyam and other dance forms representing different parts of India. Some of the dance performances were based on the lyrics written and music composed by Dr. Satpathy ji.

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FACTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW...

l Wearing headphones for just an hour could increase the bacteria in your ear by 700 times. l "Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt". l Octopuses have three hearts, isn’t that a strange science fact! l Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur. l There are only four words in the English language which end in "dous": tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous. l Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.

If your child has a good joke, poem or any suggestions they would like to share please email us with the name, Age and school.

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The European leg of the Kalashram Kathak competition held on 18th November, in Wembley, got its first winner. Sonia Chandaria Tillu came first in the 21-30 years category. Sonia will now represent the Indian diaspora at the televised Grand Finale in Mumbai, India, on 21st December, alongside the winners from various Indian cities.

Initiated by Kalashram – the world leading Kathak exponent Padmavibhusan Pandit Birju Maharaj’s Indian Institute of Kathak, the competition aims to provide a public platform for young, upcoming Kathak dancers to showcase their talent to a more

Photo courtesy: Simon Richardson

Sonia Chandaria Tillu wins Europe leg of Kalashram Kathak competition the field including Padmavibhusan Pandit Birju Maharaj himself, Saswati Sen, Mira Kaushik and Pratap Pawar among others.

Judge Mira Kaushik says she is “delighted that one of Akademi's NAVODIT stars, Sonia Chandaria Tillu, has won the Kalashram Kathak contest in the UK. She wholeheartedly deserves this award and I look forward to Sonia Chandaria Tillu following her progress mainstream audience. in the next round of the The London competicompetition in India. I am tion was judged by a panel sure Sonia will shine on of knowledgeable and the international stage experienced exponents of and make London proud.”

Portrait of one of Britain’s first black MPs unveiled in Parliament A new portrait of one of Britain’s first black MPs, Bernie Grant (1944-2000), has been unveiled in Parliament this evening.

Drawn in 180 hours using pencil and charcoal by hyper-realist artist Kelvin Okafor, the portrait of the former Labour MP for Tottenham will now join the Parliamentary Art Collection.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the election of Bernie Grant, Diane Abbott and Paul Boateng as the first ever black MPs, and Keith Vaz as the first MP of Asian

Portrait of Bernie Grant, pencil and charcoal drawing by Kelvin Okafor, 2017 © Parliamentary Art Collection, WOA 7607

descent since the 1920s.

Guyana-born Bernie Grant is well remembered for his passionate work campaigning for racial equality and against oppression, as well as making his mark in the House of Commons by wearing a traditional Ghanaian cotton robe at the State Opening of Parliament.

In Parliament, Bernie Grant was forthright in his criticism of discriminatory policing methods, immigration rules and institutionalised racism in health.

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Sporty john rode in front of his mum and said “look mum, i can ride my cycle with one hand.” the second time he said “look mum i can ride my cycle with no hands.” the third time he said “look mum no teeth either.”

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AsianVoiceNewsweekly

UK

Strategic alliance of MOVE Guides and Team Relocations Group

Yogesh Mehta

A technology pioneer that aids HR teams transport their employees around the world, MOVE Guides has announced information regarding its new strategical alliance with a global relocation company, Team Relocations Group. The alliance includes the involvement of MOVE Guides innovative technology platform along with Team Relocation Group's global infrastructure and service delivery excellence.

Team Relocations Group owns shipping brands including Excess Limited; Pickfords; Destination Service Providers; QMM and Anglo Pacific. They are headquartered in the UK with operations and offices globally, with more than 30

years experience in the relocation industry. The group has 1,400 employees globally and have 34 operating locations across 13 countries.

The Group Managing Director for Team Relocations Group, Yogesh Mehta said, “We believe it is crucial to work with partners who are as committed and passionate about what they do, as we are. MOVE Guides shares our core objective of providing the seamless service required for relocating employees and their families. The technology they have developed is driving innovation in our industry and significant benefits for relocating employees and their companies.”

Dawlish receive complaints about bossy signs

Touted as being Britain's bossiest town, the small Devon town of Dawlish never fails to tell people what to do. After receiving complaints on the travel website TripAdvisor for the excessive bossy signs, the mayor of Dawlish, Martin Wrigley has pledged to do something about it.

A visitor's trip was spoiled by the number of “passive-aggressive” signs in town. “From the moment I stepped from my parked car I was bombarded with notices

telling me to do this and not do that. There are less signs to be found at a top secret military base.”

The mayor of Dawlish said, “I agree with the comments that we have too many negative signs in Dawlish. We will be looking at both reducing the number and writing them in positive terms – for example encouraging visitors to use the duck food that we supply outside our waterfowl enclosure rather than saying don't feed bread to the birds.”

Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

SUBHASH VIMAN GORANIA:

GAME CHANGER Sunetra Senior

You can tell Subhash is a powerful, contemporary dancer and choreographer in his field: the fluidity of the physical expression that he beautifully refers to as ‘movement language’ is organically infused into his speech. Talking to us about his recent vibrant work, Game Changer, the name of which was lifted from a raving review in the New York Times when he initially showcased his raw material, he stated: “the show incorporates a variety of intuitive media, such as paint, props and lighting to make a strong and visceral statement.” Game Changer is made up of three, separate meditative pieces part of the 70-year anniversary of called Three, Metamorphic and Fly independence from Britain.”

From. “I enjoy exploring the theme of Elaborating on what attracted him to semblance: what might seem one way the expressionistic form of dance, but is actually quite another,” he conSubhash said: “dance is the best form tinued. “In the middle performance – for exploring interesting concepts for Metamorphic – I specifically look at me. Others might use painting, writthe blurred line between human and ing, poetry or even technology. It is robot in the modern day. Award winsimply about what resonates with me ning choreographer, Bill T. Jones who as an individual. By extension, when I attended the NY show absolutecollaborate with other choreograly loved it. We rely on phers and dancers, such as technology so much. If with Saju Hari, Theo ‘TJ’ you leave the house Lowe and Veena In reality, without your phone, Basavarajaiah for Game everyone’s it’s as if you’ve left Changer, I always conwithout your sider what motions broken, and it's underwear! We work best for their bodabout letting go can’t function ies and personalities.” of those material- This personal dimension without it. It’s become this fundaextends to the way the istic needs mental part of who we limber, younger artist are. We are breaking views approaching dance down as human beings; itself: “I truly believe anyone can using social media to hurriedly comdance,” he emphasised. “If you persist municate instead of having thought hard enough you will get the hang of out conversations.” it. Some people expect to be spoonfed, but if you work hard you can *** achieve it. As with most ambitions, it Now a prolific international perjust takes time and dedication. I have former, including the Bessie award25 year-olds attending my winning choreography ‘Ecstasy’ workshops, worrying which toured in Germany as part of that they’re too old. the ‘Get on the Good Foot’ show, proBut age is just a duced by the prestigious Apollo number -what Theatre, Subhash’s professional jourmatters is how ney has been a more benign combiyou choose to nation of the planned and the natuinterpret it.” ral: “I initially worked in graphic design and wanted to work for Disney” he told us. “I actually only started dancing at the age of 23, influenced by something as incidental as the popular dance-off film ‘You Got Served’– my first dance class was in hip-hop. From there I moved onto Bollywood and classical dance, and my work, including the moves – leaps, floor work, and spins - continues to be adaptive and diverse.” Subhash is looking forward to collaborating with award winning choreographer Gary Clarke on another piece titled, 'The Troth': this time more play-based. “This will be part of my 2018 tour,” Subhash said. “I will be playing the protagonist, Lena Singh. It’s a love story set in the context of the trauma of World War 1. We will be touring in India as

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TLIGHT

Thus, as Subhash himself alluded to, the message of his colourful show Game Changer, goes behind the numerous profound messages to one immediate truth: that special, introspective bonus of having a career in the arts. “I don’t have one particular style,” he said, “because I have always been exploratory about the way I treat dance. I don’t have a signature per se – it’s just me embracing the space and what comes of that. It’s very personal. I’ve never been formal or systematic in my training either. All my pieces therefore have different meanings for people; they are moved by their own relationship to the concepts – they can find it poignant or funny and learn a lot.” As his tagline proclaims then, Subhash uses ‘mind, body and soul to adapt, invent and transform tradition”, both within his profession, and expansively in life.

What are some of the other messages in your show?

The third segment, 'Fly From', is very political. It explores the concept of media biases. For example, with Syria, terrorism and bombing, a lot is determined by propaganda. 'Fly From' also looks at the American dream, and the pretence of that smile. You think you’re perfect if you have money and shiny cars, but in reality, everyone’s broken and it is more about letting go of those materialistic needs. 'Metamorphic' explores the identity of man. The first piece is called ‘Three’ and refers to the three stages of human life – nothing is really certain in life other than death.

Performance artist Hetain Patel has said that: ‘if you fail at impersonation, you get better at knowing who you are’. Do you agree?

Yes! Three, for example, started off as a piece about bullying. You have to have the guts to scrap ideas and start afresh. If you want to create well, you have to accept that it will take time before you get it right.

Change allows evolution as an artist.

You have humorous gestures in your work; how did you bring this in, and what does this do for the audience?

Peoples perception of the perfect man is the images of Indian Gods like Krishna, Shiva, Ram, but when I went to India it was completely different. I saw lots of travel shows, they just show the best parts– the mountains and green hills. When I first landed in Mumbai, it was more like a war zone: people begging, dust everywhere and cows on the streets.

We wanted to bring that truth to the fore. I use classical dance to complement this too. The humour subverts and breaks the ice so the audience are given permission to laugh and not take all that they’re seeing so seriously. It’s education through entertainment.

Who are some artistic influences?

Yin Yue, a contemporary choreographer. Just love her fluidity and the way she thinks. twitter.com/ SubhashViman morph_dance_ company

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UK

www.asian-voice.com

Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

‘London Is Open’ Sadiq Khan

Continued from page Sadiq Khan, the first British-Pakistani to have been elected as the Mayor of London first visited Mumbai, India as part of his 6-day mission in India and Pakistan. He visited Mani Bhavan, the headquarters of Mahatma Gandhi, which now stands as a museum to India's national hero. The Mayor of London laid flowers at the memorial to pay homage to the Father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and then proceeded to take a tour of the museum.

The Mayor of London also visited the Taj Palace Hotel, the site where the

Khan pays respect to Hindu deity along with pundit, at Akshardham Temple, Delhi

The event was also joined by the debonair Bollywood star, Ranbir Kapoor, who is also the co-owner of Mumbai City Football Club.

The elitists and the crème de la crème left no stone unturned in welcoming Sadiq Khan on his first day in India.

The business magnate, Mukesh Ambani hosted a dinner which encompassed a multitude of high-profile business people, as well as top celebrities; to name a few, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar.

After the event, Khan took to Twitter to show his gratitude for the dinner hosted by Ambani. He tweeted: “Thank you to the Ambani family @karanjaran & @milinddeora for hosting a fantastic evening with business and creative industry leaders to mark my trip to Mumbai. #LondonIsOpen”.

During his tour, atrocious terror attack Mumbai also confirmed took place on 26th that it will join the World November 2008. He Cities Culture Forum the attended the memorial leading collaborative and paid his respect to network of world cities those who were that share a belief in the injured and lost their importance of culture for lives in the terror creating thriving attack. metropolitan environOn the first day of ments. The Mayor met his tour, Sadiq Khan Chief Minister of was very well received Maharashtra, Devendra by many dignitaries as Fadnavis, to promote well as high-profile London as open and welBollywood celebrities. coming to the exchange During his tour of Khan pays respect at the Taj Palace Hotel of ideas, visitors, talent, Mumbai, he praised the creativity and business memorial young aspiring footfrom Mumbai. Mumbai ballers at the ninth annual will be the first Indian city to inspire, thrill and change the finals day of the Mumbai join the Forum, which was lives of young people all over Soccer challenge, and launched in London in 2012. the world.” watched a challenge match to win the inaugural Mayor of London Cup. He also announced that two boys and two girls will be travelling to London to train with Queens Park Rangers.

At the event, the Mayor of London said, “This initiative is another example of the close links between India and London. It has been fantastic to see the passion and skill of these young footballers, and to be able to announce that two girls as well as two boys will be travelling to London to train with Queens Park Rangers. I wish them Khan dines with Amitabh Bachchan every success and it is at an event hosted by Mukesh heartening to see how Ambani, in Mumbai grassroots sport can

Khan with Ranbir Kapoor and the 4 young footballers who will be travelling to London to train

Theresa May – got it It is a leading collaborabadly wrong with her tive network that has decision to close this grown from 12 to 33 route a few years ago. member cities that Because it’s not only share research and best led to a substantial practices, advancing the drop in Indian students vital role of culture in coming to our universitheir cities. ties – it’s in danger of The Mayor of starving my city of London, Sadiq Khan great talent.” said, “Culture helps create thriving urban cenOn his third day in tres, contributes to a India, the British city’s success and Pakistani Mayor of underpins sustainable visited London development. urban Akshardham Temple in London established the Delhi. Looking eloWorld Cities Culture quent in a white kurtaForum and I am delighted that Mumbai is the Khan unveils Muhammad Ali Jinnah's pajama, Sadiq Khan paid respect to the Hindu first Indian city to join sculpture in London deities at the temple. the Forum in 2018, sharpost-study work visa. The UK This truly shows how ing its experiences and learnhas made a big mistake. open-minded he is as a pering from other members Students from outside are son, and respects everyones' cities. It is a perfect end to great assets, not just for the rituals and religion, regardour time in Mumbai.” fees that they bring in. We less of how different they India and the UK have are lobbying for change in may be from his personal had historical links for cenpolicies.” beliefs. A true representative turies and its no secret that The Mayor further added, of the multiculturalism and Indians living in the UK have “In London I’m making the tolerance of London, Sadiq aided boost Britain's econocase loud and clear for a fair, Khan is making Britishmy and stature. However, the flexible immigration system Indians and Pakistanis eradication of post-study that allows us to attract talextremely proud by his work route has been highly ented people – with fewer poised appearance during criticised, especially by the barriers and less red tape. As this 6-day mission.

Mayor of London. He calls on part of this, I’m putting forDuring his last leg in the British Government to ward detailed proposals for a India, Khan will be travelling make it easier for young new post-study work visa for to Amritsar before heading Indians to study and work in international students. The to Lahore, Islamabad and London. He said, “In 2012, British Prime Minister – Karachi in Pakistan. the UK chose to get rid of the

UK AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

When Harry met Meghan Reshma Trilochun Ever since Prince Harry's alleged love-affair with Meghan Markle was doing the rounds in the media, there seems to be a frenzy to get to know more about his sweetheart. But post their engagement, there seems to be a never-ending quest to know more about the American star who stole the Prince's heart at first glance. From her style to her aura, Meghan has become a hot favourite for the global fashionistas.

Meghan knows how to handle herself in the public eye. Being an actress by profession, she is very much aware of how to dress, how to speak and how to present herself in front of the public. Any other normal girl may have been frightened with the amount of attention and scrutiny she's been receiving, but Meghan has used her knowledge of being in the limelight to her advantage and not let the attention shake her up. She appears poise and natural to whomever comes in contact with her.

Approximately 13 months

Meghan's family tree

both Asian and African bloodlines from both sides of his family. It is also alleged that his mother, Princess Diana's great-great-great grandmother was at least halfIndian. Even the queen is said to have a lineage of mixed races, and so did her great-grandmother, Victoria. So to say that Meghan is

family by becoming more “ethnically diverse”, however, the royal family has been a rich mix of races for more than 200 years. It is said that Prince Harry has a mixture of

“the first mixed-race royal” would not be correct.

Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III was most probably the first mixed-race royal. She

Her Instagram fans went totally crazy over the picture, which also had the caption of “sleep tight”, accompanied by two kisses.

While one may think that this relationship marks a revolution within the history of the royal

Mallya hounded, “else would have paid 80% loans”: Defence Continued from page 1 Representing the Indian government, the Crown Prosecution Service asserted that the embattled liquor baron had a “case of fraud” to answer. It laid out what it termed as “three chapters of dishonesty” by the former Kingfisher Airlines BSE boss being misrepresentations to various banks to acquire loans, then how he misused the money and finally his conduct after the banks recalled the loans. CPS barrister Mark Summers said, “Instead of acting as an honest person and doing what he could to meet his obligations, he sets about erecting lines of defence.” He said the Indian government said there are reasons why a court can conclude that the bank loans at the centre of the fraud case were ones the “defendant (Mallya) never intended to repay”.

He said, “His company was in intensive care and it was going to sustain huge losses. The defendant had a choice: either take those losses yourself and impinge on your lifestyle, or try to palm them off on to your bank.” Mallya meanwhile, denies any wrongdoing, claiming he is the victim of a high-profile “witch hunt” conducted by the Indian government. Kingfisher's creditors struggled to recover money from the tycoon after the company collapsed. He is represented by Clare Montgomery QC, who had also successfully represented the Swedish government in their extradition request against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

The prosecution blamed Mallya of stashing the borrowed money in different banks, including “some chunks in HSBC London”. He accused the 'King of Good Times' of making huge withdrawals in Goa, spending part of the money in motor racing and said that he “spent the money to pay rent for two corporate jets which he used

exclusively for personal use.”

Montgomery responded to Summers' statements by claiming that the State Bank of India, which led the consortium of banks that extended the loan, had credibly appraised the loan and acknowledged that Mallya's company had been “frank” in reporting its financials at that time.

