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VOL 41. ISSUE 32

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Let noble thoughts come to us from every side First & Foremost Asian Weekly in Europe 15th December to 21st December 2012

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PM David Cameron and Lord Tebbit acknowledge the contributions of Ugandan Asians

Lord Tebbit

Story on page 8 4

Asian immigrants prospering despite tight controls Theresa May lambasts immigrants in first speech since release of new census data

Despite Britain’s dangerously low birth rate and shrinking workforce, Theresa May, Home Secretary, has lambasted the immigration figures released on Tuesday’s census announcement, blaming immigrants for “a 10% increase in British house prices.”

The surge of Indians, among others, arriving in Britain over the last 10 years has been described by the Home Secretary as a barrier to “turning the place where you live into a real community. The pace of

stituencies will decide the fate of big-wigs like Keshubhai Patel, BJP's RC Faldu and Congress' Arjun Modhwadia.

Till 11am, voter turnout was a moderate at 18%, but in the following two hours, it increased to 38%. Even after noon, long queues were seen outside Continued on page 26

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The Gujarat Assembly elections 2012 had drawn up an impressive voterturnout on Thursday. In the first phase of polling across Saurashtra, South Gujarat and other places recorded 68 per cent voting, said state additional Chief Electoral officer Ashok Manek. The first phase across 87 con-

Theresa May

change brought by mass immigration makes this impossible to achieve.”

She went on to say: “Besides the economic costs and benefits, the social consequences of immigration are ignored, but these are often what bother the public the most.” Mrs May also decried the negative impact immigrants have had on: “the transport system, the NHS, number of school places and the availability and cost of housing.”

The divisive and nationalist nature of this message is seen as unprecedented, but expected, following the revelations of the 2011

    

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c e n s u s results.

T h e y showed that the number of foreign born residents in England and Wales h a s increased from under 9 percent in 2001 to nearly 14 percent in 2011, dominated by Indians, who saw a rise of over 200,000 in their numbers to 700,000 non-UK born Indians.

The number of Pakistani born people were up by 200,000 as well, but the number of Poles saw the fastest rise in the ten years to 2011, from 50,000 to nearly 600,000 Polish born individuals living in the UK. Addressing these numbers, Alp Mehmet, from Migration Watch, said the figures showed: “how absolutely essential it is that we bring immigration under control."

Continued on page 9

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Sitar maestro Pt Ravi Shankar passes away Sitar maestro and composer Pandit Ravi Shankar, one of India's most loved and best known musicians, died in the US on Tuesday. He was 92. He had been admitted to the Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, San Diego last Thursday after he complained of breathing difficulties.

He breathed his last at 4.30 p.m. on Tuesday.

He is survived by his wife Sukanya Rajan and daughters Anoushka and Norah Jones. He also had a son, Shubhendra Shankar, from his first wife Annapurna Devi, who died in 1992.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh described his death as the passing away of an era.

He said in New Delhi that Pandit Ravi Shankar was a "national treasure and global ambassador of India's cultural heritage".

Continued on page 26

Prank that turned sour

Jacintha Saldanha

Story on page 11 Benedict Barboza (centre), 49, husband of Jacintha Saldanha with his children Lisha (left), 14, and Junal (right), 16, in Westminster just before a meeting with Rt Hon Keith Vaz, MP

  

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   

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 

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UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

ONE TO ONE

itics within this academic environment is such a rewarding experience.

Some of our students are working on an I n t e r n a t i o n a l Community Project, which allows them to develop their political research skills by working with London’s local communities.

Keith Vaz MP with

Dr Thomas Moore Dr Thomas Moore is Director of the Undergraduate Programme in Politics and International Relations at the University of Westminster. He has published extensively on international law and geopolitics within international relations. Having completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Sydney and a PhD at the University of Edinburgh, Dr Moore joined the University of Westminster’s world renowned Centre for the Study of Democracy in 2007.

1) Please tell us about your current position?

I am a currently Principal Lecturer and Director of the Politics and International Relations Undergraduate Programme at the University of Westminster. The programme has more than 500 students taking our courses, so my job involves supporting students on a day-to-day basis. I’m happiest when I’m teaching students and getting them to think about world politics in new and exciting ways.

2) What sparked your passion for politics?

My interest in politics developed when I was a teenager, having been involved with youth and community arts in Australia. I grew up in Sydney and my family always talked about questions of justice, especially in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who are some of the most disadvantaged people in Australia. I went to the University of Sydney and studied Government and English Literature, but it was the politics which really got me thinking about the world and made me realise that if we want to improve the world then we need to

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

Hmm, that is a tough question! An academic is asked to juggle teaching, research and administration and it takes some time to get the proper balance right.

Thankfully I’ve been able to get the balance right, but it does take a few years to get on the right track.

6) What are your long term goals? talk about ethical questions in international politics.

3) Please tell us about the Centre for the Study of Democracy.

The Centre for the Study of Democracy is internationally recognised for developing innovative approaches to the study and practice of democracy, both in the UK and in different parts of the world.

We have an international reputation for excellence in political and democratic theory and international politics, and for looking at the relationship between

democracy and Islam. We recently hosted His Holiness the Dalai Lama who talked to our community on the ‘Values of Democracy and Tibet’.

4) The University is renowned for its diversity - what advantage does this give you over other institutions?

When you come to study at Westminster you really have the benefit of working in an international environment. Our students and staff come from all over the world and teaching international pol-

I’m very happy at the University of Westminster and see myself staying here for some time yet! But I’d love to have a bit more time to pursue my research and publish my ideas on war, violence and justice.

7) If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change?

Am I allowed two? If so, my short-term goal would be to reverse the damage done to the UK’s higher education sector by the new visa regime

that affects international students who genuinely want to study in the United Kingdom. We need to make it easy for students from different parts of the world to participate in the UK’s knowledge sector. My long-term goal would be to address questions of inequality in the world by introducing a global resource tax which would be used to address unequal access to health and education in different parts of the world.

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

I would assemble a ‘motely crew’ of people, including Sir Thomas More, John Stuart Mill and Australia’s current Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Thomas More’s Utopia is one of my favourite political books and it really irks me to think of his terrible treatment under Henry VIII! I love the writings of John Stuart Mill, as he was one of the most eloquent defenders of freedom and his writings on the equality of women were so important for debates about equality today. I love Australia’s Julia Gillard and believe that she has made Australia a better place for demanding that corporations who pollute the environment pay something back to their community.

Raise a ‘toast’ to a cause

Indrani Thakurata

It wasn’t like any other fashion show, and it wasn’t like any other evening.

The evening was energetic, to say the least. A fashion show with a heart, some delectable snacks, and soulful music were the key ingredients that made it so ‘special’.

“The chakra bracelet for change was created as an offshoot to help raise funds for our charity Shakti Anand trust, an Eco social entrepreneur school for kids where we support and develop business ideas of the kids in Goa. We need to raise 250k and we wish to sell these bracelets, for each one sold raises 150 pounds,” says Shira Bassi, the founder of Shakti Anand trust and a Business executive coach who promotes wellness and success.

“You may be wondering how the name came into being, Shakti is the name of my daughter, who I lost in a miscarriage and Anand is the maiden name of my mother, who I lost to cancer. This is a very personal vision that I want to realize because I believe in it.”

The event was supported by Onitaa, who organized a fashion show, showcasing the essence of couture, Chakra and Golecha Jewels.

Describing the chakra bracelet Shira Bassi says, “Concept energy is found

round the world as chi, Chinese, ki Japanese, Holy Spirit Christianity, all cultures refer to the same foundation of the world’s stage. As Shakespeare said ‘all the worlds a stage, and all the men and women merely players’ truly life is a play so how do you play the 7 games in life? As indicated by the 7 chakras personality, each game distinguishes deep embedded patterns and impressions that shaped

your personality, behaviours that grip you and run your life, those that limit you moment to moment in your life and define what is possible for you and what is not.”

Talking about her life, Shira says, “I have had a journey of an east to west shift being brought up in the UK but of Indian descent and a shift in values from west to east from my personal journey.I trained in city of london as a change management consultant via chartered accountancy training with MBA and project management having graduated Un economics from university of Manchester. Then my own journey of realising importance of people and relating to create change I did executive coaching, leadership, yoga training etc. The biggest effect for me was in consciousness via yoga.”

The author of two books throws light, “Living from the heart is a self-help book available on amazon that has a 40 day program to move from fear to self-love.

My current book is due out by spring next year and is being finalized, ‘Successful Heart

MP Stephen Timms being honoured by TAL members

Telugu Association of London (TAL) recently celebrated its Christmas Celebrations in East Ham, East London on 8th December 2012 bringing together 7 Telugu churches. Nearly 250 Telugu people from all parts of London and nearby counties participated in this event. The chief guest, Honourable M.P. Stephen Timms has

addressed the gathering with Christmas wishes.

Regular church goers from all the seven churches sang carols, performed skits and animated children songs.

Pastors from different churches delivered messages proclaiming the importance of Christ’s Birth in Christmas. This is the first time where many Telugu churches

Leaders’ is a mix of all these values and uses the energy behaviours associated within the astral body in the spinal column as chakra or vortex of energy to identify patterns of behaviours in people and

also has a business model.

There is a personality and business diagnostic tool. I work 1 to 1 on this as a mentor and coach and help people to be effective in their personal and professional lives.”

came together to celebrate Christmas with TAL. This event was organised under the supervision of Bro. Ravi Kumar Mocherla, Bro. Rathnakar Dara Bro. Prabhu Charan Kumbala, and Bro. Daniel Victor Talari. TAL Chairman Sreedhar Vanam greeted the gathering with Christmas and New Year wishes.

Shakti Anand trust is looking to raise 250k by selling chakra bracelets.

Each one sold raises 150 pounds. They can be bought online via eventbrite or ordered by sending them an email.

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

COMMENT

UK economy in doldrums On taking office in June 2010, Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, assured the British people that the government’s austerity budget with its savage cuts in public sector spending was the right medicine for the country’s ballooning fiscal deficit.

His Autumn Statement in November 2012, far from reducing the deficit, has increased it. To raise extra revenue, Mr Osborne has spread the larger tax net to include the already burdened middle classes, who are asked to contribute even more generously to the state treasury than they do already. The current state of the nation’s finances means that the deficit will not start moving downward before 2017, if that. The public debt, which was an astronomical trillion pounds, has also risen.

On the Continent, especially in the Eurozone, which includes, most notably, Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal, the situation has reached breaking point. Germany, head barely above the water, is destined for recession, says the Bundesbank, while France hovers on the brink. In Brussels, there is neither a coherent vision nor a clear strategy to stem the rot. The present Eurozone talking heads confer and issue bombastic declarations of intent, then talk more and still more amidst much pomp and ceremony in a new age theatre of the absurd.

Meanwhile, like the Titanic, the EU ship sinks slowly and only its denizens appear to appreciate the looming catastrophe.

The policy paralysis on the surface, at least, may not be quite as stark in the UK, but the continuing high levels of unemployment, decline in the quality of public services, declining opportunities in university education, and much else besides, is deepening popular discontent.

Who at this stage can say where this will all end. The possible political ramifications could be a game changer of regional or even global significance. Scottish nationalism is now a potent force, and the result of Scotland’s referendum on secession from the UK to full independence can no longer be taken for granted, as it also cannot with Catalonia’s link with Spain. The economic crisis, without doubt, has contributed greatly to this process. What was unthinkable two decades or so ago has appeared on the radar as a looming possibility. The West’s schadenfreude at the dissolution

of the Soviet Union was reflected in Francis Fukuyama’s proclamation that history had ended in the permafrost of enduring American pre-eminence. Delusional triumphalism had blinded Mr Fukuyama and his neo-conservative ilk to the eternal truth that power and its institutions are transient phenomena.

Economics Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz has warned against adopting austerity as a panacea for all our woes. The reality is more complex. Without acceptable levels of employment, greater tax intake, public services that serve the community, and appropriate educational opportunities, the patient, that is society, will wither as will the polity itself. For sure, there must be prudent housekeeping in times of distress, but must this deny life its savour?

Playing the prideful role of a strutting great power entails extraordinary expense, with returns incommensurate with the investment. This means eschewing ill-conceived wars and foreign adventures and their crippling burdens on the nation’s finances. The parallel picture includes the dismantling of Britain’s post-war welfare state, one of the UK’s great institutional achievements. Attuned to a humane vision of the future, it put meritocracy above class privilege and became a model for people everywhere with concerns about social and economic justice. In the absence of such a vision and its supporting values the quality of life is diminished.

The response to the present economic crisis will be more effective and long lasting if it is conceived holistically and not delivered piecemeal.

Looking at a crisis in the early years of the 20th century, Lord Curzon remarked that it was not so much the inadequacy of a particular policy or the fault of any one political party, it was British statesmanship itself that was wanting. Much the same can be said now. Dean Acheson, the US Secretary of State in the Truman administration quipped: “Britain has lost an empire and not found a role.” It is a subject that needs an honest nationwide conversation that extenuates nothing. The emerging pool of wisdom could point to a fresh definition of British interests and the policies best suited to fulfill them. There is no sign of light yet at the end of this long and dark tunnel.

Multi-brand retail passes the test The Indian government’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) bill passed its legislative hurdles when both Houses of Parliament voted in its favour.

The hectic babble has subsided into studied silence, at least for a while. With Akali Dal Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal lauding Congress Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s international eminence as an economist, the ranks of the sundered Opposition may split yet again, leaving its principal component, the BJP, in greater turmoil, since it is aligned with the Akali Dal under the umbrella of the National Democratic Alliance.

There is a distinct possibility, too, that Mr Badal’s Punjab will accept FDI multi-brand retail, as there is more than a whiff of support for it from many of the state’s small farmers who have worked the land to its limits.

Goldman Sachs has opined that foreign direct investment in retail would contribute more to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) than investment in most other sectors. Despite being only 15 per cent of GDP, retail has deep linkages with the local Indian economy. Retail would give a bigger bang for buck.

The economies of scale to follow in the wake of retail investment will enlarge farming units, lead to

fresh capital inflows, strengthen infrastructure, bring technology transfers, increase supply chain efficiencies and significantly improve agricultural productivity in Punjab and the rest of India as part of the same modernization that has transformed (and is transforming) Indian industry.

While the benefits of FDI multi-brand for India should become clear in the fullness of time, its expansion is certain to present opportunities and profitable openings for British business as well: First, mega retail giants like Tesco and Sainsbury (and others) will be able to spread their wings in a thriving market of many millions; second, because deepening economic reform will lead to an exponential increase in trade and investment between India and the UK. When Prime Minister Cameron embarks on his expected visit to India in early 2013 for a summit with Manmohan Singh, his talks will surely be free of the encumbrances of past years.

With India’s economic liberalization on track the way is now open for ever closer British engagement with the subcontinent.

Economic activity should occupy a prime position in the 21st century’s International relationships. Anything that impedes the process is out of sync with spirit of the age.

Joyous event turns to tragedy News that William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were expecting their first child was greeted with joy by the Royal family and by all people of good will across the UK, the Commonwealth and places beyond. The line to the throne has been assured, irrespective of the child’s gender.

The shadow in the TV report was the severe morning sickness suffered by the Duchess. She was duly admitted to hospital. Then tragedy struck. Two Australian disc jockeys operating from a domestic commercial radio station and mimicking the voice of Her Majesty the Queen, telephoned the hospital desk in London to ask after

Kate’s condition. The unsuspecting ward sister passed on the call to another member of staff before the hoax - a serious breach of privacy - was discovered.

Mangalore-born Sister Jacintha Saldanha, the original recipient of the call, distraught at what she perceived to be a failure of duty took her own life.

What started as a joke in poor taste has ended in tragedy. The family of dead woman are devastated by their loss, the pranksters shaken by the consequences of their thoughtless action. The true sadness is that this tragedy need never have occurred. What a waste of a precious life.

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Thought for the Week Doubting everything or believing everything are two equally convenient solutions, both of which save us from thinking -Henri Poincaré (1854-1912)

Political Sketchbook www.PoliticalAnimal.me

Alpesh Patel’s The Debt: Foreign Aid and Trade I write to you from India – in the middle of a trip including Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and the Andaman Islands – all in a week – usually days lasting .

With that schedule, who gets up for school at 0350 on a Saturday – especially after a long long week of work?

Me and a load of school kids. This morning I will visit the kitchens of Akshaya Patra in Bangalore that feed children in schools in India who cannot by other means get the meals they need for a full stomach. Which will otherwise lead them choiceless and probably child labourers. After all, a child that cannot feed itself, has to earn the money for food when poverty is destitution.

I was lucky, God shone his grace upon me and I was born into a family that gave me an education – the best education in the world. But my fellow Indians are not so lucky. So I owe them a debt of honour. This is a real true debt, not just the national debt we hear about in the media. This is a debt of conscience. The debt collectors come every night at bedtime.

So this morning seeing the kitchens in full swing, I will redeem that promise made long long ago to myself aged 12 – that I shall never be less deserving in my studies than all those left behind.

Coming top of my class, top (eventually) in every single exam, and winning prizes, was done because of the sacrifices of others. To repay a debt to them. Was done for all those left behind.

So this past week when I read Britain will not renew its aid to India, the obligation falls even more so on us British Indians. It is no excuse to say we should focus soley on British problems. Just as we are British, we remain Indian. And whilst that gives us the right to complain and whinge and whine about India’s problems, it also gives us the duty and obligation and right to do something about it. To take action. To join a cause, to raise the funds.

If you have a child who does not study, does not appreciate all they have. Bring them here. Show them this. I’ve been privileged to host auctions to raise funds for this charity.

This whole week I’ve posted on Facebook and Twitter about the endless meetings with Indian companies to help them grow from a UK base but keeping their Indian roots and Indianess. It’s not done for economic reasons of UK and Indian growth alone. GDP alone does not feed the soul. It’s done because the entrepreneurs I meet know their social responsibilities. But do they?

Yes, I don’t help those that don’t. Simple. Do I check.

Hell yes. It’s done, because one day, India will again not have malnourished children, not have child labourers, and not need foreign aid. We will do it ourselves.

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

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UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

PM David Cameron and Lord Tebbit acknowledge the contributions of Ugandan Asians Prime Minister David Cameron had recently said that the thousands of Indians and other Asians who arrived in Britain after being expelled from Uganda 40 years ago had made an "extraordinary contribution" to the fabric of British life.

Now a letter from former Cabinet Minister and noted right-wing Conservative Norman Tebbit has revealed his admiration for the success of the Ugandan Asian community in Britain.

Lord Tebbit –who originally opposed the arrival of the Ugandan Asians in the early 1970s and is renowned for his stance on immigration- wrote the letter to Lord Popat ahead of a House of Lords debate last week marking the fortieth anniversary of the expulsion of the Ugandan Asians as he was unable to participate in the debate in person.

Tebbit, famous for introducing the “crickettest” admitted that, “I was opposed to the admission of Ugandan Asians...I now realise that community had been not just enjoying the protection of the Crown but had become to a considerable extend Anglicised.”

“Forty years on it is clear that the Ugandan Asian community has become integrated into Britain and upholds British values and standards which have become rather less respected in some parts of our indigenous population.”

“It is also clear that former Ugandan Asians have made a remarkable contribution to our economy and the Chancellor’s tax revenues and a below average call on his expenditure.”

“So my conclusion is that the admission of those refugees has had an overall positive effect on our country.”

A number of other prominent Peer’s took part in a debate in the House of Lords to both pay tribute to Ugandan Asians for their bravery and their contribution to Britain.

Lord Popat said in the debate that, “so often, our national debate on immigration comes down to numerical details. I would argue that integration is a more important element.

If you are willing to work hard, learn the language and give back to this great nation, most people do not mind about your skin colour or where you come from.”

Speaking on the contribution of Ugandan Asians, Lord Popat said that, “Ugandan Asians have helped transform the fabric of British society...today in Britain, Ugandan Asians play a

Lord Popat

sizeable role in the national economy...Britons with South Asian roots today make up 2.5% of the population but account for 10% of our national output.”

Lord Popat credited the Ugandan Asians with “transforming the shopping experience” for British people, introducing “late-night shopping and Sunday openings.”

Lord Parekh paid tribute to Lord Popat who he said was an excellent example of Ugandan Asians, “he came to this country traumatised and penniless, and is now a successful businessman and a member of your Lordship’s House.”

Lord Parekh also thanked the British public for opening up their homes to complete strangers and congratulated the community for the speed at which they settled down within a completely new environment, “never before in British history has a persecuted group established itself so well in such a short time, without recourse to public resources.”

However, the most important factor which enchanted Lord Parekh was the, “spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation...and for not bearing a grudge against the Ugandan Government.”

Lord David Steel reflected on his own experiences in Kampala at the time, “we watched their jewellery and watches being taken off them...I have never witnessed such scenes of unbridled abusive power.”

Lord Singh spoke on the importance of integration and how the Ugandan Asians were the perfect example of integration with other communities, rather than living segregated and parallel lives.

Lord Cormack perhaps made the most moving

contribution to the debate by mentioning his dear friend Enoch Powell, notably for his anti-immigration stance, “he was not right on everything but then, nor is anyone else.”

Lord Cormack quoted the then Conservative Prime Minister who sanctioned the admittance of Ugandan Asians, “This is our duty.

There can be no equivocation. These are British subjects with British passports.

They are being expelled from their country which in many cases is the land of their birth. They are entitled to come here and they will be welcome here.”

Lord Bach, a former long standing Labour Leicester Councillor, added that Lord Robert Carr, the Home Secretary at the time had said his efforts to persuade the Cabinet to do the right thing and let the Ugandan Asians in was “the proudest part of his political career.”

Similarities between the Ugandan Asian community and the Jewish community were drawn throughout the debate, in terms of their experiences of being persecuted and integrating into British society. Lord Janner, the former Labour MP for Leicester West spoke of the influx of Ugandan Asians moving to Leicester, despite the city warning Asians not to migrate there.

Lord Janner congratulated the Ugandan Asian community in helping to, “save Leicester’s economy by bringing in new ideas...and building up wholesale and retail sectors.”

Lord Bach, added that the Diwali lights on Belgrave Road turning to Christmas lights in December was the perfect example of integration and of two communities living in harmony.

Lord Dykes, the former Conservative MP for Harrow East, spoke of the contribution of Ugandan Asians in the London Borough of Harrow, which was designated a red-star zone for receiving refugees, “the borough was transformed, it was electrified into becoming an interesting, riveting place, not only because the local corner shop stayed open until midnight or even 1pm, but for all the other contributions that this remarkable community has made.”

Lord Bilimoria reflected on the entrepreneurial

                          

Sikh Guardsman to make history

Lord Tebbit

spirit of the Ugandan Asians and declared how the first case of Cobra Beer he sold was to a local corner shop, owned by east African Asians. Lord Bilimoria used the debate to speak on the benefits of immigration, “the Ugandan Asian community has shown clearly and brilliantly that good immigration always been and always will be great for this country.”

Lord Sheikh, a fellow Ugandan Asian who also expelled in 1972 explained that, “General Amin took everything from us except our knowledge and what we had in our heads...Uganda’s loss truly has been Britain’s gain.”

Baroness Warsi, the Senior Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office responded to the debate on behalf of the Government and thanked Lord Popat on securing the historic debate, “Lord Popat has given us the chance to reflect on the enormous contribution of his community-our community-which turned dispossession into opportunity and tragedy into success, a community whom we proudly call the British Ugandan Asians.”

Lord Popat concluded the debate by thanking everyone who had helped the community, from the volunteers at the airport, to Ted Heath and his Cabinet, Her Majesty the Queen for her inspiration and the hundreds of thousands of people for their support.

Before the motion was moved, Lord Popat added that, “Britain is an amazing country. It has been a wonderful home to the Ugandan Asians, who are will always consider themselves proud to be British.”

MP for North West Cambridgeshire Shailesh Vara also started a Commons debate to mark the 40th anniversary of the arrival of Ugandan Asians to the UK on last Thursday.

He said: “Speaking as a whole for the community, there can be no doubt that this is a community that has punched above its

A Sikh Guardsman has made history by becoming the first soldier to guard Buckingham Palace without wearing the traditional bearskin.

Jatenderpal Singh Bhullar, from West Bromwich in West Midlands, was pictured taking part in the Changing of the Guard sporting the turban which his religion requires him to wear at all times. The Scots Guardsman previously said being the first Sikh to mount guard in a turban would be the 'best

thing in his life'.

The 25-year-old said: 'Conducting public duties while being a practising Sikh and wearing my turban is a great honour for me.

'I am very proud to be a member of the Household Division and to be the first Sikh Guardsman to mount guard in a turban will be the best thing in my life, especially as a member of the Scots Guards.

'The regiment is full of history, as is my religion.'

Woman who leapt from a City rooftop suffered from depression A woman leapt to her death from a City rooftop restaurant after a stalker used Facebook information from her profile about her westernised lifestyle to send poison pen letters to her and her parents.

Rema Begum, 29, plunged 80ft from the terrace of Coq d’Argent after sipping a glass of wine and climbing on to a ledge.

She landed in front of horrified workers outside Bank Tube station and died instantly.

She was also suffering depression after losing her manager’s job at the British Library folweight in Britain.

“The Ugandan Asians who have settled here have in the past 40 years truly settled and they’ve truly integrated and become part of the fabric of our nation...”

Mr Vara praised the resilience of those arriving, and said: “Rather than seeing expulsion as life-destroying, they look

lowing a row with her bosses, an inquest at City of London coroner’s court was told on Wednesday.

Miss Begum feared she was living an impure life and as punishment was worried she would not be allowed into paradise.

In her handbag, police found antidepressants, a bottle of vodka and a note containing contact details for her next of kin. Miss Begum’s parents Abdul and Rufia Hakim did not attend the inquest.

Coroner Paul Matthews recorded a suicide verdict. at it as a setback, they picked themselves up and started all over again.

“They took whatever job was available, worked long hours and made a success of their jobs, their lives and a better future for their families.

“And now many of those people employ hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens.”

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

Getting ahead in the corporate world: What holds women back?

To get ahead in today’s corporate world requires a special kind of leadership.

For some British Asians, the thought of being a leader can be an uncomfortable one.

Leading can feel risky, and it can seem easier to follow instead. We are used to working hard and being modest about our achievements. For some, the thought of being in the limelight with so much responsibility can lead to all sorts of worries.

What if we aren’t successful? What might others think of us? These worries can often be rooted in childhood.

In many cases, this immobilises us and gets us to sell ourselves short because of the fear of perception.

Many people believe that to be a good leader you have to be commanding, charismatic and a great orator.

Although these qualities go a long way, they are not the be all and end all of great leadership: “leadership is not the private reserve of a few charismatic men and women. It is a process ordinary people use when they are bringing forth the best from themselves and others” (anon).

Managers manage projects following set processes and to set timescales within a set budget. Whilst leaders also do that, leaders also engage people’s hearts and minds; they enrol people in their ideas and inspire others in what they are passionate about. We’ve all met leaders that are comfortable in their own skin and who know what they stand for.

These leaders exude compassion, candour and humility; they enrol us in their vision because, not only do they know who they are and what they want, but they stand strong in what they believe in.

A lot of the Asian women professionals I have worked with certainly didn’t see themselves as leaders even though they displayed many leadership qualities like being hardworking, driven, empathetic and persistent.

There are certain behaviours that Asian women growing up in a typical Indian family would

have learnt such as to be considerate, manage relationships, many multi-tasking and diplomacy. Whilst these traits are important for business, if we want to see more Asian women in board rooms then more is needed. More willingness to challenge the status quo, more

Sukhy Bains

willingness to ask bold and direct questions, more expression of well thought-out opinions, decisions and passions that show that we are not willing to sit on the fence about important issues. However, to achieve this we must begin to understand and overcome the influence of certain cultural patterns in our formative years.

Growing up, generally young Asian girls are less encouraged than others to be assertive. Speaking out, challenging conventional wisdom or being unconcerned about what others think are not common traits.

They probably wouldn’t have been encouraged as much as men, to aspire to senior positions in fear of it getting in the way of family commitments, and they would have been expected to display a greater degree of modesty than their peers This in turn would affect how they see themselves and their future, which would affect their aspirations and their self-belief and how they convey themselves as managers and leaders in the workplace.

This is compounded by the fact that there is a real dearth of senior Asian women role models. Is it really possible to be successful in your career and still be able to honour your family commitments because in Asian families? The answer is yes; many women already do it, whether they are visible to us or not. Asian women earn 17% less than their white female

counterparts according to the Fawcett Society, and women in general earn 11% less than their male counterparts.

Being achievementfocused is important in our culture, but often we can work tremendously hard, driven by our desire to succeed, we forget to smell the roses on the way. We forget to respect and look after ourselves and those we love; we simply forget to enjoy the journey.

Success, they say, comes at a Often price. people don’t realise the price they are paying until things start to go horribly wrong. As wonderful as the value of achieving financial success is in the Asian culture, we have to be careful that it doesn’t have a detrimental effect on us and the important relationships in our lives.

The price isn’t just about an imbalance of time, energy and focus.

