ApnaRoots ePaper - March 11, 2016

South Asian Connection

PM 40789152

www.apnaroots.com

March 11th, 2016

email: staff@apnaroots.com

Bi-Weekly

Flash Mob for Anti Bullying!

Anti-Bullying Flash Mob dance with Close to 700 students from four schools from the Delta School District was held on Wednesday, February 24th 2016 at the North Delta Secondary School. This flash mob had students of different age groups and cultural backgrounds coming together, through the magic of dance to show their support for antibullying. The participating schools were: North Delta Secondary School, Richardson Elementary School, Sands Secondary School, and Delview Secondary School.

SURREY CAR SERVICECTR.

NEW WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIAL Call for Trusted mortgage advice at your convenience, First time home buyers , new to Canada, self employed, new homes, existing homes and about all your mortgage needs

OIL CHANGE

$19.99

$59.99

OIL CHANGE, TUNE UP, BRAKES, MUFFLER, AC & INSPECTION

Contact Sangha

Ph: 604-503-3333 #207-12745-78 Ave. Surrey, BC

SUPER VISA SUPER VISA

LOWEST INSURANCE RATES GUARANTEED!

LOWEST INSURANCE RATES GUARANTEED!

INSURANCE INSURANCE

100% REFUNDABLE

100% REFUNDABLE

IF BY CHANCE VISA DENIED PLAN IN INDUSTRY WITHWITH SUPERSUPER BENEFITSBENEFITS PLAN IN INDUSTRY

IF BY CHANCE VISA DENIED

INSURANCE t DISABILITY t CRITICAL INSURANCE t VISITOR INSURANCE LIFELIFE INSURANCE t DISABILITY INSURANCE INSURANCE t CRITICAL ILLNESS t TRAVEL ILLNESS INSURANCEtt TRAVEL VISITOR INSURANCE Very Affordable Premium

4BOEFFQ "IVKB CHS

Coverage Available from $100,000 to $300,000

3

months

9

months

PRO-RATE REFUNDED 3 IF EARLY RETURN

months

9

months

Ensuring Your Life...Ensuring Your Trust

#301-8128 128th Street, Surrey, BC V3W 1R1 www.punjabinsurance.ca 604-996-6862 Toll Free 1-888-414-6729 5) 453&&5 4633&: #$ t 888 16/+"#*/463"/$& $" 5)

PRO-RATE REFUNDED

IF EARLY RETURN Anjana Jassal Insurance Advisor 604-330-9943

02

NEWS

Apna Roots, March 11th, 2016

Crackdown coming on passing school bus

Teen girl who was raped, set on fire dies in New Delhi hospital NEW DELHI—A 15-year-old Indian girl who was raped and set on fire this week died Wednesday in the New Delhi hospital where she was being treated for severe burns, police said. Police have arrested a 20-year-old man and charged him with raping and burning the girl Monday in a village outside New Delhi, one of several recently reported cases of rapes of women or children in India.

Following the attack, the girl was taken to the hospital with burns over 95 per cent of her body. She succumbed early Wednesday, said Uttar Pradesh state police constable Yadram Singh. The girl’s family said the man had been stalking her for several months. Her father had filed a police complaint and police issued a warning to him last year.

The man was charged Tuesday with several offences, including rape and attempted murder. Since the girl

has died, the attempted murder charge will be changed to murder, Singh said.

The man’s family denied the accusation of rape and said the two were having a consensual relationship.

They did not comment on the girl’s burns. Police said an investigation is continuing into the incident.

The recent reports of rapes of women or children in India highlight the persistence of such violence despite a public outcry three years ago that led to stronger laws against sexual assault following the fatal gang rape of a young woman on a New Delhi bus.

Two men arrested following drive-by shooting in Nanaimo • by Paul Brian - Cowichan Valley Citizen A pair of men were arrested Tuesday afternoon in Duncan, following a wild police chase in the aftermath of a driveby shooting in Nanaimo.

The men have been identified by Nanaimo RCMP as 18-year-old Armaan Singh Chandi of Surrey and 19-year-old Inderpal Singh Aujla of Mission.

After a bail hearing Wednesday, the RCMP confirmed the two have been charged with multiple offences, including attempted murder, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and failing to stop for police. Both men were remanded into custody with their next court appearance

by Tom Fletcher - BC Local News The B.C. government is preparing to increase penalties for drivers who pass school buses while children are getting on or off.

"We've had 14 children injured, thankfully none killed, in the last five years," said Transportation Minister Todd Stone. "There are still far too many motorists who are not getting the message of just how important it is to slow down in school zones and certainly not pass a school bus when the lights are flashing."

Stone said school districts and local governments have been calling for increased penalties. Police in B.C. have issued 1,100 tickets for failing to stop for a school bus for the past five years, with 14 injuries during that time.

The current B.C. penalty is $167 fine and three demerit points, the same as disobeying a school crossing guard.

set for today (Friday) in Nanaimo provincial court.

The incident began when two men drove south from Nanaimo in a blue Mazda after a reported drive-by shooting near a children’s daycare, just before 4 p.m.

You have comments on any news or article in this newspaper?

Send E-mail to

staff@apnaroots.com

Is Credit Card Debt driving you batty?

Let Consolidated Credit Help You: Lower your monthly payments Reduce or eliminate interest rates WĂLJ Žī LJŽƵƌ ĚĞďƚ ĨĂƐƚĞƌ

FREE ŽŶĮĚĞŶƟĂů ŽƵŶƐĞůŝŶŐ

Take the first easy step: Call:(800) 960-6415

In Ontario, a first offence of passing a school bus results in a fine of $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points, and a second within five years can result in a fine of up to $4,000 and up to six months in jail.

New Brunswick has a $1,000 fine and loss of driver's licence for every school bus offence.

Police lay human smuggling charges against Langley man A Langley man, a spiritual leader, has been charged with human smuggling, according to the RCMP. The Federal and Serious Organized Crime (FSOC) division of the Mounties announced Wednesday that Joga Singh Badwal, 64, has been charged with one count of smuggling 10 or more persons, and one count of failing to bring persons for examination upon entering Canada.

The RCMP suspectBadwal of bringing people into the country illegally. The investigation was lengthy and complex, according to Sgt. Laurie White.

White said it began in 2010 when the RCMP first became aware of illegal cross border movement.

The RCMP partnered with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Canada Border Services Agency.

Police said Badwal used his position and status “as a spiritual leader within the South Asian community, to assist other members of that community in gaining entry to Canada.”

Officials did not say what happened to the people who entered Canada illegally, or where they crossed the border.

Insp. Cal Chrustie of FSOC said criminals typically demand large fees in exchange for bringing people across borders illegally. However, police would not comment on any particulars of this case.

The investigation is ongoing.

Badwal is next scheduled to be in court on Feb. 10 in Surrey.

• by Matthew Claxton Langley Advance

Apna Roots, March 11th, 2016

r 1BSBQMFHJB

r #SBJO EBNBHF

r 8IJQMBTI

r 2VBESJQMFHJB

r 4QJOBM $PSE *OKVSZ

r %FBUI

r "NQVUBUJPOT

03

Reduced legal fees on catastrophic cases

WE HANDLE ALL OF THE EXPENSES Serving the Indo-Canadian Community throughout British Columbia.

Translation services in all languages available including Punjabi, Hindu and Urdu.

“Simpson Thomas is truly a legal dream team and they rose to the occasion given the legal challenges facing the case. No other firm could have fought this case as it takes a lot of resources to fight a case of this nature.”

