AV 11th April 2015

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VOL 43. ISSUE 47

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

80p

11th April to 17th April 2015

Over 3,000 Indians rescued from Yemen, 26 countries seek India's help

Glitzy start to IPL 2015

Heavy rain failed to dampen the spirit of 'City of Joy' as a dazzling Bollywoodstyle opening ceremony kick started the eighth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) after a one

and a half hour delay at the decked-up Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday.

The event was a little subdued compared to the galas of the previous edi-

tions but the cine stars still managed to put up a show, enthralling the thousands of drenched fans who were glued to their seats.

The cheer was loud for

Virat Kohli, louder for Mahendra Singh Dhoni but loudest for their 'very own' Gautam Gambhir.

While Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan stole the show with his electrifying dance performance, leading lady Anushka Sharma brought on a lot of panache with her performance.

The versatile Farhan Akhtar and Shahid Kapoor regaled the crowd, both performing to their respective numbers from movies such as “Rock On” and “Kaminey.” Shahid hit a ramp slightly and then slipped on the stage before recovering quickly.

Of those from the glam world, Hrithik was the most sought-after as he gyrated to his hit numbers from “Bang” and “Dhoom 2.”

The eight skippers led

by India captain Continued on page 26

Over 3,000 people were evacuated from strifetorn Yemen on Monday

by India which also received requests for assistance from 26 countries, including the US and France.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the coordinated

efforts by various ministries, and especially lauded his colleagues Sushma Swaraj and VK Singh.

VK Singh has said that over 3,000 Indian nationals have been

Continued on page 26

Janata Parivar to join hands together again

In an effort to counter the political might of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Janata Parivar has decided to merge and the deal is almost finalised.

With the union of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Samajwadi Party (SP), Janata Dal United ( JDU), Janata Dal Secular

(JD-S) - the political alliance aims to counter the BJP on a national stage starting with Bihar elections scheduled later in 2015.

The alliance will be led by Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav. RJD chief Lalu

Continued on page 26

UK

2

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Geoffrey Ward Manchester, I might not be leading Homerton or answering your questions now.

Professor Geoff Ward is currently Principal of Homerton College, University of Cambridge, where he is also Chairman of the Fitzwilliam Museum. He has also worked at the universities of Liverpool, Dundee and London, and has lectured widely across Europe, Japan and America, where he spent a year on research in Washington DC. Aside from his books and articles on English and American Literature, he is an editor of The Cambridge Quarterly, a Life Member of the Royal Society of Arts, and an Honorary Fellow of Harris Manchester College Oxford. He has published several collections of his own poetry, and is an occasional broadcaster on BBC Radio 3.

1) What is your current position?

Principal of Homerton College, Cambridge University’s newest and largest college. As a ViceChancellor’s deputy I also have some University roles, for example as Chairman of the Fitzwilliam Museum.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

Your readers may think I’m being glib or sentimental, but in truth the answer is bringing up our sons, 21 and 17, and seeing the personal qualities, skills and confidence with which they outshine their father at the same age.

Professionally, I am proud to be Principal of a college which is firing on all cylinders, and which has marvellous Fellows,

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

Seeing students go through the door into the world of work who are not the same people as they were when their studies began, and knowing that I helped guide that journey, and in a place which they will never forget. Plus the constant surprises and chance meetings as well as planned ones that take the College somewhere new. I can’t recall the meaning of the word ‘bored’, anymore.

students and staff, all facing a bright future.

3) What inspires you?

Working in collaboration with others – with the Fellowship, the University and new partners in (for example) the fields of Public Health and Medicine generally– on new projects that show us to be more than the sum of our parts.

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

When I was a young university lecturer in my twenties nobody offered any advice or career guidance at all. You were somehow supposed to just know everything – and also, importantly, know your place.

Universities are much better now at mentoring, encouraging, and nurturing talent.

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

Poetry is my field and my fascination. If Mr Rees, who taught me French at school hadn’t introduced me to the poems of Charles Baudelaire in 1968 in

7) And the worst?

I’ve had to learn that in a large and complex university I can’t always get events to fit my welllaid plans snugly and get others to respect my impatience.

Bitter dispute between Sir Peter Soulsby and the Highfields Community Association rumbles on

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby remains locked in a dispute with the bosses of a Leicester community centre over its future.

Highfields Community Association (HCA) runs the Highfields Centre, in Melbourne Road, and is at odds with Sir Peter over funding.

The HCA operates independently but had received £293,000 annually from the council as it sought to become financially self-sustaining.

Sir Peter said the HCA failed to meet that target within the agreed three years and the council

could not afford to maintain the level of subsidy.

The HCA has accused the mayor of acting autocratically and being dis-

missive of the community in Highfields which uses the centre.

Sir Peter in turn said the leadership of the HCA

had been acting irresponsibly.

The mayor recently wrote to HCA chairman Furzana Khalifa expressing concern that centre staff had been withdrawn from the local government pension scheme without a new one apparently being set up to replace it.

HCA head of centre Priya Thamotheram said: "It is deeply worrying that a centre of excellence can be subjected to the city mayor's autocratic whims.

We hope exposure of his practice to a wider audience will lead to a more reasoned outcome."

Supermarket owner fined after selling illegal cigarettes A shop owner has been fined £6,000 for selling foreign cigarettes with no health warnings on them.

In August last year Azghar Hussein Ahmed was behind the counter of Euro Food in Narborough Road, Leicester, when an undercover volunteer with a tiny camera attached to a bag entered and bought a packet of Marlborough.

Ahmed charged him £5 for the cigarettes, which would normally cost about £9 in the UK. The cigarettes had no health warning and had foreign writing on the packet.

Ahmed (30), of Gaddesby Avenue, Braunstone, Leicester, was prosecuted by

Leicester City Council for breaching safety regulations.

A court hearing was held at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Thursday but Ahmed did not attend.

Prosecutor Hannah Price said: "Mr Ahmed was sent a letter explaining the test purchase had been done and inviting him in. Mr Ahmed did attend the interview, which was conducted under caution. He stated he had taken over the shop one-and-a-half months prior to the undercover operation. He went on to deny he had sold the tobacco."

The magistrates' ruled that the case had been

Sometimes the only way to get from A to C is by way of a slog through B – and that’s that.

8) What are your long term goals?

The best College in the best University in the world, Cambridge. The second is readily attainable. The first is attainable with vision and hard work, and we don’t lack those attributes.

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

When I’m not in Cambridge I live in London, and love its vibrancy and multiplicity – it’s a world city that happens to sit in England. I think we should celebrate that, roll it out to the regions, and make the UK an even more vibrant and colourful world-nation. We can do it.

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

If I were marooned on a desert island I’d work to get off it, not worry about historical figures!

Hundreds attend Hindu festival in Harrow

More than 200 people have attended a festival of colour and sound. Almost 500 worshippers attended the Hanuman Chalisa event at Harrow Leisure Centre in Christchurch Avenue on Saturday.

There was chanting and singing to Lord Hanuman, a Hindu god and devotee of one of the

most popular deities in Hinduism, Rama.

Volunteer Ashmita Parmar, 34, said: “Chanting to Lord Hanuman helps ward off evils and makes us powerful within. It feels great to see so many people here enjoying the good vibes, I have been here since 9.30am and I’m loving it.”

Rama Navami festival

proved in Ahmed's absence.

Miss Price said the shop's previous owner had also been prosecuted for selling illegal tobacco without the proper health warnings. She said: "The

illicit tobacco trade in Leicester is at an all time high."

Ahmed was ordered to pay the £6,000 fine as well as £339 court costs and a £60 victim charge.

More than 250 people attended the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre, in Palmerston Road to take part in the Rama Navami festival.

Spiritual Leader Shri Raj Rajeshwar Guruji recited the devotional song of Lord Rama, while guests were offered ceremonial food.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

COMMENT

Middle East boils and bubbles Yemen is the latest tragedy in the swelling woes of the Middle East. The ongoing evacuation of its Indian community to India and their searing tales of disorder and carnage as warring parties strive to establish exclusive control of a deeply divided country. Shia Huthi rebels have overthrown the US and Saudi-backed Sunni regime are bringing into play an overarching Arab military, with Egypt as its hub. The bombing campaign of Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies is an exercise in futility. Contributing to this escalating violence is the ever present might of the United States and its Nato allies. Washington’s efforts to bolster the old Yemeni political order having failed, the US has closed down its embassy and its military base in the country, with no clue as to the whereabouts of the $500 million that had been allocated to their failed client. The Obama administration’s policies in the region have compounded the follies of the George W Bush era. The entire region is awash with American arms, supplied with lunatic profligacy to factions and groups deemed to be ‘moderate,’ who have mostly turned out to be extremist jihadis. The so-called Islamic Caliphate or ISIL has spread its murderous wings across Syrian and Iraq. Aerial bombardment has had limited effect on ISIL; more effective has been the intervention of the Shia Hezbollah militias. It brings into focus the regional role of Iran. In an indirect way, Iran is helping its sworn enemy the United States to stem the further advance of their common enemy, ISIL. This may have lubricated the negotiations between Iran and the United States, Russia, Germany, Britain, France and China to monitor Iran’s nuclear technology development and prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear

bomb. A framework agreement to this end has been reached, but the final deal will only be sealed and delivered in June, when the remaining differences between the parties are ironed out.

Meanwhile Israel has thrown a spanner in the works, claiming the agreement thus far is seriously flawed, that Iran remains an existential threat to the State of Israel and the peace of the world. The Obama administration and the Netanyahu government are at loggerheads on this issue, with the US Congress and its Republican majority siding with the Israeli prime minister against the American government, an astonishing state of affairs leaving confusion worse confounded. Double standards are much in evidence: US sensitivity on the acquisitions of nuclear weapons by Iran was previously matched by its passive acquiescence to Pakistan’s covert acquisition nuclear weapon technology from a Dutch reactor. China’s subsequent delivery of a fully tested nuclear bomb to Pakistan has to date evoked no public response from Washington.

Squaring the circle is the calamitous Saudi-led intervention in Yemen. Saudi Arabia is a febrile society with a significant Shia population in its eastern oil belt, which seethes with discontent. Dispatching ground troops to Yemen will court a disaster similar to the one which impaled Egypt’s Nasserite regime in the mid-1960s, when it lost 40 per cent of its expeditionary corps in Yemen, leaving the Egyptian military open to a devastating defeat by Israel in the Six Day War of June 1967. The contending parties in the present Middle East imbroglio would do well to take pause and consider the fraught lessons of the past.

Christian anxieties: Appeals for calm The anxieties of sections of India’s Christian community, while understandable in the light of recent events and the hostile utterances of fringe elements in the Sangh parivar, should not be overblown. Julio Rebeiro, a former senior police official of high standing, said he felt uncertain about his own future and the future of the Christian community to which he belonged in the new India that was taking shape. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said he was deeply saddened by Mr Rebeiro’s statement and had raised the subject with Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was “very sensitive, equally concerned” about “this perception.” Speaking to the Indian Express, Minister Gadkari referred to Mr Rebeiro as “a national icon,” that he had told the “Prime Minister that he saw Mr Rebeiro as a “role model for the entire country….there was no honest and efficient officer like him in Mumbai….” Mr Ribeiro’s perception that the peaceful community of Christians were being targeted needed to be corrected. Every community was equal before the law, said Mr Gadkari, and the rule of law would be upheld.

The internationally acclaimed economist Professor Jagdish Bhagwati, a long respected

teacher at Columbia University has pitched with an appeal for calm and reason in the opinion page of Mint (March 30). Professor Bhagwati referred to his credential to speak out on the subject. His wife Padma Desai, a noted scholar on Russia, was a Christian and two of his nephews were married to Christians.

He was also an alumnus of St Xavier’s High School, where had received his early “excellent education” and had recently been honoured by it. Exaggeration and hyperbole is best avoided the common interest. The perpetrator of the rape of the 74 year old nun is now found to be Bangladeshi Muslim. (see scrutator page 12) The subject has engaged prominent Christians. Supreme Court judge Kurien Joseph was offended that the court conducted normal business on Good Friday. A former Supreme Court judge K.T.Thomas disagreed.

He was a churchgoer, but believed that life must be lived normally even on days sacred to one’s faith. Elsewhere, sitting Christian High Court judges, Paul Vasanthkumar In Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarkhand Chief Justice K.M. Joseph were in court disposing justice on Good Friday in keeping with their right to do so.

Australia a beacon for others Australia’s fifth win in cricket’s World Cup was achieved with lordly ease in its defeat of New Zealand in the final before a packed stadium at Melbourne. In the semi-final the Australians dispatched India without fuss and bother. They were thoroughly professional as they went about their work, bowlers, batsmen and fieldsmen answered the call

when it mattered most. India were over hyped, their weaknesses concealed in encounters with minnows of the tournament.

Against Australia, the poor shot selection of India’s top order batsmen and the wayward offerings of their fast bowlers were cruelly exposed. Hopefully the right lessons will be learned.

3 However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.

- Stephen Hawking

Ed Hates Me… Ed Miliband blamed hedge fund managers for pretty much everything he could in the TV debate, like Farage blaming immigrants for everything.

I used to clean toilets, 10 years before I started a hedge fund.

Yes our office is in Mayfair. From when I was a child in Armley, Leeds, at a State school overlooked by Armley Prison, I had seen ‘Mayfair’ on the Monopoly board and I aspired.

What’s wrong with aspiring Ed? And I achieved. But like most ‘successful’ people, I remember poverty and know I am lucky and I, like every hedge fund manager and private equity manager, does all we think fair to help those in need. But we can’t do that if we don’t aspire. We can’t do that if we can’t build our businesses.

You hate us because you think we’re rich.

Well I’m not. I’m a small business owner. And there is nothing wrong with aspiring, with being a small business owner. And you know what we hedge fund and private equity fund managers do? We get our rich friends to donate money to charities, we get banks like Barclays to do it.

Yes, some want to create wealth. But we don’t sit at night looking at it, and then laughing at the rest of society. We help others. You don’t have a monopoly on being caring, in fact, I’m not sure you even have a claim at all Ed. When you demonise hedge fund managers, you are just demonising small business owners, all people who aspire.

What Ed and Labour

don’t like is people who are not dependent on the State. They don’t want us hedge fund managers supporting the homeless, or widows, or orphans – they want to do it exclusively through tax and spend – so their votes are guaranteed.

If the Tories don’t have a landslide it’s because there are fewer people dependent on them. I don’t want to be dependent on you Ed. And mine is a British company Ed. It earns money from foreigners by investing abroad and brings profits back to Britain. I live in Britain.

You demonise me, you demonise Britons. I don’t dodge tax. I dodge how much I pay foreign governments by making sure as much as possible comes to Britain, back to where I and my company are resident – where I can use the money. But that’s too subtle to understand.

Instead YOU make me want to become nonresident – remember the ‘will the last person to leave the country, turn off the lights’headline in 1997 – that’s how you divide society.

Yes there are some rich greedy tax dodging people. There are also some lazy refusing to work people too.

Neither deserve our sympathy.

Remember it is us, the entrepreneurs who create the companies, that pay the corporation tax, that employ the people that pay the income tax, that pay the national insurance and contribute to pensions.

Without us the job creators, the business owners, you run out of the other people’s money you are so keen to spend.

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

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4

MIDLANDS VOICE

Leicester shop manager gets award for helping woman injured in scaffolding collapse A shop manager who helped a woman injured in a scaffolding collapse has received an award.

Faisal Bashir, manager at Love2Lunch in Charles Street, was given an honoured citizen award by the Lord Mayor of Leicester Councillor John Thomas.

Faisal rushed to the aid of Heather Cook, from Saffron Lane, Leicester, when she was knocked inside his city centre shop by parts of a collapsing scaffolding tower. The 29-year-old from New Parks, Leicester, was nominated for the award by councillor Wayne Naylor.

Coun Naylor said: "Faisal went the extra mile and went

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Labour Councillor's son arrested for going to Syria Labour councillor, Shakil Ahmed's son, Waheed Ahmed (21), was arrested along with eight family members for heading into Syria. It has been said that Waheed Ahmed's radical beliefs grew increasingly in recent months.

Waheed Ahmed allegedly caused concerns among relatives after he began taking a staunch approach to his faith, as

well as attending a “rogue” mosque in Rochdale, where Shakil Ahmed is a councillor.

Waheed Ahmed, a student at Manchester University, studying Politics and Sociology is to be flown home, along with his aunt, two cousins, four children and a cousin's wife after they were arrested in a remote area near the Syrian border.

Labour councillor, Shakil Ahmed

Hunt for driver after boy breaks leg to this woman's assistance. People who show kindness in a moment of fear should be recognised for putting others before themselves."

Faisal said: "I feel really happy about receiving this award. I did not expect to get anything like this."

The Lord Mayor said: "I'm delighted to be

giving Faisal this award.

He showed kindness, bravery and a willingness to put other people before himself – exactly the sort of attributes that make people excellent candidates for our Honoured Citizen awards.

"My thanks go to Faisal on behalf of the people of Leicester."

Man caught with arsenal of weapons to raid Lidl has sentence slashed A Birmingham man caught red-handed with a machete, axe and imitation handgun as he prepared to rob a Lidl store has had his sentence slashed.

Asad Mohammed Quasim, 20, was caught in a car with an arsenal of weapons at the supermarket in Bordesley Green in February last year. He and his accomplice, Johnzeb Anwar, were intent on robbing a cash delivery driver and were armed and ready when police officers pounced.

Both men were given eight-year sentences for conspiracy to rob and having a firearm after pleading guilty at Birmingham Crown Court last August.

But after a successful appeal by Anwar in February, in which his term was cut to six years and three months, Quasim on Friday won an identical sentence cut.

At the Court of Appeal Mr Justice Holgate said the delivery driver had seen the pair’s Peugeot when he went to the Lidl store on February 7 and became suspicious. When he saw it again the following week, he called police, who attended immediately and arrested the two men.

In the car, they found gloves and balaclavas, a machete with a 20-inch blade, an axe and an imitation handgun.

Quasim, of Ward End Park Road, had never been before a criminal court before, but confessed to

having a serious drug problem. He said he had been convinced to commit a robbery in order to pay off a large debt to drug dealers.

In February, Anwar appealed and saw his sentence slashed to six years and three months. On Friday, lawyers for Quasim argued that he should get the same.

The court heard that, although the men now have the same sentence for the Lidl offences, Anwar is serving a consecutive term for a burglary.

A student threw a bottle at a reveller in a university bar, after he thought he had been racially abused, a court heard. It smashed on his face and the victim suffered a large lump on his forehead and several cuts, including a two-inch gash down the left side of his jaw, needing four stitches.

The incident happened at Loughborough University's student union bar on the night of April 15 last year.

Zain Anwar, 22, who was on a youth justice course at the university, pleaded guilty to causing

actual bodily harm.

Anwar, of Manor Road, Extension, Oadby, Leicester, has since graduated with a 2:2 degree and now runs a care home. He was given a 16 week jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, with 140 hours of unpaid work. He was also placed on a four week 7pm to 6am curfew and ordered to pay £960 costs.

Kate Plummer, prosecuting, told Leicester Crown Court that the victim, in his early 20s, was visiting a friend at the university. The complainant and the defendant

"brushed past" each other in the bar, which resulted in a verbal exchange.

Anwar, who was sworn at by the victim, believed he was also racially abused – although the judge said there was no evidence to support that claim, he accepted that was Anwar's perception at the time.

The complainant invited Anwar outside for a fight.

Sentencing, Judge Philip Head said the victim's behaviour was "obnoxious," but Anwar should have just walked away.

Asad Mohammed Quasim

Johnzeb Anwar

Student threw bottle at university bar reveller because he thought 'he had been racially abused'

A desperate dad is appealing for information after his six-year-old son was left with a broken leg in a hit-and-run incident in Chadderton.

Yaseen Islam, pictured, was hit by a car while crossing Burnley Lane.

The Bare Trees Primary School pupil had just left the mosque in Garforth Street with his seven-yearold sister, Tanisha. Yaseen was knocked over while running to a nearby shop.

The driver raced off.

Father-of-three Tajamul Islam, of Magnet Court, is now appealing to the public to come forward with information.

Police last Thursday arrested a man who was wanted in connection with a robbery last month during a which a shop assistant was kicked in the face and threatened with a hammer.

The 26-year-old was arrested in Loughborough and was taken in for questioning about the raid on a convenience store in Sileby. A knife was found in the car in which he was travelling when officers stopped him. A second suspect, also aged 26, has previously been question after he was detained last month. He is currently on bail.

Two masked men carried out the raid at Sileby Minimarket, in Greedon Rise, Sileby on Friday, March 13.

Detective Constable

Helen Small said: “Despite the arrests we are still keen to speak to anyone who may have any information about the incident, did you witness it or have you heard rumours locally about it?”

CCTV footage released by the store at the time showed one thug jumping on to the counter to confront the assistant, who put his hands out to defend himself.

In the footage the thug is shown pushing the man backwards, before kicking him in the face three times. The raider then pulled out a hammer and ordered the man to open the till, from which he took £400 to £500.

He said: “Yaseen was at mosque but when he came out he ran straight to the shop without his sister or mum. When he tried to cross the road to get back to his mum he was knocked down. He was very lucky to survive. One more step and he would have been under the wheels completely.”

Passers-by helped Yaseen and he was rushed to hospital. He is now recovering at home.

Second man arrested after village shop robbery

Store owner Krish Karuna said at the time: “It was shocking how violent this man was. He came over the counter and pushed the shop assistant back. Then he kicked him in the face a few times and was saying, ‘open the till, open the till’. He pulled out a hammer and was swinging it in front of my staff member. These men are dangerous and need to be caught.”

Birmingham cabbie avoids jail after lying over speeding ticket A Birmingham taxi driver has narrowly escaped prison for trying to deceive officers over a speeding ticket.

Mohammed Malik, aged 62, claimed a mechanic was driving his Toyota Avensis, when it was clocked doing 37mph in a 30mph zone on Washwood Heath Road in April last year.

Officers then wrote to the man Malik claimed was

his mechanic, only to have the letter returned saying he no longer lived at the address given. Becoming suspicious, officers then contacted the cabbie’s firm and asked for a print out of his journeys on the day of the speeding offence.

His records revealed he had actually picked up a fare at the time - who could clearly be seen on the speeding camera footage sat on the back seat - but

despite this, Malik was insistent his car had encountered mechanical problems on the journey and it was his mechanic driving.

Malik - of Coleshill Road, Ward End - pleaded guilty to the charge and was handed a four month prison sentence - suspended for 18 months - plus 80 hours unpaid work and costs of £400. He was also banned from driving for six months.

Police have been granted more time to question five men from Birmingham and a woman who were arrested in Dover on suspicion of Syria-related terrorism offences.

The group – all in their 20s - were detained in the departure area of the port

on Friday morning.

Officers now have until 8am next Friday, April 10, to charge, release or apply for another warrant of a further detention.

Police said the investigation was continuing and that the suspects - who are not a family group and

were not accompanied by children - did not pose any immediate risk to public safety.

The men, are all aged between 25 and 26, are from Small Heath, Alum Rock, Acocks Green and Lozells, The woman is 28 and of no fixed address.

Police granted more time to question group on suspicion of Syria-related terrorism offences

UK

Gurdwara faces lawsuit over alleged discrimination

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Blakenhall, Wolverhampton is being sued for allegedly discriminating against elderly and disabled worshippers. The Sikh Forum of Wolverhampton is leading the lawsuit after worshippers in wheelchairs were allegedly barred from the main prayer room (Darbar Sahib) and sit behind screens in the dining room, because they are unable to observe the custom of sitting on the floor.

MPs Paul Uppal and Pat McFadden, reminding the Gurdwara of its obligations under disability discrimination laws. Around 10,000 people regularly use the Gurdawara in Sedgley Street.

In a letter written in support of the legal action, Mr Uppal reportedly said: "Since seating was removed in 2012 I understand that these members of the congregation have found it increasingly difficult to sit on the floor in

Dee Kaur and Malkit Singh with temple users and members of the Wolverhampton Sikh Foru

Papers have been filed with the County Court in Birmingham and so far £5000 has been raised to support the lawsuit.

Letters have been sent by

the Darbar Sahib to listen and partake in prayers."

"It is incumbent upon me to remind the management committee that in many of the congregation's

ly said: "The services are views, this is perceived as provided in line with Sikh discrimination and is traditions where all are understandably causing welcome to visit and pray considerable concern to at the Gurdwara Sahib. congregation members, as We make as far as possibly well as not complying with practical reasonable national legislation." adjustments that are also Rajinder Bassi, consistent with our pracChairman of the Sikh tices to accommodate peoForum Wolverhampton, ple with disabilities taking reportedly said the account of our faith's traGurdwara’s treatment of disabled people was “degrading”.

“What is happening to disabled and older people is degrading. They are missing out on the spiritual aspect and want to be able to join others upstairs.

There's nothing in our faith that says the temple Dee Kaur, Wolverhampton Sikh Forum should do this”, Vice Chairman Iqbal Kaur, Harbajan Singh, and his son, Malkit Singh by the said Mr Bassi. screen The management of the ditions.

Gurdwara said that no one "The Gurdwara is govwas being excluded and erned by direction from that more facilities for disAkaal Takhat Sahib Jee abled worshippers will be the Sikh Supreme provided under plans for a Authority and this is writ£2 million revamp. ten within the Gurdwara A spokesman reported-

Major fire near India House, LSE create havoc More than 2,000 people were evacuated from buildings in central London on April 1st, as toxic smoke filled the streets after an electrical fault triggered a massive underground fire near the Indian High Commission here as well as the London School of Economics (LSE).

The High Commission of India staff were under an automatic fire drill after the power supply in the area was cut off. A spokesperson said, "We are all in the basement as the fire alarms went off but the fire has not affected India House.”

Fire crews were called in after smoke was seen

coming out of an inspection cover on a pavement off Kingsway in Holborn area. Part of the LSE was cleared by the emergency services and the university was urging students to avoid the area.

People were seen pouring out of offices, restaurants, cafes and shops while roads were cordoned

off by the emergency services.

Several buildings also suffered powercuts due to the blaze, forcing some companies to send staff home while the Holborn Tube station has been closed down for commuters after the Scotland Yard declared the fire as "major".