“Calling him dishonest is a seriously advanced charge.” Had he not been hounded by banks and authorities, “by now, Mr Mallya could have paid back 80 per cent of the loans,” she said. Montgomery said Kingfisher Airlines ran into trouble due to the global economic slowdown in 2009. She said the Indian government's allegations against her client “had been made without understanding the nature of business and the circumstances during the economic slowdown.” She also alleged that the slowdown had affected other airlines too, but they received help from the government.

The defence claimed that the evidence presented by the CPS to prove a case of fraud amounted to “zero”, which, was a “critical failing on the part of the government of India.” She said the government lacked a credible case to support the argument that borrowing by Mallya was fraudulent and he had no intentions to pay back the loans he sought because his project projections for loss-making Kingfisher Airlines were unreliable. “The reality is that the profitability of an airline depends on economic factors, which are largely cyclical and largely out of the control of the airline itself.”

Judge Arbuthnot is expected to make a decision on Mallya's case before the end of the year. It however, will take years for the Indian government to get him extradited as the UK's protracted legal process allows several appeal options. Also, Home Secretary Amber Rudd would need to sign off on his extradition.

17

back, people tried to decode Meghan's cryptic Instagram post of two bananas “cuddling”. What could be considered as an innocent post created speculation over her relationship with Prince Harry.

daily basis until the death of developed the Kew Gardens and Princess Diana. gave birth to 15 children, who As there has been great comspread the Ibero-African bloodline motion regarding who Meghan throughout the royal families of Markle is and her background, Europe. undoubtedly research of her famCharlotte of MecklenburgStrelitz was a G e r m a n princess. She was a direct descendant of a black part of the Portuguese family royal t h r o u g h Margarita de Castro e Sousa.

As well as making her way into Prince Harry's heart, she seems to Meghan's Instagram post made people go "bananas" have become a part of the family ily tree was inevitable. According as well, as she will be joining the to a family tree, one of Meghan's royal family for Christmas at ancestors was in fact beheaded Sandringham. After their 16on the orders of Henry VIII. It is month romance, Meghan will also also said that his wealth and land be the first royal fiancé to open gifts with the Queen on Christmas Eve, before she officially becomes a member of the royal family.

The royal family traditionally get together on 24th December for tea with Queen Elizabeth II. The younger family members then complete the finishing touches to the Christmas tress in the white drawing room.

Amidst all the frenzy about the upcoming wedding and the speculation of what she will be wearing, sources revealing that the royal couple are actually planning to have a wedding cake made from bananas. “This will be the first royal wedding cake made from bananas.”

Moving away from the traditional fruitcake, they are optPortrait of Queen Charlotte by ing for this novel choice for a Allan Ramsay cake as Prince Harry loves “anywere confiscated. There's defithing with banana really”. nitely more that meets the eyes Former royal chef, Darren and with the heritage that she McGrady has previously spoken has, Meghan is certainly no ordiabout making the Prince a nary girl-next-door. caramel and banana cake on a

New milestone for the Loomba Foundation in India

Lord Loomba CBE convinced the Haryana state government to set up a separate department for widows within the state commission for women In an event organised by the Loomba Foundation on 27 November 2017, the Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in a bid to provide better facilities and security to widows announced that the Haryana State Commission for Women (HSCW) will have a separate department for widows to facilitate in resolving their issues on priority and ensuring that the problems do not recur. The HSCW acts as a watchdog.

Khattar while speaking as the Chief Guest at the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Loomba Foundation in a hotel in Gurugram said that a separate cell for widows will strengthen the functioning of the organisation.

The Chief Minister was also pleased that the Loomba Foundation is providing skilled

training to 30,000 poor widows and educational support to 2,000 of their children, in partnership with the Rotary India Literacy Mission, in India. He said he would like to develop a partnership with the Loomba Foundation to help as many widows as possible, using the experiences of Lord Raj Loomba, Chairman and Founder Trustee of the Loomba Foundation. Lord Loomba has cared for impoverished widows and their children in India and in 12 countries across South Asia, Africa and South America, for the past twenty years.

Mr Khattar said at the event: “Around 6 lakh widows in Haryana get Rs 1,600 per month as pension.

Among all states in the country, this is the highest amount widows get as pension. Widows in Haryana

L to R: Vijay Sampla, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment in India, Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Haryana Mrs. Cherie Blair CBE QC, President, The Loomba Foundation Lord Raj Loomba CBE, Founder and Chairman Trustee of the Loomba Foundation at the Event where the announcement was made

are also given as assistance of Rs 700 per month for educating up to two children below 21 years of age.”

He announced that the month-

ly pension for widows will be increased from Rs 1600 to Rs 1800 from January 1, 2018 and to Rs 2,000 by 2019.

Besides this, extra 5% marks

will be added to the entrance exams score of widow applicants for government t jobs. The decision was made in the last cabinet meeting on November 21. The leverage will be given in government jobs, in which recruitment will be made by the Haryana Staff Selection Commission.

From November 1, the state government has enhanced the pension of widows of veterans of World War 2 from Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000 per month. Nearly 5,000 widows will be benefitted by this.

Lord Loomba was overjoyed by the announcement and felt his dream come true as he had been working to achieve this for the past few years. In an interview to the Asian Voice, he said that: “I was overwhelmed by the announcement, because the lead taken by the Haryana government will hopefully be taken up by the other states to follow, providing empowerment and due status to widows in their respective states.”

16

UK

www.asian-voice.com

Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

‘London Is Open’ Sadiq Khan

Continued from page Sadiq Khan, the first British-Pakistani to have been elected as the Mayor of London first visited Mumbai, India as part of his 6-day mission in India and Pakistan. He visited Mani Bhavan, the headquarters of Mahatma Gandhi, which now stands as a museum to India's national hero. The Mayor of London laid flowers at the memorial to pay homage to the Father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and then proceeded to take a tour of the museum.

The Mayor of London also visited the Taj Palace Hotel, the site where the

Khan pays respect to Hindu deity along with pundit, at Akshardham Temple, Delhi

The event was also joined by the debonair Bollywood star, Ranbir Kapoor, who is also the co-owner of Mumbai City Football Club.

The elitists and the crème de la crème left no stone unturned in welcoming Sadiq Khan on his first day in India.

The business magnate, Mukesh Ambani hosted a dinner which encompassed a multitude of high-profile business people, as well as top celebrities; to name a few, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar.

After the event, Khan took to Twitter to show his gratitude for the dinner hosted by Ambani. He tweeted: “Thank you to the Ambani family @karanjaran & @milinddeora for hosting a fantastic evening with business and creative industry leaders to mark my trip to Mumbai. #LondonIsOpen”.

During his tour, atrocious terror attack Mumbai also confirmed took place on 26th that it will join the World November 2008. He Cities Culture Forum the attended the memorial leading collaborative and paid his respect to network of world cities those who were that share a belief in the injured and lost their importance of culture for lives in the terror creating thriving attack. metropolitan environOn the first day of ments. The Mayor met his tour, Sadiq Khan Chief Minister of was very well received Maharashtra, Devendra by many dignitaries as Fadnavis, to promote well as high-profile London as open and welBollywood celebrities. coming to the exchange During his tour of Khan pays respect at the Taj Palace Hotel of ideas, visitors, talent, Mumbai, he praised the creativity and business memorial young aspiring footfrom Mumbai. Mumbai ballers at the ninth annual will be the first Indian city to inspire, thrill and change the finals day of the Mumbai join the Forum, which was lives of young people all over Soccer challenge, and launched in London in 2012. the world.” watched a challenge match to win the inaugural Mayor of London Cup. He also announced that two boys and two girls will be travelling to London to train with Queens Park Rangers.

At the event, the Mayor of London said, “This initiative is another example of the close links between India and London. It has been fantastic to see the passion and skill of these young footballers, and to be able to announce that two girls as well as two boys will be travelling to London to train with Queens Park Rangers. I wish them Khan dines with Amitabh Bachchan every success and it is at an event hosted by Mukesh heartening to see how Ambani, in Mumbai grassroots sport can

Khan with Ranbir Kapoor and the 4 young footballers who will be travelling to London to train

Theresa May – got it It is a leading collaborabadly wrong with her tive network that has decision to close this grown from 12 to 33 route a few years ago. member cities that Because it’s not only share research and best led to a substantial practices, advancing the drop in Indian students vital role of culture in coming to our universitheir cities. ties – it’s in danger of The Mayor of starving my city of London, Sadiq Khan great talent.” said, “Culture helps create thriving urban cenOn his third day in tres, contributes to a India, the British city’s success and Pakistani Mayor of underpins sustainable visited London development. urban Akshardham Temple in London established the Delhi. Looking eloWorld Cities Culture quent in a white kurtaForum and I am delighted that Mumbai is the Khan unveils Muhammad Ali Jinnah's pajama, Sadiq Khan paid respect to the Hindu first Indian city to join sculpture in London deities at the temple. the Forum in 2018, sharpost-study work visa. The UK This truly shows how ing its experiences and learnhas made a big mistake. open-minded he is as a pering from other members Students from outside are son, and respects everyones' cities. It is a perfect end to great assets, not just for the rituals and religion, regardour time in Mumbai.” fees that they bring in. We less of how different they India and the UK have are lobbying for change in may be from his personal had historical links for cenpolicies.” beliefs. A true representative turies and its no secret that The Mayor further added, of the multiculturalism and Indians living in the UK have “In London I’m making the tolerance of London, Sadiq aided boost Britain's econocase loud and clear for a fair, Khan is making Britishmy and stature. However, the flexible immigration system Indians and Pakistanis eradication of post-study that allows us to attract talextremely proud by his work route has been highly ented people – with fewer poised appearance during criticised, especially by the barriers and less red tape. As this 6-day mission.

Mayor of London. He calls on part of this, I’m putting forDuring his last leg in the British Government to ward detailed proposals for a India, Khan will be travelling make it easier for young new post-study work visa for to Amritsar before heading Indians to study and work in international students. The to Lahore, Islamabad and London. He said, “In 2012, British Prime Minister – Karachi in Pakistan. the UK chose to get rid of the

UK AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

When Harry met Meghan Reshma Trilochun Ever since Prince Harry's alleged love-affair with Meghan Markle was doing the rounds in the media, there seems to be a frenzy to get to know more about his sweetheart. But post their engagement, there seems to be a never-ending quest to know more about the American star who stole the Prince's heart at first glance. From her style to her aura, Meghan has become a hot favourite for the global fashionistas.

Meghan knows how to handle herself in the public eye. Being an actress by profession, she is very much aware of how to dress, how to speak and how to present herself in front of the public. Any other normal girl may have been frightened with the amount of attention and scrutiny she's been receiving, but Meghan has used her knowledge of being in the limelight to her advantage and not let the attention shake her up. She appears poise and natural to whomever comes in contact with her.

Approximately 13 months

Meghan's family tree

both Asian and African bloodlines from both sides of his family. It is also alleged that his mother, Princess Diana's great-great-great grandmother was at least halfIndian. Even the queen is said to have a lineage of mixed races, and so did her great-grandmother, Victoria. So to say that Meghan is

family by becoming more “ethnically diverse”, however, the royal family has been a rich mix of races for more than 200 years. It is said that Prince Harry has a mixture of

“the first mixed-race royal” would not be correct.

Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III was most probably the first mixed-race royal. She

Her Instagram fans went totally crazy over the picture, which also had the caption of “sleep tight”, accompanied by two kisses.

While one may think that this relationship marks a revolution within the history of the royal

Mallya hounded, “else would have paid 80% loans”: Defence Continued from page 1 Representing the Indian government, the Crown Prosecution Service asserted that the embattled liquor baron had a “case of fraud” to answer. It laid out what it termed as “three chapters of dishonesty” by the former Kingfisher Airlines BSE boss being misrepresentations to various banks to acquire loans, then how he misused the money and finally his conduct after the banks recalled the loans. CPS barrister Mark Summers said, “Instead of acting as an honest person and doing what he could to meet his obligations, he sets about erecting lines of defence.” He said the Indian government said there are reasons why a court can conclude that the bank loans at the centre of the fraud case were ones the “defendant (Mallya) never intended to repay”.

He said, “His company was in intensive care and it was going to sustain huge losses. The defendant had a choice: either take those losses yourself and impinge on your lifestyle, or try to palm them off on to your bank.” Mallya meanwhile, denies any wrongdoing, claiming he is the victim of a high-profile “witch hunt” conducted by the Indian government. Kingfisher's creditors struggled to recover money from the tycoon after the company collapsed. He is represented by Clare Montgomery QC, who had also successfully represented the Swedish government in their extradition request against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

The prosecution blamed Mallya of stashing the borrowed money in different banks, including “some chunks in HSBC London”. He accused the 'King of Good Times' of making huge withdrawals in Goa, spending part of the money in motor racing and said that he “spent the money to pay rent for two corporate jets which he used

exclusively for personal use.”

Montgomery responded to Summers' statements by claiming that the State Bank of India, which led the consortium of banks that extended the loan, had credibly appraised the loan and acknowledged that Mallya's company had been “frank” in reporting its financials at that time.

“Calling him dishonest is a seriously advanced charge.” Had he not been hounded by banks and authorities, “by now, Mr Mallya could have paid back 80 per cent of the loans,” she said. Montgomery said Kingfisher Airlines ran into trouble due to the global economic slowdown in 2009. She said the Indian government's allegations against her client “had been made without understanding the nature of business and the circumstances during the economic slowdown.” She also alleged that the slowdown had affected other airlines too, but they received help from the government.

The defence claimed that the evidence presented by the CPS to prove a case of fraud amounted to “zero”, which, was a “critical failing on the part of the government of India.” She said the government lacked a credible case to support the argument that borrowing by Mallya was fraudulent and he had no intentions to pay back the loans he sought because his project projections for loss-making Kingfisher Airlines were unreliable. “The reality is that the profitability of an airline depends on economic factors, which are largely cyclical and largely out of the control of the airline itself.”

Judge Arbuthnot is expected to make a decision on Mallya's case before the end of the year. It however, will take years for the Indian government to get him extradited as the UK's protracted legal process allows several appeal options. Also, Home Secretary Amber Rudd would need to sign off on his extradition.

17

back, people tried to decode Meghan's cryptic Instagram post of two bananas “cuddling”. What could be considered as an innocent post created speculation over her relationship with Prince Harry.

daily basis until the death of developed the Kew Gardens and Princess Diana. gave birth to 15 children, who As there has been great comspread the Ibero-African bloodline motion regarding who Meghan throughout the royal families of Markle is and her background, Europe. undoubtedly research of her famCharlotte of MecklenburgStrelitz was a G e r m a n princess. She was a direct descendant of a black part of the Portuguese family royal t h r o u g h Margarita de Castro e Sousa.

As well as making her way into Prince Harry's heart, she seems to Meghan's Instagram post made people go "bananas" have become a part of the family ily tree was inevitable. According as well, as she will be joining the to a family tree, one of Meghan's royal family for Christmas at ancestors was in fact beheaded Sandringham. After their 16on the orders of Henry VIII. It is month romance, Meghan will also also said that his wealth and land be the first royal fiancé to open gifts with the Queen on Christmas Eve, before she officially becomes a member of the royal family.

The royal family traditionally get together on 24th December for tea with Queen Elizabeth II. The younger family members then complete the finishing touches to the Christmas tress in the white drawing room.

Amidst all the frenzy about the upcoming wedding and the speculation of what she will be wearing, sources revealing that the royal couple are actually planning to have a wedding cake made from bananas. “This will be the first royal wedding cake made from bananas.”

Moving away from the traditional fruitcake, they are optPortrait of Queen Charlotte by ing for this novel choice for a Allan Ramsay cake as Prince Harry loves “anywere confiscated. There's defithing with banana really”. nitely more that meets the eyes Former royal chef, Darren and with the heritage that she McGrady has previously spoken has, Meghan is certainly no ordiabout making the Prince a nary girl-next-door. caramel and banana cake on a

New milestone for the Loomba Foundation in India

Lord Loomba CBE convinced the Haryana state government to set up a separate department for widows within the state commission for women In an event organised by the Loomba Foundation on 27 November 2017, the Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in a bid to provide better facilities and security to widows announced that the Haryana State Commission for Women (HSCW) will have a separate department for widows to facilitate in resolving their issues on priority and ensuring that the problems do not recur. The HSCW acts as a watchdog.

Khattar while speaking as the Chief Guest at the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Loomba Foundation in a hotel in Gurugram said that a separate cell for widows will strengthen the functioning of the organisation.

The Chief Minister was also pleased that the Loomba Foundation is providing skilled

training to 30,000 poor widows and educational support to 2,000 of their children, in partnership with the Rotary India Literacy Mission, in India. He said he would like to develop a partnership with the Loomba Foundation to help as many widows as possible, using the experiences of Lord Raj Loomba, Chairman and Founder Trustee of the Loomba Foundation. Lord Loomba has cared for impoverished widows and their children in India and in 12 countries across South Asia, Africa and South America, for the past twenty years.

Mr Khattar said at the event: “Around 6 lakh widows in Haryana get Rs 1,600 per month as pension.

Among all states in the country, this is the highest amount widows get as pension. Widows in Haryana

L to R: Vijay Sampla, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment in India, Mr. Manohar Lal Khattar, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Haryana Mrs. Cherie Blair CBE QC, President, The Loomba Foundation Lord Raj Loomba CBE, Founder and Chairman Trustee of the Loomba Foundation at the Event where the announcement was made

are also given as assistance of Rs 700 per month for educating up to two children below 21 years of age.”

He announced that the month-

ly pension for widows will be increased from Rs 1600 to Rs 1800 from January 1, 2018 and to Rs 2,000 by 2019.

