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FRIDAY, July In Section 220, 2018

The Largest Asian-American Newsweekly in Texas

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Vol. 32 No. 28 • FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

Published Weekly from Houston

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BUSINESS

US Fed to continue to raise interest rates gradually: Powell

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How WhatsApp helped 7th Annual Greater Houston Rath Yatra turn an Indian village Celebrated at Char Dham Hindu Temple into a lynch mob

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Mohammad Salman was beaten on false rumours he was a child kidnapper. (Reuters Photo)

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32-year-old Indian software engineer has become the latest victim in a spate of mob lynchings, allegedly spurred by child abduction rumours spreading over WhatsApp. BBC Telugu's Deepthi Bathini reports on how the attack unfolded.

"They kept hitting us, demanding to know how many children we had kidnapped," says Mohammad Salman, who is still in shock, his body bruised and his face scarred with stitches.

Continued on Page 12

HE WOODLANDS, TX - Lord Jagannath works in His own mysterious ways. While all day long, it was hot and humid, just before Rath Yatra it was pouring. “Lord Jagannath made sure that the streets are cleaned before His chariot is pulled”, said ISKCON's Saranga Thakura Das. It was indeed a miracle that after raining heavily for over an hour, the rain clouds disappeared for the rest of the evening. This paved the way for devotees to pull the chariots inside Char Dham Temple grounds in much cooler temperature.

Rath Yatra is the celebration of Lord Jagannath’s annual visit to Gundicha Mandir, his aunt's place. In Puri, millions congregate every year to witness Rath Yatra and three decorated chariots are pulled in Bada Danda by thousands Continued on Page 3

Symasundara Das, ISKCON of Houston President and other devotees descending the steps of Char Dham Hindu Temple carrying the Deities to Their chariots for the Rath Yatra. (Photo by RNM Photography.)

Indian building collapse kills five, more feared trapped

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EW DELHI, India | AFP | 7/18/2018 - More than 100 Indian rescue workers were using steel cutters and drills on Wednesday to try and free those still feared trapped under the rubble of a collapsed sixstorey building outside Delhi.

Five bodies have been pulled out of the wreckage since the

building gave way late Tuesday, according to rescue officials.

A rescue official told AFP it was not yet possible to determine how many people were still trapped underneath tonnes of concrete and metal debris.

Eyewitnesses and neighbours said one of those still

missing was a one-year-old child from one of two families thought to be under the debris and who had moved in only days before.

"My friend was living here with his family since last Saturday. I spoke to them last night but have not had any contact with them since 9:00 pm," local resident Sandesh

Kumar told Indian television news channel NDTV. "I am just hoping they are alright," he said.

Sniffer dogs were also brought in to assist with the search, which officers said would continue through the night.

Authorities said the structure,

which was still under construction, collapsed onto an adjacent newly constructed four-storey residential building.

Both are part of a residential complex in one of the many satellite towns dotted around Delhi growing fast to house the fast-expanding population of the 20-million-strong megacity.

Parts of Greater Noida are notorious for rampant and unregulated construction, with many projects flouting building regulations and cutting costs and corners with substandard materials.

Police arrested three people, including the landowner, over the latest accident.

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COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS

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by Jordan Fabian

VOICE OF ASIA Publisher: Associate Publisher: Editor-in-Chief: Austin Correspondent: Marketing Director: Office Manager:

Koshy Thomas Sherly Philip Shobana Muratee Sherine Thomas Susan Pothanikat Priyan Mathew

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resident Trump on Monday refused to denounce Moscow’s interference in the 2016 presidential election and criticized the special counsel investigation — all while standing alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin at a press conference following their meeting in Helsinki.

Contributors:

In an extraordinary scene broadcast live to a worldwide audience, Trump sided with Russia over his own intelligence agencies’ conclusion about Russia’s meddling in the election.

Legal: Sharlene Sharmila Richards Mala Sharma

“They said they think it’s Russia. I have President Putin; he just said it’s not Russia,” Trump said.

VoiceofAsiaOnline.com Editor Online:

Shobana Muratee

All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the consent of the publisher.

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“I will say this: I don’t see any reason why it would be,” Trump added. “So, I have great confidence in my intelligence people, but I will tell you that President Putin was extremely strong and powerful in his denial today.”

Trump offered the remarks after Putin again publicly denied involvement in the U.S. election.

During his opening remarks, Putin insisted Russia “has never interfered and is not going to interfere into internal American affairs,” even as he later admitted that he wanted Trump to beat Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016.

“Yes, I did, because he was the one who wanted to normalize relations with Russia,” Putin said.

The president showed little interest in publicly challenging Putin over the issue, a stance that drew accusations of weakness from Democrats and condemnations from GOP critics and even some media outlets typically friendly to Trump.

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) labeled Trump’s press conference “one of the most disgraceful performances by an American president in memory.”

Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), who has been reluctant to criticize Trump, said the president “must appreciate that Russia is not our ally” and stated “there is no question that Russia interfered in our election.”

The Drudge Report’s banner headline Monday afternoon was “Putin Dominates in Hel,” complete with an unflattering photo of the president looking off-balance.

Fox Business Network’s Neil Cavuto pronounced the press conference “disgusting,” while Fox analyst and former anchor Brit Hume criticized the president’s “lame” response.

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

Trump stuns the world at Putin summit Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats highlighted the divide between the president and his administration on Russia.

(Photo: Getty Images) The reaction on networks more critical of Trump was even more severe, with CNN’s Anderson Cooper declaring it “perhaps one of the most disgraceful performances by an American president at a summit in front of a Russian leader that I have ever seen” immediately at the press conference’s conclusion.

Democrats, put on defense just last week with Trump’s Supreme Court nomination, pounced on what amounted to a political gift. Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (N.Y.) lambasted Trump for taking the word of Putin, a former KGB officer, and sought to put the GOP on the back foot, calling on Republican lawmakers to push back against the president.

countries” responsible for the tense relationship, an assessment at odds with members of both parties and many administration officials, who blame Russia’s election interference and military interventions in Syria and Ukraine.

Critics expressed fear that Trump’s handling of the meeting could undercut his administration’s efforts to deter Russia’s apparent plans to meddle in November’s midterm elections, as well as contests overseas. They also raised speculation about future resignations from the administration.

“The role of the intelligence community is to provide the best information and fact-based assessments possible for the president and policymakers,” Coats said. “We have been clear in our assessments of Russian meddling in the 2016 election and their ongoing, pervasive efforts to undermine our democracy.”

Trump’s overtures to Putin have worried many in the national security establishment, who believe they further the Russian leader’s goal of weakening the U.S. and its Western allies in order to boost Russia’s influence on the world stage.

The president’s performance on Monday made it clear, however, that little can be done to convince him of that view.

Putin also claimed the talks were a “success” and said the two sides made progress on problem areas like the Syrian civil war and cybersecurity.

(-TheHill.com)

In Loving Memory

Trump responded to that criticism in a tweet sent aboard Air Force One while en route back to the U.S.

Quenna Leigh Hoxie Olson

“As I said today and many times before, ‘I have GREAT confidence in MY intelligence people.’ However, I also recognize that in order to build a brighter future, we cannot exclusively focus on the past — as the world’s two largest nuclear powers, we must get along!” the president wrote.

The press conference concluded a summit that featured a two-hour discussion between just Putin, Trump and their interpreters. Aides were later added to the meeting as the leaders continued to talk.

The president decided to go ahead with the meeting despite the Justice Department’s indictment on Friday of 12 Russian intelligence officers who are accused of hacking Democratic officials and entities as part of a broad effort to tip the 2016 election in Trump’s favor.

The charges undercut Putin’s repeated denials of Moscow’s involvement and raised pressure on Trump to confront the Russian leader.

Instead, Trump complained, with Putin at his side, that the allegations had created doubts about the legitimacy of his win over Clinton.

“I won that race, and it’s a shame there can even be a little bit of a cloud over it,” he said.

“We ran a brilliant campaign, and that’s why I’m president.”

Trump said he holds “both

Dec. 13th 1961- July 13th 2018

LONGVIEW — Quenna Leigh Hoxie Olson, 56, of Warren City, was born December 13, 1961, in Claire, Michigan, and passed away July 13, 2018, surrounded by family and friends. Her beautiful smile and loving heart will be missed by all that were fortunate enough to be touched by her life.

Her last years were spent with her husband of 11 years whom she loved dearly, Chris Olson, and her two dogs that she referred to as “the boys”, Buddy (AKA Boudreaux or Big Dog), and Spence.

She is survived by her husband, Chris Olson. Quenna is also survived by her son, Michael Mills, her daughter, Rebekah Mills; and her daughter Amanda Head and husband, Brandon Head; and grandchildren, Alexander

Mills, Zachery Tingle, Joshua Tingle, Samantha Beck, and Christian Head; sisters, Susan, Dee and Deborah; brother, Joel Hoxie. She was very close to her mother-inlaw Mattie Olson, and family Gail and Keith Calhoun, Rod Olson and Doug Olson. She was preceded in death by her parents Melva Ann and Lyle Howard Hoxie; and sister, Lyleann Hoxie.

Quenna always thought of everyone else before herself.

She loved life and absolutely cherished her children, grandchildren, sisters, and brother. She loved art, drawing and sketching, and her sculptures. These were just a few of her favorite hobbies and things she loved to do. Her home away from home was at TCM Printing in Longview where she was a Prepress Technician. She had attended Kilgore College and earned a degree in graphic arts. A memorial service will be held at a near future date for her friends and family. Her family will have a celebration of life service in the spring, a time of year she loved, and will take place and at a special place that she loved to be. She will be missed by all, but never forgotten and always be in our hearts.

Voice of Asia Management and Staff will always remember her patience and caring nature

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VOICE OF ASIA 3

Section 1

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

Tel: 713-774-5140

7th Annual Greater Houston Rath Yatra Celebrated at Char Dham Hindu Temple

Dr. Surya Sahoo and his wife Kabita Sahoo, Char Dham Hindu Temple founders with the participants.

Colorful Chariots carrying the deities being taken in procession at Char Dham Temple grounds. (Photos by RNM Photography) Continued from Page 1 of devotees. Keeping with this tradition, three beautifully decorated chariots were pulled around the Char Dham temple grounds with throngs of humble devotees singing and dancing in slow majestic rhythm to kirtans by the Kirtaniyas from ISKCON. Priests doled out Prasad (blessed whole fruits and specially made sweets of Khaja and Laddoos) to devotees. Throngs of believers seeking Lord Jagannath’s blessings, vied for the divine opportunity to pull the ropes of the chariots along in the procession, devotional aspects of which was led by ISKCON. Special Puja and Archana of the Lord took place in the morning followed by Chappan Bhog (56 different items were presented before the Lord). The afternoon celebration

started at 5pm with cultural program where many groups from the Woodlands and all around the Greater Houston area participated. While the cultural program was coming to an end, priests started the Sandhya Arati and the Kirtaniyas from ISKCON started the kirtan inside the temple. The Pahandi took place around 7:15, whereby devotees brought the deities out from the main temple to the chariots via the flight of stairs containing 22 steps. Priests from Char Dham Temple climbed atop the chariots and did Puja for a smooth Rath Yatra. Keeping with the Puri tradition, Dwarkanath Das from ISKCON was the ceremonial king who swept in front of the chariots to clear their path. Enthusiastic devotees pulled the chariots around the temple grounds not once but three

times, after which the chariots were pulled back in front of the Jagannath temple. Priests in three chariots started the Maha Arati simultaneously which was a spectacle to behold. This was followed by Prasad where devotees got a chance to taste the Chappan Bhog.

Dr. Surya Sahoo had a vision to bring this festival to Houston few years back when he and his wife, Kabita, experienced a miracle. Kabita suffered from paralysis on her right side after a stroke, but was determined to visit the original ancient Rath Yatra in Puri, India. As they approached the chariots in the procession, magically Kabita was able to climb one of the chariots – by herself – and felt the feeling return to her right side. “We wanted to recreate the festival here in Houston and offer everyone a chance

Devotees participating in the Rath Yatra celebrations at Char Dham Hindu Temple to experience the Lord of the Universe’s divine blessing,” said Kabita.

Char Dham temple opened in March, 2018 making it possible for devotees to make a more convenient, shortened pilgrimage to the Char Dham Temples – the four sacred worship sites originally found at the four corners of India – Badrinath in the north, Dwarkanath in the west, Rameswaram in the south

and Jagannath in the east.

At the end, devotees had a great time in the midst of cooling breezes, Indian food, music, dances, chariot pulling and can’t wait for the Bahuda Yatra (Return Rath Yatra) to be celebrated at the Char Dham Temple on Sunday, July 22nd. For more event photos and videos, visit greaterhoustonrathyatra. org or skaifoundation.org.

Read in Section 2 of Voice of Asia

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COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 4

Kulkarni outraises 5-term incumbent Pete Olson for the second quarter in Houston suburbs

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FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

Swami Mukundananda: Talk Yoga and Meditation on ‘7 Divine Laws' August 4 –10, 2018

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wami Mukundanandaji, a world-renowned teacher of Spirituality, Yoga & Meditation, will conduct two different programs from August 4 – August 17 in Houston. The first week-long program is a Life transformation program (LPT) for the holistic well-being of body, mind and soul.

It is a combined approach of yoga and intellectual discourses by Swami Mukundananda.

Swamiji will delve into the topic of 7 Divine Laws for Happiness and Fulfillment at India House, from August 4 to August 10. The first part of each day’s session focuses on Yoga & Meditation and the second part comprises of spiritual discourse & Devotional chanting. In the Second program at Hindu Worship Society from August 11 to August 17, Swamiji brings the pastimes of Shree

Ram alive and explains its invaluable significance to our modern lives in Ram Katha Rahasya.

emocratic nominee for U.S. Congress in TX-22, Sri Preston Kulkarni, outraised 5-term incumbent Pete Olson (R-TX) for the quarter beginning April 1 and ending on June 30, bringing in over $234,000 over that period. Despite having only begun his campaign in December, Kulkarni has also already outraised the incumbent in individual contributions for the entire campaign cycle, with $376,000 in individual contributions, compared to $359,000 for Olson.

Kulkarni has outraised all previous Democratic challengers in District 22 for the past eight years combined in this district, which covers the Greater Houston suburbs (Katy, Sugar Land, Richmond, Missouri City, Pearland, Friendswood). TX-22 is now one of seven Congressional districts in Texas where the Democratic nominee has outraised the Republican incumbent.

a longtime incumbent, that's a sign that the people of our district disappointed with their representation and are hungry for change. The 22nd district wants a candidate who represents them, not special interests. We reject corporate contributions because our constituents want to know that votes in Congress won’t be bought.” said Kulkarni.

Kulkarni attributes his success, like that of U.S. Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke, to the power of the grassroots. Twothirds of Rep. Olson’s funds came from PAC contributions, while Kulkarni refuses to take any corporate contributions, with 94% of contributions coming from individual donors. “All across Texas, we have seen the power of the grassroots. When a firsttime candidate outraises

Congressman Joaquin Castro endorses Democratic nominee, Sri Preston Kulkarni

Kulkarni is also talking to a broader range of constituents than the incumbent, including those traditionally considered unlikely voters, as well as people who don’t strongly identify with either party.

“This campaign is gaining momentum every day, by engaging all of its communities. Our team reflects the fact that our district is the most diverse in Texas and Fort Bend is the second most diverse county in the country. We have Christian, Muslim, Hindu, and Jewish staff, and are gender inclusive. One in

July 18, 2018 ongressman Joaquin Castro (DTX) endorsed Democratic Nominee, Sri Preston Kulkarni, lauding his emphatic win in the primary as well as his undeterred dedication to serving District 22. In his

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Sri Preston Kulkarni four of our volunteers is under 25. We’re reaching out to voters in 13 different languages. Olson has been silent or supportive as leaders of his party have pushed back on gender equality and encouraged religious and ethnic tension across the country. We have focused on

statement, he said: “Like a lot of other Texans, I am inspired and encouraged by Sri Preston Kulkarni’s historic campaign for Texas’ 22nd Congressional District. Now, more than ever, we need dedicated public servants who will

universal values, such as keeping families and children healthy, educated, and safe. Outraising the incumbent is a clear sign that the people of this district want a candidate who cares more about building and unifying this district.

That’s exactly what we plan to do.”

bring our communities together and defend our highest values as Americans. During my time in Congress, I have seen the kind of commitment and hard work it requires to carry out the responsibilities of this office. I have spent time with Sri and I have watched him build a

serious campaign based on reason, compassion and decency. That's why I know Sri is the right person for the job, and that's why I'm proud to endorse him."

Congressman Castro is a strong voice of reason in the Democratic Party.

Admission to program is Free and Prasadam will be served after discourses.

Swami Mukundananda received his degrees in En- Swami Mukundanandaji, gineering and Management from two world famous institutes in India- Indian Institute the founder of JKYog - a of Technology (IIT Delhi) non-profit organization and Indian Institute of dedicated to spiritual, Management (IIM Kolkamental & physical wellta) respectively. However, ness. the call of God was so Swamiji was invited to strong that a short while speak at Google, Oracle, after landing a top corYahoo, Princeton, Stanporate job, he renounced ford, Kellogg, MIT, and his professional career to Duke. take Sanyas at age 23 in For details contact 281quest for God-realization.

630-5982, 832-377-6070, Swamiji has been preachEmail: houstonjkyog@ ing for the last 3 decades. gmail.com, Free RegisSwamiji is a senior distration at www.jkyog.org/ ciple of Jagadguru Shree events/ Kripaluji Maharaj and

Much like Kulkarni, he has dedicated his entire life to public service.

His endorsement is an important milestone in Kulkarni's campaign to unseat incumbent Pete Olson this November.

"Congressman Castro has been a paragon

of selfless public service, and a role model for candidates who strive to be inclusive, compassionate and thoughtful representatives," said Kulkarni.

"He's always been an elected official I've looked up to, and I couldn't be prouder to accept his endorsement. I will continue to follow in his path of public service as we strive to unify the communities in our district, in pursuit of a better future for ourselves and our families."

Sant Nirankari Mission (NSS) 2018 held at Humble Civic Center on June 29, 20 and July 1 UMBLE, TX - Sant Nirankari Mission organized an international event – Nirankari Spiritual Summit with, Youth Conference of North America with the theme of Lighthouse 2018 held at Humble Civic Center, Humble, Texas on June 30 and July 1. Mission reached out to the world as a community and promoted the same through our global network that runs in millions.

The program was focused on to empower kids and youth, the future of the society by conducting various activities like yoga, meditation, sports and seminars which promoted on the betterment of youth, where our mission produces better humans and guided youth.

The program started with the welcome of Holy Sister Mohini Ahuja from India on Friday June 29, 2018 by Texas kids in their Texan attire.

Thereafter, Sufi Night started in the evening, a journey of dedicated artists with enlightened inner .

On June 30, 2018, members of the Sant Nirankari Mission assembled at the Humble Civic Center in Houston, Texas, USA to create a new record for Guinness Book of world records for creating the largest human image of an Infinity symbol. Devotees came in from across USA, Canada, UK, India and many other countries for Nirankari Spiritual Summit; a two-day spiritual conference on June 30th and July 1st, 2018. The theme of the event was “Lighthouse” and focused on children and youth from ages seven to thirty.

The highlight of the event was the formation of the largest human image of an Infinity symbol. The activity symbolized the power of infinite God, aiming to spread the universal messages of infinite Love and Oneness.

The Sant Nirankari Mission successfully formed the largest human image of the infinity symbol and now awaits the official recognition and approval from the Guinness Book of world records.

Saints traveled from far and wide and helped create not

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Sam Merchant, representing Congressman Al Green speaking at the Summit.

Sant Nirankari Mission's Holy Sister Mohini Ahuja from India at the Nirankari Spiritual Summit

Largest Human Image of Infinity symbol for Guinness Book of World Records

Children who participated in the Nirankari Spiritual Summit

only the infinity symbol but also an ambiance of love and devotion.

In the afternoon, Youth attended the presentations on Competition verses Participation, Philosophy of Nirankari Mission with Scientific Perspective, Light to Lighthouse, Holistic Health. Two different tracks from 7- 13 years and 14 -30 years Youth attended the presentations on Competition vs Participation, Philosophy of Nirankari Mission with Scientific Perspective, Light to Lighthouse, Holistic Health.

Two different tracks from 713 years and 14 -30 years.

In the evening the youth participated in the Cultural Program showcasing the diversified culture. These children prepared their songs, speeches and dances and dedicated their time by engaging in these projects for months.