Crackdown reveals illegal immigrants employed in Asian restaurants As part of a crackdown on illegal immigrants employed, authorities in Britain are raiding several businesses, including Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Chinese restaurants, across the country.

Per day around 40 illegal immigrants are being arrested as enforcement squads also target restaurants, petrol stations and car washes. According to a report by the Daily

Telegraph, many of the restaurants are guilty of employing illegal workers including those of Bangladeshi and Pakistani origin as well.

UK home office figures show outstanding fines of more than 1 million pounds on Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Sri Lankan restaurants and almost £500,000 on Chinese restaurants and takeaways after illegal immigrants were discovered working there.

Among those detained by immigration enforcement teams are visitors who have overstayed their visas and migrants who have been smuggled into Britain.

The latest figures show that the number of arrests for illegal working has doubled over the past four years, rising from about 20 a day in 2010 to 40 a day last year. Overall the number of arrests has almost doubled since 2010 to 14,338 last year, according to Home

Egg states, “To make a perfect egg is always difficult because some people say you should boil it for five minutes, and others say three minutes.

"The different times are based on things like if you store the egg in a fridge or a cupboard.

"What we have here is an ideal way of dealing with this problem."

The company boils approximately 1.5 million eggs a week.

The pasteurised egg called the Yowk, arrives in a plastic pot, having already been cooked in its

shell, using the favoured method by many chefs, “sous vide”. This is the modern equivalent of boiling the egg in the bag.

Mr Pancholi said Just Egg, which had a turnover of £4.5 million last year, had certified the UK production rights because of the 12-yearold firm's adroitness with everything related to eggs.

He further claimed that two years ago, Just Egg became the first UK company to initiate the ready-to-eat twin hardboiled egg packs for the retail market.

The "Egg-tastic" Runny Egg

Dunking your piece of bread in runny yolk is the traditional breakfast which not many have the time to enjoy anymore.

However, a Leicester business hopes its easyto-prepare version of the boiled egg will make more people choose to have this as a breakfast option again. The company, Just Egg is making a prepacked product which the creators state that only five minutes are required in hot water in order to make the perfect runny egg. Pankaj Pancholi, the managing director of Just

office data released under freedom of information laws.

Any business found to have employed a worker without conducting the proper pre-employment checks can be hit with a civil penalty of up to 20,000 pounds per worker.

Statistics show that arrests fell from 7,920 in 2010 to 7,792 in 2011, then increased to 9,269 in 2012 and jumped to 15,098 in 2013.

Pankaj Pancholi, managing director of Just Egg

Yowk won two honours in March's Food Innovation Awards in London, for the Best Convenience Food and the Fresh Ideas Award.

5

Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Blakenhall, Wolverhampton

constitution registered with the Charities Commission since its establishment in 1969.

"In line with the Sikh principles of worship and serving the community through its open door policy for all regardless of gender, age, race, wealth or faith including those of no faith. The Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee have over the years provided a series of 'reasonable adjustments' which cater for those who are

unable to be seated in the two main areas of the Gurdwara, these being the Darbar Sahib where the religious programmes are held and the Langar Hall where the congregation are served blessed food and also socialise with family and friends.

"These provisions will be modernised once the approved new building costing nearly two million pounds is constructed this year."

Photo courtesy: Express & Star

Culture Secretary criticises some British Muslim values One of UK's senior Muslim politician and Minister, has told a leading daily that certain values in Muslim communities in parts of Britain are “unacceptable in British society”.

The Pakistani origin Culture Secretary of Britain, Sajid Javid's comments followed from an investigation into the grooming and abuse of young white girls by mainly British Pakistani men in Rotherham, Yorkshire.

The investigation found that senior members of Rotherham Council were reluctant to take action because they were worried about being seen as “racists”. The Minister has blamed this 'political correctness' of Council members leading to a failure to crack down on the perpetrators responsible for the sexual abuse of hundreds of girls, some as young as 8.

Javid told the Daily Telegraph that many British Muslims were ashamed of the views held by certain members of their community about women and the issue of free speech. "We can no longer be held back in any sense by political correctness," he said. I know plenty of people, British Muslims, men and women, who would 100 per cent agree with that, not only out of a sense of shame but also because of the fear of what else might be going on.

"Some of the values that certain people in some communities have,

in their attitudes to women or on the question of freedom of expression, are just totally unacceptable in British society; and we do no one any favours when we don’t investigate or talk about them."

Rotherham is one of such towns where this kind of abuse is said to have taken place. Similar grooming gangs have been uncovered in Oxford and Rochdale. It also found that Greater Manchester Police put too much emphasis on the credibility of the victims of the abuse and did not focus on the seriousness of the crimes being alleged.

He said, "If we are to learn proper lessons from this, we have to look at the cultural side of some communities in Britain and see why it is that in some communities there are men that have a view of women that is completely unacceptable in modern British society; why do they have such a low value of women that they see them as commodities to be abused?"

Javid has called on communities and authorities to “get to the bottom of this” and look into "what might be going on that we don’t know about".

UK

6

Vying for Veuve Clicquot Awards

The Veuve Clicquot Awards are considered as the Oscars of the business world for businesswomen and female entrepreneurs.

The award was created as a tribute to Madame Clicquot in 1972. It now operates in 27 countries.

The annual awards felicitates the achievements of the world's most successful and brilliant women from both corporate and entrepreneurial sectors.

The 2015 finalists were chosen by a highprofile judging panel, including chief executive of easyJet, Carolyn McCall; ex-chief executive of Thomas Cook, Harriet Green and chairman of Risk Capital, Luke Johnson.

This year, those vying for the New Generation award are the founder of Blaze, Emily Brooke; founder of social gaming start-up Playmob, Jude Ower and the boss of Supreme Creations, Smruti Sriram.

Carolyn McCall spoke about the New Generation Shortlist. She stated, “Madame Clicquot would

From left: Emily Brooke of Blaze, Jude Ower of Playmob, and Smruti Siriam of Supreme Creations

be proud of their determination, spirit and achievements. Encouraging entrepreneurial spirit in young women, and providing role models for future female business leaders is vital, and this award is a great celebration of this purpose”.

The company, Supreme Creations started life making jute and cotton bags for the supermarkets. They were the firm behind the ladybirdpatterned Tesco bag.

However, with the reces-

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sion hitting the UK's retailers, Smruti Sriram was compelled to innovate to keep the business running. Smruti Sriram said, “We went from being a basic manufacturer to championing British design and working with clients like Google, Topshop and River Island... Our bags effectively became walking billboards.”

Supreme Creation owns a factory in South India which consists of 90% female workers.

Smruti Sriram feels “responsible” for her workers in India. “I feel personally responsible for the 700 tailors and seamstresses and fabricators out there.”

Smruti Sriram feels content with her New Generation award nomination. She said, “It's such an honour to be nominated and it's wonderful to be meeting such an incredible group of women. Running a business can be lonely, so it's good to speak to other people who know what you're going through. I'm not into man-bashing, but empowering for women.”

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Christianity on course to be minority religion in the UK

Christians will be a minority in the UK by the middle of this century amid surging growth in atheism and Islam, an authoritative new study charting the future of the world’s religions predicts.

According to projections by the US-based Pew Research Centre, the proportion of the British population identifying themselves as Christian will reduce by almost a third by 2050 to stand at just 45.4 per cent, compared with almost two thirds in 2010.

The number of Muslims in Britain is predicted to more than double to 11.3 per cent, or one in nine of the total population during that time.

But the reports predicts that biggest change in the religious make-up of Britain in the next three and a half decades will be a major expansion in the number of non-religious people.

They would account for just under 39 per cent, challenging Christians as the biggest faith community in the UK. The predictions mirror analysis from the most recent UK census which saw the number of chil-

dren growing up as Muslims in the UK almost double in a decade while the number of people describing themselves as non-religious also jumped dramatically.

If the projections, which are based on official population figures, birth rates and immigration estimates from around the world, are borne out, it could amount to the most significant religious realignment in Britain since the arrival of Christianity.

It would mean that by 2050 Britain would have the third largest Muslim community, as a share of the population, in Europe, overtaking France, Germany, Belgium and a handful of other countries.

Significantly it would also have the sixth largest

non-religious population, proportionally, in the world – still behind officially atheist countries such as North Korea but leapfrogging Vietnam among others.

But, despite the growth of secularism in western countries, the influence of religion across the world is on course to grow by 2050.

At a time of rapid global population increases, the number of “unaffiliated” people worldwide is projected to edge only slightly higher from 1.1 billion to 1.2 billion by 2050.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph Prof Linda Woodhead, an expert in the sociology of religion based at Lancaster University, said: “I think the interesting thing is to compare Britain with comparator countries, other northern European countries with similar national churches. The same rate of deChristianisation is not projected for Norway, Denmark, Sweden for example. So the national Church of England and Church of Scotland, seem to have been particularly effective in generating ‘no religion’.”

Female Life Expectancy Drops Life expectancy has drop drop significantly, at a scale not seen for decades. Official figures reveal that this is because their lifestyles have become more like men. In 2012, figures suggested falls in average life expectancy for females in

their 60, 70s, 80s and 90s. A drop in all such age group had not been seen since 1995. The results suggest that the average woman age 75 can expect to live 13.1 years; five weeks less than in 2011. The average life expectancy for

women age 85 is now 6.8 years. This is a fall of two and a half months, in two years. On the other year, the statistics revealed increases among men in their 60s and 70s hampered, while life expectancy decreased among older men.

Two teenagers from Yorkshire fled to Syria Hassan Munshi (17), is believed to have eloped from the West Yorkshire town of Dewsbury to Syria last week. He has become the latest young British Muslims to have left their families and home for the jihadist revolt.

Hassan Munshi's brother, Hammaad Munshi was 15 years old when he was arrested by counterterrorism police in 2006. He was later convicted for his role in a plot to murder non-Muslims.

Their grandfather, Yakub Munshi is a esteemed Islamic scholar in Dewsbury. It is said that he was the driving force behind the creation of Dewsbury's first Sharia

Hammaad Munshi: The youngest terrorist convicted of bomb plot

court; he is also the head of a mosque.

Hassan Munshi and his friend, Talha Asmal have been missing for many days. When their families were unable to make contact with their mobile phones, they grew worried and informed the police.

The Munshi brothers grew up in the Savile Town area of Dewsbury

Claims suggest that Talha Asmal had informed his family that he would be away for a few days on a school trip.

There were warnings which appeared last week, indicating that the Easter holidays will provide a “window of opportunity” for many young radicalised Muslims who want to escape Britain.

There were efforts to trace the two teenage boys, with focus on the Turkish side of the Syrian border. However, the British authorities believe that they both are now in Syria.

The families of the two teenagers are distraught.

The Munshi family believe that Hassan was not at risk of being groomed and radicalised online by Islamist radicals because they kept close tabs on his use of the internet.

Hassan's elder brother, Hammaad was a GCSE student when he was arrested for having two bags of ball bearings, often used as shrapnel by suicide bomber. In 2008, he was sentenced to two years in a young offender institution. He was the youngest terrorist convicted of bomb plot.

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

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Why I have dedicated my life to supporting widows

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21 year old student killed on way to hand in dissertation 21 year old student, Hina Shamim died a few weeks before her 22nd birthday, as she was knocked down by a car near the University of Kingston.

A BMW driver with five children on board has been arrested after Hina Shamim was knocked out and killed as she walked to the library.

Eight others, including five children were injured in this horrid crash involving a car and a bus.

Paramedics desperately tried to save Shamim's life, however,

At the scene of the accident

she was pronounced dead at the scene. It is claimed that the car was driving 80 MPH. Hina Shamim was completing her dissertation for her sports Dozens of science course at tributes left at University; she the scene was about to complete her four year course.

Her friends revealed that she was on her way to handing in her dissertation when she died. She was due

to graduate next year.

Hina’s friend Dhrutika Bosamia, 19, described Hina as a ‘really kind hearted and a genuine person. Bubbly all the time and always smiled, she got along with everyone and never talked badly about anyone’.

Another friend of Shamim’s who doesn’t want to be named paid tribute by saying ‘she was the most charming person you could ever meet’.

John Hartfree,

Hina Shamim

Detective Sergeant from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at the Metropolitan Police said, “Penrhyn Road would have been busy at the time of the collision and I am appealing for anyone who saw this tragic event unfold to contact police. I am particularly keen to speak to the occupants of a dark coloured car which was seen following the white BMW M3 car immediately prior to the collision.”

Indian-origin schoolboy in UK wins Institute of Physics Prize A 15-year-old Indian-origin schoolboy in the UK has been awarded the Institute of Physics Prize for conducting an experiment that verified an effect of Albert Einstein's theory of special relativity.

Pratap Singh, a student at The Perse School, Cambridge, has won the 500 pounds Institute of Physics (IOP) prize at the Big Bang Fair held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham in March.

The prize was among several awarded in the finals of the National Science and Engineering Competition at the fair.

More than 200 UK students aged 11-18 competed in the finals, demonstrating their projects to thousands of visitors.

In his experiment, Singh used two Geiger-

Muller tubes to detect cosmic-ray muons, which should not reach the Earth in detectable numbers unless time dilation occurs. He created a mathematical model for their arrival rate with and without time dilation, and using a Raspberry Pi and some statistical analysis, showed that they follow the model predicted by Einstein's 1905 theory of special relativity. His experiment was compact enough to fit inside a shoebox.

"I am absolutely thrilled to have won the IOP prize. I am especially happy that over the course of this project I was able to bring together the theory, create a mathematical model, and using just school physics lab equipment build an apparatus to observe relativistic time

Welcome to my first column for Asian Voice. I am the founder and Chairman Trustee of a United Nations accredited NGO called The Loomba Foundation, whose aims are to promote the welfare and economic empowerment of disadvantaged wid- Lord Raj Loomba ows and their children in India and around the world.

I'm looking forward to discussing a number of topics over these next few months leading to International Widows day on 23rd June, to include the plight of widows, their rights, charitable giving and how our work since 1997 has brought changes to uplift them economically and socially.

In today’s edition I'd like to tell you how I came to care and fight for the cause of widows. The word 'widow' was almost unknown and incomprehensible to me until my father died in 1954. I was just over 10 years old. Up until that point my mother was a happy housewife so it was agonising to see that even in her traumatised state, she was asked to take off her bangles, remove her bindi and wear white clothes.

This was the first of many episodes where she was treated differently, simply because she was a widow.

My father's passing had shut her out from the world and this had a profound effect on me throughout my life. I moved to Great Britain in 1962 and I had an assortment of jobs like working in a factory and selling ice cream but getting involved in fashion was the start of a successful business.

In 1997 I decided to set up a charity in my mother's name. While the charity was set up to help widows and their children in India, I quickly learnt that widows suffer in other areas and Africa in particular. They have to contend with rape, prostitution, forced marriage, property theft, eviction, social isolation, murder and physical and mental abuse.

At the time of the launch of my charity, I had no idea that I would be lobbying the United Nations and this would lead to the creation of International Widows Day as observed every year on 23rd June, the day on which my mother became widow in 1954.

The acute poverty that many widows face is not only based on lack of income, but also on lack of opportunity and access to resources. Empowerment is key - by working together I believe there is lots we can do to give widows back their dignity by helping them to help themselves.

- Yoko Ono

dilation," Singh said.

The prize also includes a trip to a national physicsrelated activity, 'Cambridge News' reported.

The IOP's head of outreach and engagement, Johanna Kieniewicz, and the IOP's regional officer for the Midlands, David Wilkinson, jointly judged the prize.

"I'd like to congratulate Pratap Singh on winning

the Institute of Physics prize with his outstanding project. He demonstrated remarkable creativity in his approach to the problem, bringing together theory grounded in robust science with practical ingenuity," Kieniewicz said.

An article that Singh wrote about his experiment will be published in Physics Education, a journal published by the IOP.

7

8

Election 2015 UK

As I See It

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

whither British Asians In a highly problematic tight race election campaign, the main players, Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, SNP, UKIP as well as two others are hyper active.

Naturally only four weeks remain before D-day and not only will the future of several Prospective P a r l i a m e n t a r y Candidates, main parties and of the country itself will be decided.

British Asians are not a homogeneous mass.

Naturally one need not expect it to be. But with a population of over 3 million in Great Britain, and especially with a sizeable voting strength in dozens of marginal seats, they have a very heavy responsibility as well as opportunity. Though the political parties are concentrating their campaigns on issues of national importance, they are also aware of the crucial role the ethnic minorities, especially Asians, can play in several consistuencies.

Asian Voice received feedback from a substantial number of our readers on various issues of concern to them:

Immigration

Lets make one thing very clear - most, if not all, British Asians settled in this country do not support illegal immigrants or do not desire a borderless immigration policy. If non Asians especially of European stock are very worried about the large number of new immigrants and the infrastructure required ie housing, education, health care etc, without any doubt the anxiety of all Brit residents are almost the same.

The worst worry for British Asians is that increasingly, over the years, immigration is becoming a sensational topic for the media especially for the Conservative party. A person of the calibre and sensitivity of the type of David Cameron also jumped on the band wagon immediately on becoming Prime Minister.

His ill-considered and unrealistic claims of the new immigrant figures raised expectation mainly of his own voters. Now the facts are clear. The largest number of new immigrants arriving in this country are from the EU countries. Let’s be frank it is virtually impossible for Britain to close this door. Now the inabili-

ty of the Cameron government to reduce the number of immigrants has given a golden opportunity for the likes of UKIP.

Another aspect which is difficult to understand or appreciate, is the day to day unwarranted apprehension of the permanently settled British non whites especially Asians.

In their place of work or the localities in which they live very often they are singled out. A few years back an irresponsible political party saw no shame in having vans driving through the high street proclaiming about the repatriation of immigrants. In their day-to-day lives the non white British are made to feel unwarranted and unwanted and there are instances where some verbal provocations are taking place.

Immigration issue for all practical purposes is either dead or this country, like several others, can not do without the infusion of the new workers especially skilled but even unskilled jobs. It needs no big research to find out that a ‘local man’ or as they used to say in colonial times ‘a native’ doesn’t like to do some of the more menial jobs.

Now why don’t the British politicians accept what they cant change?

William Hague, Iain Duncan Smith, Michael Howard all tried to win votes with the big howl of ‘immigrants’ but they failed. It appears that Cameron’s Conservative party may not reap the vote bank because of their hue and cry over immigrants.

At worst the Tory party’s irresponsible attitude may play into the hands of UKIP. It is not likely but also not impossible that the Conservatives may win not even the number of seats they last won. In 2010 the Conservative party was short of 27 seats for a clear majority and had to work with the Lib Dems with 57 seats and offer them propor-

tionately lot more positions in both the Cabinet and Government.

The Lib Dems have surely played a very important role on many policies’ moderations in the government. But if on 7th May the Conservatives do not receive a clear majority and the Lib Dems does much badly than last time then where will the political parties assemble the requisite number for a majority.

Up until recently Scotland was predominantly Labour. Almost 70% of the MPs in the House of Commons from Scotland came from within the Labour party. Right now the Conservatives have more or less been wiped out of Scotland and the SNP has every hope and chance for a thumping majority of Westminster MPs. This situation will be like ‘as you sow, so you reap’ for the Conservatives.

Economy and unemployment

The second subject of profound importance to the Asians is the economy. The Conservatives’ claim that on average British citizen is better of by £200 annum under their rule but Labour equally has come out with detailed calculations that if the VAT increases and other benefits reductions are considered together an average British citizen is surely much more poorer then he was in 2010.

On the whole British Asians feel that the Conservatives’ claims of better economic management are hollow. Within the Asian community there are groups like Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, who have vast differences in their economic involvement.

Indians are slightly more successful especially in self employment, entrepreneurship and professions. They also predominantly own their own res-

idences. Pakistanis are getting slightly better but the worst scenario is within the Bangladeshi community in which mainly their women do not work, and in areas like Tower Hamlets 50% of the Bangladeshi community depend on benefits.

25% employed Pakistani men are mini cab drivers. Why? Do they really rejoice or are they so helpless that they have to accept whatever is available? For the unemployed or those in menial jobs this economic success is nothing but hot air.

We also hear about the problems of the shopkeepers in the paperwork and bureaucracy that are becoming more and more time consuming. Several people have complained that they are doing unpaid paperwork for the government departments both central and local.

There are instances where ‘illegal workers’ have been found in some restaurants or other businesses. Nobody wants to condone such activity but some more humane approach about the detection, detention and the publicity could be handled more sensibly.

Indians, by and large, are supposed to be the smallest percentage amongst the unemployed in the ethnic minorities.

There are possibly more than one explanation. In some Indian communities to remain on benefits is taboo. Irrespective of your education take any job that is the peer pressure. Asian youngsters with comparable educational qualification have to work a lot harder to get a job and even their rewards are substantially less then white employees. This is not a mere belief but has been proven to be the case according to several studies.

Any government must ensure that there is a level playing field for all especially in education and employment.

Education

Proportionately education is becoming more important within the Asian community who were not so well known until now but even Bangladeshis and Pakistanis are catching up. The most complaints come regarding improper and incorrect career advice. In some educa-

tional establishments the Asian children are not given appropriate motivation but some time even unintentional comments and comparisons are being made that can become demotivating.

The new government should look at this problem very carefully. We do not need a younger generation which is dissatisfied.

Such a young person can be really susceptible to extremism or other aspects of disloyalty.

As to the incoming students from India, the numbers have almost halved to the disadvantage of several universities and other reputable colleges. In the last decade or so foreign students, mainly from India in their thousands have lost millions of pounds and precious life span as they entered the colleges which were not properly approved or supervised.

The British government has not compensated the victims of such daylight robbery and they are a shame on the claims of a civilised society.

Education is a big business. It is world wide, treated as a business and the fact is that the Indian, Chinese and other foreign students do not come to Britain and instead go to other countries such as America, Canada, Australia. Surprisingly, no political party has yet raised their voice on this important issue which has economic and other benefits.

Health

Like every other resident of this country Asians need medical care. The NHS is a unique service.

By and large Asians do not do better or worse than other patients but their dietary needs and their language limitations are creating some special problems for Asians who are above average suffering from diabetes, heart, kidney and stroke problems. Add to this the problem of Asian elders

who have yet to reconcile themselves to be at par with their neighbour or fellow patient.

Social care is also a concern of a large number of respondents. With the severe budgetary cuts the local councils have to ration their resources and we have heard of a large number of people not receiving proper attention primarily due to the colour of their skin.

British Asians have also serious concerns about the law and order.

We have to accept that the petty crimes like muggings have reduced but robbery and theft have not gone down. With the illogical reduction in the number of police on the beat and other allied support services, an average household say in Harrow (with nearly 30% Indian residents) have enormous stress and strain to deal with in regards to these problems.

Even in the defence services more and more Asians would like to join the Army, Air Force and Navy. Either they are not properly inspired or welcomed or their special martial traditions are not recognised.

British Asians are proud and privileged to be living in Great Britain. A tiny number of disloyal or extremist orientated individuals are a big burden on some Asian communities. Before the whole community is named or shamed or castigated, the people in the position of power must be very careful to look at the picture much more from a detached view point.

Today’s Asian youngsters are tomorrow’s full grown British citizens. It is the responsibility and prerogative of the politicians to ensure that 5-7% of the population is involved, energise and empowered rather than made to feel apart because of the uniform (colour of the skin) the wear. Equally British Asians have to make their voices heard and ensure that they do vote on 7th May and vote intelligently. Caste or religion are not the main criteria. The calibre of the candidate and the policies of the parties have to be considered more carefully. The mainstream political parties have still got some time to ensure that a concerted effort is made to harness the Asian vote.

- CB

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Leading Lights

Rani

managing our relations with Pakistan, which I don’t see being addressed in the near future. With Sri Lanka we have new Singh, Special Assignments Editor opportunities with the change in government and the reach out on both sides has been very important. After 28 years our PM has made a bilateral visit to Sri Lanka.” regional organisation, tries. Rather, he thought Mr Sibal said that his though of course there’ll that the most relevant country has excellent relabe major challenges topic in foreign policy tions with Bhutan. But ahead,” he said. terms was India’s relaaccording to him India He took us on a whistionship with her neighneeds to watch her eastern and her western flanks and even the land by her coast.

“In Bangladesh we have a very friendly incumbent but the internal situation in Bangladesh is a cause for concern.

There is this big problem in Bangladesh because of the conflict between the two ladies and the BNP’s association with the Jamaat –eIslami of Kanwal Sibal Bangladesh, and the fact that there are terrorist networks on the tle-stop tour of India’s bouring countries, and ground. But I think our current foreign policy, relations with the bigger problem with raditurning first to perhaps “Big powers. The new calisation is on the westher thorniest topic, he government is intent on ern side with Pakistan, thought thatthe outside strengthening relations not so much with world consists of more with neighbours which is Bangladesh.” than 192 countries. there why initiatives have been He added that the are terrorist networks on taken in that regard. Part Maldives are also a cause the ground but I think th of the objective is to for concern to India, “the perennial issue of strengthen SAARC, the

India’s former Foreign Secretary in Candid Mood on Foreign Relations Kanwal Sibal was Foreign Secretary to the Government of India from July 2002 to November 2003. His diplomatic career spans 41 years.

He was India’s Ambassador to Turkey (19891992), Deputy Chief of Mission in the United States (1992-1995), with the rank of A m b a s s a d o r, Ambassador to Egypt (1995-1998), to France (19982002) and to Russia (2004-2007).

He was a member of India’s National Security Advisory Board from November 2008 to November 2010.

He agreed to be a Leading Light on a visit to the UK last month. We decided to discuss India’s relationship with the outside world.

Mr Sibal remarked ruefully that the topic was broad, considering that the outside world consists of more than 192 coun-

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because the internal situation there is very unstable.

There was an implied criticism of Afghanistan, as the former diplomat stated starkly that “it now poses a new challenge to us. The new Afghan president is not quite the same as President Karzai and his priorities seem to be somewhat different.

And he seems to be constantly relying on the relationship with Pakistan. But we have to see how the Taliban can be brought into a dialogue process with the Ashraf

“The new government is intent on strengthening relations with neighbours” Ghani government. To that extent he’s attaching less priority immediately to relations with India.

But I think that he will soon discover that Pakistan is not going to deliver what he wants.

We’ll see what happens.”