Besides this, extra 5% marks

will be added to the entrance exams score of widow applicants for government t jobs. The decision was made in the last cabinet meeting on November 21. The leverage will be given in government jobs, in which recruitment will be made by the Haryana Staff Selection Commission.

From November 1, the state government has enhanced the pension of widows of veterans of World War 2 from Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000 per month. Nearly 5,000 widows will be benefitted by this.

Lord Loomba was overjoyed by the announcement and felt his dream come true as he had been working to achieve this for the past few years. In an interview to the Asian Voice, he said that: “I was overwhelmed by the announcement, because the lead taken by the Haryana government will hopefully be taken up by the other states to follow, providing empowerment and due status to widows in their respective states.”

18

FINANCIAL VOICE

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

Indian economy projected to grow 6.75-7.5% this year: Government

Following the visible change in growth trajectory, the government of India said the economy has overcome the impact of demonetisation and goods and services tax, and is poised to close the year within the 6.75 to 7.5 per cent range. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, “This (second quarter growth of 6.3 per cent) indicates that perhaps the impact of two structural reforms is now behind us and hopefully, in the coming quarters, we can look at an upward trajectory.

The most significant aspect is the fact that this quarter's positive result is impacted by growth in manufacturing.”

The sector expanded 7 per cent in the September quarter as compared to 1.2 per cent in the previous

three-month period.

Jaitley, however, was comforted with the higher rate of investment. He said that the economy appeared “poised for a durable recovery going forward.”

Finance Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said the second quarter numbers may see an upward revision as GST collection data is available to statisticians. Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian said he would stick to the range provided in the budget, adding that he expected the impact of low base, especially during the fourth quarter, to help propel growth during the current financial year.

He also acknowledged the price pressure in the economy, emanating from the global rise in the price

of crude petroleum as well as higher prices of vegetables such as onions and tomatoes. Subramanian said, “We have a situation where on the crop side, especially oil seeds and pulses, the government took action, while perishable prices have moved up.

It is an odd situation this year.” When asked about crude oil price and its impact on the fiscal situation, he said prices were 10-12 per cent higher than last year and were expected to moderate as shale supplies hit the market.

Meanwhile, a Goldman Sachs report has suggested that the Indian economy is likely to grow at 8 pet cent in 2018-19 as the massive bank recapitalisation will help revive the longstalled credit demand and private investments. It said

the Rs 2.11 trillion bank recapitalisation of public sector banks announced by the government last month and a likely recovery in earnings are also likely to drive up the stock markets and has set the Nifty target of 11,600 by next December. The report said, “We project above-consensus real GDP growth of 8 per cent in 2018-19, while we see a growth of 6.4 per cent for 2017-18, as the negative impact from shocks (demonetisation and GST implementation) this year fade and the bank recap programme unlocks credit and private investment growth.”

It said CPI inflation is likely to rise above the mid-point of the RBI's target of 5.3 per cent in 201819 due to a pick-up in food and commodity prices.

We’ve broken nexus between banks, large defaulters: Jaitley The ruling NDA has put the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to effect, in a bid to clean up the system and rebuild staterun banks.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley responded to steady criticism from the Opposition, blaming the UPA dispensation for the NPA mess of state-owned banks.

“Under the new Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code brought by the government, cases have been instituted in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for time-bound recovery from 12 largest defaulters in six-to-nine months in NPA cases of £17.5 billion. Cases for recovery of NPA dues from

Arun Jaitley

assets of these big defaulters are under way at various stages,” he said.

In a blog, the FM said during the period of aggressive lending from 2008 to 2014, gross advances of public sector

banks increased by about £340 billion, from £181.6 billion in 2008 to £521.5 billion in 2014. “Despite repayment not being regular on these, through relaxation in loan classification, banks continued to keep defaulters as nonNPA account holders by restructuring them.

Between 2008 and 2014, public sector banks disbursed disproportionate sums of loans to several industries. The public needs to ask the rumour mongers at whose behest or under whose pressure were such loans disbursed,” Jaitley wrote.

“They should also be asked that when these debtors delayed in repay-

Air India’s international, domestic operations to be sold together

Union Minister of State for Aviation, Jayant Sinha has said the government won't separately sell the international and domestic operations of Air India, adding that interested parties will have to bid them together.

The bids will be sought for AI's domestic and international operations as an “integrated airline.” All parties interested will be allowed to bid separately for subsidiaries of AI. “We have so far received formal expression of interest (EoI) from Indigo for AI's airline arm.

For the ground-handling and MRO subsidiaries, a few others have done the same,” Sinha said. Air India has five subsidiaries; low-cost airline AI Express, ground-handling arm AI Air Transport Service, maintenance, repair, and overhaul arm AI Engineering Services,

regional operator Alliance Air, and Hotel Corporation of India. “The divestment of AI is time-bound process and we expect to award the bids in six-toeight months. We are going to provide flexibility in the bidding process.

Bidders can bid for as many subsidiaries as they want. The transaction adviser will call for multiple bids. It will be a market-driven process,” Sinha said.

Several leading players including the Tatas, have

expressed interest in AI's airline operations. IndiGo is interested in the “international airline operations of AI and AI Express.

Alternatively, it is equally interested in acquiring all of the airline operations of AI and AI Express.” A group of ministers head by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will decide on aspects like eligibility of the bidders, and whether foreign airlines in a joint venture with Indian or foreign partners should be allowed to buy the

ment of their loans and interest thereon to public sector banks, what decision was taken by the then government. Rather than take firm decision with regard to such debtors, the then government, through relaxation by banks in loan classification kept these defaulters as non-NPA account holders. These loans were restructured through this, the loss to banks was kept hidden.

The banks kept giving loans repeatedly to these debtors and kept evergreening the loans.”

Jaitley said banks were provided capital so that they became strong and capable of contributing to the nation's development.

Maharaja.

The panel will decide how to make AI which is in a debt of £5.2 billion, attractive enough for bidders. A top government source said that besides IndiGo and Tata Group, other Indian carriers, especially Jet Airways, may also join the fray. The source said, “The economics of the game will change completely for whichever airline gets Air India. With its 14 per cent domestic and 17-18 per cent international market share, getting AI will be a paradigm shift for the successful bidder.” The government source said, “The ultimate decision on privatising AI will be of PM Modi alone. The process began with his go-ahead only. The government is going to sell a clean AI to prospective bidders by putting all the tricky aspects like real estate in an SPV. We have devised a mode where the new owner will get a clean airline free of most of its past baggage.”

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Nestle fined Rs 62,00,000 for ‘excessive ash’ in Maggi

The Shahjahanpur court of additional district magistrate has imposed a total fine of Rs 62,00,000 on consumer goods giant Nestle and its distributors after a laboratory report confirmed the presence of higher ash content than permissible in samples of Maggi noodles. Seven packets were collected and sent for testing at a laboratory in Lucknow in 2015, and the report was received in 2016, following which seven cases were lodged at the ADM's court.

The court has levied Rs 45,00,000 of the total fine on Nestle India, Rs 15,00,000 on distributors, and Rs 2,00,000 each on two sellers.

A Nestle India spokesperson has, however, rejected the allegation, saying, “We strongly reiterate that Maggi noodles are 100 per cent safe for consumption. While we have not received the orders passed by the adjudication officer, we have been informed that the samples are of 2015 and the issue pertains to 'ash

content' in Noodles. This appears to be a case of application of incorrect standards, and we will file an appeal urgently once we receive the order. In 2015, Nestle India and other companies had represented to the relevant authorities, via industry associations, to set standards specific to instant noodles to avoid confusion amongst enforcement officers and consumers. The standards have since been introduced and the product complies with these standards. We regret the confusion it may cause to consumers.”

Samples sent to the laboratory included Maggi Masala noodles, Maggi Nutrilicious Pazzta, and Maggi Atta Noodles. “Ash content in Maggi samples exceeded the prescribed limit of 1 per cent. Maggi is consumed mostly by children and playing with the health of people by providing sub-standard products is something that cannot be pardoned under any circumstances,” ADM JK Sharma said as he levied the fines.

Clifford Chance and partner fined over no-win, no-fee deal A “magic circle” law firm and one of its partners have been fined £100,000 for operating an “unlawful” no-win, no-fee deal in a controversial dispute regarding Iraqi oilfields.

Clifford Chance and Alex Panayides, one of its wellreputed lawyers, are fined £50,000 each after a tribunal found them guilty of breaching professional rules and the law when acting in litigation over oilfields in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Both parties admitted to conducting the litigation in the High Court under a conditional fee agreement that was “unlawful and unenforceable”.

Publicised by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal last week, the finding centred on a highprofile case several years ago for the firm and a group of third-party litigation funders. Clifford Chance and Panayides represented Excalibur, an oil exploration company

which was in a £1.6 billion dispute with two larger US energy businesses over an exploration deal in Iraq.

With over two decades' experience, Panayides agreed to act on a no-win, no-fee basis. However, it emerged later in court proceedings that he had personal ties with one of the third-party funders.

Lord Justice Tomlinson of the Court of Appeal, criticised the law firm for what he said was conflict of interest from the outset of the litigation. After the ruling, the Solicitors Regulation Authority launched an investigation in July. A spokesman for Clifford Chance has confirmed that Panayides was still in the partnership. He said the firm accepted the tribunal’s finding that “some aspects of our conduct in this matter” did not meet the high standards that it was “committed to upholding”.

REAL ESTATE VOICE

www.asian-voice.com

THE LAWYER: FRIEND OR FOE? AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Yesterday, we had a deal blow up on us. This was after we spent several months trying to keep it together. The reason for this was in a large part due to the lawyer.

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap London Property Investment

This was a very lucrative but small deal, the deal price was £345k and the actual valuation would be in the region of £475k£500k. A rarity to get a discount this large, firstly, in this price range, and secondly, in the prime location of Kentish Town.

Generally, this level of discount is seen in high range properties £3m and above, and often which come with problems.

The lawyer decided to raise planning enquires about the next door property, which did not have an impact on the property in question. On what basis was he raising these queries considering he is a lawyer and not a planner, and the lender did not require this information?

He also informed the other side that our buyer would be taking a mortgage. Both these points served to extinguish the deal, by encouraging the vendor to seek other offers. Unsurprisingly the

A: Great question. A little while ago we had viewings for a property that was due to become available. The property was not in a great condition and a few people had pointed that out to me. It wasn’t falling apart, it was just very dated, as the last tenant had been in the property for a number of years. As I was showing one company around the house, they said they liked the property, but were hesitant to commit because of the outdated style. They mentioned the stained kitchen, the dull walls and the horrid carpet located in the master bedroom. These were

all features which I knew were dragging the property down. Knowing the work needed to be done, and knowing that ignoring the work would result in a struggle to attract tenants, I proposed that the landlord buy the paint, according to the tenant’s choice (as long as they’re neutral colours), and if the tenants agree then they do the labour. In return for their hard work, the landlord would lower the rent by £30 per month.

That’s £360 the tenant would be saving annually.

They were happy with the idea, as I’m sure a lot of other landlords/tenants would be.

Advantages for the landlord • No need to get decora-

Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing

Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

seller promptly found a higher one and is currently engaged with another buyer.

Often, lawyers do not have their clients’ commercial interest at heart. The first agenda they have is to cover themselves, and often use legalese to bamboozle the client into thinking they are looking after them, when in fact their primary aim is to look after themselves in case of any comeback in the short or long term.

Therefore, they ask more than necessary, above and beyond what is required protect the client and get the deal done.

The other driving force which encourages them to behave as they do, is that they are paid according to the hour or on a case by case basis, and therefore are not incentivised to perform. If they were incentivised on the basis of the deal going through, I have no doubt their focus would be more aligned with their clients.

They get paid whether the deal goes through or not.

It is the client who is left with all the bills and no property.

AGONY AGENT IS HERE TO HELP! Q: Would lowering the rent, in exchange for tenants decorating, be a good idea?

19

tors in to do the work, which would cost a lot more than reducing rent by £30 per month.

• Also, getting decorators in would mean having to keep the property empty for at least another week, which would cost even more money. By doing it this way, tenants move in straight away, and decorating can begin when they’re ready.

Advantages for the tenant • They’ll save money • They’ll live in a freshly decorated property • They’ll get to provide input on the decoration style, so they’ll live in a property they’ll get to

If pressed on the points above I’m sure he will respond by saying he was acting in the best interest of the client, by looking deeper into the issues, and he has a duty to be transparent to the other side. I agree completely, the lawyer should be ensuring the client is protected. However, asking irrelevant questions that offer no protection to the client, and just cause delay are not in the interest of the client.

Regarding transparency for the other side, there are ways of framing the issue so it doesn’t scare the vendor into jumping ship. For example, to inform the other side that

Rest assured, we will think twice about using this lawyer again. It is difficult to find a lawyer who performs consistently.

Often, there is a honeymoon period where they treat you with some reverence when you first come on as a client, and then when they know they have you as a client the service levels drop, and at times the situation can feel like they are doing you a

favour!

This is the time to switch, when they start to take your business for granted.

However, I have seen some long term marriages within the industry, where the lawyer has been used for decades and gets totally immersed in each and every deal. One Jewish Israeli investor I know, has another Jewish lawyer who does all his work for him. This is the kind of lawyer who takes his files on holiday, and does the exchange whilst he is on holiday. However, he get paid a percentage of every deal which goes through, hence he is suitably incentivised.

enjoy more Rules There were a few rules that needed to be agreed: • Work had to be completed to a high standard. If not, the work would need to be redone at the tenant’s expense (within reason) • We provided a strict definition of “high quality” and would be inspecting at every step, so there’s no confusion • There was a set budget As it currently stands, the works have been done to a very high standard, and it will only cost the landlord £360 plus paint. Seeing as this is a two bedroom apartment, I think the

0207 993 0103

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

our client is a seasoned investor, and the mortgage process has commenced already. Such a statement gives the other side a fuller picture, thereby avoiding the risk of them looking elsewhere.

Sowandreapuk

landlord got a great deal on this. The company actually asked me if we had any more properties in that location that they could get a similar deal with...

I’d be interested to know

if any landlord or tenant have ever had an offer like this, or even agreed something like this. Do get in touch and let me know.

Richard Bond Lettings Manager Sow & Reap

Turning land into cash Get in touch about our land opportunities

20

FINANCIAL VOICE

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel Dear Financial Voice Reader, I write to you before going on air to give one of my regular free webinars on the markets, what the big banks think and where profits will be made, but more importantly how. You see people think the markets is about ‘where’. It is not. It is about ‘how’.

The critical things I will be discussing in the two hour webinar are why you should set modest monthly targets for profits, such as £500, and not ambitious ones. (Because going to fast will lead you to crash).

That when trading, how you do it well means you should look to win 60% of the time, not 90%.

Remember a coin is just right 50%. So you are not being too ambitious. After all you do not have the resources of Goldman Sachs. So we will suit our trading to our resources.

Also you do not set profit targets. Every major professional trader will tell you this. You see, when you strike oil, you do not cap it. You do not take small profits and leave money on the table.

Instead you run those profits. So do not set profit targets.

You should instead add to your profitable positions. Once you have some profits, risk those to add to your existing position to make more profits. This means you are risking profits not your capital.

Make sure your stop losses are further away from your entry if the market is more volatile. You do not want to be stopped out at a loss by market noise.

Make sure the further away that stop loss, then smaller your trade size so you are not risking any more in volatile markets than in less volatile ones.

This is a critical secret of professional traders.

Do not forecast what will happen. You do not know. Use the above rules. Find trends, follow those.

What if you are at work? Make the stop loss a trailing stop loss that trails the price by a fixed amount and if the price moves against you and hits the stop loss, then it will get you out (at a profit or loss depending on where the price moved to).

Trade so small that if you have a loss, you will not lose sleep over it. This is critical. Only you know what makes you lose sleep and worry. Do not be greedy.

Do not be a screen slave. You will do bad trades if you do that. Set 15 minutes a day to place one trade a day. That is it. Quality over quantity.

Trading more does not make more money, it makes at best lots of time consuming small profits, or usually, a lot of losses, small and big.

Have a business plan. 200 trades a year, 1 a day. 60% will win. They will make more than what you lose when you lose. So you are profitable.

Work out your return on time. You should make 100% return per annum. Once you have the skills, then it is scalable and can make much more. But start small.

If you would like to attend a free webinar – www.alpeshpatel.com/2018 Alpesh Patel Alpesh Patel and Juventus Football Club are Official Partners of 24Option.com brokers.

Alpesh.patel@tradermind.com

India's manufacturing activity improves in November

In yet another sign that India has shaken off the bruising effects of demonetisation and GST rollout issues, the manufacturing sector recorded its strongest improvement in November in 13 months. According to Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) showed that companies reported a renewed increase in new export orders in November.

The PMI index rose to 52.6 in November, from 50.3 in October, displaying the strongest improvement in manufacturing conditions since October 2016. The PMI survey is based on data compiled from monthly replies to questionnaires sent to purchasing executives in over 400 industrial companies and is a closely watched data set.

On the job front, greater

Ramesh & Rama Parmar, (who have been customers of Barclays Bank for nearly 50 years) were allegedly mis-sold complex interest rate swaps which they were not able to understand. As a result, the Parmars suffered huge financial losses

production requirements led to the fastest rate of employment creation since September 2012.

Meanwhile, there was a pickup in inflationary pressures, with input costs increasing to the greatest extent since April.

The data for November is the latest in the string of

positive data that has emerged for the economy.