Teens love to feel and do these cultural items as though they are making a difference in someone’s life. Youth are important, and are the leaders of tomorrow. So, we must make sure to create an environment which welcomes youth, and encourage them to live a good life.

On Sunday July 1, 2018 the main Congregation was held in Humble Civic Center and Holy Sister Mohini Ahuja form India blessed the congregation and the occasion was also graced from the community with many dignitaries. She showered blessings on our Youth She addressed the importance of True Master (Sat-

guru) in our lives. Satguru teaches us the way of life and how to live our lives. Distractions are prevalent all around us. Focusing is a problem and unhappiness or frustration occurs because we have so many options/ choices which can be overwhelming at times. Kids attached with spirituality helps them to change their mind set as their understand the purpose of lives. May we support and help our youngster by becoming a lighthouse of positive actions and become torchbearers I like to be grateful and positive. We need to be grateful and positive to Almighty for giving us life in the form of Human birth.

Sant Nirankari Mission has taken special efforts for the youth activities. The summit was a special platform for the youth empowerment.

The Mission has volunteers who have been very supportive. The summit in Humble Civic Center provided a platform fostering youth development and employing energy in people for use in their own lives, their communities. It also connected people empowering society and creating positivity. It will serve as a stepping stone for spiritual empowerment of youth and children, inspired by the vision of Her Holiness Satguru Mata Savinder Hardev ji. who has been awarded as Spiritual Icon of the year 2018 by We care for the Humanity. The mission is actively involved in community services (Blood Donation, Food Drives, Honorary Chiropractic Services and Health Camps etc.) at the international level www.nirankari.org

VOICE OF ASIA 5

Fort Bend View

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

Sugar Land, Katy, Stafford, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg and Meadows Place Section 1

Email: voiceasia@aol.com

Tel: 713-774-5140

Archaeologists provide update City Earns $15,000 Rebuild Texas Fund Grant on historic cemetery found at

Fort Bend ISD’s James Reese Career and Technical Center site

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he Rebuild Texas Fund has awarded Missouri City’s Office of Emergency Management a $15,000 grant to be used for emergency preparedness training and continued Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts.

The Rebuild Texas Fund was launched just days after Hurricane Harvey devastated Texas communities. A collaborative project of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and the OneStar Foundation, the initiative is dedicated to the economic recovery of hard-hit Texas communities.

“We are grateful for the Rebuild Texas Fund’s dedication and passion for rebuilding and revitalizing communities, including our own ‘Show Me City,’” said City Manager Anthony Snipes. “Through this generous grant, we will be able to greatly improve the City’s emergency preparedness training and to increase our capabilities to respond to the citizens of Missouri City.”

The grant will be utilized to host high-quality training for the City’s emergency operations staff and allow City staff to reassess the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the current emergency operation center (EOC) and determine any vulnerabilities and organizational gaps.

“The impact of this grant will be priceless as it allows our team of new leaders to not only operate the EOC during disasters, but it will also be used to build a more resilient group of leaders to protect and serve the City,” said Missouri City Emergency Management Coordinator Dakota Duncan.

“This grant will enable us to bring in the appropriate in-

Missouri City in Fort Bend County. (Image courtesy Missouri City) structors to achieve a successful operating and overall preparedness level.”

munity.”

The Rebuild Texas Fund supports organizations across all five regions impacted by Hurricane Harvey and provides services in six focus areas: community and economic development; health; housing; education and childcare; transportation and workforce; and capital for rebuilding small businesses.

For more information, to apply for a Rebuild Texas Fund grant, or to learn more about how you can help our neighbors in need, please visit www. rebuildtx.org. Residents may learn more about Missouri City’s Office of Emergency Management, learn tips for how to prepare and stay safe during Hurricane Season and sign up for emergency alerts at www.missouricityready.com.

“We are excited to give Missouri City this grant to continue our collective mission of helping communities rebuild after Hurricane Harvey,” said Neeraj Aggerwal, Director of Rebuild Texas Fund. “We know that rebuilding requires strong, creative partners from business, government, nonprofit and philanthropy working together, and are excited to see how Missouri City’s project positively impacts the com-

For more information about Missouri City, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat—@ MissouriCityTX, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).

Annual Police Report: City Streets Safest In 5 Years and Innovative Strategies Resulted in Steep Declines in Crimes

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nnovative strategies, community partnerships and prevention programs have helped the Missouri City Police Department reduce crime to record lows citywide in the past five years, Chief Mike Berezin told City Councilmembers in a detailed presentation at their July 2 Regular Meeting.

Chief Berezin told Council that one of the department’s new programs—DDACTS (Data-Driven Approach to Crime and Traffic Safety) has been essential to achieving crime reduction goals. The initiative is aimed at reducing the incidence of crime, crashes and traffic violations by drawing on the deterrent of highly visible traffic enforcement and the knowledge that crime often involves the use of motor vehicles. “DDACTS relies on prompt collection and analysis of data to provide actionable reports that inform tactical and strategic decisions and integrates location-based crime

and traffic data to establish efficient methods for deploying law enforcement and other resources,” Berezin said.

The department’s public safety initiatives were so effective that many of the worst felonies, classified as Part 1 crimes, dropped double digits over the past five years.

The City’s crime statistics are compiled and reported as part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s nationwide Uniform Crime Reporting Program, which classifies Part I crimes as such: Against a Person: Murder, Rape, Robbery and Aggravated Assault.

Against a Property: Burglary, Larceny, Auto Theft and Arson.

In his comprehensive overview on July 2, Chief Berezin said MCPD currently employs 105 sworn officers and 44 civilian staff.

In addition to managing its

Officer Benil Koshy, MCPD annual award winners for Meritorious Service

The historic cemetery at the construction site of FBISD’s new James Reese Career and Technical Center. (Images provided by FBISD)

F

ORT BEND ISD (July 17, 2018) – With the exhumation process and analysis well underway, representatives from Goshawk Environmental Consulting, the Texas Historical Commission and Fort Bend ISD provided an update on the historic cemetery found at the site of FBISD’s new James Reese Career and Technical Center.

A team of 10-12 archaeologists mobilized at the site in mid-June, led by Reign Clark, Cultural Resources Director with Goshawk Environmental Consulting, Inc. and Archeological Project Manager for the Excavations at the James Reese Site.

“We believe based on land use and the materials that come from the burials that this cemetery dates between 1878 and around 1910,” said Clark.

Preliminary analysis, which includes historical use of the land, indicates that the remains buried at the site may be those of individuals who were part of a convict leasing program that was utilized prior to the state’s ownership of the land.

So far, 95 burial sites have been identified. Forty-eight individuals have been exhumed, with analysis complete on more than 20. The exhumation team at the site includes archeologists, graduate students, and doctoral candidates hailing from Southern Methodist University, University of Texas, and Mississippi State University.

crime prevention initiatives, the department hosted its annual awards ceremony, saluting officers who won in various categories.

The exhumation and onsite analysis is a methodical and extensive process. Each exhumation takes approximately 36 to 48 person hours per grave, followed by 4 to 8 hours for cleaning and an additional 12 to 15 hours for analysis.

For more details visit www. missouricitytx.gov

“All of them are male, except for one female of the ones

FBISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Charles Dupre speaks to reporter.

Artifacts found at the gravesite. that have been analyzed so far,” said Dr. Catrina Whitley, bioarchaeologist and lead anthropologist for the exhumations and analysis at the James Reese Site. “They’re ranging from 5 feet, 2 inches to 6 feet, 2 inches in height, and anywhere from 14 years of age to 50 to 70 years of age.”

Fort Bend ISD understands this discovery comes with great historical significance, making the expertise provided by the state and all of those involved invaluable. Last week, a small number of high school students visited the site to explore and learn more about the work going on at the site.

Speaking to reporters Monday, July 16, Whitley showed sketches from a few of the burial sites. Artifacts uncovered at the site were also displayed.

In April 2018, Fort Bend ISD, under the guidance and direction of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), announced the discovery of the historic cemetery at the construction site of the new James Reese Career and Technical Center. Since then, archaeologists have conducted further exploratory work and established the cemetery’s perimeter, discovering a total of 95 graves. Following the exhumation and analysis, FBISD will continue to work under the guidance of the THC to identify an appropriate location for reburial of the individuals.

“I think it’s a remarkable opportunity for our community and our school district to learn much more about the history of our local region,” said Dr. Charles Dupre, FBISD Superintendent of Schools. “There are so many things we know about our history, and this is just going to add value and extend the knowledge base about Fort Bend County and Sugar Land, Texas.”

Read more community stories on our website voiceofasiaonline.com Missouri City Police with residents. (Images courtesy of Missouri City)

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 6

BAPS Youth Convention draws over 10,000 attendees youths

Interfaith Ministries offers unique ways to encourage respect, understanding in wake of recent acts of religious intolerance

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OUSTON – Recent events, such as the vandalizing of the Rothko Chapel in Montrose last May and offensive fliers left at the Congregation Shaar Hashalom in Clear Lake on July 6, only affirm the need to encourage respect for differences in the most diverse metropolitan region in the country.

In response, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston (IM) has pledged to continue unique efforts to unite people of different faiths in understanding and respect. One of those efforts is The Dialogue Project, which launches in August, offers unique opportunities to learn about Houston’s many faith communities to discover their common ground and to further understanding and connections among all people. “Interreligious understanding is a necessity, more now than ever before,” said Martin B. Comin-

A view of the section of audience watching a show.

A

dults play many roles and make countless decisions throughout the day; they go to work and maintain their health while dealing with ever-changing circumstances and uncertainties. They pay their bills and taxes all while honoring social commitments and serving in their communities. Adulthood is complex and rarely perfect, as most know firsthand; and in reflection, it poses an interesting question: What does it take to shape generations of young people into thriving members of society, both now and in the future?

Over the last five years, the youth of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha surveyed children for personal perspectives to better understand difficulties in decision-making. Guided by this data, the theme of the 2018 North American Youth Convention was developed as “Moksha”, which translates into ‘ultimate liberation.’

The concept of Moksha can seem irrelevant to youths, given the notion of invincibility associated with being young.

However, the idea was presented throughout the convention in a practical and contemporary manner wherein programming focused on the importance of purpose, sincere effort, perseverance, prayer and introspection as core components of character. The convention was a journey spanning several days, leading youth on a path of knowledge that illuminated the relevance of spirituality in everyday life and the role of spirituality in defining a higher purpose.

Over 10,000 children and youth between the ages of 8 to 22 were split into three groups and participated in three-day programs from July 1 to 10 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The 10-day event, unprecedented in the history of Hindus in North America was built around Moksha as life’s greatest pursuit that generates unwavering happiness to be experienced here and now. This broad theme led to a social conversation around “Moksha Now”, a theme that carried throughout the convention. The delegates learned that the means to achieve Moksha

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

sky, president and CEO of IM. Part of The Dialogue Project is a program called Faith in Our City. It offers the public tours of a variety of houses of worship as well as Lunch & Learn opportunities. Of the roughly 6 million people in the Greater Houston area, 80 percent identify themselves as “actively religious,” as reported by the Religious Landscape Study at the Pew Research Center. Yet, the ways people are unique can be shared through tours of churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and more.

“Each month, a different faith tradition is spotlighted through the Faith in our City programs,” Cominsky said. “We welcome the Houston community to join us in making new friends, learning about others’ beliefs, and growing as people with an increased understanding and respect for others.”

The Dialogue Project also includes a program called Dinner Dialogues, which offers people of diverse faith traditions or of no faith the chance to comfortably gather in a person’s private home, in a house of worship or at IM and learn about each person’s beliefs in a meaningful and respectful setting. Typically, gatherings are limited to eight to 12 people and are open to the public. “This is an opportunity to have a meaningful experience and to learn about others’ faith traditions in an environment of respect and understanding,” Cominsky said. “It is a chance to better understand each other over one of our most important gatherings: dinner.”

Information about The Dialogue Project can be found at the IM website: imgh.org or by contacting Bethany Boucher at 713-533-4990 or bboucher@ imgh.org.

Houston to host 2023 Men’s Final Four “3 For The Win”

H

Delegates engrossed in one of the sessions.

could also allow them to enjoy the world, especially when every task and activity undertaken focuses on keeping God and the Guru in mind. The comprehensive concept of Moksha was taught by explaining the efforts and context of Dharma (roles and responsibilities), Artha (worldly pursuits), and Kaam (desires).

a volunteer from Scarborough, Canada, commented, “Coming to conventions like this, it broadens your horizons; you see so many people having dealt with so many issues such as peer pressure, that it gives our delegates the tools and the know-how to deal with the same situations when they go home."

Speeches and presentations by senior swamis from India, Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami and Pujya Anandswarupdas Swami, as well as many others from across North America, simplified how to make Moksha-centered decisions in everyday living. They explained that living life with the goal to attain moksha leads to an elevated experience of daily interactions and an unfailingly optimistic perspective of life and the world around us.

The convention helped nurture the virtues and positive character building traits that help youth build a healthy identity anchored in deep roots.

North American Youth Conventions continue to be a pillar for BAPS North America’s youth activities as they address the critical and relevant challenges faced by HinduAmericans on a daily basis.

Remarking on his experience at the convention, Mr. Vivek Sharma, CEO and Founder of Generation Live said, “It’s a lived experience that we’ve all shared together, and the sheer effort, the teamwork, and the good will; you can’t help but just get wrapped up into that.

To be part of that, I really am honored and proud.”

Delegates experienced a grand multi-faceted stage program where the life and challenges of several characters were portrayed creatively and practically as they navigated everyday scenarios that brought out dilemmas of desires versus values. Instead of looking for instant gratification, the young adults were asked to contemplate various perspectives that could lead to a higher way of life.

The convention taught children and youth that making good choices lies in a balance between confidence and humility. Attendees took home a message of how to be less concerned about what others think of them, and more concerned about what they think of themselves. Sejal Maisuria,

The experiences the delegates had will inspire them to lead a life aligned with the values and teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and guru Mahant Swami Maharaj. The convention was organized by BAPS specifically for youths in North America and inspired by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.

To learn more about the convention, visit www.baps. org/nc18 or use the hashtags: #NC18BAPS, #MokshaNow.

OUSTON -- Once again, the road ends in Houston. Call it Three for the Win, pass that NCAA bracket around and get ready for one more Big Dance.

Houston’s NRG Park, which hosted the 2011 and 2016 Final Fours, was chosen as the site for the 2023 NCAA® Men’s Final Four® Monday afternoon. The decision by the NCAA Men's Basketball Committee was announced via Twitter at 2:30 p.m. CDT. Houston has hosted three NCAA Regionals at NRG and will host a 2020 Regional at Toyota Center, was one of seven finalists for the 2023-2026 Final Four.

Other cities chosen as hosts were Phoenix in 2024, San Antonio in 2025 and Indianapolis in 2026. The three finalists not chosen were North Texas (AT&T Stadium in Arlington), Detroit and Los Angeles. Los Angeles is the only city which has not previously hosted a Final Four.

“NRG Stadium has clearly become the top venue in the nation for exciting sports championships over the past couple of years,” said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett. “From last

year’s overtime game in Super Bowl LI to Villanova’s buzzer beater to win the NCAA men’s basketball championship two years ago, NRG is home to sports excitement. I am extremely happy that the NCAA has chosen Houston and Harris County to once again host their 2023 NCAA® Men’s Final Four® tournament. And I look forward to more exciting stories to come.”

Mayor Sylvester Turner was thrilled that Houston was chosen to host its third Final Four.

“Returning the Final Four to Houston in 2023 will be a slam dunk. I’m overjoyed that the NCAA recognized this fact,’’ Turner said. “From our restaurants, to our convention center, hotels, and retail spaces, Houston is poised to provide a total fan experience. The 2016 Final Four in Houston was a huge success. We will also host an NCAA Men’s Regional in 2020. So when the Final Four returns, we will be seasoned veterans in hosting the thrilling Men’s Division I college basketball championship competition.’’

Houston realized approximately $250 million in economic impact from the 2016 event when Villanova beat

North Carolina at the buzzer for the title. The 2016 championship game ranks third on the all-time list with 74,340. At the time, it was the second-highest total in history.

Harris County – Houston Sports Authority CEO Janis Burke said this third NCAA® Men’s Final Four® will enhance Houston’s sports legacy both on and off the court.

“Houston’s on a roll,’’ Burke said. “We are part of the winning 2026 World Cup bid, we landed 2024 College Football Playoffs and we just successfully hosted not only the 2016 Final Four, but also Super Bowl LI. This proves we know how to host multiple big events in succession. But this is more than just an event. It’s an event that leaves a lasting impact on the city. We were able to implement and enhance programs across the city during the 2016 event.”

Houston debuted the NCAA® Men’s Final Four® Read to the Final Four program, which continues to grow.

In 2016, third graders from 68 Houston Independent School District campus participated in the literacy program. The renovations included a new basketball court.

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Rituals Performed: Sreemantham, Punyahavachanam, Namakaranam, Annaprashanam, Vidyarambham, Choulam, Upanayanam, Wedding, Sathya narayana puja, and all kind of Homas (Havans) and more.

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More than 30 years of experience as Priest in major temples including Sri Meenakshi Temple Pearland, TX. Can speak 5 languages (Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and English)

VOICE OF ASIA 7

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

Over 8,000 Wines Menage a Trois Red California 750ml

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DIASPORA

VOICE OF ASIA 8

Nearly 100 Indian American candidates running for office in midterm elections

by Meena Venkataramanan

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rowing up in Beavercreek, Ohio, Aftab Pureval said he didn't have many Indian American politicians to look up to and was often discouraged by others from running for office.

“They’d tell me a brown guy named Aftab couldn’t get elected unless I changed my name to Al or Adam,” Pureval told ABC News.

Years later, Pureval, 35, won both the Democratic primary in Ohio's 1st Congressional District and the endorsement of a new political action committee, the Indian American Impact Fund, which supports Indian American political candidates.

"I started the Indian American Impact Fund to provide the infrastructure and mentorship I didn't have when I ran for office. I had to learn it all from scratch," Raj Goyle, the group's co-founder, told ABC News.

This year, nearly 100 Indian American candidates entered races for federal, state and local offices -– over twice the number who ran in 2017, according to the PAC. Their efforts come as research shows that Asian Americans are among the nation's fastest-growing racial or ethnic groups. FiveThirtyEight, an ABC News partner, noted that a 2016 survey shows that two in five AsianAmericans did not identify as Democrats or Republicans, making them somewhat of a political enigma.

“Last year, there were at least 45 candidates who ran, and 25 won their races,” Gautam Raghavan, the group’s executive director, told ABC News, adding that the vast majority are running as Democrats this year.

Last month, the group hosted a summit for over 200 Indian American “candidates, elected officials, donors, and community leaders” in Washington, D.C., which included keynote speakers Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., whose mother is of Indian ancestry.

“It was a very inspiring gathering. Thousands of Indian Americans are politically engaged, and they were eager to meet like-minded others at the summit,” Raghavan said, adding that some of Indian American candidates may be the first to win in their states, so it’s easy for them to “feel alone” out on the campaign trail.

The group endorsed Democrats Pureval, Sri Kulkarni in Texas' 22nd Congressional District and Hiral Tipirneni in Arizona's 8th Congressional District. Pureval and Kulkarni have won their party’s nominations, while Tipirneni will compete in Arizona’s August 28 primaries.

The June summit also included remarks by Republicans and Democrats alike, including all four incumbent Indian American House members – Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., Rep. Ami Bera, D-Calif., Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash The attendees were people like Tipirneni.

“Some people jumped to a judgment and told me because I’m brown and a woman, there are two strikes against me,” Tipirneni told ABC News. “But once we got past that and started talking about the issues, we found common ground.”

A first-generation immigrant who moved to the United States from India when she was three years old, Tipirneni said her family came to the country to give her a “better life” and a “great education.”

“I’ve been able to realize my American Dream, and I’m running to help others realize theirs,” she said, adding that she was “touched” when a young Indian American girl came up to her and gave her a big hug at a campaign event in the Phoenix area.

“She was so excited and told me she wants to run for office, too,” Tipirneni said.

Tipirneni hopes that her campaign and those of fellow Indian American candidates will inspire the community to become more invested in politics.

“There are so many successful Indian Americans in the medical and science fields.

But it’s short-sighted for them to think politics doesn’t matter. They need to become more involved and invested,” she said.

Pureval, whose Cincinnatiarea race is being targeted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s ‘Red to Blue’ list, said he also hopes to court younger voters.

“We have over 60 highschool and college-aged students – many of them Indian American – working on our campaign,” he said. “Some of them are taking next semester off from school to work, which their Indian American parents aren’t happy about.