Mr Sibal commented that with the United States, there had been a major turnaround in relations with the new Indian government. The US government had apparently banned Modi from visiting

9

the United States for nine long years but now there was not only a reversal of that situation, there also seems to be “a close personal chord that has been struck between Obama and Modi. Modi’s not afraid to openly deepen our strategic partnership.

With the United States he has been forthright on the whole situation in the South China Sea, Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean. I think he’s come to the conclusion that his development agenda cannot be advanced as much as he would wish it to unless he had the United States as a partner.”

Mr Sibal felt that on relations with China, the Indian PM is trying to break new ground if possible by paying attention to the relationship, especially on the economic side.

“Opening up the Indian market to Chinese investments so that they can spend their huge financial resources on developing infrastructure in our country. Which has been a huge strategic boost to our partnership.

He’s playing his foreign policy cards very well I think. Europe has been a bit neglected comparatively but now that he’s visiting France and Germany that bit of lacuna in his foreign policy agenda is also being addressed.”

10

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Body transplant

Mahavir Jayanti

Vows rather than disrespect

Concept of Nishkam

In February an Italian surgeon Mr Canavero, from the Turin Advanced Neuromodulation group announced that he is two years away from perfecting a procedure to graft someone's head on to a new body. He first hopes to perform this on a terminally ill patient. After that he expects most recipients to be with muscle wasting diseases, patients with muscular dystrophy and tetraplegia.

It is coming up to 50 years since a first heart transplant was successful. Now not only organ transplants but many intricate surgeries to major organs, have become routine. Growing embryo in the laboratory is well established and growing body parts from person's own tissue can be possible in the near future. Similarly it has been over 60 years since structure of DNA molecule and location of genes were discovered. Now genetic engineering has advanced so much that genes leading to serous medical deceases are identified and progress is being made to remove such genes at embryonic stage. Current test (which can be fetal to the baby) for pregnant mother to check if the baby is down syndrome will be replaced by simple blood test. This was the news relayed on 2nd April. The diligence, dedication and hard work of the medical professionals, are highly commendable. These kind of news are pacifying contrary to the news of daily terrorism and violence.

Ila Kapadia By email

Lord Mahavira, Jainism’s 24th and last Tiranthakara (prophet) was born most probably in the year 599 BC. Therefore, according to my calculations, if we add 2015 (the current Christian year) and 599 together, we arrive at the figure 2614.

Hence Mahavir Swami was born 2614 years ago.

The exact month and date are given in the Jain scriptures as the thirteenth day of the bright half (ie when the moon was waxing) of the month of Chaitra. In the European calendar, this usually falls in the month of April.

The festival to commemorate this, known as Mahavir Jayanti is an occasion for great celebration. Jains gather together to hear Mahavira’s message of Ahimsa (non-violence in the strictest possible sense), Satya (adhering to speaking of truth), Prem (love) and Karuna (kindness) expounded, so that they can follow his teachings and emulate his example.

In India, Jains celebrate this religious event by visiting sacred sites and worshipping the Tirthankaras.

We in the UK cannot easily visit sacred sites like Shatrunjay (near Palitana), Sammetshikhar, Pavapuri, Girnar etc therefore we celebrate Mahavir Jayanti locally at Jain temples and assembly halls by singing prayers and exchanging good wishes on or around the day of Mahavira’s birth.

This year Mahavir Jayanti fell on 2 April. We, the members of Shree Jain Sangh East London and Essex, will celebrate Mahavir Jayanti on Sunday, 12th April, at the Hariben Bachubhai Nagrecha Hall in Leyton, East London.

Baroness Flathers letter that the Neasden Swaminarayan temple is not a Hindu temple is invalid! She claims the the Swaminarayan movement does not believe in the, 'same Hindu gods and goddesses'. It is obvious that she has never visited the Neasden Mandir.

Baroness Flather claims that the Swaminarayan movement does not allow women to be present in front of Sadhus (monks). This has nothing to do with disrespecting women. It is about the vows a Sadhu takes to dedicate his life to God. Tens of thousands of women devotees of the Swaminarayan movement understand this and respect their Sadhus.

The Baroness who once claimed in this paper that she is an atheist need not worry about the Swaminarayan Hindu women given that she has so many important state issues to be worried about.

With reference to Baroness Flather's letter dated 4/4/15 there are inaccuracies which should be noted. I feel she does not fully understand the concept of niskham(one of 5 lifelong vows which the sadhus must observe). It is evident that this practice honours and respects women rather than disrespecting them.

Baghwan Swaminaryan strove to eradicate the practice of female infanticide and that of sati. He also encouraged women to become educated. If that is not honouring women then what is it? Also in every Swaminaryan Mandir there are murtis of gods and goddesses from the HIndu pantheon.So how she can state that these deities are not believed in is beyond me.

I feel that she should visit any any swaminaryan mandir and have a guided tour by a volunteer so that the ignorance which seems to veil her eyes and cloud her mind can be dispelled.

Cruising, once domain of super-rich is now within reach of most people, as ships are like towns with thousands on board!

No wonder popularity of cursing is gaining upper hand over traditional holidays, as it has become affordable, one can visit dozen ports, countries on two week cruise. Unfortunately most cruise liners are making life difficult for disable, less mobile passengers, trying to discourage them for one reason or another. Only year ago, most liners would allow folding wheelchairs in normal cabins, as they do not need extra space or cause any inconvenience to other passengers.

Now most liners either restrict such facilities to no more than five or completely forbid it unless booked special modified cabins. Not only such cabins are extremely expensive, as we have to book them well in advance paying full price, as they are not available as last minute bargain, mostly at half price. Most disable people prefer last minute booking so as not to cancel it due to health and other commitments like hospital admissions and social engagements which could not be foreseen. As AV is read widely among so many organizations, including disable welfare guardians, I hope someone will take up this matter with cruise liners, although they will come up with tons of excuses, pretending this is in the best interest of disable people. Persecution of disable is on the rise under guise of being friendly, helpful.

Kumudini Valambia By email

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford General Secretary Shree Jain Sangh East London & Essex

Cruise liners milking disabled passengers

NDA government

Jubel D’Cruz’s observation that “Christians are targeted and nuns molested” in his letter in A.V. of 4-4-2015 deserves immediate action by NDA government, to reassure Christians.

Otherwise, it may snowball into loss of votes/ defeat of NDA in next general elections. Minorities may join hands on basis of anti BJP/NDA propaganda.

Let me assure Jubel D’Cruz that BJP/NDA cannot be anti Christian, because India is ruled on secularism, and Articles 25 and 29, enshrined in India’s Constitution and implemented by government.

In reality, Hindus are more persecuted directly and indirectly by incumbent rulers. Thousands of temples are destroyed by Moguls, whereas Hindus cannot reclaim three sites at Kashi, Mathura and Ayodhya! In 1920, Hindus were massacred for Khilafat movement in Iran. Pakistan was created on word of single Muslim-M. Jinah. Hindus were massacred on Direct action Day. Recently, Hindus got no sympathy after 59 Hindus were burnt alive by Muslims, in Godhra incident. Hindus were murdered and driven out of Kashmir in 1989 ethnic cleansing by

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ASIAN VOICE

Nitin Mehta Croydon

International Women’s Day in Neasden Temple

With reference to the letter printed in Asian Voice dated 4th April 15 with regards to International Women’s day cerebrated at Neasden Temple that Swaminarayan sect does not belong to Hindus as it was founded by Purustotum (Sahajanand Swami).

In fact Sahajanand Swami was a Hindu priest who saw injustice done to women in his time. Sahajanand Swami (Brahmin from Utter Pradesh) wrote code of conduct called Shikshapatri to uplift the Hindu society. He gave women equality, respect and dignity as sated in Hindu scriptures. Shikshapatri is a guidance to mankind how to live morally right way. This rules were written in that particular period when social structure was different than to day.

Even though Hindu women is portrait as Devi, she is the most suffering human being in this planet. Inequality still persist in this modern time. This can only be changed if to days women’s can stand up for their equal rights. But again many of Hindu women are even though educated are weak or fearful to bring change against injustice done to them.

Today Swaminarayan women are well educated and are working and progress.

It is we human being, for our selfishness and greed twist the values of religion. This happens in all religion of the world. Lets respects everyone’s belief and live as one family of the world with peace.

How and why we behave so differently!

Muslims. Hindus are still rotting in refugee camps! “Reservation” issue where deserving Hindus are rejected for jobs and education facilities. Christians should reject evil/anti government propaganda meant to alienate them from well meaning government.

It is no secret that I am an admirer of CB’s “As I See It” and “Kapil’s Khichadi” columns. Perhaps I may be biased, as I greatly admire eulogistic Hinduism without euphoria. Last week’s piece tops the chart.

It is indeed mystery for followers of other faiths how could we coexist so peacefully, in perfect harmony when we have so many Gods, Goddesses, deities and agnostics, not to mention new sects created by followers of Lord Swaminarayan, ISKCON, Jalaram and Sai Baba who all have been assimilated within Hinduism which is like an ocean of wisdom, it imbibes goodness of every culture.

In family of four adults, each may have their favourite God but we all visit every temple without inhibition, kind of religious glasnost. Other great religions like Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism have their roots in Hinduism, world’s oldest and culturally richest religion, yet without arrogance! No wonder Hinduism is in ascendancy.

We may not be scholar or in possession of intricate knowledge or rituals of Hinduism. But ordinary people like us, using common sense can explain Hinduism better than scholars who use complicated jargons that confuse people.

So often my liberal Muslim friends who visit Hare Krishna temple in Watford with us, expresses their amazement and admiration at peaceful nature of Hinduism, as hatred between Shias and Sunnis is responsible for 90% of their casualties. What a wonderful world it could be if we unite under the umbrella of Hinduism!

Ramesh Jhalla By email

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Manoj Patel By email

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Vidhu Vinod Chopra at SOAS

On Friday 27th March 2015, Vidhu Vinod Chopra held a masterclass at SOAS, University of London (the School of Oriental and African Studies). At the event, Chopra spoke about his past and recent critical and commercial successes, as well as gave an insight to his upcoming Hollywood venture, Broken Horses, which is to release on 10th April 2015.

The masterclass was organised by NISU (National Indian Students Union) and SOAS. Chopra was interviewed live on stage by academician and author Rachel Dwyer, Professor of Indian Cultures and Cinema at SOAS. During the event, Chopra reminisced about his journey as a filmmaker in Hindi cinema and

Director Vidhu Vinod Chopra at a masterclass at SOAS

referred to his gamechanging and sociallyprovocative films Parinda (1989), 1942:A Love Story (1994)and Eklavya: The Royal Guard (2007).

Speaking on Broken Horses, which could be referred to as the modern day Parinda, Vidhu Vinod Chopra said, “Broken

Horses is a sort of amalgamation and loose translation of my film Parinda.�

On talking about his transition into making this Hollywood film, Chopra stated, “We make these kind of films to show the world that we can do it if we want to, not because we have to or because we want to transcend into Hollywood films. I make films to communicate universally with my audience, and I use the medium and language that they want to see and hear.�

Chopra spoke about how he is inclined to make projects that he loves and feels passionate about. He adds amidst laughter, “The fact that I’m a success is an absolute miracle, I have absolutely no business sense at all in regards to what will work at the box office commercially.�

Teachers back ballot to boycott tests for four year olds Teachers have voted to ballot for a boycott on tests for four-year-olds in England, calling them "disgraceful".

Delegates at the National Union of Teachers' conference backed a campaign to abolish the tests which are coming to many schools in September.

Teachers warn the literacy and numeracy tests would stress young pupils.

Schools minister Nick Gibb said it was "extraordinary" that teachers' unions could not say "a single positive thing about England's schools". These "baseline tests" in reading, writing and maths, to be carried out when pupils begin school, are intended to provide a starting point to measure progress against through primary school.

Ministers have argued

that the assessments will help to make sure pupils leave primary school having made good progress in these basic skills.

The Labour party also supports the introduction of the baseline tests for reception pupils.

The Liberal Democrats support the tests and reject the way they have been characterised at the teachers' union conference.

EDUCATION/COUNCIL VOICE

11

POhWER Advocacy, making your voice heard

Care and support provided in England will be changing from April 2015. If you have an illness or disability or are a carer who supports a friend or family member, you will experience significant changes to the care and support that will be provided to you.

The purpose of these changes is to allow you to have more say in the care and support you need. In the past, you would have been provided with support for your illness or disability. From April, your needs will also take account of your wellbeing and what is important to your family – a much wider assessment than you may be used to.

Your care and support needs will be assessed, and a care plan will be written after a thorough discussion with you to ensure the care plan is tailored to your needs. You will also know how much it will cost to provide you with the care and support you need, how much the

council will give you towards the cost and have more of a say about how the money for your care is spent.

Your council will help you find the support you need in your local area.

They should be able to put you in touch with the right organisation to support your wellbeing and help you remain independent for longer.

If you are a carer, you will also receive an assessment to see how caring affects your life and what support you may need.

You may be eligible for financial support, such as direct payments to spend on the things that make caring easier or practical support, like arranging for someone to step in when you need a short break.

Your local council will carry out the assessment

of your needs and you need to contact them directly. But you are not alone- support is available for you during this time if you need it from charities like POhWER. POhWER provides support for people who need it with their care assessments and care plans. They work in 60 local authorities across England and help people find their voice in challenging situations.

POhWER are confidential, independent, impartial and free. If you need help with your care assessment, care plans or direct payments, they can help you. However, if you live in an area which they do not cover, POhWER will give you information on other organisations who are able to cover that area.

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12

MEDIA WATCH

The prize fight between Aam Admi leader and Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, and the two rivals for his throne, Prashant Bhusan and Yogendra Yadav, ended in a victory for Kejriwal, if only on points. It was scarcely a riveting contest, more the expected absurdist theatre. Bhusan has been a grandstanding contrarian throughout his public life, adept at putting a spanner in the works of every organization he has joined. Others of the tribe such as Bhusan’s current deputy Yogendra Yadav and trusty agitators of lost causes like Medha Patkar are of a similar genre.

Returnees cover a broad spectrum of professions, from IT and banking to pharmaceuticals and finance. “ With the recovery of the Indian economy and increase in the number of companies looking to expand globally there is a definite rise in the Prashant Bhushan, Arvind Kejriwal and number of returning Yogendra Yadav Indian expatriates,” said Chief Minister Kejriwal set in Moorthy Uppaluri, CEO motion the appropriate discipliRandstad India, a leading nary procedures to expel Messrs recruitment and staffing firm Bhusan and Yadav. The duo (Times of India march 27) were duly thrown out of the Aam Admi party, which can now India building key concentrate on providing Delhi Adobe products with an effective, clean and responsive administration, for Some of US-owned, Bangalorewhich its citizenry have long based Adobe company’s key yearned, hence voted Aam Admi products are being developed into power with an overwhelmand manufactured in India. “We ing of 67 Assembly seats of the have 3,500 people in India now.

70 contested in the recent poll.

The new capacity can take that Stand up and deliver was their to 6,000,” said Shantanu message to Arvind Kejriwal and Narayen, who has been the comhis colleagues. Better sooner pany CEO since 2007. India than later. Rancid pieties and accounts for a quarter of moralizing clichés will no longer Adobe’s global workforce. The suffice. country has performed wonderfully well. “It’s innovation, not Service to Society just doing grunt stuff,” he says.

He himself has done as well, If one wishes to see a doer with Adobe moving aggressively rather than the commonplace into cloud computing. talker, which is the stuff of Indian politics, Rajendra Singh Indispensable partner will be your man. The winner of the 2015 “Adobe is now hailed as a comStockholm pany that completely reinvented Water Prize has the creative process. And anybeen an unsung body who talks about transformhero with his ing their business has to work quiet dedicawith us,” said Naryen, a tion over two Hyderabad-trained electronics decades to engineer (Times of India March establish effec27) tive water management in Water engineer Techies turn the scrub lands Rajendra Singh of Rajasthan, in Stockholm entrepreneurs for Swedish where water water prize has traditionalHaving worked as a software ly been a scarce engineer with Tata Consultancy commodity. Creating check Services (TCS) for two years, 25 dams for effective water conseryear-old Hemant Lingala left vation and management in over largest company to start his 1,000 villages through the coopown venture, Green Mobiles, eration of local communities is which sells mobile accessories the true measure of Rajendra online. His brother, Sumanth, a Singh’s achievement. This comsoftware engineer at Cisco, mon endeavour has empowered joined him. Others, such as significant numbers of women Krishna Sumanth, a UK and the disadvantaged sections returned software professional, of society. Known as “India’s have taken the online route to Water Man,” Rajendra Singh entrepreneurship. The trend is should inspire others across the gathering traction. “In the last world to follow his inspiring few years, we have been seeing lead. (Deccan Herald March 31) young people want to start their own companies….we are seeing a lot of migration of people from NRIs’ home run the IT sector to the online space in economic surge turning sellers/entrepreneurs,” said Flipkart Senior Vice Increasing numbers of the President Ankit Nagori. Ratan Indian diaspora are returning to Tata detected a tremendous India as the country’s economic appetite for digital ventures, prospects are on the rise in the even as he lauded Prime wake of the improving GDP figMinister Narendra Modi for ures. The trend seems to have ushering in a “new spirit” to the bucked the recent drop in country (Hindu March 19) salaries of top executives.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Indias Ford’s export hub US Automobile maker Ford’s new President and CEO Mark Fields, interviewed by an Indian newspaper reporter, said: “Along with China, India is one of the most important markets for us globally. In India we are investing for growth. We are doubling our production capacity and this will will be used to meet domestic demand and to make India a global export hub.”

Demanding customer

He went on: “The Indian customer is probably the most demanding and discerning on the planet. Indians are very informed, they want great value for money and good technology.

That’s why it’s so important for us to be here because we learn how to compete in one of the world’s most competitive small car markets.” (Times of India March 27)

Internet startups to surge

Top internet dealmaker Avendus Capital has projected Indian internet startups to be worth $300 billion by 2020. Company CEO Ranu Vohra said: “We are witnessing further acceleration in India’s internet story aided by unprecedented global investor interest in the most buoyant part of the domestic economy,” adding that global risk capital had fewer high growth destinations with only India and China as key figures in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) (Times of India March 20)

India, East Africa partnerships

Indian and East African businesses are gearing up to forge partnerships in cotton, textile, IT, leather, oil meal and spices, medical equipment and coffee sectors under a programme designed by the International Trade Centre (ITC). “ We are mapping the business opportunities with entrepreneurs in both countries following which other details, including financing of projects will be worked out,” said ITC Executive Director Arancha Gonzales.

ITC alliances

The Export Import Bank of India and the Confederation of Indian Industry have engaged with ITC as a joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations to enhance the trading capabilities of developing nations.

Gonzales was in New Delhi recently with a delegation of 200 business heads from Rwanda.

Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia to launch a programme funded by the UK’s Department for International Development.

“It is not only about African countries exporting to India. It is also about Indian companies investing in Africa,” she explained (Business Line March 21).

Forex reserves at new high

India’s foreign exchange reserves hit a new all-time high at $341.4 billion, ending 27 March 2015. In 2014-15, foreign institutional investors pumped $44.85 billion in equity and debt, according to data released

by Securities and Exchange Board of India.

The International Monetary Fund noted that India’s forex reserves stood at 148 per cent of IMF’s reserves adequacy metric (Mint April 4)

PepsiCo plant in Andhra Pradesh

PepsiCo, the global food and beverage company opened a new Rs 1,200 crore plant in Sri City multi-product economic zone in Andhra Pradesh last week. Once completed, the plant, located across 86 acres, will have nine manufacturing lines servicing the country’s southern region.

“For more than 25 years, PepsiCo has been investing in in the Indian economy and its people. As we move forward into our next 25 years, that commitment is stronger than ever. This plant is investment in India’s bright future, said PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi (Business Line April 4)

tially located in Delhi, a common ploy among Bangladeshi criminals who assemble in the capital before dispersing to different parts of India in pursuit of criminal activity, said Additional Commissioner Police (Ludhiana)Bhullar (Times of India April 4)

Jihadi terror bombings

Three months after the Bangalore police busted the ‘exploisives module’ of the Indian Mujahideen, the country’s intelligence agencies have discovered telling evidence of the involvement of the Islamist Popular Front of India (PFI)in the 2011 Mumbai bombings, the 2012 bomb blasts in Pune and Hyderabad in 2013. While Riyaz Bhatkal, Yasin Bhatkal and Tehsin Akhtar, Assadulal Akhtar and Waqas planned the bombings, for which they were brought to justice and sentenced to terms of imprisonment, the responsibility for procuring the explosives rested with the PFI, according to the evidence supplied by Syed Ismail Afaque Lanka of the Student Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), who was arrested in January 2015 (Times of India March 27)

Mega food parks coming up

Fourth navigation satellite in orbit

Government has allocated 17 mega food parks across the country that will entail an investment of Rs6,000 crore and create 80,000 jobs. The Adani Group will be in the lead in this ambitious project, with 10 parks reserved for the private sector.

Which also include Jain Agro Trading Company and Ruchi Industries.“The basic infrastructure in these parks needs to be set up in 30 months,” said Minister Harsimrat Kaur. The scheme was first formulated in 2008 (Hindustan Times March 26)

India’s space programmed achieved another milestone with the launch of the fourth navigation satellite a fortnight ago from the island spaceport in the Bay of Bengal. The successful launch in a planned series of seven is a tribute to the sustained work of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). It places India’s own navigation system on par with the US Global Positioning System. ISR$O Chairman A S Kiran Kumar congratulated the entire team of scientists and engineers for the PSLV mission.

Ranaghat rape case suspects arrested

West Bengal CID team has tracked down and arrested three suspects in the robbery of a Christian school in the border town of Ranaghat, during which a 74 year-old nun was raped.

The suspects, Mohammed Salim Sheikh, and Gopal Sarkar, both illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, have been arrested, their absconding accomplices were traced to the Ludhiana district of Punjab, where local police snared the fugitives. “We believe that Muhammed Habibullah and Sulag Alam alias Aslam arrested by us” were in contact with Salim Sheikh and Gopal Sarkar prior to the crime and its aftermath, said M.S. Bhullar of the Ludhiana crime branch.

Inter-Police cooperation

Kolkata detectives are on their way to Ludhiana to interrogate the suspects for further leads.

The Kolkata CID provided critical information to the Mumbai police in the arrest of Salim Sheik, All the fugitives were ini-

Payloads

IRNSS-ID carries two types of payload – navigation and ranging. The satellite will augment the satellite-based navigation system which is currently under development. Once complete, the system will target South Asia, tracking and mapping services across the region. With a mission life of ten years, the IRNSS-ID configuration, weighing 1,425 kilogrammes, would be similar to thast of its three predecessors. Meanwhile a third high-tech launch pad is coming up at Sriharikota, which will be ideal for the GSLV –MK launch vehicle designed to carry the heaviest payload undertaken so far by ISRO (Deccan Herald, Hindu March 29)

Indians excel in Scotland

According to a Scottish census, Scotland’s Indian community has excelled in education and the professions. About 48 per cent of the community belonged to high occupation groups and 36 per cent to the highest social grade. (Times of India April 5).

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Mosque roof collapses in Birmingham

The collapsed mosque in Sparkbrook

An investigation is being held by the council to discover how the roof of a Birmingham mosque collapsed two weeks after it was shut.

Acivico is the company contracted by Birmingham City Council to deal with building issues. They are to examine the startling site at the Muslim Welfare Centre in Sparkbrook, following an assessment of the mosque on 7th April 2015.

Claims suggest that the mosque had been closed for the last few weeks as building work was being carried out.

Firemen from Highgate Fire Station were called to the mosque on 6th April at about 11:30pm, when they received calls about the roof had collapsed.

A spokesman for

Acivico said, “A meeting took place with a demolition contractor at 9.30am this morning [7th April] to assess the immediate danger and to survey the building. Remedial work to make the building safe will then commence.”

The West Midlands Police helped closing the roads due to the incident.

However, they will not be investigating any further as this was not a criminal matter.

Abid Shah, who lives opposite the mosque said, “I heard a sound like a huge lorry had driven past – there was no explosion. I went outside and there was dust in the air and rubble across the path and in the road.

“It was quite a shock. I am just so relieved that no-one has been hurt.”

UKAsian are hosting 'Asian Women in Politics'.

Less than a quarter of British parliamentarians are women with British Asian women making up much less than a fraction of that number.

Asian Women in Politics will explore the contribution of women, in particular British Asian women, to British political discourse through the eyes of three young women P r o s p e c t i v e Pa r l i a m e n t a r y Candidates.

They are: Conservative PPC for Newport EastMs

Natasha Asghar ; Liberal Democrat PPC for Ealing Southall- Ms Kavya Kaushik ; Labour PPC for Harrow EastMs Uma Kumaran The discussion will focus on the individual stories of these inspirational women, their aspirations for their communities and for Great Britain, explore what is means to be a woman of South Asian origin in British politics and through their journeys inspire and empower future generations of British Asian Women.

UK

NCGO (UK) hosts a cross political debate prior to UK election

On Monday 23rd March 2015, the National Congress of Gujarati Organisations (UK) held a political event in London, inviting politicians from the three main UK political parties (Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats), giving them the opportunity to engage with the Gujarati community, as well as inform them about the pledges that each parties will be taking for the upcoming elections. For certain reasons, a Liberal Democrat representative was unable to attend the political event.

The President of NGCO (UK), Sharad Parikh stated in regards to the politics, “The next general election is almost on top of us. We are almost into May. It will shape the future of our lives. So we, the Gujaratis are actively taking part in this election, so that we could make sure that we are informed, we can make the decision and give the vote where it belongs. Tonight is an opportunity for the political parties in the UK to tell us why we should be voting for them. An opportunity for the political parties to explain what they have to offer us, show us that they are in touch with our community.”

CB Patel, Editor /Publisher of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice was also there as a compere for the evening.

CB Patel is also the Chair of Patrons Council.

Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP was very vocal about

13

From Left: Rt Hon Keith Vaz, Rt Hon Lord Andrew Feldman, Hon Mary Creagh, Rt Hon Eric Pickles and CJ Rabheru

the contribution of diverse backgrounds in the UK. “Whether you're a Hindu, or a Muslim, or a jew or a Christian, or people who believe in utterly nothing; without you, British identity would be nothing.”

Pickles further advocated that people use their votes in order to make a change. “Be proud of Britain- be proud of your home country, Britain.

citizen of the United Kingdom.”