Data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) showed the Indian economy grew 6.3% in the JulySeptember quarter, up from 5.7% in the previous quarter, on the back of strong manufacturing sector performance. “The current phase

of expansion led to business sentiment picking up as growth momentum seems likely to continue over the near-term,” Aashna Dodhia, economist at HIS Markit said referring to the PMI data.

The manufacturing sector had been hit hard by the government’s move to scrap some high value notes in November last year, while implementation issues linked to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) had hurt businesses. The sharp cut in GST rates for more than 200 items had also helped boost sentiment in the sector.

While there are some weak spots in the manufacturing sector and overall economy, data now points to a recovery and policymakers are optimistic that growth will be sustained and durable in the months ahead.

Mukesh Ambani: India to become $10 trillion economy by 2030

Salil Parekh is new CEO and MD of Infosys

cess of Aadhaar and ISRO. “With nearly 1.2 billion enrolled members, Aadhaar is the world's largest and the most sophisticated, biometric ID system. India has created this infrastructure from scratch within a decade. In this year, India is now a clear leader, and Aadhaar is now decades ahead of even advanced countries,” he said.

Speaking about his telecommunications company, Reliance Jio, that broke all markets with its launch in the Indian market, Ambani said, “Just one year back, India was ranked 150th in the world for mobile broadband. Now it is No. 1 after the launch of Jio. Today, Indians consume more mobile broadband data than users in the US and China. If data is destiny, new India is well and truly ready for its new 'Tryst with Destiny'. In the coming years, we will see many such success stories from India.”

Following months of stress, turmoil, and billions of dollars in shareholder value destruction, Infosys has finally named a new CEO, Capgemini's Salil Parekh. After its tragic stint with Vishal Sikka, the company now hopes for a new start with the 53 year old Parekh to lead the country's secondlargest IT services firm.

A member of Capgemini's group executive board, Parekh was the CEO of the company's financial services business across Europe, North America and Asia.

Mukesh Ambani, the richest Indian and chairman of Reliance Industries, is of the belief that the Indian economy is poised to grow from $2.5 trillion to $10 trillion by 2030, bridging the gap with the United States and China to become the global economic leader. Speaking at a leadership summit in Delhi, he said, “Today, India's GDP is about $2.5 trillion and ranks at No. 6 in the world.

Can we triple it to $7 trillion in the next 10 years and become the third-largest economy in the world? Yes, we can. Can we cross the $10 trillion mark by 2030 and close the gap between India and China, and India and the US? Yes, we can.”

He said India would rise as superior to China in the middle of the 21st century.

“India will provide a superior and different development model. A model that will create equitable and inclusive growth based on technology,

Parmar vs Goliath

Abhishek Sachdev

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

of c£1m, while the Bank profited by £50,000 from the sale of the swaps! This case is believed to be the first of its kind brought by a private individual, rather than a company - to make it all the way to trial.

Mr & Mrs Parmar run a small family business manufacturing and selling disposable gloves, as well as supporting a Hindu temple that feeds over 2,000 people a week! Mr Parmar provided his warehouse as a temporary home for the Shree Jalaram Mandir in Greenford and provided the majority of

Mukesh Ambani

democracy, good governance, and a society-wide culture of empathy.” He added, “The fourth industrial revolution is now upon us.

The foundation of this revolution is connectivity, computing, data and AI. It is marked by a fusion of technologies straddling the physical, digital and biological worlds. It's my firm conviction that India can not only participate in the fourth industrial revolution, but has the opportunity to be a leader.”

Ambani lauded the suc-

the costs for / personally project managed the warehouse conversion into the Mandir.

The Parmars allege that the swaps were unsuitable for them and that Barclays did not inform them of the risks involved. A High Court claim that has been ongoing since 2015 went to trial on 13 November.

The Parmars were told the products could expose them to losses of £77k, but claim Barclays had already calculated the real potential future breakage costs could be as high as £300k,

which is four times greater than what was disclosed to them. Barclays used the Parmars credit limit (without them knowing) to protect themselves against breakage costs, damaging the development of their family business and future borrowing ability.

Many corporates who have been sold interest rate hedging products were not informed that their credit limit was used as a form of protection for their bank. The bank calculated the potential future costs of the derivative, then secretly attached the additional costs to the customer's credit limit; in effect worsening their

Loan-to-Value ratio without the customer knowing.

Unfortunately, all of these types of disputes that have reached High Court have lost. Despite this, the Parmars are determined to prove that they were mistreated by the Bank, and wish to set a precedent to support other SMEs. Regardless of the outcome, it is important to remember that no matter how insurmountable the establishment and challenge - justice and truth can prevail. I raised this issue in 2011, however, the regulator (FCA) did not think it was important.

Only after the involvement

Salil Parekh

of the Press (and my friend, now a Conservative MP, Matthew Warman), did the FCA and the Government begin to remedy this issue.

The result?

Over 40,000 SMEs received redress from their Banks.

No matter how insurmountable the challenge looks, never underestimate the ability of truth to prevail!

Tel: 020 7183 2277 www.vedantahedging.com

CURRENCY VOICE

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Foreign Exchange

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

Brexit deal in tatters

Paresh Davdra is CEO and Co-Founder of RationalFX

The ongoing and tense negotiations have led to a broad agreement by the UK to a gross financial settlement of £89bn on leaving the bloc, although the British expect the final net bill to be half as much.

The news brings the two sides close to agreement on a key obstacle to opening talks on a future free trade pact.

A senior EU official told major news broadcasters that the UK appeared ready to honour its share of the EU’s unpaid bills, loans, pension and other liabilities accrued over 44 years of membership. The EU's demands include London paying a share of post-Brexit EU spending on commitments made before Britain leaves in March 2019 as well as funding of EU staff pensions for decades to come.

Sources confirmed that work was still continuing ahead of May’s talks with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and his chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier. But EU diplomats briefed on progress said the British offer was promising and that, on the financial settlement, the two sides were, as one said, “close to a deal”.

Minister Theresa May met European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker for lunch in Brussels for what could be a breakthrough in Brexit talks. If both sides are happy with progress on

divorce talks. The plan is to sign a joint declaration on progress so far in the talks. The key talking points still up proving to be a hindrance in negotiations moving forward is the Irish boarder. Investors are optimistic that are joint declaration is signed this afternoon.

It is thought a phone call between May and DUP leader Arlene Foster, which took place after a proposed solution to the Irish border question emerged, is behind the scuppered deal. In the morning it was revealed that Juncker had shown some MEPs a draft version of an agreement that talked of "regulatory alignment" between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after Brexit, which would avoid the need for a hard border.

However, that proposal was rejected by the DUP, with Foster saying she would not accept any regulatory divergence from the rest of the UK. Journalists understand that May spoke with Foster after the Northern Irish leader's press conference, which then put an end to hopes for a deal today.

The European Union statistics office, confirmed a preliminary estimate that euro zone gross domestic product (GDP) grew 0.6 percent from July to September from the previous quarter and on a year on year basis was 2.5 percent

EUR / USD

21

higher. The strong growth was powered by Germany, driven by buoyant exports and rising company investments in equipment.

Talks on forming a coalition government in Germany have collapsed, leaving Angela Merkel facing her biggest challenge in 12 years as chancellor. Germany's three would-be coalition partners went deep into overtime in talks as they sought enough common ground in climate and migration policy to form a government and stave off the prospect of a repeat election.

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Germany was facing an unprecedented situation and that he would hold talks with all parties. He said this would include parties that not had been involved in the talks so far and called on politicians to work together and make compromises for the "well-being" of the country.

The euro continued to recover after a series of European business surveys painted a positive picture for the growth outlook of the region. According to purchasing managers index, businesses in the region experienced their best monthly performance since 2011.

The headline figure rose from 56 to 57.5 with all the main indicators of output, demand, employment and inflation at multiyear highs GBP / USD

for the month of November.

Last month data in the US showed a surprise rise in retail sales last month as well as an uptick in underlying inflation, cementing expectations for an interest rate hike in December.

U.S. consumer prices barely rose in October as the boost to gasoline prices from hurricanerelated disruptions to Gulf Coast oil refineries was unwound, but rising rents and healthcare costs pointed to a gradual build-up of underlying inflation.

The Labour Department said its Consumer Price Index edged up 0.1 percent last month after jumping 0.5 percent in September. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the CPI nudging up 0.1 percent in October.

Fed Chair Janet Yellen stuck by her prediction that U.S. inflation will soon rebound although she is "very uncertain" about this.

Yellen said that the US central bank is still reasonably close to its goals and should continue to stick to its planned monetary tightening path in order to kerb inflation and unemployment. However she did not rule out the possibility of prices remaining low for years to come and said that any increases in interest rates are likely to be gradual.

Weekly Currencies

As of Tuesday 5th December 2017 @ 2.20pm GBP - INR = 86.48

USD - INR = 64.43 EUR - INR = 76.16 GBP - USD = 1.34 GBP - EUR = 1.14

EUR - USD = 1.18 GBP - AED = 4.93 GBP - CAD = 1.7

GBP - NZD = 1.95

GBP - AUD = 1.76 GBP - ZAR = 18.2

GBP - HUF = 356.81

www.rationalfx.com

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

GBP / EUR

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22

WORLD

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Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

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SRI LANKA

US and Lanka strengthen trade and transportation partnership COLOMBO: US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Atul Keshap and secretary of civil aviation G S Withanage signed an agreement to amend the US-Sri Lanka Open Skies Agreement of 2002 to facilitate the movement of cargo goods more efficiently and profitably. The amendment strengthens global express delivery cargo networks, enhances bilateral connectivity and competitiveness, and facilitates economic growth and job creation.

strengthens the robust and longstanding trade relationship between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said Ambassador Keshap. “As Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner, the United States economic US envoy Atul Keshap and Sri Lanka seeks Secretary of Civil Aviation GS growth that proWithanage signed an agreement vides employment and opportunity for “This amendment to the citizens of both our our bilateral Open Skies nations.”

Agreement further

The signing took place during the Tenth International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN 2017) held in Colombo on December 4. Within the ICAN 2017 framework, the United States is meeting with over a dozen countries and agreed in principle on amendments to two existing aviation agreements to expand rights for US carriers to include key seventh-freedom rights for all-cargo operations.

Lanka to have new drug prevention programme soon COLOMBO: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said a comprehensive drug prevention programme would be initiated and added that the government did not intend to increase state income through cigarette and alcohol sales. He said that the government would take possible measures to boost free health service, free education and agricultural sectors.

The President made

Maithripala Sirisena

this statement during a debate in parliament on the financial heads of the health, nutrition and indigenous medicine min-

istry and housing and construction ministry. He said the people of this country do not have to bear the burden of health and education as it was provided free.

“During the past few years we have made great strides in the health and education sectors. “As a former health minister I know the pressure I was under, but today the health minister is lucky to be able to work freely without any pressure, as I have given him the space to

carry out his duties. He has also done a commendable job during the past three years, to uplift the health sector,” the President said.

While commending the health minister for giving proper leadership to the ministry to achieve unprecedented progress, President Sirisena said during his tenure as the health minister, cancer patients were only given Rs 1.5 million as treatment allocations.

UAE invited to be partner in Sri Lanka's economic transformation COLOMBO: Rishad Bathiudeen, the Sri Lankan Minister of Industry and Commerce, invited United Arab Emirates to be a partner in Lanka's transformation as an economic hub in the Indian Ocean. The minister was addressing the 76th National Day Celebrations of UAE in Colombo. "Our vision is to make Sri Lanka a prosperous nation by 2025. We will do so by transforming Sri Lanka into the hub of the Indian Ocean with a knowledge-based highly competitive social-market economy. We invite the UAE to be a strong partner in achieving our targets," the Minister said.

The Minister noted that the total trade turnover between the two countries was US$ 1.3 billion in 2016 and US$ 1.18 billion in the first half of 2017. "There is great potential for us to export higher volumes and high value added products to the UAE. Sri Lanka has keen interest in inviting the UAE investors to invest in Sri Lanka espe-

cially in infrastructure projects as Sri Lanka is transforming itself as a hub in the Indian Ocean.

You will agree with me that currently the global political and economic balance of power is undergoing key shifts and major re-adjustments are in the offing," he said.

Minister Bathiudeen noting that there are over 122,000 Sri Lankans living and working in the UAE, expressed his appreciation to the UAE Government for providing employment opportunities for those Sri Lankans and making every effort to look after their welfare. UAE Ambassador to Sri Lanka Abdul Hamid Abdul Fattah Kazim Al Mulla addressing the event said the two countries have to consolidate the already strong bilateral relations.

"The visit of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of UAE to Sri Lanka this November further strengthened bilateral cooperation in areas of common interest.

AFRICA

'Coup' leaders get key posts in Zimbabwe cabinet HARARE: Zimbabwe's new President Emmerson Mnangagwa has given key jobs to two senior military officials who played a central role in bringing him to power. Sibusiso Moyo, the Army officer who went on state TV on November 15 to announce the military's takeover of power, was appointed foreign minister. Air Force commander Perrance Shiri was made the new minister of lands, agriculture and rural resettlement.

Shiri is notorious for having led the military operation against opponents of Mugabe in Matabeleland in the early 1980s. The operation resulted in the killing of

an estimated 20,000 civilians.

The 22 members of the cabinet are all members of the ruling Zanu PF party, dashing Zimbaweans' hopes that Mnangagwa might include opposition representatives in his government. The 75-yearold had promised in his inauguration speech to reach out to the opposition and also pledged sweeping reforms and a crackdown on rampant corruption.

Following the announcement, many Zimbabweans took to social media to vent their anger and disappointment. "Up until now, we had given the coup the

Emmerson Mnangagwa

benefit of doubt. We did so in the genuine, perhaps naive view that the country could actually move forward. We craved for change, peace and stability... How wrong we were," wrote Tendai Biti,

Zimbabwe's former finance minister and a key government critic.

Zimbabwean media mogul Trevor Ncube tweeted: "President Mnangagwa's Cabinet is very disappointing.

Largely the same people that caused this crisis have been recycled. The honeymoon comes to an end and reality dawns."

Mnangagwa, who promised a "leaner" cabinet after taking power, has fewer ministers than in Mugabe's last government. Patrick Chinamasa was brought back as finance and economic development minister, a post he previously held under Mugabe.

Nasa vows to continue with plans to 'swear-in' Raila NAIROBI: The National Super Alliance (Nasa) has vowed to continue with its plans to swear in opposition leader Raila Odinga as the “people’s president” despite the arrest of one of its key strategists.

Nasa leaders said they would roll out a programme of events leading up to Odinga’s December 12 swearing-in at a venue that is yet to be announced. Odinga is expected to address a press conference on on the swearing-in programme.

Nasa strategist David

Ndii was arrested earlier over his role in formation of people’s assembly and the ongoing push to have Odinga sworn in on December 12. The arrest of the economist is said to have shaken the organising committee, which was unveiled last week to facilitate both the formation of the assembly and the swearing-in. A senior official in the Nasa steering committee said they had expected Ndii’s arrest.

“The State is all over us. We are doing everything within the law and

Raila Odinga

we are aware that the moment we step out, the state will be waiting for us. We are going on but cautiously,” he said. Nasa has stated that it will not

recognise President Kenyatta’s government and the formation of the committee is seen as an escalation of the political war between the two sides over the manner the two presidential elections were conducted.

Part of the mandate of the committee, believed to be headed by Ndii, is to develop plans on how to reinforce Nasa’s defiance against President Kenyatta’s rule and push for either a fresh election or secession through a “people’s assembly”.

Tanzania detains activists for 'promoting homosexuality' DODOMA: A group of human rights lawyers and activists who were researching a case against the Tanzanian government has been detained after police accused them of “promoting homosexuality”.

Among those arrested were three lawyers from the Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa (Isla), a human rights legal organisation, and nine members of Community Health and Education Services and Advocacy (Chesa), a Tanzanian sex workers’ rights organisation.

Matilda Lasseko, an Isla lawyer, said members of the organisation were in Tanzania to discuss a possible case against the government, which over the past year has been shutting down private HIV centres around the country as part of a crackdown on homosexuality. “The Chesa team approached us about the situation, and my colleagues, including our executive director Sibongile Ndashe, went to Tanzania to meet them and establish factual information to see if there were grounds for bringing a case,” said Lasseko.

The meeting was due to take place on 16-17

October in Dar es Salaam.

“The police came and the group showed them the agenda and the notes and they left again. But they returned, and took everyone to the police station.”

The Isla lawyers – two from South Africa, one from Uganda – were initially given bail after surrendering their passports, which they were asked to come in and retrieve the following day. The Chesa representatives, who are all Tanzanians, were detained without charge.

The following day, police issued a statement saying 13 people had been arrested for committing the offence of promoting homosexuality.

“People are being arrested almost every day,” said LGBT campaigner James Wandera Ouma.

“I’ve been arrested 17 times. It’s straightforward harassment and intimidation.” In October 2016, the Tanzanian government announced a ban on HIV/Aids outreach projects aimed at gay men, and closed US-funded programmes that provide testing, condoms and medical care to the gay community.

The countrywide closure of private HIV clinics began soon afterwards.

WORLD

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

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Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

Musharraf may ally with Hafiz Saeed for 2018 polls ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf, who earlier came in support of the terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), has now said that he would welcome an alliance with global terrorist and 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed for the general election in 2018.

When asked about the option of having an alliance with JuD chief Saeed, Musharraf in an interview said, "so far, there has be no talks with them but if they want to be part of the alliance, I would welcome them."