But the reality is that students feel compelled to work in this election cycle.”

Meanwhile, Kulkarni, who is running for a seat in Houston's suburbs, hopes to target Asian American voters who have historically not turned out in midterm elections.

“71% of Asian Americans never get messaged by either political party,” he told ABC News. “So we reached out to them in their own languages."

Kulkarni said his efforts to recruit Asian-American voters led to an 11-percent increase in the group’s primary election turnout since 2014, with an even higher turnout in the May runoff.

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

NRI of the Year Awards: Four UAE-based Indians bag top titles

“There are 104 languages spoken in my district. My team speaks 13, and I speak 6. We purposely went out into mandirs and masjids to target voters,” he said, adding that he attributes Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s historic Democratic primary upset in New York's 14th Congressional District to her courting of voters “who don’t usually vote.”

The Indian American Impact Fund hopes to “get [its] endorsed candidates across the finish line” this election cycle. But beyond the midterms, it aspires to help the Indian American community in myriad ways in the coming years.

“I’m looking forward to working on our poll to gauge where the Indian American community is on different issues,” Raghavan said. “And beyond that, I’m excited to help train candidates to run in 2020.”

Those efforts mean a lot to Pureval, who said he represents "an American story."

"My parents immigrated from Delhi to Beavercreek, Ohio, where I grew up,” Pureval told ABC News. “I’ve always felt a connection to my Indian ancestry and culture.”

Pureval believes it’s “extremely valuable” to have a robust “Indian American infrastructure” in place, in addition to incumbent congressional role models “from Bera to Krishnamoorthi.”

“I’m definitely standing on their shoulders,” he said.

(-ABC News)

Jogiraj Sikidar, (4th from left) rwas one of the four honorees.

by Kelly Clarke Dubai

F

our UAE-based expatriate Indian nationals have bagged the top titles at the 2018 NRI of the Year Awards, fighting off more than 11,500 global nominees.

Dubbed as heroes who have made their mark on foreign shores, Amiteash Paul, Jogiraj Sikidar, Vardaraj Shetty, and Prasanth Manghat live true to the phrase 'make India proud', and have been recognised for their significant contributions in keeping their Indian heritage alive, despite living away from home.

Now in its fifth year, the NRI of the Year Awards, presented

by Times Now, ICICI Bank and Global Indian International School, has so far awarded 15 Indian expatriates living in the UAE, with this year's accolades adding four more winning titles to the list, taking that number to 19.

A total of 22 NRIs were

crowned for the 2018 edition Award. Of the five winners based in the Middle East, four of which are living in the UAE. Amiteash Paul - Academics (The Indian High School, Dubai). Born and raised in Dubai, Indian High School student Amiteash Paul is one of many who proudly call both Dubai and India home.

Though he has been recognized for his academic excellence before, including bagging the Hamdan Award for Distinguished Academic Performance in 2015/16, he said he was humbled by this latest award.

Jogiraj Sikidar - Arts and Culture (Malhaar Centre for Performing Arts). Music has always been a part of Jogiraj Sikidar's life. It's in his blood.

Classically trained from the age of four, he said to be recognized for his contribution towards Arts and Culture was a dream come true.

Vardaraj Shetty - Entrepreneur (Ramee Group of Hotels and Resorts). Landing in the UAE 40 years, Vardaraj Shetty comes from very humble beginnings.

Growing up in a small village in Kundapura, Karnataka, he has built a successful business in the hospitality sector in the Middle East and India.

Prasanth Manghat - Professional (NMC Health), CEO and Executive Director, NMC Health Plc did not hesitate to answer.

"Blessed with intuitive decision making, I am always on the move and I love to decode the human mind and constantly try to decipher the connected human behaviour."

Working in the UAE for 14 years, Manghat has worked alongside Dr. BR Shetty (founder of NMC Healthcare), from day one.

(-Khaleej Times)

Man who shot 3 cops in Kansas City, linked to murder of college student of Indian origin, is identified

By Nicole Darrah

Market on July 6.

T

Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith said Monday that officers received approximately 40 tips related to Koppu’s shooting after they released surveillance footage of the incident, and eight of them led directly to Mack.

he man who shot three police officers in Kansas City, Missouri, on Sunday, and ultimately died in a shootout was identified as Marlin Mack.

Mack, 25, was “killed in a gun battle with police,” the department tweeted on Monday.

He’s the suspect in the death of Sharath Koppu, who was killed earlier this month during an attempted robbery.

From India, 25-year-old Koppu was a graduate student at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. He was fatally shot as he tried to run away from a gunman at J’s Fish and Chicken

“As the events transpired, Marlin Mack engaged in a shootout with our officers and I believe it was the fourth shootout in the span of a couple of hours, in which Marlin Mack was then shot and killed,” Chief Smith said, according to Fox 4.

Mack reportedly served two separate prison sentences

in Oklahoma, and was once referred to as Tulsa’s “Most Dangerous Robber.”

Koppu, the man Mack allegedly murdered, was known as a “gifted student” from India.

“He had the same dreams like everyone else, to make it BIG in the land of opportunity,” his cousin Raghu Chowdavaram said on a GoFundMe page created to raise money to transport Koppu’s body back to India.

Koppu’s body, according to the fundraiser, was making its way back to India on July 10.

SOURCE: Fox News

The late 25-year-old graduate student Sharath Koppu.

SOUTH ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 9

Indian building collapse kills five, more feared trapped

N

EW DEHLI | AFP | Wednesday 7/18/2018 - More than 100 Indian rescue workers were using steel cutters and drills on Wednesday to try and free those still feared trapped under the rubble of a collapsed six-storey building outside Delhi.

Eyewitnesses and neighbours said one of those still missing was a one-year-old child from one of two families thought to be under the debris and who had moved in only days before.

"My friend was living here with his family since last Saturday. I spoke to them last night but have not had any contact with them since 9:00 pm," local resident Sandesh Kumar told Indian television news channel NDTV. "I am just hoping they are alright," he said.

Sniffer dogs were also brought in to assist with the search, which officers said would continue through the night.

Authorities said the structure, which was still under construc-

I

Emergency workers sifting through piles of iron and concrete overnight pulled out bodies at the building collapse site in Greater Noida, a satellite town east of New Delhi (Photo: AFP) tion, collapsed onto an adjacent newly constructed four-storey residential building.

Both are part of a residential complex in one of the many satellite towns dotted around Delhi growing fast to house the fast-expanding population of the 20-million-strong megacity.

Parts of Greater Noida are notorious for rampant and unregulated construction, with many projects flouting building regulations and cutting costs and corners with substandard materials.

Police arrested three people, including the landowner, over the latest accident.

"We are questioning them to

ascertain the kind of partnership they had with the builder... Strict action will be taken against those responsible," local officer Avnish Kumar told AFP. Building collapses are common across India, especially during the monsoon season from late June to September, although it was unclear whether this latest disaster was due to recent heavy rain in the Delhi region.

At least 18 people died in May when a flyover collapsed in northern India, crushing vehicles and passengers under tonnes of concrete. Last year at least 30 people were killed in Mumbai after a 100-year-old house caved in.

WhatsApp seeks to stem fake news ahead of Pakistan election

I

SLAMABAD, Pakistan | AFP | 7/18/2018 - The hugely popular WhatsApp messaging service began a week-long publicity campaign in Pakistan Wednesday offering tips to spot fake news, days before the country holds a general election.

"Together we can fight false information," says the full-page ad in Dawn, Pakistan's leading English-language daily, listing ten tips on differentiating rumours from fact.

"Many messages containing hoaxes or fake news have spelling mistakes. Look for these signs so you can check if the information is accurate," it says.

"If you read something that makes you angry or afraid, ask whether it was shared to make you feel that way. And if the answer is yes, think twice before sharing it again."

WhatsApp also announced the implementation in the country of a new feature allowing recipients to see if a message is original or forwarded.

The company had bought full-page advertising in India on July 10 after a wave of lynchings in the country were linked to viral "fake news" spread by WhatsApp about alleged child kidnappings.

WhatsApp, owned by Facebook, had come under pressure from Indian authorities to

In June the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, said he was "gravely concerned" that "such a large number of people" had died.

Official declarations that none of the victims was innocent were "dangerous... and indicative of a total disregard for the rule of law," a UN statement said.

Umar later edited the post saying Khalil and other clerics had only announced their support for PTI. A PTI spokesman also confirmed Wednesday that Khalil was backing their party in elections but will not be joining their ranks officially as a party member.

Khalil, an Islamabad-based cleric, is accused by the United States of plotting terror attacks in Pakistan, Afghanistan and

India and of nurturing close links with Osama bin Laden, who was killed in Pakistan’s northern city of Abbottabad during a raid by US special forces in 2011.

The US State Department describes HuM as "a Pakistanbased terrorist organisation that seeks the annexation of Kashmir into Pakistan and poses a direct risk to U.S., Afghan, and allied interests in Afghanistan".

Pakistan earlier this year amended its anti-terror laws to ban those listed as terrorists by

the United Nations from running in elections.

Former cricketer Khan -who led Pakistan to World Cup victory in 1992 -- has repeatedly called for holding talks with militants, earning him the moniker "Taliban Khan" in Pakistan.

Khan was also lambasted by critics for entering into an political alliance earlier this year with Sami ul Haq -- the so-called Father of the Taliban whose madrassas once educated Taliban supremos Mullah Omar and Jalaluddin Haqqani.

US, India have complementary interests: Kissinger

put an end to the spread of rumours, which have caused the deaths of more than 20 people in the past two months.

Millions of people use WhatsApp in neighbouring Pakistan, where rumours, false information and conspiracy theories are ubiquitous. Such messages spread quickly, with no real way for recipients to check their veracity.

"We are truly a startup, and like many startups we outlined an audacious goal on tremendously transforming two countries...This is why we literally launched a startup called the USISPF--an organisation that said we as business leaders, can represent all the citizens," Chambers said.

"We were always democracies, we always had commonalities, but we were a little offkilter, we were often talking past each other or at each other, but not talking to each other," said Indian Ambassador to the US, Navtej Sarna.

Pakistan also has a history of mob violence, and videos such as the murder of Mashal Khan -- a journalism student accused of blasphemy who was killed by a mob in April 2017 -- circulate rapidly.

Parliamentary elections are scheduled for July 25.

Henry Kissinger

W

ASHINGTON: (PTI) - The US and India have complementary interests, former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger has said even as he expressed admiration for New Delhi's strategic policy.

"When I think about India, I admire their strategy," Kissinger said during a rare appearance in Washington to attend the first annual leadership summit of the US-India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF) last week.

"The US and India have complementary interests. The beauty of that is that we don't need to make an alignment because it is already there," Kissinger said during his participation in a chat with USISPF chairman John Chambers.

The session with Kissinger was closed for the media. A part of his remarks were released by

Bangladesh police in Dhaka baton-charge activists protesting against alleged extrajudicial killings during the country's ongoing anti-drug drive. (Photo: AFP) riod of time," Sheepa Hafiza, executive director of Ain o Salish Kendra rights group, told AFP.

night he died contradict the official narrative that he was armed and shot at police who returned fire in self-defence.

"This is very unfortunate. We condemn these extrajudicial killings and want fair investigations into each of these killings," she said.

"They killed him in cold blood," Begum told AFP from Teknaf in southeast Bangladesh, where her husband was gunned down May 27.

Around 25,000 alleged drug dealers have been arrested, home ministry spokesman Sharif Mahmud Apu told AFP.

Bangladesh has struggled to contain the trade in "yaba", with hundreds of millions of pills entering the country from Myanmar.

The prison population has shot up to 89,589 people, almost two and a half times higher than the system's capacity, he said.

Former cricketer Imran Khan has repeatedly called for holding talks with militants, earning him the moniker 'Taliban Khan' in Pakistan (AFP Photo/Asif Hassan)

USISPF.

D

But rights groups say that many of the victims are shot by police in cold blood and that the onslaught was in part being used as a cover to settle scores.

"Maulana Fazal ur Rehman Khalil along with hundreds of his followers have joined PTI and announced their support for its candidates," wrote PTI hopeful Asad Umar.

With Kissinger's appearance, the first annual leadership summit of the year-old USISPF was billed as a success.

HAKA, Bangladesh | AFP | 7/17/2018 The death toll from Bangladesh's contentious Philippines-style war on drugs since May has hit 200, a local rights group said Tuesday, with some 25,000 others imprisoned.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan has said the "war" will last until the narcotics trade is brought under control, saying those killed are all involved in at least 10 drugs crimes.

The al Qaeda-linked Harkat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) announced their support for Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) in a Facebook post Tuesday along with a photo of the group’s leader posing with a PTI candidate.

USISPF yesterday.

Bangladesh drug war death toll hits 200: rights group

Bangladesh launched the crackdown to smash the surging trade in "yaba", a cheap methamphetamine and caffeine pill, which authorities say has spread to almost every village and town.

Militant group backs former cricket star's party ahead of Pakistan polls SLAMABAD, Pakistan | AFP | 7/18/2018 - A USdesignated terrorist group has announced its support for Imran Khan and his party in nationwide elections on July 25, the latest controversial outfit to back the former cricket star's bid to lead the country.

Five bodies have been pulled out of the wreckage since the building gave way late Tuesday, according to rescue officials.

A rescue official told AFP it was not yet possible to determine how many people were still trapped underneath tonnes of concrete and metal debris.

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

Authorities last year seized a record 40 million pills but said an estimated 250-300 million more entered the market.

Bangladesh's state-run National Human Rights Commission has also expressed alarm.

Last month the killing of a border town councillor in an anti-drug raid sparked outcry when his wife went public with tapes that she says prove her husband was murdered in a setup.

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte's brutal war on drugs since coming to power in 2016 has left thousands of people dead and prompted allegations of crimes against humanity.

"It is unprecedented in Bangladesh. So many people have been killed in such a short pe-

Ayesha Begum says phone conversations she recorded with Akramul Haque on the

Sri Lanka has also expressed interest in emulating Duterte, announcing plans to deploy the

"Trade is important and we need to grow it and need to be as close as 50-50 and we will— I think India and the US will work together through those issues. But it also about enhancing and making this inclusive for all citizens in both countries. How to build job creation, education, knowledge transfer-this is what USISPF is doing-it is a model for the future, not the past," Chambers said.

"I think a number of things - a number of realisations, a changing world, a muchchanged India, a much more receptive United States - I think that all has brought us to a point where we are truly strategic partners, both in defence and security terms, trade, economy and investment terms, and of course the bedrock, the commonality of the two democracies," he said.

The greatest asset the relationship has is the "wonderful involvement" of the Indian diaspora, said US senator Mark Warner.

India and the United States have come a long way but the two countries still have a long way to go, said Senator Rob Portman.

"This relationship would not have progressed as rapidly as it has if not for the enormous success and involvement of the Indian-American community," he said.

"The common bonds we share certainly will continue to give us the opportunity to do more...The world's oldest and the world's largest democracy should be even more tightly bound together and I think this organisation has a role to play in deepening that relationship," he said praising the role of

"One of the biggest proponents of the importance of this relationship is Secretary Jim Mattis. And he said, I need this (in his letter to Senator John McCain). This is important for our country. This is important for India. This is important for the strategic relationship," said senator Dan Sullivan.

Myanmar Reuters reporter says he was hooded, deprived of sleep

Y

ANGON, Myanmar | AFP | 7/17/2018 Two Reuters journalists in Myanmar were hooded and deprived of sleep after they were arrested while investigating a massacre of Rohingya Muslims, one of them told a court on Tuesday in startling testimony.

Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, face up to 14 years in jail if convicted under an official secrets law of possessing classified documents about security operations in Rakhine state.

A bloody army crackdown that started in August last year drove some 700,000 Rohingya from the western territory over the border into refugee camps

army and start hanging drug criminals, ending a near-half century moratorium on capital punishment.

in Bangladesh.

Refugees have recounted how hundreds of villages were torched as security forces engaged in widespread murder, rape and torture.

The reporters were investigating the September killing of 10 Rohingya men by soldiers when they were arrested in December in Yangon and driven to a secret location, Wa Lone told the court on the second day of their trial.

"The police took us to a place but they covered our heads with masks," he said, adding that he later realised it was a building notorious for torturing suspects.

"They asked us questions every two hours and we did not have a chance to sleep for three days," he continued.

Human Rights Watch has said that using prolonged sleep deprivation to obtain information from detainees is banned under international law.

The police tried to persuade the pair not to publish their story about the massacre by offering to discuss their detention, Wa Lone said.

He added that interrogators even asked them why they, as Buddhists, were writing a story about the death of Muslims.

"They told us that we should not write it as the people who were killed were Kalar," Wa Lone said, referring to a pejorative term for Muslims and South Asians in Myanmar.

The reporters spent seven months behind bars during pretrial hearings before the court ruled last week the trial would go ahead.

Civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's reputation, already tarnished by her failure to stand up for the Rohingya, has taken a further hit with the widely decried prosecution of the Reuters pair.

ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 10

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

Student Nam-oi named Miss New look Winter Olympics gets youth and gender revamp Grand Thailand

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AUSANNE, Switzerland | AFP | The Beijing 2022 Winter Games will feature seven new events as the IOC pushes for a more gender-balanced and youth-focussed format, say organisers.

Mixed gender teams play their role as they are seen as less stressful and more fun by the athletes, and 2022 will have mixed events in shorttrack skating, aerials, snowboard cross and ski-jumping "The addition of these new events for Beijing 2022 reflects our continued commitment to make the Olympic Games more youthful and gender balanced," IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell said on Wednesday.

Namaoi ‘Mos’ Chanapal, centre, who was crowned this year’s Miss Grand Thailand, poses for a photo with other runners-up at the pageant at Bitec Bang Na on Saturday night. Representing Phuket, she beat 77 other contestants from various provinces. Ms. Namaoi will now represent Thailand in the Miss Grand International pageant in Myanmar in October. She also won prizes worth a combined value of six million baht. BANGKOK POST PHOTO/Patipat Janthong

U

niversity student Nam-oi Chanapan was crowned Miss Grand Thailand 2018 on Saturday night and will go on to represent the Kingdom on the international stage in Octo-

ber.

Nam-oi, a student at Chaiyaphum Rajabhat University, is 180 centimetres tall, weighs 57 kilograms and has a 34-2338 figure.

She won a diamond crown worth Bt1.2 million, a house and a car. Nam-oi will represent Thailand in the Miss Grand International competition to be held in Myanmar in October.

Chinese firm recalls heart drug as US, EU raise concerns

S

HANGHAI, China | AFP | 7/18/2018 -The Chinese manufacturer of a widely used blood pressure medication said it had launched a global recall after US and European regulators warned of contamination by a cancer-causing impurity.

Both the FDA and EMA are further investigating.

Huahai's stock has dropped more than 10 percent since the

warnings first emerged.

The company did not answer AFP calls seeking comment.

"I am very pleased to see the increase of female athletes, especially in such excit-

he Logo for the 2022 Winter Olympic ing, ground-breaking events," he said.

Another novelty will be the introduction of Big Air skiing, an extreme version of slopestyle where tricks are performed in the air after a

jump and a mono-bobsleigh event is also due to make a bow.

The plan is to have 1,314 women involved in the Games, which is just over 45 per cent of the total.

Britain 'concerned' over move to ban Hong Kong party

H

ONG KONG, China | AFP | 7/18/2018 - Britain expressed concern Wednesday after police in Hong Kong sought to ban a political party which promotes independence for the city as Beijing ups pressure on challenges to its territorial sovereignty.

The bid to bar the Hong Kong National Party (HKNP), a well-known but small group with a core membership of around a dozen, has been made because it is a potential threat to national security and public safety, according to au-

thorities.

It is the first time such a ban has been sought since Britain handed sovereignty of Hong Kong back to China in 1997 and is the latest move to stifle any calls for independence, which have infuriated Beijing.

"We note with concern... plans to prohibit the continued operation of the Hong Kong National Party," the British foreign office said in a statement.

"The UK does not support Hong Kong independence, but Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy, and its rights and

freedoms, are central to its way of life, and it is important they are fully respected," the statement added.

The right to stand for election, freedom of speech and freedom of association are enshrined in the city's miniconstitution, the Basic Law, as well as its bill of rights, the statement said.

Semi-autonomous Hong Kong enjoys freedoms unseen on the mainland which are protected by the 50-year handover agreement signed by Britain and China.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) first issued an alert on July 5 over supplies of the active ingredient valsartan produced by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Company, based in eastern China and listed on Shanghai's stock exchange.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a similar notice about a week later.

Both have warned of the presence of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is believed to potentially cause cancer through long-term use.