Mary Creagh MP, spoke about the pros of voting for Labour and the cons of voting for the Conservatives.

“The Tories plan is failing working families like yours because they prioritise helping a few people at the top. Our plan is rooted in a single truth that Britain succeeds when working families

the private school he attended had one third of students from the Gujarati community. He went on to say how the Gujarati community are outstanding in business, profession and possible more successful than others.

Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP also attended and spoke about many topics, such as education, communities, Britain's relationship

Members of the audience listening intently to the distinguished speakers

Because, I have to tell you that we are tremendously proud of our system and the way they work.

Exercise your rights, but exercise your rights as a

succeed. Labour offers a better plan for living standards, the next generation and for our NHS.” At the event, Lord Feldman mentioned that

with India. He went on to commend David Cameron for the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi's statue at Parliament Square.

Survey suggest paracetamol are bad for liver

A group of Australian researchers have warned that Paracetamol are futile for back pain and osteoarthritis, despite being a recommended treatment.

Their review of 13 clinical trials were published in the British Medical Journal.

The review revealed that taking paracetamol did not reduce disabil-

ity or quality of life. Rather, it increases the chance of developing liver problems.

Research undertaken by a team at the University of Sydney. They surveyed data from 13 drug trials involving over 5,000 patients. They came to the conclusion that paracetamol was “ineffective” at alleviating back pain.

Taking paracetamols could be helpful for a short amount of time and relieve pain temporarily, however, it may be more detrimental to your health than you may have imagined.

There are plenty of healthy alternatives that one can do to alleviate pain, such as certain exercises or consuming natural food.

UK

Mayor unveils plans for new look Vaisakhi festival

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The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has announced a new look Vaisakhi Festival, which will enable a wider array of cultural activities to be presented.

Following consultation with the Sikh community, the popular free event will take place on Saturday 11 April 2015 at City Hall and in The Scoop at More London, next to historic Tower Bridge. Vaisakhi is the most important day in the Sikh calendar, commemorating the beginning of Sikhism as a collective faith. Previously it was held in London's Trafalgar square.

London's Vaisakhi celebrations are an opportunity for people from all communities, faiths and backgrounds to experience a festival that is celebrated by over 126,000 Sikhs who live in the capital and20 million people across the world.

All are welcome to attend the family-friendly event, which as well as

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

music and performance, food and children's activities, will for the first time include films, talks and an exhibition. This year's celebrations will also take place much closer to the official Vaisakhi festival 14 April - than it has in previous years.

City Hall been working with representatives from the Sikh community, including Singh Sabha London East Gurdwara, EY Sikh Network and other groups, to create a

culturally rich, enjoyable day that represents Sikh identity and culture.

The new location will enable a range of additional new activities to take place, such as film screenings, cultural talks and poetry readings, alongside a colourful outdoor programme of live performances.

Visitors will be able to enjoy traditional dance, turban tying and Sikh spiritual music (Shabad Kirtan). Food (langar) will

Twelve: 12 writers, 12 lives, 12 stories Twelve is a creative response to a shocking statistic from the Metropolitan Police: In the UK on average each year twelve women are murdered by family members in so called ‘honour’ killings.

Watermans presenst for the first time this April, twelve deeply touching and moving stories of friendship, love, defiance, death and survival.

Kali Theatre brought together twelve writers and a choreographer to research real life stories of women like Samaira Nazir, murdered for falling in love with an unsuitable boyfriend and Shafilea Ahmed, a schoolgirl killed by her parents after rejecting an arranged marriage proposal. The mother of one of the writers of Twelve was killed by her husband for requesting a divorce.

Each writer then wrote a piece inspired by the real life protagonists drawing on the statements of survivors, witnesses and support workers. These stories were interwoven with traditional and contemporary dance to produce an anthology of plays creat-

One of the Harvey Virdi

ing a powerful theatre experience that gives expression to these lost lives.

The cast of Twelve features Harvey Virdi (writer Happy Birthday Sunita), Amina Zia, Aryana Ramkhalawon, Maggie O'Brien, Patience James & Sheema Kermani.

Director, Janet Steel has directed over 30 readings of new work and 11 productions for Kali. Her directing credits include Behzti (The Rep), April in Paris, Bretevski Street, A Hard Rain, Top Girls (Northampton Royal), Millennium Mysteries,

Samaira Nazir, murdered by family members for falling in love with an unsuitable boyfriend

Big School (Belgrade Coventry).

Choreography is by Sheema Kermani, who will also perform. She is an internationally known dancer and campaigner, and the founder of Tehrik-e-Niswan, a cultural arm of the Women’s Rights Movement in Pakistan. For over three decades, this fearless and renowned classical dancer has led a battle against cultural oppres-

sion in Pakistan by staging shows on subjects that are not easily talked about in that part of the world.

Twelve is written by Sonali Bhattacharyya, Sharmila Chauhan, Satinder Chohan, Azma Dar, Tanika Gupta, Bettina Gracias, Sayan Kent, Yasmeen Khan, Anu Kumar, Amber Lone, Nessah Muthy and Yasmin Whittaker-Khan.

All these authors have had their plays presented at the RSC, National Theatre, Royal Court, Theatre Royal Stratford East, Watermans, Birmingham Rep, Soho Theatre, Oval House, Hampstead Theatre, Leicester Curve, Watford Palace, Coventry Belgrade and have written extensively for TV and radio.

Kali presents ground breaking new plays by women from a South Asian background. They seek out and nurture strong individual writers who challenge our perceptions through original and thought-provoking theatre that reflects and comments on our lives today.

be prepared and offered by volunteers from the Sikh community.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'Vaisakhi is the holiest day

Mankamal Singh, Gurdwara Singh Sabha London East, said 'The Gurdwaras are excited to be involved in this year’s Vaisakhi celebrations at

Manraj Singh Othi, Co-founder EY Sikh Network, said 'We are pleased to be part of the organisation of this Vaisakhi celebration. As

in the Sikh calendar and I am delighted that it is coming to City Hall and The Scoop. We have been working closely with the Sikh community to create an even more wide-ranging programme of activities. It will be a joyous celebration and all Londoners are welcome.

Happy Vaisakhi!'

City Hall. The Sikh community are an integral part of the London landscape, whilst maintaining a very visible and distinctive identity. This year’s event gives London the opportunity to share British Sikh talent as well as offering great activities, that all Londoners can get involved in.'

both Londoners and Sikhs, we feel the grassroots approach to the programme that has been created in collaboration with City Hall will produce a day that is inclusive for both Sikhs and non-Sikhs, and be an opportunity to learn and celebrate together through a diverse range of displays and activities.'

Vrashila marks 50th milestone Congratulations to Vrashila Jethwa who celebrated her 50th birthday on Monday this week. The big-hearted mum-of-one from Milton Keynes was joined by friends, colleagues, neighbours and relatives.

The ardent fan of bhajans, or devotional songs, said: "Life is far too short. We live just once, make the most of the precious time we have." Mrs Jethwa, originally from East Africa, is traveling to India again this Friday with husband Dinesh to "do our bit for charity", said the selfless and adorable couple.

From left: Son Hiten Jethwa, Vrashila and Dinesh Jethwa

Top 10 Female Representation Charities Asian Charity Clarity rewards charities for being inclusive of women in their Trustees or management team. This metric outlines the top Asian charities (of more than 100) for Female Representation, given by the total number of Trustees or management team that are female. The information is correct in most cases as of end-2014.

- The Inter Faith Network for the United Kingdom:

11 - Leuva Patidar Samaj Of London: 9 - Sense International: 9 - Muslim Council Of Britain Charitable Foundation: 8 - Friends of Seva Mandir: 8

- Kadwa Patidar Samaj (UK) Limited: 7 - Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community (UK): 7 - Sewa Day: 7 - Christian Missions Charitable Trust: 6 - International Society For Krishna Consciousness London: 6 To find out more, please visit www.asiancharityclarity.org.uk or email Asian Charity Clarity at contact@asiancharityclarity.org.uk.

A&E waiting in England hits new worst level for a decade The NHS in England has missed its four-hour A&E wait target for the past three months with performance dropping to its lowest level for a decade.

Just 91.8% of patients were seen in four hours between January and March - below the 95% target.

That is the worst three-month performance

since the target was introduced at the end of 2004.

The figures were widely expected as the weekly performance has been below 95% since September.

It also means the target has been missed overall for the whole of 201415 with 93.6% of patients seen in four hours.

It is the third time the

target - it is officially measured on a quarterly basis - has been missed under the coalition.

Other parts of the UK have also been missing the target during winter.

Figures released in Scotland showed that in the 12 months up to the end of February 92% of patients were seen in four hours.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

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Chetna Makan Breads, balance and good old British baking Sunetra Senior

Originally from Jabalpur in India, Makan was a semi-finalist on the latest series of the BBC’s much loved show ‘Great British Bake-off’, which hit our screens – and taste buds- in the autumn of 2014.

With the heat a little lower since the throes of the competition, Makan told us a little more about her journey to the judges. As she elaborated on her soon to be released cook book (coming out in the spring), her personal process and the colourful recipes that made her pop on the show, it seemed what was wholesome went beyond her special ‘stuffed loaves’. For Chetna, being calm and creative is an actual way of life: On your website you say baking was a way of embracing life in the UK. Tell us about that?

Yes. When I moved here I was working in fashion design, and then changed to retail so I lacked that feeling of creativity. I also have a very sweet tooth; these I was able to solve in the form of the Victoria sponge!

That’s what replaced the jalebies! I also had the kids to look after and baking just became an important part of my life. It’s actually a huge part of a lot of people’s lives here. As I made friends, cakes and cooking entered a lot into conversation.

You know ‘come round for tea and I’ll bake you something too’. It’s great when you’re making the birthday cakes for the kids as well as all your friends. The cooking programmes are really popular here too, and they are watched whether people follow it or not. So, I was making these cakes, trying to find things that were more local, and just fell in love with the selection and community here. It became a part of my life slowly. Actually, it was my friends who encouraged me to apply to the Great British bake-off.

Do you have a favourite recipe in

it?

Well right now, as I am currently formulating and putting everything together, I have a special place in my heart for all of them.

They are all unique, but I’m sure there’ll be a favourite once I complete the work.

And as a fashion designer, does creativity come into it a lot with the baking? Instead of adding a frill to a frock, you’re adding an extra layer to the cake?

Obviously, it’s important to make your bakes presentable, but I wouldn’t spend unnecessary time making it pret'Instead of ty. My imagination enters into it with just thinking a the flavours and lot and saying ‘I the combination, not so can’t do it’, see much the decoAnd how did it feel to make it so ration bit, and far on this national show? your passions that varies for It was really an amazing experience. I through.'

Why bake? and other projects everyone too. endorse it to anyone who is thinking of It’s a great process! When you are happen when they’ve Recently someone applying. The whole experience taught me baking you are being creative, and it is gone to bed. So it is a asked me to develop so much about baking, and has opened so therapeutic for me too. People should defijuggling act but I can mana carrot-cake for them, many doors since. For example, before nitely try doing it because of these things. age relatively easily, thankfully. and I added my own ‘bake-off’ I didn’t know much about the It does need that patience, and in this spices, some banana to get speciality of breads, but through the critique sense it is different from cooking. Once it’s Do you enjoy cooking as much as that moisture, and finally walnuts for of the judges, working alongside the other in the oven, there’s not a thing you can do. the baking? that crunch. So I gave them the basic contestants, and observing my own pracIt’s out of your hands. With cooking, you Actually, it was because I loved to cook product, but with an extra twist. I find that’s tice, I adapted and learnt about so many can keep adding water, more spices here, that I got into baking (I remember the deliwhat more people like; variety and experithings e.g. European cakes, yeast cakes… a little more there, but with baking once it’s cious simple Dal on her website). It’s actumenting with the classics. done, it’s done! It’s also quite rewarding to ally the other way around. My taste for What was the most challenging see a cake or a loaf come out as a finsweet things actually transitioned into bakYou’ve been baking for a while. task? ished product. Most people who I know ing. I learnt from my mother who is a great Would you say you’ve faced many Well, when I went in, breads were not my are into baking because they want to cook – I actually used a couple of her barriers in the industry? strong point. It came up in the third week share it with others. That’s why you see all recipes on the show - and when I came No not at all; not even in the and I was dreading it. I had to learn these baking clubs popping up. People here it was more about the bakes. They slightest. The show is a great that patience was the key with are already benefitting from it! are very popular in Britain; you know pies, example of this. It’s all them. You can’t underestitarts etc. In India, you don’t get that burstabout what you bake. mate the importance of Finally, what is your personal ing variety.

They don’t care about time. If it needs 10 minmotto? who is making it, but utes to knead, that’s 'When If you want to do something, then give it a What’s your signature dish? what makes it to the what you have to give. you are baking, go. If you don’t try, you will never know.

I used to make a Raspberry cake that plate. Even as I’ve Leave it to rest and just That’s what I did with the ‘bake-off’. was very much in demand. I would always left the show and accept it. you are being Instead of just thinking a lot and saying ‘I get asked to make it for people’s BBQs gone back to workcan’t do it’, see your passions through. and similar such events. ing – including But you taught creative.' demos where I live in others too with Kent and later this year your mixing of tradihttp://chetnamakan.co.uk a food festival in tional Indian and British Nottinghamshire, recipe recipes? twitter.com/chetnamakan developments and collaboYes, it’s something slightly difrating with the publishers - I’ve ferent which makes my bakes Chetna recommends: not faced any prejudice. stand out, and what I know best is Indian cooking. So for example, my stuffed Orange and Cinnamon Baklava How do you strike that tender balbread. I used Indian cauliflower sabji in traThese deliciously sweet treats are ance between home and work life? ditional British bread. When you cut into extremely flaky, nutty and packed with Quite well actually, because the biggest the middle you can see it, and it sort of flavour. For the full recipe please go to benefit is that I work from the house. If forms one meal. I also used a baked papri Chetna’s website: mums are working out of a shop or somefor the biscuits. It was a unique form of an http://chetnamakan.co.uk/orange-andthing like that, things might be different. original process. In fact, I’m now working cinnamon-baklava/ There are also benefits when the children on an Indian baking book which is coming will chip in and help me. A lot of the writing out very soon!

GE 2015

Visitors to face exit checks when leaving UK

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A month before Britain goes to poll, the Coalition government has re-introduced exit checks, commencing from Wednesday April 8th, to actually count people who enter and leave the country.

This may lead to serious chaos and queueing in the airport, causing severe delays to passengers, some MPs have warned.

In 2010, the Coalition government had promised the exit check practice as part of its immigration rules, however it took them 4 years 11 months to finally execute it.

Earlier to prevent visitors from overstaying their visa, they had announced plans to roll out a £3,000 visitor bond. Under the proposal "high risk visitors" from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Ghana was required to pay a £3,000 bond for a six month visitor visa to enter the UK. The fee would have been over and above all visa costs. The applicant would have to forfeit the amount unless they left when required. It dropped the plan after strong opposition.

The recent amendment to the Immigration Act

2014 will allow all ports and airports in the UK rights to carry out exit checks.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, after almost seven different immigration bills and six different home secretaries, the UK has made only 114 prosecutions for employing illegal immigrants in the course of a decade.

Clegg reportedly said, "Exit checks tell us whether the people who should have left actually have. Britain used to have them but they were dismantled by previous gov-

ernments. The process began under the John Major government and was carried on by the Tony Blair administration and the Liberal Democrats have been campaigning to bring them back since 2004."

The Home office said, "Exit checks data will help us to target individuals who have overstayed their visas and are in the UK illegally. For example we can use new powers to remove driving licences and prevent individuals from opening bank accounts where we know they have not left the

country."

"The checks will also improve national security by helping the police and security services track the movements of known or suspected criminals and terrorists," it added.

The UK Border Agency checks more than 100 million people arriving at its airports and consider around 3.5 million applications to visit, live, work or study in the UK every year.

But due to the lack of exit checks, UK has been missing people who aren't leaving once their visas expire.

Leaked memo claims SNP leader prefers Cameron over Miliband

A day after Nicola Sturgeon emerged as the winner of Britain's first ever televised pre-election debate, the SNP leader and Scotland's first minister has landed herself in a boiling controversy.

A memo reportedly leaked from Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office allegedly claims that Sturgeon told French ambassador to the UK that she actually wanted Conservative Party leader David Cameron to win the upcoming general election instead of Labour leader Ed Miliband.

The memo has sent shock waves across Britain as SNP is known to be going into elections as Labour's strongest ally.

Miliband called the memo "damning" as Sturgeon called it "100% not true".

SNP on Saturday reasserted that it would side with Labour and ensure Cameron does not re-enter 10 Downing Street. French ambassador Sylvie Bermann too has denied Sturgeon making such a comment. Sturgeon has now called on an urgent civil service investigation into how the memo was leaked.

YouGov poll published immediately after the

debate found that 33% of Labour voters across the UK and 32% of Lib Dem voters thought that Sturgeon had performed best in the debate.

The same poll also indicated that more people thought Sturgeon would make the best prime minister with 30.6%

of respondents in Scotland indicating she came out on top. The results were called a remarkable turn-

ing point with just 30 days to go for what is being called the most unpredictable general election in British history.

Sturgeon's version has also been backed by the French consul-general in Edinburgh, Pierre-Alain Coffinier.

Think tank urges parents to push 18 year olds to vote

A centre-left think tank has urged British parents to encourage or even push their children to vote once they turn 18, especially on this general election. This comes after the voting age for the Scottish independence referendum was lowered to 16. Speculations have also been made to lower the voting age in England to be 16.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said, “Making them vote may halt declining election turnouts and could "kick start the habit of a lifetime.”

In 2010, 44% of 18 to 24-year-olds voted, with the "younger and poorer" least likely to vote, it suggested.

The IPPR's Mat Lawrence said, “UK risks

'sleepwalking into a more divided democracy' unless there is reform.”

"The working class and the young have less input into political decision-making processes, with lower rates of participation and representation than older and more affluent citizens," the IPPR report suggested. Such inequalities undermined the "legitimacy and effectiveness" of democracy, the report claimed, saying it was unlikely the trend would be reversed in next month's general election.

Political inequality

At the 1970 general election, the gap between the proportion of 18-24 year olds and over-65s who voted was 18%. However, at the 2010 general elec-

tion, the gap had risen to 32% - with 76% of over65s voting, compared to 44% of 18-24 year olds.

Mr Lawrence added, "A distinctive non-voting population, generally younger and poorer, heightens political inequality by giving some groups far greater influence at the ballot box."

Mr Lawrence said the high turnout at the referendum, as well as the rise of grassroots groups, provided reasons for optimism.

Broadcaster and author Rick Edwards told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he supported the proposal, saying "something drastic needs to happen" to encourage young people to vote.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

British Hindus announce Manifesto for GE2015

Hindu vote will depend on how politicians address our concerns: Trupti Patel The British Hindu Manifesto (BHM) was launched by Trupti Patel, President of Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) at the ‘Dharma Rising’ conference organised by the British Board of Hindu Scholars (BBHS) and the National Council of Hindu Temples (NCHT). The mega event was graced by the international Indian politician and personality, Dr Subramanian Swamy who has a following of some 1.3 million on twitter.

The Hindu community has now been in the United Kingdom in reasonably large numbers for some five decades.

During this time the community rightly focused its attention to the day-to-day requirements of embedding in British society and in ensuring a future for their children.

The Hindu community is seen to be well integrated, highly educated, law abiding, hugely contributing in business, hard working, professional, diligent, honest and community spirited.

These are but a few examples of the many positive attributes that one may consider when describing the Hindu community in Britain.

The ‘British Hindu Manifesto’ primarily highlights the unique issues of relevance to the Hindu community. This does not mean that issues such as the NHS, UK economy, Immigration, Welfare, benefits and pensions, Jobs and pay, Education, Crime/law and order, Housing, Europe/EU and Environment/transport don’t matter. They are of great significance to the whole community and our concerns tally with those of society in general.

Trupti Patel, President of HFB said, "There are concerns pertinent to the Hindu community and the Hindu vote depends heavily on how the political parties address the issues outlined in the 'British Hindu Manifesto'. The Hindu community has come forward to be

Trupti Patel

engaged within the political arena, seeking not only a greater and fair representation, but also positive honest engagement on issues that Hindus in the UK are faced with on a day-today basis."

The BHM has received huge support from national and regional Hindu organisations and is now the defacto ‘Hindu Manifesto’ for GE2015.

In partnership with the HFB, Satish Sharma, the Secretary General of the NCHT said, "While the concerns laid out in the Manifesto are of utmost importance, it is also essential that the Hindu community comes out and votes in the upcoming General Election 2015. A number

of British Hindus choose to be 'apolitical' and that does not help at all as these are precious voices and votes wasted. To be able to have a say in the policy matters, we must exercise this very important right to vote and not shy away from it. We must use this opportunity to educate ourselves on how different parties have dealt with our key concerns, instead of blindly casting the vote.

Just because you do not take an interest in politics, doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you.”

Hindu organisations are currently engaged in grassroots hustings throughout the country to increase debate, participation and to ask politicians some tough questions.

The polls indicate a close run election. In these circumstances every vote counts and it is imperative that politicians understand and appreciate that they must now also take the Hindu community seriously.

200th Anniversary of the Gurkhas SPECIAL

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

2015 marks 200 years of Gurkha service to the British Crown. These soldiers have made a significant and dignified contribution to the British Army; many have given their lives doing so.

In 1814, during the Anglo-Nepal war, the East India Company first came across the rival soldiers from the Kingdom of Gorkha, in the Himalayan foothills. It was in the standoff that developed an enduring sense of mutual respect and admiration. The British sought a truce, which enabled the “Gorkhas” to be recruited into militias to serve the “John Company”.

The Sirmoor Rifles was the Second Regiment to be formed. It recently celebrated its bicentennial at the British Camp in Pokhara, not very far from the former capital, the town of Gorkha.

At the bicentennial celebration, there were three thousand members of the regimental family taking part.

Cpl Lalbahadur Gurung, a former Gurkha Soldier was the oldest man at the parade.

The 101 year old was enlisted into 2nd Gurkha Rifles in 1940. He has come to exemplify the close relationship between the Republic of Nepal and the United Kingdom.

During every autumn, the local recruiters (gullah wallahs) go to the hillside villages of Nepal to search for young men to recruit for the British Gurkha regi-

ments. Commonly, about 6,000 men apply each year to become one of the 200300 recruited to be taken to Catterick Camp in Yorkshire.

After being inducted and trained for a year, the young men will then become soldiers of the Brigade of Gurkhas.

The Brigade of Gurkhas count as 3% of the British Army. However, larger number of nepalis go on to join the Nepal Army and the Indian Army, yet the British Army offers the career of first choice for the Gurkhas recruits.

The criteria of the academic and physical tests are extremely demanding, making the competition to become a British Gurkha fierce. Those who succeed earn great honour and respect for their families and

Some go on to become sergeants, then officers and serve up to 30 years.

This is not a new practice for the Gurkha regiments. For two centuries, they gave ardent service with loyalty and courage; they were well rewarded. Until 1947, the Gurkha regiments were based in India for the most part. They played an important role in the Indian Mutiny of 1857 and on the North West Frontier. They also fought in China, Tibet and Malta.

During the two world wars, many more Gurkhas were recruited. During the First World War, they were recruited to the Western Front in France, to Gallipoli as well as to Mesopotamia.

During the Second World War, they were sent to North Africa, Sicily and Italy along with the Eighth Army, as

Pipers of the British Gurkha Army

their villages.

The soldiers go on to receive great opportunities, such as, they are guaranteed a minimum of 12 years service in the British Army.

well as in Singapore and Burma.

In 1947, after the partition in India, the Gurkha regiments were prorated between the Indian and

Three Victoria Cross winners: Hon Lt Agan Singh Rai of the 5th Gurkha's, Hon Lt Tulbahadur Pun of the 6th Gurkha's and Hon Lt Ganju Rama

British Armies.

Operational gallantry has been a ratification of their service. Honours for valour in Gurkha regiments are between the soldiers and their British officers at 13 Victoria Crosses apiece.

A third generation Gurkha, Sergeant Dipprasad Pun won the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, just short of a Victoria Cross in 2010.

Dipprasad Pun unassisted confronted a major Taliban attack against his checkpoint in Afghanistan. Having used up all of his armaments, he consigned the final attacker with the butt of his machine gun.

In current times, the regiments of the Brigade of Gurkhas span between the British garrison in Brunei and the United Kingdom.

They persevere to play a full part in the Army's operational and peacetime commitments. The surviving Gurkhas who were recruited to fight in World War One and Two returned to Nepal after a few years' service.

They returned without a pension, similar to their British and Commonwealth counterpart. Many were finding it difficult to adjust to farming livelihood back home. Many floundered and became bereft. In 1955, Nepal opened its borders to foreigners. The plight of the ex-Gurkhas became apparent to their former British officers. This, along with the reduction in Gurkha strength following the Borneo campaign aided establishing The Gurkha Welfare Trust in 1969. The Trust delivers welfare and medical support. Pensions

are distributed from a charity fund which relies on the generous donations of the British public.

Currently, there are still 6,700 veterans or their widows (with an average age of 78) who depend on the welfare pension, in order to live their later years with dignity.

The modern terms of service for the Gurkhas are similar to the British ones. On their retirement, the Gurkhas now have the option of British Citizenship. This is the felicitous appreciation of their ardent contribution to the British Army.

Five Gurkha Victoria Cross Winners: Lachhiman Gurung, VC ; Agansing Rai, VC; Gaje Ghale, VC; Ganju Lama, VC; Bhanubhakta Gurung, VC To donate, visit gwt.org.uk/donate-now

Stunning aerial displays draw large crowd in Ahmedabad People in large numbers gathered at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad to see airplanes perform aerobatics as part of the Gujarat Aero Conclave. The airplanes performed stunning aerial displays and the ballet of the moving aircraft, brightening up the skies of the city.

People were amazed to see the stunts and the formations as they clicked photographs on the second day of the conclave.

"The show performed by the Air Force was amazing and we enjoyed it. I am proud of my Air Force officers who show stunts with airplanes," said a tourist from Mumbai. The conclave has been organised to promote civil aviation sector in the western region and give impetus to the “Make in India” initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ministry of civil aviation has organised the conclave in partnership with state govern-

17

ment and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Its objective is to provide an unmatched platform to debate on diverse topics relating to policy and regulatory regime and emerging challenges in the world.