— COMMENT BY THE CLIENT IN THE WEDDING ABBOTSFORD JAAGO TRAGEDY AS REPORTED IN THE LINK NEWSPAPER DATED MARCH 12, 2011.

BERNIE SIMPSON, C.M. Member Order of Canada Recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal

E. ANTHONY THOMAS Extensive experience in motor vehicle cases for over 17 years

LOW LEGAL FEES

WITH OVER OVER 40 40 YEARS’ YEARS’ EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE WITH HANDLING EXCLUSIVELY EXCLUSIVELY MOTOR MOTOR VEHICLE VEHICLE INJURY INJURY CLAIMS CLAIMS HANDLING

Sur Surrey/Delta rey/Delta Office

Vancouver V ancouver a anco Office

7253 – 120th Street, Delta, BC

808 Nelson Street, Suite 1512, Vancouver, Vancouverr, BC

Ph: 604-591-8885

Ph: 604-689-8888 TOLL FREE: 1-800-668-3788 (24 hrs Emerg Emergency ency Service) Ser vice)

www www.simpsonthomas.com .simpsonthomas.com

04

NEWS

Apna Roots, March 11th, 2016

Cities agree on tolling new Pattullo Bridge • by Jeff Nagel - BC Local News The cities of Surrey and New Westminster have formally agreed the new Pattullo Bridge will be tolled to recover the construction costs, and that the new span will be four lanes, expandable in the future to six.

The agreement was brokered by TransLink, which expects it will take six to seven years to build a new bridge to replace the existing 79-year-old crossing.

Tolls on the new Pattullo had been widely expected and assumed by Metro Vancouver mayors as the main funding source for the $1-billion replacement project.

Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner said she and other mayors also hope to develop a mobility pricing system that charges drivers by time of day and distance travelled and replaces the

current system of bridge tolls, like the ones levied at the Port Mann and Golden Ears bridges.

The agreement predicts a conventional bridge toll will be necessary when the new Pattullo opens, but commits the parties to determine how it could later integrate into an eventual road pricing system.

"As an interim measure prior to the full implementation of mobility pricing, consistent tolling of all the Fraser River crossings may be considered," the agreement says, citing the need to make bridge tolling fairer to South of Fraser residents.

New Westminster Mayor Jonathan CotĂŠ said tolling the new Pattullo is "very important" to his city, which has borne the brunt of rising traffic

flows over the Pattullo as Highway 1 drivers divert to avoid paying tolls at the Port Mann.

"We've seen a tremendous amount of congestion since the existing Pattullo has become the toll-free alternative," CotĂŠ said, adding the impact on local roads has been significant.

"By coordinating the tolls between the Port Mann and the Pattullo Bridge we feel traffic patterns will actually change and there will be reduced congestion on the Pattullo Bridge and the surrounding road networks."

He also hopes the province becomes part of a broader conversation on road pricing, adding the current method of tolling each new bridge as it opens has unwanted consequences.

Transportation Minister Todd Stone was questioned again Monday as to whether he would leave the Alex Fraser Bridge as the only untolled crossing of the Fraser in Metro Vancouver if both the new Pattullo and Massey bridges are tolled.

"There's at least five to six years here for there to be a thoughtful and considered discussion and debate

across the region about the broader tolling policy," Stone responded, referring to how long it will take for the new replacement bridges to open.

Stone has previously said tolls on both the Pattullo and Massey would force an overhaul of the provincial tolling policy, which he said currently requires there to be "a non-tolled alternative where that's feasible."

Surrey and New Westminster had tussled before over the design of the bridge, with Surrey pushing for six lanes and some New West residents wishing no new Pattullo would be built at all.

The City of Surrey also wants a direct connection from the new Pattullo to the South Fraser Perimeter Road and has warned TransLink it won't support construction of the new bridge without that, because too much traffic would end up on local roads, including King George Boulevard.

TransLink aims to go out to bids to build the new bridge by fall of 2017.

Meanwhile, TransLink is proceeding with a scaled-down rehabilitation of the existing bridge.

Work begins in late April to resurface the deck, resulting in traffic lane closures and some complete bridge closures through September.

The province has pledged to pay one third of the capital cost to replace the Pattullo, and the project is also in the hunt for federal contributions under the P3 Canada fund.

Advertise in Apna Roots Call 604-599-5021

South Asian Connection

Web:www.apnaroots.com Maninder Bains

NEWS

Apna Roots, March 11th, 2016

05

Maple Batalia's death 'was like stomping on a flower right before it blooms'

A courtroom in New Westminster was filled with the sounds of sobbing Monday morning as family and friends of Surrey murder victim Maple Batalia shared how her death more than four years ago has affected their lives.

“My life feels like a burden,” said Sarbjit Batalia, Maple’s mother, wailing

as she addressed the court through an interpreter. “All the colour is lost.”

She spoke of her daughter’s happy life and how it was taken from her in a way not even an animal would be killed.

She sobbed, saying she wished it was her and not her daughter who was murdered.

“Why did you kill my daughter?” she shouted through tears.

Sarbjit Batalia was the last of about a dozen people who spoke and described their immeasurable loss prior to the sentencing of 19-year-old Maple Batalia's killer, ex-boyfriend Gurjinder (Gary) Dhaliwal.

On Thursday (March 3), Dhaliwal pleaded guilty in B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster to second-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend of

four years. The court heard that he shot and stabbed Maple in a parkade outside the Surrey SFU campus on Sept. 28, 2011 in a fit of jealous rage about a month after their break-up.

Maple’s father Harkirat Batalia was first to voice his loss in court Monday, saying his life now feels “useless and without purpose.”

He said he still writes cards to Maple on her birthday – March 4 – knowing his “little girl” will never come back.

“Your actions, Gary, have denied us a happy life,” Harkirat said.

The victim’s sister, Rose Batalia, said Maple was an integral part of the family and an amazing sister, daughter and friend.

“No one could love us as much as

Calgary housing starts decline again in February Lowered confidence in the economy is partly to blame for the decline in Calgary housing starts, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Housing starts in Calgary were trending at 11,434 units in February, down from 12,484 in January. "Total housing starts trended lower in February as the trend in single-detached and multi-family construction declined compared to the previous month," says Richard Cho, the CMHC's principal market analyst for the city.

"Competition from the resale market, full-time job losses, as well as reduced confidence in the economy has

slowed demand for new homes." The trend is calculated using a sixmonth moving average of the monthly, Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rates (SAAR) of total housing starts. CMHC uses the trend measure as a complement to the monthly SAAR of housing starts to account for considerable swings in monthly estimates and obtain a more complete picture of the state of the housing market. In Calgary, the standalone monthly SAAR was 7,042 units in

February, down from 7,573 in January.

Actual housing starts in February totalled 589 units. In February 2015, starts were 791.

-By CBC News

she did,” said Rose.

She said Maple not being able to attend her wedding was only one of the many dreams the sisters had that will go unfulfilled. She then addressed Dhaliwal directly.

“Gary, you may have taken her life, but you can not take away her legacy,” Rose said.

Several other victim impact statements were read by friends and relatives, who said they thought they knew Gary and never would have imagined him killing Maple. They spoke of Maple’s love of life and learning, as well as her compassion for others.

“Her death was like stomping on a flower right before it blooms,” said one friend.

Second-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence. Justice Terence Schultes set parole ineligibility at 21 years, meaning that will be soonest Dhaliwal will be able to apply for any type of release from prison.

The judge acknowledged 21 years – which was recommended by both the Crown and defence – exceeds the normal range for such offences, noting such a length is generally reserved for multiple murderers.