In a series of pronouncements over the past week, Huahai said last Friday that it had moved to suspend supply and had begun a recall.

Valsartan is a generic drug mainly used for treatment of high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.

The EMA has said there is "no immediate risk and patients taking valsartan are advised not to stop their treatments" unless advised by doctors.

Several US companies had already begun voluntarily recalling products containing Huahai's valsartan after the FDA statement.

The FDA said not all products containing valsartan were being recalled in the United States.

"The presence of NDMA was unexpected and is thought to be related to changes in the way the active substance was manufactured," it said.

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CULTURE

VOICE OF ASIA 11

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

Muslims in China's 'Little Mecca' 100 years since his birth, fear eradication of Islam S.Africa pays tribute to Mandela

In January, officials signed a decree pledging to ensure that no individual or organisation would 'support, permit, organise or guide minors towards entering mosques for Koranic study or religious activities'

by Becky Davis Linxia, China | AFP | Green-domed mosques still dominate the skyline of China's "Little Mecca", but they have undergone a profound change -- no longer do boys flit through their stone courtyards en route to classes and prayers.

In what locals told AFP they fear is a deliberate move to eradicate Islam, the atheist ruling Communist Party has banned minors under 16 from religious activity or study in Linxia, a deeply Islamic region in western China that had offered a haven of comparative religious freedom for the ethnic Hui Muslims there.

China governs Xinjiang, another majority Muslim region in its far west, with an iron fist to weed out what it calls "religious extremism" and "separatism" in the wake of deadly unrest, throwing ethnic Uighurs into shadowy reeducation camps without due process for minor infractions such as owning a Koran or

pils over the age of 16 are now allowed to use them.

Parents were told the ban on extracurricular Koranic study was for their children's own good, so they could rest and focus on secular coursework.

But most are utterly panicked.

"We're scared, very scared.

If it goes on like this, after a generation or two, our traditions will be gone," said Ma Lan, a 45-year-old caretaker, tears dripping quietly into her uneaten bowl of beef noodle soup.

Inspectors checked her local mosque every few days during the last school holiday to ensure none of the 70 or so village boys were present.

Their imam initially tried holding lessons in secret before sunrise but soon gave up, fearing repercussions.

Instead of studying five hours a day at the mosque, her 10-year-old son stayed home watching television. He

cation from cradle to grave.

As soon as children are able to speak we should begin to teach them our truths," he explained to AFP. "It feels like we are slowly moving back towards the repression of the Cultural Revolution," a nationwide purge from 1966 until 1976 when local mosques were dismantled or turned into donkey sheds, he said.

Other imams complained authorities were issuing fewer certificates required to practise or teach and now only to graduates of state-sanctioned institutions.

"For now, there are enough of us, but I fear for the future.

Even if there are still students, there won't be anyone of quality to teach them," said one imam.

Local authorities failed to answer repeated calls from AFP seeking comment but Linxia's youth ban comes as China rolls out its newly revised Religious Affairs Regu-

As part of the celebrations 100 years after Nelson Mandela's birth, former US president Barack Obama came to give the centrepiece address (AFP Photo/GIANLUIGI GUERCIA)

by Ben Sheppard outh Africa on Wednesday marked 100 years since Nelson Mandela's birth, with Barack Obama hosting a youth leadership project as Archbishop Desmond Tutu led emotional tributes to the late anti-apartheid icon.

S

Mandela's birthday on July 18 is celebrated annually around the world with charitable works, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation called for people to "take action and inspire change" in his name on the centenary year.

In Johannesburg, Obama told 200 young people attending a leadership course that he has set up, how Mandela had been a key inspiration in his life.

"Most people around the world think of Mandela as an older man, with hair like mine," he joked.

"What people of course don't recall is that he started as a very young man -- your age -trying to liberate his country.

He then inspired me."

Obama on Tuesday delivered the centrepiece address of the celebrations to a crowd of 15,000 at a cricket stadium, remembering the "wave of hope

that washed through hearts all around the world" when Mandela was released from jail in 1990.

"Through his sacrifice and unwavering leadership and, perhaps most of all, through his moral ex-ample, Mandela... came to embody the universal aspirations of dispossessed people," Obama said.

Retired archbishop Desmond Tutu, 86, recalled fond memories of his fellow campaigner against white-minority rule and fellow Nobel Peace Prize winner.

"The most extraordinary thing about Nelson Mandela was his ordinariness. He was just a particu-larly fine example of humanity," Tutu said in a video message.

"The principles on which he led his life are universal principles of love, fairness and respect of others built on understanding of the vulnerabilities that we all share."

Tutu recalled Mandela's willingness to apologise when wrong, and laughed as he remembered that the two used to tease each other over Mandela's famous colourful shirts and Tutu's purple clerical robes.

- Village birthplace South

African

President

Cyril Ramaphosa, a protege of Mandela who took office this year, said he would mark "Mandela 100" by donating half his salary to charity and called for others to do the same.

Ramaphosa spent the day in Mvezo village in Eastern Cape province, Mandela's birthplace, at celebrations including the opening of a clinic, a tree planting ceremony and distributions of blan-kets to elderly citizens.

Graca Machel, Mandela's widow, led a short walk in Johannesburg to promote Mandela's legacy, while the centenary was marked with the release of a new book of his prison letters and a com-memorative bank note.

Among a series of exhibitions, music festivals and sports events worldwide, a memorial stone was unveiled at a special service in London's Westminster Abbey.

Machel said that the array of events were to "engage everyone who feels they identified with Mandela's values."

Delivering the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture on Tuesday, Obama warned that the world had plunged into "strange and uncertain times", in a speech containing a series of apparent veiled at-tacks on US President Donald Trump.

Raising the standard: women outdo men at India's official flag maker

Among Linxia's 2.18 million people, 1.3 million - or 59 per cent - are Muslims, according to Global Times citing official data. AFP Photos. even growing a beard.

Now, Hui Muslims fear similar surveillance and repression.

"The winds have shifted" in the past year, explained a senior imam who requested anonymity, adding: "Frankly, I'm very afraid they're going to implement the Xinjiang model here."

Local authorities have severely curtailed the number of students over 16 officially allowed to study in each mosque and limited certification processes for new imams.

They have also instructed mosques to display national flags and stop sounding the call to prayer to reduce "noise pollution" -- with loudspeakers removed entirely from all 355 mosques in a neighbouring county.

"They want to secularise Muslims, to cut off Islam at the roots," the imam said, shaking with barely restrained emotion.

"These days, children are not allowed to believe in religion: only in Communism and the party."

- 'Scared, very scared' More than 1,000 boys used to attend his mid-sized mosque to study Koranic basics during summer and winter school holidays but now they are banned from even entering the premises.

His classrooms are still full of huge Arabic books from Saudi Arabia, browned with age and bound in heavy leather. But only 20 officially registered pu-

dreams of being an imam, but his schoolteachers have encouraged him to make money and become a Communist cadre, she said.

- Fear for the future The Hui number nearly 10 million, half of the country's Muslim population, according to 2012 government statistics.

In Linxia, they have historically been well integrated with the ethnic Han majority, able to openly express their devotion and centre their lives around their faith.

Women in headscarves dish out boiled lamb in mirrorpanelled halal eateries while streams of white-hatted men meander into mosques for afternoon prayers, passing shops hawking rugs, incense and "eight treasure tea," a local speciality including dates and dried chrysanthemum buds.

But in January, local officials signed a decree -- obtained by AFP -- pledging to ensure that no individual or organisation would "support, permit, organise or guide minors towards entering mosques for Koranic study or religious activities", or push them towards religious beliefs.

Imams there were all asked to comply in writing, and just one refused, earning fury from officials and embarrassment from colleagues, who have since shunned him.

"I cannot act contrary to my beliefs. Islam requires edu-

lations.

The rules have intensified punishments for unsanctioned religious activities across all faiths and regions.

Beijing is targeting minors "as a way to ensure that faith traditions die out while also maintaining the government's control over ideological affairs," charged William Nee, China researcher at Amnesty International.

- Violent and bloodthirsty Another imam said the tense situation in Xinjiang was at the root of changes in Linxia.

The government believes that "religious piety fosters fanaticism, which spawns extremism, which leads to terrorist acts -- so they want to secularise us," he explained.

But many Hui are quick to distinguish themselves from Uighurs.

"They believe in Islam too, but they're violent and bloodthirsty. We're nothing like that," said Muslim hairdresser Ma Jiancai, 40, drawing on common stereotypes.

Sitting under the elegant eaves of a Sufi shrine complex, a young scholar from Xinjiang explained that his family had sent him alone aged five to Linxia to study the Koran with a freedom not possible in his hometown.

"Things are very different here," he said with knitted brows. "I hope to stay."

Women in village in New Delhi. Photo AFP/ Manjunath Kiran.

by Bhuvan BAGGA

I

NDIA | AFP |When top Indian officials salute the national flag anywhere in the world, women in a village at the other end of the country from New Delhi swell with pride.

This is because Tulasigeri is home to India's only official flag-making company -- and because the local men have proved themselves not up to the job.

"The men were not as patient as the women and got the measurements wrong," groans Annapurna Koti, a supervisor at the Karnataka Cotton Village Enterprise (KKGSS).

"They had to unstitch the cloth and re-do the time consuming process," she told AFP. "They left after the fourth day and never returned."

Around 400 people work for

the state-owned company in the southern state of Karnataka, 2,000 kilometres (1,200 miles) from the capital, most of them women.

The production takes place at two sites: in Tulasigeri where the raw products are processed and in Bengeri around two hours away where the finished products are made.

official cars.

The guidelines in the national flag code of India and from the Bureau of Indian Standards are strict, covering everything from the exact shades to the stitching size.

"The piece is rejected if there is even the slightest error," Nirmala S Ilakal, who has worked in the printing department for 15 years, told AFP.

The female employees perform all the intricate parts of the process such as spinning the cotton and weaving the thread into cloth on foot-powered looms.

Most workers, especially the women -- who also manage their households -- have rarely travelled outside their local districts.

Last year, they produced around 60,000 Indian tricolours of saffron, white and green against a blue wheel.

But Koti, the supervisor, says that knowing that their handiwork goes far and wide goes some way to compensating for this.

Their flags hang at all official events and government buildings, at Indian embassies across the world, as well as at schools, village halls and on

"We can't go outside to different places but the flags we make go all over the world and I feel proud to see everyone saluting them," she said.

US/WORLD

VOICE OF ASIA 12

FBI chief reiterates: Russia meddled, whatever Putin & Trump say

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

Miami voters will have say on Beckham MLS stadium plan

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ASHINGTON | AFP | 7/18/2018 FBI director Christopher Wray said Wednesday that the US intelligence community stands by its view that Russia interfered in the 2016 US election, despite Vladimir Putin's denial this week to President Donald Trump.

"He's got his view, he has expressed his view," Wray said when asked about Putin's denial to Trump at their summit in Helsinki on Monday.

"The intelligence community's assessment has not changed. My view has not changed, which is that Russia attempted to interfere with the last election and that it continues to engage in malign influence operations to this day."

Those acts "aimed at sowing discord and divisiveness in this country," he added.

On Monday, Trump appeared to accept Putin's denial in a press conference after their meeting in Helsinki,

sparking outrage in Washington and a rare statement of disagreement by the head of the US intelligence community, Director of National Intelligence, Dan Coats.

On Tuesday Trump walked back his comments, saying he accepted the view of US spies that Moscow had in fact meddled.

"I accept our intelligence community's conclusion that Russia's meddling in the 2016 election took place," Trump said, reading a statement from the White House.

Yet Trump continued to suggest doubts, adding: It "could be other people also; there's a lot of people out there."

Wray, who was speaking at the Aspen Security Forum in Aspen, Colorado, also took issue with Trump's suggestion on Wednesday that Russia has not continued to interfere this year as the United State prepares for congressional elections in November.

Wray said that the FBI has not seen yet any specific actions targeting US election infrastructure -- compared to 2016, when Russian hackers targeted voter registration and voting management computers across the country, according to US intelligence.

"But certainly other efforts, what I would call malign influence operations, are very active. And we could be just a moment away from going to the next level," he said.

"For me, it's a threat that we need to take extremely seriously and respond to with fierce determination and focus."

Asked if he saw, like Trump, that other countries were involved, Wray said some countries would indeed try to influence US politics in various ways "going forward."

However, he added, "There is no question that Russia has been by far the most aggressive actor."

Continued from Page 1 On 13 July, Mr Salman, 22, and his two friends were brutally beaten by a mob that suspected them of kidnapping children.

The last thing he remembers seeing was his friend, Mohammad Azam, being dragged away with a noose around his neck.

Mr Azam died from his injuries.

David Beckham attends a City of Miami Commissioners meeting where he and his partners presented plans of building a Major League Soccer stadium on public land, on July 12, 2018 (AFP Photo/Rhona Wise)

U.S. President Donald Trump receives a football from Russian President Vladimir Putin as they hold a joint news conference after their meeting in Helsinki, Finland July 16, 2018.

Whats App mob...

M

iami voters will have their say in November on David Beckham's latest plan for a Major League Soccer stadium development in the city, after a vote by city commissioners on Wednesday.

The Miami City Commission voted 3-2 to place a referendum on the November 6 ballot that would open the door for the complex on city-owned land that is now occupied by a municipal golf course.

The proposal by retired England star Beckham and his business partners includes a 25,000-seat stadium for an expansion MLS club, along with 23 acres of youth football pitches with artificial turf, a 750-room hotel, restaurant, retail and office space plus a 58-acre public park.

The commission delayed a vote last week after a presentation by the investment group was followed by hours of public comment both for and against the plan.

Those opposed included a group from the First Tee Miami youth golf program based at the Melreese Country Club site.

Wednesday's move by the commission will let voters decide whether to allow the city to change its laws and waive competitive bidding and authorize the commission to negotiate a 99-year lease of the site.

The three men were visiting relatives in Handikera, a tiny village surrounded by lush fields in the southern state of Karnataka. They lived in Hyderabad, the capital city of the neighbouring state of Telangana. They had driven to the village along with two other friends to spend the weekend there.

Who can stop India WhatsApp lynchings?

If voters approve, a lease agreement must gain approval of four of the five commissioners.

But within hours of arriving, all five of them were branded child abductors and attacked by angry villagers. The idyllic weekend soon turned deadly.

Police have since arrested 22 people, including the administrator of a WhatsApp group.

They said they have also deleted 20 Whatsapp groups as a precaution.

On Wednesday, Beckham business partner Jorge Mas went through a list of new provisions added since last week's presentation. That includes an agreement that no city funding would be used for toxic soil cleanup, a cost that is estimated at $35 million.

"We obtained videos recorded by eyewitnesses and looked at them frame-by-frame. We started analysing the videos to determine who was attacking and who was defending. If we find any more, we will arrest them as well," said a senior police officer.

The group also offered assurances that First Tee Miami could stay put, with a driving range on the site and access to a nearby 18-hole golf course.

At least 17 others have allegedly been killed in India over child kidnapping rumours since April 2018. In all of these cases, police say, the rumours were spread via messages on WhatsApp.

The Melreese site is just the latest that Beckham has seriously pursued. More than a year ago the England icon had proposed a stadium in a downtown Miami neighborhood in a project that drew criticism over lack of parking and potential increased traffic chaos and sparked fears that low-income residents would be discplaced.

Investigations into these incidents have shown that people often forwarded false messages or doctored videos to large groups, some with more than 100 participants. And violent mobs would gather quickly and attack strangers, leaving police little time to respond.

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US to respond to concerns over trade policy at G20

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ASHINGTON | AFP - US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will have the opportunity to address concerns about Washington’s trade policies during a meeting of the world’s leading finance ministers this weekend, a senior Treasury official said Tuesday.

an confrontational stance on trade policy, imposing steep tariffs on steel and aluminum, which angered allies and prompted swift retaliation, as well as 25 percent duties on tens of billions of Chinese goods, with more on the way.

Although Mnuchin recently testified to Congress that the administration is

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

Section 2 Tel: 713-774-5140

As Amazon slashes prices, Bezos sees jump in wealth

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ASHINGTON | AFP - As Amazon marked its “Prime Day” with price cuts across a range of products, founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos saw his net worth hit new peaks, increasing his lead over fellow billionaires.

Bezos’s net worth topped $150 billion on Monday, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, making him the world’s richest person in decades.

The surge in the share price for Amazon -- in which Bezos holds a stake of some 16 percent -- has lifted his wealth by some $50 billion this year.

And Bezos has moved into a wealth category all by himself, far ahead of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, worth an estimated $95 billion, according to the Bloomberg ranking.

Gates saw his net worth briefly hit $100 billion in 1999, but since then Bezos appears to be the only person to top that milestone.

Mnuchin will hold separate bilateral meetings with officials from France, Canada, Germany and Mexico, among others, while at the G20. (Photo: Reuters) However, the official said Mnuchin has no plans for a separate meeting with Chinese officials to try to resolve the trade conflict that has led to an exchange of tariffs on tens of billions of dollars in trade between the two countries.

Finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of 20 leading economies are due to meet in Buenos Aires Saturday and Sunday, where Mnuchin “will respond to concerns on US trade policies,” the official told reporters in a conference call.

Group of Seven officials on hand for the broader meeting will also hold a one-hour session during which they will again discuss “concrete action with regard to China and its economic aggression,” the Treasury official said.

That includes subsidies China used to create excess steel production capacity “burdening workers around the world,” as well as heavy reliance on state-owned enterprises and export credits, the official said.

President Donald Trump has taken

willing to reengage with Beijing to try to resolve the dispute, the Treasury official said no meeting was scheduled with his Chinese counterparts.

“The secretary has had substantial contact with Chinese officials so there’s not the imperative at this meeting to have a formal bilateral,” the official said.

The trade tensions are caused by China’s policies that “have moved in a non-market direction over the years and creates problems for many countries,” the official said.

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EW YORK | AFP - Goldman Sachs named David Solomon as its new chief executive Tuesday, implementing a much-telegraphed succession plan as it expands beyond its Wall Street roots to the broader consumer market.

The prestigious investment bank said Solomon, 56, will move from president to the top executive job on October 1, succeeding longtime chief Lloyd Blankfein, 63.

Solomon also will take over the chairman’s seat the end of the year when Blankfein steps down.

Yet his rise has been nothing less than spectacular since 2014 when his fortune was estimated at around $32 billion.

Bezos founded Amazon two decades ago as an online bookseller, and it has mushroomed into one of the world’s most valuable companies. It features retail operations in more than a dozen countries, a major cloud computing division, and operations in digital devices, artificial intelligence, video streaming and groceries.

Amazon’s market capitalization his risen to nearly $880 billion in recent weeks, ahead of that of Google parent Alphabet but behind Apple.

The International Monetary Fund said this week the growing trade confrontation is the “greatest near-term threat to global growth” and in the worst case could cut a half point off world GDP.

This week, Amazon marked its “Prime Day,” a 36-hour period with special discounts for its Prime subscribers, in several countries, touting “more than one million deals worldwide.”

Mnuchin will hold separate bilateral meetings with officials from France, Canada, Germany and Mexico, among others, while at the G20.

Amazon acknowledged some glitches with the sales day, saying some customers were unable to complete their orders.

He also will stop in Brazil on his way to Argentina for meetings there.

Some customers complained they were directed to the “Amazon dogs” error pages featuring canine pictures.

Still, Amazon said the day had gotten off to a better start than last year.

Goldman Sachs names new CEO as it targets Main Street growth

by John Biers

Historically, Bezos still trails other wealthy individuals such as oil magnate John D Rockefeller and steel baron Andrew Carnegie, whose inflation-adjusted net worth would be more than $300 billion.

grew to over $23 billion at the end of the second quarter, Chief Financial Officer Martin Chavez said Tuesday on a conference call.

Chavez also announced plans to enter the British deposit market later this year, the first overseas move for the division.

Part of the reason for the shift -which brings Goldman into competition with JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and others with retail branches -- has been the tighter regulatory environment on banking in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis that has curtailed some riskier activities.

- Part-time deejay -

The appointment comes as Goldman expands efforts aimed at Main Street customers through online banking and other ventures such as credit cards, even as the bulk of revenues still come from businesses such as merger and acquisition advising.

A former Bear Stearns banker who joined Goldman in 1999, Solomon worked for a decade as co-head of investment banking at Goldman prior to being tapped as co-president in December 2016.

Deposits in this newer business

His hobbies include deejaying un-

Bezos, 54, also owns the private space exploration firm Blue Origin and purchased the Washington Post in 2013.

der the moniker “DJ D-Sol,” a pursuit that has included gigs in Miami and the Bahamas, in addition to New York where Goldman is based.