It’s much more than that; it’s a question of integrity. When we live our lives with integrity, we are always honest with ourselves. We let our actions speak for who we are and what we believe in. We make these right choices all of the time even when no one is watching and even when it’s an unpopular one and goes against the norm.

This can be hard for some of us, but the payoff for conducting ourselves with this integrity is not only do we show up as the authentic and ethical leaders, but we feel happier within ourselves and end up being inspiring role models to our peers, family, friends, future generations and all we meet.

S u k h y B ai n s i s a m e m b e r o f t h e C H N. The CHN is a L o n d o n - b a s e d o r g a n i sa t i o n w h i c h i s r o o t e d i n p r o g re s si v e H i n d u p h i l o so ph y a n d v a l u e s , a n d encourages networking amongst its members, wh o are principally London-based prof e s s i o n a l s . Y o u c an become a m ember or find out more at www.cityhindusne twork.org.uk.

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Asian leaders say “No” to gay marriage

The government’s proposed legislation to make same sex marriage legal in England and Wales is to include an ‘opt-in’ system for religious institutions to take part in gay and lesbian ceremonies. There will also be a change to the Equalities Act to protect them from legal challenges on human rights grounds if they choose to optout.

However, the bill will forbid the Church of England from conducting marriages for same-sex couples, and there are stringent bans on individual places of worship that may carry out the ceremonies. Any religious congregation will have to get their sect’s umbrella organisation to notify authorities of its intention to hold such ceremonies, or face invalidation of the marriages.

Several religious organisations, including Liberal Judaism, Quakers and Unitarians, have already expressed their desire to be able to conduct gay marriages, but the Council of Indian Muslims (CIM), the Hindu Forum of Britain (HFB) and the Network of Sikh Organisations (NS) have strongly rejected the idea of mosques, temples and gurdwaras in Britain allowing same-sex marriages to take place on their premises.

CIM Chairman, Munaf Zeena, said: “It is clear that in Islam marriage between people of the same sex is prohibited. Despite the attempts by some Muslims and non-Muslims like Jack Straw MP who want to argue otherwise, a ‘Nikaah’ performed in a mosque between same sex partners will not be seen as valid by the Muslim community at large.”

He added that: “It is highly unlikely that mosques will support same sex marriages taking place in their premises; there would be strong opposition to it. It will be seen as an attack on the

Boy arrested for tormenting Muslim family A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of tormenting a Muslim family by putting a crucifix of ham outside their home.

The teenager is accused of waging a campaign of racial abuse against the terrified family as well as targeting a business with racist graffiti and throwing bricks at an Indian restaurant.

The first incident on August 11 this year saw racist graffiti scrawled on the Signor Pepper restaurant in Market Place, Bingham, near Nottingham. On October 31 bricks were also thrown at a neighbouring curry house, and on November 20 a Muslim family had a flaming cross put on their doorstep.The same family were targeted again on December 3 when a 32year-old woman was racially abused as she walked down the street.

In a further attack, the family had misspelt graffiti scrawled on their driveway which read: 'Fuk Allah' The boy was arrested and last Friday was released on bail pending further inquiries.

House of Allah and against the teachings of Islam.”

HFB President, Arjan Vekaria, also opined that: “The opposite sex of those involved in marriage is emphasised, with no room for doubts, by the (marriage) rituals that go with them.

The purpose of the sacred ceremony of marriage is actual procreation.”

In addition Lord Singh, head of the NSO, made clear in March this year that: “The law is being changed for no real gain as they already get civil partnership. It is an assault on religion to say ‘we can dilute your beliefs and values’, and while Sikh scriptures do not condemn homosexuality, the pursuit of equality shouldn’t distort another’s beliefs.”

There is broad support for the bill among Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs, as well as the Prime Minister, who said last week: ”I don't want gay people to be excluded from the great institution of marriage. But if there is any church, synagogue or any mosque that doesn't want to have a gay marriage it will not.”

Furthermore, in a leaked letter this week, Baroness Warsi, the Minister of Faith, asked Culture Secretary Maria Miller for clarification on the protection that places of worship will receive if they refuse to undertake same-sex marriage, and what legal support would be available if there was a legal challenge following such a refusal.

There are currently only six EU countries out of 17 that allow full rights to gay and lesbian couples to get married, in addition to nine American states. In the UK, a survey by pollsters YouGov earlier this year showed that 78 percent of people think Britain is tolerant towards homosexuals. Only 37 percent disagreed with the Church of England’s exclusion of gay and lesbian matrimony on their premises.

Notice to the readers To provide the readers an extensive and exclusive coverage of Gujarat's forthcoming election (17th December. Result 20th December), the subscribers of Asian Voice in the coming week, (22nd December issue) will receive their newspaper on Saturday or the following Monday instead of the usual Thursdays.

    

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         

    

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UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

A logo doesn’t make a brand

By Spriha Srivastava

Can we “Reclaim India”?

“Do we believe India and its citizens are free in every respect? Do we feel angry, frustrated and embarrassed about the daily dose of news about scandals, corruption and lawlessness that comes out of India? Do we feel India has the potential to do a LOT better? Do we feel there was a way we could make a difference?

And alter at least a little the seemingly irreversible decline of a great nation.

Do we wonder how?”

Such were the questions addressed on December 6th at a gathering in London of likeminded Indian professionals, organized by the Freedom Team of India (FTI), a forum for policy, strategy and leadership development to promote the freedom of Indian citizens.

The event, aptly titled "Reclaiming India - what can we do as Indians away from home?" was attended by a number of NRIs from different parts of London and around to discuss India’s governance, its problems and the solutions needed.

The event was organised by Anil Sharma, Lalatendu Dash, Shantanu Bhagwat and Vikram Balan, the representatives of FTI in London. The gathering took place in the lovely premises of Chowki restaurant in West-end.

We Indians love to mix our food and political discussions, such has been the case for a long long time. And this was another occasion where food and politics went hand in hand.

But before going ahead with what happened through the discussions that evening, let’s get to know a bit about FTI. I am sure a lot of us would have probably heard the name of this team for the first time. In their own words, “We are a group of ordinary Indians who believe that India has the potential to become a truly world-class country.

There are many people like us, disillusioned and frustrated with the inefficient and inadequate governance systems of India.

We believe that, if given a platform, these people would dedicate their energies to the task of re-

building India in the image of a modern, prosperous and just society.

This platform, built with great diligence over the past three years is known as “Freedom Team of India”. Our goal is to make India the world’s Sone Ki Chidiya. FTI members include, among others, a former civil servant, a diplomat, senior armed force officials, CEOs, professionals in engineering and medicine, and young budding thinkers. Many members have graduated from the world’s elite academic institutions including

evening’s event, apart from discussions on the way ahead, the focus was also on an outreach programme that one of the FTI members, Shantanu Bhagwat, is planning to do next year. The outreach effort has been planned in semi-urban and rural India.

According to Bhagwat, “This effort will mainly focus on "Ask" and "Share"."Ask" - and find out about the major concerns & political matters that bother our fellow citizens living in these areas as well as get insights on politics and top-of-mind

FTI members with Sanjeev Sabhlok, the founder.

IITs, IIMs and London School of Economics.”

A crucial point differentiating FTI from other such initiatives is the willingness of all the members to be part of the political process, in due course of time. The group founded in June 2009 recently organised an All India Policy Writing Competition and has raised a total of INR 5 lakhs with contributions from Indian citizens in India and abroad. The competition, awarding INR 5 lakhs in prize money, including an INR 1 lakh first prize, is targeted towards university students, policy experts and policy think tanks across India. The first of its kind, the competition will help FTI formulate its own policies for the problems facing India. Policy submissions are sought in relation to basic roles of government like defence, police and justice, as well as broader topics like economic policy, local government, infrastructure, and poverty elimination, to name a few.

The competition was launched on November 15, 2012 and the last date for submission is February 28, 2013. All the other details are available on the website http://freedomteam.in/po licy Coming back to the

issues.

"Share" and explain how the right "system" and right "incentive mechanisms" (& not just "good people") are needed to fight evils like corruption that plague India and get their support in spreading the message of liberal policies, smaller government and economic freedom to a wider audience. A positive side-effect that I anticipate from this outreach is the opportunity to connect with independent candidates & other like-minded people in the region.”

Bhagwat plans to visit to 4-5 cities/towns in north India to conduct meetings, talks, discussions and general outreach activities over a period of 5-7 day. While the dates are not final yet, there are indications that this will take off in March/April 2013. FTI members, through this event, also raised funds for this outreach plan with those present contributing a minimum 10 GBP towards the cause.

While we wait and see how the initiative pans out, we can still be a part of it by joining the movement, supporting it or spreading the word. To find out more about FTI visit their website (http://freedomteam.in) or get in touch with their representatives.

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

Mo Luthra Branding Consultant www.moluthra.com Much money is spent in branding and rebranding companies. Most of it is wasted.

When we talk about brand, people think of a brand as being a visual mark, a way to recognise a business in a competitive landscape.

For this strange reason business owners will fascinate and get very precious about what their logo looks like and dedicate unnecessary resources to that effort.

While the visual element plays a role in building a business, it is the thinking behind the logo that is far more important and is often

ignored in building a brand. The brand identity is much more than just the visual impression, just as we as people are more than the clothes we wear.

Initially you’ll find that consumers verbalise or talk about a brand a lot more than they will visually recognise or connect with the logo.

For example many people know the Harley Davidson brand, they understand what it represents, and who would typically buy one, but most consumers couldn’t tell you what the logo looks like.

That’s why creating a great name for a brand is much more important than creating a complex logo. The brand name is the first translation point of a business.

A well chosen word or two for a business name is powerful enough that it can symbolise what the whole company stands for. It is able to get the business concept into a person’s head very quickly.

Take for example Innocent, the smoothie

company. The name already makes you think that what they sell is simple, pure, and good for.

At its heart brand is all about imparting meaning. It is the idea, the principle, the philosophy, the emotion and connection that creates the reason to buy.

Furthermore, it forms the basis of a relationship between the individual and the company and delivers engagement. As customers we crave this connection from the companies we buy from.

Brands that have no meaning aren’t truly brands. They are just visual marks with little depth. Like the brand names that you’ll find in a Primark or a Lidl, they have no value. They don’t communicate with an audience, and people wouldn’t look twice at them if they weren’t cheap.

Brands create emotions, opinions and feelings. Your business might have a logo, but it might not necessarily be a brand.

Lloyds TSB Bank hosts commercial finance event with Prideview Group and Vyman Solicitors Lloyds TSB Bank hosted a special event in conjunction with The Prideview Group and Vyman Solicitors at the well known Indian Restaurant Blue Room, Wembley on 29th November, designed to identify opportunities to extend commercial finance to Asian entrepreneurs and property investors. With similar events being very rare in the current economic climate, those who attended made the most of meeting all the hosts and enjoyed the positive message conveyed.

Jez Hockley , senior manager commercial addressed the large number of invited Asian Businessmen.

Jez Hockley , senior manager Lloyds TSB and his team of Bromley branch with Anup Vyas, Vyman Solicitors, Vishal Patel and Nilesh Patel, Prideview Group and Payal Patel, Blue Room

Shaliesh Patel and Rajubhai Patel, Prideview Group, Naresh Patel, Blue Room and Kishore Parmar Advertising Manager, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar with others

Southall travel receives the "Best Overall Agent Award 20112012" from Jet Airways at an event held last month in Lindon

L-R: Lydia Nazareth - General Manager UK & IRL, Anita Goyal (Neeta) Executive Vice President, Jaymin Borkhatria - Sales Director Southall Travel and Dame Edna look alike Simon Whitehouse - Comic Actor

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

Worshippers rejoice at new look temple plans Dhiren Katwa A facelift to a popular Hindu temple in Birmingham is underway, thanks to local well-wishers. The foundations were laid during Bhumi Poojan, a traditional Indian ceremony carried out to sanctify building sites.

The site of the Shri Laxmi Nayan Temple in Tyseley, also known as the Shri Hindu Community Centre, has seen a series of changes to its image, internally and externally, since its establishment in 1979.

However this appears to be one of the most exciting, according to some longstanding worshippers. Some say the temple, located on the main Warwick Road, still looks like a church, which it was originally.

The long overdue 16week Floor Project, which is due for completion in April 2013, is intended to increase capacity, facilitate better health and safety by removing access restrictions imposed by the existing balcony and create facilities for activities including cultural, educational, social and recreational.

Currently the temple offers a wide range of activities for everyone.

The list includes Balagokulam, a kids group, an elderly day care centre, Anand Milan Kendra, a karate club, a Gujarati school, music, dance and yoga classes and an employment resource centre.

The Bhumi Poojan ceremony, held on Sunday a fortnight ago, brought together around 250 people including pillars of

Birmingham’s strong 30,000 Hindu community.

Among those present were temple president Mukeshbhai Ladwa, temple trustees, Jyotsnaben Thanki, president of Hindu Council Birmingham, Harishbhai Vara and Ramanbhai Bulsara, presidents respectively of the nearby Shri Ram Mandir and Shri Krishna Temple, also known as Birmingham Pragati Mandal.

Fifteen donor families took part in the official ceremony conducted by visiting priest Ramnikbhai Dave, who was accompanied by temple priest Bharatbhai Jani.

Earlier this year the temple was embroiled in controversy following a fracas between a few members. At the time the temple president, treasurer and a few trustees had met with our reporter and answered all questions put to them unlike the few ‘trouble-maker’ temple associates who had ignored to do the same.

The temple committee have since been further strengthened in their unity and stance on tolerating with the ‘trouble-makers’, whose tactics to cause unnecessary chaos, in an alleged attempt to access funds and to gain control, appear to have fizzled out.

The initial fundraising target is £300,000.

Already the project has received cash donations and pledges from supporters and more money is expected to be collected in the coming weeks and months.

Conrad De Souza has been ordered to pay back £270,000 of the money he earned while pretending to be a qualified doctor for Lewisham Primary Care Trust (PCT) between 2001 and 2010.

He was jailed for 27 months in October last year. De Souza, 54 (pictured), of Whitmore Road, in Beckenham, received more than £329,000 from the NHS in fraudulently obtained earnings, Croydon Crown Court heard on December 5.

At the PCT, he was employed in highly-paid strategic roles for which it was essential to have a degree and clinical specialisms- however, he had neither.

De Souza's deception was discovered when he was caught faking a DNA sample to avoid mainte-

India to fund Oxford research centre Keval Dhokia Oxford University’s Somerville college has announced a new £19m research centre, to be jointly funded with the Indian government. The centre will be named the Indira Gandhi Centre for sustainable development, after the College’s famous alumnus, and India has pledged £3m towards the project, to be opened on the former Prime Minister of India’s birth centenary, 19th November 2017.

The University is contributing £5.5m and the remaining £10.5m will come from private donors.

Somerville college said: “Five fullyfunded scholarships will be available to Indian students studying at the centre, with scholars encouraged to return to India to put their expertise into practice.” Research topics on India’s development in the 21st centre include food security, environmental sustainability and international governance.

A 10-acre site has been ring-

Indira Gandhi

fenced in the heart of Oxford City for the new building, which will alone cost £10m to develop, and the first scholarships to Indian students will be given in the next academic year, 2013/2014, as well as the release of fund for postdoctoral positions and fellowships.

The Indian government has a history of partnering up with British

universities to train its future generation of leaders, with the opening of the King’s College London India Institute on Republic Day in January of this year. It is not clear whether the Indian government provided funding for the India Institute, but The Avantha Group provided £3.5m to its establishment.

Katherine Barnes, of the Institute said: “We have a partnership with the Indian diplomatic service to train some of its diplomats for work in the international arena, and some of our first graduates are now at the Indian High Commission in London.”

Somerville College’s connection with funding Indian students goes back to the Raj when its first Indian student, Cornelia Sorabji, went on to become the first Indian woman to study at any British university, and India’s first female barrister. Indira Gandhi studied modern History at the college, and went on to receive an honorary fellowship and doctorate from the institution in 1971.

For more information visit www.shcc.org.uk

Bogus doctor told to pay back £270,000

          !"##$% &'()"*'+                            

nance costs for a child he had with a one-time lover.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud by false representation at Croydon Crown Court.

The Tanzanian-born British citizen had enrolled at the University of London medical school in 1980 but never graduated. Sangita Modgil, mitigating, said De Souza had come from a successful family and could not cope with having failed university.

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   

8

MEDIA WATCH

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

Scrutator’s If peace has its triumphs no less renowned than war, much the same can be said apropos of soft power and hard power.

Watching the BBC World Television feature, Indian Dreams, brought this strikingly home.

Footage of young men and women from the West, newly resident in India, now regulars in the Bollywood film industry, solo performers in song and dance routines in local variety shows, their peers, making waves in the world of art, fashion and music, talking us through their experiences, made compelling viewing. This foreign presence, a cultural osmosis of East Manmohan Singh and West - specifically an IndoWestern encounter – is the promise and hope of a world at peace with itself.

However, only vibrant economic activity can create the platform for the trans-continental cultural takeoff and other such ambitious ventures. As Bill once famously Clinton remarked: “It is the economy, stupid.”

The strident Lok Sabha debate on Foreign Direct Sushma Swaraj Investment (FDI) in multi-brand debate ended in a comfortable victory for the government by 253 votes to 218, followed, a couple of days later, by a relatively easy passage through the Rajya Sabha. More than the boost for the government, it messaged investors that India is open for business. The Sensex rose as did the value of the rupee.

Seed-time, remedy

Taming the Dragon

India’s economic slowdown can be a window of opportunity for seed-time and remedy. The disappointing second quarter GDP decline to 5.3 per cent (JulySeptember) may signal a bottoming out, as some pundits suggest. November’s data show manufacturing output at a 5 month high.

“The manufacturing sector gained momentum, thanks to a strong pick-up in new orders, which lifted output growth,” said Leif Ekesen, Chief Economic Adviser for India & ASEAN at HSBC. The HSBC Purchasing Managers’ Index reveals a measure of cautious optimism amid the continuing constraints in India’s performance, including outages in power.

India’s Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon was in Beijing last week for the diplomatic marathon (also known as) the Sino-Indian boundary talks.

These have lasted a lifetime already, so when Chinese officials silkily advise their Indian counterparts that the boundary solution is best left to the next generation and to succeeding generations, if need be, they should be told that mortgaging the present to the future is an unacceptable risk. Diplomacy and roulette represent opposed metaphors, the latter is hardly consistent with the rules of political grammar.

According to Mr Menon’s Chinese interlocutor State Councillor Dai Bingguo the boundary issue was secondary to the larger canvas of the SinoIndian relationship.

Media noise over a contentious frontier should not be allowed to impede mutual trust and progress in other fields, he said.

Reassuring words, no doubt, but once bitten, twice shy. India is taking no chances. Its twotrack approach includes talking but preparing also for every eventuality.

China has seemingly intractable territorial disputes with Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines, to go no further.

India has strategic ties with Japan and Vietnam and friendly relations with the Philippines.

Territorial issues simply reflect deeper political mistrust. The Sino-Indian boundary is not the true sticking point, China’s military presence in Tibet assuredly is. It has been the principal cause of Sino-Indian tension.

There can be no abiding peace in the region until this presence is removed or disappears.

Spotlight on innovation India’s economic slowdown, it appears, has spurred innovation and research. Tata Nano cars, GE’s portable ECG device, Pureit water filters are some of the visible innovations crowding domestic and foreign markets.

Even as the developed world downsized research allocations, India and China were raising their budgets. Total research and development expenditure in India has doubled since 2007 and is now estimated to be around $40 billion, says a recent study by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants.

The number of patents filed

by Indian companies in the US and Europe registered a significant rise. Until recently innovation was the exclusive preserve of the West and Japan. This is no longer the case.

(Times of India December 5)

Indian plans Indian warships would be prepared to set sail for the South China Sea if the country’s economic interests there were threatened in any shape or form, with China laying exclusive claim to its waters, said Admiral D.K Joshi, Chief of the Indian Naval Staff’ “Are we prepared for it? Are we having exercises of that nature? The short answer is Yes. We, of course, will need government clearance. Should a requirement come I am sure we will have that clearance,” he said. He referred to the presence of ONGC Videsh, which was engaged in oil exploration off the Vietnamese coast, one of whose well is already under production.

Chinese views A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said China “hopes relevant countries respect China’s sovereignty and national interests.”

Certain Chinese commentators projected an Indian role in Washington’s decision to ‘pivot’ to Asia and strengthen its presence in the region. Du Jifeng, a scholar at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, writes: ”The real threat posed by India to China is the military cooperation between India and Vietnam.”

Indian plans Admiral Joshi said India was keeping close watch on China’s military modernization, which was impressive but also worrying. This was factored into India’s naval plans and strategies, whose goal was the cre-

Peter Varghese, Australian High Commissioner

Commissioner to India and new Foreign Secretary, Peter Varghese.

The Indian Ocean is of critical strategic importance for India and Australia, the latter increasingly focused on the area it prefers to describe as “Indo-Pacific” rather than East Asia.

Mr Varghese said with the issue of the safety of Indian students in Australia resolved and the supply of Australian uranium ore to India nearing agreement, the air was now clear to look ahead. India was looming higher in the Australian mindset, he said.

Indians were the largest community among its new arrivals, and India was one of Australia’s primary sources of skilled labour.

(Times of India November 30)

Indo-Israel defence ties Israel appears set to beat the US to a lucrative Indian Army contract, estimated to be worth $1 billion, for third-generation 2.5-kilometre range shoulderguided anti-tank missiles. The

IOA shamed by IOC The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has been suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) because of internal feuding among its top officials. Most are local politicians whose ascent to sporting authority has been funded for decades by stage-managed rotten and pocket boroughs. Cries for a cleansing of the Augean Stables gave way to an exhausted karmic silence. The IOA’s recent decision to hold its elections according to the government’s Sports Code and not the Olympic Charter was evidently the final straw.

The Olympic Council of Asia and the Commonwealth Games Federation will follow the IOC sanctions, completing India’s international isolation. (Time of India, Telegraph, Hindu, December 5, 6) It took another heavy defeat in the Third Test match at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, to awaken the media to the charade that is now Indian cricket.

Money and doctored wickets can’t win matches against the best. The Indian team is cluttered with driftwood and dead wood. In other words, trash. For Dhoni’s cronies it’s time for the boot.

Thriving in Moscow

Admiral D.K. Joshi on Indi’s Naval build-up

ation of a multi-dimensional force. “We have 44 warships and submarines on order, 42 of them in Indian shipyards” he said.

(Times of India, Bengal Post December 4, Hindu December 4, 5, 6)

Australian connection India, Australia and Indonesia are to form a troika in the Indian Ocean, the first step in a trilateral relationship between countries seeking to hedge against possible Chinese expansionism.

This was announced in New Delhi by Australian High

Indian Army’s first choice was America’s FGN-148 Javelin ATGMs, but following Washington’s reluctance to engage in technology transfer that would allow licensed production in India, the field has been left open for Israel’s rival system, the ‘Spike’ ATGM. The Javelin deadlock has rekindled Indian fears about America’s reliability as a supplier of cutting edge military technology.

India’s own AGTM Nag missiles are mounted on vehicles and helicopters with a 4kilometre strike range.

(Times of India November 29)

For would-be world conquerors Napoleon and Hitler, Moscow was the beginning of the endgame. For 43 year-old Indian Sammy Kotwani Moscow 1990 was to prove the genesis of his climb to fame and fortune. In the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s demise gun-slinging oligarchs and competing mafias robbed and ruled the roost under the alcoholic gaze of Boris Yeltsin.

During these lean years, Mr Kotwani lost a cash-filled wallet to a mugger and an expensive car to a gangster, on the very day of its purchase. Putting this down to experience, he moved on.

Today Mr Kotwani’s Imperial Tailoring Company and salon – a stone’s throw from the Kremlin – dominate the Russian market of men’s tailoured suits, and is ranked seventh in the world’s top ten establishments. Among his customers are the Presidents of Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Armenia.

Mr Kotwani has applied for Russian citizenship with his wife and three children, all well settled in a local school. His has been an entrepreneurial odyssey like no other.

(Hindu December 4)

UK

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

Leading Lights

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

Priyanka Shah Dancer-Choreographer-Accountant!

Priyanka Shah has lived in includes working in difHarrow, London for nine ferent teams, with new years. She was a solo people and visiting varidancer in the famous ous clients. It is interestBollywood music direcing to see how different tors’ Kalyanji Anandji’s businesses operate whilst stage show ‘Little Stars’ auditing their accounts. for 7 years.

People find it surprising Performing since the that I actually enjoy audit age of four, Priyanka has so much. I am someone won awards nationally who enjoys everything I and internationally. She do. I am not an auditor has gathered experience by chance; I am an audiand confidence in the tor by choice.’ Priyanka field and left her mark in says.

Switzerland, Sweden, She is an active comSouth Africa, Dubai and mittee member of the almost all over India and Hindu Network at PwC, the UK. which is one of the Priyanka was born in Mumbai and migrated to London with her family – father Jayeshkumar Shah, mother Rupa Shah and brother Priyesh Shah. She told us, ‘Having lived in Mumbai, a metropolitan city, adapting to the lifestyle in London was very smooth. We are a very closely knit family and this has allowed us to settle and progress in the last nine years’.

Priyanka studied four A Levels at Stanmore College.

She also attained the highest mark in the country in Gujarati GCSE with 358/360! She then took a gap year for work experi- Priyanka Shah ence.

Following this, she largest of its type. This went on to Nottingham network has a memberUniversity to study BA ship of over 300 PwC (Hons) Finance, staff and regularly organAccounting and ises events for its memManagement. She finbers, clients and external ished with a First Class guests which attracts in 2010 whilst getting the attendees from all across highest marks (96%) in the City.

Financial Accounting ‘Along with my vocafrom amongst 606 stution in an accounting dents on the course. She related field, I make did not merely stick to every effort to keep up academics. She demonwith my dancing. I strated her all round always find time over skills by participating weekends to dance via actively in the Hindu teaching and performing. society of the university Dance refreshes me and and was also one of the makes the inner me lead choreographers for happy. I am thankful to the various university God for gifting me with dance events / competithis talent and I see tions. myself passing this on to This British Indian, others.’ who will turn 25 next I am thankful to Asian month, currently works Voice for giving me this f o r opportunity to make my PricewaterhouseCoopers dad’s wish come LLP (PwC) in Assurance (Audit) in their St Albans office. She is Priyanka is also a proabout to finish her professional choreographer fessional qualification and dance teacher. She (ACA) and become a enjoys teaching all ages – qualified Chartered kids and adults. Her choAccountant. ‘I enjoy my reography is always job very much. It praised for her creative

Her genres vision. include Bollywood, Garba, Bhangra, Traditional, Folk, Contemporary and Western dancing.

Priyanka has brought together a Musical Entertainment group of professional versatile artists, titled "Elegance".

The group performs live music and dance of various genres for variety of events.

Music runs in the family. Whilst dancing is Priyanka’s passion, Priyesh her brother sings Bhajans (Vaishnav songs), Stavans (Jain songs), Garba / Dandiya and Bollywood.

‘One of our most memorable performances was when we were invited to perform at a wedding in Sweden.

The groom was Asian and bride was Swedish.”

She said ‘Priyesh and myself are very grateful to our parents for all their love and support; especially mom, without whom we could not have been where we both are today. She is the one who recognised our potential and since childhood she has pushed us to pursue our talents without compromising our academics.

She used to run around us day and night to make us two strong individuals.’

She then added, ‘Dad has always been there encouraging us and right now I can recollect his words – Let us be known as the parents of PriyeshPriyanka, make us proud.’ Priyanka’s grandparents Keshavlal Nagardas Shah and Kusumben K. Shah originally resided in Aden who moved to India in 1966.

‘We have been subscribing to Asian Voice since last eight years. I am so glad and thankful to Asian Voice for giving me this opportunity to make my dad’s wish come true. Surely, mom dad will be proud with this recognition Asian Voice has given me today.’

Contact Priyanka on priyanka_jshah9@yahoo. co.uk or visit www.priyankashah.info

9

Asian immigrants prospering....

Continued from page 1 The Office for National Statistics released figures last October illustrating that Britain has a fertility rate consistently below the replacement level. For the last 40 years since the end of the post-war babyboom in the 70s, Britain has been a net dying nation, with far more than births. deaths Immigration into this country since 2001 has increased the fertility rate to 1.94, a fraction below the 2.1 needed to avoid population stagnation.

This ‘demographic deficit’, where an ageing population has meant a shrinking workforce that contributes less taxes towards public services like the NHS, and the government’s austerity programme, caused by huge bank bailout costs and the recession, have been the the real reasons for Britain's economic trou-

bles.

The Asian immigrant population has been shown to actually support the success of British society.

Baroness Warsi, Minister of Faith, said recently: “Asians (are at) the top of so many professions: journalism, business, sport, public services and, notably, politics, including Lord Popat and Shailesh Vara MP”.

Prime Minister David Cameron also praised the work of Asian immigrants, in a debate in the House of Commons last September, saying that they had made: “an extraordinary contribution” to British life and that anyone who opposed their migration into the UK was “completely wrong”.