Speaking to Maple’s murder, Schultes said it was clear a combination of poor judgment, immaturity and access to weapons “led to an incalculable loss.”

During last week’s guilty plea, Crown and defence lawyers presented an agreed statement of facts.

-by Sheila Reynolds Surrey North Delta Leader

e

r

m

06

Editorial

Apna Roots, March 11th, 2016

expenditures,” says Bellringer. “This reduces government’s

Guest Editorial

flexibility, but also locks in the prices for future services.”

Moreover, they have sparked controversy.

Debt, contractual obligations and accumulated surpluses B.C. has them all

BY VAUGHN PALMER, VANCOUVER SUN The B.C. government turned a profit of sorts on the 2014 teachers strike, saving $29 million more on wages for teachers than it paid in compensation to parents of school age children during the five-week long strike.

The cost accounting — $186 million in unpaid wages versus the $157 million payout to eligible families — was reported Tuesday by Auditor General Carol Bellringer.

But not all of the findings in her belated summary report on the financial year ended last March 31 were as favourable to the provincial bottom line.

She recorded a $273 million jump in the estimated taxpayer liability for cleanup of abandoned mines and other contaminated sites.

Previously, the government could avoid reporting potential liabilities for such sites by simply not commissioning a detailed assessment of cleanup costs. But a welcome change in accounting standards now obliges Victoria to make an informed estimate in most instances, hence the three-fold escalation in potential liabilities to $397 million from the previous $124 million.

Nor is that likely to be the last upward revision. Bellringer cautions about the need for further methodological improvements, better documentation and the inclusion of privately owned sites that might someday default to the province.

The report marks the third year running — and the second since Bellringer began her eight-year term in September 2014 — where the auditor general found the province to have wrongly deferred mostly federal government revenue by $191 million in 2014-15, and $4 billion cumulatively.

“You may ask,” writes Bellringer, directly addressing a hypothetical member of the public, “when B.C. reported a surplus of almost $1.7 billion, and an accumulated surplus of almost $3.3 billion, why should I be concerned the auditor general is telling me it should be an even greater surplus?”

Well, she’ll tell you: “When that revenue is eventually recorded, maybe in years when financial results could otherwise be less favourable, it may cloud the true financial health of the province. For another thing, the answer lies in the importance of generally accepted accounting standards.”

Or, rather, her reading of those standards. For the in-house watchdog on finances, Comptroller General Stuart Newton, disagrees with Bellringer on that score, hence the decision to go on deferring the revenues.

Technicalities aside, the disagreement means the province banks a share of the federal revenues to future years, instead of spending the works up front.

Likewise the province defers a share of revenues from the sale of drilling leases for oil and gas, thereby evening out the peaks and valleys in resource revenues. Ironically, the latter practice is the result of prudent advice from a previous auditor general.

One area where Bellringer does side with the province is on the proper classification of contractual obligations undertaken by the provincial government for long-term maintenance of a roads, bridges, hospitals and other public works and by BC Hydro for long-term purchase of electricity.

Since disclosure began a decade ago, those have undergone a fourfold increase to the point where the cumulative long-term obligations amount to $102 billion, with Hydro accounting for the bulk of them.

“Contractual obligations are disclosed because they give information

about

government’s

future

committed

“Disclosure has attracted much attention and discussion since the introduction in 2005/06,” concedes the comptroller general.

“Not all of it has been positive because using the word ‘obligations’ in the title has a connotation sometimes equated with debt.”

Should contractual obligations be added to the $63-billion provincial debt as critics have suggested? “No,” says the auditor general, distinguishing between obligations undertaken to pay for goods and services provided in the past and those that must be paid for in the future.

“Debt is the amount of money that government has borrowed, and which must be repaid, “writes Bellringer. “Debt has repayment terms. If government should fail to meet those terms, then the debt potentially becomes payable in full right away. This is the difference with contractual obligations, in that they must be paid, but not right away, only at fixed dates in the future as the service or goods are provided.”

Some of those fixed dates are a long way off. BC Hydro has signed contracts extending more than 50 years into the future.

The proposed replacement for the Massey Tunnel could entail a locked-in agreement to build and manage the project for up to 60 years. Bellringer’s office is undertaking an audit “to evaluate the quality of evidence to support the decision to replace the Massey Tunnel.”

But even if one accepts the auditor general’s distinction between contractual obligations and long-term debt, the amounts already committed by the Liberals are considerable.

“Of the $102 billion in contractual obligations,” writes Bellringer, “almost $9 billion is expected to be paid in 2016, $6 billion in 2017, $5 billion in 2018, and lesser amounts each year going forward.”

Plus, as the independent financial watchdog acknowledges in her report, those obligations will reduce fiscal flexibility and lock in spending to the tune of billions of dollars for years and even decades to come.

Apna Roots, March 11th, 2016

07

Woman killed as wind storm knocks out power across southwest B.C.

by Jeff Nagel - BC Local News A woman has died after a tree fell and hit her early this morning in Port Moody, authorities say.

Officials with the B.C. Coroners Service and Port Moody Fire-Rescue said the woman was struck around 6:30 a.m. in the Mountain Meadows area.

Elsewhere, BC Hydro crews are busy restoring electricity after last night’s powerful wind storm left tens of thousands of residents and businesses in the dark across southwestern B.C. At 8:30 a.m., Hydro reported about 122,000 customers without power in the Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast, with another 13,500 on Vancouver Island.

As of 11 a.m., crews had made some progress. About 92,500 customers in the Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast were in the dark, with another 7,600 on the island.

Wind speeds around 90 km per hour were reported in some areas.

Significant outages, many resulting

Sudoku Solutions for last Issue from downed trees, were reported across the Lower Mainland, including Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Maple Ridge and the North Shore.

They're expected to cause traffic disruptions in some areas as unpowered traffic lights force motorists to use the four-way stop procedure.

For details on local outages and

expected time of service restoration, see h t t p s : / / w w w. b c h y d ro. c o m / p o w e routages/app/outage-list.html A wind warning remains in effect from Environment Canada, with winds 40 to 60 km/h and gusts of up to 90 km/h continuing this morning before wind speeds subside later in the day.

Two homeless men arrive in B.C. on one-way bus ticket from Saskatchewan social services Two homeless Saskatchewan men given one-way bus tickets this week arrived safely in B.C. on Wednesday and were received by outreach workers who will assist them as they settle in Vancouver.

Charles Neil-Curly, 23, and Jeremy Roy, 21, arrived on a Greyhound bus just after 4:30 p.m. at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station near the Downtown Eastside.

The two young First Nations men said they were denied provincial funding to stay overnight at the Lighthouse homeless shelter in North Battleford, Sask., where the pair met and became friends, and were left with few options.

I had my own bed and everything.

It was good, but welfare just wouldn’t let me stay there, I guess,” Neil-Curly told reporters in Vancouver. “I asked for a ticket and five minutes later, I had it printed off and was leaving that night.”

According to the Saskatoon

StarPhoenix, the Saskatchewan social services ministry paid about $500 for the two one-way bus tickets from Saskatchewan to B.C. “When they asked if I had a place to go, I just said, ‘Yeah,’” said Neil-Curly, who has been homeless for about five months. “You know, I was going to the next homeless shelter anyway.”

Neil-Curly said B.C. seemed to be a better choice, when compared to the option of sleeping “in a snowbank.”

Roy also spoke to media briefly

hr iksm dI ipRMitMg krvwaux leI swfy kol Awau 22 swlW dw qzrbw

before suddenly pausing and requiring medical attention.