“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead Goldman Sachs,” Solomon said in a statement.

“I am excited about the opportunities for growth and know how vital our culture of client service and teamwork is to our success.”

With Blankfein’s departure, Jamie Dimon at JPMorgan Chase is the last remaining chief executive still at a big Wall Street bank from that pre-crisis period.

“Our firm has demonstrated great resiliency and strength over the last 12 years,” said Blankfein, who led the firm in a period that included heavy political and public criticism of Goldman and other large banks after the 2008 crisis.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and his wife MacKenzie Bezos.

US Fed to continue to raise interest rates gradually: Powell

by Heather Scott

broad trade discussion.”

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If the end result is lower tariffs globally “that would be good,” but if higher tariffs are in place for a longer time “that will be bad for our economy and other economies.”

ASHINGTON | AFP | The Federal Reserve will continue to raise rates gradually as the US economic outlook remains strong despite uncertainty over trade policy, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said Tuesday.

Powell was upbeat about the US economy, noting that job creation remained strong and inflation was right around the Fed’s two percent target.

In addition the recent tax cut is fueling consumer spending, and business investment remains strong, he said in his semi-annual testimony to the Senate Finance Committee.

However, he acknowledged that it was “difficult to predict the ultimate outcome of current discussions over trade policy,” a clear reference to the aggressive tariffs President Donald Trump has imposed on products from China and many US trading partners, sparking outrage and retaliation.

The International Monetary Fund warned Monday escalating trade tensions and tariff threats, if carried out, could disrupt global growth and derail investments.

Still, Powell said the Fed’s interest rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee was satisfied with the central bank’s efforts to get monetary policy back to normal by raising rates and reducing the size of investments accumulated in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.

“With a strong job market, inflation close to our objective and the risks to the outlook roughly balanced, the FOMC believes that -- for now -- the best way forward is to keep gradually raising the federal funds rate,” Powell said in his prepared testimony.

The FOMC increased the benchmark lending rate by a quarter percentage point in March and in June -a total of seven times since December 2015 -- and most economists expect two more rate hikes this year.

- Trade uncertainty After two percent GDP growth in the first three months of the year, “the latest data suggest that economic growth in the second quarter was considerably stronger than in the first,” Powell told lawmakers.

But in response to repeated questions from Senators, the Fed chief acknowledged that if the current trade frictions lead to higher tariffs, that could harm the US and global economies, in particular American farmers.

Trade policy “has significant effects on the economy,” Powell said, and “there is no precedent for this kind of

He said an open and rules-based international system “has served us very well” in bringing down barriers to trade.

But Powell said the Fed was now hearing about companies putting investment plans “on ice for the time being.”

Despite strong growth and recent gasoline price increases, the Fed chair was sanguine about the inflation picture, saying the rate had risen gradually after remaining stubbornly low but had not accelerated too fast.

The central bank’s preferred inflation measure rose 2.3 percent in the 12 months ended in May, up from 1.5 percent a year earlier. Excluding volatile food and energy prices, the “core” inflation rate was two percent.

- Wage growth at last? The economic recovery has supported strong job gains, averaging 215,000 a month in the first half of 2018, “a good deal higher than the average number of people who enter the work force each month,” he said.

And the unemployment rate of 4.0 percent is near the lowest in 20 years, and arguably meeting the Fed’s full employment objective.

He noted that the number of people in the workforce had remained stable, which is “a sign of labor market strength,” given the retirement of the baby boom generation which is taking workers out of the labor force.

Still, wage growth has been sluggish and has not yet recovered to pre-crisis levels, he said.

“On a brighter note, moderate wage growth also tells us that the job market is not causing high inflation,” Powell said.

Challenged by several senators on the sluggish wage growth, Powell agreed “not everybody is experiencing the recovery.”

The best way to improve prospects for workers is to boost US productivity, including through investments in education and training, he said.

“We don’t have those tools, you have those tools. Congress has the tools,” he said.

The Fed can only adjust interest rates, he added, “we don’t have tools to support higher productivity.”

VOICE OF ASIA 14

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

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FTII remembers illustrious alumna Rita Bhaduri

‘Game of Thrones’ storms back into Emmys

by Frankie Taggart

L

OS ANGELES | AFP | Thursday 7/12/2018 - Recordbreaking fantasy epic “Game of Thrones” made a storming comeback Thursday to Hollywood’s awards circuit after a year off, dominating this year’s Emmy nominations with a whopping 22 nods.

Rita Bhaduri, 62 . Pic Courtesy: TV show still.

UNE, India, July 17 (PTI) The city-based Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) today held a condolence meet in the memory of its illustrious alumna Rita Bhaduri who died today.

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Students, staff and teachers stood in silence for a while in memory of Bhaduri, which was followed by screening of a 2017 student film SAFAR in which the late actress was paired with Tom Alter.

This film happened to be the last film for Bhaduri and Alter, the FTII said in a release.

Bhaduri was admitted in FTII in 1971 in acting specialisation course.

Some of her famous batch mates were Shabana Azmi, Preeti Ganguly, Zareena Wahab and Kanwaljit Singh.

Bhaduri passed out in 1973.

The actress found mention in the autobiography by the legendary acting teacher Roshan Taneja.

“Rita Bhaduri last visited FTII in July 2017 along with several Acting alumni to attend ‘guru vandana’ programme, held to celebrate the launch of Taneja’s autobiography. She was known for her simple demeanour and unassuming ways, qualities which stood her out in a crowd,” said Bhupendra Kainthola, Director, FTII, Pune in a condolence message.

Bhaduri, 62, had acted in over 70 films and around 30 television serials.

She was best known for her roles in films like Hero No 1 and Beta.

Bhaduri passed away this morning after suffering cardiac arrest at Sujoy Hospital in suburban Juhu.

The smash hit HBO show, which returns for a shortened eighth and final season next year, will compete once again for the coveted best drama series prize, several acting trophies and a slew of technical awards.

The show about noble families vying for the Iron Throne faces a tough challenge from perennial favorite comedy sketch show “Saturday Night Live” and HBO stablemate “Westworld” with 21 nominations each.

The Television Academy’s 22,000plus members spent two weeks in June sifting through more than 9,000 entries to choose nominees for the Emmys, the small-screen equivalent of the Oscars.

“The continued growth of the industry has provided opportunities for acclaimed new programs to emerge, while allowing last season’s breakthrough programs to thrive,” said academy chairman Hayma Washington.

The Emmys recognize programs

“The Handmaid’s Tale” with Elisabeth Moss.(Photo: © Hulu) shown in the year to May 31, meaning some of the usual heavy hitters -from “Better Call Saul” to “House of Cards” and “Veep” -- are absent this time around.

With women’s rights advocates angry over President Donald Trump’s nomination of a deeply conservative judge to serve on the Supreme Court, a show about a fictional nightmarish America run by a totalitarian regime bent on oppressing women is tipped to steal some of the thunder of “Thrones.”

- ‘Thrones’ supreme Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” scored 20 nominations -- seven better than last year -- and is an early favorite to repeat as the winner for best drama in September.

Another big story on Thursday was Netflix ending a 17-year winning streak by HBO. The streamer led the nominations with 112, while HBO scored 108. Adrift in third was NBC with 78 nods.

But it was “Thrones” that set the Emmys pace with its seventh season, which aired last summer, earning recognition for cast members Lena Headey, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Peter Dinklage and Diana Rigg.

It will also be in contention for directing, writing and a host of technical awards, as well as best drama, where the other rivals include FX’s “The Americans,” which wrapped recently

and has four nods in total.

The category is completed by “Westworld,” Netflix’s “The Crown,” which finished on 13 nominations, and the streaming service’s sci-fi series “Stranger Things” (12), as well as NBC’s family drama “This is Us.” - Entirely new Ryan Murphy’s FX show “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” one of the few serious contenders this year that can claim to be entirely new, picked up an impressive 18 nominations, including for actors Darren Criss, Penelope Cruz, Edgar Ramirez and Ricky Martin.

The comedy crown usually stored in the “Veep” trophy cabinet went this year to “Atlanta,” the FX comedy created by and starring Donald Glover, which amassed 16 nods.

Samantha Bee’s nomination in the variety talk series category for her TBS show “Full Frontal” is likely to be interpreted as a gesture of support from Hollywood after she was upbraided for using a taboo curse word to describe Ivanka Trump.

“TBS bravely put a woman over 45 on TV and in turn I only got yelled at by the president once,” she said in a statement.

“We have some seriously special people on our staff and hearing them go crazy in the office right now is just the medicine this world needs.”

Bollywood biopic celebrates Thai cave rescue to inspire film adaptation shot Indian hockey hero film based on the July 2018 cave rescue of 12 Thai youth soccer players and their coach has been announced by Pure Flix Entertainment.

A

Hot on the heels of a successful 18day cave rescue that attracted international interest comes news that a US production company is preparing a feature film adaptation.

The successful rescue attempt was completed on July 10, 2018, with the extraction of the final four boys and their 25-year-old coach soon followed by news that a US production company is seeking to adapt the true story into a feature film.

Pure Flix is primarily associated with religious material such as the 2014 “God’s Not Dead” college campus faith movie which, while poorly received by the wider film review community, went on to make $64m at the worldwide box office on a $2m production budget.

Should all go to plan, however, the Thai cave rescue story will be released through Pure Flix subsidiary Pinnacle Peak, as “it’s not necessary to make this a Christian film, just an inspirational one,” one of its co-founders, Michael Scott, told The Hollywood Reporter.

Poster of the film Sorrma.

UMBAI, India | AFP | 7/11/2018 - The remarkable story of an Indian hockey player who spent two years out of the game after being accidentally shot before returning to captain his country hits cinemas this week.

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Sandeep Singh was travelling on a train in August 2006 when he was struck by a bullet that had been mistakenly fired by an officer of India’s Railway Protection Force.

The incident left Singh temporarily paralysed and many commentators speculated that his career was over, but after extensive treatment he returned to the national side in 2008 and later helped India towards a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

“It’s a very compelling story. The day I read about it I couldn’t put it down,” Shaad Ali, director of “Soorma”, which means “warrior” in Punjabi and Hindi, told AFP. The Bollywood movie based on Singh’s life releases across India on Friday. Diljit Dosanjh plays the role of Singh while Taapsee Pannu is cast in the female lead.

Singh, then a promising young player, was on his way to join his teammates before their departure for the Men’s Hockey World Cup in Germany when he was shot.

Instead, he spent much of the next year in a wheelchair as he battled to regain the feeling in his legs. He then regained his fitness and place in India’s team.

Singh went on to be considered one of India’s best drag flickers, captaining the national side to victory in the prestigious Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2009.

“Those two years were very difficult and I’m sure those watching the movie can see the struggle and sacrifice (my family made),” Singh told AFP. The 32-year-old, who currently works as a police officer, worked closely with the filmmakers to help choreograph the hockey moves in the movie. Singh, who has seen parts of the biopic ahead of its release, said he thought Dosanjh had done “a wonderful job” portraying him.

“The movie is like a flashback of my life. What I did in my real life I can see similar things on the big screen.”

Scott spends part of his time living in Thailand and, after spending several days at the rescue site, said he had spoken to some of the divers involved as well as members of the families whose children were stuck in the cave; volunteer rescuer Saman Kunan, an ex-Navy diver who died during the rescue, was a friend of his own family.

“This isn’t just about a movie, it’s about honoring everybody involved, including the soldier who

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Thai Navy soldiers in the flooded Tham Luang cave during rescue operations for the 12 boys and their football team coach trapped in the cave at Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park. (© AFP Photo / Royal Thai Navy)

died,” he explained.

In related news, The Discovery Channel has announced that its hourlong documentary special, “Operation Thai Cave Rescue,” will debut on July 13, with a repeat showing the next day on the Science Channel.

It is to reveal “the human and sci-

entific drama behind one of the most difficult and heart-palpitating rescues attempted in human history,” per a circular sent to Entertainment Weekly, “with exclusive early access to men and women, including family members, who have been living and breathing the events.”

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Family Law and Personal Injury

by Sharlene Sharmila Richards, Immigration Lawyer Email at srichardslaw@aol.com

Sharlene Sharmila Richards

Mala Sharma Pre-term birth has been linked to car accidents involving pregnant women.

Also prevalent with such accidents are increased chances of high-risk birth, internal bleeding, vaginal bleeding, placenta detachment, and severe pain in the abdominal/ pelvic region. It doesn’t matter if it was not a major accident or an accident involving a total loss of the vehicle, smaller accidents may also cause such traumatic consequences to pregnant women.

The actions taken directly after the accident are important to ensuring the safety and well-being of both mother and unborn child. The mother should seek immediate medical attention. If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, seek treatment from a qualified doctor immediately. A competent doctor will ensure appropriate medical treatment.

It is important for the treating physician to document the causation between the impact and the resulting consequences to both mother and baby. Often, the impact causes placenta detachment and PROM (premature rupture of membranes), internal and vaginal bleeding, and pre-term birth.

Remember, if you or anyone you know has been in-

1) Call the police and get a police report filed! Wait for the police to arrive.

2) Get the name, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number, and insurance information from the other driver. You can take a picture of their driver’s license and insurance.

Take pictures of all 3) the vehicles at the scene of the accident.

Get medical treat4) ment for any injuries. Most injuries surface the day after the accident with soreness, pain, foggy mind, etc.

Call your attorneys at Sharma & Associates, P.C. at 281893- 8644 to get the most you deserve! Our job at Sharma & Associates is to fight insurance companies in order to get the best compensation you deserve for your damages, including past and future damages, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.

We handle each case individually and personally. We prove our cases true value instead of relying on the value an insurance company beats the case down to. We evaluate all cases and explore all options for our clients to seek the highest compensation. We have won many cases where the insurance company originally denied full liability and then, made a 100% turnaround awarding policy limits, when they would not otherwise. We handle all types

3D printed guns are now legal... What’s next?

by Jon Stokes

O

n Tuesday, July 10, the DOJ announced a landmark settlement with Austin-based Defense Distributed, a controversial startup led by a young, charismatic anarchist whom Wired once named one of the 15 most dangerous people in the world.

Hyper-loquacious and media-savvy, Cody Wilson is fond of telling any reporter who’ll listen that Defense Distributed’s main product, a gun fabricator called the Ghost Gunner, represents the endgame for gun control, not just in the US but everywhere in the world.

With nothing but the Ghost Gunner, an internet connection, and some raw materials, anyone, anywhere can make an unmarked, untraceable gun

in their home or garage. Even if Wilson is wrong that the gun control wars are effectively over (and I believe he is), Tuesday’s ruling has fundamentally changed them.

At about the time the settlement announcement was going out over the wires, I was pulling into the parking lot of LMT Defense in Milan, IL. LMT Defense, formerly known as Lewis Machine & Tool, is as much the opposite of Defense Distributed as its quiet, publicity-shy founder, Karl Lewis, is the opposite of Cody Wilson. But LMT Defense’s story can be usefully placed alongside that of Defense Distributed, because together they can reveal much about the past, present, and future of the tools and technologies that we hu-

of accidents, minor and major auto accidents, slip and falls, work-related injuries without workers’ compensation, nursing home injuries, wrongful death, dog bites, truck, or commercial vehicle accidents. We offer free consultations and do not get paid, unless you do. So, give us a call for you or someone you know! We are here to help and offer the personal attention and care no other firm can offer. Thank you from the Attorneys at Sharma & Associates, P.C.

About Mala Sharma Mala Sharma has been practicing family law and personal injury with her family at the Law Offices of Sharma & Associates, founded in 1997. Mala is President Emeritus of the Houston Northwest Bar Association, Board member of the Houston Trial Lawyers Association and South Asian Bar Association. She is also a member of the Houston Bar Association.

Disclaimer: This material is available for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. If you require advice on any particular legal question, you may contact Sharma & Associates at 281-893-8644 or by email at mala@sharmalaws.net to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

mans use for the age-old practice of making war.

Gun CAD files will join child porn and pirated movies on the list of content it’s nearly impossible to find on big tech platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and YouTube. If you want to trade these files, you’ll find yourself on sites with really intrusive advertising, where you worry a lot about viruses.

Or, you’ll end up on the dark web, where you may end up paying for a hot new gun design with a cryptocurrency.

This may be an ancap dream, but won’t be mainstream or user-friendly in any respect.

As for what comes after that, this is the same question as the question of what comes next for politically disfavored speech online. The gun control wars have now become a subset of the online free speech wars, so whatever happens with online speech in places like the US, UK, or China will happen with guns. (-TechCrunch)

320

Tel: 713-774-5140

YOUR IMMIGRATION LAWYER

Car Accidents Involving Pregnant Women And Preterm Birth volved in an auto accident, know your rights! Steps to take:

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on July 13th, 2018 has recently issued a policy memorandum that provides new guidelines to adjudicators pertaining to their discretion to deny a pending application or petition at first instance without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) when the required initial evidence was not submitted with the application or petition or the evidence of record fails to establish eligibility. This policy memorandum cancels and revokes the previous 2013 USCIS policy on issuance of RFEs and NOIDs. Q: What was the previous 2013 USCIS policy memorandum on the issuance of RFEs and NOID? A: Under the 2013 policy, adjudicators when reviewing an application or petition and before issuing their decision, had to issue a RFE or NOID if they find a deficiency in the evidence related to the said petition or application. For example, in an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative for a parent, say the Petitioner forgot to include an English translation of his Tamil Birth Certificate, the adjudicator would then issue a RFE to request for the said English translation before concluding the adjudication and approving the petition. Or say in an I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, the Petitioning company failed to include the Beneficiary’s Bachelor’s degree certificate, the adjudicator would issue an RFE to request for the missing evidence before issuing the approval for the H-1B petition. Or in the case of adjustment of status under marriage to a US Citizen category, if the documents in support of the marriage are insufficient, the adjudicator would normally issue a RFE or NOID to request for more evidence in support of the bona fi-

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE NEW USCIS POLICY MEMORANDUM ON ISSUANCE OF REQUEST FOR EVIDENCE FOR APPLICATIONS

des of a marriage. Under this 2013 policy, the adjudicator could only outrightly deny the petition or application if there was no possibility that submitting additional documents would suffice to correct the deficiency in the filing. Other than that, the adjudicator did not have any discretion to not issue the RFE or NOIDs if there was a documentary or evidentiary deficiency in the case.

How does this 2018 Q: USCIS Policy Memorandum work and when does it take effect?

A: Under this new policy, the adjudicator will have full and complete discretion to deny a petition without first issuing a RFE or NOID. It appears that the adjudicator can deny any petition or application when the required initial evidence or documents for the petition or application have not been submitted or been deemed deficient. It will take effect for all petitions, applications and requests filed on September 11th, 2018 and thereafter.

Q: What kind of impact will this have on applicants and petitioners?

A: The impact will be felt throughout the entire range of immigration petitions and applications – all family-based and employment-based petitions, extensions and renewals for non-immigrant classifications such as H-1Bs, Es, Ls, etc. The only category of applications exempt from this policy currently relates to those filed under DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).

Q: What happens when USCIS denies the application or petition outright without RFE or NOID? A It depends on the kind of application or petition submitted. If for example the application was to renew an Employment Authorization Document, the

consequences can mean that the applicant cannot work and may have to refile the application and pay the fee again. If the application is for an adjustment of status to permanent resident and the applicant is already out of status, the applicant will most likely be placed in removal or deportation proceedings.

Q: What is your advice as an immigration attorney, we the public should be aware of with the implementation of this 2018 Policy Memorandum?

A: My advice is to be careful when filing any petition and application seeking immigration benefits.

Please read all instructions carefully as to which documents are needed for the particular application or petition and if unsure, please consult with an immigration attorney who may be able to advise you as to what exactly is needed for the kind of case in question.

Disclaimer: Any advice provided in this article is general in nature and not intended to constitute legal advice for any specific case. Please consult with an immigration lawyer about the specific circumstances of your case.

My Bio Sharlene Sharmila Richards is a licensed Immigration lawyer practicing in Houston, Texas. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2000 and is a member of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and a member of the US Supreme Court. You may contact her at telephone number 713623-8088 or by email at srichardslaw@aol.com to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

VOICE OF ASIA 16

Young Life

Obama visits Kenyan home to launch youth centre

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

8-year-old yoga champion named ‘British Indian of the Year’

by Raphael Ambasu

K

OGELO, Kenya | AFP | Former US president Barack Obama recounted fond memories of his family home in Kenya on a visit Monday to launch a state-of-the-art youth centre run by his half-sister.

