AV 1st September 2018 by Asian Business Publications Ltd

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FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

1 - 7 SEPTEMBER 2018 - VOL 47 ISSUE 18

BUFFET BETS ON INDIA

India’s largest digital payment services provider Paytm, owned by One97 Communications Ltd, said that the fintech startup has raised an undisclosed amount from Warren Buffett-owned Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Berkshire’s investment manager Todd Combs, who was leading the investment discussions with Paytm, will be joining the board of One97 Communications. It is reported that Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. will buy a 3-4% stake for £220-250 million in One97, making it the billionaire investor’s first investment in an Indian company. The current round pegs Paytm’s valuation at about $10-$12 billion. The Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire has steered away from making any investments in India till now. This is not just Berkshire’s first investment in the country’s buzzing startup ecosystem; it is also the company’s first investment in a privately-held technology company in the world. “I have been impressed by Paytm and am excited about being a part of its growth story, as it looks to transform payments and financial services in India,” said Todd Combs. While Berkshire Hathaway’s long term investment strategy in India remains still unclear, this deal marks a ringing

Justice knocks twice SEE PAGE 15

Warren Buffett and Vijay Shekhar Sharma

endorsement of Paytm and India’s internet and tech ecosystem. “We feel both excited and humbled by this endorsement. Berkshire’s experience in financial services, and long-term investment horizon, is going to be a huge advantage in Paytm’s journey of bringing 500 million Indians to the mainstream economy through financial inclusion. It is my honour to welcome Todd to our board, where he will bring his wealth of experience to guide our management team,” said Paytm’s

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founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma. Berkshire Hathaway joins a strong list of globally renowned investors, who have parked their money in Paytm. Some of the names include Japan’s SoftBank Group, China’s Alibaba Group and Ant Financial. It also counts SAIF Partners and MediaTek as investors. The news comes in at a time when India has turned into a battleground for winning the digital payments war.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi concludes 2-day visit to the UK

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SEE PAGE 2

Mumbai: Delhi: Hyderabad: Chennai: Ahmedabad: Rajkot: GOA:

£385 £375 £385 £380 £380 £455 £380

Bangalore: Bhuj: Lucknow: Kochi: Kolkata: Amritsar: Dhaka:

£380 £455 £475 £380 £385 £380 £450

Singapore : Bangkok: Katmandu: HongKong:

£450 £395 £400

£405

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1 - 7 September 2018

Congress President Rahul Gandhi concludes 2-day visit to the UK Rupanjana Dutta Indian Congress President Rahul Gandhi concluded a lively tour of Germany and UK from 22 to 25 August along with a ten member delegation, in order to address the diaspora. He attended a number of events in the UK including a lunch interaction with the journalists organised by the Indian Journalists' Association and an interaction with a 'select' audience at Parliament. His latest remarks in London on 1984 riot have already stirred up controversies back in India and aggressive protests from Sikh extremists. Shortly before Gandhi’s address at the greet and meet organised by the Indian Overseas Congress at a South Ruislip hotel, three Khalistan supporters were escorted out by Scotland Yard after they tried to disrupt the event, chanting ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ loudly inside the venue. They were reported to have been angry over Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Congress not being involved in 1984 antiSikh riots. The event had 1300 people invited to it, besides many hundreds who waited outside trying to enter the premises In an opening statement, Chairman of the Overseas Congress Department of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Sam Pitroda said, “Our message is all about

structure with which to go to the people," Mr Gandhi said in reference to the 2019 general election, adding that his party would not be making any alliances with anybody not "ideologically on our platform". He described the essence of the Congress party as its ideology of nonviolence and one that feels deeply for the people in the country who are weaker. The event with LSE South Asian Centre director Mukulika Banerjee covered a wide array of subjects.

Congress President addresses 'select audience' in Parliament

Rahul Gandhi at the HoC meeting the ruling party BJP for subverting the country’s institutions such as the judiciary, academia, election commission, RBI, and so on. He urged his supporters to recognise that when PM Modi spoke of Congress not achieving much progress in the last 70 years, he was “insulting the Indians’ ancestors and forefathers who toiled day and night to build today’s India”. He spoke to the audience and said, “You are just defined by

Anjali Vaz presents Rahul Gandhi with a gift from Parliament

democracy, freedom, inclusion, diversity, jobs, growth, prosperity, bottom-up development. We need your (diaspora) help in taking the right message to the media as well because one little mistake gets blown out of proportion”. Gandhi addressed a supportive audience about half an hour later. In his brief speech, he blamed the Indian Prime Minister and

a simple term - NRI. But our party was started by ‘NRIs’. Mahatma Gandhi was an NRI, Nehru was an NRI, Sardar Patel, Ambedkar, all of them were NRIs. We are all walking in their footsteps." He also attacked the current Indian government and said, “In today's India, there is no place for Dalit, poor, minorities, farmers, tribals only for Anil Ambani. The

government defrauded the country and gave the illegal contract to Anil Ambani instead of HAL. The price of aircraft miraculously rose from Rupees 526 crores to 1600 crores and they say they don't have money to waive farmer loans”. He further said, “Our youth need jobs, the elderly need adequate healthcare and those are the challenges no one is talking about”. He gave the example of China, where 50,000 jobs are created every single day whereas India creates only 450. Gandhi claimed that “Congress is the power (shakti) that eliminates anger and hatred” and that “Congress has the ability to look its enemy in the eye and embrace them. Congress works to unite Hindustan”. He also mounted an attack on Prime Minister Modi and accused him of insulting Indians by saying that there was no development in the country before 2014. He highlighted the rich history of India’s oldest political party, pointing out that NRIs were deeply involved in its formation. Previously Gandhi addressed a gathering at the Indian Journalists' Association where he spoke about Congress alliance in Bengal and claimed that fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya had met some BJP leaders before leaving the country. "Before leaving the country, Mallya met senior BJP leaders, it is recorded in the document." However, Rahul refused to name those leaders. Vijay Mallya has been living in England since leaving India in 2016. The Government of

India has requested for extradition from England. Rahul said, “As far as Mallya is concerned, Indian prisons are fine. Justice should be the same for all Indians.”

Interaction with NISAU at LSE In an interaction with the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (UK) at the London School of Economics, Gandhi spoke of alleged corruption in the Rafale deal, accusing Prime

launch its 'Perspective India Townhall'. On the issue of his association with dynastic politics as the grandson of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and son of Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, he said, "I come from a certain family but I am an elected person; I have been democratically elected. So the term dynasty is not precise. "I am actually elected and the important thing is I operate in a democracy and

In an event organised by Indian Overseas Congress that was chaired by Keith Vaz, MP in Parliament, Gandhi addressed a number of issues including the 'trampling of freedom of expression including that of media in India' at the Grand Committee Room of the UK Parliament, becoming the first foreign Leader of Opposition to do so. He exclaimed his shock to think that once India was 'ruled' from 'this very room'. But then lightened the mood by adding 'now Indian MPs are helping to run Britain'. When asked about BJP's criticism of his reference of ISIS while 'warning about the impact of excluding people from development' in his Germany speech, he told

Rahul Gandhi being shown around Parliament by Britain’s longest serving Asian MP Keith Vaz

Minister Narendra Modi of favouring a businessman who had no experience in manufacturing aircraft. The issue of corruption was among a range of topics covered by Gandhi during his question and answer session with students from the LSE and other British universities, including Brunel and King's College London, organised by the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK to

take the punches and have learnt a lot from my experiences over the years". Calling on youngsters to join politics, he stressed that the Congress was determined to defend the "onslaught on the Indian Constitution" and "remove the BJP from power". "We are constructing a manifesto in the Congress that brings in all ideas, stakeholders, farmers and allies and potentially have a

Asian Voice, “What I stated was that there are a number of ideas running around the planet and one has to make sure one is giving a vision to one’s people. If one does not give vision, someone else is going to give that. It’s important that we involve people and carry people and that people feel they are part of nation building.”

Continued on page 8

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1 - 7 September 2018

Imran Khan’s olive branch to India Pakistan’s new Prime Minister Imran Khan, no sooner confirmed in office, made a serious overture to India, appealing for a resumption of the suspended dialogue, including Kashmir, between the two nations, increasing trade, with the goals of regional stability, poverty alleviation and much else that would raise living standards and decrease want. These are noteworthy ends, but the means will require careful thought and policy calibration. The burdens of the past are remain heavy and disquieting and cannot be removed with stroke of a pen or with words, howver sincerely spoken. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response, therefore, was warm but cautious. There would be no rush to Islamabad on an emotional-laden journey for pace, as was the case when the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee embarked on his ill-fated Lahore journey for peace in the early summer of 1999, only to learn on his return to New Delhi, that units of the Pakistan Army had surreptitiously occupied the remote Kargil heights. It took two months of fierce combat before the intruders were expelled, the effort claimed the lives of some 700 Indian soldiers. The Kashmiri separatist leadership, BJP malcontents such as Yahwant Sinha and a once high Indian intelligence official now turned peacenik talk sentimentally of the late Mr Vajpayee’s Kashmir policy. For all the noble intent the policy yielded nothing then, and still less now. The separatist leaders were unyielding then, and are as stubborn today. The jihadi insurgency is more active at present than it was when Mr Vajpayee as in power. Under his watch, talks across the board with Hurriyat leadership, with the Pakistan military ruler Pervez Musharaf drew a blank. Learning lessons from this faright past, Prime Minister Modi, while warm, Abjured the old pietas, laying particular stress on Pakistan’s need to actively cooperate on combating Islamist terrorism, which entailed abandoning export to India. The Mumbai terrorist assault on 26 N ovember 2008, is etched in every Indian heart and mind; the earlier assault of March 1993 was equally fraught. Both assaults were incubated in Pakistan by its military and intelligence services. In the first, 300 citizens

died, hundreds were injured, in the second, 167 people, not all Indian, perished and the numbers of injured were very large indeed. There have been numerous attacks India, including Mumbai. This clearly was a well thought policy to destroy with a unconventional form of warfare, which has hurt India, certainly, but has left Pakistan in near ruin. Economically on its knees and now of the jihadi terrorism it once spawned, Pakistan needs normalcy to survive. That said, Imran Khan’s emergence as his country’s Prime Minister is a genuine cause for hope, as he has been an achiever in whatever he has undertaken, from cricket to politics. He is well educated and worldly wise, having lived, studied and played in the UK for a considerable length of time. He has a deeper grasp of the Pakistan on its knees. He understands the ramifications of global politics. Furthermore, he speaks to the Pakistan Army from a position of strength, since it was the nexus of the old political establishment and the military that is responsible the country’s present plight. Imran, thus, has a freer hand in starting putting things right and charting a new course. His first priority is mending the broken Pakistan economy. Restoring commercial ties with India is an imperative. The Indian economy is poised to become the fifth-largest in the world at the end of the current financial year ending March 31, 2019. It is in India’s national interest to take the regime change in Pakistan as the first true opportunity for a breakthrough in relations. It will be a test for Indian diplomacy and maturity. The imbecilic attack on Navjot Singh Siddhu’s presence at Imran Khan’s swearing-in by the lunatic fringe deserves the utmost contempt. The danger is to recognize the prognostications of certain self-appointed media pundits, none more prominent than the Times of India’s Indrani Bagchi, whose edit-page call to the Indian government to begin talks with the Pakistan military which, if heeded, would surely undermine Prime Minister Imran Khan’s political and moral authority. He is the elected voice of his country and is thus accountable to his people. Bagchi is poisonously foolish.

Good sense versus combustible nonsense The title of this piece was seeded in a recent BBC TV news broadcast, which included a predictable assault from the UK Foreign Secretary David Hunt, who, at a press conference in Washington, fired a number familiar broadsides at Russia and President Vladimir Putin. The Russian leader was accused of plotting to undermine Western democracy through election meddling, espionage and and Questions posed from the floor were amiable, well suited for an echo chamber. The BBC in an unusual deviation from general practice, invited Sir Tony Trenton, a former British Ambassador to Russia, and subsequently head of Russian studies at Cambridge University, to slug it out with a young American woman member of Washinton’s Wilson Center. The woman opened and closed with a farrago of abuse on Russian oligarchs, President Putin; and claimed that the uneducated masses of Russia, brainwashed by the government would see the light when US and EU sanctions bit and brought the Russian economy crashing down over their heads and those of the oligarchs. Easier said than done, remarked the urbane Tony Trenton, no wild radical or controversialist he, dismissed talk of the projected collapse as arrant nonsense, since sanctions had none of the desired effect. While sticking broadly to British grievance, would it not, asked Sir Tony, be sensible to open a dialogue on subjects where British and Russian converged, such the menace of Islamist terrorism, drug trafficking etc. The more congenial atmosphere would facilitate discussion of fraught issues

that had brought Anglo-Russian relations into deep freeze. Russia, he said, was being driven into the arms of China, its trade with China now exceeded that of the European Union. Western sanctions, and robust Russian countermeasures were the true source of global tension and the likelihood of war. Teasingly, Sir Tony referred to Russian history. Napoleon’s standoff with Imperial Russia in 1812 end in resounding French defeat; likewise Hitler’s assault on Soviet Russia in June 1941 turned out be catastrophe for the Nazi regime. The Russian people do not take kindly, he said, to foreign leaders dictating terms to their country and its leaders. The BBC, in line with much of the Western media, sets great store on the findings of US intelligence agencies, but when they sacrosanct. Where were Saddam Hussain’s predicted ‘weapons of mass destruction’? Why didn’t these agencies fail to detect the events of 9/11? North Vietnam’s alleged attack on a US naval ship in the Gulf of Tonking in the summer of 1964 was falsely constructed by the Lyndon Johnson administration to pressure Congress into approving the President’s Vietnam war. CIA torture chambers in Iraq and elsewhere suffered indecent exposure, discrediting Washington’s mildewed narratives. Opinion polls suggest that the Americans generally favour a good working US-Russian relationship as a guarantor of world peace. US Congressional elections in November for or against the Trump Administration could be critical for outcomes on war or peace.

Mea Culpa! India turns it around at Trent Bridge The doomsayers were wrong. Following India’s abject performance in Second Test match at Lord’s, many feared an apocalypse for Indian cricket and cricketers. They rose Phoenix-like and turned the tables on their opponents with a resounding victory by 202 runs in the Third Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. Still 1-2 down in the five-match series, the visitors have all to play for. A team game, various players, notably Hardip Pandya, more cricket star than rock star with ball and bat, Jasprit Bumrah was devastating with his pace and lift; Ishant

Sharma and Mohammed Shami chipped in with timely contributions. Captain Virat Kohli led from the front with the bat (97 and 103). He was ably supported by Ajinka Rahane, Cheteswar Pujara, Shekhar Dhawan and K.L. Rahul. Well played, all. Meanwhile, two new faces – Prithvi Shaw and Hanuma Vihari - are to join the Indian party for the final leg of the English tour. Their names were put forward by Under 19 coach and former star and captain, Rahul Dravid, when consulted by the selectors.

Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness for anyone - Edith Cavell (1865-1915)

Alpesh Patel

Goodbye August, We Shall Remember You As August comes to a close, there is a quote you will have heard a lot on August 15, Victory in Japan Day. Let me tell you it’s befitting origins on Victory in Japan Day and India Independence Day. Indians fought for Independence in both battles. We who by time and fortune were not there, hold ourselves cheap, and this is why. The quote is "When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say, For Their Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today" It comes from the epitaph in Kohima, India where in the Second World War the Imperial Army of Japan suffered their greatest ever military defeat to that date. 2,000 Indian troops repulsed 15,000 of Japan's mightiest as they tried to overrun India. Of the victory Field Marshall Slim said "if you want to know how brave were the Indian soldiers, don't ask me, ask the enemy" The epitaph was written to commemorate that victory. But the story does not end there It is based on another epitaph over a thousand years earlier...when 300 Spartans stood up to an army of over ten thousand Persians. That was made famous in a film with this quote: "Remember us." As simple an order as a king can give. "Remember why we died." For he did not wish tribute, nor song, nor monuments nor poems of war and valour. His wish was simple. "Remember us," he said to me. That was his hope, should any free soul come across that place, in all the countless centuries yet to be. May all our voices whisper to you from the ageless stones, "Go tell the Spartans, passer-by, that here by Spartan law, we lie." It is because men do their duty and the opportunity to do so that Shakespeare’s King Henry V said "From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be rememberèd— We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he today that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition; And gentlemen in England now abed Shall think themselves accursed they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day."

Editor: CB Patel 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 Website: www.abplgroup.com INDIA OFFICE Bureau Chief: Nilesh Parmar (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad-380 015. Tel: +91 79 2646 5960 Email: gs_ahd@abplgroup.com © Asian Business Publications

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Festivities mark celebration of India's 72nd independence day in Birmingham India has developed into a vibrant democracy over the 71 years of its independence and is now an economic and political entity that the world has taken notice of. It has been able to retain the secular fabric and uphold the sanctity of the constitutional provisions. It is now time to renew the historic relationship between India and the United Kingdom, especially when the latter will be entering a new phase of economic and political strategy post-Brexit. On the occasion of the 72nd Independence Day, the Consulate General of India in Birmingham held a series of events on August 15, 2018. The celebrations started with the unfurling of Indian tricolour by the Consul General of India, Dr Aman Puri at the Consulate premises in Birmingham, followed by the rendition of the national anthem. The speech of Honourable President of India, on the eve of Independence Day, was read out by the Consul General. Later in the day, a grand celebration was held by the Consulate, in the heart of city at the iconic Town Hall, which has always been a hub of civic and cultural life in Birmingham. The ceremony saw a huge gathering of the dignitaries comprising of distinguished councillors, professionals, community leaders, business executives, media representatives, and other invited guests. The event was attended by more than 800 enthusiastic audience from the Indian diaspora and British nationals. The evening commenced with the welcome address of Consul General Dr Aman Puri. He shared his pride as an Indian belonging to the world’s largest democracy, and the oldest continuous living civilisation. He made special mention about the various projects of Government of India, and also acknowledged the contributions of the Indian diaspora in deepening and strengthening India – UK relations. John Crabtree OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands called the evening a moment for remembrance, for reflection and celebration of the birth of the world’s largest democracy. He appreciated the contribution of 2,00,000 Indians in West Midlands, contributing to almost GBP 1 billion trade between the West Midlands and India each year. Councillor Yvonne Mosquito, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, remarked that India is the jewel in Commonwealth, despite the

the country. Prominent Urdu poet and members of Geetanjali Multilingual Literary Circle expressed their feeling and love for India through poems. Performers from Tanushree, Atreyee and Chitralekha dance group performed India’s traditional folk and classical dances. Jasbir Wouhra, a renowned singer sang songs that infused a sense of pride and patrio-

tism in everyone’s heart. Thereafter, Consul General Dr. Aman Puri honoured Paul Sabapathy, Former Lord Lieutenant of West Midlands for his outstanding contribution towards cohesion of the Indian and British communities in the United Kingdom. He also felicitated Piali Rai, Director, Sampad South Asian Arts and Jas Wouhra, Managing

Director, East End Foods Plc. The event concluded with the singing of National Anthem. The programmes enthused patriotic fervour and brought forth the universal appeal of unity and brotherhood. It also gave a hope that the future brings more economic, political and technological cooperation between India and the United Kingdom.