Daring acrobatics by UK flyers Acrobatics by planes in the sky brought Ahmedabad to a grinding halt for several hours as thousands of families flocked to the Sabarmati Riverfront to catch a glimpse of the audacious acrobatic flyers from the UK showcasing daring flips and manoeuvres on its last day on Saturday.

What was magic in the air turned out to be horror on roads. What triggered the chock-ablock was more than 2,000 people standing on Gandhi and Nehru bridges, many with their vehicles. A large number of people also climbed up their terraces to catch a glimpse of the show.

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Dear Financial Voice Reader, Should you invest in India? You want to do good by the beloved country of your forefathers after all. If so how? I wrote a piece about investing in India and Dinesh Dhamija of eBookers commented how hard he found it to invest there (that’s putting it politely).

India needs investors like Dinesh. Lord Noon has publicly stated how disappointed he has been in the past with the attitude of some officials in India on investing. India needs Lord Noon.

My father-in-law invested in property in Delhi, through Assotech Realty Pvt Ltd, only to be asked for more money for a smaller area thereafter. He has pursued the company only to discover unsavoury facts about the firm and how they treat investors.

Contacting Indian authorities such as ‘Advisor NRI Department & Externally Aided Projects Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh’ where the property resides met with distinct disinterest and indeed threats against using the media to publicise the issue; yet the drum goes on for investment from NRIs, but disinterest when they face problems ‘as a private matter’ and reference to phantom non-existent regulators whose details they refuse to disclose despite numerous requests.

So dear investor bewarned. Some suggestions: 1. Invest only through reputable sources – such a funds (and even then make sure they are reputed) 2. Investing in land or property – make sure you know the people selling intimately, preferably all their friends and family too on social media. Know that in the age of Twitter, 3. Class action law-suits in the civil courts, in parallel to criminal proceedings and social media campaigns as well as political leverage brought to bear are the only way to go sometimes. You have to inform, as is your legitimate right the customers, the bankers, the accountants, the regulators, the auditors, the fellow shareholders and the friends and family via social media of the directors of their wrongdoing. Informing British an EU authorities is vital to ensure such companies are de facto blacklisted from operating in these territories and their officials unable to travel in the region. Hell hath no fury like a retired investor with time.

SAIL, Tata Steel bag Modi's trophy

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave away the PM's Trophy for best performing integrated steel plant to Tata Steel for 2010-2011, and to SAIL's Bhilai Steel Plant for the year 201112, at Rourkela. SAIL got the trophy for a record 11th time.

Prime minister presented the award to managing director of Tata steel T V Narendran for the performance. The company was adjudged as the best steel plant for the eighth time since this trophy was instituted in 1992-93, said a Tata steel release. Narendran said: "It's an honour to receive this award from our prime minister. It has always been our endeavour to set the benchmark of excellence in efficiency, quality

and sustainability in all our operations."

He said this award will greatly motivate to create higher benchmarks in the steel industry and to make a meaningful contribution to society and the nation.

Congratulating the management and employees of Tata Steel for the performance in both the years, Modi expressed confidence in the company and its management, considering them as partners in his 'Make in India' mission for the nation stating the company as being true nation builders.

The release said that the company went through three rounds of rigorous assessment, adjudged by a panel of distinguished judges.

`Retro' tax notices to 100 foreign funds

Nearly 100 foreign funds have been asked to cough up an estimated $ 5-6 billion for 'untaxed gains' made by them in Indian markets over the past years. The number of affected investors can rise substantially as assessments are still in progress and notices could be served in many more cases, taking the overall tax demand to well over $10 billion, sources said.

Spooked by these “retrospective” notices and assessment orders, the foreign investors have begun lobbying intensely with policy makers and regulators, while stating that the move goes against the government's stated position of providing a `non-adversarial and stable tax regime'. Till March 31,

close to 100 FIIs (foreign institutional investors) got notices for a controversial Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) of 20%, which are now being followed up with assessment orders.

The FIIs claim MAT cannot be levied on FIIs or FPIs (foreign portfolio investors) as they do not earn any `business income' in India and their income is defined as `capital gains' under the I-T Act. These 100 foreign institutional investors (FIIs), many of whom have now converted themselves into FPIs, include entities from the US and Europe as also those operating through Singapore, Hong Kong and Mauritius. Among others, the issue has been raised by FIIs with finance minister Arun Jaitley, min-

ister of state for finance Jayant Sinha, capital markets regulator Sebi, the Central Board of Direct Taxes and top finance ministry officials. The FIIs now plan to approach Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the matter.

When contacted, a top official said that the government is looking into the matter to allay any `genuine concern' such investors might have, but added that no assurance can be given as of now to nullify the notices. There are an estimated 8,000 FPIs registered in the country and they have emerged as a mainstay of the Indian markets over the years with an overall outstanding net investment of $ 226 billion.

Interestingly, this is the first time since 1993 when FIIs were allowed to invest in the Indian markets that such investors have been asked to pay MAT. Amid concerns that investor sentiment can take a bigger hit as similar demands may be slapped on foreign companies, many international bodies have red-flagged the latest move of the tax department, saying “this may act as strong deterrent for foreign investment in India.” These organizations include the European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA), Asia Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (ASIFMA) and ICI Global, while many foreign funds have also raised the issue.

PM Modi urges RBI to print currency notes on Indian paper

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took his `Make in India' philosophy to a notch high by exhorting the Reserve Bank of India to ensure that currency notes are printed on Indian paper with Indian ink.

Addressing the top brass of the central bank in an event to mark RBI's 80th anniversary, Modi raised the topic of `Make in India', a subject close to his heart. Modi said, “Mahatma Gandhi fought for Swadeshi. Does it behove us to print his photograph on imported paper? Does India not have the entrepreneurs to make the paper in India?”

The PM urged the central bank to make a resolution that from a particular date all notes in India would be printed on Indian-made paper with Indian Ink. Central bank officials said that work was already in progress to source materials from India. They said that while most of the ink was available in India, the central bank at present continued to import twocolor ink.

Having self-sufficiency in printing of currency notes would ensure that

quickly grasp the points made by governor Raghuram Rajan during bimonthly meetings. Modi urged banks to be more understanding while dealing with the poor.

Highlighting the success of the Jan-Dhan Yojana (JDY), which has garnered Rs 140 billion under 140 million accounts, Modi said, “You have seen poverty among the rich when it comes to repaying loans. Today, you are witnessing the wealth of the poor thanks to the JDY scheme.”

He pointed out that despite the JDY accounts being allowed zero-balance facility, more than

14% of these had balances. He said the government would soon launch the Mudra Bank, which will help the country harness the wealth generation and entrepreneurial ability of 525 million small businessmen. According to Modi, loans under the Mudra Bank scheme would be delivered through mobile banking.

The PM also urged bankers to ensure that farmers do not commit suicide for want of funds.

“When farmers die, does it shake the hearts of bankers? He might be committing suicide because of his loan outstanding to moneylenders.

Can we not dream that farmers do not have to go to moneylenders,” said Modi.

Modi expressed satisfaction over the role played by the central bank under Raghuram Rajan.

“There is lot of similarity between the thinking of the RBI and government...

This is absolutely essential. As a representative of the government, I express my satisfaction. RBI is performing its role and I congratulate Raghuram ji and his team,” he said.

for an deduct capital former Energy

ganisation ahead of its market listing. Vedanta said last month it would file a notice of claim against the Indian government under the UK-India bilateral investment treaty.

Cairn Energy, which received a tax demand of more than $1.6 billion related to the same case, has also filed a notice of dispute under the bilateral investment treaty.

Narendra Modi and Raghuram Rajan

no enemy state can purchase similar paper from international suppliers. A few years ago, there were reports in the international press of the Indian government cancelling currency orders with a global provider of currency notes on quality concerns.

According to RBI, during 2013-14 (July-June), an expenditure of Rs 32.10 billion was incurred on security printing compared to Rs 28.70 billion during 2012-13.

In his speech, the Prime Minister said there was commonality in thinking between the RBI and the government, which was why he was able to

Cairn India moves court over tax demand

Cairn India Ltd, India's largest private-sector oil producer, said on Monday it had moved the Delhi High Court against a $3.3 billion tax demand from Indian authorities related to its listing in 2007.

The company, a unit of London-listed Vedanta Resources Plc, said it had filed a writ petition seeking "quashing/setting aside" of the order passed by the tax

authorities.

Cairn India received last month the demand of about 204 billion rupees from Indian tax authorities

alleged failure to withholding tax on gains made by its parent, Cairn Plc, during a reor-

REAL ESTATE VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

19

How to play with a seed, but take the whole harvest

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

Last week we agreed a deal in Colindale, the property is not really a property but only has site value. What attracted me initially to the deal was not actually the deal but the structure. There were two things which attracted me, one was the exchange amount and the other was the time period. The property can be bought with only 5% exchange deposit, ordinarily it’s 10% which is required. The completion period has been agreed at 12 months.

The purchase price is £3m and this deal can be entered into for £150k.

This is a cheap entry for a £3m game. One of my partners would even treat this more like a roulette game, where you put the money on a double or quit strategy. Where you are prepared to forgo the exchange money. The idea would be to exchange on this property and then apply for planning permission and once it has been granted you resell the site with the benefit of planning.

You cou ld resell it for £3.5m, maybe e ve n more de pen ding on what type of plan ning you g et. There is po tent ial to go ve ry hig h on t his plot as pre ceden t has be en set aroun d the site where many hig h profile build ers h ave come on to the are a an d have bu ilt and are bu ild ing.

There exists a misconception in that the amount used to exchange is all you will lose if you fail to complete a purchase, you will also be liable for any loss the seller suffers by you not completing at the stated price.

In this situation if you have the planning in place it is very doubtful the seller will not be able to sell it for even more than what we had bought for. Therefore the likelihood of this occurring in this situation is very unlikely, though of course not impossible.

These types of situations are more likely to occur in the case of new build properties, where you give typically 10-20% and the rest on completion which could be two to three years down the line. New builds normally attract a premium in the same way new cars do. The Chinese love new builds, one of the reasons being no one has died in the property which is bad Feng Shui. If the market was to take a turn for the worst the chances are these types of properties would be first affected. Certainly domestic purchasers would mostly be buying with most of the money coming from a mortgage. If the valuation does not value up the mortgage will not be granted. The purchasers may find they cannot fund the purchase. In this situation the developer has every right to sue the purchaser into completing the transaction.

This is a planning game, one where the cost is cheap and the potential is very high.

If a tie up, or a buyout can be agreed with the next door site then the deal changes and you are talking about a very big site with circa 70 units possibly even more as the acceptable height of development around this area is going higher and higher.

This is dependent on agreeing with the other owner of the site who I have been told is a property man, and not desperate for cash to agree a common ground to work from. But if this can be reached there can be huge reward for both parties. So this will be an added bonus if it happens.

We d e al wi t h m a n y b u si n e s s pe o pl e , n o ma t t e r wh a t l i n e t h e y are i n t h e y l i ke t o wo r k t h e i r c as h , i t i s ra re t h e i r f u n d s wi l l b e s it t in g i d l e ; t h e c as h c o m e s i n an d o u t l i ke a t i d e . T h e y k n o w e v e n m o re t h a n t h e a v e ra g e pe rs o n t o m a ke s u re t h e ir c as h is b e i n g w o rk e d h ard .

It i s o f t e n t h e c a se w h e re t h e d e a l b e c o m e s n o t ab o u t t h e d e a l , bu t mo re a b o u t t h e e g o s o f t h e pe r s o n al i t i e s in vo l ve d . T h e i ss u e s t h e n c e as e t o b e ab o u t n u m b e rs an d pro f i t s , t h o u g h t h is f ac t i s n e v e r a d m i t t e d , an d t h e re f o re it c a n n o t b e s o l v e d so e a si l y. Pe o p l e wi l l g o b e y o n d c o m mo n s e n s e an d e v e n m o n e y t o p ro t e c t t h e i r e g o s .

These types of deals suits them, they can digest the numbers and the risks easily, and the structure of the deal suits them.

One angle is to develop this site in isolation. There is another angle to this deal as well, and that is to tie up with the neighbour; here is where the big money is.

The Real Deal

The best approach is to exchange and push full steam ahead to apply for the maximum planning possible, and during this process open up dialog. This puts you in a position of strength when negotiating and not in desperation. This is an important stance even from a purely psychological point of view.

I came across this property last year and it has taken many failed offers for the current seller who is retiring to finally agree to our proposal.

Bayswater, London, W2 Purchase Price: £1.575m

H ad t h e s am e d e a l b e e n pre s e n t e d wi t h o u t t h e ex t e n d e d c o m pl e t i o n I wo u l d n o t h a v e pu rs u e d i t b u t t h i s g o e s t o sh o w t h e s t ru c t u re i s o f t e n m o re i mp o rt an t t h a n t h e pr ic e .

l A large flat within a grand white stucco fronted building on the award winning Cleveland Square, one of Bayswater's most premier addresses l High ceilings l Long lease l Fabulous views of the gardens of Cleveland Square l Close to Hyde Park l Properties in this location are being sold for around £1,400 to £1,500 per sq. ft. while this is coming in at around £1,100 per sq. ft. l End value after refurbishment expected to be around £2.2m Call us now to reserve!

To enter this deal without the delayed completion would have cost approximately £1.5m, not to mention the stamp duty and arrangement fees which would have been spent from day one.

Instead we get to play the same game for less than one tenth of the normal entrance fee.

It is however prudent to prepare for the worst case scenario and to ensure you have the funds to complete if required, unless of course the client has a gambling nature and is prepared to forgo the £150k!

0207 993 0103

We provide a turnkey solution. Contact us now:

Specialists in

Central London Property Sourcing

info@sowandreap.co.uk

www.sowandreap.co.uk

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

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SowandReapProperties

Tips of the Week l Always focus on the capital growth of an investment property - never sacrifice this as this is how the bulk of your money will be made in property, rental income is secondary. l A heavily discounted property may not be the best buy. Where the price will be going over the years to come should be the question. It may stay the same, or go even lower.

20

Highest Current Earning Musicians

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Reshma Trilochun

Music is the soul to life. Music has the power to make one want to get up and dance, or can aid someone unwind and be stress-free. This week, we present to you 10 highest earning musicians from India who have captivated us with their music.

1. NORAH JONES - $46 million

Geetali Norah Jones Shankar, known as Norah Jones was born on 30th March 1979, in New York City. She is the daughter of the legendary Indian musician, Ravi Shankar. She is a Jazz singer, songwriter and musician.

Norah Jones was raised by her mother, Sue Jones in Grapevine, Texas. She went on to study Jazz Piano at the University of North Texas. Norah moved to New York in 1999 after become inspired by local musicians to writer her own songs. In 2002, Norah Jones launched her solo music career, releasing her debut album, Come Away With Me, a mix of country music and pop with elements of Jazz. The album was a critical and commercial success; it became a certified diamond album, selling over 26 million copies. Come Away With Me earner her 5 Grammy

awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Best New Artist.

Some of Norah's successful albums include Feels Like Home (2004) and Little Broken Hearts (2012). She has won several awards, including 9 Grammy Awards and was also 60th on Billboard magazine's artist of the 20002009 decade chart, and was also named as the Top Jazz Artist of the 2000-2009 decade by Billboard as well.

She has sold over 50 million albums globally.

2. A R RAHMAN - $8 million

Allah Rakha Rahman, born as A. S. Dileep Kumar on 6th January 1966, in Madras, now known as Chennai. His debuted as a music director in 1992 for the film Roja. Since then, there has been no looking back for him.

At the age of 4, Rahman started to learn how to play the piano and at the age of 11, he joined Indian composer, Ilayaraja's troupe as a keyboard player.

Rahman has also accompanied the great tabla maestro, Zakir Hussain on a few world tours. He won a scholarship at the Trinity College of Music at Oxford University, where he studied Western Classical Music and obtained a degree in Music.

Some of his notable films are Bombay (1995), Rangeela (1995), Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India (2001) and S l u m d o g Millionaire ( 2 0 0 8 ) , among others.

For S l u m d o g Millionaire, Rahman went on to win two Academy Awards (Oscar), a BAFTA, a Golden Globe Award and two Grammy awards, making the Hollywood film industry sit up and take notice of his striking talent.

A R Rahman has received many accolades and appreciations during his career as a music director. He has won several awards, including 15 Filmfare Awards and 14 Filmfare Awards from the South Indian film Industry.

3. ARIJIT SINGH - $5.6 million

Arijit Singh is the new current favourite amongst Bollywood music lovers. His soulful voice seems to have struck a chord with people.

Arijit Singh was born on 25th April 1987, in West Bengal, India. In 2005, he took part in the singing reality show, Fame Gurukul (the Indian version of Fame Academy) and came 6th in the competition.

However, he went on to take part and win another singing reality show called 10 Ke 10 Le Gaye Dil. Consequently, Arijit Singh worked as an assistant music programmer with notable music directors Pritam, Shankar- Ehsaan- Loy, Vishal- Shekhar and Mithoon.

Arijit Singh went on to sing many songs, but it was not until 2013 that he gained instant and extreme popularity for the song Tum Hi Ho, from the film, Aashiqui 2. He won several awards for this song and received a lot of opportunities to sing for big filmmakers.

Some of Arijit Singh's remarkable songs include Raabta (2012), Muskuraane (2014) and Sooraj Dooba Hai (2015).

4. MIKA SINGH - $5 million

Mika Singh, one of the most controversial singers of current times. Love him or hate him, but you certainly can't ignore him. He is also the younger brother of the Punjabi legendary singer, Daler Mehndi.

Mika Singh, born as Amrik Singh on 10th June 1977 is known for giving Punjabi music a distinct identity. He was also bestowed with a title of a “ P o w e r h o u s e Entertainer�.

At the age of 8, Mika Singh started to play the tabla. At the age of 12, he started learning how to play the harmonium and at the age of 14, he started

to play the guitar as well.

Mika Singh released his first album, Saawan Mein lag Gayi Aag (1998) when he was 21 years old.

After the success of his debut album, he released numerous other successful albums like Gabru (2001)and Ishq Brandy (2000). Some of Mika Singh's popular Bollywood songs include Jumme Ki Raat (2014), Gandi Baat (2013) and Mauja Hi Mauja (2007).

SONU NIGAM AND YO YO HONEY SINGH - $4 million

Who would have thought that Sonu Nigam and Yo Yo Honey Singh's name would be taken in the same breath?

Sonu Nigam

Sonu Nigam is one of the most versatile Bollywood singers with many hit numbers to his name.

Nigam started his career in playback singing in the early nineties. After a period of struggle, he received his first break with the film Aaja Meri Jaan (1993) and since then, there has been no looking back for him. He was also a host of a musical show called Sa Re Ga Ma. He has been rewarded with several awards, including two Filmfare Awards for Saathiya (2002) and Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003).

Yo Yo Honey Singh

Yo Yo Honey Singh (Hirdesh Singh) was born on 15th March 1983, Hoshiarpur, Punjab.

Honey Singh began his music career in 2006 and at the same time, he studied music at Trinity College, London. In the same year, he released his first single, Glassy, for which he won the ETC Punjabi award for Best Sound Design.

Controversies have revolved around him for the lyrics he uses in his songs. Many complaints have been filed against him for his allegedly vulgar and misogynist lyrics.

His music and rapping has been very successful in Bollywood movies, with children and the Indian youth swooning to his tunes. Some Bollywood successes include Lungi Dance (2013), Party All Night (2013) and Sunny Sunny (2014).

7. SHREYA GHOSHAL - $2.45 million

Shreya Ghoshal was born on 12th March 1984, in West Bengal. At the age of 4, she started learning music, mainly Bengali songs from her mother.

From the age of 6, she started to receive formal training in Hindustani Classical Music.

As a child and teenager, Shreya Ghoshal took part in many musical competition and would end up being victorious most of the times.

After winning many competitions, she went on to record songs in many Indian regional languages.

In 2000, she was selected by director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and music director, Ismail Darbar for the playback of the character Paro, played by Aishwarya Rai in the film, Devdas. In 2002, she was officially

launched as a playback singer with the release of Devdas. Devdas gave Ghoshal instant recognition. She garnered many accolades and received many singing opportunities where she further gained more popularity.

She has won several awards, including four National Awards, conferred by the President of India.

This musical due are as different as chalk and cheese. But when they come together to make music, they are explosive!

Vishal and Shekhar created music for the film, Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhi (1999) separately. After that, they collaborated with Jhankaar Beats (2003), for which they received several awards and recognition, especially as the music played homage to the legendary Late R.D. Burman.

They have created many successful film albums, such as Dus (2005), Om Shanti Om

(2007), Anjaana Anjaani (2010) and The Dirty Picture (2011).

The music of Musafir (2003) did extremely well with the youth and at Indian clubs as the duo fused techno music with indian sounds.

The duo have received many awards and have also been judges on music reality shows in India.

9. SUNIDHI CHAUHAN $2.1 million

The vivacious Sunidhi Chauhan is one of the most versatile female singers in Bollywood. When one thinks of her, the songs Beedi (2006) and Sheila Ki Jawaani (2010) spring to mind. She was awarded by the Filmfare awards for these songs. However, she has also sung soothing numbers, like Bhaage Re Mann from the film Chameli (2003).

Sunidhi Chauhan, born as Nidhi Chauhan on 14th August 1983, in New Delhi. She gave her first performance at the age of 4, at a local temple in Delhi. In 1996, she won the televised music contest, Meri Awaaz Suno and bagged the prize of recording an album. She also began her playback career in the same year, with the film, Shastra. By the age of 19, she had recorded 350 songs. It was not until 1999 when she received recognition as an upcoming playback singer, for the film, Mast.

10. SHANKAREHSAAN-LOY $2 million

8. VISHAL-SHEKHAR - $2.4 million

What do you get when you mix Shankar Mahadevan, Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa together? You get Shankar- Ehsaan- Loy and phenomenal music.

Together, ShankarEhsaan- Loy have given some amazing soundtracks, such as Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) and Bunty Aur Babli (2005). They won the Filmfare award for Best Music for these films as well.

Shankar had an engineering career and used to freelance as a singer, singing mostly for jingles.

Ehsaan used to make music for jingles, while Loy used to write before his transition into music.

It was director, Mukul Anand who got them all together for the music of his film, Dus, which did not release due to Anand's untimely death. But it formed a strong musical trio team, which still continues to go strong.

CURRENCY VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

21

Foreign Exchange

Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX, Currency Specialists.

Economy on course for a healthy expansion Greece's biggest creditor Germany said that the euro zone would give Athens no further financial aid until it has a more detailed list of reforms and some are enacted into law, adding to scepticism over plans presented by Greece last week. Chancellor Angela Merkel said Athens had some degree of flexibility on what reforms to implement but that they must satisfy their European partners.

There was no immediate reaction from the Greek government on whether the list would be amended further, with reports suggesting it could take several more days before a proper list was ready.

Inflation rebounded in Germany last month. Annual inflation was up 0.1% in March, up from minus 0.1% in February and minus 0.5% in January.

However, some economists have warned it could fall back into negative territory with energy prices expected to stay low throughout this year. The Eurozone saw growth in manufacturing production accelerate to a ten-month high with Eurozone Manufacturing PMI coming in at 52.2 for March, this figure was higher than the initial 51.90 expected. The performance of the sector strengthened particularly in Germany which saw a PMI of 52.8 increasing from 51.1.

The improvement in these

indexes has led to faster growth which is driving job creation higher. As the manufacturing sector dominates a large part of total GDP, the manufacturing PMI is an important indicator of business conditions and the overall economic condition in the Euro Zone. This was evident as companies also raised employment at their quickest pace for over threeand-a-half years. Producers are benefitting from the weaker euro as expected, which has had the twin effect of boosting competitiveness in export markets as well as making competing imports more expensive in the home markets.

Greece submitted a fresh list of economic reforms to Eurozone authorities, estimating the measures could raise as much as €6bn this year. It is the government’s biggest effort so far to unlock €7.2bn in bailout funds before it goes bankrupt. The scheduled meeting of Eurozone finance ministers in Riga on April 24 is shadowed with great uncertainty with officials concerned that Athens does not have sufficient funds to make a €450m payment to the IMF on April 9.

The U.K. economy grew more than initially estimated in the fourth quarter as consumers and exporters steered Britain into its longest stretch of uninterrupted

growth since 2008. Household spending rose 0.6 percent in the three months through December and exports jumped 4.6 percent, the most since 2013. Gross domestic product expanded 0.6 percent, more than the 0.5 percent reported last month, for an eighth consecutive quarterly gain.

While the economy powers ahead, the Bank of England says it will keep the key interest rate at a record low as it monitors the implications of the unprecedented slide in the inflation rate to zero. Rising wages and cheaper food and fuel are boosting real incomes, which rose 1.4 percent in the fourth quarter. In the third quarter, GDP growth was revised down to 0.6 percent from 0.7 percent.

With imports rising just 1.6 percent, net trade contributed 0.9 percentage point to GDP in the fourth quarter, the most since the first quarter of 2013. Consumer spending added 0.4 percentage point. Business investment acted as a drag on growth after falling 0.9 percent in the quarter. GDP report showed the savings ratio, the amount of disposable income households set aside rather than spend, rose to 5.9 percent in the fourth quarter from 5.8 percent in the third.

UK Markit Manufacturing PMI increased to 54.4 in March

slightly above forecasts at 54.3 which hit an eight-month high, signalling the economy is on course for a healthy expansion in the first quarter of this year.

The U.S. saw the sharpest improvement in manufacturing business conditions for five months at 55.7 in March, up from 55.1 in February. The U.S. manufacturing sector is clearly regaining momentum after a slow start to 2015. However export sales deteriorated amid stronger dollar exchange rate. Job creation also accelerated from February’s seven-month low.

In contrast the ISM manufacturing PMI declined for fifth month in a row to 51.5 which was worse than an expected fall from 52.9 which monitors employment, production inventories, new orders and supplier deliveries.