Obama is on his first trip to Kenya since he was president in 2015, when he was unable to visit his ancestral home as his jet was too big to land in the western city of Kisumu, he recalled.

“It is a joy to be back with so many people who are family to me, and so many people who claim to be family.

Everybody’s a cousin!” he joked, to hoots of laughter from the audience.

After a visit to the home of his stepgrandmother Sarah Obama in the village of Kogelo, where his father was born and is buried, Obama recalled his first trip to Kenya at the age of 27.

From Nairobi he took first a “very slow train” and then a bus with “some chickens in my lap and some sweet potatoes digging into my side”. Then he had to pile into a matatu -- a minibus taxi -- “even more crowded than the bus”, before a long walk to “Mama” Sarah’s house.

He remembered having to catch a chicken for dinner, which he was “a little squeamish” to kill himself, visiting his father’s grave and bathing outdoors.

“And I looked up at the stars and... it gave me a sense of satisfaction that no five-star hotel could ever provide,” he said.

Obama was speaking at the launch of the Sauti Kuu (Swahili for “Strong Voices”) centre set up by his half-sister Auma Obama.

He said that looking back on those memories, he “couldn’t be prouder of what my sister has built”.

Auma said the state-of-the-art centre would give local youth access to books, internet and sporting activities.

Ishwar Sharma

Former President Barack Obama with his half-sister, Auma Obama, and children at the opening of the Sauti Kuu resource center in Kogelo, Kenya, on July 16, 2018.(Photo: Tony Karumba / AFP - Getty Images) They will also be able to benefit from classes on work ethics, civic education, environmental conservation and financial literacy.

The centre includes an international standard size football pitch sponsored by the German ministry of development cooperation, a basketball court funded by the Giants of Africa Foundation and other facilities, including a library and IT lab.

“The reason I put this centre up is for my community to realise how wealthy they are. I don’t want my community to be beggars... let us start depending on ourselves,” said Auma.

Obama said the centre would empower and educate young Kenyans so they could hold their leaders to account and do “remarkable, worldchanging things”.

Hailing “real progress” in Kenya in recent years, he highlighted corruption, tribalism and rocky elections as challenges that remain.

L

ONDON: PTI| -Jul 15, 2018 - An eight-year-old Indianorigin schoolboy who is the under-11 UK national yoga champion has been named the British Indian of the Year for his achievements in the field.

Upon his arrival in Kenya on Sunday, Obama paid courtesy calls on President Uhuru Kenyatta and main opposition leader Raila Odinga, who have mended fences after a deadly election season last year.

Ishwar Sharma has won a string of titles in both individual and artistic yoga, most recently a gold medal representing Great Britain at the World Student Games 2018 in Winnipeg, Canada, in June.

Obama is linked to his Kenyan family via his father Barack senior, a pipesmoking economist who Obama has admitted he “never truly” knew.

I believe I am competing with myself rather than anyone else, which makes me challenge myself to do the difficult postures, said the schoolboy, who studies at St Michael’s Preparatory School in Kent.

He walked out when Obama was just two and died in a car crash in Nairobi in 1982, aged 46.

Obama senior had worked in the government of Jomo Kenyatta, who led Kenya at independence from Britain until his death 14 years later in 1978.

The two men did not get on well, with Kenyatta -- the father of Kenya’s current president Uhuru Kenyatta -sacking Obama senior, and blackballing him for further government jobs, an ostracisation that would help fuel alcoholism.

I will always be a student of yoga and am deeply grateful to my teachers for the wisdom they have shared with me, he said.

He was named British Indian of the Year in the Young Achiever category at the sixth annual awards ceremony held in Birmingham earlier this week.

We feel proud of his achievements and it has improved his academic performance. We want him to inspire adults and other children with this lifestyle habit, said his father Vishwanath, himself a keen yoga practi-

tioner.

“He and I perform Vedic Yoga with choreography to music, which includes Hatha Yoga postures with Acroyoga and artistic yoga,” he said.

The family is originally from Mysore, home to world-renowned yoga gurus, and travel to the region annually.

“He rejuvenates himself there and would love to stay for more time and get yoga training with the teachers there,” added Vishwanath.

His son has performed in more over 100 events across the UK and worldwide and among his many skills is the ability to chant up to 50 ‘shlokas’ from the ‘Vedas’ and ‘Bhagavad Gita’. He won a gold medal at the Euro Asian Yoga Championships in Turkey in May and has also performed at a number of charity events to raise funds for the under-privileged.

Some of his upcoming competitions include one in Chile in December and then Beijing in January next year. He is also training for the World Game in Canada next year.

“Ishwar is determined to spread awareness about yoga and its benefits, especially among children, his father said.

Tseng when he’s winning! Taiwan teen clinches Wimbledon boys’ title

L

ONDON, United Kingdom | AFP | Taiwan’s Tseng ChunHsin won the Wimbledon boys’ title for the first time on Sunday as the 16-year-old claimed his second junior Grand Slam crown this year.

Tseng ended Jack Draper’s bid to become the first British winner of the Wimbledon boys’ singles title in 56 years with a 6-1, 6-7 (2/7), 6-4 victory on Court One. Tseng, the world junior number one and top seed, won the French Open boys’ title last month and finished as Australian Open junior runner-up in January.

“It’s really given me big confidence. It was a really big achievement. I have to thank so many people that helped me to achieve this goal,” Tseng said.

Tseng, whose hero is Japanese star and former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori, revealed he plans to turn professional next year.

Taiwan’s Tseng Chun-Hsin “I think after this next year I will start to play professional tournaments. This year I play maybe (junior) US Open and after I will turn to the pro circuit,” he said.

“My favourite idol is Kei Nishikori because I think he’s the best Asian player. I play similar to him, so I want to be like him.”

Tseng, already up to 601 in the senior rankings, had raced away with

Ishwar Sharma. (Photo courtesy iyogasolutions.com) the first four games before Draper got on the scoreboard.

Draper, who spent four hours and 24 minutes overcoming Colombia’s Nicolas Mejia in the semi-final, grabbed a break of serve early in the second set.

Tseng broke back but the momentum was with Draper and he charged through the tie-break to take the match into a decider.

‘529 savings’ help offset the cost of college

M

ost parents are familiar with 529 accounts, as evidenced by the $319 billion invested in 13 million accounts as of the end of 2017. The combination of tax-deferred growth and taxfree withdrawals is available to taxpayers at all income levels and likely

makes 529 plans the primary tool to help offset the cost of college.

529s have essentially supplanted Coverdell accounts as the college savings vehicle of choice. For future savings, it’s hard to justify additional contributions to these accounts. (-CNBC)

UAE-based Indian bag top title: NRI of the Year Award for Distinguished Academic Performance in 2015/16, he said he was humbled by this latest award.

“It is life-changing for me and means a great deal as it recognises my committment towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals for a zerowaste society by 2030. It is a privilege to be appreciated for my efforts at this global level,” he told Khaleej Times.

Amiteash Paul Amiteash Paul is among four UAEbased expatriate Indian nationals have bagged the top titles at the 2018 NRI of the Year Awards, fighting off more than 11,500 global nominees.

He won in the Academics (The Indian High School, Dubai) category.

Born and raised in Dubai, Indian High School student Amiteash Paul is one of many who proudly call both Dubai and India home.

Though he has been recognised for his academic excellence before, including bagging the Hamdan Award

Working as a Brand Ambassador of the Bond Interiors LLC in the UAE, Paul helped establish colour-coded waste segregation recycling bins in their factories, offices and labour camps in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman.

And it was that hearty effort at helping save the environment which saw him win the NRI of the Year Award.

“I believe the jury was impressed by my efforts to educate and inculcate the habit of recycling waste among the blue-collar workers in the UAE with a simplified system of colour-coded waste recycling bins. I also believe, the jury saw this as an effort towards a Clean India, as the blue-collar migrant population comprises mostly of Indians. The idea is that when they return

home to India, they can similarly educate their families and the community.”

As someone who is “ardent about protecting the environment”, Paul is constantly working towards building a sustainable future.

“I live by Nelson Mandela’s words: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

- Khaleej Times

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VOICE OF VOICE OF ASIA ASIA17 17

FRIDAY, FRIDAY,July July20, 202018 2018

July is Hunger Prevention Month

CMS Proposes 2019 Physician Fee Schedule

Section 2

Tel: 713-774-5140

Gonorrhea: Scientists’ discovery could bring hope of new treatments

G

onorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease with 78 million new cases worldwide each year, could be treated more effectively with antibiotics or, above all, a vaccine, thanks to a discovery made by researchers in the USA. Gonorrhea can have serious consequences, especially for women, and can lead to endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, epididymitis and infertility.

Babies born to mothers infected with gonorrhea are also at increased risk of blindness. As a result, the need for effective treatment is essential.

Researchers from Oregon State University, OHSU College of Pharmacy and Ann Jerse’s lab at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, collaborated to discover a protein that combats enzymes in the body called lysozymes, found in epithelial cells on the outside of the body, as well as in bodily cavities and in certain cells inside the body.

These enzymes are effectively the body’s first line of innate immune defense when it comes to thwarting bacteria. However, gonorrhea bacteria have developed ways of fighting

lysozymes. The lysozyme-inhibitor protein discovered by the researchers could be a prime new target for treatment, reducing the bacteria’s ability to cause infection.

After conclusive tests on mice, this discovery opens the door to the potential development of new-generation antibiotics and, above all, the possibility of a vaccine, according to study lead, Aleksandra Sikora.

The study findings are published in the journal, PLOS Pathogens.

- Relaxnews

WHO recognizes ‘compulsive sexual behavior’ as mental disorder had “very severe consequences.”

by Nina Larson

G

ENEVA, Switzerland | AFP | Saturday 7/14/2018 - The World Health Organization has recognised “compulsive sexual behaviour” as a mental disorder, but said Saturday it remained unclear if it was an addiction on a par with gambling or drug abuse.

“This is a genuine clinical population of people who have a legitimate health condition and who can be provided services in a legitimate way,” he said.

It remains unclear how many people suffer from the disorder, but Reed said the ICD listing would likely prompt more research into the condition and its prevalence, as well as into determining the most effective treatments.

The contentious term “sex addiction” has been around for decades but experts disagree over whether the condition exists.

“Maybe eventually we will say, yeah, it is an addiction, but that is just not where we are at this point,” Reed said.

In the latest update of its catalogue of diseases and injuries around the world, the WHO takes a step towards legitimising the concept, by acknowledging “compulsive sexual behaviour disorder”, or CSBD, as a mental illness.

But even without the addiction label, he said he believed the new categorisation would be “reassuring”, since it lets people know they have “a genuine condition” and can seek treatment.

But the UN health body stops short of lumping the condition together with addictive behaviours like substance abuse or gambling, insisting more research is needed before describing the disorder as an addiction.

Claims of “sex addiction” have increasingly been in the headlines in step with the #MeToo movement, which has seen people around the world coming forward with allegations sexual mistreatment.

The uprising has led to the downfall of powerful men across industries, including disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, who has reportedly spent months in treatment for sex addiction.

Reed said he did not believe there was reason to worry that the new CSBD listing could be used by people like Weinstein to excuse alleged criminal behaviours.

“It doesn’t excuse sexual abuse or raping someone ... any more than being an alcoholic excuses you from driving a car when you are drunk. You have still made a decision to act,” he said.

While it did not recognise sex addiction in the first update of its ICD catalogue since the 1990s, WHO did for the first time recognise video gaming as an addiction, listing it alongside addictions to gambling and drugs like cocaine.

The document, which member states will be asked to approve during the World Health Assembly in Geneva next May, will take effect from January 1, 2022 if it is adopted.

CMS Proposes 2019 Physician Fee Schedule

O

n July 12, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) released its proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2019. The proposed rules updates rates and policies applicable to Medicare physicians and other professionals under Medicare. This rule includes updates to Medicare rates and policies under Part B and updates to the Quality Payment Program which implements the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and Alternative Payment Models (APMs). Comments on the proposed rule are due by September 10, 2018, and available to submit online in the Federal Register July 27, 2018.

Changes to Evaluation and Management CMS proposes several changes to improve payment accuracy for E/M visits. Specifically, the agency wishes to allow practitioners to choose to document office/outpatient E/M visits using medical decision-making or time instead of applying the current E/M documentation guidelines. Additionally, the proposed rule seeks to expand current options by allowing practitioners to use time as the governing factor in selecting visits level and documenting the E/M visit, regardless of whether counseling or care coordination dominate the visit.

The agency is also looking to expand current options regarding the documentation of history and exam, allowing practitioners to focus on documentation related to what changed since the last visit or on pertinent items that have not changed, rather than re-documenting information. CMS further wants to allow practitioners to review and verify certain information in the medical record that is entered by ancillary staff or the beneficiary, rather than re-entering the information. CMS additionally seeks comment on how documentation guidelines for medical decision-making might be changed in subsequent years.

CMS is also proposing new, single

Sudhir Mathuria HEALTHLIFE 360 713-771-2900 blended payment rates for new and established patients for office/outpatient E/M level 2 through 5 visits and a series of add-on codes to reflect resources involved in furnishing primary care and non-procedural specialty generally recognized services. The agency is seeking comment on the implementation timeframe of several other proposals, and how it might update E/M visit coding and documentation in other care settings in future years.

CMS states it believes the proposals will allow practitioners more flexibility to exercise clinical judgment in documentation so focus is placed on what is clinically relevant and medically necessary for the beneficiary.

Practitioners could be separately paid for the Brief Communication Technology-based Service when they check in with beneficiaries via telephone or other telecommunications device to decide whether an office visit or other service is needed. CMS believes this will increased efficiency for practitioners and convenience for beneficiaries.

To select right Medicare Plan or for Long Term Care planning contact Sudhir Mathuria at 713-771-2900.

“Conservatively speaking, we don’t feel that the evidence is there yet... that the process is equivalent to the process with alcohol or heroin,” WHO expert Geoffrey Reed told AFP Saturday.

Study suggests weaning babies sooner onto solids can aid sleep

In the update of its International Classification of Diseases (ICD), published last month, WHO said CSBD was “characterised by persistent failure to control intense, repetitive sexual impulses or urges… that cause marked distress or impairment”.

ASHINGTON | AFP | 7/9/2018 - Babies who are given solid foods as well as breast milk from the age of three months show signs of sleeping better than infants fed only with milk until they are six months old, a new study carried out in Britain suggests.

But it said the scientific debate was still ongoing as to “whether or not the compulsive sexual behaviour disorder constitutes the manifestation of a behavioural addiction”.

Reed said it was important that the ICD register, which is widely used as a benchmark for diagnosis and health insurers, includes a concise definition of compulsive sexual behaviour disorder to ensure those affected can get help.

“There is a population of people who feel out of control with regards to their own sexual behaviour and who suffer because of that,” he said pointing out that their sexual behaviour sometimes

W

While the practice did not provide for totally uninterrupted nights of sleep, the study of 1,303 children in England and Wales between 2009 and 2012 showed that babies given solids earlier than currently recommended did improve their sleep patterns.

The parents of half the children were encouraged to feed their babies solids, such as white fish or wheat, before six months, while the other half were told to stick to breast milk alone until that time.

The results, published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics, showed that the babies who started earlier on solids

slept longer and woke up fewer times in the night.

The effect was slight but notable.

The study showed that feeding babies solids brought down the median number of times they woke in the night from 2.01 to 1.74 times per night.

The duration of sleep also differed, with a peak of 16 minutes more sleep per night by the age of six months.

“In a randomized clinical trial, the early introduction of solids into the infant’s diet was associated with longer sleep duration, less frequent waking at night, and a reduction in reported very serious sleep problems,” the report said.

The researchers from King’s College, London, and the University of London admitted it was possible that mothers giving their babies solids may have responded to their questions in a more positive manner, having expected

A new study suggests that babies given solids earlier than currently recommended improved their sleep patterns a positive effect, since many parents already believe that the practice encourages better sleep.

They said it was unlikely that the bias would have persisted beyond six months.

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HEALTH

VOICE OF ASIA 18

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

Does swimming after eating cause stomach cramps? Experts debunk some popular summer health myths

Safety tips for healthy swimming this summer

A

s we head into summer it’s important to take extra care with certain aspects of our health and well-being, such as avoiding too much sun and making sure to drink enough fluids. To help keep you informed on some of the best ways to stay to safe in the sun, here experts debunk some popular summer health myths and offer their advice on how to look after yourself and the whole family this summer.

False: Saltwater helps wounds heal “This is a myth because saltwater from the beach can actually contain germs or bacteria that can infect an open wound,” says Baylor College of Medicine expert Isabel Valdez, a physician assistant and instructor of family and community medicine, “You should wait until the wound is healed and sealed completely before submerging it in fresh or saltwater.”

To help the healing process, Valdez recommends washing the wound with warm, soapy water. If the wound becomes red, sore or warm to touch, then you should see your doctor.

True (to a certain extent): You can get stomach cramps if you go swimming too soon after eating If you go swimming, or do any vigorous activities too soon after you eat, then there is a small chance that yes, you can get cramps, says Valdez.

However, although swimming on a full stomach can cause discomfort it is not life-threatening. Just allow some time to digest your food.

False: You do not have to wear sunscreen when it is cloudy “You definitely want to wear sunscreen even when it’s cloudy because

Make sure children are healthy and safe in the pool this water by following some simple steps. (© blackred/Istock.com) Following some expert health advice will help the whole family enjoy a safer summer. (© JackFrog/Istock.com)

you are still going to be exposed to some UV rays,” Valdez said. “I recommend always wearing an SPF over 30.”

Remember to reapply throughout the day, adds Valdez, especially if you are swimming or sweating.

False: Kids need less sleep in summer It might be light outside, and the kids are probably begging to stay up later as a result, but children still need the same amount of sleep in summer as the rest of the year, says Blake Jones from Purdue University.

“School is out and children want to stay up later, especially to play outside, but it’s crucial to keep them on a regular sleep schedule,” says Jones, an assistant professor of human development and family studies.

“Summer also is often a time when many kids gain weight. There are several potential reasons, such as staying up later while eating fatty, salty, and sugary foods; increasing screen time and sedentary behaviors for some kids; and changing sleep patterns by disrupting sleep and sleeping less in general.”

False: All drinks will help you stay hydrated “While you are out at the beach or hanging by the pool, the best way to hydrate yourself is to simply drink water,” says Valdez.

A cold soda or beer can feel refreshing in hot summer temperatures but they are not going to hydrate you. In fact too much alcohol and caffeine can actually cause dehydration, as they are diuretics which can cause your body to lose fluids. (- Relaxnews)

A

dip in the pool is one of the most pleasant ways to cool off in summer, but splashing around does come with some safety concerns, especially for kids. Pool time, and time spent in hot tubs, water play areas, lakes, and oceans, can spread recreational water illnesses (RWIs), increase the chances of burning, and even drowning, especially with young children.

Here we’ve put together some safety tips and advice to help the whole family stay healthy in the water all summer long.

Check the water Properly treated recreational water is less likely to spread germs that lead to illness, so check that the water’s pH and free chlorine or bromine concentration are correct. Also check that a trained lifeguard is on guard and/or adequate safety equipment such as a rescue ring or pole is available.

For more tips, you can do your

Jury set to hear Roundup case on pesticide cancer link

A

California man dying of cancer makes his case to a jury Monday in a trial against agrochemical giant Monsanto that could have sweeping ramifications.

Dewayne Johnson, a 46-year-old father of two, says he is sick because of contact with Roundup, the top-selling weed killer made by the chemical giant.

A California Superior Court jury in San Francisco on Monday was set to hear opening statements from opposing sides, with witnesses to follow in a trial over the potential link between the weed killer and Johnson’s illness.

The stakes are high for Monsanto, which could face massive losses should a jury order it to pay out damages over the product.

Johnson used Roundup for two years from 2012 as a groundskeeper for the Benicia school district near San Francisco, his lawyer Timothy Litzenburg told AFP. “A major part of that job was spraying Roundup or Ranger Pro (a similar Monsanto product)... He sprayed it 20 to 40 times per year, sometimes hundreds of gallons at a time on the school properties,” Litzenburg said.

In 2014, Johnson was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that affects white blood cells.

No longer able to work two years later, he filed suit against Monsanto, accusing the company of hiding the dangers of its product.

A key to Johnson’s case will be convincing jurors that Monsanto’s pesticide -- whose main ingredient is glyphosate, a substance some say is dangerously carcinogenic -- is responsible for the illness.