Hundreds celebrate Indian independence day in Cardiff with freedom march From Left to right - Consul General Dr. Aman Puri, Lord Lieutenant of West Midlands John Crabtree, Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Yvonne Mosquito

From Left to right – First Row: Mayoress of Telford and Wrekin, Mayor of Telford and Wrekin, Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur, Lord Lieutenant of West Midlands, John Crabtree, Consul Generl, Aman Puri, Meenu Puri, Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Yvonne Mosquito, Consort of Lord Mayor, Lord Mayor of Coventry, Lord Mayoress of Coventry. Second Row: Dame Asha Khemka OBE DBE Principal and Chief ExecutiveWest Nottinghamshire College, Keith Stokes Smith, Chairman Birmingham Commonwealth Association, Ian Harrison Director of Exports The Midlands, Ashok Verma, Managing. Director, D.C.S. (U.K.) Ltd, Baroness Sandip Verma, Chairperson of European External Affairs Committee, (Former Minister of Energy & Climate change & the International Development)

significant challenges it has faced. She also appreciated the collective contribution of Indians to the UK, and appreciated that the community is well integrated in British society, and a role model for other immigrant communities. Councillor Rajash Mehta, Mayor of Telford and Wrekin, emphasised on building bridges and bringing the diverse communities together. Neena Gill CBE, Member of the European Parliament, emphasized on the need for young British Indians to learn about the history of the country of their origin, be connected with their roots and contribute to the socio-economic development of India. She encouraged the second generation British Indians to travel to India and build linkages in the fields of education, culture, trade and commerce. She also mentioned that Indian community needs to play a bigger role in British politics as there was a dearth of young leaders. Professor Robin Mason, Pro-Vice-Chancellor

(International) University of Birmingham, mentioned about the various progressive policies of India. He called India and UK as research powerhouses. Prof Mason informed the gathering that India Institute’s inaugural lecture in collaboration with the Consulate General of India will be delivered by former Foreign Secretary of India, Ambassador Dr. S Jaishankar. Ambassador Jaishankar is currently the President Global Affairs of the TATA group. Professor Asif Ahmed, Founder of Aston Medical School at Aston University and Founder & Chairman of MirZyme Therapeutics, remarked that the Indian society has been multi-cultural, multi-religious, multiethnic and multi-linguistic from time immemorial. He encouraged the gathering to do their best, and serve as a bridge between India and Britain in commerce, trade and higher education. Patriotism is the highest form of respect and love an individual has for his country, and it is important for the unity and prosperity of

Raj Aggarwal with young performers

A freedom march to celebrate the anniversary of Indian Independence took place on Wednesday 15th August 2018 in Cardiff. Hundreds of people attended the parade which started at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi near the Wales Millennium Centre and finished at Cardiff Castle with traditional Indian dancing and music and a flag raising ceremony. The event was organised by Indian Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal and was be attended by Welsh Assembly Member Julie Morgan and Cardiff City Council Cabinet member Russell Goodway. The procession went on for just over an hour and finished at Cardiff Castle where there were performances of traditional Indian dance and and music performances, and a flag raising ceremony. In his speech Mr Aggarwal said: "Thank you all for sparing your valuable time in joining us to celebrate the success of Indian Democracy. The Indian Diaspora are happily settled in Wales. They are highly successful, hard working and integrate well with the local community and are committed to success and prosperity of Wales."

Neve Maghani, Robbie Usher and Nia Kretschmanna in front of the Gandhi statue

Dance performance at the independence day celebration in Cardiff

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1 - 7 September 2018

12th century Buddha returns home after 57 years A 12th century Buddha statue stolen from India 57 years ago is to be returned to the Indian High Commissioner by the Metropolitan Police Service. Detective Chief Inspector Sheila Stewart accompanied by officials from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport handed over the statue to the Indian High Commissioner YK Sinha on Wednesday, 15 August, during India’s Independence Day celebrations. The Buddha, a bronze statue with silver inlay from the post-Gupta 12th Century, is one of 14 statues stolen in 1961 from the Archaeological Survey of India site museum in Nalanda in the eastern part of India. The statue changed

HE Y K Sinha with representatives from Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Detective Chief Inspector Sheila Stewart

12th century Buddha statue

hands several times before eventually being delivered to a London dealer for sale. Once the dealer and the owner were made aware the

are delighted to be able to facilitate the return this important piece of cultural heritage to India. “We have established there was no criminality by the current owner or the dealer who was offering it for sale. Indeed, from the outset they have co-operated fully with the police to resolve this matter and they have made the decision to return the sculpture via the police. This case has been a true example of co-operation between law enforcement, the trade and scholars. Particular credit must go to the eagle-eyed informants who made us aware

Buddha was the same one that had been stolen from India, they co-operated fully with the Met’s Art and Antiques Unit and agreed

Former legal expert turns professional matchmaker for British Asians Rupanjana Dutta Aneeka Patel, a former legal eagle turned professional matchmaker and the founder of matchmaking agency Project 143, is planning to launch a modern Asian matchmaking service which aims to help young professionals pick a partner to spend their life with. Meant for busy young professionals who want to dip in and out of dating, with ‘Pay As You Go’ verified matches who have been screened by the agency. It allows people to commit to just one date at a time, on a pay-per-date basis. Aneeka set up Project 143 when she was struggling to meet someone through conventional means whilst working long hours in the city. Eager to find a meaningful relationship, she tried numerous dating websites, apps and services, but found most lacked the quality of matches she was after. Aneeka said, “Our clients tell us that while they love the bespoke matchmaking service we offer, they sometimes feel they do not have the time to commit to it fully. This is especially true when they are very busy at work or have periods of travel, so I have come up with a different offering which works on a pay-as-you-go basis to offer greater flexibility. “If you are a young Asian professional using online dating apps to look for a partner and finding you are being matched with the wrong people then Project 143 Pay Per Date is for you. “There is no small print, and no computer algorithms – just good old-fashioned matchmaking. Everyone on our books has been screened by us and is verified via LinkedIn so you know you are meeting someone who is also genuine, professional and looking for a partner. Since we even arrange the first date all people have to do is turn up.” Aneeka believes setting up the date is actually a vital part of the process and is easily achieved once profiles have been exchanged and both parties agree they want to take it further. Explaining she told Asian Voice, “We set them up on a date and tell them to meet at a venue after we have synchronised their diaries. We do this because many of our clients complain that when they use apps or online dating they may match and have a

Aneeka Patel

short conversation but it rarely leads to a date even when it is has gone really well. “By taking control our matches will lead to guaranteed dates where real chemistry can be built. Hence, our motto is ‘Where strong matches lead to real dates’. It is simple but effective. While some may question why Project 143 is only targeted at Asian professionals, Aneeka is in no doubt there is a specific need for a niche service for these men and women – most aged in their late 20s, 30s and early 40s. She added, “Many British-Asian singles are second, third or even fourth generation, struggling to balance a world of traditional expectations with a modern approach to meeting someone new. For Asian professionals the struggle is greater because by investing in their education and career they often cannot find the time to trawl through online profiles. “Furthermore, they are intelligent, cosmopolitan and progressive, they have a vast range of interests and are well travelled – and they want to meet like-minded people who are equally as ambitious and openminded and like them are looking for good strong matches which lead to real dates and a better chance of success.”

for the piece to be returned to India. The statue was identified at a trade fair by Lynda Albertson of Association for Research into Crimes Against Art (ARCA) and Vijay Kumar from the India Pride Project, who then alerted police. Detective Constable Sophie Hayes, of the Met’s Art and Antique Unit, said, “The Art and Antiques Unit was founded fifty years ago and is one of the oldest specialist units in the Metropolitan Police Service. The unit has a long history of reuniting owners with their stolen property. We

that the missing piece had been located after so many years.” Michael Ellis MP, Minister of Arts, Heritage and Tourism, congratulated t h e Metropolitan Police Art and Antiques Unit on the recovery and hailed this case an example of positive collaboration between the law enforcement and the London art market to bring stolen cultural property to light. Mr Ellis said, “As we celebrate India’s Independence Day, I am proud to highlight the latest example of the UK's cultural diplomacy in action. Thanks to the work of the Metropolitan Police’s Arts and Antiques Unit, we are one of the first countries to recover one of the fourteen elusive Buddha statues stolen from Nalanda nearly sixty years ago. “This underlines how law enforcement and the London art market are working hand in hand to deliver positive cultural diplomacy to the world”.

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1 - 7 September 2018

Manhunt for mother-daughter murder in the street Police hunting for a man wanted over the murders of his ex-girlfriend and her mother have warned anyone hiding him will face jail. 21 year old Janbaz Tarin has been reported to the West Midlands police, by the two women who complained that they were being threatened. The force is said to have ignored their cries for help, and it has now referred itself to the Police watchdog. Tarin's former lover Syrian Raneem Oudeh (22), and her mother, Khaola Saleem (49) were stabbed to death in Northdown Road, Solihull, early on Monday morning. Tarin is on-therun but police urged him to hand himself in and said anyone shielding him should examine their conscience. A neighbour reportedly said that Ms Oudeh had recently broken up with Mr Tarin and she and her mother had called police several

Janbaz Tarin

Syrian Raneem Oudeh

Khaola Saleem

times. They were attacked in Solihull, where the neighbours said that they were woken by screaming and shouting and saw a man drive off in a van. The women were found covered in blood and slumped in the street. Det Insp Caroline

Corfield, who is leading the investigation, told Birmingham Mail: “We’ve been working flat out to apprehend Tarin since the early hours of this morning, following up a number of lines of enquiry. “As we have so far not been able to locate Tarin, I’m now asking for the pub-

lic’s help in tracing him. “If anyone knows where he is or thinks they may have seen him, I’d urge them to ring 999 immediately. “If there’s anyone out there who may be shielding him through a sense of misguided loyalty, they need to be aware that they are committing an offence and will be prosecuted. “My message to Tarin would be that it’s vitally important that we get to speak to you as soon as possible, so please do the right thing and let us know where you are.”

Labour MP accused of taxpayers' money to gag office aide A Labour Frontbencher has been accused of paying tax payer's money to settle a legal dispute with his Parliamentary assistant. Khalid Mahmood, the Shadow Europe Minister and MP for Perry Barr of Muslim faith was taken to court by Elaina Cohen, his former Jewish girlfriend, who had accused him of religious discrimination. But on the day that an employment tribunal was due to hear her complaint, the case was reportedly settled. Cohen signed a non-disclosure agreement as a condition of an out-of-court settlement, which prevents her from discussing the case publicly. While the non-disclosure agreement is believed to be standard, MPs have raised concerns over

Khalid Mahmood and Elaina Cohen

the use of such clausesm which are also referred to as gagging orders, amid concerns that they could be used to “conceal improper,

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discrimnatory or even illegal behaviour.” Mahmood's cost of dealing with the claim were allegedly covered by insurance which is funded by the parliamentary expenses system and made available to all MPs. He also received several legal and staffing costs totalling almost £40,000, The Daily Telegraph reported in their front page story. Birmingham Mail said that at the employment tribunal hearing, in London, where Ms Cohen was due to set out her grievances against the MP was cancelled on the morning it was due to take place, when the pair reached an agreement. Cohen is Mahmood's former girlfriend and the MP was criticised after it was revealed the pair spent nine

nights at The Bentley hotel in Kensington, London, at taxpayers' expense in 2004. The bills were however approved by the Commons authorities - on the grounds that it would have cost the same whether she was there or not - but Mahmood repaid the £175-a-night cost, saying he understood why some constituents were unhappy, the newspaper reported. Cohen, 60, still works for Mahmood, 57, and accompanied the MP on a trip to Morocco last December. To colleagues who know them, it is no secret that they have a dysfunctional relationship and frequently argue. Some newspaper reports have highlighted the fact that Ms Cohen is Jewish, and linked the situation to Labour's on-going problems with anti-Semitism. Disagreements between her and Mahmood came to a head after Cohen accused Labour MP Naz Shah of being "anti-Zionist". Shah had responded by reporting Cohen to the police and allegedly saying that the assistant was 'jealous' of her contact with her boss, The Daily Telegraph reported. However Shah had later reportedly admitted that she had made anti-Semitic statements and apologised.

Upset Hindus urge East Midlands brewery to withdraw goddess Kalika beer Upset Hindus are urging Ashby-de-la-Zouch (Derbyshire, England) based Tollgate Brewery to apologise and withdraw its “Kalika IPA” beer; calling it highly inappropriate. Label of Tollgate’s “Kalika IPA” beer (described as “Well hopped dark gold IPA”, under its Light Beers category) carries image of Hindu goddess Kalika (or Kali). Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) said that inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts or symbols for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees. Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, indicated that goddess Kalika was highly revered in Hinduism and was meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be used in selling beer for mercantile greed. Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.1 billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled,

Rajan Zed noted. Goddess Kalika or Kali, who personifies Sakti or divine energy, is widely worshipped in Hinduism. She is considered the goddess of time and change. Some Bengali poets described her as supreme deity. Moksh (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism. Tollgate Brewery in East Midlands, a member of Society of Independent Brewers, is a 6-barrel Real Ale craft brewery, nestled in the heart of the National Forest. Founded 2005, it describes itself as “Traditionalist in style” and “A microbrewery with a big ambition”. It also has three Micropub outlets in Ashbyde-la-Zouch, Leicester and Duffield. Andy Chilton is the Sales Manager.

Corruption accusation against B'ham councillor with key Games role A senior councillor in Birmingham has been accused of corruption after being given a key role in the £750mn Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, despite the Council’s leaders awareness of the allegations against him, The Times has reported. Cllr Waseem Zaffar has been appointed to the 2022 Games Advisory Committee, after a series of scandal including an accusation of benefiting from charity funds. Three people have contacted the council alleging that Zaffar broke the code of conduct and two others have raised concerns with the Charity Commission. He is also locked in a dispute at the High Court with a constituent who has made a series of claims. Zaffar resigned in March last year as Cabinet member for openness and equality after saying that a school should overturn a hijab ban on a pupil without publicly revealing that she was a relative. The Times further reported that his solicitors say that the council investigation has since discharged him over this. However he

Cllr Waseem Zaffar

returned to the Cabinet as member for transport and environment in May while the council investigation continued. Labour MP Khalid Mahmood from Perry Barr constituency said all the claims should be thoroughly investigated. Zaffar's Solicitors said the allegations were baseless and all council and party checks had “concluded that he is a fit and proper person to be a councillor and has no cause to answer any speculation”. Kate Charlton, monitoring officer at the council, reportedly said it had found “no case to answer”. She added that the claims were “potentially vexatious and malicious” and further complaints would not be considered without “substantiated evidence”.

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi concludes 2-day visit to the UK Continued from page 2

Rahul Gandhi with Mukulika Banerjee at the London School of Economics

Commonwealth Office, Stephen Pound MP & Shadow Minister for Northern Ireland, Preet Gill, Shadow Minister for

issues of unemployment, growing protectionism, trade wars and threat to rule based international order. Gandhi specifically referred

Gandhi meets Labour MPs and Shadow Cabinet members Accompanied by party leaders Anand Sharma and Milind Deora, Rahul met the senior leadership of the Labour Party in London, which included the Shadow Cabinet members. Labour Party was represented by Barry Gardiner MP & Shadow Secretary for International Trade and Climate Change, Ms Valerie Vaz, MP & Shadow leader of the House of Commons, Sir Keir Starmer, MP & Shadow Brexit Secretary, Gareth Thomas, MP & Shadow Minister of Foreign

the IISS, Rahul was asked about the lessons he has learnt from the Congress’s defeat in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. He replied: “You have to listen. Leadership is about listening, about empathy to the person who is speaking regardless of whether you agree with him or not...”

Rahul Gandhi meets the Shadow Cabinet, Labour party MPs and Rajesh Agrawal, London’s Deputy Mayor for Business

Rahul Gandhi meets dignitaries at the symposium in the Royal School of Medicine

International Development, Rajesh Agarwal, Dy. Mayor of London and other senior officials of Labour Party Headquarters. Congress President and Labour leadership discussed bilateral, regional and global developments of shared concerns. These included

to fallout of Brexit, increasing inequality and youth unemployment. He referred to concerns over the visa for Indian professionals and students following the change in UK Visa Policy and the fall in the number of Indian students in the UK after the closure of Old Tier-

Journalist Required Let your words be your voice

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1 post study work route. He said, “India has made huge intellectual investment in UK Contribution of Indian Doctors and Nurses to the NHS is immense. Nothing should be done to hinder the movement of professional.” Both sides expressed concern over the threats of terrorism and forces of violence to stability and peace. Both side also acknowledged the value of UK-India Economic partnership including growing investments and technology cooperation. INC and the Labour leadership agreed to reinvigorate party to party exchange and create an institutional mechanism for a regular exchange between the leadership of the two parties.

Address at the IISS

Gandhi, in conjunction with the Indian Overseas Congress, initiated the work of this broad-based working group during his ongoing 2day trip to London. The working group includes medical professionals from King’s College, Imperial College and the National Health Service (NHS). It have a 6-month turnaround

photo credit: Raj D Bakrania, PrMediapix

Speaking about the 1984 anti-Sikh riot, Gandhi said he was, “100 percent” for the punishment for those involved in any violence against anybody. “I think any violence done against anybody is wrong. There are legal processes ongoing in India but as far as I'm concerned, anything done that was wrong doing that period should be opunished and I would support that 100 percent.” He added, “I have no confusion in my mind about that. It was a tragedy, it was a painful experience. You say that the Congress party was involved in that, I don't agree with that. Certainly thrtr was violence, certainly there was tragedy.” The event was attended by Virendra Sharma MP, Seema Malhotra MP, Lib Dem Party's Kishan Devani to name a few. He also attended a dinner with the Mayor of Richmond which was attended by Dr Vince Cable, leader of the Lib Dem party.

CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar meets Rahul Gandhi at the Indian Journalists’ Association lunch

Gandhi on Friday's first event in London on Friday, period for the blueprint, and Gandhi explores NHS style compared the RSS to the is anticipated to meet reguhealthcare model for India Muslim Brotherhood, a larly in London and elsepolitical Islamist group with where in Europe. It will Rahul Gandhi met with strong presence in the Arab focus on two key areas: medical students, doctors, world, particularly Egypt, affordable healthcare for the clinicians and academics and said that the Sangh fountainhead wants one ideology to run through every single institution and crush all other ideas. He also continued his criticism of Prime M i n i s t e r Narendra Modi's foreign and economic policies. Addressing an event at London’s I n t e r n a t i o n a l Rahul Gandhi at the IISS meeting with Rahul Roy-Chaudhury and Sam Pitroda Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), masses, and prioritising prefrom across the UK and Rahul said Modi does not vention over cure. Europe to launch the prohave a “deeply thought-out He said: “This is a comcess to produce a blueprint strategy” on Pakistan but mittee of professionals that for an affordable Indian admitted that it is “very difhas come together for the healthcare transformation ficult” to converse with benefit of India. This at the Royal school of Islamabad, as there is no sinblueprint will act as a living Medicine on Saturday 25th. gle institution in that counbridge between global best The event itself was attend try that holds supremacy. practice and India’s needs. It by over 200 medical and He said the standoff will help the Congress Party other professionals. Rahul with China over Doklam realise its vision for a more Gandhi answered questions was not an “isolated issue” inclusive, affordable and from the audience and in but part of a “sequence of modern Indian healthcare private interactions includevents”, and that India could system.” ing on diabetes, mental have stopped it had Modi health and ageing chalbeen carefully watching the Additional report by lenges in India, as well as process. Charusmita lessons that could be learnt During his interaction at from the NHS.