Staff from Vancouver’s Union Gospel Mission were on hand to greet the two men after reaching out to Saskatchewan officials and being put in touch with the two men as they were travelling to B.C. “We were surprised and we were concerned when we heard that they were being put on a bus and we needed to step up. Coming to Vancouver without a plan, without a place to stay ... is a bad situation for Vancouver and especially for them. It’s dangerous,” said Union Gospel Mission spokesman Jeremy Hunka.

Hunka said the pair will be assigned a case worker who will ensure they are taken care of and provided medical care if needed. Beds have also been made available for Neil-Curly and Roy at the mission’s shelter.

Niva

The sudoku puzzle is mostly a 9-by9 grid made up of 3-by-3 subgrids. Some cells already contain numbers, known as givens. The goal is to fill in the empty cells, one number in each, so that each column, row, and region contains the numbers 1 through 9 exactly once. Each number in the solution therefore occurs only once. in each of three "directions".

Or you can say there is only one rule. Every row, every column and every 3-by-3 subgrid should contain digits 1 to 9 only.

You have comments on any news or article in this newspaper?

Send E-mail to

staff@apnaroots.com

-VANCOUVER SUN

L

A

D

I

Skin Care & Salon

E

S

O

N

L

Y

OPEN ş DAYS A WEEK

řŘ ŘŘDP Ş ŘŘSP

Eyebrow Threading

$2.99

Hair Care Threading Nails Body Treatment

BALJIT SINGH SABHARWAL, B.ASc.

SARBJIT SINGH SABHARWAL, B.ASc.

PRESIDENT & CEO

Waxing

PRODUCTION & DESIGN

Facials Manicure & Pedicure Saree Tie

604.596.8181

tel: 604.596.8181

By Appointment or Walk-In Customers Welcome

604-716-3986

1 7 1 0 1 - 8 0 t h Ave, S u rrey, B. C.

08

Apna Roots, March 11th, 2016

What is behind the mystery of Mercury’s ‘darkness’?

Washington D.C., (ANI): Though it is nearest to the sun, Mercury’s surface is immensely dark. So, what is the ‘darkening agent’?

About a year ago, scientists proposed that Mercury’s darkness was due to carbon that gradually accumulated from the impact of comets that travelled into the inner Solar System. Now, the scientists, led by Patrick Peplowski of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, have used data from the MESSENGER mission to confirm that a high abundance of carbon is present at Mercury’s surface.

MESSENGER, which stands for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging, is a NASAsponsored scientific investigation of the planet Mercury and the first space mission designed to orbit the planet closest to the Sun.

ISIS planning terror attacks on Britain London, (ANI): Mark Rowley, the national head of counter-terrorism, has said the Islamic State wants to inflict an enormous and spectacular terrorist atrocity on Britain and may have trained people to carry out the attacks.

Speaking at a press conference, Rowley said the nature of the threat from ISIS, which he calls Daesh, was changing.

“In recent months, we’ve seen a broadening of that, much more plans to attack western lifestyle. Going from that narrow focus on police and military as symbols of the state to something much broader. And you see a terrorist group which has big ambitions for enormous and spectacular attacks, not just the types that we’ve seen foiled to date,” the Guardian quoted him as saying.

Rowley, a Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner, asserted that they still want to kill soldiers or the police and now posed a real danger of attacking western lifestyle targets.

The police in the region have stepped up vigilance since the Paris attacks in November last year in which many were killed.

He said that the ISIS targeted those people as recruits with mental illness, to such extend that that one counterterrorism unit was now working with a trained psychologist.

He also pressed that the number of women and teenagers being drawn were increasing.

There were a record 339 arrests under counter-terrorism laws in 2015, 77

percent of which were British nationals, 14 percent were female and 13 percent

were aged 20 and under, according to reports. (ANI)

‘Perfectionist’ Aamir eagerly awaiting Salman‘s ‘Sultan’ New Delhi, (ANI): Aamir Khan has yet again proved that Salman Khan is surely one of his closest pals in the industry and not only the fans of ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ but Mr. Perfectionist also eagerly awaits his upcoming release. In an interview with a leading news channel, the 50-year-old actor when asked about Salman’s most awaited flick ‘Sultan’ said he is excitedly looking forward to the movie. It is needless to say that this was the not the first time when the ‘3 Idiots’ actor has expressed his keenness to watch the 50-year-old actor’s upcoming movie. Earlier also, Aamir had said that he was eagerly waiting for Ali Abbas Zafar’s directorial, which is based on the life of a wrestler, during the special screening of ‘Neerja.’

áflÑ ¡ù “È⁄ÀË ∑Ê⁄, flÒá ¡ù ¡Ë“ Á∑‚ flË ∑¢“áË ŒË π⁄ËŒÀË „Ûfl ãù

‚. •¡Ëã Á‚¢Ω „•⁄

Mr. Yes Credit Team áÊ‹ ‚¢“⁄∑ ∑⁄Û: ONLINE CREDIT APLLICATION INSTANT APPROVAL WWW.HAREMOTORS.COM ‚Ê⁄ „Ë fl„Ë∑‹ù ã ‚“Ò‡‹ ‚‹!

•˜¡ „Ë ¶ ∑ Á◊‹Û •¡Ëã „•⁄ É Visit our website WWW.HAREMOTORS.COM We will get your credit approved within 30 minutes.

1-866-604-3490 (604) 580-1411/ (604) 580-7755 12375-King George Blvd, Surrey, B.C.

Apna Roots, March 11th, 2016

09

Cancer cells get their fuel from neighbours’ ‘words’

Washington D.C., (ANI): A recent study has revealed that cancer cells get 30-60 percent of their fuel from eating their neighbours’ ‘words’.

Researcher Deepak Nagrath from Rice University said their original hypothesis was that cancer cells were modifying their metabolism based on

communications they were receiving from cells in the microenvironment near the tumor, but none of them expected to find that they were converting the signals directly into energy.

The results were part of a fouryear study by Nagrath, his students and collaborators at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and other institutions about the role of exosomes in cancer metabolism.

His work is the latest in a series of discoveries about cancer metabolism that date to German chemist Otto Warburg’s 1924 discovery that cancer

cells produce far more energy from the metabolic process known as glycolysis than do normal cells.

The exosome study began four years ago based upon a growing realisation that exosomes might play a role in regulating cancer metabolism.

First author Hongyun Zhao said a growing body of evidence suggests that exosomes can facilitate crosstalk between cancer cells and other types of cells that are nearby in the microenvironment that surrounds the tumor.

Zhao added their results show that not only do exosomes enhance

the phenomenon of the Warburg effect in tumors, but exosomes also contain off-the-shelf metabolites within their cargo that cancer cells use directly in their metabolic processes.

The research is published in the Journal eLife. (ANI)

Jimmy Kimmel to host 2016 Emmy

Spider toxin analogue can help in treating pain Washington D.C.,(ANI): Researchers have recently found that a compound based on a spider toxin may be effective for treating pain.

Experiments conducted in rats revealed that the compound, called PnPP-19, provided pain relief most likely by acting on receptors in the nervous system that also bind opioids and cannabis (or marijuana).

Interestingly, PnPP-19 is also being studied as a drug candidate to treat erectile dysfunction.

Lead author Dr. Maria de Lima said their findings revealed that at least part of the mechanism of action underlying the pain relieving effects induced by PnPP-19.

Dr. Lima added that they also may contribute to the consideration of PnPP-19 as a potential lead compound for the development of

new drug candidates to treat pain.

The study has been published in the British Journal of Pharmacology.