Furthermore, alluding to the integral importance of Indian students to the UK education system, Mayor of London Boris Johnson, while on his trip to India, said: “(Theresa

May’s) policy on visas is, in my view, sending the wrong signal. There are so many stipulations that we are starting to lose business to Australia, America and Canada.”

There are fears that Britain’s historic multicultural marketplace, which has attracted billionaires like Lakshmi Mittal, curry tsar Gulam Noon and Lord Bilimoria of Cobra beers, may be under threat from the government’s proposals.

Lord Bilimoria said: “British Asians, my community, make up only 4% of the population but contribute roughly double that to the British economy. However, the immigration cap is affecting business. For example, my business, Cobra Beer, has its roots in the Indian restaurant industry, which is suffering because it cannot bring in the skilled staff it so desperately needs.”

Father whose hand was sliced in half by industrial machinery has it sewn back together and regains feeling in his fingers, 5 weeks after his horrific accident.

Atushkumar Patel, 37, lost four fingers and part of his right hand when the machine he was cleaning turned itself on automatically. He was rushed to Broomfield Hospital in Essex, where sur-

geons spent ten hours painstakingly wiring his bones, tendons and nerves back together.

Mak Tare, the consultant plastic surgeon at Broomfield Hospital who operated on Mr Patel said: 'Mr Patel is the sole breadwinner, has two young children and is right handed so we knew we had to do everything we could to save his hand.'

Atushkumar Patel with Surgeon Mak Tare

Father regains feelings in sliced hand

YOUR VOICE

10

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

Height of irresponsibility

Minorities and Pakistan

The international outcry against two Australian radio hosts, Mel Grieg and Michael Christian is yet another example of the media out of control. The people who work in media and that include print, radio and TV have only one aim, one agenda and that is how to increase their readership, listeners and advertising revenue that would reflect in their pay packet.

They do not care how they would achieve it, whom they would hurt or even whether there is any truth in their stories or how many innocent lives they would ruin. I wonder this episode, the loss of an innocent life so cruelly cut short by these pranksters for whom it was a joke. I wonder whether it would jolt PM David Cameron in erroneously thinking that Media could regulate themselves without the backing of the law. These pranksters even boasted on the twitter how easy it was to impersonate the Queen and Prince Charles, putting the tape for everyone to listen to, rubbing salt to the wound.

They must have thought this would make them famous overnight and perhaps move on to bigger, more rewarding positions in the media. The least Radio Station responsible can do is to pay the full cost of the funeral, as the family would like to bury the body of Nurse Jacintha Saldanha in her home town in Karnataka, India and form a trust for her two teenage children so that they can complete their studies, thus fulfilling the wishes of her mother who worked so hard in order to give her children a better start in life.

It is a matter of great concern for all the peace loving people in the world that a century old Hindu Ram temple has been demolished in Pakistan. Sri Rama Pir Mandir was situated in Soldier Bazaar of Karachi in Pakistan.

This act of a Muslim Builder has been condemned by Pakistan’s former Minster for human rights Ansar Burney and he demanded the action against the builder. Chairman of Pakistan peoples Party (PPP)Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has also condemned the attacks on minorities.He further tweeted that our forefathers did not give their lives for an intolerant extremist, sectarian and authoritarian Pakistan.

I am pleased to read these statements in the Asian Voice by these most popular leaders of Pakistan but it will not satisfy the minorities until and unless their properties and temple are rebuilt by the Pakistan Government and make sure that the security forces looks after the safety of all the minorities in Pakistan.These steps are very important and earlier the actions are taken, better it will be for Pakistan to raise not only its image but raise the image of Islam in the world.

Islam is a peaceful religion is being said by many Muslim leaders but these acts of few individuals do not reflect it. It has been further said that Islam does not allow to damage or demolish any non Muslim religious building and it is a sin to do it according to Koran.

So why demolishing of Hindu Temple?

It is therefore has become extremely important that all the Muslim faith leaders to come forward to condemn such actions and ask Pakistan to rebuild the Temple and the peoples properties to create confidence and peace in the whole world

Bhupendra M Gandhi Via Email

Freedom of Movement A Freedom Pass gives people free travel on most modes of transport, including buses, trains, trams, tubes and Docklands Light Rail services, in London. It is paid for by the tax payers to help older and disabled people to get around free of any charge and without having to pay exorbitant transport costs. In excess of 1.2 million people use the Freedom Pass in London, and these schemes are fully funded by the Government. Now as with many other such schemes that help the elderly, this is under attack from groups who consider that the scheme should be withdrawn. We understand that proposals are in the pipeline to reduce the grant for older and disabled residents’ travel that pays for the popular Freedom Pass Scheme in London.

If for any reason the scheme is withdrawn, it will prevent senior citizens, most of who are frail and lonely and have nowhere to go during the day, to venture out. A freedom pass enables these people who are usually stuck indoors and feel isolated and miserable to get an opportunity to go out to social organizations and mingle with their peers and get a sense of belonging. I do voluntary work for a couple of local organizations catering for the social

Something rotten in Indian Democracy

Sardar: The architect of modern India

I beg to differ about your editorial that riotous scenes in India’s parliament are indication of something rotten in India’s democracy. Real democracy in India lies with patient, meek, docile, law abiding public and the disciplined army.

With rampant corruption and scandalous skeletons tumbling out with alarming speed, India has been ripe for revolution.

Please note that members causing ruckus are intelligent and responsible persons. They realise that Indian parliament is not paragon of virtue, and is keen to impose decisions that are not compatible to Hindus, Indians and common citizen. It has done nothing to counter scandals ranging from Jeep scandal to latest river water and mining scandals.

On the other hand Parliament has shamelessly indulged in flaunting sacks full of money at one vote of confidence event, unfreezes account of a fugitive, and is now selling India to Walmart.

These actions show that whatever appears good in Parliament is not necessarily good for citizens. Yet those who recognise that Parliamentarians are steering the public astray, are abused and denigrated, beaten at midnight and framed with trivial charges.

On the other hand, the Parliament has done nothing to challenge domination by foreign lady, by citing reciprocal attitude, towards holding highest office in Congress party. Also Parliament has turned blind eye to dynastic entrenchment compared to disappearance of Gandhi, Sardar Valabh bhai and Shastriji’s dynastic privileges. Paragon of Democracy has not been able to hang terrorist who dared to attack it.

We should consider how lucky India is by presence of gutsy opposition members, who unfortunately are not able to form a united front and chuck UPA out.

I was impressed by Kunjan Deepak Panchal’s article ‘A glimpse of Sardar’s life’ (AV 8 December 2012) in which he cogently and accurately summarises the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who became the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of independent India.

As Kunjan rightly says, Sardar Patel was destined to be the first Prime Minister of India because he had received majority votes from the state representatives, but on Mahatma Gandhi’s request he stepped down in favour of Jawaharlal Nehru. Contrary to popular myth, however, Gandhiji had never ‘forced’ or ‘dictated’ the Sardar to step down. Although Sardarji was absolutely loyal to Gandhi and was much popular than Nehru, he himself saw the wisdom in Gandhi’s words and acted selflessly for the overall good of India.

History subsequently shows that Gandhi’s view prevailed. As Home Minister, Sardar Patel proved himself to be an effective and astute administrator in building a modern India, a task Nehru could not have accomplished even remotely. Sardar Patel achieved this because, in my view, having spent his early years in poverty and then rising to become a barrister through his hard solo efforts, he knew that his heartbeat was India. Nehru, on the other hand, was born in a wealthy family, had atheist tendencies and by virtue of his western education was more of an ‘Englishman’ than an ‘Indian’.

Both Gandhi and Sardar were against the partition of India but Nehru was not so inclined. I recall the words of my young Pakistani car mechanic who said to me recently: “We could have enjoyed India’s economic growth and unity as one nation had we been together.” Perhaps he could be speaking silently for many.

Dharam Sahdev Gants Hill needs of elderly people and I know for sure that but for the availability of a freedom pass, many of these people would be confined within the four walls of their homes and suffer from depression and other illnesses and be a burden on the health service. Treating them would cost even more than the cost of providing free transport.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

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

Ramesh Jhalla Via Email

Congress vs BJP in Gujarat I feel that Gujarat election next week will decide the future set of Indian democratic and political system in India. Both the major political parties namely BJP and the Congress party are the main contenders and this outcome will have definite influence on the Lok Sabha election.

Even though Gujarat has produced several well known prominent political leaders recently no prominent leader has emerged from the Congress party.

Narendra Modi is the only leader from Gujarat who is well known through out the world and he belongs to the opposition BJP Party. Modi has been projected as a possible candidate from BJP for the Prime minister’s post if NDA comes to power and in order to prove this point Modi should help the BJP to win with a big majority.

It is very unlikely the Congress party will get majority in Gujarat election. In order to discredit Modi and the BJP the Prime Minister of India Manmohan

Uttambhai D Mistry Bolton Singh raised the issue of secularism by claiming that time has come to ‘liberate’ Gujarat from divisive politics and regretted that minorities were feeling ‘insecure’ in the state. It is deplorable for the Prime Minister of India to get involved in dirty politics to order to get the support of Muslim and he claims that he always wanted to unite the people of India.

Under the UPA government Muslims and Christians are over represented in the Ministerial posts. In the last election Sonia Gandhi called the Gujarat government as ‘Merchants of Death’ and this was written by a Muslim.

The danger is that in the name of secularism India is being divided on the basis of religion and caste and this masks the real advancement made in industrial and economic sector.

Arun Vaidyanathan Via Email Continued on page 11

       Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman ensure victory for India in first test

 

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

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    

In a rare gesture, China’s top leadership hosted his delegation at Great Hall of People and had a free and frank discussion and exchange of ideas on a range of subjects including trade, industry, socioeconomic development, investment, and prevailing global economic scenario. Modi emphasized about the shared heritage of India and China, and common vision for improved quality of lives of their people.

In his meeting with the Mr Wang Gang, Vice Chairman of the China People’s Political

Consultative Conference, (and a member of the politburo of Communist Party of China), Modi showcased Gujarat as a destination with a conducive environment to invest and work. He also explained Gujarat becoming a major tourist destination. He brought out the richness of Buddhist culture in Gujarat which solicited very keen interest among Chinese leadership. He also dwelled upon the ancient Indian and Chinese ethos, relationship, friendship, cultural and business ties.

While showcasing

 

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



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 

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



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

 







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 



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 







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 







   









  





 

  

  

 

  

















   

 









  





      



 









 

 

   



 

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

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















  

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

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







 

     







  

      



 









  





    

 



 



     

   





    

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away five years from your life.

Adding and subtracting years from your life has never before been quantified in such medical terms, say doctors.

The 15-minute short-cut to good health, in fact, changes the most fundamental rule that was approved by the World Health Organizationthat 150 minutes of activity a week is needed to stay healthy.

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A new theory says that any physical activity for 15 minutes every day is a good insurance against a plethora of health problems, be it related to the heart, the brain or even cancer.

A study published in The Lancet, a British medical journal, said that just a quarter-hour of physical exertion a day could reduce a person's risk of death by 14% and increase life expectancy by three years compared to inactive people.

Incidentally, another theory published in a different British journal said daily TV-viewing for six hours could take

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      The cancellation of 80 flights in the past couple of days left thousands of passengers in the lurch prompting the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to demand an explanation from Kingfisher.

The cash-strapped airline claimed that it had to drop flights as the company was trying to reconfigure its aircraft.

There was chaos at several airports after passengers complained that they were not intimated about the Kingfisher cancellations. 

Brand ‘Gujarat’ – which is equated with Guangdong of China, he invited Chinese business community and public enterprises to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors’ Summit- 2013.

He highlights Gujarat’s special investment regions as areas where Chinese companies could invest. He called on China to invest in infrastructure and power projects in the state, wooing potential investors with a sales pitch that showcased Gujarat as a state with levels of “governance, transparency and stability” that they could not find elsewhere in India. He declared that “the two great countries will make Asia the centrestage of the global economy.”

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Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

National Hindu Students Forum (UK)

By Bhavin Pamnani

Service: Oneness The reality nowadays is that an act of service is temporary. How many of us have said at one point, “I went to volunteer last week” or “I will go and do some service this weekend at the temple” or “I will make a donation once I get my first pay cheque.” The need for service is always there, yet we only offer it in a period of time that is convenient for us.

The notion people have of service to others is misinterpreted; people serve to feel better about themselves, or it is a way to boost their image in front of society or it is an act for institutions to reward them when written on their Curriculum Vitae. But why is it like this? The answer is very simple. We do not see

each other as one.

Everyone has their own identification, which is limited to their own “I” and never crosses the boundaries beyond their family. In Hindu philosophy it is not said that the world is one, but that the entire Universe is one.

Our own body is a clear example of oneness: we have toes, which are different to our fingers; we have fingers, which are different to our nose, which is different to our ears and so on. But yet, don’t we see our body as one? Each part of the body has a completely different name, form and function, yet we see all these body parts as part of our own one body.

Now lets say the Supreme Court of Justice

of the world has declared that you are guilty for a crime and your punishment is to receive a small poke of a needle on a body part of your choice.

Which body part of yours will you choose? Are not all your body parts equally dear to you? Your answer would be “you can poke my neighbour!”

We must therefore cultivate this vision of oneness and then only will service be meaningful and not merely selfishness. If your knee itches, does your hand not immediately stretch down to relieve your knee without asking, ‘what will you do for me in return?’ or ‘what do I gain by scratching you?’

With this spirit we must live and serve all, along our way.

Prank that turned sour PM David Cameron pays tribute to the deceased Rt Hon Keith Vaz, MP campaigns for a full inquiry and further support for the family The sudden and shocking death of a victim of a practical joke has completely shaken the Indian community living in Britain. The early celebration that had just started this year, in anticipation of a Royal baby due in Autumn next year and the support it met with from the Commonwealth in giving it equal right in Royal succession, has been completely marred by the unbelievably sad death of the British Manglorian (origining from south of India) nurse Jacintha Saldanha, who committed suicide after falling victim to a hoax call, a coroner has heard on Thursday.

Mrs Saldana (46) was found hanging in her room at a nurses' accommodation block at the King Edward VII Hospital in London last Friday.

Injuries to her wrists were also found. She had left three suicide notes for her family and had also written emails which help explain why she took her life, the court was told on Thursday.

During a five-minute hearing at Westminster Coroner's Court, Det Chief Insp James Harman said Mrs Saldanha was found by a colleague and a security guard who called the emergency services.

DCI Harman said: "London Ambulance Service and the Metropolitan Police

Ben Barboza had identified her body. The coroner opened and adjourned the inquest, with a full hearing listed for March 26 next year. None of Mrs Saldanha's family attended the hearing, but one of her colleagues was there.

Keith Vaz, the Labour MP who is helping the family, said a memorial Rt Hon Keith Vaz, MP service would be speaking to the media held in Bristol on Service attended the Friday, followed by one in scene.

Westminster Cathedral on "At this time there are Saturday. no suspicious circumHe did not attend the stances apparent to me in hearing but said: "I have relation to this death." been asked to come here Detectives are talking by the family. I have just to witnesses, friends, colspoken to the family on leagues and Mrs the telephone and I have Saldanha's telephone conrepeated the brief statetacts, DCI Harman said, ment given in court. in order to establish the "The family is very circumstances that may grateful to the coroner's have led to and concourt for the way they tributed to her death. have dealt with the matter Referring to the two and they are extremely Australian radio presengrateful to the ters who made the prank MetropolitanPolice. call, he added: "You will "They are grieving in be aware of the wider cirtheir homes, they are cumstances in this case comforting each other and I can expect in the and the community is very near future we will comforting them, that is be in contact with colwhy they have not come, leagues in New South it would have been a very Wales to establish the best long journey for a very means of putting the evishort statement." dence before you."

The broadcasters Coroner's officer responsible for airing the Lynda Martindill said call are to be officially Mrs Saldanha's husband investigated by the

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YOUR VOICE Continued from page 10

Gay marriages

I am following the debate of gay marriage in the national press with anguish.

The reason is simple, the West and Islam, do not know and understand the purpose of marriage apart that it is ordained by God, the biggest obstacle is the denial and purpose of sex between a man and a woman by both. India having suffered invasion by both these religions now reflects this confusion. The four aims of human life have been defined by Hindusastras as Dharma (righteousness) Artha (wealth) Kama(sex) and Moksa (liberation). The study of sexual union is called Tantra, and it is from this the pagan institution of marriage came about about 5000 years ago. It spread to the west, and when 2000 years Christianity took hold it removed all the sexual reasons for marriage, as far as I know there is not document, be it the Bible, Koran or any other

source other than the Vedas which hold the key to the reasons for marriage. The Vedas are now listed by the UN as documents of heritage for this and many other reasons. So in the west there is a saying “tied the knot” when a couple are married, I ask what knot was tied in the church, none as far as I know, but in a Hindu ceremony it is still tied, or why a wedding ring is exchanged, this comes for the ancient Ramayan epic, where the kidnapped wife of Ram, Sita sent a ring in secret, to her husband as a symbol of their marriage. So watching the Culture Secretary Maria Miller’s defence of marriage came across as superficial, because the one thing she cannot mention is Kama, least of all to the church!

Cardiff man gets 15 years of jail

attempted GBH. Rehman, pictured, had admitted dangerous driving. Rehman was jailed for 15 years for GBH with intent and 12 years for attempted GBH. He was also sentenced to 16 months for dangerous driving. All sentences are to run concurrentlyand also disqualified from driving for 10 years.

A taxi driver who used his black cab "like a bowling ball" to run down a group of men has been jailed for 15 years, the BBC has reported. Majid Rehman, 28, of Grangetown, Cardiff, allegedly used his taxi to run over six rail workers deliberately and two other pedestrians on a pavement after a row at a taxi rank.

He was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent and

Jayesh A Patel Wimbledon

death.

The Labour MP has said: "They want the facts to be established so that they can effectively grieve.

"What is needed, clearly, is an inquiry by the hospital into how this tragic case happened."

In response to Mr Vaz's criticism, the hospital said its chief executive, John Lofthouse, spoke to the nurse's husband by phone on Friday and offered to meet Australian radio jockeys behind him whenever he wantthe hoax call ed.

During the hoax call, The hospital has also the nurse transferred the established a memorial DJs, believing they were fund in Ms Saldanha's the Queen and Prince of name to provide financial Wales, to a colleague who described in detail the condition of the Duchess of Cambridge during her hospital treatment for severe pregnancy sickness.

Ms Saldanha, 46, from Bristol, would have been devastated by her unwitting role in last Tuesday's scam, her brother has said. She was found dead three days later in a block of nurses' flats close to the hospital.

Mr Vaz hugs Benedict Barboza, and son Junal It is understood the family is making arrangesupport for her family, made, the company said. ments to return Ms and made the first donaThe Labour MP Keith Saldanha's body to her tion to the fund.

Vaz has been campaignnative India.

Mr Vaz has written to ing on behalf of the The two Australian nurse's husband Mr Holleran, claiming DJs behind the hoax call – Benedict Barboza, daughthat his company has yet Mel Greig and Michael to make any direct conter Lisha, 14, and son Christian – have given an tact with Ms Saldanha's Junal, 16, and has called emotional account of family. on King Edward VII's their reaction to Ms Mr Vaz, who is chairHospital, where she Saldanha's death. man of the House of worked, to hold a full PM David Cameron Commons Home Affairs inquiry and offer further paid tribute to Ms Committee, conceded support to her family.

Saldanha and said MPs' there had been a public It has been reported sympathies and condoapology for the incident that the family did not lences would be with her and its consequences know about the hoax call family. through the media. until after Ms Saldanha's A u s t r a l i a n Communications and Media Authority, which regulates radio broadcasting.

The family of the nurse are set to receive more than £300,000 from southern Cross Austereo, the parent company of Sydney station 2 Day FM, whose presenters were behind the prank call.

The hearing comes on the day that Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) is to resume advertising on 2 Day FM. All profits from the adverts until the end of the year will be donated to a memorial fund established in aid of Ms Saldanha's husband and teenage children.

A minimum contribution of £320,000 will be

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Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

As Christmas approaches, many UK homeowners will have already stocked up their houses with hundreds and thousands of pounds worth of extra goods that are extremely attractive to scouting thieves.

Homes are at a greater risk of breakins over the Christmas period as thieves target luxury, expensive items such as TVs, laptops and jewellery as Christmas gifts.

Swinton, UK’s largest high street insurance retailer, did a survey of 2,000 British homeowners and found that nearly a third (29%) worry more about the possibility of being burgled during the Christmas period when housing valuable items.

Baring this in mind, it is imperative that homeowners double check their home contents insurance to ensure it is up to date with the increase of valuables in the home. Insurers usually automatically increase the level of cover over the Christmas season at no extra charge, but there are some that try to take advantage of the period, so it is wise to check.

The survey also revealed that more than one in ten (13%) homeowners dispose of packaging from expensive items

It is easy to get carried away with spending at this time of year, even when you really don't need too. If the thought is what counts, not the price, then why not choose to create your own gifts for the festive season – this way you will feel good about making a unique gift for that special someone and save money!

A recent survey by B&Q revealed that a massive 63 per cent of people plan to make their own gifts this year, driven by the need to give something unique.

Christmas is the perfect time to add your personal touch as you can get together with family to make the gifts, as opposed to just giving one bought from the shops.

To encourage DIY presents, B&Q stores are running seasonal workshops showing customers how to create their own gifts For example, B&Q’s You Can

purchased at Christmas in their home waste bins– often stacked outside the front of a home before collection – which advertises to thieves the value of the items kept within the home.

Steve Chelton, Claims Manager at Swinton said, “The lure of expensive Christmas presents could be very tempting for opportunistic thieves. Every year burglars strike at Christmas with the hope of getting their hands on an expensive haul of gifts. Make sure you check with your home insurance provider to see what additional cover, if any, that you need.”

Swinton have given the following advice to ensure a smooth festive period: 1) Install an alarm and set it when the house is unoccupied and before you go to bed at night 2) Keep expensive presents out of sight of potential thieves 3) Dispose of packaging carefully so not to advertise the goods inside your home 4) Close your curtains once it gets dark so that any passers-by can’t see into the home

Do It Sledge-making workshops are only 20 for a four-hour class and are a great gift for any child. Children can also get creative with B&Q’s Kids seasonal workshops ( 5 for an hour), where children are taught how to make their own Christmas Planters, Advent Calendars and ‘Santa Stop Here’ Signs – the perfect stocking fillers.

What is Christmas?

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, two thousand years ago. On Christmas Day each year, people gather together to celebrate his birth as the Son of God and the saviour of all people. It is also the celebration of the beginning of Christianity.

December 25 is a civil holiday in many of the world's nations and is celebrated by an increasing number of nonChristians as well. Popular customs of the holiday include gift-giving, Christmas music, christmas caroling, church celebrations, special meals and displays of various Christmas decorations including Christmas trees.

Father Christmas Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, as he is also known, represents the spirit of good cheer during Christmas. He started off as an allegory for Christmas and was referred to as Old Father Christmas who wore a bright green suit. Now, he wears a bright red suit, is a gift bearer and is usually associated with children. He has been brought to life by the minds of many children and is often said to reside at the North Pole or in the mountains of Lapland, Finland.

The Christmas Tree The Christmas Tree has become synonymous with Christmas as part of the Christmas celebrations. The custom developed in early modern Germany and can be traced back to the 16thcentury.

Traditionally, the tree was decorated with edibles such as apples, nuts or dates but it soon was replaced by candles and, more recently, lights. An angel or star is usually placed at the top of tree, to represent the host of angels or the star of Bethlehem.

As 'Stir Up Sunday' draws closer, the day in which people, traditionally, make their Christmas pudding, we ask how much of this tradition still remains? Will it be thrown amongst other disregarded traditions such as putting satsumas in stockings and kissing under the mistletoe or is there are chance to save it?

Haagen-Dazs recently released a study showing just how many people have abandoned the tradition. Two-thirds (66%) of Londoners admitted that they disliked the taste while the 63% who do still buy a 'yuletide pud' have admitted that they do so only out of obligation to older family members.

This year, rather than tucking into a desert that has its origins in medieval times, people are much more likely to have a chocolate log, cake or ice cream.

And instead of the tradition of playing board games, movies and computer games are on the agenda.

In the last few years, technology

Around this busy time of the year, there is no doubt that public transport will be the preferred form of transport for those late night – or early morning – journeys back h o m e .

Tr a n s p o r t for London (TfL) has issued its a n n u a l F e s t i v e Travel Guide online to help Londoners and visitors travelling around the capital over Christmas and New Year.

Free travel will be provided on New Year’s Eve so that festive revellers can get home safely. It is the second year of Diageo’s three year sponsorship of free

has edged itself into the lives of the young and the old so much that people prefer engaging in anti-social activities such as movies and computer games as opposed to age-old traditions. Even if not the christmas pudding however, we should try cling on to our Christmas traditions just to encourage more family and merriment.

What is your favouriteChristmas tradition?

travel. Free travel will be available between 23:45 on 31 December and 04:30 on 1 January on the Tube, buses, trams, DLR, and until last trains on London Overground. In addition, congestion charge will be suspended from Tuesday 25thDecember until Tuesday 1stJanuary.

Those wishing to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks display in Central London are advised to plan ahead and be prepared for large crowds. There is limited space with the viewing areas likely to be full by 9pm or 10pm. Access to each zone will be closed as soon as it is full.

For more information go to www.london.gov.uk/nye.

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year especially as there are always a variety of activities taking place over the UK– despite the cold temperatures! Wrap up warm and get in the Christmas spirit!

See the be autifu urt f k n a r F around Lon l Christmas Lights m a h r g i n a i don's hot s Craft F pots he Birm Take in the s a Visit T as Market & m t is m r es h m C er ising 's get into the ingham rs from all Christm seasonal m Christmas lights as o y, Birm

iversar nd visit ne of 0th ann th residents a ending skyli afts 1 s it g r o in e cr t b v , a e r d d n b ha n foo racte Cele has att Europe. Wit nge of Germa a small vilt e k r a M nd of ra e n t re . e UK a lling a he feel over th lly lit stalls se ruly gives a t stling city c wont u r u beautif , the Market rt of the b a truly winte a ts and gif hin the he alets make it o 22 it ch w n e e d mber t g o e la o v o w N e u 15 sq Picture y from . en dail derland Market is op The am-9pm ber, 10 Decem

you ood. The Christmas li fa gh Square, Bo ts displays can be seen n t a s t i c n Street, Ox d Street, Regent Str in Trafalgar ford Street, eet, Carnab Molton, Mar y Covent Gar yl the streets o ebone High Street, H den, South yde Park an f St James's . d

Have a laugh at one of London's Exclusive Comedy Clubs Whether you're looking for a fun night out for the office party, or simply a festive treat, London is overflowing with Christmas comedy gigs.

The 99 Club is hosting a humorous evening with a Christmas dinner included to make the night extra festive. The line up includes Tom Allen, Nick Doody, Prince Abdi and MC Mowten. The performance is on Thursday December 13th and Thursday 20th.

Visit The W inte Wonderlan r d

It's easy to see why W Wonderlan inter d is on e of London's m ost popular tive fesattrac over a size tions. Taking able chunk Hyde Park, of th the UK's la e event features rg tempting C est ice rink, a hristmas m arket, the giant o bservation w family heel, favo Zip Circus an urite d the Bav pos Village, wh arian ere find a sizzli you can always ng sausage and a warming cu wine. This p of mulled year also se es the new Magic al which has be Ice Kingdom, en sculpted four month s from more over than 200 tons of ice.

Leaving shopping on display in your car

Eating everything in sight – You'll only regret it in the new year!

at kating ty S e c I r i Outdoo d Stratford C l e funWestfi ily for a

fam ld ds and Westfie ur frien Ice Rink at n shopo y h it e w a Gather y on ice at Th 's largest urb ink with a pe er o r ic u ir E e a filled d . s o n th rd City is open Stratfo tre houses th Park. Session stabilisn g ping ce the Olympic nguin skatin er f ( 4 p e o P s r . s e s t w e a t k u vie s in g m n 45 you ice last available for e r a s r e ) session

Listen to th e Singers in T Carol rafalgar Square Christmas Trafalgar Squ carol-singing in ar the evenings e will take place in fr om Tu esday 11 to Sunday 23 Dec different grou ember 2012. Many ps perform Christmas ca ro voluntary or ls, raising funds for tions. All ar charitable organisae welcome to along and lis come ten.

day at s u o r u dvent Theme Park a n a e or Hav in n Man o worth s t y a r D ar Tam a

ark, ne spirit, h heme P tmas T r ors so o n Chris ay visit n Ma d e o t k u y e r t a e r w n for in D r dshire, ices fo uble the fu The n Staffor its ticket pr e o d io tract d reduce can now hav ark’s new at out for all p ld u that yo a result, the tmas, has so s. To qualify a s m t Chris is r h less. A efore .00 for B up to C f 15 Knight s in the run ticket rate o ors must d it weeken the reduced children vis before 24th r y fo a d 0 k ee for dren 10.0 on a w Chil and adults visit during h December. t o book t er or from 27 b m Dece ee 4 are fr under

Things to AVOID this Christmas

AVOID

With Christmas just around the corner, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of presents, parties and exquisite cuisine.