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Charity of the year 2018

Rakshabandhan Day 26 August, 2018

Dear Admirers of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,

he Sardar Patel Memorial Society (SPMS) UK is a voluntary organisation established in 1985, in London to promote and propagate the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel through various programmes and activities. All of us are well aware of Sardar Patel's paramount contrubutions in serving India. It was only due to his diligence and trust based upon him by then Indian rulers, that Sardar brought together 562 princely states to build a united India that we see today. Sardar Patel was a leading member of the Constituent Assembly of free India. Holy grail of the Indian government, the Constitution to this day is a powerful set of characteristics that holds the burden of all freedom fighters whose perseverance helped the Sun dawn on the country. Around 100 countries gained independence since World War II, and not only is India the largest, but also the most vibrant democracy. These qualities can be attributed to Sardar Patel, who is considered the maker of modern India. Sardar Patel's inputs in the transformation of Indian Civil Service into Indian Administrative Services and other cadres also serves as a benchmark of his manifold contribution to the country. In many ways, he ensured that due and appropriate processes were formulated which have proven to be ideal in the testing period of the first seven decades of independence. So significant was his involvement that to this day Sardar Patel is sought every time the country faces issues of great national unrest. Approximately 2 million people of Indian origin reside in the United Kingdom. It is the Sardar Patel Memorial Society UK's aim to bring awareness on the life and work of the great leader; not only to our children, but the community at large. The SPMS UK has major responsibilities to discharge obligations within the frameworks of aims and objectives of the Society. At the Annual General Meeting of SPMS UK, held on May 12, 2018, a new executive committee unanimously elected CB Patel, as Chairman. Now, the Society has been revamped with inclusion of several prominent members of the British Indian diaspora. The SPMS UK also desires to involve more and more people. We wish to ensure that we communicate most effectively with you and encourage your participation with activities of SPMS UK. Existing members are requested to help us update our database. If needed, kindly contact Secretary General Krishbaben Pujara on krishnajis@aol.co.uk, or contact our Membership Secretary, Mr Jayraj Bhadranwala on lionjayraj@hotmail.com for further details. To enable the society with your involvement, may we invite you to take up life membership for a nominal fee of £51. We are currently in the process of organising Sardar Patel's 133rd Janma Jayanti (Birth Anniversary) on October 31, 2018, with an appropriate celebration at India House. Dr Rami Ranger, Vice-Chairman, SPMS UK, has taken up responsibility of convening the commemmoration. A souvenir is also being published under his leadership. SPMS UK is sincerely dedicated to remind the Indian community, in however way big or small, of a man who dedicated his whole life exclusively to see his country and fellow brethren live a life free of shackles. It remains our sole oath to keep Sardar Patel's name alive and update British Indians on the Bismarck of India.

Executive Board, Sardar Patel Memorial Society UK

Chairman – Mr C B Patel, Vice-Chairman – Dr Rami Ranger, Secretary – Krishna Pujara Treasurers – Deepak Patel & GP Desai Chief Executive – Kanti Nagda Trustees – Jitendra Patel, Sharad Parikh, Sumantrai Desai Board Members – Bhanubhai Pandya, G M Patel, Hemesh Patel, Jayant Patel, Jayraj Bhadranwala, Kalavati Patel, Mahendrasinh Jadeja, Pravin G Patel, Rajesh Patel, Sulochana Sethi Contact Krishna Pujara on 07931 708 028 or email: krishnajis@aol.co.uk

SARDAR PATEL MEMORIAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP FORM

Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________Post Code: _____________________ Tel: _______________________ Email: ______________________________________________ Life Membership Fee: £51 I, ____________________________________________________ apply to become a member of SPMS and agree to abide by the rules and regulations of SPMS Signed: _______________________________________________________Date: ____________________ Please send your payment cheques of £51 payable to SPMS to become a life member, post or hand delivered cheque to: CB Patel, Karma Yoga House, Unit 1, 12 Hoxton Market London N1 6HW

Transforming cancer patients’ lives Compiled by Dr Shree Bhide, Oracle Cancer Trust Funded Researcher at The Institute of Cancer Research London Oracle Cancer Trust is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to research into head and neck cancer. (www.oraclecancertrust.org) Head and neck cancer is now the most common cancer in India. In recognition of Oracle’s important work in developing Dr Shreerang Bhide new treatments, Asian Business Publications is delighted to be supporting the charity at the Asian Achievers Awards 2018. Oracle researcher Dr Shree Bhide talks about his pioneering research – In the last few decades there has been a significant increase in our knowledge and understanding of how head and neck cancer is caused, spreads and its effects on the body at the molecular level. A proportion of head and neck cancers show regions of low oxygen concentration which are associated with reduced treatment success. Therefore, a number of hospitals have a policy of transfusing blood to correct anaemia during head and neck cancer treatment. Thanks to funding from Oracle Cancer Trust, my group demonstrated that this transfusion has no effect on the low oxygen concentration. This led to a change in practice of not using blood transfusion during treatment for head and neck cancers, saving resources for the NHS as well as preventing unnecessary exposure of patients to the risks associated with transfusion. Thanks to further Oracle Cancer Trust funding, my team is now carrying out new research. All head and neck cancers release tumour DNA into the blood. We have developed a simple blood test to measure these tumour DNA levels - “liquid biopsy” - which can predict the presence or absence of cancer following treatment and can even detect the presence of a recurring cancer well before conventional scans. The technology used to study cancers at a molecular level is expensive and without the seed funding from Oracle, we would be unable to gather the data to be able to set up larger clinical validation studies. info@oraclecancertrust.org - www.oraclecancertrust.org 020 7922 7924

Bonus scandal headteacher and staff asked to repay money A disgraced former headteacher of a school in Wembley and five of his former members of staff have been directed by the High Court that they must pay back money they illegally received as bonuses while working at Copland School.Alan Davies, the former Head teacher of Copland Community School in Wembley, alongside former Deputy Head, Dr Richard Evans, former HR Manager Michele McKenzie and former School Bursar Columbus Udokoro were found to have benefitted from the ‘huge sums' they received in unlawful bonuses over several years before Mr Davies was suspended in May 2009. The verdict comes five years after a criminal conviction was secured against Mr Davies at Southwark Crown Court. Copland Community School closed on 31 August 2014. A new school, the Ark Elvin Academy, opened on the same site on 1 September 2014. Justice Zacaroli report-

edly ruled that they must pay back the bonuses they received while Davies was head. Davies was stripped of his knighthood after he was given a two-year suspended sentence for false accounting in 2013. In the same trial the former staff had conspiracy to defaud charges dropped. The purported bonuses to Davies and the others were sanctioned by former Chair of Governors Dr Indravadan Patel and former Vice Chair of Governors, Martin Day, both of whom were criticised by the Judge for reportedly “breach of fiduciary duty”, “wholesale failures” and “reckless indifference”. Mr Davies, Dr Patel and Mr Day were found by the High Court to have breached their fiduciary duties to the Council, leading to losses of more than £1million. Cllr Margaret McLennan, deputy leader of Brent Council, said she was pleased to see the culprits face justice. According to the Harrow Times she said, “We are delighted with the verdict

Dr Indravadan Patel

as it means the money, which had been swindled, will be returned and can now be used for the benefit of local people. “Davies and his chums were arrogantly paying themselves ridiculously high and unjustified bonuses, including Davies pocketing a whopping £400,000 in one year. “It has taken years of stamina and determination to win this victory, but justice has finally been done.”

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MAKE US YOUR VOICE! Do you have something to say? Issues to address, or just a journalistic itch to soothe? Join one of the most influential Londonbased newsweeklies and become part of a world that religiously seeks the truth. Asian Voice is in need of dynamic people who truly care for the community, and wish to be heard. With a strong readership base of 25,000 and history that dates back 46 years, our paper is more than just a friend to your morning cup of tea. Having successfully run campaigns- both political and social, Asian Voice today, is undoubtedly a common household name in the UK and Europe. At a time when print media is swinging head first into obsoletism, we find our resolution and determination only getting stronger, and intentions to continue serving the community only getting louder. To this day, we remain committed and capable of expanding our reach. Even with the introduction of radio, television, and now the mighty internet, print media has a stable footing in the race and will take its own time to dwindle. To keep our readers wellinformed and entertained, we often come up with special issues, magazines, and leaflets on various topics. It was our sheer persistence that prompted the Narendra Modi government to start a direct flight from London Heathrow to Ahmedabad. We are grateful to be able to make difference with our 'Save the Temple' campaign to make sure the Hare Krishna Temple in Watford, north London continues to stand tall for its believers. Asian Voice has remained sensitive to the slightest of indifference

that may have been shown by authorities towards the community. We would also like to believe we act as a link between India and the UK, representing both sides in our full capacity, and rightfully. It is our pride to say that in a world where fingers are pointed at the media, we are one such newsweekly that vouches for nothing but veracity. Individuals that associate with us, will not only find themselves entitled to the power of the ink, but will also find their names attached to projects like the upcoming Asian Achievers Awards. Established by a group of honest and talented individuals in 1972, the main idea behind the paper continues to remain the same. We still hold the same set of principles that were used to create the basic constituency of ABPL Group. Which is why, we choose to let go of ÂŁ50,000 every year, but never promote organisations and persons involved in black magic, and jantar mantar. It is this set of ideals that differentiate us from the herd, and we hold them close to our hearts. To continue the work, Asian Voice is looking for committed journalists and reporters, and sales and marketing personnel, with an excellent grasp on the English language, a keen eye for possible stories, presence of mind, and uncompromising editing skills. We urge all educated and capable individuals who have worked hard to be able to dip their toes in the magnificent field of the press, to send in their CV and a Covering Letter to our Customer Service Manager Ragini Nayak, at ragini.nayak@abplgroup.com

NHS bureaucracy that drives GPs to early retirement We all know the pressure on GPs who work ungodly hours; more or less twelve hours a day, seven days a week, sacrificing their family life and leisure time to care for their patients and to comply with torrents of NHS dictate that come thick and fast, a constant never ending flow. NHS is in a mess, mainly due to holier than thaw attitude of our out of touch politicians. GPs, junior doctors and nurses as well as auxiliary workers are paying the price. Recently new â&#x20AC;&#x153;Data Protection Lawâ&#x20AC;? (GDPR) was introduced that forced GP surgeries to adopt new procedures so as to comply with bureaucracy, that led to new form layout for patients when applying for copies of blood, X Ray and other such test results. This is particularly important for elderly people to take these results when seeing Hospital Consultants, so as to avoid unnecessary repetition of such tests. The half page original form is now three pages long that many elderly patients may find it complicated, difficult to fill in and the waiting time to collect printout has gone up from a week to thirty days, as GPs have to log in every request, keep a register and give reference numbers that may take time in busy surgeries. We are fortunate that our Surgery is patient friendly and goes out of the way to help their patients. Such forms come ready with patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal details already printed so that we have to fill in just the details of what test results we want. Test results are also available on most part within 14 days and if needed urgently to fit in with hospital appointments, then Surgery will oblige if at all possible. But unfortunately that is not the case, the norm in many other Surgeries who stick to the rule rigidly. Unfortunately in this fast changing world where money making is more important by any means, fair or foul, there is a risk of personal date being stolen and used fraudulently, innocent people losing their life savings, pension pots to crooks. But if people, especially OAPs, follow simple rules, never to answer unsolicited calls, open their doors to salesmen, throw away junk mails and deal with banks, building societies and such financial institutions personally by visiting their offices, we may never become victims of such frauds, although this may cause some inconvenience. But it is worth it for peace of mind and happy retirement. Kumudini Valambia Via Email

Dahi Handi: An Indian festival The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated with great zeal and rejoicing all over India and in various parts of the world too wherever there are Hindus. In Mumbai and Pune, it is known as Dahi handi. Dahi handi is an event which involves the making of a human pyramid and breaking an earthen pot (handi) filled with buttermilk (dahi) which is tied at a convenient height. The story of Lord Krishnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birth is as fascinating as the events that took place during his life time. According to Hindu mythology, when evil and immoral forces took over the world, mother earth pleaded with Lord Brahma to bring an end to the prevailing conditions. Lord Brahma then asked Lord Vishnu for help, who proclaimed that he will soon take birth to banish all evil from the earth. This Janmashtami on September 2 let us all hail Lord Krishna and absorb his teachings in our life. Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. Jubel Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Cruz

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Pope Francisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Visit to Ireland This is second visit by a Pope to Republic of Ireland (ROI) in the last four decades. The previous visit to Ireland was in 1979 to a thundering welcome. Since then religious topography of ROI has changed beyond belief, beyond recognition. Once ROI was bastion of Roman Catholicism with some 90% people attending â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sunday Morning Massâ&#x20AC;? regularly. The figure has now dropped to 40%, to the surprise and dismay of the older generation. ROI was also one of the staunchest religious nations in Europe where abortion and even divorce were illegal and gay relationships were frowned upon, a taboo that would prevent gay couple to come out in the open. How the time, mentality, understanding and peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attitude has changed! Pope opened his two day visit by giving a speech at St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church in Dublin Castle, attended by invited guests from all over the world. Irish PM Leo Eric Varadkar introduced the Pope with a short speech, briefly mentioning the tremendous changes that have taken place in ROI on social, religious and cultural front. The child abuses among Catholic priests have captured headlines throughout the world, especially in Pennsylvania, America and ROI. Although many bishops, Cardinals and indeed the Pope has acknowledged and condemned these atrocities, setting millions of dollars aside for compensation, the row, the controversy, the pain and the anguish still lingers on affecting Church attendance in ROI as well as in America, in what is known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bible Belt.â&#x20AC;? During his speech at St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church at Dublin Castle, Pope indeed stressed his pain and sorrow and his and churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s determination to make sure that such child abuse should never take place again, tarnishing the image of Vatican and Roman Catholicism. But Pope failed to say sorry or mentioned what are Vaticanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prognoses, plans to tackle abuse, to the dismay of many victims who were unable to decipher his message. Bhupendra M. Gandhi Via Email

Brexit without a deal While negotiations are continuing for Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exit from the European Union (EU), let us pause and contemplate on what could happen if we were to leave the EU without a deal. Would that mean that there would be a shortage of medicines? Would diabetics die en masse without the import of life saving mediciens, say for example, insulin? Would there be a famine like situation without the import of grains and meat from the EU countries? How would we survive without the import of these essential commodties from Europe? Even without Britain, EU would remain a force to be reckoned with but Britain may not get easy sailing without the support of the EU. In the unlikely event of war or invasion from a hostile country, Britain may not be able to cope without the help and support of its EU partners. Now that the powers to be have made up their minds to leave the EU, make it tough on the EU negotiators and ask for refund of UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investments in the EU projects. Without getting into the intricacies of the process and the exact amounts involved, as laymen, we want to see if our negotiators can clawback the vast amounts of funds we were made to contribute towards the running of the EU or towards subsidising other member countries.The monies thus reverted back to us could be put towards the much needed funds to help our ailing NHS and other infrastructures. Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

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There’s a lot behind the numbers The academic expectation on British Asian students is immense. GCSE pass rates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have risen this year - despite an overhaul to make the exams more demanding, particularly given the more rigorous reformed marking scales 9 to 1 for many GCSE boards. Grades 8 and 9 both denote the A*, with Grade 9 allowing for sharper differentiation at the very top end of academic achievement. The BBC reported that proportion of students reaching the pass levels England's new grade 4 and grade C in Wales and Northern Ireland - is up by 0.5% to 66.9%. About 4% of entries received the top grade 9 - and 732 pupils scored a clean sweep of grade 9s in all subjects. Girls continued to do better than boys - in terms of both the highest grades and in the pass rate. But the gender gap has narrowed this year with boys catching up. In total, 17.2% of boys' entries scored an A or a 7, up from 16.4% last year, while girls' remained static at 23.7%. On Thursday 23 August, The Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School celebrated another outstanding set of GCSE results right across the academic spectrum. 72% of all numerical grades awarded were Grade 9; 83% of grades in Mathematics were awarded Grade 9 and overall 97% of Habs pupils achieved a Grade 9 or 8 (A*

equivalent). The diversity of talents was shown by 90% of Drama grades being awarded Grade 8 or 9 (A* equivalent). 89% of pupils achieved at least one Grade 9; 22% of pupils achieved straight A*s / Grades 8 and 9 and a further 49% of pupils achieved all A or A* / Grades 9-7. The School is celebrating unprecedented results in a number of subjects. This success reflects the School’s ethos to develop the skills needed by the global leaders of the future. Habs pupils develop independence of learning, self-motivation, passion, confidence, motivation and an enquiring mind, among many other traits. These are nurtured both inside and outside the classroom and are further encouraged early on at Haberdashers’ through initiatives such as the Keith Dawson Independent Study Project in Year 9. Zamaan Dudhia, who was awarded 2 Grade 9s and

8 A*s, said: “I’m ecstatic. The support from Habs and my parents was immense.” Ashley Turner, who achieved 2 Grade 9s and 8 A*s, said: “I am very, very happy! Thanks to all of my subject teachers.” Manav Sharma, who received 1 Grade 9 and 9 A*s, said: “I’m delighted that the hard work has paid off. The reaction of my parents when I opened my results is something I’ll never forget. I’d like to thank my teachers at Habs for their support and dedication.” Enuka Balasuryia, who achieved 3 Grade 9s and 7 A*s, said: “I’m so very pleased with the amazing results. The hard work has definitely paid off.” Yohaan Gokhale, who was awarded 11 A*s, said: “I am over the moon and absolutely delighted. I would also like to thank my family and teachers.” Jamanvir Kumar, who achieved 10 A*s/Grade 9s,

Local student set to run the Great North Run for cancer research A Master’s student at the University of East London will be taking on the Great North Run to raise funds for The Institute of Cancer Research, London. Ashok Choundhary, who is studying media communications in global development, wanted to contribute to improve the lives of cancer patients since his grandmother died from the disease. While Ashok has previously only run up to 12k runs is now training hard to complete the half marathon. With race day still to come, he has already raised around £200 and hopes to raise even more. Ashok’s fantastic effort in running the Great North Run will directly support the ICR’s scientists and clinicians, who are working every day to make the discoveries that will defeat cancer. The ICR has been carrying out world-leading research into the causes of cancer, and how it might be treated or prevented, for more than 100 years. Today, it is a world leader at identifying cancer-related genes and discovering new target-

Ashok Choundhary

ed drugs for personalised cancer treatment. Ashok told Asian Voice, “When visiting my cousin at work, who is a radio-oncologist in India, I saw the pain that cancer causes. We have felt it in our family too, with my grandmother. I wanted to do a challenge and raise money for cancer research as my contribution to the effort of improving lives for cancer patients. “It is hard for anyone to see their loved ones suffering. I wanted to help, and the money I raise will help the ICR to do more research for a cure and find better treatments for patients.” Lannah Carbonilla, Head of Supporter

Engagement of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: “We’re enormously grateful for the support of Ashok and all of our other #teamICR runners. It is amazing to see the journeys that led them to take part in the Great North Run, and we wish them the very best of luck for the big day.” Professor Paul Workman, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: “The support from our fundraisers is vital for our work to identify cancer genes, discover cancer drugs and develop new high-tech treatments. “It is really motivating for me and all of our researchers to see the hard work and dedication of supporters like Ashok. With their support, we can continue to make a real impact on cancer patients' lives. “As a research institute and a charity, the ICR relies on the generosity of people like Ashok and the other runners in #teamICR to raise the funds needed to make the discoveries that defeat cancer.”

said: “I’m very happy that my hard work has paid off. Thanks must go to my parents and the staff at Habs for the expert teaching.” The School’s new Headmaster, Mr Gus Lock, warmly congratulated the boys, their parents and staff on their dedication and hard work. Mr Lock said: “These outstanding GCSE results demonstrate, at the very highest level, the breadth and depth of skills which will enable these young men to thrive in an increasingly complex future. It is clear that the Habs curriculum is as strong, broad and successful now as it has ever been and I warmly congratulate all our pupils, as well as their teachers and families, for these outstanding results.”