(ANI)

Washington D.C., (ANI): Monday’s ‘Good Morning America’ brought in some good news as Jimmy Kimmel was announced the host of the 2016 Emmy Awards. This will mark the second time Kimmel is hosting the annual television-centered awards show, which he last took over in 2012, when ABC broadcasted the event, reports Us magazine. The 48year-old TV host took to his Twitter handle and wrote, “I am hosting the #Emmys on Sunday Sept 18. Until then, have a great summer.” (ANI)

Apna Roots, March 11th, 2016

10

US ‘disappointed’ post India denying visa to religious rights panel Washington D.C. (ANI): The United States of America (USA) has expressed disappointment after the Indian Government denied a visa last week to U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.

“We’re aware that visas were not issued by the Indian embassy to members of the United States Commission of International Religions Freedom commissioners who were planning to travel to India on the 4th of March, and we’re disappointed by this news,” State Department Spokesman John Kirby said.

He added that the United States was supportive of the commission and the important role they play in reviewing facts and circumstances of violations of religious freedom around the world.

“As President Obama himself noted during his visit last year, we support the Government of India’s commitments – commitment to promoting religious freedom and diversity. And his message during his

Maria Sharapova provisionally suspended after failing drug test New Delhi, (ANI): Former world number one Tennis champion Maria Sharapova has revealed she failed a drugs test at the Australian Open following which she has been provisionally suspended.

The 28 year old Russian star tested positive for meldonium, a substance, she has been taking since 2006 for health issues.

The International Tennis Federation said that Sharapova, a five time Grand Slam champion, is provisionally suspended from March 12th pending

further action.

Sharapova, who lives in Florida, provided the anti-doping sample in question on January 26th, the day she lost to Serena Williams in the Australian Open quarter finals.

trip to India was clear and it remains true: “Our nations are stronger when” – and I’m quoting now the President – “every person has the right to practice their faith how they choose, or to

practice no faith at all, and to do so free of persecution and fear of discrimination,” he further said.

Kirby also said that the US remained engaged in a number of discussions with the Indian government about this and other issues with respect to religious freedom.

Justifying its decision not to give visa to members of US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), India had last week said the group has no locus standi to pass its judgement and comment on its citizens' constitutionally protected rights.

India has not been giving them visa since 2009. (ANI)

Google marks Women’s day with ‘real women’ doodle New Delhi, (ANI): Search giant Google on March 8 celebrated the International Women’s Day with its doodle that features real women rather than animated characters.

Google has started a campaign named #OneDayIWill to empower women across the globe and it is promoted by a video, which was produced after meeting 337 women from 13 different countries across the world.

Creators of the doodle Lydia Nichols, Helena Leroux and Liat Ben-Rafael have tried to get together the aspiration of women around the globe and bring them in limelight so as to inspire the next generation.

The video also features British primatologist Jane Goodall, Nobel Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai and activist Muzoon Almellehan.

It even gives an option for women to share their #OneDayIWill experience and celebrate International Women’s Day with Google. After the video the viewer is directed to the Google search page for International Women’s Day showcasing various web pages sharing knowledge over the same.

Don’t Fall Victim to Financial Distress Caused by Credit Card Debt

Credit counseling is the easiest, most effective way to explore the options for credit card debt and identify the best solution for your needs.

HIGH MONTHLY CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS combined with even higher interest rates can make it almost impossible to maintain control over your credit card debt. Even with your monthly payments you may not see much of a reduction in debt no matter what you do.

What’s more, as your credit card balances increase, it can also cause problems for your budget – you end up juggling bills, choosing between expenses, and putting off important purchases. Luckily, there’s a way you can find the solution that works for your unique financial situation – and even better, it won’t cost a thing to get the information you need.

ments go toward your debt instead of adding more interest – which means you can get out of debt faster.

Every financial situation is different, but most people see their total monthly debt payments reduced by up to 30 to 50 percent as they get out of debt faster. The program is usually completed in around 40-60 payments, so you can be debt-free in just a few years instead of taking CREDIT COUNSELING IS THE decades to eliminate everything you EASIEST, MOST EFFECTIVE WAY owe.

TO EXPLORE THE OPTIONS FOR CREDIT CARD DEBT AND It’s the fastest and easiest to IDENTIFY THE BEST SOLUTION FOR YOUR NEEDS. Speak with a get professional financial certified credit counselor at no charge advice without incurring to analyze your debt and budget. They another bill to do it. will review your options to see what solutions may work best for you. Your credit counselor may be able to lower high interest rates or even eliminate Build a Positive Credit History them while consolidating your credit Additionally, consolidating debtcard debts into one easy payment through a certified credit counselthrough a debt management program. ing service may help save your credit score from additional damage. You Get Out of Debt Faster stop future penalties and prevent furAs a result of those lower interest ther damage from missed payments rates – more of your monthly pay- and overdrawn credit lines. Even bet-

ter, as you work your way through the program, you’re able to build a positive credit history while reducing your overall debt level. As a result, some people see their credit score even increase over the course of their time with a credit counseling service.

FREEDOM FROM DEBT IS POSSIBLE! Don’t spend another sleepless night worrying about your debt problems, or another day stressed about your bills instead of focused on your family and life.

Call Consolidated Credit now at

1-800-960-6415

to speak with a certified credit counselor today.

(Fees may apply for voluntary participation in debt management - all counseling services are free.)

News

Why Sonam Kapoor is disappointed these days?

Actress Sonam Kapoor is disappointed with her Pakistani fans, who are watching pirated versions of her film "Neerja". She also questioned the logic behind the film's ban in the neighbouring country.

"The film has not released officially there, but it is very sad that this has happened. Today I was doing a live chat and there are several of my fans who are from Pakistan... Since my films have done well in Pakistan, they're all watching pirated copies of the film over there," Sonam said at a press conference in Mumbai. "It's a matter of sadness, I am very disappointed," the actress added.

The film is based on the life of Neerja Bhanot, the air hostess who sacrificed her life while saving passengers on board hijacked Pan Am flight 73. Sonam, who has essayed the role of Neerja Bhanot in the film, says she is unable to understand the reason behind the ban.

"I can't understand it, but I think this is all politics between both sides.

I had said this before, there is no place for politics in art and sports and unfortunately that's what has happened," she said.

By Santa Banta News Network

Apna

Apna Roots, March 11, 2016

11

Prachi or Parineeti, who will play G Rupa Devi in her biopic?

Prachi Desai or Parineeti Chopra are rumoured to have been approached for a biopic on 'only Indian woman' to qualify as international football referee.

2016 has been billed as the year of biopics. While two films on real personalities - Sonam Kapoor-starrer 'Neerja' and Hansal Mehta's 'Aligarh' -

have already released, nearly half a dozen more will hit the big screen all year round and an equal number will roll out in the coming months.

Now add to this a proposed biopic on G Rupa Devi, a young physical training teacher from Tamil Nadu who was recently selected to officiate international matches conducted by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Sources say the makers have approached Prachi Desai and Parineeti Chopra for the protagonist's role.

"It will be shot in various parts of the world and will go on floors by June.

Talks are on with Prachi and Parineeti to star in the film which will be helmed by a newcomer. An official announcement will be made soon," says a source working on the untitled project, without divulging details about the production house involved. Rupa, a science graduate from Dindigul in Tamil Nadu, is the only Indian woman to have been selected by FIFA as an international

Shraddha shares Tiger's first look from 'Baaghi' Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor took to Twitter to unveiled the first look of Tiger Shroff from their upcoming film 'Baaghi' on his birthday.