The former military ruler had earlier announced the formation of a grand political alliance after a consultative meeting between representatives of around two dozen political parties, including the Sunni Tehreek, Majlis-iWahdatul Muslimeen,

Pervez Musharraf

Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and Musharraf's own All Pakistan Muslim League (APML).

However, several parties dissociated themselves from Musharraf's Awami Ittehad alliance after he announced the formation of a "grand alliance" of 23 parties.

According to media reports, two major partners of the alliance - the Pakistan Awami Tehrik and the Majlis Wahdat-eMuslimeen - denied being

part of the coalition headed by Musharraf.

Saeed, who continues to be an influential person among certain religious groups despite being an internationally designated terrorist, announced that he would contest the general election in 2018.

The announcement came days after the Lahore High Court ordered his release from the house arrest.

However, the JuD chief did not disclose anything about the constituency he would like to contest from.

Though, the JuD formed Milli Muslim League (MML) in August when Saeed was detained in Lahore, the party has yet to be recognised by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Saeed is a wanted terrorist by India and the United States for his alleged role in masterminding the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai that

Donald Trump

senior US diplomat said: "The idea of a visit has obviously been floated, but not December and not January. I would not expect a Trump visit in January."

Focus on terror, not on me, Trump tells May Trump, in an unprecedented public attack rebuked Theresa May on Twitter after Britain criti-

cised him for retweeting British far right anti-Islam videos. “Theresa @theresamay, don’t focus on me, focus on the destructive Radical Islamic Terrorism that is taking place within the United Kingdom. We are doing just fine,” Trump tweeted, sparking further outrage in Britain that has seen several major Islamist militant attacks on its streets.

Trump’s unrepentant response was a reaction to May’s spokesman who criticised his retweets of anti-Islam videos originally posted by a leader of a British far-right fringe group. “It is wrong for the president to have done this,” the spokesman said.

Trump sparked criticism on both sides of the

I am LeT's 'biggest supporter': Musharraf Earlier Musharraf has said he was the "biggest supporter" of (LeT) and expressed his liking for Hafiz Saeed. "I am the biggest supporter of LeT and I know they like me and JuD also likes me," Musharraf said. Asked if he liked Saeed, the former Pakistan Army chief said he does and that he had met him. Acknowledging that the JuD and LeT were waging a "jihad" to liberate Jammu and Kashmir from India, Musharraf said: "Yes, they are involved in Kashmir and I support them." Musharraf said that he had always favoured "action" in Kashmir. "I was always in favour of action in Kashmir and of suppressing the Indian Army in Kashmir."

Atlantic by sharing antiMuslim videos posted by Jayda Fransen, deputy leader of the group Britain First, who was convicted this month for abusing a Muslim woman.

His new response triggered outrage in Britain, with some opposition politicians demanding he apologise for his sharp words to May. Islamist militants have carried out several major attacks in Britain this year that have killed a total of 36 people, including a bombing in Manchester and two attacks on bridges in London in which victims were rammed with vehicles and stabbed. A spokesman for May declined to comment on Trump’s tweet.

Nations urged to sever ties with N Korea UNITED NATIONS: The US warned that North Korea’s leadership will be “utterly destroyed” if war breaks out but its call for nations to cut ties with Pyongyang was rejected

by Moscow while Beijing sidestepped talk of an oil embargo.

Washington urged tough action at an emergency meeting of the UN security council held to respond to North Korea’s launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). “The dictator of North Korea made a choice that brings the

world closer to war, not farther from it,” US ambassador Nikki Haley told the council. “If war comes, make no mistake: The North Korean regime will be utterly destroyed.”

But her call for nations to “cut off all ties with North Korea” was rejected

by Moscow, with foreign minister Sergei Lavrov saying Russia saw the proposal “negatively.” “We have repeatedly stated that the pressure of sanctions has been exhausted,” Lavrov said. US President Trump derided Kim Jong-un as a “sick

puppy” and threatened “major” new sanctions after Pyongyang tested its third ICBM - which it claimed was capable of striking anywhere in the United States.

The test ended a twomonth lull in missile tests that had raised hopes for the opening of diplomatic talks. The North said the weapon could land anywhere in the continental US and France said Europe was also in striking distance.

North Korea’s Kim said the test of the Hwasong-15 weapons

Act urgently against terrorists: US Defence Secy tells Pakistan

claimed 166 lives. He even carries a bounty of 10 million USD on his head for his role in the attack.

Donald Trump’s 'working visit' to UK dropped as tensions with May grow WASHINGTON: US diplomats have dropped plans for Donald Trump to conduct a visit to Britain in January amid a war of words between the leaders of both the countries.

Trump had been scheduled for a ‘working visit’ to UK in the first month of 2018 to formally open America’s new London embassy. The trip, a scaled down version of a state visit with no meeting with the Queen, was intended to allow Trump to come to the UK while avoiding the mass protests a full state visit would likely to trigger.

However, according to reliable sources, the trip has been pushed into the long grass, with no new date in the diary picked. A

23

system had helped his country achieve the goal of becoming a full nuclear power, sparking global condemnation. Haley said Trump had called Chinese President Xi Jinping and urged him to “cut off the oil from North Korea”, a move that would deal a crippling blow to North Korea’s economy. “That would be a pivotal step in the world’s effort to stop this international pariah,” she said, warning that if Beijing does not act, “we can take the oil situation into our own hands.”

James Mattis

I S L A M A B A D: US Defence Secretary James Mattis has urged Pakistan to redouble its efforts to confront terrorists operating within the country.

A US embassy statement issued after Mattis met Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Minister of Defence Khurram Dastigir Khan, said the U S Defence Secretary reiterated that Pakistan must redouble its efforts to confront militants and terrorists operating within the country.

He stressed the vital role that Pakistan can play in working with the United States and others to facilitate a peace process in Afghanistan and bring back stability and security to the region. He also met Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the Director General of I n t e r- S e r v i c e s Intelligence Lt. Gen. Naveed Mukhtar.

Mattis, who held talks with the Pakistani civil and military leadership, said the purpose of his visit was to find common grounds in order to create a positive, consistent and long term relationship with Pakistan.

He also underscored the importance of continuing and deepening cooperation for the common

objective of eliminating terrorism from the region.

Recalling the long standing relationship with the United States, Abbasi underlined the need for a broad based engagement to strengthen partnership and enhance cooperation between the two coun tries.

He agreed with Secretary Mattis that both Pakistan and the US have common stakes in securing peace and security in Afghanistan for the long term stability of the region. Earlier, Mattis arrived on Monday for his maiden visit to Pakistan since taking charge of the Pentagon.

He was received by the officials from the defence and foreign ministries at the Nur Khan Airbase, Chaklala.

Mattis' visit came days after the release of Lashkar- e -Taiba ( LeT ) leader Hafiz Saeed from house arrest in Pakistan following which the U S had strongly condemned Islamabad and called for his immediate re - arrest and prosecution. The White House, in a statement, had said: "The United States strongly condemns the release of LeT leader Haft Saeed from house arrest in Pakistan and calls for his immediate re-arrest and prosecution."

India's re-election to IMO Council LONDON: Standing for re-election under category B of the International Maritime Organisation ( IMO ) Council, India won with 144 votes, gathering the second highest number of votes after Germany. India is a founding member of the IMO, having ratified its Convention and has been a member ever since, except for 2 years in 198384. India has always been very active in associating with various initiatives of the IMO. India’s contributions have been vital to the working of the IMO and in setting up norms and regulations in the maritime sector. India is a significant seafaring nation, having approxi mately 8% share in the world market for seafarers.

The re-election is an outcome of coordinated efforts between the High Commission of India in London, Ministry of External Affairs and

Ministry of Shipping as well as India’s missions around the globe. Hon’ble Minister for Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari, addressed the IMO Assembly on November 28, 2017 where he highlighted India’s contribution to the IMO. India’s re-election is important keeping in mind its growing trade.

India is the fastest growing large economy in the world and has an abiding interest in international seaborne trade. It is planning to build 4 new ports and modernize 15 existing ports with a total investment of about U S D 100 billion.

India is looking forward to playing an important role in the IMO.

24

INDIA-NORTH, SOUTH, EAST

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Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

49 killed as Cyclone Ockhi hits Kerala, TN and Lakshwadeep THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/KANYAKUMARI: At least 49 people were killed as Cyclone Ockhi wrecks havoc in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Lakshadweep.

Death toll in the coastal areas of Kerala rose to 25 even as over 600 fishermen stranded at sea were rescued. Storm Ockhi has centred itself over east central and south east central Arabian Sea, killing 14 in Lakshadweep Islands and at least 10 in Tamil Nadu.

The storm is reportedly heading towards Gujarat.

Sources said 11 of those dead in Kerala were from state capital Thiruvananthapuram.

They said a total of 690 fishermen have been rescued in combined opera-

tions carried out by the Navy, Coast Guard and Air F o r c e .

Ninety six are still missing.

Following the storm 63 houses were fully damaged and 74 partially. As many as 6,581 persons have been shifted to various relief camps. The Met office said a fresh bout of rainfall is expected to lash Tamil Nadu as the wellmarked low pressure area over the south Andaman sea is likely to turn into a depression in the next two days. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has

reviewed the search and rescue operations in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Sitharaman tweeted, “An update on the search and rescue efforts being done by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force to save the lives of fishermen affected by #CycloneOckhi: 357 fishermen have been saved as of 10 am today”. She flew to Kanyakumari, one of the

worst-hit areas, and held discussions with deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam along with other ministers and officials. She reportedly also heard people's grievances.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami said work to rescue fishermen in Coimbatore is in full swing with the Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard, deploying aircraft and ships.

A bulletin by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said the cyclone has moved further northwest-wards at a speed of 12 kmph, laying centred about 440 km west-northwest of Amin Divi, 870 km south-west of Mumbai and 1,070 km south-south west of Surat.

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Bengal govt seeks simultaneous by-polls to LS, assembly NEW DELHI: A delegation from the Trinamool Congress reportedly met the Election Commission officials demanding holding of simultaneous by-elections in one Lok Sabha and two assembly constituencies in West Bengal in “greater public interest”.

The seats have fallen vacant following the resignation of Manas Bhunia, MLA from Sabong, and the death of Noapara MLA Madhusudan Ghosh on August 18, and Sultan Ahmed from Uluberia Lok Sabha seat, on September 4.

The EC has already announced the dates for the by-election to a few seats in legislative assemblies of different states including Sabong in West Bengal.

TMC MPs Derek O'Brien and Kalyan Banerjee met the Election Commission and submitted a memoran-

dum asking it to hold simultaneous by-elections in the two assembly and Lok Sabha constituency.

The memorandum reads, “All these three vacancies were caused within July 24 to September 4, 2017, which is less than one and half months. In the fitness of the situation, all these three vacancies are required to be filled simultaneously to allow the electorate of those constituencies to elect their representatives and the sooner it is done it would not only be better for them, but also conform to the practised conventions.”

The TMC has also referred to the vacancy caused by the demise of E Ahmed, member of parliament of Malappuram parliamentary constituency in Kerala, to stress on their demand.

Madhusudanan is AIADMK nominee for RK Nagar Police arrest man over link Sasikala. He was finalised Mandram A Tamilmagan CHENNAI: AIADMK prewith Bangla terror group owing to his loyalty Hussain, former secretary sidium chairman E Madhusudanan has been named the party's candidate for the by-election to the Dr Radhakrishnan Nagar Assembly constituency in Chennai on December 21. The decision was made at the AIADMK Parliamentary Board headed by party coordinator O Panneerselvam and co-coordinator Edappadi K

E Madhusudanan

Palaniswami.

There were others keen to contest, including secretary of the MGR

Punjab police bust plot of radical extremists

CHANDIGARH: Indian security forces recently arrested some proKhalistan extremists from Punjab, including a British national identified as Jagtar Singh Johal alias Jaggi. Along with target killings, these extremists are also known to use the cyberspace to incite youth in Punjab. Jaggi was reportedly in touch with Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) members, including chief Harminder Singh.

Interrogation with members of recently busted modules hired by Sikh extremist groups in Punjab heard his name emerge multiple times.

Also revealed were links of foreign-based radical extremist entities trying to revive Sikh militancy in the country.

Director General of Police, Punjab, Suresh Arora said, “One is (that the) ISI link is well established. Two, the nexus between the gangsters is providing the weapons is well established. Three, exploitation of our innocent youth by radicalising them. To misguide those sitting outside and those who are here, that is also well established.” Jaggi has also been associated with Gursharanbir Singh of the

UK and Harmeet from Pakistan, for promoting terror activities. Another Khalistan Liberation Front member, Taljeet Singh, who was in touch with Jaggi while living in Glasgow, is now in jail for funding and sourcing the weapons Despite steady protests from the UK's Indian diaspora to free Jaggi, Indian authorities remain firm that the youngster is radicalised and those supporting him, are speaking out for a terrorist. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said, “Well, ISI is always looking for any opportunity whether it is Khalistani or anything and to disturb the peace in India is ISI's objective, so whether they were Khalistanis or not, only time will tell, but certainly the background is ISI.” Former DGP (Prisons), Punjab, Shashi Kant said, “The consistent efforts of Pakistan have been and will continue to make an attempt to ensure that somehow there is any trouble and instability in Punjab and other parts of the country.”

Several pro-Khalistan activists are running propaganda on the internet, stating Jaggi is being tortured.

of the South Chennai district unit Adhi Rajaram and the party's nominee in the constituency in the 996 Assembly elections RMD Raveendran.

Madhusudanan however, argued that he should be fielded as he was denied the ticket in 2011 due to “pressure” from sidelined AIADMK leader VK

towards the party and his experience and seniority.

Opposition DMK has retained its candidate Marudu Ganesh, while sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran confirmed his candidature for the by-election which was necessitated following the demise of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.

Gobind Singh Longowal elected new SGPC president AMRITSAR: Gobind Singh Longowal has won the presidential post in the recently held Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) election by defeating Amrik Singh by a margin of 15 votes.

Longowal has been the vice president of Punjab's former ruling party, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for the last 10 years. The apex gurdwara body is controlled by the Parkash Singh Badal party, given its majority in the general house.

The vote took place after objections were raised over Longowal's direct selection for the post. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh has now said the elected leader is no longer guilty. He said there is nothing wrong in electing him as the new president. The statement came in response to the opposition of several Sikh bodies who argued that Longowal cannot hold the post because he served 'tankhah' (religious punishment) ordered by the Akal Takht for visiting Sirsa Dera Saccha Sauda to seek votes in the previous assembly elections. Singh said, “Once a person accepts his guilt and serves the punishment awarded to

Gobind Singh Longowal

him, he no longer remains guilty.

He also added that since Longowal accepted his guilt before the Sri Darbar Sahib (Amritsar Golden Temple) and performed the sewa assigned to him “as per the Sikh maryada, he is now a Sikh without any guilt. He can now be accepted into the Sangat.” In response to demands made by Sikh bodies opposing Longowal's claim that he had submitted a written clarification stating he never visited the dera, Giani Singh said, “Longowal might have submitted the clarification after the 'tankhah' was announced.” Meanwhile, spokesperson of Dal Khalsa, Kanwar Pal Singh, said, “Even if Logowal has completed the tankhah, his inner conscience is questionable because he had visited the anti-panthic cult (Sirsa dera) for votes.

KOLKATA: A Special Task Force of Kolkata Police has arrested a man for his alleged association with the banned Ansarullah Bangla Team from the India-Nepal border. The arrest has raised the total number of people in custody for links with the Bangladeshi terror group to five. Omar Farooq alias Mohammed Aftab Khan, was caught red handed by STF officials trying to escape from the Nepal border.

Authorities had announced a reward for any information on Khan and two others named Shopon Biswas alias Tamim and Nayan Gazi alias Zafor. After receiving

information obtained after interrogating the four arrested before, a police team conducted a raid at a hideout near the IndiaNepal border and nabbed Aftab. The accused was attached to the banned terror outfit's explosives wing and was an expert in preparing improvised explosive devices. Aftab had entered India with the help of a Mohammed Sahadat Hossain, who was arrested from central Kolkata last week.

He had stayed at a hotel in Howrah, along with Tamim. These terrorists are suspected to be behind the killing of secular bloggers and writers in Bangladesh.

Mamata trying to finish Gorkhaland movement: Gurung

NEW DELHI: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leader Bimal Gurung has claimed in the Supreme Court that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is trying to break his party to put an end to the movement for a separate statehood. The SC said the movement was one thing, but no one can be allowed to take law into his own hand. Speaking in front of a bench comprising of Justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan, Gurung said he has been framed in several fakes cases and if allowed to surrender, then he will be in jail for a decade and entire movement will be finished.

“There are difference of opinion between me and Chief Minister of West Bengal. Effort is being made to break my party and pop up a new leader. If today I am given to the police, then I will be in jail for another decade and the whole movement will be finished,” said senior advo-

Bimal Gurung

cate PS Patwalia who appeared on behalf of Gurung. He claimed that movements for separate states were occurring “everywhere and new states are being carved out.” Patwalia continued that if the impression goes out that “I have been treated unfairly and wronged, then this would create more unrest in Darjeeling and hence these cases be referred to the CBI.” According to him, multiple FIRs were lodged by West Bengal police over violence in hills.