However, to avoid any nasty surprises, it is important to bare a few things in mind.

Forgetting your belongings after a night

out at a bar, restaurant or Xmas Party ing v i r d Drink Posting pictures of your K most valuable gifts on Facebook Getting bogged down with buying expensive presents – the best gifts don't necessarily cost money at away rried dirty a c g v a oid Gettin ies – t r a P elan y our w Comp ying y a t s r e ov ithout jokes, ing w v a le and t come ur hos ing yo k n tha

Tagging e party la veryone at the st night w their pe rmission ithout

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eep view ing pre s at n - close ents in ig une ht to a curtain x s v visit pected oid an y o rs mid nigh t

bout your Bragging a be stmas can gifts – Chri r ely time fo quite a lon e ple, and th some peo is a they need last thing t u gging abo friend bra t mazing gif the most a me ti ceived or they've re d they've ha

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Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS CUPCAKES RECIPE ALADDIN – A Wish Come True From 24.75 The O2 This Christmas, Lily Savage will dust down her theatrical muses and throw on the guise of Widow Twankey for a rare and unique stage appearance in a strictly limited season of Aladdin - A Wish Come True.

SCROOGE From London Palladium

22.50

Leslie Bricusse's spectacular musical e x t r a v a g a n z a Scrooge is a heartwarming family story based on Charles Dickens' classic 'A Christmas Carol'.

With stunning sets and costumes, specially created illusions by Paul Kieve and the special effects 'magician' behind Harry Potter, Scrooge is this season's unmissable smash hit musical for all the family.

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN From London's Palace Theatre

10.00

The superbly enjoyable production of Singin’ in the Rain is a smash-hit with critics and audiences alike and tells the story of the first Hollywood musical, when the silver screen found its voice and left silent movies - and some of its stars – behind.

THE SNOWMAN From Peacock Theatre

13.50

When a young boy's snowman comes to life on Christmas Eve, the two set off on a night-time quest for adventure. On their travels they meet dancing penguins, reindeer and naturally, Father Christmas.

KISS ME, KATE From The Old Vic Theatre

30.00

Featuring music and lyrics by Cole Porter, including Too Darn Hot, Brush up your Shakespeare and Another Op’nin, Another Show, this exuberant show-within-a-show throws together gun-toting gangsters, sparring actors and romantic entanglements against a backdrop of a musical production of Taming of the Shrew.

LES MISERABLES From The Queen's Theatre

35.00

This international award-winning musical sweeps its audience through an epic tale of passion and destruction, against the backdrop of a nation in the grip of revolution. ne Wood.

LEBARA CHRISTMAS OFFER

To celebrate the recent launch of its Unlimited proposition, Lebara is introducing a 12 Calls of Christmas Campaign around its One Poll research. From 5 December to 16 December, by tweeting #LebaraUnlimited or posting Facebook status updates, users will be entered into a free prize draw to win the chance to be united with a loved one this Christmas from anywhere in the world*. For more information visit www.lebara.co.uk/UnitedforChristmas

What you need: For the cakes: 280g self-raising flour 175g golden caster sugar 175g unsalted butter , very soft 150g pot fat-free natural yogurt 1 tsp vanilla extract 3 eggs For the Frosting: 85g unsalted butter , softened 1 tsp vanilla extract 200g icing sugar , sifted For Decoration: Natural green food colouring, sweets, sprinkles and white chocolate stars, milk and white chocolate buttons and natural colouring icing pens

What to do: 1) Heat oven to 190C/170 fan/gas 5 and line a 12-hole muffin tin with cake cases. Put all the cake ingredients into a bowl and mix with a whisk until smooth. Spoon the mix into the cases, bake for 25 mins until golden and risen and a skewer comes out clean. Cool on a wire

rack.

2) For the frosting, beat the butter, vanilla extract and icing sugar until pale and creamy and completely combined. To make snowmen, reindeer and Christmas puddings, first spread the icing over the top of each cake. Then lay the chocolate buttons on top, slicing some buttons into quarters to make ears and hats. Finally, use icing pens for the details.

3) For the Christmas tree, colour the icing with green food colouring and pipe onto the cakes using a star-shaped nozzle, decorate with sweets, sprinkles and white chocolate stars. For other recipes, visit: www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes

Gifts for HIM

Gifts for HER

 Leather Wash Bag -

 Glorious Cushion by

£35.00 from Marks and Spencer  Brown Leather iPad Case & Notepad £24.50 from Debenhams  Hugo Boss Skin Energising Hair and Body Wash - £13.00 from Boots  Soul Cal Deluxe Shawl Cardigan £40.00 from Republic  Harris Tweed Headphones - £80.00 from www.urbanears.com  Touchscreen gloves £8.00 from Next

Michelle Mason - £45.00 from www.notonthehighstreet.com  Butterfly Flock Scrapbook - £12.50 from Paperchase  Ponto Beach Flannel Sleep Pants - £29.00 from Hollister  Africa Shea Butter & Sesame Oil Body Balm £13.00 from Body Shop  Indigo Paisley Oversized Linen Look Stole - £22.00 from Accesorize  Florence Red Spot Tea for One - £20.00 from Whittard of Chelsea

Christmas is a time of joy and merriment yet it is easy to become stressed during this period. Expectations are high as families gather to host the perfect Christmas meal, to give the perfect gift and also to see what they receive. The amounting stress portrays itself to be muted but at one moment or the other, it is possible that it all gets too much.

A recent survey by the Post Office reveals that agonising over the perfect present for a loved one is the biggest source of stress for Britons. 37% of participants in the survey said they were worried about being able to afford presents.

Mike Fisher, Founder and director of British Association of Anger Management (BAAM), says: “It seems impossible to have a stress-free Christmas these days.

You can be over-loaded at work, frustrated with the cooking and preparation, everyone wants something different on

the TV, your relationships are under the microscope, the kids are playing up and your parents-in-law are coming to stay…it’s a stressful time!”

BAAM are offering a Keep Your Cool this Yule Kit, which is a really helpful and practical Kit to help you survive the stress you may experience over Christmas. The great thing about this Kit is it can be used year-round.

You can download the Kit from their website (www.angermanage.co. uk) or keep it handy on your phone, on your computer at home, or print it out!

A recent survey taken by OnePoll for Lebara Mobile, one of Europe’s leading telecoms operators for foreign nationals living in the UK, has revealed some surprising statistics about peoples' mobile phone communication during Christmas.

According to OnePoll, only 25% of people living in the UK send loving texts at Christmas and only 20% of men remember to phone their parents on Christmas day compared to more than 30% of women. In addition, Men were found to be 50% less likely to make contact with their siblings than their female counterparts.

Further statistics showed that some 92% of all calls made at Christmas by people living in the UK are made to other UK residents indicating that people are not picking up the phone to their loved ones abroad and taking advantage of low cost national and international calls made available by mobile operators such as Lebara Mobile.

To keep up with changing demands, Richard Robertson, Managing Director for Lebara Mobile UK said, “Our customers have changing needs and we’ve seen increasing demand for national as well as international calls particularly from customers who have been settled here for some time. Our Unlimited proposition offers one fixed rate each month for all calling, texting and mobile internet needs both nationally and internationally”.

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

www.abplgroup.com

London's Finest Asian Restaurants

Chakra

CENTRAL

Quilon – St James's (South-west coastal Indian) 020 7821 1899 Chakra – Notting Hill Gate (Indian) 020 7229 2115 Zaman – Marble Arch (Indian/Continental) 0203 627 7522 Naamaste Kitchen – Camden Town (Indian) 0207 485 5977 Cinnamon Soho – Soho (Indian) 020 7437 1664 Mango Tree – Buckingham Gate (Thai) 020 7823 1888 Chor Bizaar – Mayfair (Indian) 020 7629 9802 La Porte des Indes – Marble Arch (Indian) 020 7224 0055 Moti Mahal – Covent Garden (Indian) 020 7240 9329 Chowki – Soho (Indian) 020 7439 1330 Dishoom – Covent Garden (Indian) 020 7420 9320 Mela – Covent Garden (Indian) 020 7836 8635 Trishna – Marylebone (South Indian Coastal) 020 7935 5624 Tamarind – Mayfair (Indian) 020 7629 3561

WEST

Aawana – Chelsea (Malaysian) 020 7584 8880 Masala Zone – Bayswater (Indian) 020 7221 0055 Madhus – Southall (Indian) 020 8574 1897 Tabla – Hounslow (Indian) 020 8572 1149 Seasoning Restaurant and Lounge – Fulham (Indian) 020 7386 0303 Laguna – Uxbridge (Indian) 020 8579 9992 Sarasas Restaurant – Hayes (South Indian) 020 8561 8188 Chutney Mary – Chelsea (Indian) 020 7351 3113 Rasoi – Chelsea (Indian) 020 7225 1881

EAST

Hydrabadi Spice – East Ham (Indian) 020 8472 0255 Elephant Royale - Ilford (Thai) 020 7987 7999 Nankon Thai – Victoria Docks (Thai) 020 7474 5510

SOUTH

Chak 89 – Mitcham (Indian) 020 8646 2177 Cinnamon Culture - Bromley (Indian) 0208 289 0322 Tayyab – Whitechapel (Punjabi) 020 7247 6400 Aniseed – Isle of Dogs (Indian) 020 7517 9233 Mem Saheb on Thames – Isle of Dogs (Indian) 020 7538 3008 Taste of India – Islington (Indian) 020 7226 1125 Ma'jong – Walton-upon-Thames (Fusion) 01932 222 004

NORTH

Red Turban – Harrow (Indian) 020 8238 9999 Sankalp – Kingsbury (South indian) 020 3602 0244 Meera Village – Queensbury (Indian) 020 8951 4167 Ram's – Kenton Road (Pure Vegetarian) 020 8907 2030 Delhi Spice – Reislip (Indian) 01895 624700 Funky Brownz – Belmont Circle (Indian) 020 8205 6266

CITY

Anokha – St Paul's (Indian) 020 7236 3999 Bangalore Express – Bank (Indian) 020 7220 9195 Cafe Spice Namaste - Whitechapel (Indian) 020 7488 9242 Cinnamon Kitchen – Devonshire Square (Indian) 020 7626 5000 Busaba Eathai – Old Street (Thai) 020 7729 0808

Chakra brings a whiff of fresh air to the list of Indian restaurants in London. The name comes from ancient Vedic scriptures that talks about energy points that vitalise the physical body, associated with positive flow of energy, a mental and physical balance. Situated yards away from the Nottinghill Gate station, this lovely restaurant is tucked away behind a small glass entrance.

Welcomed at the door with a warm smile, Chakra's attentive staff know how to provide a good time to the food lovers.

The excellent menu ranges from Lucknowi to Punjabi, inspired from the courts of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh's repertoire in Patiala to the Nawabs in Lucknow. The restaurant is also an ode to famous artisan chefs and legends like Tunday kababi Haji Murad Ali, Imtiaz Querishi, Madan Lal Jaiswal, Todar Mal and Ram babul Lal to name a few, as the website suggests.

Chakra’s Patron & Celebrity Chef Andy Varma, has worked in Canada, USA, and Egypt with corporate chains such as the Sheraton group and the Four Seasons group, along with the prestigious Oberoi Group. In India, Andy anchored the Cookery Segment of the ‘Good Morning India’ Show which was watched by over 33

Ratings Taste Ambience Location Service Decor

New Years Eve Parties Bring on the New Year in style at one of these top clubs: Jewel Piccadilly, London A renowned celebrity hotspot located in the heart of Piccadilly Circus, boasts great atmosphere, delicious cocktails and excellent table service. This chic club is spread over three floors givin your plenty of rooms to get your dance on. This year, twice winner of Best DJ at the London Club and Bar Awards, first European DJ to sign to US agency SKAM, ambassador to Red Bull and Adidas and celebrity party rocker Sam Young will be taking guests through to 2013 in style. Price: 25.00, http://www.jewelpiccadilly.co.uk/ Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth Do something unique this NYE and visit the Spinnaker Tower NYE Bash.

Situated 500 ft above the beautiful Portsmouth harbour, partygoers can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, harbour and the Isle of Wight, over canapes, cocktails and music. Tickets are 45 and must be pre-booked at http://www.spinnakertower.co.uk/

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: : : : :

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Million viewers every day.

Andy joined forces with his brother Arjun, in the UK in 1998 to open the very successful restaurant venture in Chelsea called Vama. Zagat voted Vama the best Indian restaurant in Europe, and give it top Indian restaurant 5 years in a row.

A recently opened Chakra, is decorated in ivory, leather and wood. The brightly lit restaurant has a very classic look, illuminated with nice, bright crystal chandelier, and a range of wines on display.

Adjacent to the dinning area is a cosy reception room with oak wood and leather effect, suitable for hosting small private parties.

Whether its canapes, starters, mains or desserts, Chakra's food transports you back to the streets of north India (perhaps under a Nawab's rule), as the authentic and delightful taste of the dishes tantalises one's finest

senses.

The menu ranges from tawa (griddle), Chulha (grill) to tandoori (clay oven). While it's definitely a vegetarian’s paradise, the fish and meat lovers also have plenty to choose from. If you are an okra lover, the crispy okra is to die for, while the dals, prawns and biriyanis are no less.

Whether its fish or poultry, every single dish is divine with a very exquisite flavour.

While the appetisers has some perfect salads and chaats, don't forget the desserts that have various items whether its ice creams or kulfis or shahi tukra with rabri. The list of drinks include cocktails to whisky to wine to sweet- in nutshell a pretty extensive variety.

If you are an authentic curry or Indian food lover and not been to Chakra, you are definitely missing out on dinning at one of the best Indian restaurants in London.

Competition Answer the following simple question and the winner will receive a FREE dinner for two with a bottle of wine at Chakra.

Q: Which show did Chef Andy Varma anchor in India every day? a. Great Indian Food b. Good Morning India c. Good Indian Food Please email your correct answer to aveditorial@abplgroup.com by 15 January 2012. The winner will be chosen on a lottery basis from the correct entries.

For more details on Chakra or to book see www.chakralondon.com

Mad Phat NYE Party, Leeds Revel in a night of hip-hop karaoke and dance floor bangers that will definitely get you moving to the beat. Tickets are free from Welcome Skate Store, Nation of Shopkeepers, Jumbo Records and Crash Records. Visit www.anationofshopkeepers.com.

Shaka Zulu, London A stunning and unique venue that is both restaurant and night club is one of a

kind. Both décor and atmosphere is fantastic and is the perfect place to finish off your year. Price: 25.00. Visit: www.shaka-zulu.com Black & Diamond at Babble, London Babble is a Mayfair favourite on the edge of Berkeley Square, where you can relax in the beautiful modern décor surroundings, enjoy their long list of wine and take in the Manhattan-type vibe as you countdown the seconds to Midnight.

Tickets are 25.00 on the door. Visit: http://www.babble-mayfair.co.uk/

WIN A FREE MEAL FOR 2 Zaman Bliss Uncovered, Birmingham Finish the year in style at Birmingham's chic club Bliss. The club has three floors pumping the latest new beats with a range of talented DJs. What better way to be popping your party poppers, boogie away with sparklers all the way through to 2012 with your own VIP area for you and your friends to soak up the atmosphere in style. Online tickets available 8.00 at www.blissclubrooms.com/birmingham

Location: Marble Arch (note: shares the same entrance as The Sportsman). Refer to Dine in Style- Asian Voice, 8 Dec, Page 14

Competition Answer the following simple question and the winner will receive a FREE three-course dinner for two, including a glass of presecco and a £10 chip to play at The Sportsman Casino (total value worth £110).

Q: What is the name of the chef of the restaurant Zaman? a. Mahmud Zaman b. Tariq Zaman c. Tariq Mahmud Please email your correct answer to aveditorial@abplgroup.com by 31st December 2012.

The winner will be chosen on a lottery basis from the correct entries.

For more details or to book a table see http://www.thesportsmancasino.com/restaurant-details/the-sportsman-restaurant

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Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

Kamal Hassan’s ‘Vishwaroopam’ on DTH

Actor Kamal Hassan released a statement detailing his decision to release his upcoming film “Vishwaroopam” on DTH boxes across India. He defended his move to release the film simultaneously for people to see at home by stating that producers and distributors should be looking for new avenues for attracting audiences. "This is targeted at taking cinema to a niche segment that wants to enjoy entertainment at the comfort of their homes. It is purely to reach the excitement of watching it on first day. The cinema hall experience is still something else," said Kamal. The audio file went viral after being released

by Maiam, Kamal's e-Magazine, and quickly generated thousands of views within few hours.

Jiiva signs up for Sai Ramani project again Actor Jiiva has reportedly signed up for a project with Director Sai Ramani. The duo came together earlier for the film “Singam Puli.” The director has confirmed that both Jiiva and Santhanam would be part of the film just like they were in his first film. “Singam Puli is an important film in my career, and the combination of Jiiva and Santhanam rocked in it. I’ve roped in the two of them for my next film as well. It will be a thorough action comedy entertainer and the ‘chemistry’ between Jiiva and Santhanam will be double of what was there in my previous film.” says Sai.

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

Shruthi Hassan to pair up with Arjun Rampal Actress Shruthi Hassan, who made her Bollywood debut with “Luck” is all set to begin another project in BTown again. The project, titled 'DDay' has Arjun Rampal in the lead and will be based on the 1993 blast.

Expected to be full of action and adventure it is being manned by Nikhil Advani. The director has previously come up with flicks like “Kal Ho Na Ho,” “Salaam e Ishq” and “Patiala House.” "I've just started shooting for the film, and it's good to work with a very energetic team. It's been a nice experience working with Nikhil and Arjun Rampal" said Shruthi.

Hot Garam masala SRK receives Morocco’s highest honour The "Badshah of Bollywood" Shah Rukh Khan has been conferred with one of Morocco's highest honours by Prince Moulay Rachid at the 12th International film festival of Marrakech. The Marrakech film festival paid tribute to 100 years of Indian cinema. Prince Moulay presented Shah Rukh with “Wissame Al Kafaa Al Fikria” (award of intellectual merit). After the tribute, Prince Moulay hosted a royal dinner for the Bollywood stars who were present at the event.

Prabhu Deva's next titled ‘Ramaiya Vastavaiya’ His first Bollywood directorial venture “Wanted” starring Salman Khan was a super success. After that Prabhu Deva directed Akshay Kumar in “Rowdy Rathore.” Now we hear that Prabhu's next which is a musical love story is titled “Ramaiya Vastavaiya.” The film will feature Kumar Taurani's son Girish Kumar making his big-screen debut opposite Shruti Haasan.

Apparently, the Tauranis who are also producing the film had initially signed on Prabhu. However, it was Prabhu who conceptualized the musical love story and was keen on directing it. Currently, 60 per cent of the film is already complete while the remaining portion will be wrapped up by January-end. The film is slated for release on June 7, 2013.

Ash not comfortable with intimate scenes Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who is arguably the most famous Indian actress in the world and has also been doing her best to forge a career for herself in Western cinema, still struggles with one thing - public displays of affection so commonly seen on the silver screen. The 39-year-old actress, who had her first screen kiss with Hrithik Roshan in “Dhoom 2” in 2006, admits that she is still less than comfortable with the prospect of such intimate scenes. During an interview, Aishwarya said that the scene caused such a stir in India that she even received legal threats following the movie's release.

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Born and brought up on foreign shores, Katrina Kaif doesn't feel that this element has ever acted as a deterrent to her acting career in Bollywood. The 28year-old star rather feels that this aspect of her life has made her personality "extremely adaptable" to varied shades of cultures. "I have been to 8-9 countries during first 12 years of life. This has made me extremely adaptable," said Katrina. After working with Salman Khan this year in "Ek Tha Tiger" and Shah Rukh in "Jab Tak Hai Jaan", Katrina will be sharing screen space next with Aamir in "Dhoom 3." Asked about what is common among the three 'Khans' of Bollywood, Katrina said that they are on an "equal level of talent and stardom. It is difficult to answer who is the best... But yes, the common thing among them is talent and stardom," said Katrina. Dubbing the "top place" as a "different altitude", Katrina said she was never under pressure to be on the top. "Frankly, I don't feel very much to be on top slot. Besides doing professional work, I prefer to be in company of my friends, most of whom are not actors," she said. She added that there was no relevance of the concept of male dominance in the film industry and all what is needed is good and professional work. Katrina revealed her plans of shooting for her new film in Delhi in coming February, besides adding that a lot of effort is being put in to make "Dhoom 3" a big success.

For Salman workout comes first, work later!

Salman Khan delayed the shoot of an awards event act, as he wanted to play and exercise first before taking the stage. When Salman Khan does a dance act, he is singularly unique. He not only does his own steps but also adds his own bits to the act. The star sure knows how to play to the audience with his hilarious act. But what the star did on night at the MMRDA grounds was equally so. He was slated to shoot for his performance at the Golden Petal awards a day after the ceremony. But before the shoot began he wanted to play with a kid who was hanging around the sets.

When he felt he had done his baby talking with the child, he desired to pump some iron, so he took time off to do some bulking up. By the time the shoot wrapped up it was 2 am!

Sallu had attended the awards event on previous night at the same venue where Anil

Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Malaika Arora Khan, Kirron Kher and a host of television artistes performed. But Sallu who was in Dubai a day earlier for a stage show, arrived late for the event and preferred to shoot for his act the following day. Says a source, “Salman arrived at the grounds around 7 pm. Just when he was about to begin he spotted a unit hand's kid who was accompanying his father to the shoot.

Everyone knows that Sallu adores children so he remained inseparable from him. Once he had finished playing with the kid and everyone thought he would be ready for the rehearsals, he decided to do a bout of exercises so that he would appear pumped up for the act. Adds the source, “It was only after he had wrapped up his workouts that he began rehearsals for the act. Apart from his solo act, he also performed with several wellknown small screen characters. As usual he did his own bits while talking throughout the act to them!”

Anushka & Deepika in fierce competition There are probably two things that Anushka Sharma and Deepika Padukone have in common - a cracker of a debut film and a certain Ranveer Singh. But that's pretty much where it ends. If industry insiders are to be believed, the lovely ladies are going all out to ensure that they stay ahead of each other in the race to the top. Reports suggest they are keeping a strict tab on each other's diary whether it is for film deals or endorsements. And the latest is that both are pitching hard for Sajid Nadiadwala's upcoming film “Kick.” While Nadiadwala should be happy with the two of them willing to bend backwards for an opportunity to work with Salman Khan, what piqued everyone's curiosity was, how does Deepika intend to adjust her dates.

The official first teaser trailer for the new film “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” has been released to widespread buzz. The 90 second trailer shows highlights from the remarkable film along with lead star Farhan Akhtar’s amazing look as central protagonist Milkha Singh, who is known as ‘the flying Sikh’, as he overcame much adversity in his life to triumph both on the athletics track as well as off it.

The film is produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures along with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra (Bafta nominated “Rang De Basanti” and “Delhi-6”) who also directs the film, and stars two of Bollywood’s biggest stars Farhan Akhtar (“Rock On,” and “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara”), who plays Milkha Singh, and Sonam Kapoor (“Saawariya,” “I Hate Luv Storys”).

The film features a compelling soundtrack by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, and is distributed by India’s leading film and entertainment company Viacom18 Motion Pictures Pvt. “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” is a real fairy tale story of an average Indian who thought he could outrun the winds…and he did! The film releases on 12th July 2013.

Aamir Khan keen to make Mahabharata Superstar Aamir Khan dreams of bringing the epic tale of Mahabharata on the big screen, but says he lacks courage to do it. "My dream is to make Mahabharata and I don't know if I will be able to fulfil this dream or not. It is a very difficult dream and a scary dream, because every time I think about it I feel I won't be able to do it. I am unable to gather the courage," Aamir said at an event. "It is such a huge responsibility. I don't know if I will be able to fulfil it or not. This subject has been in my heart from a long time," he added.

Kareena Kapoor may have performed at many weddings in the past, but from now on, she will not be seen dancing at any such events. The newly-married actor’s latest item number in Dabangg 2, Fevicol se, is topping the charts. As a result, she has been flooded with numerous offers to dance to the hit number at wedding functions across India. But the actor has been turning all of them down.

“Organisers are willing to cough up anything from Rs. 60 to 80 million for these acts, but Kareena does not want to do anything that could even remotely harm the reputation of her family,” says a source, who reveals that her decision could have been influenced by her actor-husband, Saif Ali Khan. “Saif belongs to the royal family of Pataudi and Kareena probably took the decision keeping her in-laws’ status in mind,” adds the source. When asked, Kareena confirms the news, saying, “My family is looked at with immense respect and I will never do anything to embarrass them. I can’t even think of dancing at weddings, especially from now on.

Being a youth icon, I do not want to set a wrong example. This is a decision made by me and I will stick to it.”

Mary Kom to show Priyanka Chopra around Priyanka Chopra is set to play Mary Kom in a film by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. And to help the makers, the female boxer says she will be more than happy to show the actor around Manipur. “We are going to sit for a day or two and discuss it. I am happy that she will come (to Manipur) and see how we live,” says Mary, adding, “Any actor can play me because all of them are very talented. I am very happy and lucky that Priyanka is doing that.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

Deutsche Bank expects modest recovery in India next year Dear Financial Voice Reader, I write to you from Bangalore airport. The big issues between the UK and India are the PM’s visit next year to India, and the Mayor’s visit last week to India. There is the major debate in the Indian Parliament about how foreign retail investment is like the East India Company and how Gandhiji would have been against it!

Then this week were Ratan Tata’s comments that he is investing abroad for growth because India is not an easy place to do business.

All at the time when the Rupee is at a 10 year low to the pound. As I met companies to discuss investing in the UK, and copying Tata’s huge billion pound profits from the UK operations of Jaguar, I point out that India’s strength is over-estimated and UK’s weakness also over-estimated.

Britain is in the EU – the largest economic are in the world. From London to the furthest part of the EU takes less time than from Delhi to Chennai – so you get in less time access to a market eight times larger than India.

In fact if you are in India, and I put eight Indias on top of each other, that would be the same as being in the UK and doing business.

Of course business is investing in India – because they have maxed out growth in Europe. But India is trying to stop them. Or at least some in Parliament are.

That is why the best most lucrative companies are like Tata – doing business in the UK and in India.

So how do you invest in them? I prefer not investing in Indian stocks in India. Just too much hassle. I prefer ADRs – these are stocks of Indian companies listed in America – so regulated there and of course therefore of a certain large size. Size often means safety.

This is how many people access Tata Motors, Reliance, Infosys and indeed Chinese stocks. Of course the bigger problem is the Rupee. You could easily gain or lose 25% depending on the movements of the Rupee.

Global Indian companies investing in the UK, like Tata, have safety of large contracts and can often grow by beating local companies who don’t have the lower Indian cost base. So I like them. Global British companies able to grow by tapping growing Indian markets, like tobacco companies and Diageo, offer increased sales through growing markets.

If I had to choose, I prefer companies who can grow in growing markets through revenue growth than those with lower cost advantages, because costs can only go so low, but revenues in theory can increase indefinitely.

But the best of both worlds is ideal – a mixture of global British and Indian companies in your portfolio.

Air India to get `20 bn more as equity for revival The government of India earmarked an additional `20 billion for infusion in Air India as part of the state-carrier's financial restructuring. There will be equity infusion of `20 billion in Air India as part of turnaround plan and financial restructuring plan, as per the supplementary demand of grants tabled in the Lok Sabha by finance minister P Chidambaram. Later, he told reporters that the government would be able to accommodate the enhanced outgo within the

present limit and there would be no additional borrowing in the remaining part of the current fiscal year. "`285 billion of petroleum subsidy, about `20 billion for infusion of equity in Air India and `3 billion for some small items. So this amount we think we can accommodate within the present borrowing limit, Chidambaram told reporters outside the Parliament. "We don't think at this moment we need to borrow anything more than what is

   

       









India could witness a modest recovery in 2013 even without major policy initiatives, according to Deutsche Bank. "We think a case can be made for a near-term economic bottom even without major initiatives." said the report released recently.

The recovery would be supported greatly if major initiatives were to boost investment and consumption, but could take place in any case, it said.

Additionally, demand for India's exports could well pick up next year. Given India's rising correlation with global demand, improving PMI readings in both China and the US is heartening. With leading indicators suggesting a

broadly positive and stable outlook in these two economies, India is bound to benefit.

Additionally, India's marginal gains in trade in

ly remain robust, Deutsche Bank has said in its report.

Consequently, the European Bank expects a more positive contribution from net exports in 2013.

recent years have come from strong demand in the ASEAN and MiddleEastern regions, where economic activity will like-

While the economy remains vulnerable to inflation and exchange rate risks, coupled with external shocks and domestic

Insider trading: Rajat Gupta to stay free on bail India-born former Goldman Sachs director Rajat Gupta won a major reprieve after an appeals court granted his request to stay out of prison on a $10 million-bond while he fights his conviction on insider trading charges. The 64-year-old Gupta, who was to begin his two-year prison term on January 8, had filed an appeal in the US Second Circuit Court of Appeals seeking stay of his surrender to prison and to remain free on a 10-milliondollar bond while he challenges his conviction.