Tiger Shroff, who turned 25 on Wednesday has made his debut with 'Heropanti' which also starred Kriti Sanon.Shraddha Kapoor shared the first look of 'Baaghi' also wishing Tiger Shroff on his birthday. Here's what she wrote on Twitter along with the photo: Recently Shraddha Kapoor, Tiger Shroff alongwith the cast and crew celebrated the wrap up bash of their film, 'Baaghi', with cupcakes and biryani.Tiger Shroff and Shraddha Kapoor will be seen sharing screen space for the first time in 'Baaghi'

By Santa Banta News Network

Roots

Call 604-599-5021 Email: staff@apnaroots.com

www.apnaroots.com

A referee, claims the source. After passing several tests and enrolling for Project Future Referees (the FIFA programme for referees), she qualified as the first female referee from the state to be selected by the apex football association. This entry marked a milestone in the sports arena since football, like most sports, is considered a male bastion.

Prachi and Parineeti, who is currently in Australia, remained unavailable for comment while a source close to the makers says, "In this film, the actress in consideration will have to somewhat do what Shah Rukh Khan did in 'Chak De! India' (2007) or Priyanka Chopra did in 'Mary Kom' (2014). We are looking for a someone with a childlike face but also mass appeal to be able to shoulder the film. We are already in talks with various top seed footballers to feature in the film alongside the actress."

By Santa Banta News Network

Call

12

Horoscope

Apna Roots, March 11th, 2016

Planetary momentum is overwhelmingly forward this month. On the 20th the Sun is important to determine your sign. Aries, the best starting energy of the zodiac.

(Mar. 21- April 19) Many of you, especially if your birthday is from March 20 to March 31, are at an exceptional period for starting new projects or launching new products. After your birthday is best.The month ahead will be eventful. Of the two, the lunar eclipse of the 23rd affects you most strongly – especially those of you born between the 20th and the 25th.

The 8th house of transformation is where the action is this month; 40 per cent (and sometimes 50 per cent) of the planets are there or moving through there. So, the (July 23-Aug 22) spouse, partner or current love is prospering these days. He or she is positioned in the midst of a yearly financial peak and is likely to be more generous to you. You're already legendary libido is even stronger than usual. This will be a great month for borrowing or to pay down debt – according to your need – especially from the 5th to the 22nd.

Though two eclipses this month tidy up the world and people around you, for you in the month ahead looks happy and successful.When Mars leaves his stressful aspect on the 6th there are not any longterm plans in stressful alignment with (Apr. 20- may 20) you. Venus, a short-term planet, will stay away from her stressful aspect on the 12th. Moon will occasionally make stressful aspects – and we draw up a list above –, but that’s about it.

Health and energy are delicate in March, and two eclipses this month – both of which affect you strongly–only is in addition to the pressure. So, say that he took it nice and cool this month–especially around the eclipse periods. Just wanted to make sure, as always, that you get enough rest. Come (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) out of the trivial things in your life and concentrate on what’s really important. It would be fantastic to schedule messages in this month or devote more time to a health spa, if possible.

March this year is a fast paced, hectic kind of month, with never a dull moment.

Mercury, the ruler of your Horoscope, moves speedily through three signs and houses of Your Horoscope this month.

This shows that you’re covering a lot of (May 21-June 21) territory and making good forward progress. The month ahead is retained, but frenetic. There is excellent career advancement until the 20th and especially the 1st and 11th. There is two eclipses this month, and this is added to the frenzy.

The month ahead is busy and eventful. At your solar cycle now entering its Full Moon phase. This (and next month) is likely to be the busiest time of your year.

Two eclipses this month increases in drama and turbulence to life as well. In (Sept. 23 -Oct. 23) spite of all the drama, you’re prospering.

Jupiter is making beautiful aspects to your financial planet from the 12th to the 20th. This shows an expansion of earnings and fiscal good fortune. It shows an excellent financial intuition too

Your 9th house remains influential until the 20th. This is a great aspect for college-level students. They succeed in their studies. There are educational disruptions and perhaps changes in educational plans – this comes from the ( June 22-July 22) solar eclipse of the 9th –, but the changes will be a good thing. We have two eclipses this month – both of their impact on you strongly. Of the two, the lunar eclipse of the 23rd is stronger (especially on those of you born from June 21 to June 25)

Mars leaves your sign on the 6th and the planetary power is still in the Western, social sector. Conflicts of last month are finished with. It is easier now to develop the social skills and to put others first. It is not difficult to take a vacation from (Oct. 24 - Nov. 21) yourself. Let others ask their way so long as it isn’t destructive.The main headline of the month is two eclipses: a solar eclipse on the 9th and a lunar eclipses on the 23rd. Though you will still smell the impact in various areas of life, these are basically benign to you.

Dear SOS Dear SOS: My wife passed

dinners

(Sabrina Offers Support) and

lunches.

The

away five years ago. I was left

problem is that when I told my

with two young children, 11-

parents and my wife’s parents

years-old son and 8-years-old

they were not too happy. They

daughter. Last year, I met a

all think that I should not

woman with a six-years-old

have introduced my friend to

daughter.

my kids.

divorcee.

My

friend

is

a

We get along very

kids are too young and at a crucial

well.

I

was

hesitant

to

They feel that my

seriously

age

and

if

involved

I

get with

introduce her to my children,

another woman, specially one

but my friends all suggested

with a child the relationship

that

I

between my kids, and myself

would be able to see what my

could be destroyed and the

children think of her and how

kids will suffer.

they

I

should.

all

get

This

way

along.

Three

I,

on the other hand, feel

months ago, I told my children

that my kids should know who

about my friend and a week

is becoming important in my

later

life. Specially now that I have

we

all

went

out

for

dinner. The meeting went very

seriously

well. My kids think she’s very

asking her to move in with us.

nice and she, my friend also

The kids have met my friend

likes

then

twice now and I am wondering

proceeded to introduce me to

when can I tell my kids that I

her daughter.

am serious about her and that

them.

We,

been

thinking

of

She and I hit it off from the

she will be moving in with us.

start. Since then her daughter

Single Dad in Surrey Dear Single Dad in Surrey:

has joined us on a number of

On the 19th of last month, the planetary power hit the lowest point in your chart.

You’re in the midnight hour of your year. The magical hour. Things seem dormant on the outside, but inside many wonderful things are happening. The new day, the new cycle, is being born. Emotional wellness and domestic (Nov 22- Dec 21) harmony should happen to your main concern now.We consist of two eclipses this month and these are secured to bring change – both personally and in the world at large. The solar eclipse of the 9th occurs in your 4th house of home and family and affects you strongly.

By now most short-term financial goals have been achieved and your interest shifts to the intellectual realm. The whole point of wealth is to give us the time and wherewithal to develop the mind. So the month ahead is good for (Dec 22.- Jan. 19) taking courses (or teaching courses in your area of expertise), reading and keeping abreast on all the letters, texts, emails and calls that you own. Students carry out their studies. Sales and marketing people are better at what they do.We consist of two eclipses this month. These are guaranteed to shake up the world and your environment.

Things have gone from easy for you so far this year, so it’s time to have a few challenges to keep you on your toes, and keep you from becoming too complacent. We have two eclipses this month that shakes things up in the world and in your environment.The solar eclipse of the 9th (in America it happens on (Jan. 20 -Feb. 19) the 8th) occurs in your money house and announces significant financial changes. Generally these changes happen as a result of some unexpected expense or financial upheaval. You’re required in order to change your thinking and strategy.

A bittersweet kind of month. On the one hand, there are many planets in your sign and you’re in the midst of a peculiar pleasure peak. On the other hand, we have two eclipses that shake (Feb. 20 -Mar. 20) things up – both personally and in the world at large. It is a cheerful but eventful kind of month.The solar eclipse of the 9th (in America it happens on the 8th) occurs in your own sign, thus it affects you strongly. It displays a need to redefine yourself – your personality, your image and your selfconcept. Generally this happens because others are slandering or misrepresenting you.