“His case has been expedited because he currently has only a few months to live,” his lawyer said.

which produced a defoliant dubbed “Agent Orange,” which has been linked to cancer and other diseases, for use by US forces in Vietnam, but denies responsibility for how the military used it. The company also made insecticide DDT. Monsanto’s flagship herbicide Roundup was launched in 1976.

The company son thereafter began genetically modifying plants, making some resistant to Roundup.

Litzenburg says he represents hundreds of people who also say they are victims of glyphosate.

The pesticide has been accused of damaging the environment, contributing to the disappearance of bees and being an endocrine disruptor.

Whether the substance causes cancer has been the source of endless debate among government regulators, health experts and lawyers.

The Roundup trial in San Francisco, which will directly address whether the product has caused cancer, is the first of its kind.

- Agent Orange Monsanto, a company that is more than a century old, was recently acquired by German-based Bayer for more than $62 billion.

Founded in 1901 in St. Louis, Missouri, Monsanto made the artificial sweetener saccharin. The company began producing agrochemicals in the 1940s and now employs 20,000 people around the world and generates $15 billion in annual revenue.

Monsanto was one of the companies

- Scientific controversy The International Agency for Research on Cancer, a World Health Organization body, has classified glyphosate, which is widely used around the world, as “probably carcinogenic.”

The European food safety and chemicals agencies have so far not followed suit. A US Department of Health study has suggested its toxicity is limited.

Monsanto has always denied any

link between disease and glyphosate, a substance classified as carcinogenic in the state of California, claiming that more than 800 studies have concluded that the product is safe.

“We have empathy for anyone suffering from cancer but the scientific evidence clearly shows that glyphosate was not the cause. We look forward to presenting this evidence to the court,” it said.

Johnson has not specified damages he intends to seek from Monsanto, also known for its genetically modified seeds that have sparked intense controversy elsewhere.

“The only thing, as civil attorneys, that we can do is to take money from Monsanto and give it to Mr Johnson,” said Litzenburg.

California law allows for an expedited procedure when a party is facing imminent death and Johnson’s is the first targeting Roundup to use that law and reach trial.

Some activists see the trial as a potential watershed moment for the safety of chemicals such as pesticides.

“Monsanto has purposefully deceived the public about the safety of its flagship herbicide Roundup for decades,” said Linda Wells, Midwest

own inspection using a simple 4-step checklist.

Check and clean yourself Keep dirt and bodily fluids such as pee, poop, sweat and blood out of the water!

Shower before you get in, and stay out altogether if you an open wound (for example, from surgery or a piercing) that is not covered with a waterproof bandage, or if you have diarrhea. For parents remember that swim diapers and swim pants should not be used as a replacement for frequent diaper changing and regular trips to the bathroom, and do not protect against diarrhea (the most serious water contaminant) from leaking into the water.

Protect from the sun You can still burn when in the water, as the sun’s rays reflect off its surface, so don’t forget the sunscreen. Protect yourself by using a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Stay healthy and safe once in the water Don’t pee or poop in the water, or swallow the water!

Pay special attention to children and keep an eye on them at all times, kids can drown in seconds and in silence.

Take hourly breaks To keep the water clean take kids on bathroom breaks every hour and check and change diapers away from the water.

To keep the whole family safe this is also the time to reapply sunscreen and drink up, to ensure everyone is taking in plenty of fluids in the heat.

Also remember to dry ears thoroughly with a towel after swimming to prevent ear infections.

For more information on how to stay safe in the water this summer head to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Healthy Swimming pages. (- Relaxnews)

organizing director for Pesticide Action Network North America.

“If Johnson is successful at trial, it will be a huge shakeup for the entire pesticide industry.” (- AFP)

Read up on what’s changing in the world of health

Voice of Asia brings you the latest in medicine, medical technology, nutrition, pharmacy, and other health related articles. Also visit www.healthlinemag.com

VOICE OF ASIA 19

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

Silicon Valley eyes Africa as new tech frontier

by Stephanie Findlay

personal data.

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Osinbajo told tech leaders Nigeria was keen to create the right environment for development, including for regulation.

AGOS, Nigeria | AFP | Sunday 7/14/2018 - With its colourful hammocks and table tennis table, a new tech hub in the Lagos metropolis wouldn’t look out of place among the start-ups on the other side of the world in Silicon Valley.

But the debate over privacy is muted in many African countries, unlike in Europe, which recently passed tougher new data protection laws.

But the NG_Hub office is in the suburb of Yaba -- the heart of Nigeria’s burgeoning tech scene that is attracting interest from global giants keen to tap into an emerging market of young, connected Africans.

Facebook has also been at the centre of a storm for failing to protect user data in connection with claims of manipulation in the 2016 US presidential election and the Brexit referendum.

In May, both Google and Facebook launched initiatives nearby.

Global Justice Now, an anti-poverty group, fears tech companies are being given free rein to create a global surveillance state.

This week, Nigeria’s Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo was in California to court US tech investors for what he said could herald a “fourth industrial revolution” back home.

“We could find ourselves sleepwalking towards a world in which a handful of tech companies exercise monopoly control over whole swathes of the world economy, further exacerbating inequality between the global north and the global south,” said the activist group in a May 2018 report titled “Epocalypse Now”.

But it isn’t just Nigeria that is piquing the interest of tech giants.

Last month, Google said it would open Africa’s first artificial intelligence lab in Ghana’s capital, Accra.

Demographics are a key factor behind the drive: Africa’s population is estimated to be 1.2 billion, 60 percent of them under 24. By 2050, the UN estimates the population will double to 2.4 billion.

“There’s a clear opportunity for companies like Facebook and Google to really go in and put a pole in the sand,” said Daniel Ives, a technology researcher at GBH Insights in New York.

“If you look at Netflix, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, where is a lot of that growth coming from? It’s international,” he told AFP. Facebook is operating from the NG_ Hub as it doesn’t yet have a permanent office in Nigeria.

The company’s Africa head of public policy, Ebele Okobi, said at the opening of the premises that the goal was to cultivate the nascent technology community.

The social network has pledged to train 50,000 people across the country to “give them the digital skills they need to succeed”, she added.

In exchange, Facebook, which currently has some 26 million users in

Lagos is attracting interest from global tech giants keen to tap into an emerging market of young, connected Africans (AFP Photo/STEFAN HEUNIS) Nigeria, gets more users and access to a massive market to test new products and strategies.

“We are invested in the ecosystem.

Just the fact that they are engaging... that in of itself is a goal,” she added.

- Cyber colonialism? Many African governments have given the tech titans an enthusiastic welcome.

In California, Osinbajo said the Nigerian government will “actively support” Google’s “Next Billion Users” plan to “ensure greater digital access in Nigeria and around the world”.

Few sectors in Africa inspire as much hope as technology, which has the potential to revolutionise everything from healthcare to farming.

Examples include Ubenwa, a Nigerian start-up that has been described as “Shazam for babies”, after the application that identifies music and films

from snippets.

Ubenwa analyses a baby’s cry using AI to diagnose birth asphyxia, a major cause of death in Africa when babies don’t get enough oxygen and nutrients before, during or immediately after birth.

Detecting the problem early could save thousands of lives.

“Africans should be responsible to come up with the solutions,” said Tewodros Abebe, a doctoral student studying language technology at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia.

“Unless we are involved, no one can understand the existing problems in our continent.”

for Africa,” he said. “If they are only looking for business, that’s colonisation.”

- ‘Epocalypse Now’ As Africa’s technology sector grows, fuelled by growth in mobile phone use, so too does pressure on governments to protect its citizens’

Renata Avila, from the World Wide Web Foundation in Geneva that campaigns for digital equality, said that has not come to fruition but there were pressing concerns.

“The message is that Africa needs investment and it needs to develop these industries, so usually it’s a probusiness narrative,” said Avila, a digital rights researcher.

“But there is little oversight,” she added, warning that without regulation, people were vulnerable to exploitation.

Study: like people, mice double down on investments

Abebe dismissed fears that what Facebook and Google are doing represents a form of so-called cyber colonialism.

“Working collaboratively I think is a good way of technology transfer

First-ever color X-ray on a human

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ARIS, France | AFP | 7/12/2018 -New Zealand scientists have performed the first-ever 3-D, colour X-ray on a human, using a technique that promises to improve the field of medical diagnostics, said Europe’s CERN physics lab which contributed imaging technology.

Shoppers queueing outside an Apple store in Naples, Florida during Black Friday sales in November 2017: experiments show that the longer people remain in line, the more likely they are to stay in line (AFP Photo/SPENCER PLATT)

The new device, based on the traditional black-and-white X-ray, incorporates particle-tracking technology developed for CERN’s Large Hadron Collider, which in 2012 discovered the elusive Higgs Boson particle.

“This colour X-ray imaging technique could produce clearer and more accurate pictures and help doctors give their patients more accurate diagnoses,” said a CERN statement.

The CERN technology, dubbed Medipix, works like a camera detecting and counting individual sub-atomic particles as they collide with pixels while its shutter is open.

by Ivan Couronne

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This handout picture released on July 12, 2018 by MARS Bioimaging Ltd shows a 3D image of left view of an ankle with bones in white and soft tissue in red.

New Zealand scientists has done the first-ever 3-D, colour X-ray on a human, using a technique promising to improve the field of medical diagnostics, announced Europe’s CERN physics lab which contributed technology. © HO / MARS Bioimaging Ltd / AFP

This allows for high-resolution, high-contrast pictures.

achieve,” said developer Phil Butler of the University of Canterbury.

The machine’s “small pixels and accurate energy resolution meant that this new imaging tool is able to get images that no other imaging tool can

According to the CERN, the images very clearly show the difference between bone, muscle and cartilage, but also the position and size of cancer-

ous tumours, for example.

The technology is being commercialised by New Zealand company MARS Bioimaging, linked to the universities of Otago and Canterbury which helped develop it.

Canary’s iPhone ‘Safety Button’ silently provides 911 with an accurate location

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anary, maker of connected home security cameras, has announced a smartphone ‘Safety Button’ to give iOS users additional assurance outside of the home.

Once feeling safe, the button can be released and a pin-code entered, however if the button is let go and no pin entered, help is on the way. The company notes that police are sent to every situation, however if an ambulance or

Well, it turns out mice and rats seem to have the same foible, according to a study published Thursday in the US journal Science.

Economists say this involves what they call the “sunk cost” fallacy.

Say you buy tickets to a show. There is no point in going, just for the sake of going, if you decide you no longer like what it is about, say, or you are tired. Regardless of whether you go or not, you will not get your money back.

And for countries, just because lots of money has been spent on a program there is no point to keep pumping in more if it’s no longer in the national interest.

For a long time researchers have studied whether animals are like people in this regard -- ferociously attached to objects just because of their past efforts with them.

Scientists at three neuroscience and psychology labs at the University of Minnesota carried out a coordinated experiment on mice, rats and humans.

Similar to the existing SOS feature on iPhones, this new feature is designed to automatically contact local police, while also sending them a location within 5 seconds, which is a huge improvement from the “over 6 minutes” that an average 911 call requires to determine “only 50–300 meter accuracy,” according to Canary.

The ‘Safety Button’ (powered by Noonlight) doesn’t even require the user to speak, they simply need to hold down the button for coordinates -- with an accuracy of approximately 5 meters (16 feet) -- to be sent to emergency services.

ASHINGTON, AFP | Economists know that when people invest time or money in something, it’s hard for them to pull out -- even when their project is doomed.

Guess what happened?

“Mice, rats and humans all behaved quite similarly,” David Redish, a neuroscience professor at the university and co-author of the study, told AFP. - Waiting for a reward -

Hold down the Canary Safety Button to alert emergency services.© Canary

fire truck is needed, then they require a text or voice message.

The feature, currently only available to iOS users in US, would require an app update and Canary Membership, as well as setting up a Noonlight account.

Apple recently announced a similar feature arriving with the iOS 12 update, as part of the company’s mission to provide emergency services “the best available technology” to improve response time by securely sharing location data. - Relaxnews

The rodents were trained to feed in a labyrinth with four “restaurants,” one in each corner. During each trial, they arrived in a so-called “offer zone” where a tone informed them of the wait time to get something to eat -- in this case flavored pellets.

If the animals accept the offer, they move on to a waiting area, where an audible countdown tells them how much longer they have to wait -- from one to 30 seconds. Before all this they were trained to understand these sound signals.

For the humans a similar experiment was set up, only with videos instead of food as the lure. They could view kittens, landscapes, ballroom dancing or bike accidents.

The waiting time before they get to see the video is represented by a download bar.

In each case, the human participants could simply say no to waiting and move on to the next room or video.

The experiments showed that rodents, like people, tended to exhaust the waiting period once the wait has begun.

“The more that they stuck it out already, the more likely they are to finish,” said Redish.

It’s just like people waiting in line, he said.

“Once you get in line, you tend to stay in line. And the longer you’ve been in line, the more likely you are to finish staying in line,” Redish added.

But the wait is not cost-free because the overall duration of the experiment is restricted.

So the longer a rodent waits for its favorite pellet -- say, banana or chocolate flavored -- in a given room, the less total food it can munch on during the test.

Redish makes this comparison: “I’ll wait the 30 seconds for this caviar, even though truthfully, if it was five seconds it would totally be worth it.

“But standing 30 seconds for the caviar, I really ought to skip it, because I might get a five-sec potato down the line.”

The study had its limitations: it involved only 65 humans (university students), 32 mice and 32 rats. What is more, the tasks they faced were not identical. But it paves the way for more experiments.

The challenge moving forward “is going to be to know that one is truly capturing the same phenomenon across species,” Shelly Flagel, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan who was not involved in the study, told The New York Times.

LEISURE / TRAVEL

VOICE OF ASIA 20

Chinese envoy sees KSA as a major tourist destination

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

Millennials are more likely to post ‘deceptive’ vacation photos on social media: report

W

hen Millennials share photos of their beach-side or glamorous European vacation, there’s vanity, competition and a touch of deception behind their posts.

That’s according to the findings of a recent report which looks at the role social media plays among different generations of vacationers in the US.

Li Huaxin

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EDDAH: China’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Li Huaxin underlined that the Kingdom is set to be a major world tourist destination given its cultural, heritage, humanitarian and civilizational potential.

He also affirmed that if tourist visas are introduced for foreign delegations in the Kingdom, the number of Chinese tourists will increase considerably.

Huaxin noted that 140 million Chinese visited various tourist destinations during the past year.

He lauded the steps made by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), saying that they represented ambitious plans to

develop the tourism sector.

“The foreign visitors, when they go to the tourist destinations in the Kingdom, will be amazed by the symbolism deeply enshrined in the human and cultural heritage,” he said.

Huaxin also stressed that Saudi-Chinese relations have developed, especially in the area of culture, tourism and archaeological exploration. This was reflected through the organization of the Saudi Archaeological Masterpieces Through the Ages exhibition, which is also known as “Roads of Arabia Expo” at the National Museum of Beijing from the end of 2016 to August 2017.

- Arab News

There’s something darker going on with the sunny, happy vacation snaps and selfies that people are posting to Instagram and Facebook, particularly when it comes to Millennials, authors say in the 2018 Vacation Confidence Index released by insurance company Allianz Global Assistance.

The findings are based on an Ipsos poll of 1,005 adults in the US. More than Gen X’ers (ages 35-54) and Baby Boomers (ages 55+), Millennials (ages 18-34) are most likely to document their travel on social media.

But their motivations for doing so vary widely: While 63 percent said they post on social media to look back on the trip, 37 percent admitted they want to make their friends and family jealous, and 27 percent said it’s to compete with others.

You could call it, “who vacationed better.”

This US airport to become the first to screen all international flyers with biometric technology

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rlando International Airport has become the first US airport to commit to processing all international flyers using facial recognition technology.

Cameras are installed at an airline or airport departure gate.

Currently, the biometric technology is being tested at exits for 13 major airports across the US. It is also being used for arrival processing at 10 locations.

Test airports include Miami, Atlanta, New York JFK, San Diego, Houston (Intercontinental and Hobby), Washington Dulles, Las Vegas, Chicago O’Hare, and Preclearance locations in Aruba, Abu Dhabi, and Ireland (Shannon and Dublin).

Participating airlines include Delta, JetBlue, British Airways, Lufthansa and Air New Zealand.

Last year, British Airways rolled out facial recognition technology for domestic flights

More than a third (36 percent) of Millennials also admitted to posting photos that make their trips look better than they are, again more than any other age group -- a practice authors call “social media deception.”

Tourists charged with stealing bricks from Auschwitz memorial

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ARSAW, Poland | AFP - Two Hungarian tourists have admitted to trying to steal bricks from the ruins of a crematorium at the site of the former Nazi German death camp AuschwitzBirkenau, according to police.

The 30-year-old woman and 36-year-old man were caught on Saturday when another pair of foreign tourists saw them stuffing the bricks into a bag and notified security.

“The man and woman were charged with theft of a cultural asset. They both admitted to wrongdoing,” said regional police press officer Mateusz Drwal.

“They explained that they

had wanted to bring back a souvenir and didn’t realize the consequences of their actions,” he told the Polish news agency PAP. The Hungarian tourists were each fined 1,500 zloty ($400, 350 euros) and handed a suspended sentence of one year in jail.

Auschwitz-Birkenau has become a symbol of Nazi Germany’s genocide of European Jews, one million of whom were killed at the camp between 1940 to 1945.

More than 100,000 others including non-Jewish Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners of war and anti-Nazi resistance fighters also died there.

Almost half of Gen X’ers (45 percent) admitted to sharing only flattering vacation photos in which they look best. For Baby Boomers, that’s down 20 percent.

Likewise, 20 percent of Gen X’ers admitted they want to This tendency is also higher provoke jealousy, while that’s down to nine percent for Baby among male Millennials.

Boomers.

Another trend: Vanity and Meanwhile, the report also narcissism play smaller roles found that overall, the social with age.

media platform that influences people the most when it comes to travel is Facebook, followed

by Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

More than influencers, it’s posts from friends and family that exert the greatest influence.

And more than half of Millennials (51 percent) said social media posts influence their own travel planning choices.

- Relaxnews

Safir Tours promotes ‘Great Australian Rail Journeys’ in India

by TBM Staff | Mumbai afir Tours Pty Ltd Australia has announced the promotion of the Great Australian Rail Journeys for 20182019 in the Indian market.

The packages combine the Legendary Ghan train that departs Adelaide every Sunday for Alice Spring on an overnight journey where guests can experience magnificent gourmet meals prepared by professional Chefs

S

Just in time for peak summer travel season, the Florida airport has installed a biometric entry-exit system that will process all arriving and departing international travelers with the facial recognition process which takes Airports across the US are testing facial recognition technology. (Photo: istock. about two seconds com/Kivilcim Pinar) and has a 99 percent matching rate. at Heathrow Terminal 5.

- Relaxnews The aim of the program is to streamline and speed up customs and immigration lines.

During the process, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency compares the photographs of travelers with those already on file in the Department of Homeland Security.

Millennials are more likely to share photos on social media than other age groups, says a report.© RossHelen / IStock.com

and social beverages shared in one of the atmospheric lounges. Choose from the great array of popular and boutique beers to some of Australia’s finest wines.

“The Train is an all-inclusive journey from the time you step on with the rugged landscape of South Australia and the Northern Territory unfolding as you journey on” says Nayaz Noor, CEO, Safir Tours who was recently on the train and remarked

that it was a “Journey of a Lifetime” one should experience in Australia.

The Ghan has two different classes of cabins offered - Platinum Class and Gold Class service. Starting prices for the Ghan with 2 nights in Alice Springs and 2 nights in Ayers Rock range from AU$2500 – 2700 pp twin sharing basis using Gold Class service and 4-star hotels in Alice and Ayers Rock.

VOICE OF ASIA 21

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

Home&Real Estate 4 Tips to help you rent out your space like a pro

Big bank mortgage results hurt by spring real estate market

by Donna Fuscaldo

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ALLAS, July 16, 2018 The impact of high property values and rising mortgage rates that shut some buyers out of the spring real estate market is starting to show up in the quarterly results of some of the nation’s banks. Wells Fargo & Company, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Citigroup Inc. and The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. all reported second quarter results showing signs of weakness in mortgage origi-

quarter and $249 million in last year’s second quarter.

As for Citigroup, National Mortgage News said that revenue from the mortgage unit was $140 million in the second quarter, which was down 5% sequentially and 25% lower from a year ago. Meanwhile, non-interest income at PNC’s residential mortgage unit was $84 million, compared with $97 million in the first quarter and $104 million from last year’s second quarter, according to National Mort-

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rom city apartments to beach houses, vacation home rental sites like Airbnb, VRBO and others have become popular among homeowners and travelers alike. Renting your entire house or even just one room, especially if there’s a big event coming to your town, can be a wonderful way to earn extra income, but it can also expose you to unexpected and potentially costly risks. Before you start seeing dollar signs, learn how to rent your home like a pro.