HERITAGE HISTORY

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Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

Dr. Hari Desai

Sardar Patel opts for Partition of India On 25 December 1946, Vallabhbhai was willing to see India divided Churchil advised Jinnah on the ‘moth-eaten and truncated Pakistan’

“Nehru and Vallabhbhai Patel, the two big Congressmen in the Interim Government, accept Partition on the understanding that by conceding Pakistan to (Mohmmad Ali) Jinnah

N

one should be shocked or surprised if one says that Sardar Patel (31 October 1875 - 10 December 1950) was the first person to accept the Partition of British India as the only solution of the ongoing communal problem. Rajmohan Gandhi, who wrote a wellresearched biography of Patel, and even V. P. Menon, who was a confident of both, the Viceroy, Lord Mountbatten, and the Minister of States, Sardar Patel, records the facts leading to the conclusion that the Sardar gave green signal to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for

Nehru put it privately, that by ‘cutting off the head we get rid of the headache’.”

Almost six month before officially accepting the formula of Partition of British India, Patel had made up his mind to get rid of Jinnah by accepting his demand for Pakistan, Rajmohan indicates in his “Patel : A Life”. By the announcement of Prime Minister Clement Attlee on 20 February 1947, the indication of Partition was clear. “About two months earlier- ‘late in December 1946 or early in January 1947-, Menon had outlined to him(Patel) a scheme for transfer of power on the basis of par-

Lord and Lady Mountbatten with Gandhiji

accepting the Menon scheme of Partition of British India; keeping Mahatma Gandhi in dark.

Alan Campbell-Johnson records in his “Mission with Mountbatten” on 1 June 1947 quoting his letter to his mother from Viceroy’s House, New Delhi: “Nehru and Vallabhbhai Patel, the two big Congressmen in the Interim Government, accept Partition on the understanding that by conceding Pakistan to (Mohmmad Ali) Jinnah, they will hear no more of him and eliminate his nuisance value, or, as

tition and Dominion status, and Patel had responded with approval.

This was a considerable change, for as late as December 15 he had referred to Pakistan as Jinnah’s ‘mad dream’ and reacted with indignation to any suggestion that Congress might ‘agree to help him’ in realizing it.

About two week later Menon does not give the exact date -, Vallabhbhai was willing to see India divided.” Gandhi adds : “Considering, moreover, that Vallbhbhai was quite ill throughout the first week of January, and in

us; you take no sides. Let paramountcy be dead; you do not directly or indirectly try to revive it in any manner. You do not interfere. We shall settle our problem. The Princes are ours and we shall deal with them.’ On those conditions we agreed to Partition and on those conditions the Bill in Parliament was passed in two months, agreed to by all the three parties. Show me any instance in the history of the British Parliament when such a Bill was passed in two months. But this was done. It gave birth to this Parliament.”

K. M. Munshi records in his “Pilgrimage to Freedom” : “Even Churchil advised Jinnah to accept the Bothe the PMs : Pandit Nehru and Liaquat Ali ‘moth-eaten and truncated Pakistan’. The India refused to join the the light of Menon’s teswhich nobody knows. I Independence Act, 1947 Constituent Assembly timony that after Patel agreed to Partition as a last passed by the British (CA) to prepare the expressed his consent he, resort, when we had Parliament paved way for Constitution for undividMenon, ‘dictated the outreached a stage when we the transfer of power to ed Free India. Gandhiji line of a plan’ in the could have lost all. We had the Indian Union and the offered to make Jinnah Sardar’s presence, we are five or six members in the Pakistan Union on 15 the Prime Minister of probably right in fixing Government, the Muslim August 1947, ahead of the Free India to avoid the December 25, 1946 as the League members. They had original declaration.

Partition. Jinnah saw a date of the change.” already established themMenon joined the trap in it and even refused Menon had two arguselves as members who had States Ministry headed by to join the Interim ments. Firstly, ‘it was betcome to partition the counPatel and with the conGovernment headed by ter that the country try. At that stage we agreed sent of the Sardar he Pandit Nehru in the inishould be divided rather to Partition; we decided could carry out the Plan tial stage on 2 September than it should gravitate that Partition could be to accede the Princely 1946 but later made his towards civil war.’ agreed upon on the terms States to India on three people join it on 15 Secondly, ‘by consenting that the Punjab should be subjects i.e. Defence, October 1946 “to carry to Dominion status, partitioned-they wanted External Affairs and out his mission for Congress would gain the whole of it-that Bengal Communication. He had Pakistan”. Sardar Patel British goodwill which should be partitioned-they earlier submitted this describes in the would help in bringing wanted Calcutta and the plan to the Viceroy, Lord Constituent Assembly on the princes round’. whole of it.”

Linlithgow, to achieve the 10 October 1949, the Patel’s industrialist “Mr. Jinnah did not basic unity of India but havoc played by the friend, Ghanshyamdas want a truncated unlike Linlithgow, British officials on the Birla, had played an Pakistan, but he Patel after conpeople of Punjab by joinimportant role at this had to swallow ing hands with the juncture. it. We said that Next Column: sulting Nehru wholeheartMuslim Leaguers, creatMountbatten arrived these two Maharaja edly agreed ing a situation to resign in India on 22 March 1947 provinces Hanwant’s Filmy to the Menon from the Interim and took over as the should be parLife and Death Plan, pending Government.

Viceroy two days later. As titioned.

I active co-operPatel told the per the 20 February 1947 made a further ation of Constituent Assembly: “It announcement of PM, condition that in Mountbatten. Menon was a time of touch and go Clement Attlee, the two months' time power describes the events in and we could have lost British had expressed should be transferred and his book “Integration of India. Then we insisted ‘intention of transferring an Act should be passed the Indian States”. Today that we had come to a stage power in British India to

by Parliament in that even after 67 years of his when power must be transIndian hands by June time, if it was guaranteed death, Patel continues to ferred immediately, what1948’.The Cabinet that the British be the national hero. ever happens, and then we Mission’s Plan of 16 May Government would not (The writer is a decided to resign. It was at 1946 did not fulfill the interfere with the quesSocio-political Historian. that time that Lord hopes of all Indian partion of the Indian States.

E-mail: Mountbatten came. I give ties. The Muslim League We said, ‘we will deal with haridesai@gmail.com) you this inner history showed all tantrums and that question; leave it to

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GUJARAT ELECTION

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Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

List of 93 candidates for Phase II of the Gujarat Assembly elections, to be held on December 14

Gujarat polls scheduled to take place this month will be neck and neck battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress, with the former only managing to scrape by a margin of a hair. An opinion poll released recently has predicted that both parties would get 43 per cent of the votes, however, BJP could possibly win between 91 and 99 seats, a far cry from their claim of 150, while the Congress will have to settle for somewhere between 78 and 86 seats in the 182-member assembly.

Sl. No. 89. Viramgam 90. Sanand 91. Ghatlodiya 92. Vejalpur 93. Vatva 94. Ellisbridge 95. Naranpura 96. Nikol 97. Thakkarbapanagar 98. Bapunagar 99. Amraivadi 100. Dariyapur 101. Jamalpur-Khadia 102. Maninagar 103. Danilimda (SC) 104. Sabarmati 105. Asarva (SC) 106. Vaav 107. Tharad 108. Dhanera 109. Danta (ST) 110. Vadgam (SC) 111. Palanpur 112. Deesa 113. Deodar 114. Kankrej 115. Radhanpur 116. Chanasma 117. Patan 118. Siddhpur 119. Kheralu 120. Unjha 121. Visnagar 122. Bechraji 123. Kadi (SC) 124. Mehsana 125. Vijapur 126. Himmatnagar 127. Idar (SC) 128. Khedbrahma (ST) 129. Prantij 130. Bhiloda (ST) 131. Modasa 132. Bayad 133. Dehgam 134. Gandhinagar (South) 135. Gandhinagar (North)

BJP Dr. Tejashriben Patel Kanubhai Makwana Bhupendra Patel Kishorbhai Chauhan Pradeepsinh Jadeja Rakesh Shah Kaushikbhai Patel Jagdish Panchal Vallabh Kakadiya Jagrupsinh Rajput H.S. Patel Bharat Barot Bhushan Bhatt Sureshbhai Patel Jitubhai Vaghela Arvindbhai Patel Pradipsinh Parmar Shankarbhai Chaudry Parbat Patel Mavjibhai Desai (Rabari) Maljibhai Kodarvi Vijaybhai Chakravarty Laljibhai Prajapati Shashikantbhai Pandya Keshji Chauhan Kirtisinh Vaghela Lavingji Thakor Dilipji Thakor Ranchhodbhai Rabari Jaynarayan Vyas Bharatsinh Dabhi Narayanbhai S. Patel Hrishikesh Patel Rajnibhai S. Patel Karsanbhai Solanki Nitin Patel Ramanbhai Patel Rajendrakumar Chavda Hitu Kanodiya Ramilaben Bara Gajendrasinh Parmar P. C. Baranda Bhikhusinh Parmar Adesinh Chauhan Balrajsinh Chauhan Sambhuji Thakor Ashok Patel

Congress Lakhabhai Bharwad Pushpaben Dabhi Shashikant V. Patel Mihir Shah Bipin Patel Vijay dave Nitin K. Patel Indravijaysinh Gohil Babubhai Magukiya Himmatsinh Patel Arvindsinh Chauhan Gyassudin Shaikh Imran Khedavala Shwetaben Brahmbhatt Shailesh Parmar Dr. Jitubhai Patel Kanubhai Vaghela Jeniben Thakor D. D. Rajput Nathabhai Patel Nathabhai Patel Jignesh Mevani Mahesh Patel Govind Rabari (Gova Rabari) Shivabhai Bhuriya Dinesh Jhalor Alpesh Thakor Raghu Desai Dr. Kirit Patel Chandanbhai Thakor Ramji S. Thakor Dr. Ashaben Patel Mahesh Patel Bharat Thakor Rameshbhai Chavda Jivabhai Patel Nathabhai P. Patel Kamlesh Patel Manilal Vaghela Ashwin Kotwala Mahendrasinh Baraiya Anil Joshiyara Rajendrasinh Thakor Dhavalsinh Zala Kaminibaa Zala Govind Thakor C. J. Chavda

Ockhi dampen Gujarat Polls: Parties stand prepared After Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Lakshadweep fell victim to Ockhi, the cyclonic storm is expected along the Gujarat coast around midnight of TuesdayWednesday. The arrival of destruction is preceded by a steady downpour of rain in the state. As the state is set to go into polls in two phases, reports said rains, clouded skies, wind and a fall in temperature across several districts have slowed down political activities.

The election is scheduled to be held in two phases, on December 9 and 14. Campaigning for both will close on December 7 and 12, respectively. The storm is set to affect mainly coastal areas of Saurashtra and South Gujarat, which all go to polls in the first phase.

Following changed weath-

er conditions, BJP President Amit Shah, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, and Congress leader Raj Babbar were among those whose election rallies in different coastal districts of Gujarat were cancelled. Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is scheduled to address a dozen rallies in the coming three days, finds his campaigning subject to weather conditions.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, however, addressed a rally in Anjar.

Educational institutions, particularly schools, have been asked to remain shut until the impact of the storm wanes. Trains have also been delayed at some places and vehicular traffic was affected due to low visibility. Different ports have displayed alerts with danger signals.

The Election Commission of India has asked poll authorities to ensure all voters in Assembly seats falling in the path of the cyclone, are able to exercise their franchise on December 9 without inconvenience despite inclement weather. In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer of Gujarat, the EC said, considering the cyclone alert and the scheduled first phase of polls, “besides making effective arrangements for immediate relief and rehabilitation, adequate, effective, and fool-proof arrangements may also be made towards the smooth and efficient conduct of the election process.” It added that all authorities should also ensure that the voters are “able to exercise their franchise without any inconvenience.”

136. Mansa 137. Kalol 138. Khambhat 139. Borsad 140. Anklav 141. Umreth 142. Anand 143. Petlad 144. Sojitra 145. Matar 146. Nadiad 147. Mehamdavad 148. Mahudha 149. Thasra 150. Kapadvanj 151. Balasinor 152. Lunavada 153. Santrampur (ST) 154. Sahera 155. Morvahadaf (ST) 156. Godhra 157. Kalol 158. Halol 159. Fatehpura (ST) 160. Jalod (ST) 161. Limkheda (ST) 162. Dahod (ST) 163. Garbada (ST) 164. Devgadh Bariya 165. Savli 166. Vaghodiya 167. Sankheda (ST) 168. Dabhoi 169. Vadodara City (SC) 170. Sayajiganj 171. Akota 172. Ravpura 173. Manjalpur 174. Padra 175. Karjan 176. Chhota Udepur 177. Jetpur 178. Daskoi 179. Dholka 180. Dhandhuka

Amitbhai Chaudry Atulbhai Patel Maheshkumar Raval (Mayur) Ramanbhai Solanki Hansakunwarbaa Raj Govindbhai Parmar Yogeshbhai Patel (Bapji) C. D. Patel Vipulbhai Patel Kesharisinh Solanki Pankajbhai Desai Arjunsinh Chauhan Bharatsinh Parmar Ramsinh Parmar Kanubhai Dabhi Maansinh Chauhan Juvansinh Chauhan Dr. Kubersinh Dindor Jethabhai Ahir Vikramsinh Dindor Chandrasinh Raolji (C.K.) Sumanben Chauhan Jaydrathsinh Parmar Rameshbhai Katara Maheshbhai Bhuriya Shaileshbhai Bhabhor Kanaiyalal Kishori Mahendrasinh Bhabhor Bachubhai Khabad Ketanbhai Namdar Madhubhai Shrivastava Abhesinh Tadvi Shaileshbhai Mehta (Satto) Manishaben Vakil Jitubhai Sukhadiya Samiben Trivedi Rajendrabhai Trivedi Yogeshbhai Patel Dinubhai Patel (Dinumama) Satishbhai Patel Jeshubhai Rathva Jayantibhai Rathva Babubhai Jamnadas Patel Bhupendrasinh Chudasama Kanubhai Dabhi

Sureshbhai C. Patel Baldevji Thakor Khusmanbhai Patel Rajendrasinh Parmar Amit Chavda Kapilaben Chavda Kantibhai Parmar Niranjan Patel Poonambhai Parmar Sanjaybhai H. Patel Jitendra S. Patel Gautam Chauhan Indrajitsinh Thakor Kantibhai S. Parmar Kalubhai Dabhi Ajit Chauhan Pranjaladitya S. Parmar Gondalbhai Damor Dushyant Chauhan (B.T.P. Coalition) Rajendrasinh Patel Pradyumansinh Parmar Udaisinh Bariya Raghu Machar Bhavesh Katara Mahesh Tadvi Vajesinh Panda Chandrika Bariya Bhairosinh Vakhala Sagar Brahmbhatt (B.T.P. Coalition) Dhirubhai Bhil Siddharth Patel Anil Parmar Narendra Ravat Ranjit Chauhan Chandrakant Shrivastava Chirag Zaveri Jaspalsinh Thakor Akshay Patel Mohansinh Rathva Sukhrambhai Rathva Pankajbhai C. Patel Ashwin Rathod Rajesh Koli

Note: Several other candidates will also contest in the constituencies mentioned above.

Only the main candidates have been listed.

Rahul Gandhi set to become Cong President

From being called prince to Pappu, “darling” of the Congress, Rahul Gandhi is all set to take the reins of the party this month. The party working committee has passed a resolution on Tuesday to make the 47 year old their new party president. He will reportedly be coronated on December 19. In a meeting chaired by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, and attended by top party leaders including former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul stood unopposed as the only candidate. The committee announced the muchawaited election date to complete the prolonged election procedure.

The announcement came after the Election Commission set December 31 as the deadline for the party to complete the process of organisational elections. Sources said the new party president will take over control ahead of

Rahul Gandhi

Gujarat Assembly elections. Named Congress vice-president in January 2013, Gandhi has come a long way since the day his mother told him that “power is like poison”.

With no claimants to defeat, the young bespectacled boy who saw his grandmother and father be assassinated, will now lead a party with a history as rich as the country's.

No stranger to the limelight, the Gandhi scion has long accustomed himself to all kinds of attention. He has been

called derogatory names through the years and is to this date a source of mockery on the internet. Rahul, however, remains undeterred. Maybe he does not take politics, or may be it's the other way around.

Either ways, he has a massive weight on his shoulders, one that comes from being a part of the GandhiNehru dynasty- a chain that began with Motilal Nehru.

A tough path lies in front of Rahul. The Gujarat elections that are now only a handful of days away, will serve as a litmus test.

Top Congress leaders say his leadership of the party would be established if he delivers a victory in Gujarat, or at least substantially improves the Congress tally. While his past electoral record is nothing to boast about, Rahul certainly looks more confident now, and in control of what he wants to achieve.

AsianVoiceNews

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health lifestyle

Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

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To Our Readers

We are publishing these items in good faith, kindly consult your Doctor before you try to implement any advice. We do not hold any responsibility for its efficacy...

Surprising Health Benefits of Cinnamon If you love cinnamon, add an extra shake to your next meal: new research shows that the popular spice boosts metabolism in mouse and human fat cells.

In the new study, published in the journal Metabolism, researchers from the University of Michigan tested the effect of cinnamaldehyde—the essential oil that gives cinnamon its flavor—on fat cells taken from mice, as well as fat cells from four humans.

Here are 7 more benefits to adding Cinnamon into your daily diet.

1) It is loaded with antioxidants: Antioxidants protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols.

In a study that compared the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, cinnamon wound up as the clear winner, even outranking "superfoods" like garlic and oregano. In fact, it is so powerful that cinnamon can be used as a natural food preservative.

2. It has anti-inflammatory

properties: Inflammation in the body is incredibly important. It helps the body fight infections and repair tissue damage.

However, inflammation can become a problem when it is chronic (longterm) and directed against the body's own tissues.

Cinnamon may be useful in this regard, because some studies show that the antioxidants in it have potent anti-inflammatory activity.