More Indians choose the UK to visit and study The number of UK visas granted to Indian nationals has continued to experience strong growth, according to the latest update from the UK Office for National Statistics. 550,925 Indians were granted UK visas in the year ending June 2018, a 10% increase on the previous year. Visit visas

India continues to receive more UK work visas than the rest of the world combined. Over 60,000 work visas were issued last year. British High Commissioner to India, Sir Dominic Asquith, said, “The latest figures reinforce a trend we have noticed for

increased by 10% to 454,658, which demonstrates that Indians are continuing to chose the UK as a holiday destination. Tier 4 visas granted to Indian students touched 15,390, an increase of 32% on the previous 12 months. Over 6,500 Indians came for short-term study in the UK during the same period. This is the third successive year that student visa numbers have increased.

some time – that across the board more and more Indians are choosing the UK as a destination to visit, work in and study. This is fantastic. “I’m particularly pleased to note that numbers of Indian students have increased by 32%. I welcome this evidence that international students wish to study at our world class institutions and are succeeding in securing places there.”

12 MEDIA WATCH

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SCRUTATOR’S Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the elder statesman of Indian politics, who walked tall as an opposition leader, then as prime minister from 1998- 2004, died in New Delhi on August 16, aged 93. He had been ailing for the past few reclusive years away from the public gaze. The end came suddenly, the light finally extinguished, his earthly work done. Tributes poured in from all corners of India, from individuals and parties of every political stripe.

Kerala flood disaster Kerala has been struck by the worst natural disaster in a century, with sustained monsoon rains, and mud slides have led to overflowing dams and rivers, leading

robust,’ he said. ’Several frequency indicators of services activity have expanded at a faster pace in recent months,’ (Hindu August 17). MSME credit growth returns to old levels

of Flipkart and Amazon with the formation of this behemoth.Jack Ma, Chairman, Alibaba, met with Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani (Mint August 20). Jamaat in Bangaluru robbery spree Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen operatives arrested recently in Bangaluru included Mohammed Kausar Ali, who was involved in four robberies, according to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Apart from Kasaur Ali, detectives also arrested two other men are believed to have been participants in the Bodh Gaya bomb blasts. Although based in West Bengal, Kausar told interrogators that the gang originally was from Bangladesh (Telegraph August 18).

Kerala flood disaster

Breakthrough in Dabholkar case The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested one Sachin Andure, suspected to be one of the two men responsible for shooting dead the rationalist activist Narendra Dabholkar five years ago. The breakthrough follows sustained interrogation of three individual arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad from Mumbai and Pune (Hindu August 19).

Late PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Political career Mr Vajpayee entered Parliament in his early thirties and was to remain an MP - with one break from 1984 to 1989. He was then a member of the Jan Sangh, the parent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He served in the post Emergency government led by Morarji Desai. Atal Bihari Vajpayee cut his political teeth as secretary to Shyma Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of the Jan Sangh. It was a valuable apprenticeship, as Mookerjee was the finest parliamentary speaker of his day with unrivalled debating skills and a knowledge of parliamentary procedures never equalled, let alone surpassed. Parliamentarian Vajpayee has rightly been acclaimed as the finest and most compelling of Hindi orators, and also as a fine poet in the language. A gregarious personality, he never allowed political differences with fellow MPs or party leaders of opposed ideologies to disrupt personal friendships. He will live in history, among other things, as the leader who made the BJP electable, understanding from the start, that, for a political party to win power, whether from left or right, it was imperative to capture the centre ground: slightly left of centre or right of centre as the case may be, but eschewing the extremes of either side. This he did with adroit political footwork and his instinctive reach as a conciliator. The present Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, at loggerheads with the present BJP dispensation at the Centre, was a minister in Vajpayee’s government. Ties to Nehru Jawaharlal Nehru, pointed him out to a foreign dignitary as a future prime minister of India, and the young MP, in turn, was ever respectful in his admiration

of the older man with his years of leadership of the Congress Party and of the country. Dare one say this, that, like Nehru, Vajpayee was a unifier, seeking at all times to bring Indians from all sides of the political divide together. While it was Vajpayee who gave the green signal to Indian scientists and engineers to test the nuclear bomb, he freely acknowledged that his Congress predecessor Narasimha Rao, had told him to go ahead and do the job which he (Rao) was unable to finish, having lost power. Approach to Pakistan Vajpayee’s olive branch to Pakisan was laudatory, less so perhaps was the haste with which he set off on his peace journey to Lahore. In the absence of precautions, the Pakistan military repaid his trust with the treacherous attack on the remote Kargil heights, which although repulsed eventually, cost some 700 Indian lives, soldiers dying in the line of duty. Mr Vajpayee attempted to conciliate the Kashmiri separatist leadership but failed, however much those leaders now shed crocodile tears at his passing. India has never been as polarized as it is today. BJP President Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would do well to ponder the respect and affection with which Atal Bihari Vajpayee was held by all shades of mainstream Indian opinion (Hindu, Times of India, Indian Express, Mint August 17). Falling rupee bonanza for IT, pharma exports The decine of the rupee against US $70.40 is expected to boost India’s IT and pharmaceutical exports. According to financial services firm Nomura, currency depreciation is a tailwind for Indian software and pharmaceutical exports, and perhaps of textile goods also (M<int August 22).

to over 400 deaths and thousands marooned people sheltering in relief camps. Kochi Airport was closed until August 26. The Army, Navy and Air Force were leading rescue operations and relief efforts. A total of 58,000 people were rescued and are now lodged in camps. Four hundred people have died and a million displaced. The water is now receding and rebuilding houses roads, culverts and bridges etc will require a herculean effort and is likely to last months. The scars are like to remain well into the future. Private sector companies such as Amazon and Flipkert have joined the relief efforts. The rains have eased, the recuperation is set to start. PM in air tour Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew across the State to see firsthand the scale of the disaster. He announced a central government aid package of Rs 500 crore. The State government said it needs Rs 2,000 crore to meet the scale of the disaster. Financial aid is also coming in from abroad. Appeals have been made to the Indian diaspora in the UK and elsewhere to contribute generously to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. Indian States have chipped in with contributions to Kerala relief, which the Centre has described as ‘severe calamity’ (Hindu,Times of India, Indian Express, Mint (August 17.18,19, 20, 21). Growth prospects strong: RBI Governor Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Dr Urjit Patel sees domestic growth continuing to remain strong on the back of a good monsoon so far across the country. ‘The manufacturing sector has continued to to be

The flow of bank credit to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) that took a hit in the aftermath of demonetization appears to have picked uip again, according to a Reserve Bank of India report. Data reveals that during the first quarter of the current fiscal (April-June) credit to MSMEs increased by an average 8.5 per cent year-on-year, reflecting the level of growth during the same period in 2015 (Hindu August 18). PC market grows 28 per cent India’s personal computer market grew 28 per cent in the first quarter of the current fiscal, buoyed by strong notebook demand. ‘This was driven by ultraslim notebooks, which now accounts for 20 per cent of overall notebooks compared to 11 per cent a year ago, said research firm IDS in its statement Hindu August 18). Isuzu to make India global hub Japanese automobile manufacturer Isuzu Motors plans to make India one of its manufacturing hubs in Sri City in Andhra Pradesh, and one of its global hubs. ‘We want to get into new markets,’ said Ken Takashima, Deputy M anaging Director, Isuzu Motors India (August 17). Alibaba in joint venture with Reliance Retail China’s Alibaba Group Holding Ltd has initiated talks with Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Retail Ltd to form a mega Indian company through a joint venture with an investment of $5 billion. Alibaba proposes to acquire a stake in Reliance Retail in a bid to challenge the market domination

Imran Khan sworn in as Pakistan PM

Imran Khan

Imran Khan was sworn in as Pakistan’s Prime Minister. He has named members of his Cabinet. He is the cricketer – one of the greats of crickets history – to become Prime Minister. Fomer cricketers Navjot Singh Siddhu, a Minister in Punjab, and Indian great Sunil Gavaskar were invited guests. Gavaskar was unable to attend because of his media commitments in England, but sent his warmest wished to Imran Khan (Hindu, Business Line (August 18). Helicopter launched missile test-fired India’s helicopter anti-tank missile has been test-fired successfully in the Rajasthan desert. The Indiadeveloped weapon system The missile, guided by an an infra red imaging seeker, according to the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The tests have validated the reliability of a range of technologies that make up the entire system, which has a 7-8 kilometre range. Production is to begin in 2019. Ia further development, DRDO scientists also tested a Smart Anti Airfield Weapon. This is a guided bombs designed to knock out the site (Business Line August 21).

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1 - 7 September 2018

18th Asian Achievers Awards to celebrate the leading lights of the Asian community In the run up to the 18th Asian Achievers Awards, ABPL Group is preparing to honour the best of British Asian achievers who have gone from strength to strength to make their mark in businesses, public life, uniformed services, education, arts, and other significant fields. On 14th September, this event will celebrate the contributions made by individuals who created a name for themselves despite multi-layered challenges. The award ceremony will be hosted at the Grosvenor House, London, organised by Britain’s oldest Asian diaspora publications Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. The venue, which is expect to house more than 800 people for the evening, has been hosting guests since 1854 in the heart of London and is the perfect place to honour the legacy of one of the most thriving communities of the United Kingdom. Like every year, the awards night will have a Charity Partner for which the Asian Achievers Awards (AAA) will help raise funds. Since its inception, AAA has helped various charities raise millions of pounds, and this year, the chosen charity organisation is Oracle Cancer Trust, UK’s leading charity solely dedicated to funding research into head and neck cancer. Head and neck cancer is hugely underfunded compared to incidence and Oracle Cancer Trust has made significant breakthroughs with the ICR in discovering smarter, kinder treatments for patients. Oracle funds early-stage studies that show the greatest promise of being translated into full clinical trials. The organisation funds a variety of studies including a thyroid cancer research group, immuno and virus therapies, imaging, combination drug therapies and developing treatment algorithms for the new MR Linac imaging machine based at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton. Speaking in support of the event, Oracle said, “We are honoured to be chosen as Charity of the Year for the 18th Asian Achievers Awards. Oracle Cancer Trust is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to researching newer and kinder treatments for head and neck cancer and in the last ten years have invested over £5m in funding pioneering research programmes. Head and neck cancer is the most common form of cancer in India and

the sixth most common in the world - current treatments can have lifelong and damaging side-effects. With the support of the Asian Achievers Awards we want to raise awareness about the devastating effects of the disease and help make this vital and much-needed research possible. Our ambition, with your help, is to fund an additional £200,000 of scientific research in 2018”. In making the event successful, Asian Achievers Awards is proud to have Colors TV on as Media Partners. ABPL Group is pleased to have on board a team of sponsors who are ensuring that the event is as

grand as the spirit of our nominees. The list includes prestigious organisations such as EY, Axiom Stone, Starling Bank, DDO Solicitors, Sow & Reap, SBI UK, Edwardian Hotels, and Regent Group, among others. The event will be attended by businessmen, politicians, public personalities, and celebrities. The various categories for which the awards will be given out are Uniformed and Civil Services, Entrepreneur of the Year, Woman of the Year, Professional of the Year, Media Arts & Culture, Business Person of the Year, Sports Personality of the Year, and Community

Services. The nominee submissions were decided by an independent panel of judges comprising of industry experts, professionals, journalists, academics and members of Parliament. Not only the subscribers and the readers of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar but also the wider community is invited each year to nominate achievers for various categories of the award. Four shortlisted candidates have been announced in each category, and like every year, the winner shall be announced on the day amongst an excited audience. To see the full-list of finalists this year, see page 16-17 in Asian Voice, 25 august issue. If you wish to attend the prestigious Asian Achievers Awards, to book your ticket, please email avsales@abplgroup.com or call 020 7749 4085.

Fitness to Practice landmark ruling in Bawa-Garba v General Medical Council The Court of Appeal (CoA) ruling quashing January’s High Court decision to erase Dr Bawa-Garba from the medical register is very important. It will affect the GMC’s approach to fitness to practise cases where a patient’s death would almost certainly have been prevented by more experienced medical practitioners. If the reasoning of the judgment is followed, it will likely mean fewer erasures from the register where medical negligence was serious but the errors were unintentional. In 2015, a criminal court found Dr BawaGarba guilty of gross negligence manslaughter over the death of Jack Adcock. She received a two year suspended sentence pending the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) decision, which in June 2017 imposed a one year suspension from practice. The GMC appealed the tribunal decision, claiming it was lesser than the sentence imposed in 2015. The High Court found in the GMC’s favour and struck Dr Bawa-Garba off the register. Following this, medics across the UK supported Dr BawaGarba’s appeal, donating towards her legal representation and speaking out about doctors being presented as scapegoats for wider systemic issues, including high pressure working conditions caused by understaffing. Jack was When admitted with vomiting and diarrhoea Dr BawaGarba is reported to have been covering six wards, supervising two junior doctors new to paediatrics, without a consultant. Jack had Down’s syndrome and a known heart condition. Due to a series of clinical errors and miscommunication, Jack suffered heart failure after sepsis went undetected. It was under these tragic circumstances that Dr Bawa-Garda had fitness to practice proceedings brought against her. Jack’s parents argue

that this CoA ruling could cause the public to lose trust in the NHS. However, former health secretary Jeremy Hunt warns that criminalising medical professionals for clinical mistakes risks putting them off openly discussing errors. It is only through transparency that medics can learn from errors and continue improving their service for the public good. When releasing the CoA judgment Master of the Rolls, Sir Terence Etherton , reminded that “no concerns ” had been raised with Dr BawaGarba’s competence as a doctor, other than in this case, and that her mistakes had been “neither deliberate nor reckless” . This decision will have a lasting impact on future fitness to practice claims, in clarifying the different roles of criminal courts and disciplinary tribunals in cases concerning gross negligence manslaughter. The GMC plan to conduct an independent review into gross negligence manslaughter claims “where the risk of death is a constant, and in the context of systemic pressure.”

Alex Peebles

Alex Peebles, solicitor and Director of Public Law at Duncan Lewis, has extensive experience representing professionals in fitness to practice proceedings brought by professional regulators. Contact Alex on 020 3114 1218 or via email at alexp@duncanlewis.com Get in touch with our specialist solicitors if you have a regulatory query; you wish to appeal the decision of a tribunal, or a decision to withdraw your licence to practice.

14 COMMUNITY

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Britain’s most senior ranking Asian officer commends global Hindu Swaminarayan spiritual leader’s peace drive Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, Britain’s counter-terrorism lead, and the Metropolitan Police’s most senior officer of Asian origin, visited the vibrant Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury – a grand magnificent Hindu temple in Northwest London of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan – during a special event in celebration of Raksha Bandhan. Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that is traditionally a reminder of the bond of protection between a brother and sister, but the temple community has a longstanding tradition of using the festival to extend its gratitude to all protectors of society – in this case, the police – and using it as platform to promote peace and tolerance. The Mandir has previously hosted the Armed Forces’ flagship Raksha Bandhan event, similarly honouring some of the UK’s most senior military personnel. Joining AC Neil Basu was Chief Superintendent Simon Rose, the triborough Commander of Brent, Harrow and Barnet, local MP Barry Gardiner, and a number of other guests and dignitaries. During the event, both senior ranking officers were adorned with a white paagh, or turban – the highest honour that is bestowed by the Swaminarayan faith. The global spiritual leader of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan (the umbrella organisation under which the Kingsbury temple sits), Acharya Swamishree Maharaj, tied a sacred

CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar with Acharya Swamishree Maharaj

Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu with Chief Superintendent Simon Rose lighting up the lamp

Addressing the congregation, Basu said, “I couldn’t possibly compare myself to Acharya

Swamishree Maharaj, but I too joined the police force to serve. If I ever need a reminder of the

importance of serving the community, all I will have to do is remember this day and this visit”.

Dawn Charitable Trust to host Shakti Bazaar for women entrepreneurs

rakhdi – a simple wristworn thread – to the officers, as symbol of the community’s gratitude for the protection provided by all police around the country. Basu was impressed at hearing about Acharya Swamishree Maharaj’s numerous drives to promote peace and

tolerance between communities, particularly of different faiths, including the hosting of a Global Peace Conference 2018 at World Peace Centre Shree Muktejeevan Swamibapa Smruti Mandir in India in November, which will be a first of its kind event anywhere in the world.

Dawn Charitable Trust is organising a charity even named ‘Shakti Bazaar' on 2 September at the Harrow Civic Centre from 11am-3pm to create an opportunity for women entrepreneurs to come together, meet each other, exchange ideas and thoughts and gain synergistic networks to further inspire and empower each other. Dawn Charitable Trust is a registered charity that works toward strengthening the communities by offering emotional and mental health and promoting social wellbeing through creation of various social inclusion opportunities. Dawn was founded as a voluntary group founded by likeminded professionals to close the gap in provision of culturally and linguistically

appropriate public services for meeting the needs of socially isolated Asian women. Majority of these women were newly arrived migrants displaced from homeland in East Africa. Dawn’s aim was to create a one-stop platform for these isolated women to meet in a culturally sensitive environment, access information and advice,

meet and socialise with others and, participate in the educational, cultural and recreational opportunities and access counselling support to improve their emotional and mental health and quality of life. Contact Dawn at: 020 8 427 6796 or Yakeen_dawn@yahoo.co.uk

Rakshabandhan celebrated with Armed Forces Hindu Network Gujarat Hindu Society hosted the Armed Forces Hindu Network Rakshabandhan celebrations at the centre on Tuesday 21 August. Over 80 people attended the event and Rakhi’s were tied to the members of Armed Forces Hindu Network by the GHS ladies & girls to mark the occasion. There was a cultural programme with beautiful classical, folk and Bollywood dances to celebrate the festival. Honourable Mayor of Preston Councillor Trevor Hart was present. Shameer Mehta – Vice Chair of Armed Forces Network said that he found the organisation very inspiring and thanked the team for organising such a beautiful celebration. President Ishwer Tailor said that the society is very proud of Armed Forces and

are also proud that number of Hindus are engaged in various services in the Armed Forces. There was also a presentation by the Armed Force on how they have embraced cultural values amongst different ethnic minorities within UK.

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Justice knocks twice Mitul Paniker In a first ever international transfer of a prisoner to Punjab under the Repatriation of Prisoners Act signed by India and the UK, UK-based NRI Harpreet Aulakh will be repatriated from London to the Amritsar Central Jail, eight years after he was sentenced to 28 years for killing his wife. A three-member team of the Punjab prison department will take Harpreet's custody from UK officials who will escort him to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. Geeta Aulakh, who was 28 at the time, was killed on November 16, 2009. She was murdered by Harpreet when she sought to end their decade-old marriage. Punjab Minister of Jails Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said, “In the first week of July, we got a communique from the Ministry of External Affairs that Aulakh wanted to be shifted to Amritsar to serve the remaining term of his 28-year punishment. After completing formalities, the jail department issued a no objection cer-

Harpreet Aulakh with Geeta

tificate, and now he will be shifted to the Amritsar prison.” Inspector General (IG), Prisons, Roop Kumar said, “Formalities have been completed and Harpreet will land in Delhi on Tuesday from where he will be brought to the central jail in Amritsar.” A receptionist with Asian radio station Sunrise Radio, Geeta was on her way to pick her sons aged eight and 10, at Greenford, London, when she was attacked by two hired killers- Jaswant Singh Dhillon of Ilford and Sher Singh, a teenager from Southall. She suffered multiple head injuries and died immediately after

being brought to the hospital. Her right hand was severed with a machete as she tried to shield herself from Sher Singh's repeated attacks. Harpreet was known to be averse to his own wife and had an apparent infatuation for her sister Anita. When Geeta left him, he reportedly developed an obsession with the idea of she seeing another man. There were also incidents of him confronting her male colleagues, hacking into her Facebook account, and breaking into her flat to pore over receipts. He was also found to be involved in drug and immigration scams later.