A two-judge panel ruled in Gupta's favour at a hearing, saying "it is hereby ordered that the conditions of release imposed by the district court will be continued. Motion is granted," US Circuit Judge Jose Cabranes said in the ruling, allowing Gupta's motion to

Rajat Gupta

stay his surrender date and remain free on bond.

The court is expected to hear Gupta's appeal around April next year and it could be a year before his request to overturn his conviction is ruled upon.

The bail conditions imposed by the district court since Gupta's arrest in October last year include the 10 million dollar-bond, surrender of his passports and travel restrictions.

The ruling comes as a

major relief for Gupta, who is one of the most highprofile Wall Street executives to be charged with passing confidential boardroom information about Goldman Sachs to his friend and business associate, hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam, who prosecutors allege made millions of dollars in profit and avoided huge losses thanks to Gupta's tips.

Judge Cabranes issued his ruling after consulting with US District Judge Reena Raggi, who was also on the panel. The former McKinsey head was convicted by a jury in June on one count of conspiracy and three counts of securities fraud.

US District judge Jed Rakoff had in October sentenced Gupta to two years in prison and slapped a five million-dollar fine on him.

political turbulence, incentives are in place for the authorities to respond with investment friendly reforms, a dynamic already underway, it said.

The economy will likely see a pick-up in external demand next year, and exporters would also be supported by a considerably weaker exchange rate.

The authorities' strategy to cut overall spending on one hand but roll out major projects on the other hand could galvanize business sentiments.

The RBI is likely to cut rates next year, which should also help.

And finally, Deutsche sees consumption remaining resilient, helping anchor demand.

British Airways plans to cut 400 cabin crew jobs British Airways is in talks with a trade union over plans to cut 400 senior cabin crew jobs, adding to pressure on parent International Consolidated Airlines Group, which is already facing holiday season strikes at its Iberia business. British Airways said it had begun a 90-day consultation with union Unite and believed that it would be able to make the reductions through voluntary redundancies.

Unite officer Oliver Richardson said the union would be working to ensure that BA "keeps its promise of 'no compulsory' redundancies". "Any attempts to force people wanting to continue working for BA out of a job will be resisted," he said. BA fought a protracted battle over pay and staffing in 2010 and 2011 with cabin crew.

Mahindra and Mahindra fails to buy stake in Aston Martin Aston Martin plans to invest $1 billion in new products and technology after Italian private equity fund Investindustrial agreed to buy a minority stake in the British luxury carmaker. Investindustrial is buying 37.5 per cent for $241 million via a capital increase agreed with majority Kuwaiti owner Investment Dar, Aston Martin said.

The Italian group beat Indian tractor maker Mahindra and Mahindra in a two-way battle to invest in the company, whose sports cars were made famous by their appearance in James Bond spy films.

The cash injection will help Aston Martin better compete with

Volkswagen's Bentley and rival UK luxury car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover, which was bought

by India's Tata Motors in 2008 and has since seen huge sales growth, especially in China.

The 99-year-old maker of the DB9 and Vanquish sports cars has struggled in recent years. Last week, it said it sold 2,340 cars in the nine months to September 30, 19 per cent down on 2011.

Investindustrial's senior principal Andrea Bonomi said the group hoped to transform Aston Martin in a similar way to its revamp of luxury Italian motorcycle maker Ducati by expanding Aston's model range and strengthening its global

dealership network.

Owned by Italy's Bonomi family, Investindustrial bought Ducati in 2006 and sold it for about 860 million euros last April to Volkswagen's Audi division.

Aston Martin said the deal would enable it to invest in new products and a technology programme up to 2018. Bernstein analyst Max Warburton said it looked like Aston's owners were settling for a temporary fix because they were unable to attract another car manufacturer to invest at the price they wanted.

"It doesn't look like a longterm solution," he said.

"This deal doesn't sort scale, access to technology, emissions or entry to

new segments."

The British carmaker is owned by a consortium of Aston Martin chairman David Richards, Kuwait's Investment Dar and another Kuwait fund, Adeem Investment Co. US-based Ford (F.N), which sold Aston Martin to them for $770 million in 2007, still holds a small stake. Aston Martin said its shareholders' stakes "had been reduced accordingly" by the capital increase.

Aston Martin, perhaps best known for its classic DB5 sports car that featured in early Bond movies, makes its cars in Gaydon, Warwickshire, once part of England's motor manufacturing heartland.

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

19

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket Why foreign money is fuelling Central London property.

Suresh Vagjiani Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

The increase in Central London property prices in my opinion has been largely due to foreign buyers, however they are not buying with the primary aim to make money, neither are they buying to live in. Their objective is to park their funds in a safe and secure environment. This phenomenon serves to fuel the rise in property prices in Central London.

There exists much distrust regarding what is actually going on with the economy, and whether what's being reported in main stream media is the actual truth. Many are of the opinion there are strong under currents regarding what is actually happening in the world. Many newsworthy items are not reported in the mainstream press, one example is what has recently occurred in Iceland, where there has been a revolution and the country’s constitution has been rewritten.

In times when money is being printed at ludicrous levels, and when there exists so much economic turmoil, prices of real goods will rise.

P eople will g o back t o what they kn ow best, what has be en tradition ally regard ed as f orms of wealth, t his is o f c ourse real g ood s: on e being property and anot her is gold .

Th ese t wo have bee n reg arded as forms of we alt h fo r thou sands of years, lon g be fore t he in ve ntion of cle ve r financial instruments.

These buyers aim to keep their funds in a safe place. London offers transparency and security when purchasing and owning property.

During the time when Greece had issues, a local prominent agent told me he had received instructions from someone in Greece to purchase four properties immediately - he needed the completion to be before a certain date. These properties were to be purchased blind, meaning the purchaser would not be seeing them. The properties would be purchased in cash and a budget of £2m was given. Clearly the goal here was to park funds in a safe place, not necessarily to get the best returns, or to find a bargain.

A country which has recently been through some political changes is Georgia, formerly part of the Soviet Union. As a result, there has been a lot of interest from this small country to purchase property in Central London.

A change of political leadership occurred in October 2012 with the New Dream part coalition coming into power.

On a trip to Tbilisi in June 2012 we had much interest from many business people in Georgia who were keen to invest in the UK but didn’t have access to the right channel to make this happen. Our initial aim was to arrange a seminar in a hotel and have investors come there, the idea being that with the help of translators we would get our message across.

However we were strongly advised not to go down this route as we could end up with an empty hotel room, even with the high level of interest in UK property. Given the unstable political situation this would not be a good idea... People who want to invest will not want to be seen by others as getting their money out of the country especially if they were reported to the new authorities which may be coming to power shortly.

The impression I got from speaking to those connected politically, was that the parties seemed to be more like business clubs. When one is ousted, all the former members of the opposing parties are stripped of power and persecuted. This leaves the road clear for the new party to exploit the economic opportunities.

As a result of the change in power, an investor who was about to

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invest in a property through Sow & Reap following our trip there, could not do so. The reason we were told is he had suddenly been arrested by the newly formed government and his assets had been frozen.

There is often very little main stream press on these kinds of news items as the newly formed governments ensure they have control over the media.

A similar scenario occurred in China. A prominent family came to invest in Central London as a way to diversify their invesments, they have had some experience of property in the UK but not in Central London.

The aim of buying here was guided by location. Previously they had their fingers burnt by purchasing a piece of ill advised land outside of London. They had consequently sold at a loss and now had a mandate of buying existing property only in Central London given the issue they had with planning previously.

They are big developers of property in China and also have a hotel business. In short they were not investing for the returns, their aim was to park funds in safer places than their homeland.

The investor had informed me that one of the very wealthy families in China had recently had their assets stripped overnight and been put in prison as they had upset the wrong people in government. This then serves as a signal for those in the business circle to ensure they do not put all their eggs in one basket.

The returns many of the foreign businessmen make in their respective businesses far outweigh the returns gained from property investment.

H oweve r, a rec ent su rvey co ndu cted by Clutto ns showed 6 o ut of 10 mill io naires said residen tial prope rty in Lond on was still the ir favourite asset class. 43% said t he Eurozo ne had no impact on the ir de cision and almost 30% said Lond on is be tter placed as an investmen t as a con se quen ce o f the Eurozone crisis.

Even the stamp duty hike has done little to taper the demand for property. The decoupling between house prices in London and the rest of the UK has been a recent phenomena and did not occur in the last recession when a rise in the Capital meant it will soon spread to the rest of the UK. Currently there is a two tier and unrelated market.

And so it can be seen that many investors in Central London do not have a primary aim for returns but rather it is to purchase a quality asset which will keep their money safe. In short it's to keep wealth in safe.

Not all places in the world offer the transparency and security London does. Most Indians do not have this level of faith when purchasing property in India.

When purchasing a property here in the UK, nobody would question whether there is anything wrong with the title or whether there is a clean ownership. They leave it to their solicitors to check all of this.

This is because they have faith in the UK legal system, at least when it comes to conveyancing. Many countries do not offer this level of reassurance including places like Spain and Italy.

There are also restrictions placed in certain countries regarding the number of properties one can purchase, and issues with the repatriation of funds etc. London has no such restrictions; a foreigner can purchase one or hundred properties.

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20

FINANCIAL VOICE

Introduction: On 5 December Chancellor George Osborne delivered his third - and most significant - Autumn Statement against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty.

It was no big secret that the events of the past year, both at home and abroad, were going to culminate in what would be a difficult balancing act for the Chancellor, in a bid to encourage growth, whilst sticking rigidly to an austerity programme to steer the economy.

As already predicted, the Chancellor announced that growth will be slower and borrowing levels higher than previously anticipated. The Office for Budget Responsibility has significantly downgraded its growth forecasts, with the UK economy set to shrink by 0.1% this year, compared with its previous prediction of 0.8% growth. Public borrowing is expected to reach £108 billion.

The Announcements were classified as fiscally neutral in the Chancellors own words. This means that the measures used to raise tax and the spending measures are broadly the same. Although the Government appears to remain on course to meet its first fiscal mandates, Mr Osborne will significantly miss his targets for reducing the national debt, and instead will have to extend his austerity measures until at least 2018.

Despite this drawback, Mr Osborne was adamant that “turning back would be a disaster” and at the same time, he was keen to emphasise that the high earners would be bearing their fair share of the measures.

There were significant announcements on personal taxation, whilst at the same time, tax avoidance was also mentioned as a key concern, with the introduction of a General Anti-Abuse Rule for next year.

Enterprise and investment was also encouraged with further reductions in Corporation Tax from April 2014, together with an increase in the Annual Investment Allowance from £25,000 to £250,000 for two years commencing on 1 January 2013.

The most welcomed measure by both individuals and businesses was the cancellation of the planned 3p per litre rise in fuel duty which was planned for January 2013.

Summary of measures: Below is a brief summary of the significant points that are likely to affect net disposable incomes for all tax payers: • Personal allowances to increase to £9,440 for 2013/2014.

• The annual and lifetime pension contribution allowances to increase to £50,000 and £1.5 million respectively.

• The planned 3p fuel duty rise to be cancelled.

• Corporation tax to be reduced to 21% from April 2014 • The Annual Investment Allowance to be increased to £250,000 for two years from 1 January 2013.

• Small Business Rate Relief to be extended for another year with effect from 1 April 2013.

• New Business Bank to receive an extra £1bn of capital.

• The Capital gains tax annual exempt amount to increase over two years to reach £11,100.

• The Inheritance tax nil-rate band to be extended from 2015 to £329,000.

• The ISA allowance to rise to £11,520, overall with the cash limit increasing to £5,760.

• The Junior ISA allowance to rise to £3,720.

THE MEASURES IN DETAIL Personal Taxation Income tax: In the 2012 Budget it was announced that the tax-free personal allowance for 2013/14 would rise to £9,205.

In this Autumn Statement this was increased by an extra £235 to £9,440. Equal gains from this increase will be passed on to higher rate taxpayers who receive a personal allowance.

This will result in basic rate tax payers receiving an additional £188 per annum.

The basic rate limit for income tax will be adjusted such that the higher rate threshold above which individuals pay income tax at 40% increases by 1% in 2014/15 and 2015/16. For 2013/14, the

higher rate threshold will be £32,010, decreasing from the current £34,370. The practical effect of this will be for higher rate taxpayers to find an additional £472 per annum for their tax liabilities.

It was confirmed that all previously unlimited income tax reliefs will be capped at the greater of £50,000 or 25% of an individual's income. Charitable reliefs will be exempt from this cap.

National insurance contributions: For 2013/14, there are no changes to the rate of contribution for Class 1 and Class 4 national insurance contributions (NICs).

The upper earnings limit and upper profits limit for NICs will increase to stay in line with the higher rate income tax threshold and there are changes to all of the other thresholds and limits.

Capital gains tax (CGT): The annual increase in the annual exempt amount for CGT will be 1% for 2014/15 and 1% for 2015/16, reaching £11,100. This will result in a savings in taxation of £90 by 2015/16.

Employee shareholder status: In October the Government introduced a new employee shareholder status. Employee shareholders will have different employee rights to other employees and will receive a minimum of £2,000 of shares. Legislation will be introduced to exempt gains on up to £50,000 of shares acquired by employees taking up the new employee shareholder status from CGT from April 2013.

The Government is also considering ways to reduce income tax and NIC liabilities that arise when employee shareholders receive the shares, including an option to deem that employee shareholders have paid £2,000 for shares they receive. This option would mean that the first £2,000 of shares received under the new status would be free from income tax and NICs. Inheritance tax: The inheritance tax (IHT) nil rate band will increase by 1% in 2015/16 to £329,000, resulting in a savings in IHT of £1,600 for the beneficiaries of a deceased’s estate.

Child Trust Fund (CTF): The CTF subscription limit will increase from £3,600 to £3,720 from April 2013.

Benefits and tax credits: Most working age benefits will be uprated by just 1% for three years from April 2013. This excludes the disability, carers and pensioners on these benefits and the support component in Employment and Support Allowance, which will continue to be uprated by prices.

Uprating by 1% will also extend to the Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit (excluding disability elements). The couple, lone parent and child elements will be uprated by 1% for three years from April 2013. The basic and 30 hour elements will not be uprated in 2013/14 but will be uprated by 1% in 2014/15 and 2015/16.

All disability elements will continue to be uprated by prices each year.

Child Benefit will be frozen for 2013/14 at £20.30 per week for the first child and £13.40 for additional children, but will be uprated by 1% for two years from April 2014. Guardian's Allowance will increase from £15.55 per week in 2012/13 to £15.90 per week in 2013/14.

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

encouragement for small, medium and large businesses intending to invest in new plant and equipment.

Income Tax: A new income tax scheme for small unincorporated businesses will be introduced for the 2013/14 tax year to allow eligible self-employed individuals and partnerships to calculate their profits on a cash basis. They will generally not have to distinguish between revenue and capital expenditure. In addition, all unincorporated businesses will be able to choose to deduct certain expenses on a flat rate basis.

The temporary doubling of the Small Business Rate Relief will be extended for a further 12 months from 1 April 2013.

Empty property rates: Subject to consultation, all newly built commercial property completed between 1 October 2013 and 30 September 2016 will be exempted from empty property rates for the first 18 months, up to the state aid limits.

CHANGES TO PENSIONS The state pension: The current basic state retirement pension is £107.45 per week.

The Chancellor announced an increase of 2.5% from April 2013, which will see the weekly rate rise to £110.15. The additional state pension (together with some other benefits, particularly for the disabled) will continue to be increased in line with inflation.

Tax relief on pension savings: Low state pension rates and the availability of significant tax reliefs have encouraged many people over the years to save in pension plans: company pension schemes, group personal pensions or individual personal pensions. For high earners, maximising pension savings has been a part of sensible tax and retirement planning. For some people, an effective tax relief of 60% is achievable before 6 April 2013.

In the past, tax relief on pension savings was limited by capping tax relievable contributions at a percentage of earnings.

In more recent years, the Government has set a limit on annual and lifetime pension savings, beyond which tax advantages are, in effect, clawed back. For the current tax year, and for 2013/14, the annual limit is £50,000 gross (the charge is at your marginal income tax rate), and the lifetime limit is £1.5 million (with a charge at 55% on excesses drawn as lump sums, 25% where excesses are drawn as pension).

The Lifetime Allowance is reduced to £1.25 million with effect from 6 April 2014 (so affecting those taking pension benefits starting in 2014/15). Fixed and (perhaps) personalised protection options will be available, the latter offering scope for continuing savings with only the eventual fund excess over the greater of £1.5 million and the then-standard lifetime allowance subject to charge A transitional rule will apply for cases where death occurs up to 5 April 2014 but death benefit is not drawn until after that date, with the charge being made by reference to the lifetime allowance as at the date of death The capped drawdown limit for pensioners of all ages will increase from 100% to 120% of the value of an equivalent annuity.

BUSINESS TAXATION

BUSINESS MEASURES

Corporation tax: The Chancellor announced that from 1 April 2014 the main rate of corporation tax would be reduced to 21%. This was a greater reduction than previously announced in the 2012 Budget, which intended a rate of 23% from 1 April 2013 and 22% from 1 April 2014.

In the 2012 Budget it was announced that corporation tax reliefs would be introduced for the video games, animation and high-end television industries from April 2013, subject to state aid approval. Under these reliefs, qualifying companies will be able to choose between an additional deduction at a rate of 100% of enhanceable expenditure or a payable tax credit at a rate of 25% of qualifying losses surrendered.

Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) The AIA limit will be increased from £25,000 to £250,000 per annum for two years for all qualifying investments in plant and machinery made on or after 1 January 2013. This should be a significant

Business Bank: The new Business Bank is intended to bring together within a single institution the strategy, management and communication of existing government finance schemes for SMEs, and to improve accessibility to those schemes.

It is expected to be fully operational in Autumn 2014, though some functions should be operating from Spring 2013.

In the Autumn Statement it was announced that an extra £1 billion of capital will be deployed in an attempt to 'stimulate the private sector market for longterm capital and address structural gaps in the supply of finance to SMEs'.

Business finance initiatives: Announcements were made concerning a number of initiatives for encouraging business investment and improving access to finance.

The Business Growth Fund, introduced to invest in small business equity, is budgeting to substantially increase its level of investment to £200 million in

2013. Meanwhile, the Business F i n a n c e Partnership, which aims to stimulate new non-bank sources of finance, has invested £600 million and raised another £650 million from the private sector to creKiran D Patel ate four new funds that will lend to mid-sized companies.

The Government will also provide £72 million of follow-on funding for start-up loans.

Exports: There were several announcements made with the intention of assisting UK exporters, with the Government stating its ambition to increase exports to £1 trillion and become 'the number one destination in Europe for new Foreign Direct Investment from emerging markets'.

UK Export Finance (UKEF) will establish a scheme to provide up to £1.5 billion of loans to finance smaller export transactions. This scheme will run until the end of 2015/16. Additionally, UK Trade and Investment - which assists small and medium-sized exporters - will have its annual budget increased by £70 million.

TRAVEL AND TAXATION Fuel duty: The 3.02p per litre increase in fuel duty that was planned for 1 January 2013 has been cancelled. The increase had already been deferred from the original planned date of 1 August 2012.

Furthermore, the 2013/14 increase planned for 1 April 2013 will be deferred to 1 September 2013, and for the remainder of the Parliament subsequent increases will take effect on 1 September each year instead of 1 April.

Company car tax: HMRC has published figures showing that the car fuel benefit charge multiplier will increase from £20,200 in 2012/13 to £21,100 in 2013/14. Meanwhile, the van fuel benefit charge will increase from £550 to £564.

Ahead of Budget 2013, the Government will consult on providing time-limited incentives through company car tax to encourage the purchase and development of ultra-low emission vehicles.

Air Passenger Duty: Air Passenger Duty rates will increase by the Retail Price Index increase for September 2012 from 1 April 2013.

INDIVIDUAL SAVINGS ACCOUNTS (ISA) The overall ISA subscription limit will increase from £11,280 in 2012/13 to £11,520 in 2013/14. Of this, the cash limit will increase from £5,640 to £5,760. The Junior ISA subscription limit will increase from £3,600 to £3,720.

The Government will consult on expanding the list of Qualifying Investments for stocks and shares ISAs to include shares traded on SME equity markets such as the Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

SUMMARY All in all, against the backdrop of the Coalition Governments determination to reduce the deficit, individual taxpayers will be relieved that there has been a substantial amount of damage limitation in what can be described as a virtually impossible balancing act. Higher rate taxpayers and those who make substantial pension contributions have been hit hard. Most businesses will benefit from the announcements with some really generous reliefs and tax reductions to look forward to. A reasonable result in a difficult fiscally neutral Autumn Statement.

Please note that there were many other detailed announcements, and therefore, the information in this article should not be relied upon, on its own. For detailed tax planning in light of the announcements, individuals and businesses must seek professional advice before taking any actions.

Kiran D Patel BA(HONS)., FCA is a Partner at Weston Kay, Chartered Accountants. For specific advice, please contact Kiran D Patel on 020 7636 7493 or e-mail him on k.patel@westonkay.com.

FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

21

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

Lack of fiscal cliff progress has little impact In the past month, euro zone fundamental data has typically proven extraneous to the shared currency’s performance.

Confidence that a Greek bailout spurred the euro to impressive strength, whilst a gradually improving American economy and calmness about the approaching fiscal cliff saw investor risk appetite increase, exaggerating the euro’s gains.

The latter part of last week saw a change of sentiment that erased almost half of these gains in just a few days.

Mario Draghi, the ECB president, held a press conference that first sparked the euro’s descent. On the same day the governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King, had his own press conference. Both men announced that their central banks would keep the respective interest rates the same, whilst also keeping the asset purchases unchanged.

Despite these similarities, the gulf in performance was because of the detail behind these announcements.

Announcing a downgrade in the euro zone’s growth prospects,

the downward revision hit the markets first. This depression was quickly compounded by Draghi releasing information that the decision makers within the ECB were split on whether or not to cut the rate.

In recent months these interest rate decisions have been unanimous. This disagreement suggests that going forward, a rate cut to 0.5%, historic lows, could be expected.

News of this had the greatest impact and sent the euro tumbling.

The Italian Prime Minister, Mario Monti, announced over the weekend that he will resign once Italy’s budget is pushed through parliament. The major news rocked the euro again, adding further downward pressure to the 17-nation currency.

Regarded by his critics as a German-centric leader, his stance on austerity allied him to the wider European cause.

Resultantly, his decision to leave his post at the helm of Italy has

worried investors that an antiausterity leader will assume the position, with Berlusconi one of the front runners.

As Europe looks to tackle the spiralling debt crisis, an Italian leader who would disrupt the status quo, largely created by

German chancellor Merkel and the troika, could act as a hindrance to further progress.

As the New Year approaches, so does the biggest event threatening global growth, the fiscal

0 8 0 8

$ 0 4 5

cliff. A range of tax cut expiries, tax rises and government spending cuts set to initiate on the 1st January 2013, threaten the US economic recovery that is slowly picking up momentum.

These measures would create and an austere environment that, if left untouched, would plunge the American economy into recession that in turn would have a huge impact on the global economy.

Currently Republican and Democratic leaders are locked in talks to find a solution, with both parties arguing for a solution that would cause least damage to their own constituents.

Frustrations regarding the lack of progress have been voiced by both parties, however as yet; these frustrations have not manifested themselves in the currency markets. Investors are convinced that a compromise will be found because the consequences for the contrary would be catastrophic.

Weekly Currencies As of Tuesday 11th December 2012 @ 4pm GBP - INR = 87.39 USD - INR = 54.26 EUR - INR = 70.54 GBP - USD = 1.61 GBP - EUR = 1.24 EUR - USD = 1.30 GBP - AED = 5.91 GBP - CAD = 1.59 GBP - NZD = 1.92 GBP - AUD = 1.53 GBP - ZAR = 13.96 GBP - HUF = 349.30

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

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FINANCIAL VOICE

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

Tatas set to revise Orient Express offer

Maria Fernandes

maria@abplgroup.com

Latest changes to the immigration Further changes were laid before Parliament and these are due to take effect on the 13th December 2012. The changes have been described as minor changes but in some areas the changes are important.

Here is a summary of the changes.

Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Investor • The requirement for an English test for Entrepreneurs has dropped from advanced to intermediate in recognition of the fact that the test initially introduced was far too high.

• Students under Tier 4 will not be allowed to switch to Entrepreneur status unless they receive funding from a specific source (ie registered venture capitalist firms, UK Government funding or listed seed funding operations) • Curtailment of the leave of investors who do not maintain their invest-

India’s car sales fall 8 pc in Nov Car sales in India slumped 8 per cent in November, dashing hopes of a sustained revival in demand, as an expected festive season boom failed to materialise in a key growth market for global carmakers.

A gloomy economic growth outlook, high interest rates and rising ownership costs have curbed demand in India, where global brands have invested billions of dollars in a car market that saw sales growth of more than 20 per cent 18 months ago.

Sales had grown at their fastest pace in 22 months in October, and carmakers had banked on a surge in demand during the annual festive season that began in September and peaked in November, when people typically make big-ticket purchases. Car sales have grown just 1.3 per cent in the April-November period from a year previously.

ment for the duration of their stay.

• The rules clarify the fact that secure investments and offshore investments will not qualify.

Tier 2 (Sponsored Work Visas) • A minor correction is being made to confirm that transitional arrangements apply for those who entered the UK between 6th April and 13th June 2012 who will continue to be subject to NVQ level 4 requirements and not NQF level 6 requirements.

• Intra company transferees on salaries of £150000 can remain for a maximum of 9 years rather than the 5 year limit that is currently in place.

• There is clarification that pension contributions do not count towards salary.

• Those in Tier 2 categories can be absent for up to 180 days in each year providing it is related to work or economic activity

or for compassionate reasons.

• Tier 2 employees can take up supplementary employment in shortage occupations even it this is different from their current employment.

• There is a change to the way that the cooling period will work. The 12month period can start from the earliest date that the employee can demonstrate that they left the UK. • Medical students and dentists (under Tier 4 visas) will be able to start working immediately once they submit an application to do a recognised NHS Foundation programme.

Maria Fernandes has been in practice exclusively in immigration for the past 25 years.

Fernandes Vaz is based at 87 Wembley Hill Road Wembley in Wembley and can be contacted by telephone on 02087330123, by email on info@fernandesvaz.com.

India to give `112.95 bn to IMF Continuing its effort to mark its arrival on the global stage, India will provide Rs 112.95 billion to the International Monetary Fund's New Arrangements to Borrow (NAB) facility.

Government of India sought Parliamentary approval towards this end.

Last year also India provided over $2 billion to the IMF's fund to help bailouts in Europe and other parts of the world.

As part of efforts to overcome the global financial crisis, in April 2009, the Group of Twenty (G-20) industrialized and emerging market economies agreed to increase the resources available to the IMF by up to $500 billion (which would triple the total precrisis lending resources of about $250 billion) to support growth in emerging market and developing countries, according to IMF. IMF said this broad

goal was endorsed by the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) in its April 25, 2009 communique. The increase was made in two steps: First, through bilateral financing from IMF member countries; Second, by incorporating this financing into an expanded and more flexible NAB. On September 25, 2009 the G20 announced it had delivered on its promise to contribute over $500 billion to a renewed and expanded NAB, according to the IMF website.

Currently, the fund has 16 active bilateral loan agreements worth about $200 billion and two active bilateral note purchase agreements for about $60 billion. For NAB participants with bilateral credit lines, these credit lines do not add to the total resources available to the Fund under their NAB credit arrangements, it said.

India's domestic air traffic growth to be world's second highest

India's domestic air travel market would be among the top five globally, experiencing the second highest growth rate in domestic passenger traffic after Kazakhstan but before China, IATA said.

Global airlines' body International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its Airline Industry Forecast 20122016, saying only Kazakhstan, India and China would experience double-digit growth in

domestic passenger traffic during the period, recording 22.5, 13.1 and 10.1 per cent growth respectively, adding a total of 49.3 million new passengers.

"No other country is expected to experience double-digit growth rates over the forecast period," the IATA study said.

By 2016, the five largest markets for domestic passengers would be the United States (710.2 million), China (415 million), Brazil (118.9 mil-

lion), India (107.2 million) and Japan (93.2 million).

Globally, the IATA industry traffic forecast showed that the airlines were expected to fly some 3.6 billion passengers in 2016, which is about 800 million more than the 2.8 billion carried by them in 2011.

In terms of air cargo carriage too, India would be among five fastest growing international freight markets over the 2011-2016 period.

Tatas-owned Indian Hotels Company is working on a revised offer to acquire British hospitality group Orient Express, sweetening the price 1015% in the coming days.