• List Through a Vacation Rental Site: Posting an ad is free on some sites and eliminates some of the legwork involved. Some sites will verify users’ identities, provide guest and host reviews and let you set your own rental price.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Monkey Business/stock.Adobe.com • Have the Right Insurance: What if someone slips on a wet floor or falls down the stairs? While some sites offer insurance coverage for hosts and landlords, other sites may require you to provide your own coverage to protect against these types of losses. And you’ll probably need protection if you decide to rent on your own. It’s important to talk with your insurance agent about how you’re using your home, the potential liability risks and to make sure you are adequately protected against property damage and injuries. One company that offers protection is Erie Insurance.

money earned as income. But, many vacation rental sites will automatically document the income to the IRS, meaning you could get a letter asking you to pay on unreported income. If you fall within that 14-day window, you need to write a letter stating the income is not taxable and attach proof. However, if you don’t actually live in the home, then you must report the income. Rental expenses, such as for advertising or housekeeping, can be deducted, but don’t deduct any personal expenses.

gage News. Mortgage originations at PNC were at $2 billion, up from $1.7 billion in the first quarter but lower than the $2.2 billion in originations lodged in the second quarter of 2017.

• Deepen Your Tax Knowledge: According to the IRS, if you plan on renting your space for fewer than 15 days a year, you don’t need to report the

• Budget for Extra Costs: While it’s tempting to think about additional income, make sure you understand the fee structure and costs. Most rental

While rising mortgage rates have been shutting some homebuyers out of the market and preventing some homeowners from refinancing their mortgages, a bigger deterrent has been rising property values and a dearth of affordable properties for sale. For May, online real estate company Zillow found that home values appreciated just . The average home price stood at $216,000, although the property values are much higher in certain pockets of the country. For one example, according to Zillow, the median home value in San Jose, California, is $1.27 million, which is up close to 26% compared with May 2017. In Las Vegas, Zillow found that home values increased 15.5% year over year for May, and in Seattle, home values were up 12.2% in the same time frame. (-Investopedia)

Are you prepared for hurricane season and other storm emergencies?

Image: Shutterstock

Rising mortgage rates have been shutting some homebuyers out of the market. nations.

Take Wells Fargo for starters. According to National Mortgage News, the national bank reported income of $770 million in its mortgage banking unit, which is down from $934 million in the first quarter and below the $1.1 billion the unit had in last year’s second quarter. Mortgage originations at Wells Fargo came in at $50 billion in the second quarter, which National Mortgage News reported were up quarter over quarter but were down from $56 billion a year ago.

JPMorgan, meanwhile, saw revenue dip to $1.35 billion from the first quarter in its mortgage unit, down from the close to $1.43 billion in mortgage revenue in the second quarter of 2017. Mortgage originations of $21.8 billion were up from $18.2 billion in the first quarter but were lower than the $26.2 billion in originations in last year’s second quarter, noted the report. Net mortgage servicing revenue at JPMorgan was $231 million, which is off from $370 million from the first

Vinyl siding cleaning and maintenance tips

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he type of siding you have on your home can affect how you spend your weekends, as some options require more maintenance and upkeep than others.

“While stucco, wood siding, fiber cement siding and engineered wood all require regular painting and caulking to look their best, today’s vinyl siding needs only periodic cleaning with mild soap and water from a garden hose to achieve the same result,” says Kevin Mickle, product manager at ProVia, a manufacturer of siding and other exterior building products.

For maximum curb appeal, the experts at ProVia are offering the following tips for maintaining and selecting vinyl siding.

• To clean vinyl siding, use a soft cloth or ordinary long-handled, soft bristle brush. For textured surfaces, use only a soft bristle brush to keep the grooves in the texture stain-free.

For best results, start at the bottom of the house and work your way up, taking care to rinse the cleaning solution completely before it dries. During this process, cover any brick facing so it’s not affected by the runoff. To remove mold and mildew, use a solution of 30 percent vinegar and 70 percent water.

• Before using a power washer, read the washer’s instructions carefully, as well as the recommendations of the siding manufacturer.

Some manufacturers advise against the use of pressure washers on their products or have limitations on the amount of pressure and the cleaners that can be used. If you do choose to use a power washer, hold it at eye level to keep water on top of the siding where it can clean most effectively.

• Ensure your cleaner of choice won’t harm your siding. Spot check a small area first. Never use cleaners containing organic solvents, undiluted chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, nail polish remover or furniture polish.

• When doing any home maintenance project involving stains, sealants and wet concrete, or when spraying the lawn with insecticides or herbicides, cover vinyl siding to protect its color.

• Keeping siding away from sig-

sites charge either an annual fee or a percentage of each booking to cover processing and listing. Some take a percentage of the rental fee and may even charge a service fee to your guest once the house is booked. And depending on how much of your home you’re renting out, you may need to find another place to stay. Plus, you also need to consider the cost of supplies like linens, as well as hire a cleaning service to tidy up in between guests.

Decide whether renting out your home is right for you and your family. If so, it’s time to start sprucing up your place to get ready for guests.

(-StatePoint)

H

urricane season is in full swing, running from June through November. Unfortunately, no one can stop a tropical storm or hurricane from happening and both types of weather events are increasingly impacting larger portions of the U.S. However, there are steps you can take that will help you weather a storm and better ensure the safety of your family.

The experts at Freddie Mac recommend doing the following.

• Know where to go in the event of a local area evacuation. Your area’s emergency management agency can provide this information.

• Gather and protect important household documentation, including birth certificates, passports, marriage licenses, mortgage statements, deeds, insurance policies and medical files.

• Protect your valuables and family mementos by storing them in a safety deposit box, fire– and water–proof safe or moving them to higher ground where they are less likely to incur damage.

• Download an app for your smartphone that allows your friends and family to know if you are safe. The American Red Cross has a free hurricane app as do many for-profit organizations. Other apps that are available include weather tracking apps, and apps that can help victims of storms find each other to pool resources and offer one another assistance. Be sure to keep your phone fully charged as

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Arcady/stock.Adobe.com long as your home has power and consider having an external battery pack on hand as well.

• Assemble an emergency supply kit that includes water, flashlights, nonperishable food, first-aid supplies, batteries, a radio and medication.

• Create a family emergency plan and make sure everyone knows what to do and when.

• Prepare your home for heavy rainfall and strong winds by cleaning up lawn debris, loose furniture and lawn items that will not be able to sustain strong winds. Secure loose rain gutters and ensure all gutters are clear

nificant heat sources -- do your barbecuing many paces away from the house and keep readily ignitable materials such as dry leaves, mulch and trash away from the structure.

• Whether you’re building a home or upgrading your current exterior cladding, make an informed selection. Look for the VSI Product Certification Program label. This means the vinyl siding has gone through a third-party inspection process and was independently verified to meet or exceed the industry standard for quality. One brand meeting these rigorous standards is ProVia, which specializes in elegance and endurance and offers three types of professional-class vinyl siding to choose from: insulated, traditional and decorative. All of their cladding is created with a Super Polymer Formulation for enhanced durability.

To learn more, visit provia.com/siding.

Want to take your weekends back? By selecting vinyl siding for your home, you can get all the charm and curb appeal that traditional materials offer with a simpler maintenance routine.

(-StatePoint)

from debris to keep water flowing and prevent further damage.

• Consider building a safe room, if you are a homeowner, that meets Federal Emergency Management Agency criteria to provide at-home protection during extreme weather.

More hurricane tips and information can be found at freddiemac.com/blog.

The devastation of last year’s hurricane season was an important reminder that being prepared for a worst-case scenario is crucial. Before the next storm heads your way, be sure your family and home are protected.

(-StatePoint)

SMALL BUSINESSES

VOICE OF ASIA 22

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

ACCOUNTANTS BOOK-KEEPING

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

INCOME TAX

Personal and Business Tax Returns, Payroll Sales Tax, Income Tax Audits and Representations.

S. Ram and Associates Tel: 832-877-9625 Free Consultation asu2020.com

M.D. Associates LLP A full service CPA firm

3 Locations to serve you Houston 713-774-6533 Spring 281-251-2205 Dallas 214-722-7545

visit us at: www.mdassociatescpas.com

Accurate Book-Keeping Svcs Inc Payroll processing & Payroll tax payments l Filing 940, 941, 1099, TWC reports l Filing of Sales Tax & Franchise Tax Return Manish Gaglani Ph: 346-317-7409.

Email: accuratebookkeeping2018@gmail.com 7011 Harwin Dr Suite 230 Houston, TX 77036

B&J Auto Care & Sales

Auto repair (Collision repair (all insurance), Mechanical (Brakes, Oil change, Engine and Transmission). l Used Car Sales lUsed & New Tires lGreat Service Blessy 281-323-9315 3242 5th St., Stafford, TX 77477

BUY - SELL - INVEST Your REALTOR ® with over 28 years in Real Estate

Ron Aga 832 - 423 - 6973 Champions Real Estate Group

• 6117 Richmond Ave, Ste #120 Houston, TX 77057

Superior One Electric Commercial & Residential KHOA TRINH, Electrical Technician Tel: 832-359-5447 Free Estimate TECL# 27099 *Repair / Remodeling *New Installation * Ceiling Fans * Light Fixtures *Electric Panel *Trouble Shooting * Services Upgrades

COMPUTER SERVICES

HOUSING

Networking and Computer Repair

CANAAN CARPET & FLOORING

Home & Business, on site, Microsoft MCSE & A+ certified, low flat rates, free estimates, pickup & delivery, www.PCNetworkGuru.com Call Amit at 832-971-6807

2315 Chappell Lane, Missouri City, TX 77459

l

REAL ESTATE

ELECTRICAL SERVICE

AUTO CARE & SALES

RESTAURANTS India’s Restaurant & Catering For special parties and corporate events. Preferred Wine list, authentic vegetarian & nonvegetarian dishes, finest Indian cuisine with chef’s special dishes Ph: 713-266-0131/0805

l High Quality l Huge Sale l Free Quote Installation of Carpet (Commercial & Residential) Hard wood, Laminate and Vinyl. Call/Text Dian Robinson: 832-623-8028 Email: canaancarpets@gmail.com

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: CHILDREN’S STORIES

We cater from 10 people to 800 people for all occasions. We deliver to your venue.

Madhuram Mirch Masala FLIP - BUY - SELL- INVEST OR RENT SW Freeway/ Beltway 8 / Near Bissonet / Alief / Gated / Condo Units With Tenants Or Vacant. AS IS.

By Owner 1-1 $38k or $850 monthly 2-1 $46k or $950 monthly VVS@aol.com 2-2 $51k or $995 monthly 832-200-0542

Book this space TODAY Call 713-774-5140

10758 FM 1960 West Houston, TX 77070

281.955.9878 216.338.3940 (cell)

Shiva Indian Restaurant & Catering Specializing in North Indian Cuisine, office & Corporate catering 2514 Times Blvd, Rice Village Ph: 713-523-4753 Visit us online: www.shivarestaurant.com

Week of JULY 20, 2018 21 March to 20 April What’s the one thing from your dating history that you’d go back and change if you could? There aren’t many do-overs in life, but if you get the chance to apologize to or confront an ex, take it.

21 April to 20 May You can be an ocean of serenity at this time even if emotions run high or rumors fly. There could be challenges concerning your desire to work independently. Avoid making a change without consulting others.

21 May to 20 June You have new opportunities to pick up some more hours or find a new job with better pay and benefits.

The activity in your house means that you’re being forced to find that delicate work/life balance.

21 June to 22 July Use your brain to get the best out of your workouts. Imagine yourself at the next level in your physical development or sporting ability, you can make it happen. Your subconscious can help you bridge the gap between real and imagined.

23 July to 22 August The sun journeys through the last part of your spiritual sector this week and then moves into your sign on Sunday for a four-week stay. As a result, you may begin to feel more energized and dynamic in general.

23 August to 22 Sept Are you confused about love?

Sometimes you can’t fit things into a logical box, Virgo. If you’ve been trying to put a square peg into a round hole, you must be frustrated. Try loosening up and going with the flow.

Astrology.com

23 September to 22 Oct It could feel as if a long period of delay and disappointment is beginning to change, like a lifting fog. Make contact with old clients or well-established sources of knowledge or material resources. This is a lucky time to move forward.

23 October to 21 Nov You have a few challenges in store this week. Relationships are key to your success now, and the Universe is pushing you toward them in a not so subtle way. Socializing is fun, but it can also put you in touch with important new clients.

22 November to 21 Dec It might benefit you to find an expert who can help you formulate your fitness goals. Sometimes you need a mentor to cheer you on when you feel like giving up. You’re at the start of a very exciting phase.

22 December to 20 Jan With electric Uranus moving farther into your leisure sector, you may already be noticing a desire to do things that you’ve never tried before. Fresh experiences could seem like an attractive option.

21 January to 19 Feb There is a lot of good humor around with today’s astral energy. But if you want to truly impress someone, then don’t overdo it, as you may put them off, rather than turn them on. Raise a smile wherever you are.

20 February to 20 Mar This is a high-energy time for you!

Anything you’re enthusiastic about will find additional support. Budgets and financial challenges will benefit from a careful and realistic analysis. Big dreams require a solid foundation.

ACROSS

1. Designer Jacobs

1. Imposing house

2. Wet nurse

6. ____ de deux

3. Columbus’ caravel

9. Fan’s approval

4. “The Howard ____ Show”

13. Cordial disposition

5. Pupil protector

14. Eastern title 15. Water border 16. Wife of a raja 17. *”If ____ Give a Mouse a Cookie” 18. Cautious gambler 19. *He won a golden ticket 21. *C.S. Lewis’ fantasy realm

6. “Pay as you earn” tax system 7. “Four score and seven years ____” 8. Finnish steam bath 9. Keep it up!

10. Mischievous Norse deity 11. S squared in a square 12. p in mph

23. *”___’s Island”

15. Bounced

24. *One of Three Bears

20. Idealized image

25. Disreputable vagrant 28. *”Matilda” creator 30. Nancy Drew’s focus, e.g.

35. “Put a lid ____ ____!”

37. Cheap trinket 39. Small Asian ungulate 40. Approximately 41. Florentine iris 43. Member of National Socialist German Workers’ Party 44. Type of wave

22. *Ivan in”The One and Only Ivan,” e.g.

24. Plural of more than one, linguistically speaking 25. *Puss’ footwear 26. Same as rip 27. Botch 29. *Tortoise’s opponent 31. They have their pluses and negatives 32. *”The Fox and the ____,” sing.

46. Per person

33. Hardwood drinking bowl

47. Design detail

34. *Rabbit hole wonderer

48. Exactly right

36. To perfection

50. Grassy land tracts

38. Vegas cube

52. *”But I heard him exclaim ‘___ he drove out of sight” 53. Living quarters 55. *12-year-old tribute from District 11 57. *A boy raised by wolves 60. *”The Wind in the ____” 64. Like a haunted mansion 65. Dashboard unit 67. Shinbone 68. One Beatle 69. Word of possibility

42. *____ Lewis, voice of Lamb Chop 45. Tenant in a home 49. Nada 51. *Scheherazade’s listener 54. “Gimme ____ Gimme”

by ABBA 56. Chosen few 57. Of higher order, prefix 58. Never written down 59. Traitor’s device 60. “The ____ and wherefores”

70. Lack of muscle tension

61. Double-reed instrument

71. Opposite of sun-kissed

62. Kite driving force

72. Lt.’s inferior, in the Navy

63. What Simon does

73. As opposed to wants

64. Sixth sense

DOWN

66. *J.M. Barrie’s Peter

SOLUTION on CHILDREN’S STORIES on PAGE 23e

CLASSIFIEDS

VOICE OF ASIA 23

Job Posting – Assignment Desk Intern KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for an ASSIGNMENT DESK INTERN for the upcoming fall semester. Internships are available to currently enrolled college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and students must receive college credit for the internship. The successful applicant will be responsible for assisting the assignment desk, which includes but is not limited to making beatchecks, answering phones, monitoring police and fire radios, getting information and developing stories.The candidate should be detail-oriented and able to handle many different responsibilities at the same time. The ideal intern knows how to multi-task and set priorities. Good news judgment and strong communication skills are essential, along with strong writing skills. The candidate should have a good working knowledge with theuse of social media for news gathering. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends.To be considered you must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req.#575588BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining expected graduationdate, current major course of study, other internships, work experience, related clubsand organizations and extracurricular activities. Applicants must be currently enrolled incollege and will be required to supply written verification of eligibility to receiveacademic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. Equal Opportunity Employer - Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Job Posting – News/Digital Producer Intern KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications fora paid NEWS/ DIGITAL PRODUCER INTERN for the fall semester. Internships areavailable to undergrads currently enrolled college students in their junior or senior yearpursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for theinternship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-siteeducational experience that complements their academic studies. Interns will have anopportunity to observe and participate in the daily work and operations of a majormarket, television station.As an intern you will gain valuable experience in all areas related to producing a television newscast – including the important relationship between our broadcast and digital platforms. Interested candidates should have a strong desire to pursue a career as a multi-platform producer and willing to receive continual feedback.

Will have an opportunity to attend production meetings, research news topics, and learn how to prioritize assignments. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start ofthe internship. Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least more than one day per week and the hours may vary depending on scheduling and will include some weekend and early morning and evening hours.All interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req575591BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships,degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major courseof study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities. Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender IdentityNo Telephone Calls Please

Job Posting – Community Affairs Intern KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications fora paid COMMUNITY AFFAIRS INTERNSHIP for the upcoming fall semester.Internships are available to currently enrolled undergraduate college students in theirjunior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receivecollege credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide studentswith an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies. Interns will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily work andoperations of a major market, television station. As an intern you will help in the production of community affairs shows, includingscheduling of guests, help gathering and editing video, assist with community drives, forums and outreach.

Each area requires significant planning, scheduling and execution. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of theinternship. Additionally, applicants must be able to work on a daily basis and the hoursmay vary depending on scheduling and may include some weekend and early morningand evening hours.To be considered you must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req.#575586BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining expected graduationdate, current major course of study, other internships, work experience, related clubsand organizations and extracurricular activities. Applicants must be currently enrolled incollege and will be required to supply written verification of eligibility to receiveacademic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. Equal Opportunity Employer - Female/Minority/Veteran/ Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Job Posting – Programming/Production Intern KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a MULTIMEDIA PROGRAMMING/PRODUCTION INTERN for the upcoming fall semester. Internships are available to currently enrolled college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The intern will assist Producers, Directors and Photojournalists with executing all aspects of the broadcast and digital story-telling process and will be expected to assist producers and directors with original content weekly for broadcast and digital platforms. Applicants must be comfortable juggling multiple projects at once and needs to be a strong researcher, writer, and communicator. Responsibilities will include working on a variety of programming, and digital projects. Opportunity to assist on producing/shootinglive and taped field stories, studio newscast production, and live special event programs.

To be considered you must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req.#575583BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining expected graduationdate, current major course of study, other internships, work experience, related clubsand organizations and extracurricular activities.

Applicants must be currently enrolled incollege and will be required to supply written verification of eligibility to receiveacademic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. Equal Opportunity Employer - Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Job Posting 90% of Dignity Memorial employees believe “My work has special meaning: This is not just a job.” This is not just a job. It is a meaningful career that makes a difference in the lives of people we serve while providing you an opportunity you will love. Dignity Memorial is looking for Inside and Outside Sales Professionals. We offer Unlimited Income Potential via a commissioned incentive package and benefits! Please contact Marilyn Gonzales at marilyn.gonzales@dignitymemorial. com.

Looking for Elderly Caregiver

GET NOTICED! To receive or advertise on our weekly newsletter Call 713-774-5140 or email request to: voiceasia@ aol.com

Seeking female house keeper in West Houston.

Responsibilities include: - Care of elderly mother - Cooking - Light house keeping Hours will be Monday to Friday 8 am to 1 pm. Will pay $10/hr.

Must be able to commute on their own by bus or car.

Must communicate in Hindi, Urdu or English.

For more information, please text or leave a message at 281.808.5116.

We will call you back.

To Book Classifieds, Legal Notices, Bids, Obituaries, Wanted ads or Jobs Postings Email by Tuesdays of the week to to: ads@

voiceofasiagroup.com Call 713-774-5140

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018

Theme: CHILDREN’S STORIES from PAGE 22

VOICE OF ASIA 24

FRIDAY, July 20, 2018