From a poorer Sikh family, Harpreet was suspected by police of involvement in a series of violent crimes even before he entered the UK illegally in his early twenties. Assumed to have come clean from the murder, the then 32 year old's plan gave way when Dhillon approached the police claiming to be a witness. He took them the canal in Slough, Berkshire, where they had dumped the machete and Sher Singh's jacket. A breakthrough only came later when officers discovered the rare, Brazil-made weapon stocked by a shop just half a mile from Aulakh's home in Hounslow, west London. CCTV footage of the store showed three people buying a machete. Two were tracked down, and the third was Aulakh himself. Sher Singh, who carried out the attack and Dhillon who acted as a lookout, were sentenced to 22 years. During trial, the London Court was told that Geeta wanted to divorce her husband over his involvement in violent crimes, and in turn fell victim to his ways herself.

Vithlanis mourn loss of daughter

In an unexpected turn of events, Visha Bharti, daughter of Mukesh Vithlani, trading director of Damecha Foods Limited, and wife of Sai Bharti, has passed away. One of the most leading British Asian families, the Vithlani family

Salmond accused of sexual harassment Alex Salmond, the former Scottish first minister and leader of the Scottish National Party has been accused of ordering a female staff member into his bed before touching her breasts and bottom, only stopping after she repeatedly asked him to, The Sunday Times has reported. The Scottish government has referred the allegations to Police. Salmond has said he is 'no saint' but strongly denies harassing anyone or engaging in criminality. The Glasgow based Daily Record reported yesterday hat one of the women whose complaints triggered one of the biggest crises in the SNP's history alleges multiple incidents of harassment and conduct of an unwanted sexual nature during Salmond's time in office.

released a statement saying, “It is with our deepest sorrow to announce the sudden passing of Visha Sai Bharti, beloved wife of Sai Bharti, devoted mother to Ashrami and Kishan Bharti, dearest daughter of late Jaishree Vithlani and Mukesh Vithlani, daughter-in-law to late Sarlaben Bharti and Gulabhai Bharti, grand-

daughter of Khodidasbhai and Lalitaben Dhamecha.” The statement added, “She will be remembered for her selfless love and boundless energy, to her friends, family and her commitment to professional life. Her glowing personality and charismatic nature will be missed.” Qualified at Aston

University in Business Studies, this is where Visha met her husband Sai- an Optometrist. Together they ran their own successful practice, Community Care Opticians, specialising in home visits for the last few years. Visha suffered a major heart attack on August 20 morning while at home with her family.

Marketing and Promotion Executive Exciting job opportunity in UK's leading media house

ABPL Group, publishers of Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar, the leading Asian newsweeklies from London, is looking for talented and energe c marke ng & promo on execu ve to expand reach of the publica ons in UK.

Requirement:

ª Excellent marketing and communications skills. ª Good market knowledge. ª Building relationship with retailers, distributors, business organization etc, promoting and seeking subscriptions. ª Preparing and delivering marketing plans within key objectives ª Involving key salesperson in producing the campaign for magazines and events, and reporting results once completed. ª Sourcing advertising opportunities for the publications and events organised by ABPL. ª Attending key events to manage ABPL booth. ª Monitoring competitor activity and generating leads for publication. ª Generating and executing marketing campaigns across social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin. ª Managing the production of marketing materials such as leaflets, flyers, posters, and newsletters. ª Prior experience in media industry will be an added advantage. Freshers can also apply.

Is Student property a profitable Investment? The Popularity of private landlords acquiring Student landlords has woken up some universities to the growing profits being made and they are cashing in. There are certain University towns which have more beds to students and other cities which have more students to beds this means a greater need for student accommodation. A report by Savills States,

James Backhouse

“investment in student accommodation is forecasted to rise by 17% this year. An increase in investment from last year to £5.3bn in purpose-built student housing is expected” There has been an increase in the market share of foreign investors to 65% last year which is up from previous years. Singapore are leading the flood of investments with firms such as Mapletree and GIC, spending a combined £1.2bn on UK student housing in 2016. James Hanmer of Savills said student housing is a favourite investment in Asia as the: “UK higher education is tangible for them and they can get their head around it easily”. This is backed up by UCAS figures, EU students represent only 6% of all full-time students in the UK, and therefore even in case of a harsh Brexit, there would still be a stable demand from UK students and other internationals Increased number of overseas students. The big issue on everyone’s minds is the Brexit decision and the slow withdrawal of the UK will mean for them, demand for University spaces and the number of UCAS applications of international students rise or fall? Despite the level of uncertainty caused by the Brexit vote, the numbers of overseas students moving to UK university is expected to increase further. So it comes to no surprise that the UK has experienced a 2.2% rise in applications from overseas students outside of the EU since 2016. According to UCAS figures. One key area to highlight here however is you must look at the locations that give the best returns as some are better than others. Thousands of students attend university in the UK and with 564,190 people applying to UK higher education courses for the 2017. Strong demand for properties demand depending on the area, the rental price can start on average at £126 a week to £180 a week in locations such as Guilford, providing good returns. Simple Landlords Insurance published a league table stating which university towns will deliver the greatest returns. The university town where the future King of England studied, St Andrews, has ranked top in the listing. A large 6bedroom house can be purchased for around £300,000 and with each tenant paying on average £600 a month, annual returns in this case are £36,000- a 12% annum return. Lancaster, Loughborough and Birmingham follow in the top 5 places to buy-to-let. Lowest return on investment has been found in Oxford, where properties occupied by students, on average cost £720,000 which offers a poorer 3.3% annum return in comparison. As seen there is a Strong demand for properties in university towns, there are articles available to point you in the right direction when aiming to achieve these high yields. Research undertaken must look into the standards rules and regulations desired by students who are willing to pay within the price bracket of approximately £600 a month.

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16 JANMASHTAMI SPECIAL

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1 - 7 September 2018

NAND GHER ANAND BHAYO, JAY KANHAIYA LAL KI Every year, on Janmashtami, Hindus all over the world celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. He was born on 'Ashtami', the eight day of the holy month of Shravana. The eighth avatar of Vishnu, Krishna's birth is an annual Hindu festival during which, idols of baby Krishna are bathed in milk, honey, and water, and dressed in new clothes. Dance, drama, enactments of the life of KrishnaRas Lila, and devotional singing is held through midnight when Krishna is believed to have been born. People also observe a fast, a night vigil and the next day a festival is held as part of Janmashtami celebrations. Janmashtami or Gokulashtami is celebrated particularly in Mathura and Vrindavan, and being a major Vaishnava-Hindu festival, it is also celebrated in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and other regions. Said to have been arrived in an era of chaos, when freedom was a luxury and evil was everywhere, Krishna was born in a prison cell to Devaki and Vasudeva. Prisoners to evil King Kansa, who was determined to kill any child born to his sister because of a diving prophecy, Vasudeva rushed Krishna across the river Yamuna to foster parents Nanda and Yashoda, in Gokul. How it is celebrated? Every Hindu household witnesses the festival in their personal way. While several customs and rituals are duly associated with the celebrations, but variations do prevail in all these customs. For some rituals might be common to all while others are unique and restricted to a particular region or city. What remains identical, is the vigor and passion with which the devotees of Lord Krishna observe the festival. After Krishna's midnight hour birth, statues of baby Krishna are washed and clothed, then placed in a cradle. Devotees then break their fast, by sharing food and sweets. Women draw tiny foot prints outside their house doors and kitchen, walking towards their house, a symbolism for Krishna's journey into their homes. Observance of a day-long fast is a common tradition in India. Devotees break their fast only once with the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight. However, many people prefer to have only milk and milk products as these are considered to be the favourite of Lord Krishna. There are also ardent devotees who go to the extent of keeping

'Nirjal' fast, in which they go through the entire day without even a drop of water. Devotional songs are sung all day in the celebration of Janmashtami. Devotees chant special shlokas and mantras so they could please the Lord and seek his blessings. Singing of bhajans along with aarti is a prevalent norm in the celebration. Along with the chanting of mantras, a ritual is also undertaken in which 108 names of Krishna are chanted and then his idol is showered with flowers. The most important ritual however, is the swinging of the child god. Swings are tied or constructed, and idols of baby Krishna are placed inside. Devotees swing the Lord as it is considered to be auspicious. In cities like Mathura, Dwarka, Vrindavan, and Mumbai, the ritual of Dahi-Handi is observed, which is an enactment of Lord Krishna trying to grab butter from the pot. Lord Krishna's love for maakhan is well-known, and this tradition

Stories of Lord Krishna KRISHNA DEFEATED ARISHTASURA Krishna’s uncle, the evil King Kamsa was always insecure as he knew that he will meet his end only because of Krishna. In one of his many attempts to kill the

is an ode to the child's notoriety. An earthen pot filled with milk mixed with ghee and dry fruits is suspended on a height of approximately 20 feet. Then as per customs, a group of boys form a pyramid and try to break the pot in an organised manner. Crowds gathere around throw water on them in a goofy gesture of stopping them from getting hold of the pot. The act of Dahi-Handi is believed to throw away negativity and bad omens away, and bring in prosperity and happiness. One of the star attractions of the festival, the Raslila is held, in which the love of Gopis (cowhoarding girls) for Krishna is performed. The traditional depiction of their love is only enacted as a play. It is said that as Krishna wanted to give every Gopi equal importance, he always stood in the middle of a circle surrounded by the girls. There are several types of Raslila that are performed. There is the Janamleela, Shankarleela, and the Putanaleela. Celebration in Gujarat Gujarat celebrates the festival with certain peculiarity. All rituals are mainly performed by

young God, he once sent a wild bull demon Arishtasura to Vrindavan. It created massive havoc by uprooting trees and destroyed all houses. The people in Vrindavan began to run for their safety. All villagers went to Krishna and asked his help. Just a kid who was busy playing with his friends on the banks of Yamuna River, Krishna observed that the bull is not ordinary, but a demon in disguise. He took the bull by its horns and flung him around, shattering his horns. When the bull collapsed on the ground, a spirit left the body and transformed into a human. The man bowed before Krishna and told his story, how he was a disciple of Brihaspati, and because of his disrespect towards his Guru , he was cursed to be a demon. He thanked Krishna as because of him, he got relief from the curse.

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folk women. They give up all their household chores in order to play cards. Though the exact history of this peculiar tradition is not know, it is believed that as the women observed fasting all day long, and kept awake the entire night, they engaged themselves in playing cards. Rituals in South India The houses in South India are beautifully decorated by women on the occasion. Various sweet dishes are prepared and offered to the Lord. Butter is offered so that the Lord remains at peace and showers his blessings over everyone. Apart from preparing sweet dishes, every one draws footprints of a child across their homes, thus epitomising the birth of the Lord. These footprints are drawn with the mixture of water and flour. The custom creates a feeling of joy among people as they feel that the Lord himself has entered their house to shower his blessings upon his devotees. The day is marked with the ritual of chanting of the holy Bhagavatam, accompanied by singing of devotional songs and dances. Prasad Amongst an array of sweets and other delicacies, one prasad synonymous to Janmashtami is the Panchamrit. 'Panch' meaning five and 'Amrit' meaning nectar, it is the mixture of milk, honey, ghee, curd, and Tulsi.

YOUNG KRISHNA LIFTS GOVARDHAN HILL ON ONE FINGER The people of Vrindavana were preparing for a great puja for Lord Indra to please him for giving them abundant rainfall when required. When Krishna (a young boy at that time) came to know of this, he went to his father Nanda who was the leader of that village and said that Govardhan Hill deserved their worship and thanks more than Indra. He argued that Govardhan was the one to provide them with clean water and air as well as herbs that had healing properties. He was able to convince Nanda and the village elders. So they offered their worship to Govardhan instead. Lord Indra saw everything

Central London 14th Sept. 2018 VENUE

One of the most revered Gods in Hindu religion, Krishna's teachings on various aspects of human life during the epic battle of Mahabharata are famous and widely accepted. The holy Bhagwad Gita consists only of his teachings and forms as a guide for Hindus and others who follow it. Four Kinds of Actions Lord Krishna says there are four kinds of actions or karma that a human can perform. They are Kamya Karma (actions performed for selfish gains), Nishiddha Karma (actions that are forbidden in holy texts and scriptures), Nitya Karma (actions that must be performed daily) and finally Naimittika Karma (actions that must be performed on certain special occasions). Lord Krishna clearly prohibited his devotees to perform the first two kinds of Karmas as they lead to rebirth and laid stress on the performance of the latter two as they help in getting Moksha or Nirvana or salvation. Liberation and Bondage He emphasised on being free from all kinds of negative and positive emotions like that of joy, grief, sorrow, happiness, jealousy for they are considered to be illusions or maya. These emotions are transient and thus, bound to fade away. All the beings are thus bonded but one can set oneself free and achieve liberation once they realize that the world is nothing but an illusion. All the souls taking birth on the Earth must thus surrender to Lord, be free from attachments to living and non-living objects. One should not become conditioned by body or any other worldly things around. Satsanga Satsanga means being in the company of Sadhus or the knowledgeable one, if one is in the company of such persons one is sure to reduce as well put an end to attachment of all kinds. According to the famous teachings of Lord Krishna, satsanga is described as the fastest way to be closer to him and be sheltered in his company.

that had happened and got angry by the fact that the people of Vrindavana had listened to a mere child and believed in what he had said. So in order to teach the people a lesson, he sent a huge storm to destroy the village. Krishna protected all the animals and the people from this storm by lifting the Govardhan Hill with one finger. Everyone remained safe there till the rain stopped. Indra realized who the boy was and apologized for what he had done.

KRISHNA STOPS DURYODHANA'S YAGNA Before the great Mahabharata war, Duryodhana wanted to do a yagna to ensure his victory in the war. So

VHP ILFORD COMMITTEE TO HOLD JANMASHTAMI CELEBRATONS AT ILFORD HINDU CENTRE 7.00 PM till midnight. Hosted by Anand Kumar Sahi and family, the celebration will be carried on till midnight, when an Aarti will be conducted. Bhojan Prasad will be served.

Watford Temple Hosts Biggest International Festival For Janmashtami

he asked Sahdev to give him the best date. Sahdev was a great astrologer and did his profession with great dedication. So even though Duryodhana was an enemy he helped him. He told him to conduct the Yagna on New moon day. This upset the Pandavas and Krishna because a yagna on the new moon day would guarantee Duryodhana’s victory. In order to stop this Krishna started doing Pitru tarpana a day before the new moon. When the sun and the moon heard of this, they came to Lord Krishna for an explanation as to why he was doing the tarpana today instead of the next day. To this Krishna said that the new moon day was the day the sun and the moon came together and they were together now in front of him. So this was the new moon day. Due to this Duryodhana was unable to perform the yagna on the right day and Krishna ensured that he wouldn’t win.

Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna Temple will host over 50,000 people for the largest ever celebration of the advent of Lord Krishna on Sunday 2nd September and Monday 3rd September 2018. The joyous festivities are welcome to all and transform the usually serene temple grounds into a resplendent festival site of colourful marquees showcasing dance, drama, multimedia and music both contemporary and traditional. Srutidharma Das, Temple President of Bhaktivedanta Manor said, “The manor was gifted to us by George Harrison in 1973 and it carries on his legacy of sharing ancient wisdom and cultural richness of the east. The festival message is simple and universal, through love we connect, we belong and we transcend.” Visitors and pilgrims will enjoy complimentary vegetarian food and can browse bazaars selling an eclectic array of delicatessens, books, handmade jewellery, music and organic produce. A family event, there is something for everyone including a designated children’s area full of funfilled activities like face painting, henna, arts and crafts, and games. Visitors are also welcome to visit the New Gokul Farm, which provides sustainable living and cow protection sheltering sixty cows, oxen and bulls. One of the highlights amidst the festivities is a walk through the recreation of the beautiful Vrindavan forests, where Krishan played as a young boy, on the way to the temple's exquisitely decorated deity altar. One of their new exhibits this year is Om Nom, a happening new yoga and food initiative. The festival promotes the importance of love and community in what is today a very diverse society.

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18 FINANCE - UK

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Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel Dear Financial Voice Reader, With one of the world’s richest men, Warren Buffett’s company Berkshire Hathaway investing in Indian payment processing company Paytm, giving the latter a valuation of around $12 billion, you yourself may wonder how you get into investing in private companies. The UK Government is keen to get us to save and invest, indeed the number of tax breaks makes it very attractive. They do this so we are less reliant on the State in our old age! Good advice. Take the EIS scheme. If you invest in an ‘EIS’ approved private company then look at these examples: Case 1: The company does well and doubles its value and you hold the shares for three years Investment = £10,000 Income Tax relief = £3,000 (as a reduction in your income tax bill) Capital Gains Tax = £Zero Your gain = £13,000 (£10,000 profit from the sale plus £3,000 income tax relief) Case 2: The company value stays the same Investment = £10,000 Income Tax relief = £3,000 (as a reduction in your income tax bill) Share sales = £10,000 Your gain = £3,000 (from the income tax relief) Case 3: The company closes and your shares are worth nothing Investment = £10,000 Income Tax relief = £3,000 (as a reduction in your income tax bill) At risk capital = £7,000 Loss relief on at risk capital @ 45% = £3,150 Your actual loss = £3,850 (£10,000 – [£3,000 + £3,150]) So where do you find such companies and what are my rules of investing? I like crowdfunding sites – online sites where angel investors come together to invest in companies. I like Crowdcube and Seedrs for instance. I like these sites because all the information is there for me. My rules: 1. Is the company already exceeding its funding target ie have people already put in more money than the company asked for – a pretty good sign I am in good company and momentum and interest. 2. Has the company, looking at its online documents, a professional look and feel and has it exceeded its execution goals which themselves are impressive. 3. Whilst the valuation of the company is difficult to judge at an early stage, I am looking to see can the company based on its on value of itself what people are investing in it at, be able to rise 10x in 3 years. I look at their documents, they themselves should be able to show me other companies in their field who have and why there is room for them to do it. 4. Who are the people behind it – do they have a good track record of success, age, wisdom? 5. What key milestones have they hit so far? Big name clients. Things that blow my socks off? I am always keen to promote entrepreneurs and the best way is with my own money. I’ve invested in the past month in Vitl, Qured, zzish, Urban Massage. Here are some key reasons why: 1. Urban Massage – large investments to date, reached a lot of cities, I have used them and like the product, overfunded ie more demand than supply of shares. 2. Qured – on-demand health teach platform which provides affordable at home healthcare. Again, used it for my baby son. It works well. Lots raised from a lot of investors. They execute well. Peers have succeeded. They have momentum. 3. Zzish - is an Edtech platform, a ‘Virtual Teaching Assistant’ giving precise insight into learning gaps and personalising content. Backed by 2 Chinese funds with 254% activity growth and $600k govt deals in 2018 4. Crowdstacker Investment - Crowdstacker is an award winning online investment platform, providing ISA eligible investments – where you lend money to others and get interest. It’s not the first, but is growing and has a lot of users who rate it highly. 5. Vitl - A 'revolutionary' personalised nutrition platform backed by the founders of Zoopla, Love Film and Bulldog Skincare. VITL delivers fully personalised vitamin packs tailored to you, using artificial intelligence to take the guess work out of the missing nutrients in your diet. For me it was ‘look who is behind it’ You may say I should pontificate like a Dragon on the valuation and want to spend hours meeting the company. No – either they will go bust, return my money or go up 10x. That’s it. One of three things. And time is money. Dillydallying gets me nowhere. The online platforms show me a lot of information. Love it. For a free online trading course visit www.alpeshpatel.com

Food prices 'to rise 5%' because of extreme weather A recent research suggests that food prices are set to rise “at least” five per cent in the coming months because of the UK's extreme weather this year. Consultancy Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) said 2018's big freeze and heatwave would end up costing consumers about £7 extra per month. It also issued price warnings from farmers' representatives about peas, lettuces and potatoes. While wholesale prices of other vegetables have already gone by up to 80 per cent since the beginning of this year, CEBR explained that these increases can take up to 18 months to have full effect on shoppers. “So, while the worst of the recent heat may have passed, the cost to consumers looks set to climb,” it warned. The UK saw record temperatures in June, July and August that caused widespread drought and crop failures. It said that this, along with a “wet, cold and challenging” winter,

particularly the cold spell has put on farming costs and yields. Tod Bulmer from Kenyon Hall Farm near Warrington said yields from his fruit and cereal harvest had been half of what he would normally expect. He added that the low yields meant dairy farmers were having to pay more for their feed. National Farmers' Union president Minette Batters said the shelves for feeding livestock were “effectively bare” and that dairy farmers were having to rely on silage meant for winter use. “Many farmers are looking at £60,000 of added costs,” she said. Batters added that she was still

waiting on the government to deliver on a promise to take action. Dairy farmers have had to pay extra to feed their animals, pushing up costs. Earlier this month, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board warned that livestock and vegetable prices would be a "little bit higher until next spring" because of weather issues. Shortages of vegetables also helped drive food price inflation to 1.6% in July - up from the 1.2% in May and June, according to the British Retail Consortium and Nielsen. A spokeswoman for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: "Food prices are affected by a number of factors aside from the weather, such as fuel costs, international commodity markets and exchange rates." She said steps had been taken to help those affected, including allowing farmers to take more water from reservoirs and providing flexibility on funding.