The renewed offer could be more than $15 per share as IHCL readies the backing of an expanded lenders consortium to power the bid, after Orient Express last month turned down $12.63 a piece offer valuing it at $1.86 billion.

IHCL, which operates hotels and resorts under the Taj brand, has opened discussions with lenders like BNP Paribas to expand the $750 million financing armoury from Standard Chartered Bank, ICICI Bank and Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

The line of credit could be closer to $1 billion depending on how aggressively Tata Sons, the cashrich parent of IHCL and the holding company of the $100-billion Tata Group wants to chase Orient Express. Global banks have provided balance sheet support to Tata companies, with even the more leveraged ones like Tata Communications arranging for loans at under 6% interest even in a challenging climate.

Tatas made the bid along with Ferrari boss Luca Cordero di

Montezemalo and former Orient Express CEO Paul White. The consortium has indicated that it would enhance the offer if the British luxury chain allowed them to do due diligence Sources said the revised offer was still at works and has not gone o the IHCL board yet, and hence still not a certainty at this point. Indian Hotels has batted the game with an opening price and would increase the bid for the cruises-tohotels company. They, however, cautioned that the company wouldn’t stretch beyond a particular price, which it thinks is a fair valuation of Orient Express.

NYSE-listed Orient Express is currently quoting at $12.15 compared to $57.79 when Indian Hotels first acquired its

shares in 2007. Indian Hotels, which currently holds 6.9% stake in the company, has seen significant value erosion after paying $248 million for the share purchase.

The board of Orient Express may expect a tempestuous offer, which would be hard for the Tatas to meet given the challenging economic conditions and a slow down in hospitality industry across most developed markets.

Still, the latest bid is “less acrimonious” compared to five years ago with Tata insiders believing they have a fair chance to see it through.

Tatas have indicated that they would accommodate fears expressed by Orient Express board, of not wanting to be part of the same company, which owns more mainstream and budget hotels.

Corporate frauds on the rise in India: Survey

World Bank group's lending arm to invest $1 bn in India

Weak law enforcement and lack of effective regulatory and compliance mechanism are among reasons behind the growing incidences of fraud in corporate India, a survey has said, seeking stricter counter measures like hotline for whistleblowers and efficient internal audit.

The survey, conducted

by KPMG, shows that corporate frauds in India have increased over the past two years and companies consider them an inevitable cost of doing business. The trend is “dangerous” as it could lead organizations to have a tolerant approach towards fraud, according to the biennial, “India Fraud Survey 2012”, report. “Close to 55% of respondents indicated that their organizations experienced fraud in the last two years vis-a-vis 45% in the 2010 edition of our survey,” KPMG said.

KPMG, which received responses from 293 corporate executives from sectors like financial services, information and entertainment, telecom and real estate, said that not only were the number of frauds bulging, but also their type.

Cyber crime, intellectual property fraud, including counterfeiting and piracy, and identity theft were

rated as the top fraud concerns for the future by survey respondents. “This underlines a shift in the fraud landscape with fraudsters increasingly targeting organizational knowledge (data, code etc) and not physical assets to defraud companies,” KPMG said.

The new type of frauds rely on technology and allow fraudsters to work in groups to leverage their full might, Rohit Mahajan, coHead of KPMG India's Forensic Services, said.

Highlighting the underpreparedness among companies to tackle new types of fraud, the survey noted that nearly 78% of respondents are unaware of the risks associated with intellectual property infringement, counterfeiting or piracy. “In case of cyber crime, while over 80% respondents had policies on accessing external websites and social media from their office networks, 40% said their companies did not have specific guidelines on the kind of information that could be shared on social media. Around 53% of respondents said they had faced identity theft (either by way of password sharing, social engineering or malwares) and yet did not have a policy to mitigate these incidences,” Mahajan said.

World Bank group's private sector lending arm International Finance Corp (IFC) plans to invest USD 1 billion in India during its current fiscal, up to June 2013.

In recent years, the IFC has substantially increased its business in India. "Our total investment target for India is USD 1 billion this (fiscal) year," Regional Director, Infrastructure and Natural Resources at IFC, Anita George said. IFC follows July to June financial year.

Nearly half of the total targeted amount has already been invested in the country. "(About) USD 400 to 500 million has been invested," she said.

Among its recent investments, IFC had pumped in USD 75 million into Indian financial conglomerate Religare Enterprises through compulsory convertible debentures.

Since 1956, IFC has invested in 264 companies in India, providing over USD 7 billion in financing for its own account and USD 2.1 billion in mobilisation from external resources, according to IFC website.

WORLD 23

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

In Focus

India to overtake China by 2030: US report

US SEALs rescue Indianorigin doc from Taliban

Washington: It might be hard to visualize or believe in today's messy, gridlocked, turmoil-ridden subcontinent, but the US intelligence community in a new report released on Monday says by 2030, a surging India, along with decelerating China, will straddle global commerce and dominate the world economy amid the gradual decline of the west.

They won't be doing it in tandem. China has powered ahead, but India's turn will come after 2015 even as China's fortunes start receding. But by 2030, Asia, fueled

by India as much as China, "will be well on its way to returning to being the world's powerhouse, just as it was before 1500," says "Global Trends 2030: Alternative Worlds," a report issued by the US National Intelligence

Washington: In a daring rescue operation, elite American commandos have rescued an Indian-American doctor who was in the custody of the Taliban in Afghanistan, losing one Navy SEAL and killing seven insurgents. Colorado-based Dilip Joseph had been abducted on December 5 along with two Afghan colleagues as they left a rural medical clinic in Sorobi district in Kabul province. He was rescued in an early Sunday operation ordered after intelligence showed that the doctor was in imminent danger of injury or possible death, according to a statement. “This was a combined operation of US and Afghan forces,� said 1st Lt Joseph Alonso, a spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan.

Obama seeks $60bn for Sandy repairs New York: US President Barack Obama asked Congress to approve a $60.4 billion aid package to help East Coast states rebuild after Superstorm Sandy, well short of their initial requests. Officials from stormbattered New York, New Jersey and Connecticut had said they needed at least $82 billion combined to make emergency repairs and upgrade infrastructure. New York and New Jersey lawmakers said they expect Obama will seek more aid as the extent of Sandy's damage becomes clearer. The two states were hit the hardest by the storm, which made landfall in New Jersey on Oct. 29.

Nelson Mandela in hospital for lung infection Johannesburg: Former South African President Nelson Mandela, in hospital for tests, has suffered a recurrence of a lung infection but is responding to treatment.

The 94-year-old former South African president and revered anti-apartheid leader is spending his fourth day in a hospital in the South African capital Pretoria. Mandela was admitted after being flown from his home village of Qunu, which is in a remote, rural part of the Eastern Cape province.

The nation's Surgeon-General was expected to give an update on Mandela's condition later.

Norway child row: Indian couple move higher court Oslo: Indian software professional and his wife, who were convicted for "serious child abuse" of their seven-year-old son, have filed an appeal in a higher court in Norway.

Chandrasekhar Vallabhaneni and his wife Anupama, who were arrested by police last month, were sentenced by Oslo district court to jail terms for 18 months and 15 months respectively on Tuesday for gross or repeated maltreatment of their child/children by threats, violence or other wrong. They have now filed an appeal in a higher court.

Council, the brain trust of the US intelligence community.

Pakistan will be a no-show and may not even exist.

The report shows that India will surge ahead after 2020 even as China begins to wane or decelerate, mainly on account of demographic changes which will see China aging before India. "As the world's largest economic power, China is expected to remain ahead of India, but the gap could begin to close by 2030. India's rate of economic growth is likely to rise while China's slows," the report says, adding, "In 2030 India could be the rising economic powerhouse that China is seen to be today.

China's current economic growth rate - 8 to 10 per cent - will probably be a distant memory."

According to the report,

Egypt in turmoil as army gets power to arrest civilians Cairo: Egyptian government under President Mohamed Morsi has given military temporary authority to arrest civilians to help safeguard a constitutional referendum planned for Saturday, the official gazette said. The order said the military would support police and liaise with them to protect "vital institutions" until the referendum result is declared. The decree gave army officers the right to make arrests and transfer detainees to prosecutors.

Despite its limited nature, the edict will revive memories of Hosni Mubarak's emergency law, also introduced as a temporary expedient, under which military or state security courts tried thousands of political dissidents and Islamist militants. But a military source stressed that the measure, introduced by a civilian government, would have a short shelf-life.

The decree, published in the government gazette, takes effect on the eve of mass rival protests on the referendum and follows street clashes that have left seven people dead and hundreds injured. Army tanks and troops have

deployed around Morsi's presidential palace but they have not confronted thousands of protesters who have gathered there every night.

The opposition, made up of secular, liberal, left wing and Christian groups, has said it will escalate its protests to scupper the refer-

endum. It views the draft constitution, largely drafted by Morsi's Islamist allies, as undermining human rights, the rights of women, religious minorities, and curtailing the independence of the judiciary.

Morsi, though, has defiantly pushed on with the new charter, seeing it as necessary to secure democratic reform in the wake of Mubarak's 30-

Hands off South China Sea, China tells India Beijing: China has reacted sharply to Indian navy chief D K Joshi’s remark that New Delhi was ready to dispatch ships to protect Indian interests in the diplomatically choppy South China Sea region.

Indian emissary Shiv Shankar Menon who was in Beijing had indicated that Joshi was ambushed by journalists in New Delhi in to making a general comment which was then exaggerated and reported.

Menon had also added that China knew how the media operates in India and that none of the top Chinese officials he met had raised the issue. This could be true. But as it now appears China didn’t take Joshi’s remarks lightly. “China opposes any

the total size of the Chinese working-age population will peak in 2016 and decline from 994 million to about 961 million in 2030. In contrast, India's working-age population is unlikely to peak until about 2050. In terms of timeline, India's demographic window of opportunity is between 2015 and 2050, whereas China's is 1990 and 2025. In contrast, the US fecundity was at its best between 1970 and 2015, presaging the country's gradual decline. India's median age, currently at 26, will be 32 by 2030, still the lowest among the top ten economies in the world.

The report forecasts that sometime after 2030, India, not China will have the world's largest middle-class consumption, bigger than US and EU combined. But both

unilateral oil and gas exploration activities in disputed areas in the South China Sea and hopes relevant countries respect China's sovereignty and national interests, as well as the efforts of countries within the region to resolve disputes through bilateral negotiations,� Hong Lei, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson told a regular press briefing.

Hong was responding

to Joshi’s remarks on Monday when he told the annual Indian Navy Day press conference that though India was not a direct claimant in the South China Sea, its primary concern was the “freedom of navigation in international waters.� “It is not that we expect to be in those waters very frequently,� but whenever the situation required, with the country’s interests at stake — for example ONGC Videsh has three oil exploration blocks there� — “we will be required to go there and we are prepared for that,� Joshi said.

ONGC Videsh has invested more than $600 million in exploring oil and gas in those blocks in the past few years.

year autocratic rule. Late on Sunday, the main opposition group, the National Salvation Front, called for huge protests in Cairo to reject the 15 December referendum. It dismissed a key concession Morsi made rescinding another decree giving himself nearabsolute powers as too late, saying he had already used it to railroad through the draft constitution. "We do not recognize the draft constitution because it does not represent the Egyptian people," National Salvation Front spokesman Sameh Ashour told a news conference.

Going ahead with the referendum "in this explosive situation with the threat of the Brothers' militias amounts to the regime abandoning its responsibilities," he said.

In recent days, the protesters have hardened their slogans, going beyond criticism of the decree and the referendum to demand Morsi's ouster.

The Muslim Brotherhood, from which Morsi hails, shot back that it and allied Islamist movements would counter with their own big rallies in the capital in support of the referendum.

China and India, it says, faces the prospect of being trapped in middle-income status, with their per capita income not continuing to increase to the level of the world's advanced economies unless they resolve their resource constraints (mainly water, energy, food) and invest more in science and technology to continue to move their economy up the value chain.

Indeed, the India-China economic journey is not without hurdles or pitfalls, especially with regards to the global scrap for resources and the effects of climate change. But if they surmount the difficulties and things pan out well, India and China will dominate a world in 2030 that will largely be "middle-class, not poor, which has been the condition of most people throughout human history."

Hillary is people's choice for 2016 presidential bid Washington: "Run, Hillary, Run!" is what the majority is saying, as Hillary Clinton, US secretary of state and former first lady, is the people's choice for a 2016 presidential bid, according to a new poll.

An ABC News/ Washington Post poll found 65-year-old Clinton's popularity at an all-time high, and that 57% of Americans want her to run for the White House.

Among all women, 66% say they would support Clinton as a candidate for president in 2016; it is 75% among those under 50 and 54% among those aged 50 and up. Forty-nine per cent of men back a Clinton bid, regardless of what side of 50 they are on.

Support for a Clinton candidacy is high among both Democratic men and women (80 and 84%, respectively).

Republicans are far less supportive of a presidential bid from the former first lady: in the poll, 23% of Republicans would support a run in 2016; 73% would oppose it.

Some 82% of Democrats would back her candidacy, with most saying they would do so "strongly". A majority of independents, 59%, also support another Clinton run.

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PAKISTAN-BANGLADESH-SRI LANKA

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

Pakistan daily asks authorities to apologise to Hindus for demolishing temple

Islamabad: Authorities must apologise to the Hindu community for demolishing a temple in Karachi and hurting their sentiments, a Pakistani daily said. An editorial in the Dawn said the demolition of a Hindu temple in Karachi's Garden area raises disturbing questions and is "a prime example of the callous attitude that officialdom often has towards this country's non-Muslim citizens".

"The authorities need to uncover the facts of the matter, especially regarding ownership, and apologise to the Hindu community for having hurt their sentiments by demolishing the temple.

"Even if the structure was illegally built, the community should be given an alternative site to build the temple. And if this is not the case and the demolition was illegal, then the temple should be rebuilt

Taliban threaten to target Pakistan's secular parties Islamabad: The Pakistani Taliban has said that it would carry out more attacks on "secular" political parties like the ANP and MQM, warning people to stay away from their rallies, a day after a blast outside an ANP gathering injured about 10 people. Tehrik-eTaliban Pakistan spokesman Ihsanullah Ihsan told the media in the country's northwest that his group would target the country's "secular parties" like the Awami National Party, which rules KhyberPakhtunkhwa province, and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement that is part of the ruling coalition at the centre.

"The attack on the ANP gathering was just the beginning. The attacks will intensify on the political gatherings of the secular ANP and MQM," Ihsan was quoted as saying by the media.

as it was," the editorial said.

There is reportedly a dispute between a builder who claims to own the structure and the temple authorities and the matter is in court. Yet

the Pakistan Hindu Council and residents claim they were not given advance warning before the demolition squad showed up and that "religious

objects were desecrated during the operation".

Community members claim they have been living in the location for over a century. They say they have been

harassed to vacate the land.

Though an official claims no place of worship was damaged in the 'anti-encroachment' operation, images in

the media of Hindu idols surrounded by rubble "makes such denials questionable".

The editorial said it was not assuming that the temple was deliberately targeted. "Yet the matter should have been handled more tactfully considering the sensitivities, specifically the fact that a place of worship was involved."

"Would such action have been taken if a mosque had been built on illegally occupied land instead of a temple?" the daily asked.

The daily pointed out that clumsily handled situations such as this only add to the discomfiture of minorities living in this country. Minorities have been increasingly marginalised with the growth of extremism, it said and added that in such circumstances, disrespecting a non-Muslim place of worship only adds to the alienation.

India wants strong and prosperous Pakistan: Manmohan Singh New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said India would like to see a "strong, stable and prosperous" Pakistan and that he was happy to see democracy flourish over there as he received a parliamentary delegation from that country.

Singh also told the delegation led by chairman of Pakistan's Senate Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari that closer relations between parliaments in the two countries was necessary for strengthening bilateral relations.

"Welcoming the resumption of dialogue process, Prime Minister said India would like to see a strong, stable and prosperous Pakistan and was happy to see democracy flourish over there," a statement from Pakistan high commission here said.

Manmohan Singh

Bokhari felt parliamentary diplomacy would be "more beneficial" in improving ties between the two nation as members of parliament represent the aspirations of the people.

"We had a very good meeting. We discussed bilateral issues. It is a positive thing that the two countries are talking so that relations could improve," Bokhari said after a 45-minute meeting with the Prime Minister.

Besides the Prime Minister,

the delegation, which is here at the invitation of Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari, also met external affairs minister Salman Khurshid, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, leader of the opposition Arun Jaitley and president of Indian Council for Cultural Relations Karan Singh.

"We discussed the areas in which there are impediments which should be resolved," he said. The delegation also met President Pranab Mukherjee who expressed satisfaction over the enhanced parliamentary exchanges as well as forward movement in areas such as trade, culture and peopleto-people contacts. "The President stressed on the need for the two countries to build on convergences and narrowing divergences," the statement said.

Hindu newspaper in the heart of Pakistan

Keval Dhokia Sindh (Pakistan): After partition and decades of religiously-charged cross-border hostilities on the sub-continent, it has been part of Indian conventional wisdom that Hindus in Pakistan were a persona non-grata. But one man has been single-handedly turning the tide against these historical misconceptions.

A boot-polisher from the Indus Valley region of Sindh in Pakistan has gained fame for publishing a newspaper for the impoverished Hindu peasants and construction workers that live in his hometown of Kotri.

Harji Lal, who is the only Hindu in the town to own a computer, taught himself publishing and reporting skills by spending his spare time, in between shoe-shining, reading Urdu newspapers and learning software in the evenings since 2002.

The lone publisher-reporter works out of his single-room home, which also houses his

wife and six children. He says: “We’ve kept the price of the paper low so our people can afford it, but sometimes we don’t have enough paper to print, so I use my salary to complete publishing.

One night my wife and I had no money left so the family had to go to sleep hungry. I was a little hurt by my predicament but if my wife didn’t support me, I wouldn’t be able to put this paper together.”

Pakistan’s Sindh province was 8.5 per cent Hindu at the last count in 1998, accounting for 2.5-3 million people.

This is around six times the number of Hindus in Britain, and Mr Lal says he is committed to raising the issues that affect this vulnerable community in Pakistan.

“I used to wonder why we don’t have a voice? Why we don’t have a newspaper. All the newspapers that are printed are for the Muslim community. So, now after 12 years of hard work, I started a

In Focus Malala Yousufzai’s father is UN special advisor

Islamabad: The father of Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousufzai, who was shot by the Taliban for advocating girls' right to education, has been named as the Special UN Advisor on Global Education. The announcement was made by Gordon Brown, who is the United Nations' Special Envoy for Global Education. He said that once Malala gets well, she too will join the campaign.

Prof held in Pakistan for blasphemy

Islamabad: Police in the Pakistani capital have arrested a professor on a charge of blasphemy after hundreds of people, including clerics and seminary students, joined a protest and demanded the registration of a case against him. Iftikhar Khan, a professor and author in his 60s, was accused of blasphemy by his nephew Sheikh Usman.

Usman claimed two books written by his uncle contained “blasphemous comments”.

Khan is a PhD scholar and returned to Pakistan in 1987 after spending 12 years in the US. Media reports said Khan and Usman were involved in a dispute over property.

4 killed in US drone attack in Pakistan

Islamabad: At least four people were killed in a US drone strike launched in Pakistan's northwest tribal area of North Waziristan.

The strike took place at pre-dawn time when US unmanned aircraft fired two missiles at a house suspected of being a militant hideout in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, a militancy-hit area bordering Afghanistan. The identities of the killed are not immediately available. Despite the repeated protests by the Pakistani side, the United States has never halted its drone strikes in Pakistan, which has caused a strong anti-Amercian sentiment among the local people.

Zardari won’t fight, lead party in polls

Islamabad: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari will not lead or participate in the ruling-PPP campaign for the next general election scheduled for next year, religious affairs minister Khursheed Shah had said. Zardari is the co-chairman of the PPP and plays a key role in guiding the party’s activities and the government’s policies. The federal minister commended Zardari for his role as president of Pakistan. In the past, presidents had harmed democracy while the serving president was the “greatest defender of democracy”, Shah said. One of the governors would be changed after a caretaker administration is formed to oversee the upcoming election, Shah said. Last month, the information minister said next election will be held in May.

Bangladesh election protests spark clashes

newspaper called, ‘Weekly Sandesh’” he said.

The newspaper, which began as a tiny local operation in 2010, has garnered widespread support from secular circles and international NGOs in Pakistan, allowing the Sindhi language publication to expand into Hyderabad, Sindh’s second largest city after Karachi.

There are also plans to go national through an Urdu edition, and Mr Lal maintains an active Facebook presence (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.

174141325963829.36782.12 5717540806208) However, Sindh has been

Harji Lal, editor, weekly Sandesh

the scene of rising extremism and anti-Hindu sentiment, with the razing of the Rama Peer Mandir in Karachi last week and the ongoing negative politicking against a community which has produced sportsman, like Dinesh Kaneria, and officials like former Chief Justice Bhagwan Das. Mr Lal is adamant to stress that ‘Sandesh’, which means ‘message’ in Sanskrit, is in the interest of all Pakistani people, saying: “We are from this land.

We eat here, live here. So whatever we do we do it to better our country. This is where we belong. Why should we keep quiet?”

Dhaka: Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse armed protesters staging blockades across Bangladesh as part of an opposition push to get an independent administration to oversee next year's general election. Activists from the country's two main political parties hurled homemade bombs and threatened to use guns and other weapons.Police and witnesses said supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and its allies set ablaze about 30 buses, trucks and cars in the capital Dhaka and other parts of the country.

Bomb kills provincial Afghan police chief

Herut: A roadside bomb killed the police chief of Afghanistan's western Nimroz province. General Mohammad Musa Rasoli's vehicle was struck by the bomb as he was heading to work, the official said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. Taliban insurgents have targeted provincial officials in the past.The Afghan government is scrambling to improve security before NATO troops withdraw by the end of 2014. Some Afghans fear another civil war may erupt after the pullout.

INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

Time has come to dismiss Parliament: Anna Hazare

In divine light

By Rajen Vakil

Markandeya tells a story

Markandeya said, “In the kingdom of Ayodhya lived a king named Parikshit. He was of the Ikshvaku lineage. Once during a hunt, he began chasing after a deer. Deep into the forest, the king felt very tired and thirsty. Suddenly he saw a thick part of the jungle which was very dark. He went into the bushes and in the middle of the patch was a lovely lake. Together with his horse, he bathed in the waters of the lake and felt refreshed. The king then tethered his horse to a tree and fell asleep on the banks of the lake. While he was sleeping, he heard a beautiful voice sing a divine song.

The king was surprised to hear such a wonderful voice in this deep forest where there was no sign of another human being. At that very moment, he saw a beautiful damsel picking flowers and singing this melodious tune. The king asked the young woman who she was, to which she replied she was just a girl.

The king then told her that he was attracted to her and wanted to marry her.

The damsel told the king that he could have her on the condition that he never

exposed her to water. The king agreed and married her on the spot. The king then started enjoying his time in the forest with the young girl.”

“A few days later, the king’s army came to the place near the lake where the king was. The king had them make a beautiful palanquin for him and his wife and left the forest for his kingdom. Once in his capital, the king began living with the girl in total solitude. Nobody was able to see or meet the girl who had come with the king.

The king’s ministers asked the maids who looked after her and they replied that they were shocked

because they were not allowed to bring even a drop of water to her chambers."

“One of the ministers showed the king a beautiful patch of forest in which there was no water. The forest was full of beautiful flowers but it also had a secret well which was covered with a screen of pearls. The king began living in this forest with his newlywed wife. One day, while they were roaming in the forest, the king felt tired and thirsty. He saw a well which was surrounded by a wall of limestone as if to hide it. In his thirst, he forgot his promise to his wife and asked her to enter the well and bring some water. The queen went into the well but did not emerge. The king called out to her for a long time but no one replied.

He then called his men and had the well emptied of water but there was no sign of the queen. All they found in the well was a lone frog. This angered the king immensely.”

(To be continued next week)

All past articles on the Mahabharata can be accessed from http://epaper.asianvoice.com or from http://www.3stepbreath.com/mahabharata.html

In Focus Jodhpur court summons Salman, Saif in Feb for poaching case

Salman Khan will have to appear in court in connection with the 14-year-old Chinkara poaching case on February 4, 2013, a Jodhpur court has ruled. Actors Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre and Neelam have also been directed to appear. Salman. Salman, Saif and the other actors are accused of hunting endangered chinkara and blackbuck deer while shooting 1999 film Hum Saath Saath Hain in Rajasthan.

Crocodile swallows 12-year-old in Madhya Pradesh

A 12-year-old boy was allegedly swallowed alive by a monster-sized crocodile at the National Chambal Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh's Bhind district. The boy was accompanied by his father when he was snatched away by the crocodile, forest officers said. The incident took place around 4 pm at Barhi village when the boy was drinking water from the river. Boy's father and some railway employees working nearby tried to save him.

But the crocodile dragged the child away. The victim is Imran Khan and his father Hafeez Khan, was standing a short distance away from the river.

After 10 weeks, Ajit back as Maha deputy CM

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar was re-inducted as Maharashtra deputy chief minister, just 10 weeks after he quit over alleged links to a corruption scandal. Pawar, nephew of NCP chief and Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar, had quit the cabinet on September 25 after his name figured in alleged irregularities of Rs 20,000 crore in irrigation projects when he was water resources minister from 1999 to 2009.

However, he got a clean chit after the state government's

SC upholds Pranab Mukherjee's election as President

The Supreme Court dismissed Purno Sangma's petition challenging Pranab Mukherjee's election as the President. The SC bench said that Sangma's petition did not disclose material to pass the stage of early scrutiny. A five-judge bench of the apex court decided by 3:2 majority that the petition did not deserve to be entertained for detail trial, which if ordered would have entailed possible cross examination of Pranab Mukherjee. The SC said that it would take a final call on on December 5.

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The time has come to dismiss Parliament, anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare said while announcing a nationwide tour against the United Progressive Alliance ( UPA) government and graft. Anna Hazare blames Arvind Kejriwal's fascination for power for split in anti-graft movement, he will not vote for the Aam Aadmi Party charging that it is going the same way as others by taking the path of 'money through power' and vice versa. Asked

Now, Darul Uloom Deoband issues fatwa against dyeing hair black After terming tattoos as anti-shariya, the Darul Uloom Deoband has issued a fatwa against dyeing hair black. According to the Islamic seminary, sharia does not permit one to colour his or her hair black.

According to the seminary, the sharia prohibits use of such dyes that leave a layer on the hair as it obstructs water from reaching the roots of hair during wazu (ablution) and make it invalid. Otherwise wazu (ablution before offering namaz) shall not be valid and when wazu is not right then namaz shall also not be valid.

Anna Hazare

whether his former aide has become "greedy" for power, the 75-year-old

Salman Rushdie loses bungalow battle, but may gain `1 billion Salman Rushdie is sure to have mixed feelings about it. India’s Supreme Court has snapped the controversial author’s ancestral link to Delhi, ordering him to honour his father Anis Ahmed Rushdie’s December 1970 agreement to sell his bungalow at 4, Flagstaff Road in Civil Lines to then Congress leader Bhiku Ram Jain.

However, the master storyteller has got a hefty compensation, with the court asking Jain’s heirs to pay the market value for the single-story bungalow

Govt says economic reforms on track as UPA wins FDI battle in Parliament

The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government won its second battle on the issue of foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail as it defeated the Opposition's motion in Rajya Sabha as well. The government managed to get 123 votes while there were just 109 votes for the motion against FDI in retail. The win in the Rajya Sabha, which was expected to be tough for the government, came after MPs of the Samajwadi Party walked out of the Upper House of Parliament, in effect abstaining, and with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in favour of the UPA. Mayawati voted with the BJP on nuclear deal earlier, then it did not raise the CBI issue. Now when they vote against BJP, BJP accuses of misuse of

CBI. This shows the mindset of BJP, it is about the politics of BJP."The Congress used the opportunity to corner the Opposition, claiming that the perception that the government was in a minority in the Upper House was a myth. Party leader Rajiv Shukla said, "Myth that we are a minority in Rajya Sabha, we will try to push other bills. We will talk to opposition leaders."

As the debate continued in the Rajya Sabha later, Union Commerce and Industries Minister Anand Sharma reiterated that he had written to all concerned leaders on FDI in retail and got replies from 19 chief ministers. Speaking during the FDI debate in the Rajya Sabha, he said, "I met 14 Chief Ministers in different states on FDI in retail. I

activist said, "It was right".

He was responding to a question whether he will vote for AAP, the party formed by Kejriwal after his split with. Hazare has earlier said that he will support the party if it fields honest candidates and that will campaign for Kejriwal if he fights against Union Minister Kapil Sibal. He said there was a need for unity in the fight for system change and against corruption among all including Kejriwal, Swami Ramdev and others.

wrote to the Leader of the Opposition. I request the Opposition not to charge me of not reaching out to concerned parties. I wrote letters to all concerned."

He also attacked the BJP, saying the party was disrespecting people by saying FDI will create salesboys and salesgirls.