3. It may cut the risk of heart disease: Cinnamon has been linked with reduced risk of heart disease, the world's most common cause of premature death.

In people with type 2 diabetes, 1 gram of cinnamon per day has beneficial effects on blood markers. It reduces levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while HDL cholesterol remains stable.

More recently, a big review study concluded that a cinnamon dose of just 120 milligrams per day can have these effects.

In animal studies, cin-

namon has been shown to reduce blood pressure.

When combined, all these factors may drastically cut the risk of heart disease.

4. It can improve sensitivity to the hormone insulin: Insulin is one of the key hormones that regulate metabolism and energy use. It is also essential for the transport of blood sugar from the bloodstream and into cells.

The problem is that many people are resistant to the effects of insulin.

This condition, known as insulin resistance, is a hallmark of serious conditions like metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

The good news is that cinnamon can dramatically reduce insulin resistance, helping this incredibly important hormone to do its job. By helping insulin do its job, cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels, which brings us to the next point.

5. Lowers blood sugar levels and has a powerful anti-diabetic effect: Cinnamon is well known for its blood sugar lower-

ing effects. Apart from the beneficial effects on insulin resistance, cinnamon can lower blood sugar by several other mechanisms.

First, cinnamon has been shown to decrease the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream after a meal. It does this by interfering with numerous digestive enzymes, which slows the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract.

Second, a compound in cinnamon can act on cells by mimicking insulin. This greatly improves glucose uptake by cells, although it acts much slower than insulin itself. Numerous human trials have confirmed the anti-diabetic effects of cinnamon, showing that it can lower fasting blood sugar levels by up to 1029%.

6. It may have beneficial effects on neurodegenerative diseases: Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive loss of the structure or function of brain cells.

Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease

Pledge to boost mental health support in schools A French cab driver once played a joke on famous English writer and creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, on a visit to Paris. He had driven Sir Arthur to his hotel and on receiving his fare murmured his thanks, "Merci, M. Conan Doyle."

"How did you know my name?" queried the surprised writer.

"Well, sir," replied the taxi driver, "the local media reported your visit to the city. Your appearance was typically English. Your hair had recently been trimmed by a barber in south of France. I put these together, that's all!"

The astonished English writer asked, "Did you have any further evidence?"

"Well, sir," replied the cheeky driver, "there was also the fact that your name was clearly mentioned on your luggage." ******************************************* My husband and I couldn’t decide which jacket to buy our granddaughter, so we asked the young salesman.

“If you were buying a jacket for your girlfriend,” I said, “what would you get?”

“A bulletproof one,” he said. “I’m married.” ****************************************** My seatmate on a flight was a woman. Ever the charmer, I asked, “Does the airline charge you extra for sitting next to good-looking men?”

“Yes,” she said, “but I wasn’t willing to pay.” ******************************************* During World War II my parents had planned a romantic Valentine’s Day wedding. Suddenly my father, then stationed at Camp Edwards in Massachusetts, received orders to prepare to ship out, and all leaves were canceled. Being a young man in love, he went AWOL. He and my mother were married four days earlier than originally planned and he returned to base to an angry sergeant. After hearing the explanation, the sergeant understandingly replied, “Okay, okay!” Then, as an afterthought: “But don’t let it happen again!”

Children and young people in England are to be able to access mental health support at school or college under government plans to improve services.

The proposals include introducing a four-week waiting time for youngsters needing specialist support and new mental health support teams in schools.

It is hoped around one in four schools in England will have this provision in place by 2022.

Campaigners say it was welcome, but overdue and "only a start".

The issue of young people's mental health has long been of concern, with parents, charities and healthcare professionals warning that families are not getting the support they need.

According to new NHS figures, around one in 10 girls aged 16 or 17 were referred to specialist men-

tal health services in England last year.

The government's new green paper proposes: - training for senior designated mental health leads in schools to improve prevention work - earlier access to services through the creation of new mental health support teams working in and directly with schools - a new four-week waiting time for NHS children and young people's mental health services - every primary and secondary school in England to be offered mental health awareness training - all pupils to be taught about mental health and wellbeing as part of improved relationships education and PSHE [personal, social, health and economic] lessons The new measures are part of a £300m investment by the Departments of Health and Education.

are two of the most common types. Two compounds found in cinnamon appear to inhibit the buildup of a protein called tau in the brain, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease.

In a study looking at mice with Parkinson's disease, cinnamon helped to protect neurons, normalize neurotransmitter levels and improve motor function. These effects need to be studied further in humans.

7. It may be protective against cancer: Cancer is a serious disease, characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells. Cinnamon has been widely studied for its potential use in cancer prevention and treatment. Overall, the evidence is limited to test tube experiments and

animal studies, which suggest that cinnamon extracts may protect against cancer. It acts by reducing the growth of cancer cells and the formation of blood vessels in tumors, and appears to be toxic to cancer cells, causing cell death.

8. It helps fight bacterial and fungal infections: Cinnamaldehyde, the main active component of cinnamon, may help fight various kinds of infection. Cinnamon oil has been shown to effectively treat respiratory tract infections caused by fungi. It can also inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, including Listeria and Salmonella. The antimicrobial effects of cinnamon may also help prevent tooth decay and reduce bad breath.

Why the middle-aged get the worst night's sleep

n People between 45 and 54 get over 6.5 hours It will come as little surprise to middle-aged people battling the stress of work, elderly parents and teenage children. But those aged 45 to 54 get the worst night’s sleep, managing just over six and a half hours on average.

Market researchers Mintel found baby boomers get a full 49 minutes less sleep at night than millennials in the 16 to 24 age bracket. Experts say older people need just as much sleep as the young, with eight hours the recommended optimum.

However, middle-aged people are more likely to suffer an interrupted night’s sleep because of health problems, which force them to deal with tiredness the next day.

The poll of 2,000 British adults found almost four in 10 adults fail to achieve even seven hours a night, while five per cent, like former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, getting by on four hours or fewer.

Noise is the

number one source of sleep interruption, reported by 59 per cent of people, while 57 per cent said light caused them difficulty with sleeping.

Technology is another issue, with more than a third of people admitting using smart phones and tablets before going to bed caused trouble falling asleep.

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Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

‘Fukrey Returns’

Indian buddy comedy film, directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani.

AR Rahman walks out of this big project

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usic maestro AR Rahman, who had performed in Hyderabad last week has reportedly opted out of actor Chiranjeevi's 'Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy', a biopic on Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy, a leader known for his rebellion against the British in 1846. He cited lack of time and an array of committed

projects for the refusal.

“Chiranjeevi is a fantastic actor and I have great respect for him. It's a beautiful film and has a great story to tell. But I have other projects and my life is all over the place. It's a beautiful film and has a great story to tell. But I have other projects and my life is all over the place. I am also promoting my film.

Sometimes I have to be practical about how much I can take up!” Rahman said. The biopic will also feature stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Kiccha Sudeep, Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, and others.

Rahman is currently composing for Mani Ratnam's next film. He, along with Vairamuthu and Mani Ratnam will have a fiveday jamming session in Goa for the big-budget multi-starrer.

Shruti Haasan finally gets the nod from family S hruti Haasan and her London-based actor boyfriend Michael Corsale have often been spotted together. However, this visit was different as the couple was accompanied by the 'Gabbar' actress' mother Sarika. While Shruti has never admitted about her affair until now, endless appearances with Corsale is enough proof for the media and the internet to believe there is something cooking.

The three were seen on a dinner date, and we wonder

if it was an official 'meet my mother' evening.

The actress kept her appearance basic and chic.

Dressed in a pretty white layered maxi dress with a sweetheart neckline, she looked casual with her hair tied in a bun and just a pair of statement earrings. The three were clicked coming out of a restaurant. Sarika was seen carrying a lovely bouquet in her hand, which we assume was from Corsale and we think that is so sweet.

Dhanush becomes part of 'Sandakozhi 2' now

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hanush has been invited to sing a romantic duet in Vishal's 'Sandakozhi 2', co-starring Keerthy Suresh, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Rajkiran, Arjai and others. Music is

by Yuvan Shankar Raja, with director Lingusamy wielding the megaphone. According to sources, Dhanush will very soon be crooning his voice for that number. Dhanush has already sung for actors like Karthi, Arya, Kreshna, and now, it is going to be for Vishal.

Rajiv Menon and GV Prakash's next

Why Alia said no to Prabhas’s ‘Saaho’

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fter a long sabbatical from Tamil Cinema, director Rajiv Menon is back with a brand new movie!

Known for his wellacclaimed hit films 'Minsara Kanavu' and 'Kandukondein Kandukondein', Menon's 'Sarva Thaala Mayam' will feature GV Prakash in the lead, with music being rendered by Oscar winner AR Rahman. It has been reported that shooting for the film has been kick-started in Chennai.

Fans of Menon's work have long been waiting

for a new film by the ace filmmaker, especially since it has been over a decade since 'Kandukondein...' hit theatres. The new project is reportedly a musical entertainer that has Prakash playing a percussionist. First look for the movie was unveiled last week and it's needless to say, the movie is a winner. The image shows Prakash airborne as if jumping off a bridge, clad in a white dhoti and red shawl. He is also seen with a mridangam, and a number of chains and threads around his neck.

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media report has revealed that Bhatt prodigy Alia was the first choice for Prabhas' trilingual 'Saaho'. There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the film, with rumours saying that southern actress Anushka Shetty was the first choice for the film, however, the key role was finally grabbed by Shraddha Kapoor. Now a new report said that Alia was approached way before the 'Ek Villain' actress.

“Apparently, Karan Johar was super excited about this collaboration, and he tried very hard to convince Alia to sign this film as this would have also been her

South debut too. But looking at the heroine's role which barely had any scenes in the film compared to Prabhas, Bhatt rejected the film,” the report read.

A source close to Alia said, “Alia is currently busy setting a league of her own by taking up some really good performance-oriented roles. So at a stage when she's setting such a bright example as far as her film choice are concerned, she doesn't want to break the chain by doing a film where she is more like a supporting cast. Even her family approved of her decision and have no regrets whatsoever.”

Simbu makes his music directorial debut with the Santhanam starrer 'Sakka Podu Podu Raja.' The film is slated for a December 22 release. Two singles have been released so far from SPPR, and both have received appreciation from Simbu fans and young music lovers. Dhanush would be releasing the audio of SPPR on December 6. Santhanam confirmed this news through a Twitter video. He assured that both Dhanush and Simbu would be sharing the same dias on December 6. Wow, this sounds exciting!!!

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Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

Salman beats Akshay to win the sexiest swag poll

Indian and Pakistani Celebrities and Achievers on One Platform at the 10th Masala! Awards 2017

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benchmark for success in the community, The 10th Annual Masala awards returns to Dubai on Wednesday the 13th of December, for the very first time at the iconic Bollywood Parks, Dubai.

The star-studded evening will see the best of industry, lifestyle and entertainment come together for an event that promises to be full of glamour, excitement and a true representation of South Asian talent in the region.

This year, the starry line-up comprises veterans from the Hindi film industry who will share stage with talent from the UAE. Leading the lineup will be Bollywood Comedy Legend Govinda who will set the stage on fire with his inimitable brand of dance moves, as well as performances by silver screen belle Ankita Lokhande, Pakistani Singer Bilal Saeed, a bespoke composition from virtuoso Emirati Composer Adel Farooq and the fantastic dance troupe from the Bollywood Parks and resorts.

Hosted by the ever-affable Boman Irani, other celebrity guests expected to be in attendance include Bollywood heartthrob Arjun Rampal, Pakistan’s leading stars Saba Qamar and many more. The Masala Awards will be a rare occasion where celebrities from Indian and Pakistani film rub shoulders on the red carpet.

Beyond the glitz, the platform will also acknowledge and award the most influential, powerful, and inspiring names within the Asian community across multiple sectors.

Led by a stellar 2017 jury comprising the most respected names in business, lifestyle, fashion and hospitality such as Yogesh Mehta (CEO, Petrochem ), Sarah Belhasa (Vice-Chairperson, Saif Belhasa Group of Companies), Sima Ved (Vice Chairperson, Apparel Group) Manish Malhotra ( Celebrity Fashion Designer ), Rizwan Sajan ( Chairman, Danube Group), Harmeek Singh, (Founder, Plan b), and Celina Jaitly ( Actor and UN activist for Gender Equality ) to just name a few.

Speaking about the awards, actress and activist Celina Jaitly said, “It is impressive to see how prominent South Asians have influenced and enriched the everyday lives of people in the UAE. It is wonderful to know and see that South Asians, especially the Indian community have contributed immensely towards Dubai’s successful journey.

Being a part of Masala Awards’ most influential jury is like celebrating the continued contribution of every South Asian towards the vision and glory of UAE as a nation and Dubai’s success as the world’s most futuristic city.”

Moreover, Interest and anticipation will build to a record high this year for the “ Popular Choice Category” as the Masala! Awards receives an incredible 90,000 votes from its readers and followers who voted for their favourite nominees

I

t can be said without a doubt that Salman Khan is on the top of his game right now. With two promising films to look forward to, and a reality TV series to host, the actor has all eyes on him. To check just how popular Bhaijaan is, a leading media source conducted a Swag Poll only to see him win by over 50 per cent. The website asked fans who they think had the most swag in B-Town, with the options between Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor, and Arjun Kapoor.

Bhai led the boys with 51 per cent votes, following by Akshay who came second with 28 per cent. Ranveer surprisingly came in third with 13 per cent votes. His quirky nature and his recent look for 'Padmavati' has people swooning over him, however, his charms seem to fall short before Salman. Last on the list were Shahid with 7 per cent and Arjun with 1 per cent votes.

Nargis Fakhri and Uday Chopra moving in together?

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nternet's favourite Nargis Fakhri is back in Mumbai, and has already been spotted chilling at her ex, Uday Chopra's house. Once the news spread, rumours came in plenty stating the couple has set aside their differences and have now reconciled. There are also reports that suggest they plan to move in together and get mar-

ried in 2018. With the media getting a kick out of all the reports, and fans cheering on, a spokesperson for the actress came forward to deny all the reports.

They said Nargis would continue staying in America. “Nargis is in Mumbai for a brief period only and has meetings lined up with a music label for her upcoming single with

American rapper-singer, Snoop Dogg. There will be several other meetings for upcoming projects as well. Nargis is presently based out of New York and not Mumbai.”

Another source close to the former couple said both, Nargis and Uday aren't together and all reports of them planning to live together are absolutely baseless.

“Nargis meets Uday whenever she is in Mumbai but they are not together any more. After meeting with the Chopras, she went to a slumber party with her girlfriends, Alliaa Al Rufai, Smita Lasrado and Sanjana Sippy, who are also in Mumbai for work.

The girls binged on continental delights and wine. In the morning, Nargis left for a television shoot at a suburban studio. She heads back to New York by the end of the week,” the source said.

Manoj Bajpayee, John Abraham to join hands for action thriller

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s he gears up for the release of his upcoming 'Parmanu', model and actor John Abraham has already signed his next flick already.

Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani has roped the actor in along with Manoj Bajpayee for a dark, action-packed thriller which will be directed by Milap Zaveri. The news was confirmed by trade analyst Taran Adarsh who tweeted, “John Abraham and Manoj Bajpayee to star in an action thriller. Revolves around a cop and a killer. Directed by Milap Zaveri. Produced by Nikkhil Advani.

Starts Jan 2018.”

The team is expected to start workshops in mid-December, while the film will go on floors in January. Abraham is already prepping for 'Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran', set to hit the screens in March 2018. Also featuring Diana Penty, the film is based on the Nuclear bomb test done in Pokhran by the Indian army in 1998.

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RK wants last minute changes in Dutt biopic AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

R

anbir Kapoor, who plays Sanjay Dutt in Rajkumar Hirani's biographical movie

Ranbir's shocking ‘avatar’ as

Sanjay Dutt

on the actor, has reportedly asked the director to shoot a few scenes again. Okay. Let us back up here a little bit.

People are all excited to watch the young Kapoor weave magic on screen, and with minor glimpses into his

look, the film looks promising. Tentatively titled 'Sanju', the film is almost ready as the principal shooting is already complete.

The team recently decided to show a few rushes of the film to a few distributors and exhibitors from all over the country, and the review is extraordinary. “The Sanjay Dutt biopic might change the whole game for Ranbir. They have just shown us a few scenes and a song and Ranbir is unbelievable,” an exhibitor said. It has also been said that the actor too liked the rushes,

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however, has requested Hirani to shoot some scenes again. “Ranbir knows this will be his big ticket film. So he wants everything to be just perfect. Apparently, Ranbir wants to do even better than he already has. That's about it,” a source said.

Slated to release on March 30, next year, the film stars Manisha Koirala as Dutt's mother Nargis, Paresh Rawal as his father Sunil Dutt, and Dia Mirza as his wife Maanyata Dutt. Also in the film are Anushka Sharma, Sonam Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal.

Parineeti and Arjun Kapoor share an on-screen equation P

arineeti Chopra has teamed up with co-star Arjun Kapoor after a span of five years, for a Yash Raj Film production, 'Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar'. The actors had last worked together for 'Ishaqzaade' and their chemistry was termed magical by critics and fans alike. Opening up about her character and her equation with Arjun, both on-screen and off, Pari said, “Arjun has certainly evolved as one of the bankable actors that there is today, which is a huge achievement. Arjun's understanding of the craft and his eagerness to learn sets him apart. With 'Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar', we are doing a

very intense film together... We are at loggerheads in the movie.”