China, UK to look at reaching free trade pact also talked about legal services China and Britain have agreed to cooperation and making work look at the possibility of reaching visas easier. Shan added that he a “top notch” free trade hoped Britain would use the agreement after Britain leaves the opportunity of a major import European Union. Britain has fair in November in Shanghai, pushed a strong message to which President Xi Jinping is Chinese companies that it is fully overseeing, to expand its open for business as it prepares to exports to China. leave the EU next year, and China The statement cited Fox as is one of the countries with which saying that he would be leading Britain would like to sign a postBritain's delegation to the Brexit free trade deal. In a import fair, along with Prince statement released after talks Andrew, a senior member of between British Trade Minister the British royal family. Fox Liam Fox and Chinese said that Britain aims to boost Commerce Minister Zhong Shan British Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox watches exports to 35 per cent of gross in Beijing, Shan said they had the signing ceremony for memorandums of understanding between discussed how to boost two-way British and Chinese firms and institutions at the British Ambassador's domestic product after leaving the EU as it looks to increase investment and expand trade in Residence in Beijing. trade ties with the rest of the services. discussing a top notch free trade world, but he gave no time-frame for Both countries also agreed to agreement between the two sides after reaching the target. “actively explore the possibility of Brexit,” the ministry added. Both leaders

UK to develop its own satellite UK professional services firms system to rival EU's Galileo Britain is all set to start work on its own satellite navigation system to rival the European Union's Galileo project because the UK's access to sensitive security information could be restricted after Brexit. An 8.97 billion pound satellite programme, Galileo, is being developed by the EU as a rival to the US Global Positioning System, has emerged as a flashpoint between Britain and the EU. Chancellor Philip Hammond has approved 100 million pounds to explore a post-Brexit satellite system and an official announcement is to be expected this week, a report said. The European Commission had started to exclude Britain and its companies from sensitive future work on Galileo ahead of the country's exit from the EU in seven months time. Galileo was commissioned in 2003 and is due

face bleak future

for completion by 2020. The EU has said Britain will be able to continue to use Galileo’s open signal, but that Britain’s military could be denied access to the encrypted version when the satellite becomes operational. Britain has said it plans to press ahead with the development of its own satellite navigation system if the EU continues to insist that it will be barred from the secure elements of the project and will demand a repayment of up to 1 billion pounds for the work it has carried out on the project.

British business and professional services firms are facing a bleak future since November 2016 due to slowing sales growth and fastrising costs, as well as uncertainty about the terms on which Britain will leave the European Union next year. The Confederation of British Industry said its quarterly survey of service-sector sentiment sank to -4 from +14 for firms providing services in areas such as computing, consultancy and telecoms, and costs rose at the fastest pace since August 2008. Consumer-facing businesses did better, after optimism recovered to an above-average +7 in the three months to August from a dip to -11 in May, though their profits were squeezed by rising costs too. “Demand growth is expected to remain subdued next quarter and firms seem hesitant over the prospects for expanding their businesses in the year ahead,” CBI chief economist Rain Newton-Smith said. “The government and Brussels need to get on with ... agreeing a new relationship between the UK and the EU that puts people’s livelihoods above politics,” she added. Official data showed Britain’s services sector stagnated in June, and recorded only modest annual growth of 1.5 per cent. Last week Britain’s Brexit minister, Dominic Raab, said he was confident of securing an interim deal with the European Union before Britain leaves in March 2019.

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We have just exchanged on one probate property and completed on another. The question we need to ask ourselves is what to do with each property. Do we sell them on or do we keep them? Currently, we are not in the sellers’ market; we are in a buyers’ one. However, as long as we can sell them for relatively more than we purchased them, there's quick money to be made. Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap London Property Investment

For one of the deals, the client did not pay the stamp duty. The solicitor was at a loss as to how this could be done, but there is a way. This reduces our client’s incoming costs by a large chunk, and strengthens the case for a resell. In the course of my dealings, I have met both camps. Those who buy and sell aggressively, and those who never sell - they keep holding stock. The latter patiently wait, and refinance when required. A proponent of this school of thought once said to me, turnover is vanity and profit is sanity. This does not actually make sense literally, but what he meant was trading in property might make you feel good, but it’s when you hold onto property long term that you really cash in on the asset.

TEMPORARINESS Being in business invariably means being busy. I do not think I am unusual, in that it is easy to slip into a mentality that everything is important. I don't have enough time to do everything and all of my responsibilities lie heavily upon my shoulders. This state of mind is exacerbated by the giddying expectations created by digital communications. The sense out there is that if a response is not received within hours then you are

Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing

Q: Are my tenants allowed to withhold rent for property issues? A: This question could open up a debate and an article that covers over three pages. But, the short answer is yes, they can!

Doing just the paperwork side of both projects alone, will make the properties more marketable and attractive.

demand for the asset shrinks substantially. And this opens up the possibility of a deal to be done, and a chance to resell the asset in a short space of time.

The reason being, that currently, no mortgage lender will lend on them. Once the lease issues are sorted out, they become eligible for a mortgage. This opens the property up for both end users and investors.

We will need to crunch the numbers with both of these, as well as try to elicit an honest response from a local agent, which is easier said than done.

When most people purchase a property, the majority of the money is not theirs, it comes from the lender. Therefore, it needs to tick some boxes. When a property cannot tick certain boxes the

Either way, there is no disputing these were hard deals we purchased for our clients. There are more on the horizon, which will be crystallized in the next week or two. Do get in touch, if you are interested in the next deal.

Like the English weather, all states of existence change. Nothing is permanent. Time changes everything. In the same way that clouds come and go,

Excellent buy to let opportunity in London Purchase Price: £238,000

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The issues with each deal mentioned above can be bifurcated. One side is dealing with the paperwork, the other is refurbishing the actual asset. One property has a short lease, which needs to be extended, the scenario with the other property is a little more convoluted. The freehold is in escheat, which means the crown now owns the freehold. So this will need to be purchased off the crown.

When the world starts to shrink inside my mind, when my creative spark starts to dissipate and my natural enthusiasm wanes, it is time to access more freedom in my thinking by meditating on the temporariness of everything.

BUY TO LET OPPORTUNITY

1 - 7 September 2018

My conclusion is there is no absolute answer. It depends on a few things, including the individual’s nature and circumstances.

ignoring or neglecting that person.

we are all born and we all die. We can only do our best and it helps to remember that all things pass. Nothing is ever as good as we hope. Nothing is ever as bad as we fear.

However, it can only be done using the Rule of “Set Off”, which your tenants would need to follow to the letter. Now, the very best way to tackle this problem would be for it to be done head on. Once the issue, whatever it may be, has been reported; get the ball rolling ASAP, and get a contractor around there. Most tenants are placated when they can see that some work is being done to the property to remedy the issue, and that you are keeping them up to date with progress, such as waiting for parts. If you have a nice contractor, then they will take this off your hands and do the updates for you. It’s very easy to avoid this if you keep lines of communication open with your tenants, and get things repaired as soon as you can.

This does not excuse us to be irresponsible. And it does not imply there is no meaning in life. It just means that, by remembering that all things come to an end, we gain some healthy perspective on our lives and we can take each day as it comes. Abraham Goldberg

l Two bedroom, first floor flat l Long lease, purpose built l £384 per sq. ft.

l Approximately 620 sq. ft.

l Walking distance from a Crossrail station l 11 minutes into Canary Wharf

l Massive capital growth expectations l Entry level buy to let

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0207 993 0103

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

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Bank CEOs told to check frauds in NPAs or face penal action The Finance Ministry has reportedly asked chief executives of public sector banks (PSBs) to check all NPA accounts exceeding £5 million for fraud or they could face criminal conspiracy charges. The news came in light following the arrest of Bhushan Steel promoter Neeraj Singhal by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) for allegedly siphoning off funds. Sources said that bankers could be held accountable under Section 120B of Indian Penal Code if they fail to report fraud in an account which is later unearthed by investigating agencies. They added that if the investigating agencies find diversion of funds in those defaulting accounts, bankers may be liable to face criminal proceedings, and that this advisory is like an extra precaution to keep bankers from getting legal tangles. Over a dozen companies undergoing bankruptcy resolution are being reviewed by banks and investigating agencies for fraudulent activities including diversion of funds. Indian banks currently face mounting

non-performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans, especially at PSBs, which have reached over £80 billion. Several banking frauds have also been unearthed, including the £1.40 billion scam at PNB. A senior government official confirmed the development and said that some discrepancies have been pointed out in the case of a steel maker and a real estate firm among 10-12 companies. He said, “There were some inputs and lenders who have been asked to provide transaction details of last five years.

If required, banks will also undertake forensic unit.” The SFIO arrested Singal earlier this month for alleged diversion of £200 million raised through loans from state-owned banks. Another government official said, “Similar modus operandi has been used by other promoters also.” He added that there have been intelligence inputs on associate companies being used for similar transactions. The source said that SFIO is also looking into the books of companies that are currently undergoing debt resolution, and this has been done on the basis of specific inputs provided by the ministry of corporate affairs. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had identified 12 stressed accounts on June 2017, each having more than £500 million of outstanding loans and accounting for 25 per cent of toal non-performing assets (NPAs) of banks for immediate referral under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). In August, RBI had sent a list of 28 more firms to lenders for resolution by December 2017.

CBI video tells UK what Mallya's cell would look like The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a nearly 10-minute long “step by step video” of the jail compartment where businessman Vijay Mallya will be lodged in India, highlighting various facilities before the London court. Barrack Number 12 of Mumbai's Arthur Road Jail has a television set, private toilet, a washing area, availability of proper natural light, access to library and a courtyard to take a walk. The court's directions had come after Mallya's defence team focused its objections on the lack of natural light available in Barrack 12 and claimed that the “government of India's assurance cannot be relied upon.” A senior official said, “The UK court wanted to see if Indian jails are hygienic. We have given them proof of the hygiene level and medical facilities available in jail. In fact, the barrack in which Mallya would be lodged is

Rajan warns of another toxic build-up Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan has cautioned that the ongoing trade wars along with a build-up in leverage and high asset prices could result in a toxic mix that would be a drag on a global growth. Speaking in a television interview, he said, “We are very well aware that two things have built up which had built up before the previous crisis- leverage and asset prices. Trade is an issue for the world to be concerned about. It is extremely important that we have good outcomes here. By all means negotiate, but don't pull the nuclear trigger here.” He said that although global growth had been strong in recent years, the big question is how long it can continue and whether it justifies elevated asset prices. He added that moves by the US or China on trade tariffs threaten growth at a time when underlying conditions are fragile, and some emerging market nations are highly levered. Hopes soared on the trade wars front when China and the US met for face-to-face discussions aimed at defusing the spiralling tension last week. However, the Chinese delegation left Washington without any breakthrough. Reports said the US immediately imposed a second wave of tariffs on Chinese goods worth $16 billion and China was quick to retaliate with retaliatory taxes on the same value of US products.

east-facing so it has lot of sunlight too.” Barrack 12 houses high-profile inmates, including prisoners who face a security threat elsewhere, or ones who could pose a threat to others. It's a ground-plus-one structure with eight cells on each floor. The Westminster Magistrates' Court

Judge Emma Arbuthnot had given specific instructions for the video to be shot and submitted within three weeks. She said it should be shot in daylight so that it is clear if the prison would get any natural light or not. The Kingfisher Airlines boss has been on bail in an extradition warrant since his arrest in April last year, and is currently fighting extradition to India on charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around £9 billion. In the ongoing extradition proceedings, if the judge rules in favour of the Indian government, the UK home secretary will have two months to sign Mallya's extradition order. However, both sides will have the chance to appeal in higher courts in the UK against the Magistrates' Court verdict.

SpiceJet operates India's first biofuel-powered flight India's first biofuelpowered flight was successfully tested last week. A 72-seater SpiceJet aircraft, partially powered by bio-jet fuel, took off from Dehradun and landed at the Delhi airport. The biofuel is partially made from renewable resources such as agricultural residues, non-edible oils and bio-degradable fractions of industrial and municipal wastes. Biofuel flights could make air travel cleaner and more efficient, thus drastically reducing the cost of airline operations by reducing the dependency on aviation turbine fuel. Developed by Dehradun-based CSIRIndian Institute of Petroleum, the biofuel was rigorously tested to ensure flight safety. Onboard the SpiceJet Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft that was flagged off by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat from Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport. Around 20 people, including officials from aviation regulator DGCA and SpiceJet were in the test flight. The duration of the flight was around 25 minutes, according to an airline executive. Union Ministers Nitin

Gadkari, Suresh Prabhu, Dharmendra Pradhan, Dr Harsh Vardhan and Jayant Sinha were at the Delhi airport when the flight landed. SpiceJet's biofuel is a mix of the oil extracted from the seeds of Jatropja plant and aviation turbine fuel, the airline said. Five hundred farmer families in Chhattisgarh were involved in the production of the partially-refined biofuel used in the flight. Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said, “We want to increase the use of biofuel in the country so that there is reduction in green house gas emission and import of petroleum. We will make sure that there is reduction in green house gas emission and import of petroleum. We will make sure that more and more airlines start the use of biofuel.”

in brief JAITLEY RETURNS AS FINANCE MINISTER After a gap of over three months since his kidney transplant surgery, Arun Jaitley resumed charge as the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs. All finance ministry secretaries, except Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg briefed Jaitley. Though Jaitley has resumed charge, a team of doctors is monitoring the entry of visitors in his office, a government official said. All visitors are required to sanitise themselves before entering Jaitley's office. Jaitley had undergone a kidney transplant surgery on May 14. Railways and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal was looking after the ministry in the absence of Jaitley.

RCOM SELLS ASSETS WORTH £200 MN TO RELIANCE JIO Reliance Communications Ltd (RCom) said it has completed the sale of its media convergence nodes and related infrastructure assets worth £200 million to Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. The company said 248 MCNs covering about 5 million sq.ft of area used for hosting the telecom infrastructure were transferred to Reliance Jio. RCom had in December 2017 signed a pact with Reliance Jio for sale of wireless spectrum, tower, fibre and MCN assets, the proceeds of which were to be used to reduce debt. The deal packed in 122.4 MHz of 4G spectrum in the 800/900/1800/2100 MHz bands, over 43,000 telecom towers, 178,000 km of fibre and 248 media convergence nodes.

ALIBAUG BUNGALOWS OF NIRAV & CHOKSI TO BE RAZED Maharashtra environment minister Ramadas Kadam said that he has ordered the demolition of illegal bungalows of fugitive diamond traders and PNB scam accused Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi in Raigad district. The diktat comes days after the Bombay high court expressed its displeasure over the government not acting against the buildings. “The government has written to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which has attached the bungalows, asking it to allow their demolition. The action will happen after we get the ED’s go ahead,” an official from the collector office’s said. Kadam said 121 “illegal” bungalows, including those built by Modi and Choksi, had been identified in Alibaug. After a meeting with Raigad collector, Kadam said that he had ordered the demolition of all illegal bungalows belong to Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and other celebrities.

TEA FROM ARUNACHAL FETCHES RECORD PRICE OF ₹40,000/KG

The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre for the second time in less than a month, fetched a world record price - Rs 40,000 - for 1kg of Golden Needles tea variety produced by the Donyi Polo Tea Estate in Arunachal Pradesh. On July 24, the auction centre fetched a price of Rs 39,001 for 1kg of specialty boutique quality orthodox tea from the Manohari Tea Estate in Assam’s Dibrugarh district. “On Thursday, the GTAC broke its own world auction record when Golden Needles of the Donyi Polo Tea Estate was sold at Rs 40,000 per kg through pan-India auction by Contemporary Tea Brokers,” sources said. The tea was sold to Assam Tea Traders, which is one of the oldest tea shops in Guwahati.

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in brief INDIAN RACIALLY ABUSED IN CANADA An Indian in Canada has been allegedly racially abused over a parking dispute with a white woman who yelled "go back to your country" and called him a "Paki", according to a media report. Rahul Kumar, who moved from India to Canada seven years ago, was also called a "loser" with "shitcoloured skin." In the video which Kumar made, a woman yells at him over a parking dispute. "You can film all you want Paki. Yes, Paki, that's you with the shit-coloured skin," the report said, citing the video. The woman who made the comments called CTV Edmonton after the report aired and criticised the coverage, saying that she is "not a racist." Asked whether the parking disagreement justifies the racist language used, she said, "It doesn't matter if it justifies it or not; it happened and that's where I took it. I have no problem with what happened," she was quoted as saying.

ICJ MAY HEAR JADHAV CASE IN FEB The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will hear for a week in February the case of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was sentenced to death by a military court in Pakistan on spying charges, according to a media report. Jadhav, 47, was sentenced to death by the military court in April last year. Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from its Balochistan province in March, 2016 after he reportedly entered from Iran. India denies all charges. India moved the ICJ in May last year against the verdict. The ICJ halted Jadhav’s execution on India’s appeal pending the final verdict by it. According to reports, the court will hear the case daily for a week in February next year.

FIVE KILLED IN PAKISTAN OVER ANIMAL SACRIFICE Five people were killed in a firing incident following a dispute over animal sacrifice in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Officials said a long-standing dispute between two families of Mardan escalated during the sacrifice of animals on the occasion of Eid, resulting in the tragedy. Both the groups lost two of their members in the incident, while a passerby was also killed in the exchange of fire. Six others were injured and taken to hospitals.