The Employment Change released by the ADP (Automatic Data Processing) which measures the change in the number of employed people in the US. This fell from 214,000 to 189,000 which is a clear cause for concern since it was forecast to increase to 225,000. A fall in this indicator has negative implications for consumer spending which has further repercussions on economic growth. This could also dampen expectations on any early interest rate rise.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 7th April 2015 @ 6pm

GBP - INR = 92.41

USD - INR = 62.20 EUR - INR = 67.49 GBP - USD = 1.49 GBP - EUR = 1.37

EUR - USD = 1.09 GBP - AED = 5.46

GBP - CAD = 1.86

GBP - NZD = 1.98

GBP - AUD = 1.94

GBP - ZAR = 17.60

GBP - HUF = 409.45

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22

LEGAL VOICE

Sops for SEZs in India's new foreign trade policy

The Indian government announced a slew of incentives and new institutional mechanisms as part of the new Foreign Trade Policy to nearly double country's goods and services exports to $ 900 billion by 20192020.

Unveiling the muchdelayed five-year FTP (2015-2020), commerce minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the policy was being aligned with the government's key programmes like Make in India and Digital India to boost manufacturing, job creation and to improve ease of doing business.

The government is also contemplating tariff rationalisation to raise India's share in the global trade from 2% to 3.5% by 2020.

Sitharaman said the FTP, her first trade policy,

Room still for people to come clean: Jaitley India's finance minister Arun Jaitley said India would not be allowed to become a tax haven and that the government would provide a reasonable window of compliance to those who have stashed away ill-gotten money overseas to come clean.

"India needs a stable tax regime, not a tax haven... The taxes that are due must be paid," the finance minister said at the annual session of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), adding: "A reasonable compliance rule would come."

He was alluding to the Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets (Imposition of Tax) Bill, 2015, that was tabled by him in the Lok Sabha last month that calls for a 300 per cent penalty on the quantum of black money abroad along with rigorous imprisonment of up to 3-10 years for perpetrators. At the same time, the bill also has some amnesty provisions to bring back such money back from overseas, allowing people to declare such assets within a prescribed time period, pay some tax on it and retain the remaining amount.

It provides for tax to be charged at 30 per cent of the undisclosed assets outside India as also a penalty of 100 per cent of such tax, taking the effective rate of tax and penalty to 60 per cent, leaving room for people to retain 40 per cent of such declared assets.

India has no official estimates of illegal money stashed away overseas, but the unofficial ones range from $466 billion to $1.4 trillion.

Nirmala Sitharaman

would incorporate various incentive schemes to introduce Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) and Services Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) to boost outward shipments.

"FTP lays down a roadmap for India's global trade engagement in the coming years. India will become a significant participant in world trade by 2020," she said, adding that the sops include

reduction of export obligation under the EPCG scheme and extension of all export benefits to units within the special economic zones (SEZs).

Industry chambers said the said the new policy would improve ease of doing business, reduce transaction costs and provide "breathing space" to SEZs. They also demanded that the interest subvention scheme for the export sector should be announced immediately.

The scheme lapsed last April. The government aims to increase India's exports of merchandise and services from $465.9 billion in 2013-14 to about "$900 billion by 2019-20", commerce secretary Rajeev Kher said. On the most-awaited demand of restoring 3% interest sub-

sidy scheme, he said that the ministry would soon seek the Cabinet's nod for its implementation.

Budget has allocated Rs 16.25 billion to provide interest subsidy for exports for 2015-16 fiscal.

Unlike the annual reviews of the past, the new FTP will be reviewed after two-and-a-half years to ensure continuity in the trade policy. The policy also proposed setting up of a host of institutions, including Trade Council and National Committee on Trade Facilitation, to improve India's share in global trade and implement of WTO obligations.

It also seeks to establish an Export Promotion Mission to provide an institutional framework to work with state governments to boost India's exports.

list with tax arrears of Rs 750.11 million.

Newspapers carried the names of the tax defaulters and the data published was quoted to have been published by the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (Administration) based in New Delhi.

Adopting an aggressive approach, government had for the first time gone public with names of 18 tax defaulters, including Goldsukh Trade and Somani Cements which, according to I-T, have turned wilful defaulters.

In a bid to force these entities paying their dues, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) had asked the I-T department to post on its website, few days back, the names of 18 defaulters, of whom 11 are based in Gujarat.

"Defaulters are advised to pay tax arrears immediately," said the notice.

"This is the first time the department has put in public domain a list of those wilful tax defaulters who have a tax liability of Rs 100 million and above," a senior tax official had said, adding that in many cases the assessees were not "traceable".

"The department, in the public notice, has provided the PAN number and the last known address of these defaulters for the public to know," the official added.

I-T dept names India’s biggest tax defaulters

The Income Tax department in India took to the strategy of 'naming and shaming' of some large tax defaulters as it published names of 18 entities who owe over Rs 5 billion tax to the exchequer. "The step is aimed to publicize and put these names in public domain so that the common man can come forward to help the department in knowing the whereabouts of these.

The step is to enhance public awareness against these entities who are acting against law. These names were put up the department's website earlier," a senior I-T officer said.

Goldsukh Trade India Limited, tax arrears Rs 750.47 million and Blue Information Technology Limited, Ahmedabad based company, top the

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Maria Fernandes

County Courts and lodging a Civil Penalty appeal

This week I want to focus on an issue which very rarely comes into play.

Our client incurred a Civil Penalty which they strongly believe is wrong and accordingly the only solution is to lodge an appeal against the decision. Appeals of this nature are quite rare. The issues themselves and the law on this is clear. The problem was actually in lodging the appeal which must be in a County Court. This is where the problem began. The first issue is where to lodge it.

A Practice Direction which determines procedure states that it has to be at an “appropriate centre”. What this means is anybody’s guess. My office contacted the Court on around 15 occasions over the next 3 days but there was no answer.

Emails were also sent, read but not responded to.

We contacted the Ministry of Justice to ask for their help and they suggested the Royal Courts of Justice who told us in no uncertain terms that they were not responsible for the County Courts.

As time was running out, my colleague visited the Willesden County Court and was told that applications could no longer be issued there as the Circuit Judges had moved to Barnet.

Undeterred she travelled to Barnet and was initially told that she would need an appointment. Her persistence paid off and a

member of staff finally appeared and agreed to accept the application.

Despite the huge volume of information that the Court Service sends out, most of it useless, there was absolutely nothing on the internet which signposted applicants to the correct venue where applications can be lodged. This is the situation that I faced as a solicitor with experience of the law. What hope would a lay person have in these circumstances. With the reduction of legal aid and the likely rise of applications it is vital that someone gets a handle of this and makes it more user friendly. This is a blatant case of justice denied.

County Courts have a good online system for money claims but nothing clear for other claims. In fact in this particular case the officers had never heard of an appeal against a Civil Penalty. Something must be done about this.

The new NHS charges The new charges that are to be imposed on Tier 4 Students and other non permanent applicants came into force on the 6th April. It is interesting to note that those who come on intra company transfers (who are coming to work for multinational companies) and Australian and New Zealand nationals are exempt. It is not clear on what basis this decision has been made. I am tempted to speculate.

To contact Maria Fernandes, please email at: info@fernandesvaz.com

Tata Sons appoints first woman director RBI keeps key policy rates,

Tata Sons, promoter of Tata companies, appointed top ranked investment strategist Farida Khambata as the first woman independent director in the company's 103year history. With the appointment of Khambata, global strategist at emerging marketsfocused investment firm Cartica Capital, Tata Sons' board has expanded to seven members.

Cartica Capital, set up by former executives of International Finance Corporation (IFC), an arm of World Bank, that manages assets worth over $2.6 billion, has investments in TTK Prestige, Page Industries (the Indian franchise of Jockey International), Ratnakar Bank and Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services in India.

Khambata had joined

Farida Khambata

Cartica from IFC where she last held the position of regional VP in charge of operations in East Asia and the Pacific, South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Khambata's appointment indicates Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry's increased preference for new and external faces on the company's board, a shift from the past where

most of its directors were Tata Group executives.

Earlier, Tata Sons directors were also part of the group executive council that provided strategic and operational support to then Tata Sons chairman Ratan Tata. Now the Tata Sons board and the group executive council have separate members under Mistry.

At present, besides two Tata executives, Ishaat Hussain and R Gopalakrishnan, the rest on the Tata Sons board are external members Khambata, Ronen Sen, Vijay Singh and Nitin Nohria. While Nohria, dean of Harvard Business School and Singh, former defence secretary, were appointed as independent directors, Sen, former ambassador to US, was appointed along with Khambata.

reserve ratio unchanged

India's central bank on Tuesday kept its key policy rates and the reserve ratios unchanged in line with the predictions, while awaiting more robust data on inflation and action from commercial banks to soften their cost of credit to alter its stance.

Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan, who conducted the first bi-monthly review of the monetary policy for the current fiscal year decided to retain the repurchase rate, the reverse repurchase rate, the cash reserve ratio and the statutory ratio at existing levels.

Rajan said the central bank adopted an accommodative policy stance since January, ensuring comfortable liquidity in the system. "Going for-

ward, the accommodative stance of monetary policy will be maintained, but monetary policy actions will be conditioned by incoming data."

Accordingly, the repurchase rate and reserve repurchase rate have been maintained at 7.5 per cent and 6.5 per cent respectively while the cash reserve ratio and the statutory liquidity ratio have been left untouched at 4 per cent and 21.5 per cent. The repurchase rate is the interest commercial banks pay for borrowing money from the central bank to meet short-term fund requirements. The reverse repurchase rate is the interest central bank pays when surplus shortterm funds are parked with it by commercial banks.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

In Brief

Tajiks told to avoid using Islamic veils

Dushanbe: Tajikistan President Rahmon told women to avoid using veil as it is used by prostitutes.

Rahmon who has ruled the former Soviet republic since 1992, has expressed concern over the rise of Islamism among his eight million subjects, around 90 per cent of whom are Muslims. The government has harassed men with beards, closed independent mosques, attempted to ban children from mosques and forbidden the wearing of hijab in public in some circumstances. The government has told shopkeepers who sell Islamic veils to close down their shops to discourage women from using the veils.

Former dictator wins Nigeria poll

Abuja: Nigeria’s main opposition party claimed victory in Africa’s largest democracy as General Muhammadu Buhari beat the incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan, by more than two and a half million votes.

With all the votes counted, General Buhari won with 53.96 per cent, or 15,424,921 votes, to Jonathan’s 44.96 per cent, or 12,853,126 votes, in the country’s first democratic transfer of power. “The people of Nigeria have taken over,” Lai Mohammed, a spokesman for the All Progressive Congress Party (APC), said. Jonathan’s People’s Democratic party (PDP) has ruled Nigeria since military rule ended in 1999, but his tenure was dogged by scandals and the failure to tackle Boko Haram, which has killed thousands of people in the country’s northeast and captured large tracts of territory.

A grandmother dies after a mobile operator disconnected her phone

London: A grandmother Sheila Secker, 78, died because she could not use the mobile phone to call her son for help. The service provider had disconnected her connection because it had not been in use for sometime. She collapsed at home and was unable to contact her family on the mobile she had owned for 14 years. Not until the next day nobody knew anything about her illness. Secker died a few days later in hospital.

100 Islamist teachers face ban

London: As many as 100 teachers and teaching assistants could be prevented from working in schools for life as a result of an investigation into their alleged links to the so-called Trojan Horse scandal. The National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL), the profession’s watchdog, which can ban teachers from classrooms, is working on possible disciplinary cases against current and former staff members at schools in Birmingham, which were the focus of the Trojan Horse scandal, which saw efforts by hardline Islamists to take control of state schools.

Former Bangla PM gets bail

Dhaka: Bangladesh's opposition chief and former and former PM Khaleda Zia was granted bail in two graft cases after she appeared in an office for the first time in three months, amid signs that the country's political logjam was easing. The 69-yearold Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson left her upmarket Gulshan office where she has been staying since January 3 to surrender in a special anti-graft court that granted her bail in two graft cases involving over $ 650,000. Zia's court appearance came 39 days after an arrest warrant was issued against her over repeated absence from trial in graft cases involving two charities named after her husband, slain president Zia-ur Rahman, and could see her jailed for life

Indian-American woman jailed on charges of feticide

Washington: A judge in America's conservative heartland has sentenced an Indian-American woman to at least 20 years in prison on charges of feticide and child neglect in a case that goes to the heart of the US debate on abortion and women's reproductive rights. Purvi Patel (33), who comes from a family of Indian immigrants settled in South Bend, Indiana, came into the emergency room of a local medical centre with heavy bleeding in July 2013. After doctors determined she had lost a pregnancy, she confessed she had delivered a stillborn baby and had abandoned it in a dumpster after hiding her situation from her strict orthodox parents. She said he had tried to revive the baby, which was born at an estimated 24 weeks, and she did not call 911 because she had panicked. Following a surgery to remove her placenta, Patel became a criminal suspect in the eyes of a state that has become a byword for conservatism amid a raging ongoing controversy over the rights of women and minorities.

WORLD

148 students killed in Kenya varsity attack

Garissa (Kenya): At least 148 students were massacred when Somalia's alShabaab Islamist group attacked a Kenyan university last week, the interior minister said, the deadliest attack in the country since US embassy bombings in 1998.

Masked gunmen stormed the university in the northeastern town of Garissa as students were sleeping, hurling grenades and shooting dead others, before setting Muslims free and holding Christians and others hostage. At least 79 people were wounded in the assault, which lasted for some 13 hours.

Finally, the four gunmen were killed when Kenyan troops launched an assault on the student dormitory where the gun-

men were holed.

“Unfortunately, we lost... a number of lives... it is in the region of 148 students, and 79 have been injured, nine of them critically,” Kenya's interior minster Joseph Nkaiserry told reporters.

Two al Shabaab camps in Somalia destroyed The Kenyan air force has, meanwhile, destroyed two al Shabaab camps in Somalia in the first major

military response since the Islamist group massacred students at a Kenyan university last week. Al Shabaab denied the camps were hit, saying the air force bombs fell on farmland.

Jets pounded the camps in the Gedo region on the other side of the frontier on Sunday, Kenya defence forces spokesman David Obonyo said. The mission was part of efforts

Yoga has no religious links, says US court

Washington: Attempts by yoga opponents in California to twist the ancient Indian practice to present it as religious indoctrination has again been rejected by a US court. A three-judge panel of the 4th district court of appeal upheld a decision by the San Diego superior court that the yoga programme in the Encinitas School District is “devoid of any religious, mystical or spiritual trappings.”

“We conclude that the programme is secular... (and) does not have the primary effect of advancing or inhibiting religion, and does not excessively entangle the school district in religion,” the appeals court said. Earlier in 2013, a lower court judge in California has already ruled that the practice of yoga that originated in India is now a “distinctly American cultural phenomenon,” while dismissing complaints from some parents that teaching it to school children amounted to “an unconstitutional promotion of Eastern religions.”

Parents of some children had sued to stop the school district from teaching yoga, maintaining it is a religious practice that surreptitiously promoted Hinduism and Buddhism.

Funded with $533,000 from the K Pattabhi Jois Foundation, which is backed by Jois Acolytes, hedge-fund billionaire Paul Tudor Jones II and his wife Sonia, the school had introduced a three-year pilot yoga programme in 2011, with twice-a week classes in addition to regular physical education.

While some 30 families pulled their children out of the classes, saying teaching of yoga in schools blurred the line between church and state and “represents a serious breach of the public trust,” many parents backed the programme, which the school said was also aimed at curbing

aggressive behaviour and bullying. The school later told the court that it had removed all religious elements, including the use of “namaste,” and substituting the Sanskrit name of asanas with English ones.

The chastisement did not stop the plaintiffs from going to the appeals court, which again snubbed them and upheld the ruling of the district court, which heard and saw weeks of testimony from yoga practitioners and opponents, including live demonstration in courtroom of poses taught to children.

Attorney Dean Broyles, who represented the parents in the lawsuit, said he and his clients “are disappointed with the decision and we are carefully considering our options,” -a hint that the matter could even head to the supreme court.

Washington: According to a demographic study by Washington DC headquartered Pew Research Center, about 1.4 billion or 15% of the world's population will be Hindu in 2050.

This illustrates the possibilities that the worldwide Hindu population is estimated to rise by 34%, essentially keeping pace with the overall population growth.

Surveys suggest that Hindu fertility (2.4 per woman) is similar to the global average (2.5).

However, this is lower

than Muslim and Christian fertility, yet higher than Jewish and Buddhist. Further on, approximately 260,000 people will switch to Hinduism during 20102050, while about 250,000 will convert from Hinduism.

The study further reveals that the number of Hindus in Europe will double from just under 1.4 million (0.2% of Europe's population) to nearly 2.7 million (0.4%), primarily due to immigration. Additionally, the study also suggests that

in the Middle East- North Africa, 0.6% population will be Hindu with migration and 0.3% without migration.

On one hand, the study has revealed the possible growth in the Hindu population; on the other hand, the study also suggests that the Muslim population in India will be on a rise as well.

“Although India will continue to have a Hindu majority, by 2050 it is projected to have the world’s largest Muslim population, surpassing Indonesia. ”

1.4 billion Hindus globally in 2050

23

to stop fighters from those camps carrying out crossborder raids into Kenya.

“Our aerial images show that the camps were completely destroyed,” he said, though cloud cover made it difficult to estimate the death toll. Al Shabaab has killed more than 400 people on Kenyan soil in the last two years, including 67 during a siege at Nairobi’s Westgate mall in 2013, piling political pressure on President Uhuru Kenyatta that intensified with last week’s killings.

Kenya has struggled to stop the flow of militants and weapons across its porous 700-km border with Somalia, and the violence has also damaged the economy by scaring away tourists and investors.

India to help in evacuating Sri Lankans from Yemen

Colombo: India has acceded to Sri Lanka's request to evacuate stranded Sri Lankans along with Indian nationals from strife-torn Yemen, the foreign ministry said. There are reportedly around 75-100 Sri Lankan expatriates, including students, in Yemen.

Due to the volatile situation in the country, Sri Lanka is making arrangements to evacuate all Sri Lankans in Yemen, who are principally residing in the capital Sanaa and other main cities, such as Hodeida, Aden and Mukalla.

"The government of Sri Lanka has sought the assistance of the UN office in Sanaa and the I n t e r n a t i o n a l Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Colombo in the evacuation efforts," the foreign ministry said in statement. "The Indian government has promptly acceded to the request of the government of Sri Lanka to bring the stranded Sri Lankans along with Indian nationals in Yemen, who are to be evacuated by air and sea on special flights and ships respectively," it said.

The ministry of foreign affairs, in coordination with the Sri Lanka embassy in Muscat, which is concurrently accredited to Yemen, is exploring all possible avenues to ensure the safe return of the Sri Lankans, the statement said.

The Sri Lanka mission in Muscat is in contact with some Sri Lankans in Yemen, who are directly monitoring the welfare of the Sri Lankans in their present locations.

24

INDIA

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Hostel caretaker goes on shooting spree; kills college girl

Bengaluru: A 38-year-old tyrannical hostel caretaker went on a shooting spree last week at a college campus in Bengaluru, killing a 17-year-old girl, Gauthami, and grievously injuring another. At least three other girls survived the unprovoked attack as the pistol malfunctioned and one escaped his attention.

Mahesh K, the hostel caretaker at Pragathi PU College, was arrested 16 hours after the incident from his sister's house in Bengaluru. A 9mm countrymade pistol was recovered from him.

Gauthami was declared brought dead at a hospital, while her hostel-mate, Shirisha, who suffered bullet injuries on the face, is recovering at another hospital.

Both of them are from Pavagada, Tumakuru district, about 130km from Bengaluru.

Police commissioner MN Reddi said Mahesh was scrupulous about students adhering to rules. The shooting appeared to be a

fallout of his simmering resentment of the girls' defiance, he added. The police said the attack was neither planned nor targeted at any girl. The incident happened around 10 pm when Mahesh allegedly walked with a pistol to the third floor of the building where the girls' hostel is located.

He went into the first room, where Gauthami was sleeping. “The girl was tired and was sleeping. He shot her in the head from pointblank range. There was another girl in the room but we think he didn't see her,” said Reddi.

Mahesh headed to the adjacent room which had three girls. He knocked on the door and when a girl opened the door, he tried to shoot her but the pistol mis-

S Krishnamoorthy state police and the government even after the case was transferred from the Tirunelveli police to CBCID. Ever since he was stripped of the party posts and dropped from the ministry, Krishnamoorthy had stayed put in Chennai.

A recent interview he gave to a section of media perhaps hastened his arrest as he had said that his party leader, J Jayalalithaa, was aware of “everything that had happened.”

Hyderabad/Chennai: At least 20 smugglers of red sanders - an expensive wood used in aphrodisiac drugs and to make musical instruments - were gunned down by police on Tuesday in two gunfights in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district, police said.

The police opened fire after they came under attack by the smugglers in Seshachalam forest in two places within a radius of one km in Chandragiri mandal of Chittoor, about 500 km from Hyderabad.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (Task Force) M Kanta Rao said that over 100 smugglers and labourers helping them attacked policemen, forcing them to open fire in selfdefence.

"They attacked task force personnel with sickles and other sharp-edged weapons and the police had to open fire in self defence," he said.

"We are ascertaining the

Ashok Khemka He said Khemka was a good and honest officer.

The 1991 batch IAS officer, Khemka has faced 46 transfers during 22 years of service. He reacted to his transfer with a tweet, “Moment is truly painful.”

The government has not given any reason for his transfer, but sources said that the influential transporters' lobby was unhappy with the officers' order for checking of trucks plying the inter-state route, especially those moving between Haryana and Rajasthan.

Patiala: A special CBI court in Patiala awarded life imprisonment to seven retired cops - a superintendent of police, two inspectors, two sub-inspectors, an assistant sub-inspector, and one constable - and a serving inspector for killing four youths in two fake encounters during the peak of terrorism in 1992.

The Punjab police had picked up the victims, whose bodies were never recovered, citing their alleged involvement in a bomb blast at the Punjab Armed Police Complex in 1991, which had left around 15 people injured. The sentence was awarded in two separate cases of fake encounter killings. Of the 24 accused, 16 were let off by the court.

The CBI had begun an

Gauthami

Ex-minister held for suicide of TN official

Chennai: Former Tamil Nadu agriculture minister S S Krishnamoorthy, who was arrested on charges of abetment of suicide, was sent to 15-day judicial custody by a local court.

S Muthukumarasamy, an engineer working in the agriculture department, flung himself in front of a train in Tirunelveli in February, allegedly after being pressured by some power centres to manipulate a recruitment process.

Krishnamoorthy was dropped from the state cabinet on March 7 after the engineer's suicide.

Muthukumarasamy's death was attributed to pressure from chief engineer Senthil Kumar, who allegedly wanted him to collect money from seven driver recruits to fill the minister's pocket.

Senthil, too, was arrested along with the former minister on Saturday.

Sustained pressure from opposition parties for a CBI probe kept the heat on the

Differences in Haryana govt over Khemka's transfer

Chandigarh: Differences surfaced in Haryana BJP over the transfer of whistle blower IAS officer Ashok Khemka, with cabinet minister Anil Vij saying he stands

by Khemka and chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar calling the transfer “routine.” Health minister Anil Vij said, “I am totally with Khemka. I am with him since he fought the battle against corruption. I will stand by him...comment about this after talking to the CM.” Khattar, who was in Hisar, said, “Jo sarkar ko jahan aavashyakta hoti hai, wahin harek adhikari ko bulaya jata hai. Hamari aavashyakta us hisab se jaisi hai, waisa hamney lagaya hai (government appoints any officer as per its requirements. We have posted him as per our requirements).”

fired. After reloading his weapon, he pushed open the partially ajar door. “The girl who came to open the door fell. Suddenly, he turned the pistol away and aimed at Shirisha, who was sitting in a corner, and fired at her,” Reddi added.

The attendant then came out and saw two girls walking to their rooms. He pointed his weapon at them and pulled the trigger, but it didn't fire.“The girls said he immediately stuffed the pistol under his shirt and fled” said Reddi.

The girls and other hostel employees alerted the police and rushed the injured girls to a nearby hospital. While Gauthami was declared brought dead, Shirisha was referred to another hospital.

20 red sanders smugglers shot dead in Andhra

number of policemen injured," the officer said.

The task force and forest officials continued joint combing operations of the remaining smugglers and labourers who escaped in the forests. The officer said they were yet to identify those killed but they were all believed to be from neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

The police and forest personnel launched joint operations on Monday night following tip-off about smugglers entering the forests.

The security personnel had acted after receiving information that trees were being felled.

7 ex-cops get life for Punjab fake encounters

South Brief

Jaya defends Bhavani Singh’s continuance as SPP

Chennai: Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa argued that DMK leader K Anbazhagan’s petition to remove Bhavani Singh as Special Public Prosecutor in the appeal on the Rs 666.5 million disproportionate case is not a “genuine plea.” In a hearing before a Special Bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and R Banumathi, senior counsel Fali Nariman contended that Singh was no “intruder” in the case and he had in his favour a notification issued by the Karnataka government appointing him as Special Public Prosecutor. “No one can appoint or remove the SPP except Karnataka, and Karnataka has not made any move to withdraw the notification,” Nariman said.

Ravi case: Karnataka drops threemonth limit to CBI

Bengaluru: In a new twist to IAS officer D K Ravi’s unnatural death case, the Karnataka Government has re-issued its notification to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after withdrawing the three-month time limit it had earlier set for completing the case. Additional chief secretary confirmed the new development and said his department had now formally asked for an unconditional investigation by the central agency. The CBI had rejected Karnataka's March 24 notification that stipulated that the investigation and the report should be completed in three months.

Five terrorists trying to flee from custody shot dead in Telangana

Hyderabad: Five suspected terrorists were gunned down in Telangana's Warangal district on Tuesday as they tried to escape from police custody. Police opened fire when the accused tried to escape while being brought to Hyderabad for a court hearing. The incident occurred between Aler and Jangaon, about 80 km from here. Viqaruddin Ahmed and his four associates, involved in the killing of two policemen, were killed. They were arrested in 2010 after a series of attacks on police in Hyderabad and were lodged in Warangal Central Jail.