She said the film director Dibaker Banerjee has always been in her list of “dream directors”. “I have always been really fortunate to work with amazing directors. Dibakar has been on

Kajol: My biggest gurus are my kids V

'D

ilwale' actress Kajol said her children are her biggest gurus. “I've been learning from my kids ever since I was pregnant. I learn something new from them every day. Sometimes there are words which I don't understand when they are talking, so they tell me the meaning with a lot of patience and ease.

Sometimes it's their habits or outlook which I learn from. The most important thing I've learned from my kids is patience.” Speaking at an event in Mumbai, she said she uses love and little threats when trying to make her children pick up a habit.

However, giving them

knowledge is the right way.

“The most important thing is that I believe when teaching a child, whatever it might be, you need to tell the reason behind it because every child asks the same thing, Mom, why? So we can impart as much knowledge as possible. Make them understand the importance of it, necessity and its benefits and keep doing it repeatedly. I am sure it will remain in their minds and form a habit.”

When asked how she reacts to being caught doing something wrong by her children, she said, “If I am wrong and they catch it, then I apologise and rectify it.”

my dream directors' list ever since I took up acting.

Working with him has involved elaborate prep and very focused workshops. He has an exquisite eye for nuance and detail.

His characters make his movie stand out. I am thoroughly enjoying this process of shooting for the film with him,” she said.

Her character in the movie is that of a fiercely ambitious girl. Pari, however, confessed that she is very different to Pinky, in real life. “I am ambitious, yes, just not fiercely ambitious.

When I take up something, I give it my absolute best. I focus on it 100 per cent and try achieving it.

I don't like ambition that tries to put down people and talent. I feel there is enough room for everyone to grow.”

Veteran actor Shashi Kapoor passes away at 79

e t e r a n Bolly wood actor Shashi Kapoor passed away on Monday after prolonged illness, according to reports. He was 79. Kapoor, who started his career as a child actor in his father Prithviraj Kapoor's plays, was wellknown for his roles in films like 'Deewaar' (1975), 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' (1978), 'Junoon' (1978), 'Shaan' (1980), and 'Namak Halaal' (1982).

In 2011, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Indian government. In 2015, he became the third in his family to be honoured with the

Dadasaheb Phalke Award. The legendary actor was married to late British actress Jennifer Kendal, with whom he established Prithvi Theatre in 1978.

He is survived by his daughter Sanjana, and sons Kunal and Karan.

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Asian Voice | 9th December 2017

New production of Closer gets its first fully BAME cast and director

Twenty years after it was first staged at the National Theatre, Patrick Marber’s multi-award winning play Closer is to get its first BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) production. Royal B i r m i n g h a m Conservatoire Theatre Company, which is part of Birmingham City University, has selected a BAME director and four BAME actors for the provocative work which explores the brutal anatomy of modern romance. It plays at the Crescent Theatre Birmingham from 13-16 December.

Head of Undergraduate Studies, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (Acting)

The BAME cast of the new production of Closer

and course director for BA Acting, Danièle Sanderson said, “Closer is traditionally considered a play for white actors, but there is nothing in the play which directly suggests this requirement.

The characters are described as a dermatologist, a photographer, a journalist and a stripper.

It's a play about sexual

Pair from Birmingham and London arrested over alleged attack plan

A 20-year-old man from north London, and a 21year-old man from southeast Birmingham have been arrested on 29th November by counterterrorism police over an “Islamist plot”. It is said that the duo were inspired by online propaganda and were planning for an alleged sophisticated attack.

It is said that the suspects had been discussing

a range of methods, including bomb-making, however, they had not bought chemicals.

Although there were firearms officers during the arrest, indicating a high level of seriousness to the case, it is said that the type of attack the suspects had allegedly been planning is unknown.

Police continues to raid the suspects residence in both cities.

Coming Events

l National Hindu Welfare Support presents free awareness seminar, on February 17, 10.30 am to 1.00 pm, at the Shree Ram Mandir, Community Hall, Ford Street, Walsall, West Midlands, WS2 9BW

Sneh Joshi

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 You will feel energetic and confident as the week begins. New beginnings are favoured around now, as long as you do not bite off more than you can chew. Your thinking is inspired, so listen to your thoughts. This may be a time of expansion and improved opportunity and it would be unwise to let yourself become complacent. Affairs of the heart are likely to flourish.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 You must be careful with

money, joint resources, taxes etc., anything linked with your solar second and eighth houses. This area of your life is affected by retrograde Mercury. It will be important to watch spending and pay attention to fine print when making purchases or commitments. Though, this is a good time for friendships and networking. Your social life is picking up pace.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 Mars puts a spotlight on your

solar sixth house. This is a busy period that finds you tending to many different aspects of your daily routine and health matters. You are in a very fortunate position to be able to improve your health and diet and also tackle any problems at work, which have been a source of irritation for some time.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

Fortune smiles on the romantically inclined with Mars and Jupiter transiting your solar 5th house. Not only are you likely to experience a highly satisfying phase in respect of amorous desires but you may even find yourself in the flattering position of having more than one admirer. For Cancerians dissatisfied with their current status, now is the time to do something positive about it.

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politics, about communication between men and women in contemporary society, ie. it’s gender specific, not colour or race specific.”

The play's director, Vik Sivalingam said, “The terms ‘BAME’, ‘non-traditional’ and ‘colour blind’ are not only wholly unsatisfactory but also reductive to large

swathes of peoples. I personally prefer the term ‘colour aware’ casting and I look forward to the day when the industry status quo is one in which Creatives are required to defend any production that is cast ‘traditionally’. The fact that Closer has never been cast in this way is an indictment on our industry.”

Vik Sivalingam concludes: “Lack of representation is a challenge that permeates the industry. To see someone who looks like you, doing what you aspire to do, is an important part of sustaining a dream and young people of colour simply don’t have the same multiplicity of role models.”

British woman could be sentenced for witnessing fight in Dubai Being a spectator of a fight has proven to be detrimental for a British woman in Dubai. 21-yearold Asa Hutchinson was arrested after a bunch of her male friends were taking selfies with a Swedish man who had fallen asleep on the hotel lobby couch.

The 50-year-old man, who is a technology company executive, was furious after waking up and saw what the men were doing. He started punching the men who then escape.

Miss Hutchinson stated that she was not with her male friends when the fight broke out, however, she returned to the hotel

lobby after hearing loud noises, but was arrested by the police. She has been charged with assault and threat, and even faces threat of a prison sentence as taking someone taking pictures of another person without their consent, as well as aggressive behaviour, is illegal and punishable in Dubai.

After the fight, Miss Hutchinson's friends and boyfriend managed to get their passports by paying a cash deposit and flew back home to Britain.

However, the Swedish man decided to transfer the charges onto her after finding out that she lives in the UAE.

Liberty to invest £700m in new 'green steel' strategy Steel-maker Liberty House is about to launch a massive green investment campaign as it looks to quadruple production capacity.

Liberty’s parent GFG Alliance will this week begin a three-year, £700m spending spree on renewable green power assets via its energy arm Simec.

The privately held business is expected to announce a £35m investment to expand its existing hydro power generation facilities around its aluminium plant at Lochaber, in the Scottish Highlands.

Later this week a second deal to buy another green energy supplier is expected. Sources close to GFG said the goal is not only to gain control of its

assets, but also staff who have extensive experience in rolling out renewable power generation projects.

Their know-how is seen as crucial in developing further green energy projects needed to provide the extra 500 megawatts of generation required to power Liberty’s ambitious expansion plans. The company is also planning a £170m wind farm in Scotland.

The boss of brewing giant Greene King on Thursday warned of “stress” in the dining sector as he revealed a fall in sales and profit, but rival M a r s t o n ’ s shrugged off the worries hanging over pubs to toast full-year growth.

Greene King’s Rooney Anand said: “There is overcapacity in the eatingout and casual-dining sector. We are starting to see the first signs of stress [in the wider value food market].”

He admitted that while the wider pub market had been hit by more cautious consumers and “unprecedented cost pressures”, the group’s managed divi-

sion had “traded below the market”.

He cited the poor August and September weather, competitor discounting and its exposure to the value end of the pub food market — it is scrapping Spirit’s Fayre & Square brand — as factors in the 1.4 per cent fall in like-for-like sales.

The FTSE 250 firm said consumers continued to tighten their belts in the 24 weeks to October 15, and that competitor discounting increased.

Like rivals, the company is also grappling with higher wages and business rates. It faces £60 million of cost headwinds over the full year.

Greene King feels pinch but Marston’s sees profits fatten

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The UK’s leading Vedic writer and TV personality

Mars is transiting your solar 4th house. For you this can be a difficult period with family. Watch for passive-aggressive behavior.

The Sun illuminates your 5th house of romance with Venus there too. Also remember that Mecury is retrograde trying to cause havoc in your communications. Listen more and speak less.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 Anything or anyone that drains your time and energy should be re-evaluated. It’s time to use that creative imagination of yours to create grandeur in your life. Jupiter, the planet of expansion and Mars in your Solar 3rd house are creating a lot of opportunities for you.

Don't get too carried away and lose sight of little things that mean a lot to you.

Mars transiting your financial house with Jupiter there too, it is a time to get to grips with personal finances and put them on a solid footing. On the work front, too you may find yourself getting your affairs in order. The accent’s very much on relationships, you and a partner may become embroiled in financial arrangements or some other nitty—gritty aspect of your relationship.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

The outlook remains optimistic as developments point the way forward and bring you a sense of real achievement. However, this is not likely to be an easy-going week as demands on time and energy are going to be heavy. Relationships look great as Jupiter and Mars help to enhance your personal magnetism.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 The fiery planet Mars is the moving force in regard to amorous experience, giving more than just a hint that links between lovers will be rather intense and passionate. Your attitude to material interests is likely to undergo some deep change. On a material level the trend greatly favours anything geared towards establishing greater financial stability.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 The fiery planet Mars, has just entered your Solar 11th 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.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

It is essential that you adopt a very open attitude now for this is a time of lucky opportunity and a chance to greatly enrich your working life and at home. New windows on the world are about to open and this is bound to have a maturing effect on you from now into the future.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

Jupiter and Mars are particularly beneficial for you, as they transit your solar ninth house. You may have opportunities to travel, study, expand your horizons, and meet people who are of diverse backgrounds. Business dealings, particularly long-distance ones and those involving publicity and promotion, are likely to be profitable now.

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JOE ROOT KEEPS ENGLAND HOPES ALIVE IN 2ND TEST

James Anderson (5-43), ably supported by Chris Woakes (4-36), was the star with the ball for England as his maiden five-wicket haul in Australia helped bowl the hosts out for 138, leaving Root's side needing 354 runs for victory. Root led from the front in a partnership of 78 with Dawid Malan (29), hitting his 34th Test half-century to frustrate Australia, who lost both their second innings reviews, and keep England dreaming of an Ashes series-levelling victory. England require a further 178 runs with six wickets remaining. However, they suffered a late blow when Pat Cummins (1-29) struck to end Malan's 80-ball stay at the crease in the third from last over of the day, but night watchmen Chris Woakes (5 no) and Root negotiated the final 13 balls to see the tourists through to 176-4 at the close to set

up an intriguing fifth and final day.

England needed early wickets to build on their superb display under lights at the end of day three and Anderson delivered in his

fourth over of the day, with night watchman Nathan Lyon (14) holing out to Stuart Broad at mid-off. It was Anderson who went on to record his maiden fivewicket haul in Australia with the wicket of Mitchell Starc (20) - the 25th of his Test career- before Overton picked up the final wicket of Josh Joe Root Hazlewood (3) as England bowled their Ashes hosts out for 138.

It was a stark improvement for England as they gave themselves a slim chance of victory, but

Parthiv, Bumrah named in Test squad for SA tour

Australia remained firmly in the driving seat with the tourists requiring an improbable 354 runs to win. They made a promising start as Alastair Cook (16) and Mark Stoneman (36) produced an opening partnership of 53, but England soon lost Cook lbw to Lyon (1-37) and Stoneman handing catching practice to Usman Khawaja at gully off Starc (2-65).

With the floodlights starting to take effect after the dinner break, James Vince (15) gave his wicket away, driving loosely at a full, wide ball from Starc and into Handscomb's hands at first slip to leave his team 91-3. But Root, having used a review to overturn an lbw dismissal against Lyon on 32, and Malan were frustrating Australia, whose desperation for a wicket saw them lose both reviews in the space of three balls.

Parthiv Patel & Jasprit Bumrah

Veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel and paceman Jasprit Bumrah were included in the 17-member squad for the three-match Test tour of South Africa. Commenting on chinaman Kuldeep Yadav's absence from the squad, chairman of selectors M S K Prasad said: "Definitely feel unfortunate for Kuldeep Yadav but selecting him over the World No 1 & 2 bowlers (Ravichandran Ashwin & Ravindra Jadeja) won't be fair." Prasad also said that veteran star Yuvraj Singh was ignored as he has not played too much competitive cricket in recent times. The team will leave for South Africa on December 27.

Test Squad: Virat Kohli (Captain), Murali Vijay, KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Parthiv Patel, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami.

India set 410-run target against Sri Lanka for victory Sri Lanka began the fourth day at 356 for nine, but could only survive six overs before skipper Dinesh Chandimal went after a wide one from Ishant Sharma. Only 17 runs were added as Chandimal walked back after a valiant 164 off 361 deliveries, thus finishing his team's first innings at 373. India then scored at a brisk pace scoring 246/ 5 dec in 52.2 overs, setting the Lankans a target of 410 runs. SL managed to score 31 at stumps on day four, losing three wickets in the process.

Mohammad Shami was on song during his three-over burst in the final session and it took two brutal bouncers to get rid of opener Sadeera Samarawickrama. With

the light fading, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were in business with life getting tougher for Dimuth Karunaratne and Dhananajaya de Silva in the middle. Dhananajaya survived courtesy the DRS, after successfully overturning the on-field umpire's decision. In the

last over of the day, Jadeja scalped Karunaratne with a flatter one that took a faint edge to wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha and two balls later, he knocked over the stumps of night watchman Suranga Lakmal to help India tighten their grip on the match.

Earlier in the day, with a lead of 163, India looked for a brisk second innings and that was evident from the way Murali Vijay cracked a boundary past cover in the first over bowled by Lakmal. Another boundary, this time off an edge, was scored by the opener before he tried to play a good length delivery on the up in the third over.

Unfortunately, the ball moved away a tad bit and the edge was taken

by Dickwella. By the time lunch was taken, India scored 51, further losing Rahane, who was promoted up the order.

Rahane, terribly out of form, looked jittery in the middle. Rahane got two reprieves, but did not mean much to him as he departed scoring

10 runs.

After lunch, Pujara and Dhawan played with positive intent, taking India past the 100-run mark by the 30th over.

After the departure of Pujara and Dhawan, Kohli and Sharma then combined to continue India's momentum and put on 90 runs in just 93 deliveries with Kohli compiling his 15th Test fifty before perishing to a wild slog off Gamage. Sharma got to his 8th fifty and Kohli decide to declare.

Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 31/3 (De Silva 13; Jadeja 2/5) & (Chandimal 164, Mathews 111; Ashwin 3/90) trail India 246/5 dec. (Dhawan 67, Pujara 49; Sanakan 1/30) & 356/7 dec. (Kohli 243, Vijay 155; Sandakan 4/167) by 379 runs.

Kohli hits 6th double ton Virat Kohli scored yet another Test double hundred during the third test between India and Sri Lanka and thus becoming the only captain to score 6 double centuries, going past Brian Lara's five. This was his 3rd double ton in 2017. He joins the elite group of players who have scored 200 in consecutive Test innings.

Others include Hammond, Bradman, Kambli, Sangakkara, and Clarke.

Interestingly, he hadn't scored a single double ton before 2016.

Kohli is the quickest to 16,000 international runs, reaching the landmark in 350 innings and is followed by South Africa's Hashim Amla at 363. Kohli is now the fourth fastest Indian to reach 5,000 runs in Test cricket.

Kohli needed 105 innings to reach the landmark, while Sunil Gavaskar leads the charts with 95 innings followed by Sehwag at 98 and Sachin at 103.

New Zealand pick India-born Jeet Raval for test matches New Zealand picked Indian-born opening batsman Jeet Raval in the squad for the forthcoming tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa. Raval was named in the 16-man Black Caps’ squad, which also features the recall of Indian-born spinner Ish Sodhi after a two year absence. The 27-year-old Raval was a junior player in India before moving to New Zealand with his family in 2004.

He averages 43.85 in

first-class cricket and hit rich form for the Auckland Aces in this year’s domestic competition, including an unbeaten 202 against Otago. “In the past 12 months we’ve seen his maturity and decisionmaking continue to improve,” Black Caps coach Mike Hesson said.

“He’s learnt to adapt to conditions and has performed well for New Zealand A, so we believe he’s more than ready to make the step up to the

Jeet Raval

international arena.”

Raval will be competing for an opening spot with Martin Guptill and Tom Latham, neither of whom have looked convincing against the new ball in the Test arena.

New Zealand will play two Tests against Zimbabwe in Harare, starting on July 29 and August 6 respectively. They

then go to South Africa for Tests in Durban and Centurion, starting on August 19 and August 27.

He was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and joined the Auckland cricket team in 2008. He also played one season for Central District Stags. He represented New Zealand at under-19 level in 20067. He made his test debut in November 2016 in a home series against Pakistan at Christchurch and opened the innings for

News Zealand. He made 55 in the first innings and followed it with 36 in the second innings. He also took four catches in that match.

New Zealand squad: Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson (capt).