There is nothing wrong with you moving on with your life. But you have responsibilities to your children and your friend has responsibilities towards her child.

Don’t rush into anything. It’s too soon for your friend to move in with you. The parents are right in sense that your kids are at a crucial age. You don’t want them to feel that someone has become more important in your life than them.

What you need to do is to make sure that your friend and your children spend more time with each other.

Do things together, then introduce her child to your children.

Both families should spend some months interacting and bonding with each other.

Then see how kids get along with each other.

See how kids respond to her. You can then ask them their opinion as to how they feel about your friend and her daughter moving in. If there is any hesitation on the part of the kids then more time is needed. And you need to find out why the kids feel like that. But You need to assure your kids they will always remain a priority in your life. Don’t rush into anything. If there is any doubt get professional help, see a counsellor or a therapist if you require help.

Good luck.

Why John is planning to return to Dubai?

Actor-producer John Abraham, who is currently shooting in Abu Dhabi for "Dishoom" will return to Mumbai especially to promote "Rocky Handsome".

A source close to the actor told IANS: "John is extremely committed to this film. He has been shooting for 'Dishoom' in Abu Dhabi and he will be landing on March 4 especially for the trailer launch of 'Rocky Handsome'. Being the actor and producer of this film, John is giving special attention to this film."

Directed by Nishikant Kamat, "Rocky Handsome" features John with Shruti Hassan in the lead. John also took training for martial arts in Thailand for the action-packed film.

Send your questions for Dear SOS to Email: staff@apnaroots.com

Ca

Apna Roots, March 11th, 2016

Review Director Hansal Mehta's "Aligarh" is a human rights story that reveals the plight of homosexuals in conservative Indian society. It is a tapestry of a compelling drama, enveloped between the two historical verdicts, the Delhi High Court first decriminalising and then the Supreme Court restoring criminalising Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.

It is the true story of Dr. S.R. Siras, a professor of Marathi and the head of the Classical Modern Indian Languages Faculty at the famed Aligarh University, who was suspended on grounds of morality.

The film starts with the inciting moment when the professor's privacy is invaded by some miscreants who forcibly enter his house and film him sharing intimate moments with a rickshaw-puller.

What keeps you glued to the screen is the focused narrative and the natural performances, that give you a glimpse into the life of the protagonist.

Writers Ishani Banerjee and Apurva Israni have ensured that there is nothing unwarranted and no unnecessary titillation, given the sensitive subject. They have cleverly incorporated the track of Deepu Sebastian, a journalist from Delhi working for the Indian Post, to propel the narrative.

Manoj Bajpayee essays the role of

Must pay a visit to

‘Aligarh’

the victimised, shy and unassuming professor to perfection, who is forced to fight his battle, single handedly. With his gait, speech and underplayed histrionics, Manoj is the character, you would believe in. The silences in his performance and vulnerability in his eyes, are used by him effectively to convey his anguish and loneliness.

The two Lata Mangeshkar songs, "Aap ki nazaron ne samjha pyaar ke kabil mujhe" and "Betaab dil ki tamanna yahi hai", woven dexterously into the script, encapsulate Dr. Siras' solitude and his desire to be loved. The way he passionately hums the song makes you reach out to him.

Rajkummar Rao as Deepu

13

Sebastian, is lithe and natural. He plays the effervescent and enthusiastic Malayali journalist settled in Delhi with ease and the bond he forges with the professor seems genuine. Unfortunately, his character does not delve into why he gets attracted to the case and hence the track seems forced when he insists, "you have to fight it out, Mr. Siras".

The lip-lock between Deepu and Namita, his reporting head played by Delnaaz Irani, reveals the progressive India, thus, bringing out the sharp contrast of the orthodox Indian society, otherwise portrayed in the film.

Ashish Vidyarthi, as the lawyer fighting Siras's case, unfortunately lacks the punch.

Mounted with moderate production values, Satya Rai Nagpaul's camera work is steady and remarkable. His frames are realistic. With his wide angle lenses and tight close-ups, he artistically captures the claustrophobic space and the fine nuances of Manoj's haunting performance. Karan Kulkarni's soulful background score is well-layered in the narration. There are a few edit jerks in Apurva Asrani's editing but this could probably be due to censor issues.

Overall, Hansal Mehta's direction touches a raw nerve and makes you embrace the film wholeheartedly.

Advertise in Apna Roots Call 604-599-5021

14

Apna Roots,

March 11th, 2016

'Neerja' - A brilliant tribute to the braveheart

Neerja, a biopic, encapsulates the life of Neerja Bhanot, head purser, Pan Am flight 73, which was hijacked in Karachi in September 1986 where she laid down her life heroically, trying to save the passengers.

Set inside Pan Am Flight 73 and Bombay's Navjeevan Society, this is a well made, crisp film that takes the audience through Neerja's short life of 23 years. And as Neerja, a die-hard Rajesh Khanna fan used to say, "Zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahin (Life should be grand, not long)". She lived her life to the fullest and brought joy to those whose lives she touched, till the very end.

Director Ram Madhvani adroitly showcases Neerja's life and the actual incident of the plane getting hijacked in a brilliant narrative. He gives viewers a peak into her life with her family, her strong bond with her mother, her attachment to her father, the lessons she

Movie Review:

learnt from them and her traumatic marriage, in a smooth flowing plot, the focus of which never wavers.

The hijacking incident and the manner in which Neerja attends to the passengers, rescues them with single-

minded devotion and confidence, remains the centre stage of the film.

Yet, we get glimpses of her life, which tell us the kind of person she was.

Sonam Kapoor as Neerja Bhanot slips into the role with ease. Whether it is playfully mouthing the dialogues of her favourite superstar Rajesh Khanna, chiding her mother for her unnecessary concern, or staring adversity in the face as a composed flight purser, she makes it all look effortless as an actor.

But it is Shabana Azmi as Rama Bhanot, Neerja's spirited and loving mother, who steals your heart with a natural and heart-rending performance. She is every inch Neerja's mother whether it is waking her up

lovingly before a flight or promising her a yellow salwar kameez for her birthday. The last scene where she gives an emotional speech on the first death anniversary of Neerja, is easily one of the highlights of the film.

Shekhar Ravijani, of the VishalShekhar music director duo, makes his debut as an actor and plays Neerja's love interest, Jaideep, who dotes on her. Unfortunately the character does not offer him much scope by way of performance.

The actors playing the hijackers too are competent and display their anger, frustration, nervousness and unleashing of terror, in a convincing manner. The rest of the actors too are natural, not indulging in unnecessary histrionics.

Nothing in the film appears staged or artificial. It is truly a slice of Neerja's life.

The only aberration in this otherwise well told engaging tale, is the jerky camera movement and poor lighting, which barely allows you to see the face of the actors with clarity, giving it the feel of a film with compromised production values.

The music has been skilfully used to create the right mood in certain scenes and does not seem out of place.

Overall, Neerja is bound to engage you emotionally owing to the nature of its subject and its adept treatment.

16

Apna Roots, March 11th, 2016

Apna Roots Call 604-599-5021 Visit us at www.apnaroots.com

Advertise in

Contact Raman or Rimpy today

17

Apna Roots, March 11th, 2016

Cold weather increases threat of carbon monoxide poisoning (NC) Although it is a four-season danger, carbon monoxide becomes an even greater threat in winter when furnaces and fireplaces are fired up and some of us choose to warm up a vehicle first thing in the morning.