North Brief

Bengal nun gangrape: cops detain four Bangladeshis

Chandigarh: Ludhiana police detained four Bangladeshi suspects in connection with the March 14 rape of nun in Ranaghat in West Bengal and cases of robbery and foreign money transactions worth several millions. Their detention comes after two key accused Mohammed Salim Sheik and Gopal Sarkar were arrested by West Bengal Police in Mumbai and Delhi. Bengal police had circulated photos of four culprits to state police authorities across the country. The police were trying to ascertain the role of the detained four in the March 14 incident. "They are part of the same gang under which two key rape accused had been arrested. These four men have committed crimes of burglary, theft and defrauding people of foreign currency" said Ludhiana ADCP crime Mukhwinder Singh. The four men are illegal immigrants and were also wanted in the cases of extortion, fraud, illegal transfer of foreign currency in Punjab. The police said that they had rented out a two-storey accommodation on Chandigarh Ludhiana state highway but would use it as a transit arrangement to travel between different states.

Bodies of a couple recovered from Haryana park investigation into the case after Joga Singh of Jalandhar, and Gurmeet Kaur and Surta Singh of Gurdaspur district, had approached the Punjab and Haryana high court, alleging that their sons Rajwinder Singh, and Mukhtiar and Baljit Singh, respectively, were killed in fake encounters. The CBI had initiated a probe in 1997.

Sonepat (Haryana): Naked bodies of a man and a woman were found inside two big trunks dumped near a park in Haryana's Sonepat district, with the police not ruling out the possibility of honour killing. The bodies of the unidentified persons were found inside the trunks dumped near the corner of the Devi Lal Park, Sonepat SP, Ashok Kumar said. "The bodies were found in a naked state. While the man was around 30 years old, the woman was around 25-30 years old. The young woman was also wearing a set of bangles which are commonly worn by newly wed women," the SP said. Asked if it could be a case of honour killing, he said that nothing can be ruled out at this stage.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

India's civil aviation minister makes fun of AhmedabadLondon direct flight suggestion

India's union minister for civil aviation Ashok Gajpati Raju made undignified fun of the suggestion to start a direct flight between Ahmedabad and London. During the minister's visit to Ahmedabad, senior journalist Bhupatbhai Parekh asked about his response to the demand to re-start the direct flight between Ahmedabad and London.

The minister laughed at the question and to the surprise of everyone said, ‘‘I’m not supposed to fly a plane. It’s Air India who need to decide over this issue.’’

Not discouraged by his bizarre answer, Bhupatbhai said that ministers of Gujarat had already put forward their proposals to commence Ahmedabad-London direct flight when you replied that AI didn’t get enough number of passengers for this direct flight. “But on the other hand, if this flight is restarted, then it will get a good response,’’ added Bhupatbhai. The minister didn’t respond to this and hurriedly left for Delhi.

Civil aviation secretary

Ashok Gajpati Raju V Somasundaran, however, stayed on in Ahmedabad. During his discussion with Bhupatbhai he added that AhmedabadLondon direct flight was started back in 2003 but due to poor response it was halted. Bhupatbhai said that this was incorrect information and sought to ally the apprehension of the aviation secretary and told him the truth saying that almost all the passengers preferred to board the direct flights leading AI to add up to its number of flights from only one a week to four or more. ‘‘The fact is that the then union cabinet minister Praful Patel had ordered to cease AI flights which helped private airlines to earn huge benefits.

Bupatbhai further suggested strongly to Somasundaram to restart the direct flight at least once in a week to know the truth about passengers.

Impressed by this confident suggestion, Somasundaram logically gave a positive response to reconsider restarting the direct flight than his happy-go-lucky minister Ashok Gajpathi Raju.

Ashok Gajpati Raju was in Ahmedabad to inaugurate a one-day Gujarat Aero Conclave 2015. This conclave was jointly organised by ministry of civil aviation, Gujarat Civil Aviation Department and FICCI on 1st April. The minister shared information about the development in the field of aviation in Gujarat and India. In this one-day conclave, Gujarat's minister of state for civil aviation Jashabhai Barad, Gujarat civil aviation secretary Sonal Mishra and other state and cabinet ministers, eminent industrialists and president of Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry were present.

Brave Gujarat woman fights off crocodile to save daughter

A heroic Gujarat woman displayed immense courage to rescue her 19year-old daughter from the jaws of a 13 feet crocodile in Thikariyamubarak village near Padra in Vadodara district last week.

Kanta Vankar was washing clothes on the banks of the Vishwamitri river when the crocodile grabbed her leg and started pulling her into water.

Her mother, Divali, who was standing nearby, heard her shrieks. The sudden attack rattled Diwali, who hastily grabbed her daughter's hand to try and pull her free from the clutches of the crocodile. But the crocodile clasped its powerful jaws round her daughter with its razorsharp teeth. Diwali said: “I was using all my force to pull her back, but the crocodile was so powerful I could not move her an inch. For a moment I felt the crocodile would take my daughter as it tried to roll into the water.”

But the quick-thinking mother then decided to attack the crocodile with her washing bat. “For several minutes I tried to pull her with my hands, but then I got hold of the wooden bat and started hitting its head forcefully,” she said. “Her leg was trapped between the piercing teeth as she cried in pain, her hands were scratching the river bank

INDIA

NRG foundation organises seminar on passport, visa & immigration

From Left Rohit Patel, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry Executive Member; Jigar M. Patel, International Tax Attorney; Anita Shukla, Regional Passport Officer, K H Patel, Chairman, GCCI NRG Committee /Centre; M.D. Antani, IPS( Retd.), Former Gujarat Home Secretary, B.M. Chavda, Director, Gujarat State Non Resident Guajarati Foundation and S.V. Modi, Chairman, GCCI Indirect Tax Committee

The NRG Foundation of Government of Gujarat and NRG Centre organised a seminar on passport, visa, immigration, OCI/PIO Cards and financial remittances to India at Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry hall in Ahmedabad on 26th March. In January 2015 Government of India has merged the PIO and OCI cards which are issued to Indians possessing foreign citizenship. Now only OCI cards are issued, however, it is not issued to persons residing in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

M D Antani, former Gujarat chief secretary, said that Domicile Certificate was an impor-

tant document for obtaining Overseas Citizens of India card. OCI card holders enjoy practically all privileges except engaging in political activity and holding any constitutional position.

Anita Shukla, deputy passport officer, said the issuance of passport by the regional passport office in Ahmedabad was rising by 10% to 30% every year.

She added that India did not have the concept of dual citizenship and once an NRI obtains foreign citizenship they must relinquish Indian citizenship and surrender their Indian Passport.

Regarding issuance of Indian passport to babies who have

In Loving Memory

Jai Shri Nathji

Born:

24th July 1930 (Bhadran ⌐ India)

born abroad, she said Indian passport would be issued provided the parents were holding Indian citizenship. The application has to be made in the country of stay.

Jigar M Patel, international tax attorney, said that NRIs can open two types of bank accounts i.e.

Non Resident External Account- NRE and Non Resident Ordinary-NRO Account. In the liberalised investment scenario, NRIs now have the liberty to invest in all sectors except purchase of new agricultural land. Similarly, NRIs can remit outside India an amount up to US $ 1 million after paying all applicable Indian taxes.

Jai Shri Yamuna Maharani

Demise:

23rd March, 2015 (London - UK)

Late Shri Kusumben Rajnikant Patel (Dharmaj)

Diwali Vankar with her daughter Kanta (above) 13ft crocodile the village, but vowed to get a grip but it didn't never to return. A wildlife let her go. It took me 10 officer said the river is minutes to finally free her home to ferocious crocofrom its jaws.” After heardiles and villagers have ing the commotion, vilbeen warned to steer clear lagers rushed to help and of the river. drove Kanta to a hospital, “She has miraculously where doctors treated her survived. These crocodiles for a leg injury. She has are huge and ferocious,” since been discharged.

Ashok Pandya, Vadodara Speaking from the hospiwildlife officer said. “We tal, her mother said: “I have been warning vilthank God for saving my lagers not to go near the daughter. The injuries are river,” he said. not that serious and docLast year, six people tors say she will be fine were killed in crocodile soon.” She said they had attacks across Vadodara. been forced to wash There are more than 200 clothes in the river crocodiles in the because of shortage of Vishwamitri River. water and electricity in

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With deep regret we would like to announce the sad demise of our beloved mother Mrs. Kusumben Rajnikant Patel (Woolworth's Ltd, Nairobi - Kenya) on Monday 23rd March 2015. She passed away unexpectedly on the same day she returned from Nairobi. Your love, smile and selfless nature will be missed by all. She was a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who loved her family and friends and she was incredibly kind, humble and goodnatured person.

We wish to convey our sincere gratitude to all our relatives, friends and well-wishers for their support. We humbly pray to Almighty grants her everlasting peace.

Om Shanti: Shanti: Shanti: Rajendra Rajnikant Patel (Son) Urvashi Rajendra Patel (Daughter-in-Law) Pallavi Haren Patel (Daughter) Harenkumar Patel (Son-in-Law) Grandchildren: Rinku, Shalini, Shamil, Krupa, Rachna, Rachit.

Great Grandchildren: Milan, Miyara, Kaia...

Jai Shri Krishna

Raju: 020 8863 4490 and urviandraj@googlemail.com

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INDIA

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Land bill pro-farmer, says BJP chief Amit Shah Malala gets her friend treated in Kolkata

tion as the party's prime ministerial candidate. The aggressive tone contrasted with the tentativeness that had gripped the party in the wake of the Delhi debacle where it returned a tally of just three in the 70-member House.

Listing out the achievements of the Modi government, Shah said there was a sea change in the mood of the country in the past 10 months. He claimed that scams under the UPA government totalled Rs

5,000 billion, but after BJP assumed charge, “hope had returned to the country.” Amit Shah also announced that the BJP had become the largest party in the world with 925 million members and said it was well on its way to cross the 10-million mark.

This is the party's first national executive after Modi became PM and Shah took over as BJP president. It comes at a time when the govern-

ment is locked in a standoff with opposition parties over the land bill, which has been cleared by Lok Sabha but is stuck in the Upper House where BJP doesn't have the numbers.

Shah, however, gave a clear indication that the party had no intention of backing off on a legislation that it sees as a major driver of growth.“The opposition has deliberately spread many misgivings about the bill which is in the interest of farmers. We will take the message to farmers. BJP is a friend of farmers. It is the farmers who have given us mandate,” he said.

“The opposition is desperate, hopeless and direction less. They should stop finding those faults and shortcomings which do not exist. If they have to find something, then they should try to find their leader,” Shah said.

In a relief to former prime minister Manmohan Singh, the Supreme Court put on hold the summons issued by a special court in connection with the allocation of 15 per cent share in the Talabira II coal block to Kumar Mangalam Birla owned Hindalco.

The apex court bench of Justice V Gopala Gowda and Justice C Nagappan suspended the summons by the special court holding trial of coal scam cases as senior counsel Kapil Sibal, questioning the March 11 order summoning Manmohan Singh, asked where was the act of illegality.

Posing a number of questions, Sibal said: "Is it illegal to allocate mines? Is

it illegal to choose private parties to allocate the mines?" Sibal asked where was the illegality.

Can the prime minister not review the decisions of the steering committee and balance the competitive public interest by allocating a part of Talabira II to Hindalco?

Sibal said that the guidelines for the allocation of the coal blocks were not statutory in nature and the prime minister can any time take decisions bypass-

ing the guidelines.

While suspending the summons issued by the special court, the court issued notice to the CBI on a batch of petitions challenging the March 11 order.

The court also issued a notice to the central government on a writ petition

by Kumar Mangalam Birla who challenged the constitutional validity of a section in the Prevention of Corruption Act. Besides the summons to Manmohan Singh, the court also put on hold the summons against industrialist Birla, former coal secretary P C Parakh, D Bhattacharya and Hindalco.

Manmohan Singh on March 25 moved the apex

court to contest the special court's March 11, 2015, order directing him to appear before it for granting a share in the combined Talabira II and Talabira III coal block in Orissa to Birla-owned Hindalco in 2005.

The special court trying coal block allocation scam cases on March 11 summoned Manmohan Singh, Birla, Parakh and Bhattacharya for offences of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, and under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The court summoned Manmohan Singh, Birla and Parakh after it rejected the closure report by the CBI.

Continued from page 1 Prasad on Sunday said, " RJD is ready for the merger and Mulayam Singh will make the announcement soon." Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agarwal said everything has been decided and there is no fight about anything.

"Everything is almost decided. Everyone has accepted Mulayam Singh as their leader. The Janta

Dal parivar is almost made, just need to wait for the Election Commission's nod. The flag, symbol and everything else has been decided. There is no fight about anything."

In the Lok Sabha, the SP has five members, RJD four, and JDU, JD (S) and INLD two each. In total they have 15 members in the Lower House. While in the Rajya Sabha, the SP

leads the pack with 15 members, the JD-U has 12 and INLD, JD(S) and RJD one each. Their total number in the Upper House is 30. With their back to the wall after the Narendra Modi juggernaut decimated them particularly JDU, RJD and SP in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the six constituents of the Janata Parivar, including INLD,

JDS and Samajwadi Janata Party, decided to turn the clock back and come together to fight a resurgent BJP. The parties, once a part of Janata Party, had unseated the Indira Gandhi-led Congress from power in 1977 and they have come together and fallen apart a number of times in past under different nomenclatures.

Continued from page 1 brought back home from strife-hit Yemen till now.

"We are trying our best to evacuate as many people as possible at the earliest.

After today's movement with the ships almost 3000+ will be home," Singh, who has been overseeing the evacuation in Yemen, said.

"Our aim is that whoever needs our help should be given the help. It is a part of our national philosophy that we must assist

anybody who needs assistance," he added. He pointed out that the evacuation process will continue till the government is convinced that everyone who wants to leave has been rescued. "My assessment is that out of all those who want to leave Yemen, I don't think more than 200300 are left," he added.

India's external affairs ministry's spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweeted that there has been a surge in evacuation efforts. The

people were evacuated by Air India and the Indian Navy.

Requests for assistance growing : "Requests for Indian assistance in evacuation from Yemen keeps growing. On last count 26 requests received," Akbaruddin said in another tweet. He said that while one flight carrying Indians was expected to land in Mumbai and another at Kochi late in the night.

In a tweet earlier in the

day, Akbaruddin had said evacuation by Air India from Yemen's capital Sana'a was the highest so far. "Exceeding previous efforts. Evacuation by Air India today from Sana'a was highest thus far. 574 persons head from Yemen to Djibouti."

The 26 countries that India has received request for assistance in evacuation of their citizens include the US, Bangladesh, France, Germany, and Sri Lanka.

BJP chief Amit Shah asked Congress look for its missing leader Rahul Gandhi rather than raising non-issues. On a day the President signed on to re-promulgation of the land ordinance, Shah reiterated the party's commitment to the land bill, accusing rivals of spreading “falsehoods” and emphasizing that the legislation was pro-farmer. In his inaugural address at BJP's two-day national executive in Bengaluru, he asked party workers to go to the people to counter the negative campaign being mounted by the opposition parties.

With the next big electoral fight looming in Bihar at the end of this year, Shah upped the ante by saying the state was witnessing “jungle raj” all over again after JD(U) parted ways with BJP over Narendra Modi's projec-

Coal case: SC suspends summons to Manmohan

Janata Parivar to join hands together again

Over 3,000 Indians rescued from Yemen, 26 countries seek India's help

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai chose Kolkata for the treatment of a close friend who was suffering from a heart ailment. The girl, Syeda Gulalay Jahid, is a former classmate of Malala in Peshawar. She had been advised surgery for a congenital cardiac problem but Malala did research in the net and referred her case to doctors in Kolkata. Doctors there said Gulalay need not go for operation and sent her home with a course of medication.

Malala was overjoyed by the quick recovery of her friend and plans to find out more about Kolkata, said her father from UK. “Doctors in Kolkata and members of the Rotary Club were truly helpful.

We had not expected such whole-hearted support from Kolkata when we called them for help. But they went out of their way to help Gulalay, who is just as touched as Malala and myself. Kolkata is truly a friendly city and Malala might be sending more

such patients to Kolkata,” said Ziauddin.

It was in August last year that Rotary Club South City president Tapas Mukherjee got a call that set his nerves tingling. A soft-spoken man identified himself as Ziauddin Yousafzai asked for help to get her daughter's friend Gulalay treated in Kolkata.

Before Mukherjee could get over the thrill of the name `Yousafzai', the man said Malala would like to talk to him and passed the phone to the teenage Nobel laureate.

“I was really excited when she came on the line.

In fact, I couldn't believe it for a few seconds. She was extremely courteous and spoke very softly. Malala sounded extremely worried about her friend who had a complicated congenital heart ailment that couldn't be treated in Pakistan. She told me that she would be grateful if we could arrange for the treatment. It was sponsored by The Malala Fund in Pakistan,” said Mukherjee.

Air India grounded two pilots for a fight which took place between them on the flight deck, as their plane was due to take off.

The captain and first officer came to blows in the cockpit as they were preparing for take-off on a Boeing Airbus 319, from Jaipur to Delhi.

It is alleged that the co-pilot beat up his colleague because he was told to record crucial figures, such as passenger numbers, weight and fuel details. A source suggests that “the co-pilot took offence at this and reportedly beat up the captain.”

Instead of reporting the incident to his superiors, as he was supposed to do, the captain decided to go ahead with the flight.

The airline has defend-

ed the captain's decision to continue with the flight as the decision was taken in the “larger interest”.

An Air India spokesperson has insisted that there was “an argument between the two and nothing more.”

Furthermore, he also stated that the pair had been suspended pending an inquiry. Air India, which has not had a reported annual profit since 2007 has been hit by a string of technical glitches and other embarrassing incidents, including staff turning up late for flights.

Many airlines have introduced a rule requiring two crew members in the cockpit at all times following the crash of a Germanwings plane last month.

Two Air India pilots suspended after fight on flight deck

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Why sleep is a vital weapon against dementia No matter how young or old we are, most of us experience the odd memory lapse. Perhaps it will be forgetting where you put the car keys, or what you went to get from upstairs.

Thankfully, these moments pass. But for those with dementia there is no such relief. Imagine what it's like being unable to recall what you'd done an hour before. Or not remembering how to navigate around your own house or the names of your nearest and dearest. Or knowing what everyday things are for, such as a fridge.

There are things we can do to reduce the risk of dementia.

Getting overtired: If the brain is tired, it affects the memory even for those without dementia.

Recently, scientists have found out why. During deep sleep, brain waves move memories from the hippocampus - the area of the brain that is involved in short-term memory - to the prefrontal cortex at the front of the brain, where long-term memories are stored. If this doesn't happen, short-term memories get overwritten with new ones and the consequence is forgetfulness, according to researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. It is a common

misconception that we need less sleep as we get older - in fact we need just as much, the problem is that older people find it harder to reach a deeper sleep.

Getting a good night's sleep can be especially difficult for those with dementia, especially those with Alzheimer's disease who may experience changes to their sleeping patterns. Quite why this happens is not understood, but it may be related to the impact the condition has on the brain. But there are steps that can make it easier. One of the most important measures is to avoid catnapping during the day (this becomes harder to avoid as dementia becomes more advanced).

Catnapping makes it both harder to fall asleep at night and more likely you'll

wake up earlier than desired.

Limit use of stimulants: Other steps include avoiding caffeine - coffee or tea in the evening. A regular bedtime is also important as this gives the body the cues it needs to feel sleepy at set times, making it easier to fall asleep.

Although many people believe a nightcap will help them sleep, alcohol is also counter-productive and tends to make you wake in the night. It is a diuretic and, therefore, you are likely to wake up needing to go to the loo. It is also known to reduce the amount of the night you spend in deep, restorative sleep.

Eating too much junk food: Cakes, chips and biscuits won't just impact on the waistline - they can adversely affect your memory, too. Recent research

has found that regularly eating food high in fat and sugar leads to inflammation in the hippocampus.

Scientists at the University of New South Wales, Australia, found that eating these foods every day caused inflammation in the brain after just one week.

Smoking: Many studies have found that even occasional smoking can impact on the brain. One study, from King's College London, analysed 8,000 over-50s and found that smokers performed worst in memory tests, learning ability and reasoning.

Not 'using it': When someone is diagnosed with dementia, they often start to withdraw from their normal hobbies and activities.

Yet to retain your mental ability and memory skills for as long as possible you need to keep the brain stimulated.

Just as our bodies need physical exercise in order to stay as strong as possible so, too, do our brains. It's a tried-and-tested principle: for example, a review of 15 studies by the respected Cochrane Library looked at the benefits of a variety of activities designed to stimulate the brain and promote memory such as word games, puzzles, listening to music and practical activities such as baking and indoor gardening.

Energy drinks 'fuelling pupils' bad behaviour' Pupils’ excessive consumption of energy drinks is fuelling deteriorating behaviour, it has been claimed.

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, likened the caffeinated refreshments to ‘readily available legal highs’.

Some children drink ‘excessive’ amounts of Red Bull, Monster and Relentless, causing ‘hyperactivity’ and an ‘inevitable crash’ later, the teaching union said.

Of the 3,500 teachers it surveyed, 13 per cent cited ‘use of caffeine and energy drinks … as a driver of poor pupil behaviour’.

The teaching union is now working with national drug and alcohol charity, Swanswell, to provide pupils, parents and schools with advice on energy drinks.

The move comes as doctors warned last week that the drinks can trigger heart problems in healthy teenagers.

Miss Keates said: ‘This is the first time we have seen a significant number of teachers beginning to raise this as a concern.

These drinks are becoming increasingly popular among young people and are often seen as simply like any other soft drink,

but many young people and their parents are not aware of the very high levels of stimulants that these drinks contain.’

She added: ‘Teachers are growing increasingly

concerned that some young people are using these drinks to enable them to stay up into the early hours of the morning and then replace their lost energy by drinking two or three cans of these drinks on their way to school.

‘Teachers are reporting that this affects concentration in class and hyperactivity is then followed by the inevitable crash later in the school day when the impact of these drinks wear off. Parents and young people need to be made aware of what these drinks contain and their potential impact on behaviour.’

Cranberry juice contains more sugar than cola Fruit juices made from socalled superfoods such as cranberries and pomegranates often have more sugar than a can of cola, officials have warned.

While the drinks are said to have health benefits, some brands contain more than a day’s recommended intake of sugar in a single 300ml serving.

The Local Government Association, which represents councils that are responsible for public health, accused soft drink firms of ‘dragging their heels’ when it comes to

minimising sugar in their products. It said children under the age of ten get almost a fifth of their sugar intake from soft drinks.

In a survey, the organisation found that some cans of fizzy drinks contain almost twice the recommended daily sugar limit for adults.

Even some fruit juices contain more than a single day’s limit in a single serving – surpassing a can of Coca-Cola.

Ocean Spray Cranberry Classic juice

drink was found to have 11g of sugar per 100ml, while PomeGreat ‘Super Juice’ had 12.1g.

Cranberry juice is frequently promoted as a health product which is said to ward off urinary tract infections. And pomegranate juice has been linked to resistance to prostate cancer and heart disease.

The LGA is calling for a fifth of the VAT raised on sugary drinks, sweets and takeaway food to go to councils to pay for public health schemes.

World Homeopathy Summit: Is Homeopathy an effective treatment?

Scientists from premier institutions such as Indian Institute of Te c h n o l o g y - B o m b a y, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Indian Council for Medical Research and Haffkine institute and National Institute of Immuno Haematology would showcase their research in Homeopathy at a twoday World Summit to be held in India from April 11.

Research by India's premier institutes presented at a press conference showed that Homeopathy has given rise to a new hope to patients suffering from dreaded HIV, tuberculosis and the deadly blood disease Hemophilia. In a pioneering two-year long study, city-based homeopath Dr Rajesh Shah has developed a new medicine for AIDS patients, sourced from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) itself.

The drug has been tested on humans for safety and efficacy and

the results are encouraging, said Dr Shah.

Larger studies with and without concomitant conventional ART (Antiretroviral therapy) can throw more light in future on the scope of this new medicine, he said. Dr Shah's scientific paper for debate has just been published in Indian Journal of Research in Homeopathy (IJRH), the Official publication of the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH) in its online edition. CCRH is a Union Governmentrun institute.

Dr Shah, who has been campaigning for the integration of homeopathy and allopathic treatments, said this combination has proven to be useful for several challenging diseases. He teamed up with noted virologist Dr Abhay Chowdhury and his team at the premier Haffkine Institute and developed a drug sourced from TB germs of MDR-TB patients.

Cigarette packs to be hidden in cupboards Cigarettes and cigars will be hidden from view in newsagents and corner shops today as part of the Government drive to stop people smoking.

From now on, shopkeepers – who often rely heavily on tobacco sales – must conceal the packets in cupboards.

And their promotion of cigarettes must be limited to a price list, price labels on shelves, and plain posters saying ‘cigarettes sold here’.

The removal of tobacco displays comes in advance of the ban on colourful packaging next year.

It also follows the introduction of the same rules in supermarkets and large stores in 2012.

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Raai Laxmi with Jayaram

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aai Laxmi seems to be on a signing spree.

Close on the heels of agreeing to be part of “Bangalore Days” remake and “Sowcarpet” with Srikanth, she has signed a Malayalam movie now. In the film titled “Santhoshayi Gopiyetta,” directed by Boban Samuel, Raai Laxmi will be seen sharing the screen space with

Jayaram. It is said to be a light-hearted comedy.

Most parts of the movie will be shot in Australia and Jayaram, Raai Laxmi and other members of the team are expected to leave for Melbourne soon. In the film, Jayaram plays Gopalakrishnan, a working professional who comes to Australia with family for an on-site project.

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Rakul learns from Kajal

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akul Preet Singh, who played the female lead in Gautham Karthik starrer “Ennamo Edho,” is now a hot commodity in Tollywood, with films with top stars Mahesh Babu, NTR Junior, Ram Charan and Ravi Teja. "I could not have asked for a better year. Year 2015 has been very lucky for me. I want to take my each and every step carefully. I also

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Simran in a new Avatar

ctress Simran, known for her perfect figure and acting to match, ruled South Indian cinema for more than a decade during the nineties. She has a special place in Tamil cinema after playing leading lady to all the top actors like Kamal Hassan, Vijayakanth, Surya, Vijay, Ajith, Prashanth, Arjun, Sarathkumar, Murali and Prabhu Deva. Simran who is now very choosy with acting roles has announced that she was venturing into film production by floating a company called Simran and Sons. The svelte and sophisticated actress plans to produce two films this year with a plan to introduce young talents who she feels are the torch-bearers of tomorrow. Simran is also keen to don the director’s hat.

want to learn a lot," Rakul says. Ask her whether she considers actresses such as Kajal Aggarwal and Samantha as competitors, she says, "No way. They are seniors to me.