"By saying that FDI in retail will create salesgirls and salesboys, BJP is disrespecting those who earn their living by selling products in shops not owned by them," Anand Sharma said. Meanwhile, reacting to the cross voting in the House, JD(U) president Sharad Yadav said that the party would take action against MP Upendra Kushwaha for voting in favour of the UPA government on the issue of FDI in retail in the Rajya Sabha.

Salman Rushdie

that spreads over 5,373 square yards at a prime location: a conditionality which can fetch Rushdie approximately `1 billion instead of the `375,000 his father had agreed to sell the property in 1970.

Although the court held that the agreement between Rushdie Sr and Jain to be sacrosanct, it factored in the lapse of time as well as the “galloping property prices” to order that the Jains ought to pay the current market price. The apex court held the Rushdies guilty of not honouring the agreement, and rejected their contention that the Jains, having delayed the payment of the entire agreed amount, had no claim on the property.

The market price of bungalow is estimated to be anywhere between `800 million and 1 billion. Anis Ahmed Rushdie inducted Bhiku Ram Jain as a tenant to half of his bungalow on December 20, 1970, for a princely monthly rent of `300. Interestingly, just days later, he signed an agreement on December 22, 1970, to sell the property to Jain for `375,000.

Kejriwal lists ‘Swiss bank account numbers’ of Ambanis Ignoring denials issued previously by the Ambanis, Aam Aadmi Party's Arvind Kejriwal reiterated allegations that they held Swiss bank accounts and 'revealed' their alleged account numbers."A few days ago, I exposed that Anil and Mukesh Ambani have Swiss bank accounts.

They have not admitted their fraud. I have the Swiss bank account numbers of Anil and Mukesh Ambani here with me.

Shall I read them?"

Kejriwal asked a packed hall at the Times of India Literary Carnival on Sunday. "5090160983 and 5090160984, HSBC Bank," he said.

A Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) spokesperson rejected the allegation against Mukesh Ambani, reiterating a statement made by RIL earlier in November.

Kejriwal and his colleague, lawyer Prashant

Bhushan, had also accused multinational bank HSBC of running a huge hawala operation to launder thousands of crores of illicit money belonging to leading industrialists such as the Ambani brothers, Mukesh and Anil, the Burmans of Dabur, Naresh Goyal of Jet Airways, Yashovardhan Birla and Congress MP Annu Tandon. All of them had denied the allegations.

A day after Kejriwal

made the allegations in November, the government had issued a statement saying appropriate action had been taken in the case and further action was on. However, it did not elaborate on the names and citied the confidentiality clause under the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention with France which stipulates that information can be used for tax purposes only.

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INDIA

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

India to take up visa fee hike issue with US official Keval Dhokia

India is taking up issue with the Obama administration’s visiting deputy US Trade Representative, Demetris Marantis, over its alleged discriminatory immigration regime, which officials say is harming Indian IT services exports from companies such as Infosys, Wipro and Mahindra Satyam.

Prior to re-election last month, the Obama administration pledged to correct the work permit price rises which have disproportionately harmed India’s economy.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told India’s External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, during a meeting last October, that the visa hike was instituted to provide funding for border control and security on the frontier with Mexico, and argued that the strengthened mandate post-election would give it sufficient political clout to undo the rise.

However this has not transpired, and one Indian official said: “We have been trying to persuade the US for a long time to reverse the decision to increase professional visa

Betting market turnover touches `50 bn on Gujarat poll eve

Gujarat elections have activated the betting market that has touched a turnover of Rs 50 billion on Wednesday with bookies expecting the ruling BJP to garner more than 100 seats. The betting market was last active during the 2011 World Cup with the turnover crossing Rs 600 billion, highest so far.

In Gujarat, the undercover market does not expect main opposition party, Congress, to win more than 70 seats. At 6 pm on Wednesday, the eve of the first phase of the elections, the going rate for the BJP winning at least 100 seats was 14 paise.

Plainly speaking, it means anyone betting 100 paise on the BJP hitting the mark of 100 seats will get back 114 paise, a profit of 14 per cent. For bets on Congress winning more than 70 seats, will bookies are quoting Rs 5. It means the undercover market is willing to give a return of 500% for the brave heart betting on Congress crossing that mark in the 182member House.

"Betting market believes that the possibility of Congress winning over 65-70 seats is almost

impossible, and therefore, bookies are quoting 500600 paise for Congress winning 70 seats.

However, the picture looks a little better for Congress after national leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi addressed a few public meetings in the state," said a bookie operating in Ahmedabad.

In 2007, the odds were against Narendra Modi coming back to power on the eve of the elections.

Bets on the BJP forming the government started at 15 paise in 2007 but as the elections neared, the rates shot up to 40 paise. The rates, in no way, indicated that Narendra Modi was not coming back to power.

Modi won with the BJP getting 117 seats and the Congress restricted to 59.

Last time, the bookies netted Rs 40 billion, but this time, the turnover is expected to rise beyond Rs 50 billion once the date for the second phase, December 17, nears.

Besides Ahmedabad and a few pockets in Saurashtra and South Gujarat, betting is also active in places like Mumbai, Delhi and Lucknow.

fees that has hit our IT industry. We had thought of going to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) with our complaint a few months ago, but then we decided to

wait for the (US) elections to be over.”

The United States raised the temporary work visa fees for H1B to $2,000 (£1243) and the L1 by $2,700 (£1678) per visa

application in 2010, to fund its rising costs in securing its border with Mexico. The move was targeted towards companies that employ more than 50 employees in the US and wish to ‘import’ labour from abroad.

Britain’s professional visa fees are far more competitive, ranging from £480 to £867, with the lowest fare applied to applicants residing in India. However the government has increased restrictions on intra-company transfers, like those used by Indian IT companies to send cheap skilled

Continued from page 1

sical music popular in the west in the 1960s through teaching, performance, and his association with violinist Yehudi Menuhin and George Harrison.

George Harrison produced and participated in two record albums, "Shankar Family & Friends" and "Festival of India" both

Grammy Awards. He was nominated for a Grammy award for 2013 too.

Shankar continued to perform in the 2000s, often with his daughter Anoushka.

His main companion for decades was dancer Kamala Shastri. He also had a relationship with New York

workers to the UK. Home Secretary, Theresa May, said on Wednesday: “To make sure that these transfers would not be abused, we raised the salary limit for intra-company transferees coming to Britain to only those looking to earn a minimum of £40,000.”

The visit of the US trade diplomat, who has flown out to New Delhi to meet with top Indian officials, is a sign that the United States is willing to negotiate a settlement that would prevent India approaching the WTO for redress.

Award recipient, a day after his death. Ravi Shankar will be honoured along with six other artists at an invitation-only ceremony in Los Angeles on Feb 9, just one day before the 55th annual Grammy Awards are to be telecast live from the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.

Ravi Shankar last week was named as one of the Grammy nominees for Best World Music Album.

It is a category in which his daughter Anoushka is also nominated, marking what appears to be the first time that a father and daughter's albums will be competing for the same honour at the Grammys.

Keith Vaz saddened: Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz, MP for Leicester East, was saddened by the death of Ravi Shankar and said: “I had the great pleasure in meeting Ravi Shanker on many occasions. He was invited to perform at a Recital which was held in the House of Commons in 1996. It is a time for all of us to be grateful to have had the experience of listening to the great maestro and for him to have been a part of our lives. He will live forever in our hearts through his music."

Sitar maestro Pt Ravi Shankar passes away

"An era has passed away with Pt. Ravishankar. The nation joins me to pay tributes to his unsurpassable genius, his art and his humility," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a message.

Dubbed the "godfather of world music" by George Harrison of the Beatles, Ravi Shankar was born in Varanasi. He spent his youth touring Europe and India with the dance group of his brother Uday Shankar. He gave up dancing in 1938 to study sitar playing under court musician Allauddin Khan. A performer, composer, teacher and writer, Ravi Shankar is well known for his pioneering work in bringing Indian music to the West. After finishing his studies in 1944, Shankar worked as a composer, creating the music for the "Apu Trilogy" by Satyajit Ray and Richard Attenborough's "Gandhi".

For the latter film, he shared with George Fenton an Oscar for best original score in 1983.

After working as music director of All India Radio, New Delhi, from 1949 to 1956, he made Indian clas-

Late Ravi Shankar holding Luke, son of Keith Vaz and his wife Maria during a function. Ravi Shankar’s wife Sukanya and CB Patel were also present. (file photo)

composed by Ravi Shankar.

Shankar engaged Western music by writing concerti for sitar and orchestra and toured the world in the 1970s and 1980s. From 1986 to 1992 he served as a nominated member of India’s Rajya Sabha. Shankar was awarded India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 1999, and received three

concert producer Sue Jones, with whom he fathered singer Norah Jones.

Son "Shubho" Shankar was also a musician who often toured with him. He passed on the baton to his daughter Anoushka, also an accomplished sitarist.

Lifetime Achievement Grammy: Ravi Shankar has been named a Lifetime Achievement Grammy

68% voting in phase 1 of Gujarat assembly poll Continued from page 1 many polling booths as people were still coming to exercise their franchise.

The polling began at 8 am in the morning amidst unprecedented security.

With 22% turnout in south Gujarat, Saurashtra and Ahmedabad (rural) in the first few hours, Gujarat Parivartan party (GPP) led by Keshubhai Patel expressed confidence that his party would get majority in this election. “We are going to get majority,” he said, adding, “ruling BJP will lose badly in the Saurashtra region.”

Chief Minister Narendra Modi urged the voters to come out and cast their precious votes. Modi appealed to voters using his Twitter handle that read: “A vote is the foundation of a strong and vibrant

democracy. I urge you all to exercise your franchise.”

Keshubhai Patel (Visavadar), State Congress president Arjun Modhwadia (Porbandar), Ahmed Patel (Bharuch) of Congress, Chandu Vaghasia (Gondal) of the NCP and RC Faldu (BJP) were among the senior leaders, who cast their votes early morning.

The polling took place in 48 Assembly constituencies in seven districts of Saurashtra, on 35 seats in five districts of southern Gujarat and on four in Ahmedabad district. Polling had been by and large peaceful in most of the areas but there were reports of a clash between Congress and BJP workers outside a polling booth in Valsad. Out of total 1,81,77,953 voters, there are 95,75,278 male,

86,02,557 female and 118 other voters.

For this phase, BJP has fielded candidates on all 87 seats, whereas Congress is contesting on 84 and GPP on 83. Forty eight seats in

Keshubhai Patel factor plays out in the region.

Voters will also decide the fate of many state political big-wigs like Assembly Speaker Ganpat Vasava and Leader of Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil, State

Surendranagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Amreli and Bhavnagar were considered very crucial and decisive as political observers were watching keenly on how

ministers like Vajubhai Vala, Vasuben Trivedi, Narottam Patel, Mangubhai Patel, Purshottam Solanki, Kiritsinh Rana, Dilip Sanghani, Kanubhai Bhalala, Mohan Kundaria,

Ranjit Gilitvala etc.

Apart from these three major parties, there are total 26 political parties and 383 independents in the fray, which include BJP rebel and sitting MLA Kanubhai Kalsaria, who has formed a new forum – Sadbhavna Manch – and fielded six candidates.

The voting will also decide if Leuva Patel, a politically powerful subcommunity of Patidars, will be swayed by the appeals and behind the curtain efforts to vote against Modi, on the grounds of alleged injustice meted out to their leader Keshubhai Patel.

Among the 846 candidates, 46 female candidates too are in the fray and in the first phase of elections there are 9 such Assembly constituencies where more than one woman candidate

is contesting this time.

Forty sitting MLAs from BJP and 16 from Congress are also contesting to retain representation in the State Assembly.

This phase will also see important contests on Visavadar where Keshubhai is pitted against BJP’s Kanu Bhalala. In Kutiyana, son of ‘God Mother’ Santokhben Jadeja and NCP candidate Kandhal is contesting against Karsan Dula Odedara.

In another interesting contest, Leader of Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil is facing Fisheries Minister Purushottam Solanki. Fate of three Congress MPs, Vithhal Radadia (Dhoraji), Kunvarji Bavalia (Botad) and Somabhai Patel (Limbadi) have been sealed as they are also contesting this Assembly election.

GUJARAT ASSEMBLY POLLS 2012

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

Many candidates get EC notice Gujarat revenue minister Anandiben Patel’s office in Ghatlodia was jolted by a notice on electoral expenditure by the minister. The expenditure monitoring cell found Patel’s office was misreporting expenses during their campaign. Shadow registers maintained by the cell reported that certain activities in Anandiben’s election campaign were not accounted for in the expenditure register.

Similarly, the cell slapped notices on Congress’ Ramesh Dudhwala and BSP’s Gogha Raju. The cell asked three candidates to clarify expenditure incurred by them. Video footage of campaign rallies were used to calculate the expenditure in most of these cases, according to election officials.

Similarly, two candidates from Thakkarbappanagar were hauled up for inconsistencies in their accounts register. In Krishnanagar, EC officials removed BJP posters from Gujarat Housing Board houses, SRP personnel quarters and a water tank.

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Modi set for hat-trick: Surveys Lowest among figures predicted by eight surveys is 120 seats for the BJP If the pre-poll surveys conducted by various media organizations and agencies are to be believed, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi is all set to romp home with almost two-third majority.

As before every election, various organizations and media companies have done pre-poll surveys in Gujarat this year too. The results reveal that Modi is going to hit a hat-trick in the polls this year.

All the eight pre-poll surveys conducted so far say that Modi has a clear edge over the opposition and will win with two-third majority. Between October and December this year, LensOnNews; India Today-ORG; ABP NewsNielsen; Politicsparty.com; NDTV; Rediff.com; CSDS for CNN-IBN; and CVoter did pre-poll surveys in the state. The average of seven surveys (excluding that of CSDS) indicates that BJP’s tally in the next

assembly will be 127 seats while the Congress will get just 50 seats. -led BJP will get at least 120 seats out of 182 — and this is the lowest among all the eight survey predictions. The best prediction for the BJP is that of the web portal politicsparty.com, which has predicted that the party will win 140 seats.

LensOnNews was the first to come out with a pre-poll survey on October 5, in which it forecast that the BJP will win with 133 seats. In a revised survey published on Wednesday, LensOnNews has scaled down its prediction for the party by 11 seats and forecast that the BJP will win 122 seats in the election.

The survey by the CSDS for CNN-IBN says that there was positive 1% swing in favour of the BJP. In 2007, of the total voters surveyed, 49% had voted for the BJP. This is likely to rise to 50% in 2012, the CSDS survey says. In

WHAT THE PRE-POLL SURVEYS PREDICT Surveyor Date LensOnNews 05/10/12 26/10/12 India Today-ORG ABP News-Nielsen 24/11/12 Politicsparty.com 21/10/12 NDTV 31/10/12 CSDS (Vote share) LensOnNews (revised) 12/12/12 LensOnNews (vote share) CVoter 12/12/12 CVoter (Vote share) Average 2007, the Congress had won 59 seats. This year, only the NDTV has forecast the same number of seats for the party. But the other surveys predict that the Congress is likely to lose 10 to 20 seats this time. CSDS for CNN-IBN survey says that Congress’ vote share is likely to fall by 2% to 36% in 2012, compared to 38% in 2007.

GPP president Keshubhai Patel is expected to cut into the votes of the Congress and not of the BJP. Keshubhai is not going

BJP Cong GPP Others 133 43 0 6 128 48 0 6 124 51 3 4 142 40 0 0 120 59 0 3 50% 36% 3% 11% 122 53 1 6 46% 36% 6% 12% 120 54 0 8 48% 38% 14% 127 50 0.5 4.50

to get more than three seats, forecast the survey results. Only ABP NewsNielsen predicts three seats to the GPP while the CSDS for CNN-IBN predicts the new party will get 3% of the total votes. Of this, 2% will be captured from the Congress and 1% from independent candidates, the survey says. In the revised survey of LensOnNews, GPP is predicted to get just one seat.

LensOnNews, which has predicted a BJP win with 133 seats, and the India

Today-ORG survey which says Modi will win 128 seats, expect independents to get a maximum of six seats.

CSDS for CNN-IBN predicts that independents will get 11% of total votes polled, a fall of 2% from the figure in 2007 assembly polls. Political analyst Vishnu Pandya believes that people of Gujarat want a stable government.

“The last minute doorto-door campaign by ministers and activists is likely to increase the voting numbers by up to 5%10%. This will favour the BJP,” he said. Pandya said that the surveys done by various organizations are based on small sample sizes. “But looking at the sample, we can make predictions that will be close to the results. Looking at the situation, I too am expecting the BJP to get between 117 and 125 seats,” said Pandya.

(Courtesy: DNA)

High voting will favour BJP, low Cong Modi takes on Manmohan,

Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi has ridden strong waves in the two previous elections to record thumping wins.

Polls in 2002 and 2007 revolved around emotive issues like communalism and terrorism, drawing voters out in large numbers on the D-day.

But, the BJP leadership is worried this time as it fears the polling may dip in absence of any such wave. Statistics show that higher voter turnouts play a key role in BJP pocketing

more seats. The Congress, on the other hand, posted some of its most stunning wins when the polling was extremely low.

The Congress created history - a record still unbroken - by winning 149 seats in 1985 when the polling was 48.82%.

During previous polls in 1980, it bagged 141 seats amid 48.37% voting.

Ever since, the voting percentage in assembly polls has consistently risen in Gujarat and so has BJP’s tally.

Sample this: the BJP won 121 seats in 1995 when the voter turnout was 64.39%, 117 in 1998 (59.30%), 127 seats in 2002 (61.54%) and 117 in 2007 (59.77%).

Even as Modi spearheads BJP’s campaign almost single-handedly, he has been pushing his cadres to prepare a plan to draw voters out on the day of polling. At a recent dinner meeting with workers, revenue minister Anandiben Patel, who is contesting from Ghatlodia in Ahmedabad, considered to be a BJP bastion, kept on stressing the need to bring voters to polling booth.

At a top-level meeting of BJP think-tank, senior leaders expressed fears about a low voter turnout especially after opinion polls by several news channels gave BJP a twothirds majority. A senior BJP leader says that hardcore BJP voters may not go out to vote thinking Modi is winning,” he said.

Modi is the boss, says Narhari Amin

Ending a weeklong speculation, top Gujarat Congress leader Narhari Amin formally joined BJP in presence of chief minister Narendra Modi at the party’s state headquarters in Ahmedabad last week.

Amin brought with him several Congress leaders, including sitting MLA from Jamjodhpur Brijrajsinh Jadeja and spokesperson Jayantilal Parmar, apart from nearly 4,000 supporters.

Modi welcomed Amin describing the move as a step towards strengthening democracy. Amin’s two-decade-long association with the Congress ended earlier after he was denied ticket by the party for the assembly polls.

Amin said senior leaders like him were “insulted by the Congress” as it had given tickets to unknown faces but those who had

worked for the party for the last so many years were ignored. Everything was going fine in the Congress party till ticket distribution. At that time differences between the state Congress leaders came to fore as all of them wanted tickets for their supporters,” he said.

Predicting a third straight win for Modi, Amin said, “In 1990, Janta Dal and BJP came in power together and Congress won only 32 seats. This time Gujaratis will ensure the Congress gets less than 32 seats.” Amin was a deputy chief minister in the Janata Dal government headed by late Chimanbhai Patel in early 1990s.

Assuring that his group will mix with BJP workers like sugar in milk, Amin urged his workers to start working towards making Modi the next prime minister in 2014.

Sonia and Ahmed Patel

Under attack from senior Congress leaders, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi did everything in giving it back to his rivals at his first election meeting in Ahmedabad on Sunday. He made the huge crowd interact with him and root in unison what he wanted them to.

With roads choc a bloc and people falling over each other to listen to him, the event looked like a grand mela. His agenda was, however, correctly guessed even by the public who were heard saying, ‘Now he will talk about Sonia Gandhi and Ahmed Patel.”

Beginning with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who was in Gujarat earlier, Modi began his 35-minute speech,“Today the prime minister visited Gujarat. He disappointed the state.

Instead of talking about what Gujarat lacks or what should be done to uplift the condition or even criticising Gujarat, he spoke of vote banks. Sadly, development and politics were not talked about.”

He attacked Singh for his comment that minorities were not safe in the state. Said Modi, “When Congress ruled for 40 years, riots and curfews were routine. A lot of innocent people were killed. It was also difficult for Rath Yatra or Muharram to be held peacefully. In the last 10 years, there has not been any curfew here.”

He pointed to the Parsi community. “World over, the Parsis are the smallest

minority. That community is happy and prosperous in Gujarat.”

Modi then took a dig on Singh’s home state Assam by saying, “You belong to Assam and there is Congress government in Assam as well. Despite that, six months ago thousands of people were killed there.”

Modi also went on to claim that Congress-ruled Maharashtra has recorded 333 communal riots.

Taking Shaheen’s case, Modi said, “Shaheen has given you the answer.

When the a resident of Mumbai commented on Facebook your govern-

ment put her in jail. The Supreme Court had to intervene. The girl said that her family is no more safe under Congress government and will go to Gujarat. Dr Manmohan Singh, this Muslim girl has slapped you on your face.”

The other point that Singh had raised was of lack of drinking water facility. To this Modi said, “It seems you have grown old or there is memory loss or Madam Sonia had told you to say so. Every year, the central government asks states to participate in a contest to award the best scheme. Three years

ago, you had yourself handed the award for the best water distribution to Gujarat’s WASMO.” Training his gun on Sonia, he said, “She had gone ahead of what PM said. She said that there is no development in Gujarat at all.” After saying this, Modi asked the audience, “Do you believe in that statement?” As the crowd shouted ‘no’, Modi continued, “I do not need a certificate from Madam Sonia.

My people trust me and that is most important.”

Modi then pointed at the issue of Narmada Yojana not being completed. “Your (Sonia’s) mother-in-law’s father’s government is the reason. Pt Jawaharlal Nehru was PM when the scheme was launched. For 26 years, nothing was done. When your mother-in-law (Indira Gandhi) came, again for nine years nothing was done. Now, Singh has not given permission to construct gates on the dams. Congress should die of shame.”

Turning on its head his ‘Miyaan’ reference to senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, Modi said, “Respected ones in Muslim community are referred to as Miyaan. He called me ‘Sultan’. Sultan is only used where it is hierarchical or comes from family.

Only they are called sultans whose fathers are called sultans. That happens in Delhi, where there is ‘parivarvaad’. This Modi is born out of public. The Mughal sultan is for you Shri Ahmed.”

28

TRAVEL & WOMEN

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

WOMEN ACHIEVERS

Bhagyesh Soneji - a name to reckon with in international trade

By AV Correspondent

Fancy going down under? The wonderful country of Oz has so much to offer incredible sights, beaches, lush mountain landscapes, adventurous camping, amazing diving and internationally renowned restaurants for worldwide cuisines. It seems a world away but with a few days stopover in Singapore to start your adventure of a lifetime, this holiday will make you feel like you’ve truly escaped.

Start off in Singapore with a visit to Raffles hotel where you can enjoy a famous Singapore Sling cocktail to whet your appetite and go back in time to imagine life in the colonial era. Major attractions include the night safari zoo where you’ll get the chance to see many nocturnal animals, Marina Bay Sands Skypark for incredible views, Singapore Flyer, the world's largest giant observation wheel (think the London Eye), Little India for great food and Chinatown for souvenir shopping in the markets and Sri Mariamman temple – Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. A major attraction is Sentosa island – for a great view over Singapore, take a cable car there.

Located just 15 minutes from the city, Sentosa, Asia’s favourite playground, is home to a variety of themed attractions great for families, spa retreats, lush rainforests, golden sandy beaches, resorts and golf courses.

After a few days, fly onwards to begin your Australian adventure. With so much to see and do, here are a few of the major attractions to help you decide where to go. Your first stop should be Sydney in New South Wales. Bondi Beach, one of the world’s most famous beaches is the place to sunbathe and people watch; and you should climb the famous Sydney harbor bridge and see the Opera house for your iconic photo memories. For amazing shopping and local produce, go to the Queen Victoria Market Melbourne in Victoria - open since 1878. It is Melbourne's shopping mecca, an historic

landmark and major tourist attraction.

For nature enthusiasts, Queensland should be on your map as you can visit Lone Pine, the first and largest Koala Sanctuary in the world, and for the adventurous, do the Bicentennial National Trail - a 5330km route through Australian bush, wilderness and mountain areas suitable for horse riders, walkers and mountain bike riders. Another highlight is Fraser Island, a giant sand island famous for its dingoes, wildlife, native birds, rainforests, creeks, lakes, beaches and beautiful scenery. To chill out, go to Australia's Gold Coast to enjoy surfing on golden beaches, bushwalking in subtropical rainforests, or enjoying a dinner cruise aboard a luxury yacht.

Other major attractions include Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, the world's biggest monolith, in the Northern Territory. It is 9.4km if you walk around it, and about 345 metres high if you climb it. Made of sandstone, is renowned for the way it changes colour in the light and is spectacular at sunrise and sunset. And finally you can’t leave Australia without going to Cairns to dive in the Great Barrier Reef. It is probably the most well known natural wonder of the world. It is a series of 2100 individual reefs stretching for more than 2300 kilometers and is home to over 400 species of coral, 1500 species of fish, 4000 species of mollusc, 500 species of seaweed and 200 species of birds.

To plan your Australian adventure, book with Brightsun Travel who will help you put together a perfect itinerary.

Brightsun are Atol bonded so your payment is protected. The airline to choose with excellent connections to numerous Australian destinations and award-winning services is Emirates and Brightsun is an appointed agent for them. To book, call their experienced travel consultants on 0208 819 0486 or log onto www.brightsun.co.uk

She might be young in age but has already tasted success in her life. A carefully charted out future has taken her places. Taking a trip around the world in 30 days may seem adventure for many, but not so for Bhagyesh Soneji, proprietor of Elegant India. She stepped into a world of exports that took her to places like Ukraine, Sydney and Kenya.

Elegant India needs no introduction especially in the world of exports. It has been in international trade and its range of commodities varies from medicine, formulations to handicrafts, embroidery and agricultural items. For Bhagyesh, her profession is her first love in life.

Foreign trade was her only dream and she did everything to achieve it.

She realised her dream while pursuing her post graduation in economics which also had a paper in international trade. That is when she began her journey with a paltry sum of Rs

15,000 which she had saved while she was working as a chief executive in an Ahmedabad-based firm.

She takes credit in beginning her business without any bank loan or financial help from family or friends.

So, what seemed as a meager amount then has catapulted into millions as Elegant India's turnover touches Rs 100 million today. Any targets set for the coming years? A vehement 'no' is all that one gets to hear. "I am into this business by choice and I definitely do not want to carry tension all along by binding myself in set figures and estimates," she says. Bhagyesh allows life to take its own course in her personal as well as professional life. What she is doing now can be any man's envy. Chartering aircraft from countries like Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Russia, she sends consignments into the hands of her trusted distributors.

And, rightfully enough they have never let her down so that she need not have to open overseas distribution

centres immediately.

Not that her journey was always very smooth.

There were some minor problems with customs, especially when a woman is sending out consignment of medicines worth 50 tonnes regularly. But such incidents never deter her resolve and she goes on with exports of formulations that she gets manufactured in Ahmedabad, Valsad and so on. For handicrafts she has travelled almost every corner of India: If one consignment happens to be from Rajasthan, the next consignment would be products made out of Mysore sandal and the like. Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are the states from where she procures her products. She is also diversifying into infotech business.

Bhagyesh started negotiations with Kenyan firm for export of software apart from medicines.

Her Elegant Infotech Limited is already an active player in the Software Technology Park of India.

Bhiwani college fines girls for wearing jeans Four girls invited the wrath of Adarsh Women’s College, Bhiwani, as they attended classes wearing jeans and T-shirt. A fine of Rs 100 was imposed on each of them. Though college authorities justified their action citing that the girls had flouted the dress code, the incident has not gone down well with students and a section of the faculty members.

College principal Alka Sharma said the girls were fined for violating the dress code, which has been there ever since college came into existence in 1970.

"The college management has implemented a dress code for students and staff. The girls must wear white salwar kameez on every Monday and on the rest of the days they can wear salwar kameez of any other colour. The women staff must come dressed in saris, while formal trousers and shirt is the dress code for the male staff. With the changing time, we have allowed the girls to wear jeans paired with long kurta, but these girls were wearing Tshirts," she said.

"Another reason to impose this ban is to maintain the decorum of the college, every child should look same irrespective of what class she belongs, and through this nobody will have superiority and inferiority complex.

Considering all these things, all students will come in Indian dress and would not wear jeans and t-shirts as it attracts men,"

said Sharma.

College sources, however, maintained that though students have objection to

this dress code and have even opposed it on several occasions, authorities remained unmoved.

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Melt the ghee in a bowl.

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When the researchers took into account these better known risk factors, they found the link between early death and muscle power remained. Thin and fat men alike fared worse in terms of life expectancy if they had weaker than average muscles, while more burly men had better survival odds even if they were overweight.

Over the course of the study, 26,145 (2.3%) of the men died. The leading single cause of death was accidental injury, followed by suicide, cancer, heart disease and stroke.