TALIBAN FIRE ROCKETS AT PREZ PALACE IN KABUL The Taliban fired a pair of rockets toward the presidential palace in Kabul as the Afghan president was delivering his holiday message for Eid, police said, prompting a aerial response with helicopter gunships bombing the house from where the rockets were reportedly launched. The first rocket landed somewhere near the presidential building while the second hit near a Nato compound and the US embassy but no one was hurt, said police official Jan Agha. The boom of the rockets was heard in the live broadcast of President Ashraf Ghani’s speech. As he also heard the thud, Ghani interrupted his message to say: “If they are thinking the rocket attack will keep Afghans down, they are wrong.” Police spokesman said they had noticed a suspicious vehicle earlier and followed it to a mud-brick house near the Eid Gah mosque where hundreds had gathered to offer prayers for Eid. Once inside the house, the suspects are believed to have fired the rockets. A helicopter gunship bombed the location, destroying the house and the vehicle.

US lawmaker proposes Bapu's name for highest honour NEW YORK: An influential American lawmaker has said that she would propose a legislation to posthumously award Mahatma Gandhi a Congressional Gold Medal for inspiring peaceful movements for civil rights around the world. This is the highest civilian award in the US. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney from New York made the announcement at the 38th India Day Parade, the annual extravaganza celebrating India's Independence Day. “Gandhi influenced so many people who have already received the medal, such as Mahatma Gandhi She said that she was soon going to Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, introduce the legislation, and expressed conbased on their non-violent leadership for fidence that the legislation would be successjustice. All of this was based on the teachings ful. "Mahatma Gandhi’s historic Satyagraha of Mahatma Gandhi,” Maloney said.

movement of nonviolent resistance inspired a nation and the world. His example energises us to devote ourselves to the service of others. His legacy inspired civil rights movements around the globe, from Martin Luther King Jr.’s movement for racial equality to Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid." She said that as a public servant, she was inspired by Gandhi's courage and example. "Let us all follow Gandhi's directive to be the change you wish to see in the world". If finally the award was bestowed on Gandhi, he would be the first Indian to receive a Congressional Gold Medal, an honour bestowed upon eminent leaders such as the first President of the US George Washington, Mandela, Mother Teresa and civil rights activist Rosa Parks.

Khalistan supporters in California attack DSGMC chief CALIFORNIA: President of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Manjit Singh GK was attacked in California allegedly by pro-Khalistan supporters, during which one of his associates was injured. Singh, who had travelled to California following a visit to New York, said the purpose of his visit was to hold discussions among the Sikh community about the 550th birthday anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak, to be Manjit Singh GK (inset) being attacked commemorated next year. He said one of his associates has been This is the second attack on the hospitalised while police arrested three Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader. He was people in connection with the attack. The earlier attacked in New York. Singh was DSGMC chief said that the attack will not visiting the main Gurudwara in Yuba City, deter or intimidate him. “We are not going California when, he said, a group of 30-35 to shy away,” he said, adding that those people supporting the ‘Khalistan 2020 demanding Khalistan can continue their referendum’ attacked him. “I am hurt. They fight but resorting to violence is not the pushed me and kicked me brutally. It was a answer. “We will not be part of this fight for brutal murderous attack,” Singh said.

Khalistan,” he said. Meanwhile, ‘Sikhs For Justice’ (SFJ), a group demanding justice for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots victims and supporting the ‘Khalistan 2020 referendum, in a statement issued through its legal advisor Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, accused Singh and his supporters of “instigating violent attacks on pro-Khalistan activists” who were “peacefully protesting” in the SAD leader’s presence in Yuba City Gurdwara. Pannun said the SFJ has also filed a complaint against Singh with the US Department of Justice for violations of the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) laws. He said SFJ filed the complaint against Singh for holding, attending and addressing political gatherings in the US in violations of FARA laws. “We will now ask US immigration to take notice of illegal activities of Singh and make him inadmissible to the United States,” he said.

Indian American businessman, paramour charged with plot to kill ex-wife CALIFORNIA: An Indian American businessman and a paramour were arrested in Woodbridge, New Jersey, for plotting to murder the man’s exwife. According to a report, Narsan Lingala, 54, and Sandya Reddy, 51 were arrested as they attempted to hire a hitman to kill Lingala’s wife. The hitman turned out to be an undercover cop. They were charged with first-degree attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. They are currently in custody and prosecutors will argue to keep them in jail without bail until their cases conclude. According reports, Lingala showed up at the meeting with photos of his ex-wife and her home. The pair were arrested after a threemonth investigation. Reports said that Lingala had spent years trying to fight his divorce proceedings, including the amount of child support for his two children, and alimony. The accused man allegedly has a history of domestic violence, and was served with a restraining order during the course of his marriage. After her arrest, investigators said Reddy gave a videotaped statement to police in which she admitted her

knowledge of the murder plot. Lingala used to live in Woodbridge; he and Reddy now live in Noblesville, Indiana. The ex-wife has not been named in current proceedings. But a former lawsuit found Lingala married Saroja Alkanti in 1995. The former couple had a son who is now 21, and a daughter, who is 15. In the 2017 lawsuit, Lingala’s attorneys noted that he had been brought to court during divorce proceedings stemming from an outstanding warrant for his arrest in Massachusetts. Lingala had – during divorce proceedings – agreed to pay weekly child support of $358, on calculations of his annual income at $162,000. Alkanti’s income was $47,000. But during the 2017 trial, Lingala said his income had been computed incorrectly, and the valuation of his business, LMN Solutions, of which he is the sole owner, was calculated incorrectly and much higher than its actual worth. He argued that he should pay lower amounts of child support and alimony. Lingala further alleged that he entered into the 2012 divorce agreement under duress because he was handcuffed and faced a hostile judge. He did not win in the proceedings.

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Guptas threatened to kill me, alleges former SA minister JOHANNESBURG: Former South African deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas told an inquiry that business friends of expresident Jacob Zuma threatened to kill him if he spoke about a meeting at which they offered him money and the post of finance minister. The inquiry, which is being telecast live, is reviewing allegations that the Gupta brothers - who headed a large conglomerate in South Africa - unduly influenced Zuma regarding political appointments and the awarding of government contracts. Zuma says the three Gupta brothers Atul, Ajay and Rajesh - are his friends but he denies any influence-peddling in their relationship. The Guptas have also denied any wrongdoing. The brothers, whose whereabouts are not known, as well as their lawyers, officials from their firms and family representatives could not be reached for comment on Jonas’s remarks. The inquiry, led by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, was set up on the recommendation of a 2016 report into alleged influence-peddling in Zuma’s administration by the Public

Mcebisi Jonas

Protector, South Africa’s main anticorruption authority. The 2016 report stopped short of asserting that crimes had been committed, but focused on allegations that the three Gupta brothers influenced the appointment of ministers. One such allegation was that the Gupta brothers offered to secure Jonas the finance minister’s job; others were that Zuma had directed state firms to award

tenders to the Guptas through influence peddling. Jonas told the inquiry that he met Zuma’s son, Duduzane, who had asked him to attend a meeting with the Gupta brothers in October 2015. One of the brothers told him that Zuma was going to fire Nhlanhla Nene, the finance minister, because “he (Nene) could not work with the Guptas”. The Gupta brother then offered to make Jonas finance minister, he said. Guptas offers Jonas 600 mn rand The Gupta brother offered to pay Jonas 600 million rand ($41 million) to take the job as finance minister, to be deposited into an account, Jonas testified. The Gupta brother also offered to give Jonas 600,000 rand in cash stuffed in a bag. He said he turned down the offer. “At the end of the meeting Gupta said ‘We have information on you’ and if I suggested the meeting had occurred, they would kill me,” Jonas said. Finally Zuma fired finance minister Nhlanhla, replacing him with unknown parliamentary backbencher Des van Rooyen.

Museveni wants to fill EC with his own party men KAMPALA: Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has vowed to replace the present Electoral Commission with cadres of his ruling NRM party. “The Electoral Commission is full of rotten people,” Museveni was quoted as saying a women’s conference in Kampala. “I am going to get rid of them [EC]. Why should we suffer with corrupt election officials when NRM has got so much manpower?,” he said during the National Women’s Council conference. However, later the State House did not mention anything about Museveni’s threat to dissolve the EC. Museveni’s warning comes on the wake of the defeat NRM suffered in the August 15 Arua Municipality parliamentary by-election which was won by the Opposition despite the president himself campaigning for his party’s candidate. By-election defeats In March, Paul Mwiru of the Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party defeated NRM’s Nathan Nabeta to claim Jinja East parliamentary seat in a by-election. In June, NRM’s Winfred Masiko lost to FDC’s Betty Muzanira in the Rukungiri District Woman MP race. In July, Asuman Basalirwa, from the Jeema party, won Bugiri Municipality seat, defeating his rivals who

Yoweri Museveni

included NRM’s Francis Oketcho. Explaining his party’s electoral defeats, Museveni said NRM lost the Jinja by-election because the Opposition allegedly ferried voters from elsewhere to vote for Mwiru. He said he had notified the EC about the ‘ghost voters’ on the register but the electoral body did not take action. In the case of the Rukungiri by-election, where the army and police were deployed, Museveni claimed the Opposition transported gangsters from Kampala to Rukungiri to intimidate the NRM supporters to keep away from voting. On the contrary, the Opposition had accused the President of

deploying security forces to harass and intimidate voters to give his NRM party an edge over its rivals. Museveni also claimed that the Arua Municipality seat slipped out of NRM’s grip because as in the case of Jinja East, there were many strangers’ names on the voters register. When EC spokesperson Jotham Taremwa was contacted for comments, he said the commission “does not take President Museveni’s statements lightly.” “We appreciate criticisms from all our stakeholders in the electoral process because they help us to follow up with a view of establishing the facts,” Taremwa said. “And on this very concern [by the President], the commission will investigate it and get to the bottom of the matter,” he added. During the women’s conference, Museveni asked his supporters to furnish him with a list of prospective appointees to the public service. Reactions “So, instead of fighting over political positions… get me manpower…so we create the system of the government,” he said. For his party to achieve its goals, Museveni said it should have cadres not only in Parliament and district local governments but also in government departments and agencies.

Mnangagwa takes oath as US censure hangs over vote HARARE: Emmerson Mnangagwa urged Zimbabwe to unite behind his presidency, as he took the oath of office following a divisive election that US observers said had called the country’s democratic credentials into question. The Constitutional Court confirmed Mnangagwa as president earlier, dismissing a challenge by the man he beat in the July 30 ballot, Nelson Chamisa. Thousands of Zimbabweans and foreign leaders, including South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and Paul Kagame of Rwanda, gathered at Harare’s national stadium for the Sunday’s swearing-in. “I exhort us to commit ourselves collectively to develop our motherland... what unites us is greater than what could ever divide us,” Mnangagwa told participants in his inauguration speech. He also reaffirmed pre-election pledges to revive Zimbabwe’s crippled economy and settle outstanding debts with foreign lenders, and reiterated he would call an independent inquiry into a “regrettable and unacceptable” army crackdown following the vote in which six people died. “Now is the time for us all to unite as a nation and grow our economy,” Mnangagwa said. He took the oath before Chief Justice Luke

Emmerson Mnangagwa

Malaba who, together with eight other judges, had ruled against opposition leader Chamisa’s petition. In the election, Mnangagwa just reached the threshold of 50 per cent of votes that he needed to avoid a runoff. No longer a pariah? The ballot was touted as a crucial step towards shedding the pariah reputation Zimbabwe gained under Robert Mugabe's rule, and securing international donor funding. But hours before Mnangagwa’s inauguration, the International Republican Institute and National Democratic Institute said the country lacked a “tolerant democratic culture” in which political parties were treated equally and citizens allowed

to vote freely. The election was marred by procedural lapses and followed by the crackdown against opposition supporters, which recalled the heavy-handed security tactics that marked Mugabe’s 37-year rule. Those events tarnished promises that Mnangagwa made during campaigning to break with the corruption and mismanagement that become endemic under Mugabe, who was removed in a coup in November. Mugabe, who has accused Mnangagwa - his former head of intelligence and defence minister - of betrayal, did not attend the ceremony, though the 94-year-old former leader’s daughter Bona did. In keeping with an earlier promise, Chamisa also stayed away. Citing the Constitutional Court ruling, the US observers also urged all parties “to rely on peaceful expression and to avoid acts or threats of retribution against political rivals.” Washington has maintained travel and financial sanctions on senior ruling party officials, including Mnangagwa, as well as some state-owned firms. Washington’s support is key if Zimbabwe is to get any funding from the International Monetary Fund.

in brief KIDS SURVIVE ALONE FOR DAYS AFTER CAR WRECK KILLS MOM A 3-year-old boy and his 1-year-old brother survived alone for about two days after their mother was killed in car crash in Arkansas. The older boy was found first, wandering alone along a road, the Ouachita County sheriff office said. Authorities posted the boy’s photo online in hope of identifying him and learned that his mother hadn’t been seen for days. Later, police returned to the area where the boy was found and discovered a wrecked car in a ravine. They found the mother’s body and his brother awake and alert in his car seat. Investigators believe the wreck happened two days earlier and that the older boy was able to climb out of the wreckage.

HUNDREDS OF WOMEN, MEN IN US MARCH TOPLESS FOR GENDER EQUALITY Hundreds of women and some men marched through numerous cities in the US to show their breasts, demanding gender equality and to protest against the "commercialization and the double standards" which affects their lives and jobs. In its eleventh edition, the mobilization known as International Go Topless Day held 20 marches across the US, Germany, Canada, Chile, Colombia and France. In New York, the first state in the US to pass a law allowing breastfeeding in public, and in other cities women were also joined by a group of topless men. "This is a way to promote gender equality and a reminder that nudity and sex are not the same," a participant said, adding that "to appreciate the female body does not mean to stop respecting women. Some of the demonstrators carried posters with phrases like "Free the nipple", "Your body is not a mistake" or "Let's make the body normal again."

COP WHO BREASTFED HUNGRY BABY PROMOTED

A woman police sergeant on duty breastfed a crying baby to calm her down, following which she was promoted to the rank of an officer. The sergeant was on patrol at a children’s hospital in Argentina’s Berriso when she heard a baby crying. Provincial police said that the officer, Celeste Jaqueline Ayala, spoke to the hospital authorities before breastfeeding the baby. The baby was recently separated from her mother. The reason for the separation is not known yet.

THAI MONK BEATS 9-YEAROLD TO DEATH FOR DISRUPTING PRAYER A nine-year-old Buddhist novice has died after a beating by a Thai monk who allegedly battered him with a stick and slammed his head against a pillar, officials said. Monk Suphachai Suthiyano, 64, flew into a rage during a prayer session last weekend when the young disciple disrupted the ceremony with his “playful” behaviour. The monk allegedly assaulted Wattanapol Sisawad with a bamboo stick at the temple in Kanchanaburi, striking him on his back several times before bashing his head into a pillar. The child fell into a coma and passed away later, a hospital worker said.

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in brief MAN HELD FOR DEPICTING NEPAL PM AS MONKEY IN FB POST A man in Nepal was arrested for sharing a doctored image on Facebook showing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s head superimposed on a monkey's body, police said. Homnath Sigdel, 44, was taken into custody for “sharing indecent photos that targeted the PM”, officer Narendra Prasad Uprety said.

SAUDI ARABIA SEEKS DEATH FOR WOMAN ACTIVISTS Saudi Arabia’s public prosecutor is seeking the death penalty for five human rights activists currently on trial, rights group, including Human Rights Watch (HRW) said. Among the detainees is Israa alGhomgham, whom Saudi activists said was the first woman to possibly face the death penalty for rights-related work. Charges against her include incitement to protest and providing moral support to rioters. “Any execution is appalling, but seeking the death penalty for activists like Israa alGhomgham, who are not even accused of violent behavior, is monstrous,” Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at HRW, said. Activists said the trial was ongoing, and denied social media reports that the detainees had already been executed. Saudi Arabia, where public protests and political parties are banned, has enacted some high-profile social and economic reforms in recent years under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They have, however, been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent, with dozens of clerics, intellectuals and activists arrested, including women who had campaigned for the right to drive.

SCOTT MORRISON IS NEW AUSTRALIAN PM Australia’s new Prime Minister Scott Morrison promised a stable government at the end of a tumultuous week in which his predecessor was forced out of office, 13 ministers resigned and Parliament was shut down for an afternoon. Disgruntled government lawmakers forced former PM Malcolm Turnbull from office, arguing that most had lost faith in his leadership. Morrison distanced himself from the turmoil, saying he had not been part of the push led by fellow lawmaker Peter Dutton to oust Turnbull over four chaotic days that was inspired by a feud between hardright conservatives and moderates. “The work of government continues. I want to assure all Australians that those normal wheels are turning,” Morrison told reporters. Morrison has been dubbed the “accidental PM” because he had no plans to nominate himself till Turnbull declared he would not re-contest his job.

AFRICAN TYCOON LINKED TO LORD HAIN ARRESTED A controversial South African businessman with links to the former Labour cabinet minister Lord Hain has been arrested and will face a court in Munich this week. Zunaid Moti, 45, was detained while trying to leave Germany on August 19 under an Interpol “red notice” issued by Russia on charges of defrauding Alibek Issaev, a Russian citizen, in an alleged bogus mining deal and theft of a pink diamond worth £27 million. Lord Hain, who grew up in South Africa, has been criticised for working as an adviser to the businessman’s conglomerate, the Moti Group. Ulrich Roux, Moti’s lawyer, said: “The alleged charges are evidently a complete fabrication and part of a continued stratagem adopted by the Russian mafia to extort payment from Moti.”

PAKISTAN-BANGLADESH

Imran seeks talks, trade with India to resolve conflicts ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his desire to initiate talks with India and start trading in order to resolve conflicts, including Kashmir, eradicate poverty and provide better quality of life to the people of the two neighbouring countries. “The best way to alleviate poverty is to resolve our differences through dialogue. To move forward, Pakistan and India must have a dialogue and resolve their conflicts, including Kashmir,” the newly-elected Pakistan PM tweeted. He expressed gratitude to Navjot Imran Khan thanked Sidhu for attending his inauguration in Islamabad. Singh Sidhu for attending his use of state funds and first-class air travel by swearing-in ceremony in Islamabad. The government officials and leaders, including former Indian batsman and now a minister the president and the prime minister. in the Congress government in Punjab drew Information minister Fawad Chaudhry who flak for attending the event. Not only briefed media about the decisions taken at opposition parties, but CM Amarinder the first cabinet meeting, said that top Singh, too, criticised Sidhu’s decision and government officials, including the hugging army chief General Qamar Javed president, prime minister, chief justice, Bajwa. “I want to thank Sidhu for coming to senate chairman, speaker national assembly Pakistan for my oath-taking. He was an and the chief ministers will travel in ambassador of peace and was given amazing club/business class. To a question, love and affection by the people of Pakistan. Chaudhry said the army chief was not Those in India who targeted him are doing a allowed first-class travel and always used great disservice to peace in the subbusiness class. He said discretionary continent,” Khan said. allocation of funds by the PM and the Bans 1st-class air travel president and other officials was also As part of an austerity measure, Imran stopped by the cabinet. Chaudhry claimed government has banned the discretionary that former PM Nawaz Sharif spent 51

billion Pakistani rupees of government funds in one year by exercising his “discretionary powers”. The PM also decided to stop using special plane for foreign visits and will travel business class instead. The cabinet took up a host of issues, including reverting to six-day working week, but decided to continue five-day working after some ministers opposed the idea. After his poll victory, Khan decided not to use palatial PM House and instead chose to live in a small portion of it that was previously used as the residence of military secretary. Khan also decided to use only two vehicles and keep two servants. Lifts political censorship The government has also decided to lift all political censorship in the state-run media outlets, Chaudhry said. Promising “visible and drastic changes” in the ministry of information within the next three months, the minister said new instructions have been issued to state-run institutions like Pakistan Television and Radio Pakistan for “complete editorial independence.” The new direction was “in line with the vision of Imran Khan,” he said. He said that the Pakistan Television and Radio Pakistan will now enjoy complete editorial independence over the content they produce.