When I entered Tollywood, I was shown films of Kajal and Genelia to learn acting. Everyone has their own space and no one can snatch it away."

Cheating case against Shruthi Haasan ctor Shruthi Haasan found herself in trouble when an interim injunction order was issued by a Hyderabad court restraining her from signing any offer till she completes the multi-starrer being directed by Vamsi Paidipalli that also stars Nagarjuna Akkineni and Karthi (brother of actor Surya).

The order came following a petition filed by Picture House Media, a media and entertainment house

'Ek Paheli Leela'

“Ek Paheli Leela” is an upcoming Bollywood musical thriller film, written & directed by Bobby Khan and produced by Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar. It stars Sunny Leone in the titular lead role with Jay Bhanushali, Rajneesh Duggal, Jas Arora, Mohit Ahlawat and Rahul Dev in pivotal roles. Choreography is done by Saroj Khan and Ahmed Khan. Music for the film is composed

by Amaal Mallik. T-Series has acquired the music rights of the film. Principal photography of the film began in Jodhpur. Trailer of the film was unveiled by 6th Feb, 2015 which went viral on YouTube with 13 million views.

operating out of Chennai and Hyderabad, seeking to initiate civil and criminal proceedings against her for missing her shooting schedules and reneging on contractual obligations.

She had earlier entered into an agreement as the female lead in a bi-lingual (Tamil & Telugu) under production. The petition was filed by P V K Kishore as authorised signatory on behalf of Picture House Media.

Following the court direction, the Banjara Hills police registered a case against Shruthi.

In a statement, Picture House Media said the actor had pulled out of the project

after the first schedule, citing clash of her dates as a ‘flimsy excuse’. It said the dates were mutually discussed with her and that the schedules were planned according to her convenience.

After completion of the first schedule, the makers said the actor had conveyed through an email that she wanted to exit the project.

This ‘unethical and unprofessional’ act had led to Picture House Media incurring a financial loss and also that of its reputation, said the statement. Shruthi has enjoyed a good run with at least three of her eight films since 2011 turning out to be hits.

'Dharam Sankat Mein'

“ D h a r a m Sankat Mein” is an upcoming Indian comedy film directed by Fuwad Khan. The film is produced by S a j j a d Chunawala and Shariq Patel under the b a n n e r s Viacom 18 M o t i o n Pictures and Trigno Media.

The film stars Paresh Rawal, Naseeruddin Shah and Annu Kapoor.

The film is an official remake of the 2010 British comedy film titled “The Infidel.” The film revolves around a Hindu man (Paresh Rawal) who goes through an identity crisis when he discovers he was adopted as a son in a Hindu family but was born in a Muslim family. The journey starts with finding his real father.

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Priyanka is back in Mumbai with a bang

ollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, who was busy shooting in the US for the American show ‘Quantico’, has wrapped up work on it and is back to Mumbai.

She took to Twitter to post about her arrival.

Her work trip turned out to be a whole lot of fun and learning. Priyanka, as seemed through her Twitter updates, was making the most of her time in New York. Priyanka's role in the show is of an FBI agent by the name of Alex Weaver. Before New York, she was shooting in Atlanta. ABC’s show ‘Quantico’ is based on the life of FBI agents. The show deals with some FBI recruits and how one of the recruits turns out to be a sleeper terrorist responsible for the most devastating terrorist attack on the US.

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Sonakshi teaches 'Shotgun' how to 'walk'

or Sonakshi Sinha and Shatrughan Sinha, sashaying down the ramp at a fashion show for a cause turned out to be an emotional experience as the senior 'Shotgun' reminisced about the days when he taught his little girl how to walk. "Daddy dearest makes his debut on the ramp. He said there was a time when he taught me how to walk, and today I was teaching him!!! Too much awwww happened," Sonakshi tweeted along with a photograph of herself and her father hugging each other on the ramp-head.

The father-daughter duo walked in designer creations at 'Mijwan - The Legacy', organised by Shabana Azmi's NGO Mijwan Welfare Society (MWS), for empowerment of women in the Uttar Pradesh town.

Apart from Sonakshi and Shatrughan, the grand event saw Amitabh

Bachchan, his wife Jaya, daughter Shweta and son Abhishek; Anil Kapoor and daughter Sonam, and Javed Akhtar and son Farhan, among others, on the ramp. The designer behind the creations flaunted by the celebrities was M a n i s h Malhotra.

Kalki, Anurag file for divorce

Is Sunny Leone too hot to handle for Ram Kapoor?

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f there is one Bollywood hottie who can drive any one crazy, then it has to be our sultry siren Sunny Leone. While we all swear for Sunny's hotness quotient and also know how she can make men go weak in their knees, this time around its TV's hottest and most sought-after celebrity Ram Kapoor's turn to get tantalized by sassy Sunny!

Well, in the upcoming film “Kuch Kuch Locha Hai,” whose trailer has just released, Ram Kapoor, who plays a 45-year old married rich Gujarati businessman Pravin Patel, gets swayed by Sunny's constant sexy antics! From skimpy bikinis to flaunting assets or seducing in

Marilyn Monroe style or dancing a la Dimple Kapadia style (like she did in the romantic number 'Jane Do Na' from the film “Saagar”), Sunny, who essays the character of a movie star, turns the heat on and almost makes Ram drool over her!

While the Indo Canadian adult star is quite in her elements, soars the temperature high and is at her seductive best, it is quite amazing and surprising to see a shell-shocked Ram Kapoor in a shy yet sex-maniac avatar (a never-before seen one)!

What makes it all the more interesting is the fun chemistry of unforthcoming Ram, who gets provoked by the bold and sensual Sunny! Seems like Sunny is too hot to handle for Ram! Well looking at the comic performances, and an ensemble of talented actors like Sunny Leone, Ram Kapoor, Navdeep Chhabra and Evelyn Sharma, the film is sure to set the summer heat soaring on May 8, 2015.

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ctress Kalki Koechlin, who separated from her husband filmmaker Anurag Kashyap in 2013, has now filed for a divorce and expects to get it soon. Kalki, who made her Bollywood debut in Kashyap's 2009 hit movie “Dev D,” tied the knot with him in 2011.

In a recent interview Kalki said that though she was a little disoriented with regards to their relationship till last year, now things are much clear between them. She also confirmed that they have finally decided to get a divorce and expect to get it soon.

Anurag and Kalki who had shared a healthy marriage, were often heard talking about their friendship after the news of their separation was reported. Kalki was quoted saying that she would do another film with Kashyap if she had a chance. Similarly Kashyap, who appeared on 'Koffee with Karan' in the year 2014 was all praise for his wife Kalki.

Soon rumours suggesting that Huma Qureshi led to Anurag-Kalki's separation started doing the rounds. But these rumours were later rubbished by Kalki herself.

Amitabh gets Honorary Anushka spends time with Abhishek to do cameo in 'Oh My God!' part 2 is Doctorate from Egypt Virat Kohli in Delhi wife Aishwarya’s ‘Jazbaa’ going to be made

B

ollywood superstar A m i t a b h Bachchan, who was on a three-day trip to Egypt, received an H o n o r a r y Doctorate from the prestigious Egyptian Academy of Arts for his contribution to cinema.

Big B, 72, said the Doctorate signifies that Indian cinema and its various techniques have gone beyond Indian shores.

“Culture is the soft power of the state and should be used to convert enemies into friends,” said Bachchan during the ceremony, held in Sayyed Darwish Hall, Giza. “Egypt and Egyptian people have always been my dearest friends and shall continue to be so for my entire life time,” he added. Bachchan was received at the entrance of the hall with an Egyptian folkloric dance show, performed by students of the Academy.

S

A

nushka Sharma and her cricketer boyfriend Virat Kohli were in Delhi to attend Suresh Raina’s wedding, which took place on Friday (April 3). According to a report, during their stay in the capital, Anushka visited the Kohli residence in Meera Bagh and spent some time with Virat’s family. The couple was also spotted enjoying dinner at a high-end restaurant in Delhi. Virat and Anushka were recent victims of the Twitterati’s wrath, when the actress was blamed for Kohli’s dismal performance at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

anjay Gupta's action film “Jazbaa” is special in m a n y ways.

It not only marks the comeback of actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, but also features her husband and actor Abhishek Bachchan in a special role. The film’s director took to micro-blogging site Twitter to share the news. Sanjay Gupta tweeted: The duo showed their chemistry in the film “Guru”, which garnered plaudits and in Mani Ratnam’s “Raavan”, which failed to sizzle at the box office.

Earlier, Gupta used the social media platform to announce the release date of the film which also stars Irrfan Khan, Shabana Azmi, Abhimanyu Singh and Atul Kulkarni.

The date which has been locked for the film is October 9.

P

aresh Rawal, after his critically acclaimed role in OMG!, will soon be seen in another religion-based film “Dharam Sankat Mein.”

At a recent interview, Paresh Rawal said, "My role in OMG! is different. OMG! has nothing to do with 'Dharam Sankat Mein.'

Understand that first. Because OMG! part 2 is going to be made." Speaking about his role in the movie Dharam Sankat Mein,” Paresh said, "About my role in this movie - Dharam Pal Trivedi is my character name. He suddenly realizes that he isn't a Hindu, but a Muslim.

His father is someone else. The story is about the journey of this boy to meet his father." "The message of the movie is that we are human before being a Hindu/ Muslim," Paresh Rawal said.

30

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Jeremy Clarkson: Police end 'fracas' inquiry North Yorkshire Police have said there is "no need for further action" against Jeremy Clarkson following an inquiry into the Top Gear "fracas".

The force said although BBC TV producer Oisin Tymon did not wish for police action on his behalf, it still had to make "routine enquiries".

It added that now all the interviews were complete, it "would not be pursuing this matter any further".

Mr Tymon was punched by Clarkson at a hotel last month.

The attack occurred following a row over a lack of hot food after a day's filming.

Mr Tymon suffered swelling and a split lip in the assault on 4 March and visited a hospital A&E department for his

Jeremy Clarkson

Oisin Tymon

injuries.

The incident came to light after Clarkson reported himself to the BBC's director of television, Danny Cohen.

"North Yorkshire Police has now completed its routine enquiries following the incident at Hawes involving Mr Jeremy Clarkson," the force said.

"Last week...

Mr Tymon said he did not

wish the police to take action on his behalf.

However, at that point we still needed to speak to some members of the public who were present at the time of the incident, who had been affected by the event, and whose views also needed to be considered.

"Now that all the interviews are complete, we have properly established that there is no need for

further police action."

Clarkson was suspended by the BBC on 10 March before it announced on 25 March his contract on Top Gear would not be renewed.

More than a million fans signed a petition to reinstate the presenter, but BBC director general Tony Hall said "a line has been crossed" and "there cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another".

Top Gear is watched by some 350 million viewers worldwide and is one of the BBC's biggest properties - with overseas sales worth an estimated £50m a year.

The BBC has said the show will continue without Clarkson, however it is unclear whether co-presenters James May and Richard Hammond will remain.

As many as 100 teachers and assistants from schools across Britain are all set to get the sack for trying to propagate extremist Islamist views through both the curriculum and the way schools were run.

A "Trojan Horse" plot in Birmingham was unearthed that had put schools under pressure illegally to segregate classrooms and change teaching to reflect radical Islamic beliefs.

UK's National College

for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL), the teachers' watchdog had confirmed "concerted Islamic efforts" to infiltrate at least six schools in Birmingham.

Ofsted also confirmed that its investigation had confirmed that attempts had been made to "alter their character in line with the Islamic faith", including side-lining parts of the curriculum and attempting to influence the appointment of Muslim staff.

Investigations are looking at allegations that an al-Qaeda style video was copied in one of the

schools where teachers punished children by making them kneel on tiles.

As many as 50 teachers have also been identified for exchanging messages with homophobic content, offensive comments about British soldiers, claims that the murder of soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich was a hoax and discussion of segregating boys and girls.

Britain's home minister Theresa May recently called for tougher rules to tackle Islamic extremism in schools and asked why action was not taken sooner.

Britain to sack teachers and assistants for 'propagating' extreme Islamist view in classrooms

Coming Events

l Living a "Designer" Hindu Life - Hindu Sevika Samiti – Celebrating 40 Years Hindu Sevika Samiti is a Hindu women’s organization with 34 Branches in the UK. They conduct various activities ranging from physical based activities such as yoga, games and sports to intellectual activities of discussions, debates and talks. Event: Living a "Designer" Hindu Life Date: Saturday 11th April 2015 Venue: Shree Swaminarayana Temple, Stanmore, London, HA7 4LF from 4pm - 6pm followed by Dinner Chief Guest: Respected Shantakka - President of Rastra Sevika Samiti (largest Hindu women’s organisation, India) For more information contact Miss Kirti Vekriya Email:pr@samiti.org.uk Mobile:07920 529 722 Website:www.samiti.org.uk

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Venus continues to favour your love life. If you are still seeking the ideal partner, things are definitely looking up. An increase in your social life is likely to bring you in touch with someone attractive.

At work you need greater flexibility as well as a degree of patience. Do not step on any one's toes.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21

Sun and Mercury stimulates your solar eleventh house. This surrounds your long-term goals, friendships, and group affiliations. This could test a friendship, or a friend may experience a little crisis and ask for your help. You could suddenly find yourself amongst people through no choice of your own.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

Don't get over- anxious if you feel that you're being kept in the dark. You will probably find that worries have been unfounded. Although you may be faced with a difficult decision concerning your career or employment, this is not the time to hide. Don't waste time if you can improve matters.

Sun and Mercury activate your solar ninth house.

Matters of personal philosophy, faith, travel, and the higher mind may be in store. This could manifest, for example, as a surprising adventure that takes you beyond your normal routine, a sudden opportunity to travel or for higher learning, and other such possibilities.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

0Sun and Mercury activate your solar eighth house. Issues surrounding intimate matters, joint finances and resources, or financial support may be in store. This could manifest as, for example, the paying off of a loan, the loss of financial support, a change in your spouse's status and other such possibilities. Do not allow your emotions to cloud your judgement when making financial decisions.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 Sun and Mercury activate your solar seventh house. There will be a lot of things that need to be dealt with regarding partnerships and relationships. There are decisions to be made if something that has been bothering you and comes to light. Whatever you decide now, will impact your future.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 As Mars and Venus transit your seventh house, you have a greater need than usual to be in a relationship. The emphasis is on "us" rather than "me". Social interactions of a personal nature are highlighted. This is likely to be an extremely busy time for most of you. Use tact and diplomacy in your dealing, otherwise you are likely to come across as over confident and egotistical.

l Hanuman Chalisa: Sunday 12th April 2015 11am5pm Venue: Social Club Hall, Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow, HA1 3UJ Opposite Car Park 3 and 186 Bus Stop. Sponsored by: Sunitaben Manglani and family.

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You can expect a lively and varied time ahead.

Communications will be free and easy, making this an excellent time to deal with important matters.

Also, you'll find that people you meet, perhaps especially newcomers, will be a stimulating influence and may encourage you to dabble in new interests.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

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SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Health is an important area that you will take seriously. It is likely that you may embark on a course of physical exercise and diet. It could be quite a difficult week psychologically with increased danger of misunderstandings arising and not being able to see the wood from the trees. Try to be diplomatic.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

After a period of relative inactivity, you are coming out of your shell, ready to perform and to express yourself creatively. This is a very progressive period of the year, when you are inspired emotionally. You take more pride in your love affairs, your children, and your hobbies and are generally very sociable and make friends easily.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

You can expect a sustained and quite hectic flow of visitors to contribute greatly to a very buoyant atmosphere. If you are ambitious, this promises to be an important time in your life. You are likely to get the lucky breaks and reach a wider audience no matter what your aims.

Sun and Mercury stimulate your solar second house. Your sector of personal finances is involved.

Something that has been bothering you comes to light, or there is a significant fruition or culmination.

This could be to do with a money-making opportunity, and other such possibilities.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

Sania - Hingis win Miami Open title

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Sania Mirza achieved yet another career milestone by capturing her 25th WTA doubles title as the Indian ace continued her dream start with Martina Hingis to win the Miami Open trophy on Sunday.

The top seeded IndoSwiss pair overcame a sluggish start to take the title with a 7-5, 6-1 scoreline against second seeded Russian team of Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina. Sania is now within touching distance of the world No.1 ranking in doubles - just 145 points off the joint No.1 Italians Sara Errani and Roberta Vinici.

Sania and Hingis were trailing 2-5 in the opening set but regrouped and turned the tables on their fierce opponents by reeling off eight games in a row. They had beaten the same Russian team to win

Martina Hingis and Sania Mirza and we were panicking. It the Indian Wells - their was like, 'Oh my God, first title together. we're not playing well.' We It has been an absolute just weren't used to that," dream start for Sania and Sania said after the match.

Hingis as they are yet to Djoko beats Murray in lose a set since they began final their partnership. "We just World No. 1 Novak tried to keep telling each Djokovic continued his other to enjoy the strugimpressive run of form, gle. Last week everything winning the Miami Open came very, very easily to over Andy Murray 7-6 (7us - we didn't lose more 3), 4-6, 6-0 at Key than four games in a set.

Biscayne on Sunday. The Over here we were down,

victory followed Djokovic's triumphs at the Australian Open and Indian Wells and was the Serb's fifth title at Miami.

He has now beaten Murray in 10 straight matches on hard courts and has an 18-8 overall record against the Scot.

The contest was captivating for two sets but after Djokovic broke in the first game of the final set, he never looked back.

“It was brutal. Very warm.

I was prepared for a physical battle but it's one thing to prepare and another thing to experience it on court,” said Djokovic. “It is not the first time I have had this kind of battle with Andy.

As I was expecting, there were very long rallies and I just managed to play the third set as I was supposed to. I am thrilled with this win.”

Saina knocked out, set to lose No. 1 rank

Saina Nehwal is set to relinquish her No 1 ranking after ending on the losing side in a gruelling encounter with Olympic champion Li Xuerui in the semifinals of the $500,000 Malaysia Open Super Series.

When the semifinals got underway, there was not much interest about who would reach the final.

Saina, after all, was the newly-crowned world No.1 who had ended the Chinese Olympic champion's long reign over the world rankings. When the two met at the Putra Stadium last week, it was more a fight for supremacy over the women's singles rankings.

At the end of a onehour-seven-minute con-

Saina Nehwal

test - quite long by badminton standards - and after treating the crowd to some scintillating action in the middle, a half-fit Xuerui prevailed over Saina 13-21, 21-17, 22-20.

The margin of victory may be very small but the manner in which Xuerui won, slicing Saina's lead in slow and steady fashion, and the way she beat

fatigue and pain in her right leg before emerging triumphant, will have enhanced the battered morale of the Chinese contingent.

The victory may also be enough to reclaim the No.1 rank. But Xuerui has to do well in next week's Singapore Open to remain on top.

The defending champi-

on will now square up against world champion Carolina Marin of Spain in the summit clash. Marin downed two-time All England champion Shixian Wang of China in straight games 21-17, 2422.

The loss will rattle Saina a bit but she can take a number of positives from this Malaysian sojourn.

The fact that she played a mentally draining All England and India Open in the last three weeks must have affected her. It is learnt that she is taking a break by pulling out from next week's Singapore Open. The break will surely help her to rectify a few flaws and stay fresh.

Golden chance for Jonathan Trott to book place in England squad

Jonathan Trott has got an opportunity to play his 50th test and make a comeback to England squad and Alastair Cook's latest opening partner in test cricket as he has been selected to play in the warm-up match against West Indies. Trott appears to have edged ahead of Adam Lyth to open with Cook against a St Kitts & Nevis Invitational XI as England play the first of two two-day warm-up matches before the first Test against West Indies.

Trott batted with Cook in preparation for the match and has been lined up to open with the captain ever since batting well on the Lions tour in January. He now has an opportunity to play his 50th Test in Antigua on April 13.

Cook is confident Trott is ready to return to international cricket 18

Jonathan Trott

months after fearing his career was over when he flew home from Brisbane looking mentally exhausted by the challenge of facing Mitchell Johnson. "He was in a bad place in Brisbane and at the time I would have been surprised that he'd come back, but it's a huge credit to the work he's done off the field and the effort he's put in," said Cook.

Trott has done everything possible to make his England return a real-

ity, scoring runs for Warwickshire and on a Lions tour to South Africa in January. Work with renowned sports psychologist Stephen Peters has helped repair the mental scars caused by the last Ashes tour, but England are still gambling on his recall.

His problems started against Johnson in the summer of 2013 as technical faults against the pace and angle of the leftarmer emerged. They have not been tested

again as Trott has not faced anyone of Johnson’s pace but that will change this summer with Trent Boult, Johnson and Mitchell Starc set to face England.

"I am (confident), but you don't know 100 per cent until he's put out in the environment - that is always unknown," said Cook. "There's a lot of things about selection that are unknown until you're put into the pressure cooker of international cricket and, make no mistake, it's a highintensity environment, there's no doubt about that. But Trotty's done everything we've asked of him. He feels confident in himself and he's just looking forward to taking that next step. What we do know is he's a quality player. You don't have his stats and that weight of runs behind you without being a quality player.”

SPORT WORLD

Indian cricketer Pujara joins county champs Yorkshire

31

With veteran Pakistani batsman Younis Khan pulling out of his proposed move to Headingley, England's county cricket champions Yorkshire have signed Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara as their overseas player. The Pakistan international agreed to a return to the White Rose on a short-term deal in February, but he has now said that he would be unable to turn down a possible call to tour Bangladesh with Pakistan. Yorkshire's director of cricket Martyn Moxon said that they have moved quickly to bring in Pujara, who has scored 8,724 first-class runs at an average of 57.01, and added that the Indian batsman is a superb player. Moxon said that Pujara is an outstanding young Test cricketer, who is hungry to perform in the English game, adding that in the brief conversations he has had with the Indian batsman, he is very much looking forward to be joining Yorkshire and being part of their plans.

IPL 2015 Match Schedule

Date Apr 08 Apr 09 Apr 10 Apr 11 Apr 11 Apr 12 Apr 12 Apr 13 Apr 14 Apr 14 Apr 15 Apr 16 Apr 17 Apr 18 Apr 18 Apr 19 Apr 19 Apr 20 Apr 21 Apr 22 Apr 22 Apr 23 Apr 24 Apr 25 Apr 25 Apr 26 Apr 26 Apr 27 Apr 28 Apr 29 Apr 30 May 01 May 01 May 02 May 02 May 03 May 03 May 04 May 04 May 05 May 06 May 07 May 08 May 09 May 09 May 10 May 10 May 11 May 12 May 13 May 14 May 15 May 16 May 16 May 17 May 17 May 19 May 20 May 22 May 24

Match Details Kolkata vs Mumbai, Chennai vs Delhi Punjab vs Rajasthan Chennai vs Hyderabad Kolkata vs Bangalore Delhi vs Rajasthan Mumbai vs Punjab Bangalore vs Hyderabad Rajasthan vs Mumbai Kolkata vs Chennai Punjab vs Delhi Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Mumbai vs Chennai Hyderabad vs Delhi Punjab vs Kolkata Rajasthan vs Chennai Bangalore vs Mumbai Delhi vs Kolkata Rajasthan vs Punjab Hyderabad vs Kolkata Bangalore vs Chennai Delhi vs Mumbai Rajasthan vs Bangalore Mumbai vs Hyderabad Chennai vs Punjab Kolkata vs Rajasthan Delhi vs Bangalore Punjab vs Hyderabad, Kolkata vs Delhi Bangalore vs Rajasthan Chennai vs Kolkata Delhi vs Punjab Mumbai vs Rajasthan Bangalore vs Kolkata Hyderabad vs Chennai Punjab vs Mumbai Rajasthan vs Delhi Chennai vs Bangalore Kolkata vs Hyderabad Mumbai vs Delhi Bangalore vs Punjab Rajasthan vs Hyderabad Chennai vs Mumbai Kolkata vs Punjab Delhi vs Hyderabad Mumbai vs Bangalore Chennai vs Rajasthan Hyderabad vs Punjab Delhi vs Chennai Punjab vs Bangalore Mumbai vs Kolkata Hyderabad vs Bangalore Punjab vs Chennai Rajasthan vs Kolkata Bangalore vs Delhi Hyderabad vs Mumbai, IPL 2015 Qualifier 1 IPL 2015 Eliminator IPL 2015 Qualifier 2 IPL 2015 Final

Time 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM 8:00 PM

City Kolkata Chennai Pune Chennai Kolkata Delhi Mumbai Bengaluru Ahmedabad Kolkata Pune Mumbai Mumbai Visakhapatam Pune Ahmedabad Bengaluru Delhi Ahmedabad Visakhapatam Bengaluru Delhi Ahmedabad Mumbai Chennai Kolkata Delhi Mohali Kolkata Bengaluru Chennai Delhi Mumbai Bengaluru Hyderabad Mohali TBC Chennai Kolkata Mumbai Bengaluru TBC Chennai Kolkata Raipur Mumbai Chennai Hyderabad Raipur Mohali Mumbai Hyderabad Mohali TBC Bengaluru Hyderabad TBC TBC TBC Kolkata

32

Continued from page 1

Mahendra Singh Dhoni signed the MCC Spirit of Cricket pledge to start IPL 8 formally in front of Ravi Shastri before they posed for a formal group photo.

Bollywood then took centrestage with Haider actor Shahid making an entry in a motorcycle to the tunes of local hero Bappi Lahiri.

"Rain or shine the celebration will continue that's how we love our cricket. Now we have a new season apart from monsoon, summer, winter and spring and that's the season of IPL," the anchor of the show, Saif Ali Khan, said in his opening address.

The Omkara star called out the captains of the eight franchises as the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, JP Duminy and George Bailey

SPORT

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 11th April 2015

Glitzy start to IPL 2015

walked onto the dais.

But it was the trio of Dhoni, Kohli and Gambhir who received the biggest applause as firecrackers lit up the Kolkata sky.

The ceremony began after an one hour and 30 minutes delay with a traditional Rabindra Sangeet rendition of 'Ananda Loke'. The first match in this season will be between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians on Wednesday.