A third of the deaths were due to other causes and the researchers

SKIN, HAIR, NAILS

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Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

grouped these together for their calculations.The teenagers who scored above average on muscular strength at the start of the study had a 20-35% lower risk of early death from any cause and also from cardiovascular diseases. They also had a 2030% lower risk of early death from suicide and were up to 65% less likely to have any psychiatric diagnosis, such as schizophrenia or depression.

In comparison, the 16to 19-year-olds with the lowest level of muscular strength had the highest risk of dying before they reached their mid-50s. The teenagers, who were all

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Chlorine - used to help purify drinking water may put you at a higher risk of food allergies, according to a new study.

Researchers have found that people exposed to high levels of dichlorophenols, produced when chlorine is added to water to ensure it is free of bugs, tend to be more prone to food allergies too."Our research shows that high levels of dichlorophenolcontaining pesticides can possibly weaken food tolerance in some people, causing food allergy," said allergist Elina Jerschow from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and lead study author."This chemical is

To Our Readers We are publishing these items in good faith, kindly consult your Doctor before you try to implement it. We do not hold any responsibility for its efficacy...

commonly found in pesticides used by farmers and consumer insect and weed control products, as well as tap water," said Jerschow.Among 10,348 participants in a US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006, 2,548 had dichlorophenols measured in their urine and 2,211 were included into the study.Food allergy was found in 411 of these participants, while 1,016 had an environmental allergy.

While opting for bottled water instead of tap water might seem to be a way to reduce the risk for developing an allergy, according to the study such a change may not be successful."Other dichlorophenol sources, such as pesticide-treated fruits and vegetables, may play a greater role in causing food allergy," Jerschow said in a statement.The study was published in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

HEALTH WATCH

conscripts to the Swedish military, were asked to grip and to do some leg curls and arm push ups against resistance to measure muscle strength. A spokeswoman for the British Heart Foundation said: "The benefits of being physically active at any age are well established with studies showing it can prevent children from developing diseases later on in life, as well as improving their concentration at school, their overall mental health and well-being."

Stephen Evans, professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said while there was good evidence exercise was beneficial for health, the study did not show doing more exercise would necessarily prolong your life.

And encouraging people to do more regular physical activity could be a challenge, he added. "Sadly the trials of an intervention to increase exercise have not shown notable benefits, though that does not discourage me and many others from exercising," Prof Evans said.

Sleeping for two hours extra a night can reduce sensitivity to pain and can be more effective than strong painkillers, according to a new study.

Volunteers who had more than 10 hours sleep were able to resist pain from heat for longer than those who slept for eight hours or less.

Volunteers who had more than 10 hours sleep were able to resist pain from heat for longer than those who slept for eight hours or less.

Scientists say ten hours of sleep a night – rather than the recommended eight – is more effective in reducing pain than codeine.

Researchers studied 18 volunteers over four nights and found that those who slept for 10 hours were able to keep their finger on a heat source for 25 seconds longer than those who had eight hours or fewer. The findings also revealed the effect was greater than was seen in a previous study where volunteers were given 60mg of the painkiller codeine. The results, combined with data from previous research, suggest increased pain sensitivity in tired people is the result of their underlying sleepiness.Dr Timothy Roehrs, of Henry Ford Hospital in the United States, said: "Our results suggest the importance of adequate sleep in various chronic pain conditions or in preparation for elective surgical procedures.

29

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By Mamta Saha kspalondon.com Psychologist

Helping you ‘Realise - Develop and Achieve’ Dearest Readers, I have missed writing for you all and I am so happy to share that the ‘Life Style’ column with Mamta is back! Many of you have written to me in the absence of my articles and for that I am so grateful, thank you. It is lovely to hear that you all take pride in your personal development and have been growing as a result of reading my articles for the last few years, once again – thank you. It is for this reason I want to write, so here goes.

My come back article this week focuses on: How to deal with people who have big egos. The subject matter has been inspired by a few of my clients who are consistently sharing that they meet these kind of people, this results in them feeling very uncomfortable and out of control.

People who have a tendency to dominate conversations, praise themselves openly and make decisions without permission can make others feel out of control and helpless. Read the tips below to learn how you can manage this sort of personality and step back into the driving seat of your happiness.

1. Be Calm and Exhale.

Higher intake of vitamin D seems to protect mental health among women, besides k e e p i n g Alzheimer's at bay, say two new studies in France and the US. The group led by Yelena Slinin, at the VA Medical Centre in Minneapolis, found that low vitamin D levels among older women are tied with higher odds of global cognitive impairment and cognitive decline.The group based its analysis on 6,257 community-dwelling older women who had vitamin D levels measured during the Study of Osteopathic Fractures and whose cognitive function was tested by the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Journals of Gerontlogy Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences reported.

The team led by Cedric Annweiler, at the Angers University Hospital in France, based its findings

If someone is dominating a conversation in a negative sense by provoking you and digging their heels into the ground about their views being ‘right’ resist the temptation to fight back. If you react in the heat of the moment you are being defensive and attacking. The other person thinks they are always right, so remain calm, breathe out and let them state their opinions and thoughts until they run out of steam. Then, you can address their claims and make your points calmly and in a confident manner. Become an ‘observer’ rather than a ‘participant’. There is a different (higher) mind-set and state of being when you are the ‘observer’. As humans we take everything personally and this is why we sometimes react in defensive ways.

Remember if someone is expressing things negatively to you, this negativity starts with them and ends with them. You are not responsible. So stay detached, be calm and exhale.

2. See, Hear and Recognise. Everyone has these 3 needs.

To be seen, heard and recognised. If the individual is praising him or herself and

is making decisions without any permission use the person’s name to get their attention. Paraphrase and Summarise what they have just said. This will subtly massage their ego in a way that allows you to get their attention. Use their name often but don’t overdo it so they continue to feel that they are still.

When you paraphrase and summarise you let them know that you have been listening to them and you don’t necessarily have to agree with them.

3.

Lastly, Communicate. Once you have softened the ego with the previous steps and left it in a receptive position with its guard slightly down, speak your mind and present your message. Share your feelings if you are comfortable in a calm way and clearly state your objective or objection. It is important that you do it in a private fashion so that the ego does not feel it is being undermined in public.

I hope you enjoyed reading this weeks article.If you have any feedback please email: mamta@thinkspalondon.co m. Don’t forget to like our page on facebook (thinkspalondon) and follow us on twitter. Good luck! developed other dementias (63.6 micrograms per week) or no dementia at all (59.0 micrograms per week). These reports follow an article published in the Journals of Gerontology Series A earlier this year that found that both men and women who don't get enough vitamin D - either from diet, supplements, or sun exposure may be at increased risk of developing mobility limitations and disability.

Vitamin D protects women's mental health on data from 498 community-dwelling women.

Among this population, women who developed Alzheimer's disease had lower baseline vitamin D intakes (50.3 micrograms per week) than those who

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Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

Are Shopping Centres losing out to the Virtual World?

Tanveer Mann With online shopping taking the lead this Christmas, it begs the question of whether this has had an impact on brick-and-mortar stores.

More people are choosing to stay indoors to do their shopping, yet despite this, there are just as many packed escalators, shopping centres and queues as previous years.

According to the General Manager at Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Tom Nathan, the centre is still as busy as ever, only shoppers have become smarter and more efficient. He said, “What is

going on in the world economically has to have an impact on how people shop but it is good news that people see how shopping, even for small treats, can really create a feel good factor. At Brent

Coming Events Top 5 Dinner & Dances for NYE  Chak 89 Chak 89 are hosting two NYE parties in Suite 1 and 2.

Suite 1 is £30 pp and includes a 3 course Meal, DJ and Bollywood's Angel Dancers and Suite 2 is £45 pp and includes a 3 course meal, Charlotte and Keelar, Quick Change Dance, DJ and Bollywood's Angel Dancers.

Address: Chak 89, 105 Bond Road, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4. Contact: 0208 646 2177  Cavendish Banqueting Suite Dinner & Dance Live on Stage Orchestra by Bollywood Harmony plus a surprise DJ entertaining you all night. Time: 8pm till Early Hours. Address: Edgware Road (opp. Mercedes Benz Showroom), Colindale, London, NW9 5AE  C & L Country Club Dinner & Dance Live DJ at C & L Country Club. Time: 8pm till late.

Contact: 020 8845 5662  Premier House Banqueting Begin the night with champagne and canapes reception, indulge in a 5 course dinner whilst enjoying the music from Paragon Road Show and entertainment from dhol players and brazilian dancers. Address: Premier House Banqueting, 1 Canning Road, Harrow, HA3 7TS. Contact: 020 8427 4237  Crystal Banqueting Hall Suresh Patel and Orchestra Music Rhythm present a grand NYE dinner and dance in Wembley for £25 pp.

Time: 7.30pm till late. Address: Pop In Building, South Way, Wembley, HA9 0HB Other The first ever Certification Ceremony will be held at Shree Sanatan Mandir Leicester on 15th December.

The event will celebrate the success of over 60 students aged 4-49years from the local community who have gained a national/local qualification/award by studying a course at the Mandir. It reflects how the roles of Mandir is changing and covers a vast nmber of growing needs.

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Cross, we've noticed people are shopping responsibly this Christmas but also having fun by bargain hunting and taking more risks on what they buy to give themselves a buzz."

Despite online investigation recording an extreme rise in the entire quantity of online consumers compared to last year, there is definitely still a majority of those

dedicated shoppers who prefer the 'traditional' experience of shopping.

People feel more inclined to picking out personal gifts and knowing exactly what they are getting for their money as opposed to clicking a product, paying extra hidden costs for delivery charges and then waiting weeks for it to arrive. In addition, the shopping experience with friends is a much more enjoyable experience rather than the anti-social, solitary process of picking out items you have never physically seen.

Shopping has practically turned into a culture over the last few decades, so the question of whether shopping centres are 'losing out' to the virtual world, I believe, is too much of an early anticipation.

The subscribers of Asian Voice will be receiving our annual calendar in the coming weeks along with their newspaper. The calendar that covers festivals and important dates from all religions will be available for buying or gifting to friends and relatives at £3.50.

Please note: to receive the calendar FREE of cost every year, join our list of subscribers at £25 or £30/annum.

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More than any other time of the year, your focus is drawn to your career and standing in the society. This is the time when you are more interested in, and focused on, accomplishing something important. Contact with authority figures is more likely during this period. Recognition will come your way whether you ask for it or not, and the responsibility that goes with it.

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Sun's transit in your Solar 9th house of travel and spirituality is good for widening your horizons. Business dealings, particularly long-distance ones and those involving publicity and promotion, are likely to be profitable now.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 The Sun energizes your sector of change, transformation and regeneration. On a more practical level, you may be dealing with joint finances and shared resources now more than usual. You should also make sure that your tax affairs are in order. You are more willing than usual to explore and delve deeper into life's secrets and arrive at meaningful conclusions.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22 As the Sun transits 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.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

If your ambitions have been undefined, don't worry as from now on, you understand exactly what kind of impact you need to make on the world. Sun in your work sector rules your daily life. All those little details should run perfectly, without you constantly worrying. Health-wise you will be feeling fit and relaxed.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 Sun and exalted Mars are in transit of your solar fifth house. You are likely to see benefits, and experience growth, in the areas of romance, creative expression and children. For single Virgoans, meeting a special person is highly likely.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

Sun, is gracing your solar 4th house, bringing noticeable improvements to your environment. This will hold you in good stead as you have a lot of important jobs to finish around the house such as decorating and for some buying or selling of properties. Try not to step on anyone's toes.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 You are exploring and searching now, making connections, and paying attention to your immediate environment. Socially you are very popular and your communications strengthen your connections. You will be busy with errands, paperwork, phone calls, and light socializing. Siblings, close relatives and friends may play an important role in your life during this period.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 From this week, Sun transits your solar second house. During this cycle, you are likely to see and enjoy benefits to your earning power and this will boost your own sense of security and wealth.

Money problems from the past may clear up, if you manage your resources properly.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

The Sun transits your first house and this affects your personal identity, appearance, outward behaviour, and self-expression. This marks the peak of your physical solar cycle, and you are in the position to make an impression on others, and to assert your personal influence. Increased energy and a renewed feeling of confidence is with you now, so take advantage of your charisma to achieve your goals.

The Sun travels through your twelfth house now, marking a time of retreat and regeneration. This also heralds a time for research and unfinished behind-the-scene activities. Matters which have dragged on for a while should now be re-assessed and put to rest. Some of you will be looking to spiritual enlightenment and take up yoga and meditation.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

The Sun illuminates your sector of friends, social gatherings and group activities. You will be in constant demand and will be in a position to network with new-found friends who will promote your cause. Personal relationships are also to the fore and some of you might even find true love.

This is a time to follow your dreams and ideals.

SPORT WORLD

Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

Hockey: India go down to Pakistan in bronze medal match

India went down 2-3 to arch rivals Pakistan in the bronze medal playoff at the Champions Trophy hockey championship in Melbourne on Sunday. Pakistan earned their first medal in the tournament since 2004, after beating the Indians in a hard fought game.

Australia went some way to erasing the pain of their London Olympics flop by winning a record fifth consecutive Champions Trophy in a 2-1 extra-time victory over the Netherlands on Sunday.

An early Dutch goal was cancelled out by Russell Ford four minutes before halftime, with the final going into golden point extra time.

Kieran Govers clinched victory with a brilliant field goal from the top of the circle five minutes into extra time to give the Kookaburras victory.

Shane Warne ready to return for Ashes series

Australian legend Shane Warne played down comments that he could make a dramatic return for next year's Ashes series against England after telling newspapers he was ready to play if asked. The 43year-old leg-spinner quit Test cricket in 2007 but captained the Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals for four years, winning the inaugural tournament in 2008.

Now preparing for another season in Australia's Big Bash League with the Melbourne Stars, he told News Limited newspapers that he had "absolutely no doubt" he could bowl successfully at Test level again.

Warne said that if close friend, Australian captain Michael Clarke, suggested his services were needed after the Test team's recent bowling struggles against South Africa, he would give it some serious thought. He added that he felt the urge to play the five-day game again while watching the third and final Test against South Africa in Perth.

The loss leaves India still looking for their first medal since 1982. But a fourth place finish in the tournament, in which they featured after six years, could be seen a good result.

The teams entered the game as equal adversaries with a 6-6 all-time record at the Champions Trophy and were so evenly matched that the

game was too close to call until the final horn. “We haven't had a medal at the Champions Trophy since 2004, so it is great to be back in the top three,” Pakistani player Shakeel Abassi was quoted as saying on the FIH website.

The teams exchanged goals in the first half. India took the lead when VR Raghunath scored off a penalty corner just

seven minutes into action.

Pakistan got the equalizer with 14 minutes left in the half.

Muhammad Rizwan Sr. found himself alone at the top of D and shot into the net.

Pakistan took their first lead of the game in the second half when Shafqat Rasool settled a bouncing pass and hit it in from point blank range to take a onegoal lead. India's strong defence in the second half put up a tough resistance and kept Pakistan from extending the lead, keeping the game a nail-biting affair.

Muhammad Ateeq sealed the Pakistani win in the three minutes left in the game with a penalty corner.

It proved to be the game winner despite India earning a penalty corner in the last minute and scoring from it to bring the final score to 2-3.

Messi breaks record with 86th goal of the year Barcelona forward Lionel Messi reached another milestone in his phenomenal career on Sunday when he set a record for goals scored in a calendar year of 86 with a La Liga double at Real Betis, beating Gerd Mueller's 40-year-old tally of 85.

The 25-year-old World Player of the Year equalled the record with his first of the night in Seville when he picked up the ball in a central position in the 16th minute and left the Betis defence standing before sending an angled shot across goal into the bottom right corner.

Andres Iniesta's clever back heel set the Argentine up to score again nine minutes later with a sweeping shot from a similar position just inside the penalty area that flew into the same corner of the goal.

"I always say the same, it's nice for what it means but the victory is more important as it maintains our lead over the other teams," a typically modest Messi said in a post-match interview with Spanish TV broadcaster Canal Plus.

"My goal when the year

began was to try to achieve everything again, with the team, in the league, the (King's) Cup, the Champions League," he added. "I always start with that idea in mind."

Favourite to secure a fourth successive World Player award when the winner is announced next month, Messi has netted 74 times for Barca and 12 for Argentina in 2012, surpassing Mueller's total for Bayern Munich and Germany in 1972.

He has scored 56 in La Liga, 13 in the Champions League, three in the King's Cup and two in the Spanish Super Cup and still has two league matches and one King's Cup game to add to his tally before the end of the year.

Mueller, known as the "torpedo" while Messi's nick-

name is "the flea", netted 72 for Bayern and 13 for Germany in 1972 and was 27 when he set the record.

The pair have very different playing styles, with the left-footed Messi scoring many of his goals after trademark weaving runs, while Mueller was more of a poacher inside the box.

Asked about the World Player award, Messi said he would be happy for his Barca team mate Andres Iniesta to win, one of three nominated along with Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo who won it in 2008.

"Obviously if he (Iniesta) wins it's fully deserved for what he has achieved and what he is as a player, what he does every match," Messi told Canal Plus.

"If he wins it would also be a good thing, it's an award for the entire dressing room."

Messi's double against Betis took his tally in 15 La Liga outings this season to 23 and he became Barca's alltime top league scorer on 192 goals, two more than Cesar Rodriguez.

India remain at number 3 in ODI rankings India remained at third position behind England and South Africa in the latest ICC ODI Championship rankings released on Sunday. India are on 120 points, a point behind leaders England and South Africa who are tied at 121 points each.

Meanwhile, young Indian batsman Virat Kohli retained his number two slot along with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (6th) and opener Gautam Gambhir at 9th in the ICC ODI Player rankings.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin went a place down at 5th and is the only Indian bowler to feature in the list of Top 20 ODI bowlers.

South Africa's Hashim Amla continues to lead the chart for best ODI batsman as the Top 10 slots remained unchanged.

Virat Kohli

Bangladesh's 3-2 series win over West Indies at home helped it move ahead of New Zealand to the eighth place in the Reliance ICC ODI Championship table.

West Indies spinner Sunil Narine jumped eight places to reach the number 3 in the rankings. Top three rankings for ODI bowlers are held by spinners with Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal on the top fol-

lowed by fellow countryman Mohammad Hafeez.

Chanderpaul returns to the number one spot Meanwhile, veteran West Indies' cricketer Shrivnarine Chanderpaul has replaced Australia captain Michael Clarke as the top Test batsman in the world. The reliable Chanderpaul leads Clarke by a single ratings point to regain his position at the top of the table.

Chanderpaul's return to the coveted spot follows his double century last month in the first test against Bangladesh, CMC reports.

He is now the top-ranked batsman with 879 ratings points while Clarke shadows him closely on 878 points.

Clarke has slipped to second position after regaining the number-one spot last week at the conclusion of the Adelaide Test. South Africa batsman Hashim Amla has moved within four ratings points of becoming the number-three ranked batsman.

Amla, who was declared man of the match in the Perth Test, has moved up two places to third position with 875 ratings points following his match-winning knock of 196 in the second innings of the series-decider.

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Action at a Glance Pakistan squad for India tour

Pakistan on Monday announced separate squads for the two Twenty20 and three oneday internationals against India starting later this month. The Pakistan team will fly to New Delhi on December 22 and play the first Twenty20 match in Bangalore three days later.

The second Twenty20 match will be played in Ahmedabad on December 27 followed by oneday matches in Chennai (December 30), Kolkata (January 3) and Delhi (January 6).

Twenty20 squad: Mohammad Hafeez (capt), Nasir Jamshed, Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal, Umar Amin, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Sohail Tanveer, Umar Gul, Asad Ali, Zulfiqar Babar and Ahmed Shahzad.

One-day squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Nasir Jamshed, Haris Sohail, Kamran Akmal, Saeed Ajmal, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Umar Gul, Zulfiqar Babar, Imran Farhat, Umar Akmal and+ Anwar Ali.

Djokovic, Serena crowned ITF world champions

Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams are the International Tennis Federation’s world champions for 2012. Djokovic won the men’s award on Tuesday for the second straight year, while Williams took the honour for the third time in her career. Djokovic won the Australian Open and was runner-up at the French Open and US Open. He finished the season No. 1 in the ATP rankings with six tour titles. Williams won Wimbledon, US Open and the Olympic gold medal. She had a tour-best 58-4 record and seven titles.

American twins Bob and Mike Bryan were named men’s doubles world champions for the ninth time in 10 years, while Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy took the women’s doubles award. Filip Peliwo of Canada and Taylor Townsend of the US were named junior world champions. Esther Vergeer of Netherlands won the women’s wheelchair tennis award for the 13th consecutive year. Stephane Houde of France was named the men’s winner.

Indian wrestlers win 9 gold medals in Rio Meet

The Indian wrestling contingent finished with a rich-medal haul, including 9 golds and four bronze in the recently concluded Copa Brasil2012 tournament held in Rio from November 29 to December 2. In the freestyle event, gold medals were won by Sandeep Tomar in 55kg category, Rajneesh (60kg), Manoj Kumar (66kg), Deepak (74kg), Somveer (84kg), Parvesh Kumar (96kg) and Hitesh (120kg).

Ravinder Singh (60kg) and Manoj Kumar (84kg) also won yellow metal in the GrecoRoman style in the tournament. Manoj (55kg), Deepak (66kg), Bhim Singh (96kg) and Dharmendra Dalal (120kg) won bronze medal in the Greco Roman style category.

Ambati Rayudu replaces Manoj Tiwary for T20 series Ambati Rayudu was on Tuesday named as the replacement for injured batsman Manoj Tiwary in the Indian cricket squad for the two Twenty20s against England later this month.

"Manoj Tiwary has been ruled out of the Airtel T20 International Series against England, on account of a side strain. The AllIndia Senior Selection Committee has picked Ambati Rayudu as his replacement in the Indian team for the series," BCCI Secretary Sanjay Jagdale said in a statement. The 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman is currently leading Baroda in the Ranji Trophy. A back injury will keep Tiwary out of competitive cricket for at least a month and half. Tiwary suffered a muscle tear and has left for a comprehensive rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore under physio Nitin Patel.

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Asian Voice - Saturday 15th December 2012

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If the historic win over Australia under Sourav Ganguly at the Eden Gardens in 2001 was a high-point in the history of Indian cricket, the seven-wicket drubbing, that was handed out by England to MS Dhoni and his boys on Sunday, will surely rank among the lowest.

It was India’s first Test defeat at the Eden Gardens since 1999 and England’s first win here since 1977. A 2-1 lead in the four-Test series means England only need to avoid a defeat in Nagpur to emerge victorious for the first time since 1985. Sunday’s loss also marked India’s first back-to-back Test defeats at home since the 0-2 loss to South Africa in 1999-2000, severely denting their ‘tigers-at-home’ status.

Alastair Cook and his mates, having failed to wrap up victory on Saturday despite an extended last session of play, completed the formalities in 55 minutes on the final day. However, there was enough drama before the invitable happened with India reducing England to eight for three in pursuit of a 41-run victory target.

Ravichandran Ashwin, who was unbeaten on 83 overnight, made his intentions clear by launching into Steven Finn, hitting him for two boundaries in the very first over of the day to race to 91.

But James Anderson clean bowled - the off-bail taking an eternity to dislodge Pragyan Ojha at the other end to deprive Ashwin of a well-deserved century.

Ashwin, though, was not done yet. The offie bowling with the new ball, had the inform Cook stumped off his fifth ball. Cook, who danced down was beaten by the flight and Dhoni effected a neat stumping.

Ojha, who shared the new ball with Ashwin, trapped Jonathan Trott in front of the stumps in the fourth over of the

innings. Excitement reached fever pitch when Ashwin found Kevin Pietersen’s outside edge. With England reduced to eight for three, the Barmy Army in the stands was shocked into silence. But England were not to be denied victory. Ian Bell and Nick Compton spent a few anxious moments but soon saw England home in 12.1 overs.

England to go for the kill in Nagpur: Cook Alastair Cook insisted that his team would settle for nothing less than a victory in the fourth and final game at Nagpur, commencing on Thursday. "Definitely (a win would be on our mind). You can't go into that game with that (draw) mentality.

We have to do same as we have done in these last two games (at Mumbai and Kolkata). And again, produce the goods," said Cook. We know we can do something

special, but it will need a lot of hard work to do that," he added in the post-match media interaction.

Cook said that his team has put in lot of hardwork to turn the tables around after they went down in the opening Test match to India in Ahmedabad. "What we have done really is take what we did in the nets out in the middle. We have started to perform close to our potential. That's what really happened in this game. Our bowlers have been outstanding in that first innings to restrict them (Indians) to 300 on that wicket, and that was a great effort.

England took six wickets for 36 runs in the post lunch session on Saturday with Graeme Swann giving the breakthrough with in-form Virender Sehwag's wicket.

"The spinner at one end, Swarney getting Sehwag straightaway and then the

reverse swing from Jummy. It was exceptional. What we've done is play close to our potential in the last couple of games.

That's why we have won."

Asked whether England had doubts in their abilities after India took the first Test in Ahmedabad convincingly, Cook said, "Not at all. I firmly believed that we were doing the right things, especially in the three weeks before the first Test, the preparation period. These results are proving it. Of course, it doesn't stop now, we got to keep doing these things next few days. We got to recover well to go again in that Test. These last few days have taken a lot out of us. Five days, there are some really tired bodies in that dressing room but we got to keep doing the same things. And people putting up their hands at the right time."

Yuvi, Bhajji, Zaheer dropped for Nagpur Test Following India's seven wicket defeat to England in the third Test against England, which was played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the national cricket team selectors announced an altered squad for the fourth and final Test to be played between the two sides at Nagpur.

The five-man selection committee dropped middle-order batsman Yuvraj Singh, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and fast bowler Zaheer Khan from the squad, and called in Saurashtra all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, Uttar Pradesh leg-spinner Piyush Chawla and Delhi fast bowler Parwinder Awana.

The selectors announced the following squad for the Nagpur Test: M.S. Dhoni (captain and wicketkeeper), Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, Cheteshwar Pujara, R Ashwin, Ashok Dinda, Pragyan Ojha, Ajinkya Rahane, Piyush Chawla, Ishant Sharma, M. Vijay and Parwinder Awana.

It maybe recalled that India scored 316 in their first innings.

England replied with an imposing 523, a lead of 207 runs. In their second innings, the Indian squad was bundled out for 247,

Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan

setting England a victory target of 41. For India, the standout performance was that of Ravichandran Ashwin, who scored an unbeaten 91 in the second innings and snared two of the three England wickets to fall in their second innings.

Meanwhile, Dhoni on Sunday left his future as captain in the selectors' hands, but also said he won't run away from the responsibility. "As a leader this is a challenge thrown at me. It is always good to lead a side when you are performing well. That is not the time you need a leader. Leading a side is all about when the team is not doing well. To try to gel the team together. To back the youngsters, back the seniors. Try to

move in the right direction.

He added: "The easiest thing to do for me right now is to quit the captaincy and stay part of the side. That's running away from responsibility that's upon us. Of course there are others who will decide. There is BCCI and other administrative people who look into that. For me, my responsibility is to get the team together and be prepared for the next Test match."

Asked to elaborate on Coach Duncan Fletcher's role, Dhoni said: "He [Fletcher] has got excellent technical knowledge about our batting," Dhoni said.

"He guides us in the right direction. Ultimately once you cross that rope you are on your own

whatever happens. That's the time you have to get up and retaliate. That's where we are lacking as of now."

He added: "It's wrong to question the coach. We have won quite a few series, the ODI performance have been really good.

In between we have won Test series. Okay in Australia and England we struggled, but this is a series after that that we have not done well, the last two matches that you see. You shouldn't really look for excuses, to put it on the coach. Ultimately it is up to the 11 players who turn up on the field. On a wicket like this, you need to score more runs, and the situation will be different."

For the record, India have been knocked out of two ODI tournaments this year, they have lost to Bangladesh, and were disappointing in World Twenty20 too. In Tests, they have won at home, and that too against West Indies and New Zealand. In the West Indies, they won one Test and refused to try to win another. The Test record under Fletcher is 10 defeats to six wins.

Reduce it to strong opposition, and it becomes 9-1.

Dhoni said: "The batting order will have to take responsi-

bility. We need to score more runs. This was a very good wicket to bat on. Of course the bowlers will bowl a few good deliveries that you need to keep out. But the top seven, most of us will have to score at the same time so that we can get a par total, which the bowlers can look to defend. If you don't score too many runs in the first innings and if the opposition score runs in the first innings, you will find yourself under pressure."

Dhoni said this was not the worst phase of his career. The worst came in England and Australia, he said, for at least here they can hope to rectify the problems.

He said: "If you talk about the low, the England, Australia series were the lows because we weren't able to compete," he said. "Here we know what the faults are and we should be able to rectify those. Overall the bowlers are doing well, I think.

Once you don't get enough runs on the board you question bowlers too as to if they would have defended a bigger score as well, but I think the spinners have done really well. Bit more contribution from the fast bowlers would really help."