Carbon monoxide, or CO, comes from burning fossil fuels such as wood, oil, gas and propane. It is called the “silent killer” because it is colourless, odorless and tasteless. The only safe way for humans to detect its presence is with a CSA-approved carbon monoxide alarm.

In recent years, safety officials have ramped up educational efforts to explain just how deadly CO can be. There are small signs it is working.

“I used to only see headlines about another family going to hospital for carbon monoxide exposure because they did not have a CO alarm,” says John Gignac. “But more and more I see headlines saying, 'Family escapes carbon monoxide tragedy thanks to CO alarm' which is enormously satisfying.”

Gignac knows the deadly reality of carbon monoxide firsthand. Seven years ago the retired firefighter lost his niece, her husband and their two children when a blocked chimney vent forced deadly carbon monoxide from their gas fireplace back into their home.

“My niece and her family had no chance because they did not have a CO alarm,” Gignac says.

Don't gamble with your family's safety

In their memory, Gignac established the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation to educate families and to implore everyone to install a carbon monoxide alarm. The average home has several potential sources of the deadly gas, but Gignac says too many of us still have not installed a CO alarm.

“Many people I speak to don't think they need a CO alarm because they have electric baseboard heat,” Gignac says.

“But when I ask them if they have a gas appliance or a wood-burning or gas fireplace, or a garage, they realize they have been putting their family at risk.”

The gas has another potentially deadly trait. Symptoms of CO exposure mimic the flu, without the fever, so it is commonly misdiagnosed.

heating systems and other fuel-burning appliances, including fireplaces, every year.

• Install one CO alarm on each level of your home and outside all sleeping areas.

• Replace CO alarms manufactured prior to 2009, whether they are battery powered or hardwired.

• Consider installing a CO alarm that has a continuous digital display. It will warn you if low levels of the deadly gas are present, so you can address the problem before CO reaches harmful levels.

"Most carbon monoxide alarms cost about $40, a small price to pay for your family's safety," Gignac adds.

Gignac offers these safety tips: • Have a licensed inspector check

(NC) In recent months, lottery fever has gripped North America. It seems we think nothing of dropping a few loonies on the dream of hitting it big. But when homeowners are found not to have the recommended, or legally required, number of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their home, cost is most often cited as the reason.

The irony of this is not lost on safety officials, who point out the odds of winning a lottery are in the multimillions to one…while some 40 per cent of fires in Canada are residential in nature. This makes it a much riskier gamble to put off a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm purchase, many of

which can be had for less than $50 and last a decade. While there are slight variations in some provinces and municipalities, the general requirement is one working smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. This is optimal for carbon monoxide alarms too, although starting with one CO alarm outside all sleeping areas is said to be a good start. This placement is key, as you want to ensure that all sleeping family members will be wakened if an emergency occurs at night.

By protecting your family first, you can sleep easier and dream bigger. More home safety facts and information can be found at www.safeathome.ca.

E

Apna Roots, March 11th, 2016

18

Writing your will keeps you in control

Advertise Your Business in Apna Roots (South Asian Connection) Call Today 604 599 5021 Email:staff@apnaroots.com

(NC) No matter what the size of your estate, every adult should have a will, say specialists in this field. Without one, you risk leaving the distribution decisions to an impersonal formula, with the government writing the terms.

A valid will ensures that your property will be dealt with according to your wishes and with a minimum of complications and expense for your estate. Without a will, your spouse may not receive as much as you would wish, your heirs will receive fixed percentages, regardless of their needs, and a court appointed administrator will handle your affairs.

It is important to give careful thought to what persons, needs or organizations you would like to benefit. It is best to consult a lawyer or notary to ensure your will is properly drawn up.

This is much less expensive than most people imagine.

Here are 10 reasons for drafting a will: 1. It's your property: A will guarantees that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes.

2. Children/grandchildren: A will provides for the care of any children who are minors, enabling you to choose a guardian. Should both parents die, it assures the children do not become a ward of the Court.

3. Speedy settlement of affairs: Without a will, lengthy court delays could create undue hardship for your family.

4. Estate planning: When skillfully drafted, a will allows you to incorporate tax-saving measures and avoid unnecessary taxes, resulting in increased funds for your beneficiaries.

5. Simplified distribution of your estate: By providing a blueprint and a list of directions, families will not have to guess about what you wanted.

6. Peace of mind: A certain peace of mind comes from knowing that you've drafted a will that sets out your true intentions.

7. Questions of capacity: If a person loses mental capacity, it's not legally possible to write a will.

8. Supporting your favourite causes: A will assures that you can continue to help organizations you have believed in during your lifetime, such as a health, education or sports charity, or a human rights organization like Amnesty International.

9. Relieving any burden on your family: Reviewing the contents and nature of your estate and making known your decisions ahead of time for its disposition makes it easier on other family members.

10. Ability to be creative: There are relatively few rules that limit a testator's (person who writes a will) ability to make creative, thoughtful dispositions of property.

w

ap

19

Apna Roots, March 11th, 2016

Tips for designing your retirement lifestyle (NC) You're working roughly 2,000 hours a year right now – how will you spend that time when you retire? It might seem an obvious question, yet when an RBC survey asked working Canadians aged 50 plus* what their plans were for their retirement, three-quarters were unsure of their plans for filling this time.

Financial planner and retirement designer Bill Hill of RBC suggests that you should be thinking now about your lifestyle priorities, so you can design an overall plan that supports the retirement life you hope to enjoy.

“Personal priorities like family, travel, living arrangements and leaving a legacy must all be considered together, as part of designing your larger plan,” says Hill. “Planning your retirement should be a positive experience that gets you excited about your future and the things

you may have been putting off.”

Bill Hill's top tips for designing your retirement: • Discuss your personal priorities

together with your partner, so your retirement plan includes both of you. The RBC survey found couples who make retirement decisions together are almost

twice as likely than those who make these decisions independently to feel excited about retirement planning.

• Do a test-run of your individual dream scenarios. Rent a property where you are considering living, book a shortterm trip, visit at different times of the year to learn more about the year-round realities of the lifestyle you're planning.

• If you hope to travel in retirement, consider where you want to go and for how long and what it will take to support your travel plans. Will you want to travel in luxury or economy, on your own, in a group, long-term or short-term? How will travel affect other retirement considerations like your living arrangements?

• Make sure your dream home in retirement takes into consideration access to family, friends, healthcare, shopping, as well as upkeep costs and any mobility needs – now and in future.

More options are available at www.retirementdesigners.ca.

Feel right at home in retirement

(NC) Where will you live when you retire? It's a question many of us — even those closer to retirement age — haven't considered. In fact, less than half of working Canadians aged 50 plus* have planned for where they will live, according to a recent RBC survey.

Hilary Farr, a Canadian designer, says couples need to plan now to ensure that they are on the same page when it comes to their future living arrangements.

She offers three key considerations: • Family and friends: How will leisure time impact how your home works for you? Will you host friends and family often and therefore want them to be nearby? Considerations like these can affect location, design, and renovation plans.

• Upkeep: Will you have the ability or desire to spend time and money maintaining a pool, lawn or aging home?

Are there changes you can make today to simplify maintenance later on, such as replacing lawns with easy-care landscaping and gardens?

• Mobility and accessibility: Stairs and bathtubs may not seem like obstacles today, but they can pose significant mobility issues later. Consider future accessibility now while planning bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens and bedrooms. These spaces can be both beautiful and safe with some additions and adjustments for the years ahead.

Apna Roots, March 11th, 2016

20