Pak, US squabble over Pompeo-Imran phone call WASHINGTON: Any chance of Pakistan and USA improving their relations after Imran Khan took over as the new prime minister in Islamabad suffered a setback after the two sides squabbled publicly over the substance of a phone call ahead of an expected high-level diplomatic engagement next month. It began with a US state department statement giving a brief description of secretary of state Mike Pompeo’s phone call to Imran Khan, in course of which it said he (Pompeo) “raised the importance of Pakistan taking decisive action against all terrorists operating in Pakistan and its vital role in promoting the Afghan peace process.” No such talks, says Islamabad Islamabad shot back saying there was no talk on terrorists operating in Pakistan. It didn’t stop there. “Pakistan takes exception to the factually incorrect statement issued by US State Dept on today’s phone call between

Mike Pompeo

PM Khan & Sec Pompeo. There was no mention at all in the conversation about terrorists operating in Pakistan,” Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson Mohammed Faisal tweeted, adding, “This shd be immediately corrected.” Pakistan’s foreign

minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, too, insisted that Pompeo did not mention terror. He said Pompeo expressed his desire for “constructive engagement” with Pakistan’s government. No way, the US state department responded soon after; Washington stands by the original readout of the phone call between Pompeo and Imran Khan. The different reading of the phone call is not unexpected given that Pakistan has for long remained in denial about its hosting and sponsorship of terror groups despite copious publicly available reports in print and video, and repeatedly being called out by the international community, including at the United Nations. Whether Pompeo referred explicitly to terrorists operating in Pakistan or not in this instance, Islamabad has been called out publicly on this score by no less than President Trump himself.

Myanmar generals must be prosecuted for genocide: UN report GENEVA: A UN report said that top military leaders in Myanmar, including the commander-in-chief, must be investigated and prosecuted for genocide in Rakhine state and crimes against humanity. The report based on hundreds of interviews, research and analysis by a UN-mandated fact-finding mission - is the strongest condemnation by the UN of the Myanmar military's actions following the crackdown on Rohingya Muslims last August. It extended culpability for the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine state to Myanmar's civilian government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. The civilian government, the report said, failed to speak out against unfolding events, spread "false narratives, oversaw the destruction of evidence in Rakhine state and blocked independent investigations." "Through their acts and omissions, the civilian authorities contributed to the commission of atrocity crimes," it said. The UN report called for the case to be referred to

the International Criminal Court of Justice. The Army's tactics were "consistently and grossly disproportionate to actual security threats", it said. The fact-finding mission went beyond the military's actions in Rakhine and investigated its conduct more broadly since 2011, a time when the world was celebrating the country's opening to the West and nominally democratic transformation. The UN report found "patterns of gross human rights violations and abuses committed in Kachin, Rakhine and Shan state that undoubtedly amount to the gravest crimes under international law." The Myanmar government has consistently said its operations targeted militant or insurgent threats. But the report said that the crimes it documented were "shocking for the level of denial, normalcy and impunity that was attached to them. Military necessity would never justify killing indiscriminately, gang raping women, assaulting children and

burning entire villages." The fact-finding mission concluded that there was "sufficient information" to open a genocide and war crimes investigation against senior Myanmar generals. Myanmar's armed forces could not be reached for comment. The report also noted that Myanmar authorities "do not tolerate scrutiny or criticism and use various laws to arrest, detain or harass human rights defenders and journalists." "The report will have a big impact internationally," Richard Horsey, a former UN diplomat in Myanmar and long time Yangon-based analyst, was cited as saying. "Its specific finding that there was sufficient ground for investigation and prosecution of military commanders for genocide was likely to have particularly serious diplomatic, not only legal, consequences," he said. The UN fact-finding mission will present a detailed report to the Human Rights Council on September 18.

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in brief

SOUTH INDIA

Poor dam management blamed for Kerala floods

STALIN APPOINTED DMK CHIEF

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala recently faced the worst floods in close to a century, that left hundreds of people dead, displaced over a million, and caused unprecedented loss of property worth billions of rupees in less than a fortnight. Though excessive rains filled the dams, experts blamed poor water flow management from the reservoirs for the inundation of the coastal state and many parts of souther India. Water experts believe that the intensity of Kerala floods could have been reduced if the water from 35 big dams in Kerala was released much earlier. Kerala blamed neighbouring Tamil Nadu for the floods in the Supreme Court saying the gates of Mullaperiyar dam were suddenly opened without any warning, a claim denied by Tamil Nadu government. The disaster poses a bigger question regarding flood management in India considering that around 15 per cent of India's land mass is

MK Stalin was elected as the second president of the DMK during a meeting of the party’s general council. The 65-year-old paid tribute to CN Annadurai and Karunanidhi after being elected as the president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. The path to Stalin’s elevation was paved at the party’s executive committee meeting held on August 14 where senior leaders urged the “waiting prince” to lead them by taking over the party’s mantle. A condolence resolution for Karunanidhi’s death was passed during the meeting. The deaths of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee, former UN chairman Kofi Anan, and former Tamil Nadu governor Surjit Singh Barnala were also condoled. Senior leader Duraimurugan was elected unopposed to the post of the party’s treasurer during the meeting while the post of the working president, which was held by Stalin, was scrapped.

prone to floods, and an average of 1,548 people lose their lives and around eight million hectares get affected every year. The 5,254 dams in India are an integral part of flood management, apart from storing water for irrigation and generating power. A 2017 CAG report submitted in the Parliament said there is emergency action plan for only seven per cent of these dams. Meanwhile, there is none for the 61 in Kerala.

The CAG report said, “Flood forecasting data was used in the formulation of flood forecast only after comparing the telemetry data with manually observed data; and in the case of mismatch between the two sets of data, manual data was adopted.” Auditor of the report also said that frequent check of dams before and after monsoon happened in only two- Bihar and Odisha, of the 17 states in recent years. Secretary in the ministry of earth sciences, Madhavan Nair Rajeevan admitted earlier this year that there was poor flood management system in India. He said, “As per my understanding, no big reservoir has a decision support system. So we don't know when to open gates and how to open them... There is a common perception that in India most of the flood management systems are not supported by science. I am very sure we don't have a decision support system and we need it.”

PUNJAB-HARYANA

33 convicted for murdering dalits in Haryana

AIADMK SEEKS BHARAT RATNA FOR JAYA

NEW DELHI: Delhi High Court has held 33 people guilty in the 2010 murders of Dalits in Haryana's Hisar district. The bench was hearing the case of the killing of a 70 year old man and his 18 year old physically challenged daughter in an arson attack. Justice Muralidhar and Justice IS Mehta said that after 71 years of independence, instances of atrocities against Scheduled Castes by those belonging to dominant castes have shown no sign of abating. They said, “The incidents that Dalit community in Mirchpur took place in Mirchpur between 9 Constituent Assembly on 25 November to 21 April in 2010 serve as yet another grim 1949.” The bench added, “One was equality reminder of the complete absence of the two and the other, fraternity.” They made strong things in Indian society as noted by Dr BR remarks against the “planned attacked” Ambedkar when he tabled the final draft of made by the Jat community against the the Constitution of India before the Valmikis.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has pressed for conferring Bharat Ratna to the late AIADMK supremo and former chief minister J Jayalalithaa. Speaking to the media, he called Jaya a champion for social justice. “It is Amma who gave 69 per cent reservation to the downtrodden people. She was a champion for social justice. Therefore, we want Bharat Ratna for Amma.” The remark came after the party renewed its demand for conferring Bharat Ratna to the leader, even as it sought the country's highest civilian honour for late Dravidian leaders EV Ramasamy 'Periyar' and CN Annadurai.

“This in itself is a telling commentary on the fear and intimidation that the Dalits still experience in Mirchpur as a result of the incidents of April 19, 20 and 21 in 2019.” Tarachand and his physically challenged daughter Suman were killed in an arson attack in April 2010 in their house and a row of other Dalit houses in Mirchpur, about 300 km from Chandigarh. A total of 15 persons from the Jat community were tried and held guilty in the case by the trial court. A total of 97 accused were facing trial in the case. “The question is whether this accords with the constitutional promise of equality, social justice and fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual,” the court said in its 209 page order.

WEST BENGAL

SC refuses to cancel Bengal panchayat poll results NEW DELHI: In a relief to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress, the Supreme Court turned down pleas of CPI(M) and the BJP seeking the cancellation of elections to over 20,000 uncontested local body seats in the State. All the seats were won unopposed by Trinamool candidates, and the Opposition parties had alleged that their candidates were obstructed from filing nomination papers. The SC, however, took note of the allegations and said the aggrieved candidate may file election petitions to challenge panchayat polls in courts concerned. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud exercised its extraordinary power under Article 142 of the Constitution and held that the limitation period of 30 days for filing the election petitions would now commence from the date of notification of panchayat poll results. The court termed the situation “grim and grave” and directed the West Bengal State Election Commission not to declare and notify the results of the panchayat elections in the wake of allegations of large scale violence and alleged obstruction of filing of nomination papers. Meanwhile, the court set aside the Calcutta High Court decision directing the State poll panel to

RAM RAHIM’S BAIL PLEA REJECTED Panchkula CBI court has rejected the bail application of self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who is serving a 20 year jail term in two rape cases. The plea was filed in connection with another case involving castration of 400 of his followers. It was dismissed three days after he had moved the court for it. The Panchkula court had recently framed charges of cheating, criminal intimidation and the one for causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons against Gurmeet. He has also been charged with criminal conspiracy along with two doctors, Pankaj Garg and MP Singh, allegedly involved in castration of nearly 400 of the sect followers.

MEGHALAYA CM WINS BY-ELECTION

allow the filing of nomination papers in the panchayat elections through electronic forms such as e-mails and WhatsApp. It said, “The High Court was in error while allowing the filing of nomination papers through electronic forms,” adding, “no such process is either mentioned nor allowed under the provisions of the Representation of the Peoples Act.” Out of a total of 58,692 posts for gram panchayat village, zilla parishad and panchayat samiti, 20,159 had remained uncontested in the violence-marred local polls held in May last. The court was hearing the pleas from the

BJP and CPI(M) alleging that only the Trinamool candidates were allowed to file nomination papers, and as a result, they won without any contest. The State had earlier told court that the row over the recently concluded panchayat polls had led to a “constitutional crisis” since the tenure of several panchayats were over and new bodies not been made functional. The top court asked the election panel on August 13, whether it conducted any probe into the fact that a large number of seats in the local body elections went uncontested.

Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) president Conrad K. Sangma won the South Tura by-election, defeating his nearest Congress rival Charlotte W Momin by over 8,400 votes. While the strength of the NPP continues to remain as 20 in the 60-member Assembly, the Congress has lost a seat. Meanwhile, United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate Pious Marwein won the Ranikor Assembly seat by securing 9,028 votes, defeating his nearest rival Martin M. Danggo. Incidentally, Danggo, who was elected from Ranikor on the Congress ticket, joined the NPP and sought re-election. The five-time MLA, however, secured only 6,287 votes this time. Congress candidate Jackuish A. Sangma managed to get only 711 votes and finished at the distant fourth.

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HERITAGE HISTORY

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

1 - 7 September 2018

The Rajpipla State even defeated Aurangzeb • •

It is Seven steps from heaven, Mini Kashmir and Switzerland of East Vijaysinh ji, the only Indian owner to have bagged the English Derby

These days the Rajpipla State of Gujarat is known globally by its gay Prince Manvendrasinh Raghubirsinhji Sahib but the history of the Princely State of Gohil dynasty makes it known for different reasons too. Rajpipla was mentioned several times as an area of resistance to the Sultans, Mughals, Marathas, and the Gaekwad of Baroda. The king of Rajpipla was always able to regain his independence, and to maintain a relative autonomy from regional and sub continental powers. “The Rajpipala Rajas faced several attempted invasions during the medieval period, from the Sultan of Ahmedabad, the Mughal Emperor, and the Marathas. During the 18th century, the Gaekwad of Baroda also encroached upon the border region of the State. However, the Rajapipla Rajas were generally successful in preventing a takeover of the kingdom, or in reestablishing their independence in the rare cases in which they were conquered, records Judith Whitehead in “Development and dispossession in the Narmada Valley”. When we happened to visit Rajpipla to interact with Prince Indra Vikram Singh (Teddy), the very first thing touched us was introducing himself as just Indra Vikram instead of Prince or Rajkumar Indra Vikram Singh. He has somany books on sports to his credit and the national as well as international media has written about the books or reviewed them. But he sound very keen on his upcoming book on the history of Rajpipala and his ancestors, the Maharanas or Maharajas. Indra Vikram is keen researcher who continues to write the history. Rajpipla, a first-class princely state, the largest in the Rewa Kantha Agency of the Bombay Presidency, at the time of “merger” with the Union of India in 1948, it was ruled by the Gohil Rajput dynasty for 600 years. Around 1340, Kumar Shri Samarsinhji Mokhdaji, second son of Thakur Mokhdaji Ranoji Gohil (reign 1309-1347) of Ghogha, in present-day Gohilwar in south Saurashtra, was adopted by

Maharaja Vijaysinhji with Windsor Lad, 1934

his maternal grandfather Rao Chokrana, a Parmar Rajput prince of Ujjain (Malwa), who was ruling in Rajpipla at the time. Chokrana Parmar’s daughter was the younger queen of Mokhdaji Gohil. When Chokrana died without a male heir,

Indra Vikram Singh, Grandson of Maharaja Vijayasinhji

Samarsinhji succeded to the gadi of Rajpipla at Junaraj (Old Rajpipla) Fort deep in the forests of the Satpura hills, and assumed the name Arjunsinhji. The rule of the principality of Rajpipla thereby passed on to the Gohil Rajput clan. Mokhdaji’s first son Dungarsinhji by his elder queen succeeded him to the gadi of Ghogha (later Bhavnagar) with its capital at Pirambet island in the Gulf of Cambay. Rajpipla, with its hills and rivers, forests and streams,

waterfalls and meadows, is often said to be seven steps from heaven. For its enchanting landscape the region is at times described as ‘mini Kashmir’ and ‘Switzerland of the East’. The old capital atop Devchhatra (Devastra) Hill in the Western Satpuras was where the ancient Gohil Rajput dynasty began its 600-year sway over the 4,000 square kilometres principality of Rajpipla around the year 1340. The fort there, located 2,000 feet high, was almost inaccessible. It could be approached by narrow footpaths, which with a little effort could be made impossible to traverse even for infantry. The 13-gun salute Rajpipla State was situated largely between the rivers Narmada and Tapti. Inscribed in Gujarati on the coat of arms of Rajpipla State is ‘Reva ji ne kanthe’, which means ‘On the banks of the holy Narmada’. Rajpipla grew to be one of the most prosperous princely

Next Column: Lord Irwin, Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat Singh states in Gujarat, second only to Baroda. During the reign of Maharana Gambhirsinhji (reign 1860-97), the road from Rajpipla to Ankleshwar was built, and Rajpipla State had its own postal system. Maharana

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Juna Raj Fort of Rajpipla

alliance with Maratha Damaji Jadhav, defeated Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s forces in 1705 at Ratanpur which was in Rajpipla State, and lies on the RajpiplaAnkleswar highway,” says Indra Vikram Singh, a grandson of Maharaja Sir Vijaysinhji, the last ruler of Rajpipla, and adds, “My research goes on.” The defeat of Aurangzeb by Rajpipla was proved to be unbearable and the Emperor died in 1707. Incidentally, he was born in Dahod of Gujarat not very far off from Rajpipla ! The history of Rajpipla conveys the message that Empires fall only to rise again. We may have many more interesting stories about Rajpipla State of Gohil dynasty when Indra Vikram Singh comes out with his book on his ancestors. Dr. Hari Desai (The writer is a Socio-political Historian. E-mail: haridesai@gmail.com)

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Chhatrasinhji (reign 1897-1915), the 35th Gohil ruler of Rajpipla, laid the 60 kilometres AnkleshwarRajpipla railway line and carried out massive famine relief during the period 1899-1902. He was one of the pioneers of motoring in India. The next ruler Maharaja Vijaysinhji (reign 1915-1948) carried out massive reforms and infrastructure works spanning agriculture, health, education, administration, police and judicial system. He ordered the laying of good motorable roads, and added the Jhagadia-Netrang section to the Rajpipla Railways. He also set up a 31 kilometres steam railroad and tramway connecting the towns along the River Narmada with villages in the interior, and a power house supplying electricity and water to Rajpipla town. His town planning as far back as 1927 was far-sighted. As Yuvraj, young Vijaysinhji moved into Vijay Palace in 1911, a home built for him by his father Maharana Chhatrasinhji. Later, Maharaja Vijaysinhji bought a splendid seaside property called ‘Palm Beach’ at Nepeansea Road, Bombay. The Maharaja spent much of the summer months at ‘The Manor’, his 27-roomed Victorian mansion at Old Windsor, Berkshire, England, having acquired the sprawling estate on the banks of the River Thames in 1922. Maharaja Vijaysinhji is still the only Indian owner to have bagged the English Derby, considered the greatest horse race in the world, cheered on by an estimated quarter to half a million people which included King George V and Queen Mary of Britain and other members of the royal family. Back in India he built the magnificent Indrajit - Padmini Mahal or Vadia Palace between the years 1934 and 1939. Sports like cricket, football and hockey were made compulsory for students by Maharaja Vijaysinhji, who equipped Rajpipla with a polo ground and gymkhana club. Vijaysinhji, who ascended the gadi in 1915, carried out massive reforms and infrastructure works. Vijaysinhji laid out an airstrip in

Rajpipla where aircraft landed in the 1930s and 1940s. During World War II, he donated three Spitfire fighter planes, named ‘Rajpipla’, ‘Windsor Lad’ and ‘Embargo’, and a Hawker Hurricane aircraft ‘Rajpipla II’. He also had plans to build a dam across River Narmada to facilitate irrigation and generate electricity, precursor to the present-day gigantic Sardar Sarovar project and was in the process of raising investment for it in 1948. “Rjapipala forces under my ancestor Maharana Verisalji I, in

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26 INDIA

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1 - 7 September 2018

In Gujarat, Modi harps on housing, affordable healthcare Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a one -day visit to his home state last week, strongly harped on the development plank by promising people, mostly tribals, a positive uplift in their quality of life by giving them proper housing, water, electricity and affordable healthcare through the BJP-led NDA government’s flagship programmes. Modi addressed two public gatherings – one in tribal-dominated Valsad and another in Junagadh – after inaugurating several development projects and laying foundation stone of many more. Addressing a gathering in Junagadh, Modi made a strong case for the ambitious and affordable healthcare scheme Ayushman Bharat Yojna, which he said would transform the healthcare sector in India. Though he refrained from naming the Congress party, Modi took a swipe at ‘previous governments’ for doing precious little to lessen the medical expenses burden of people. Modi said Ayushman Bharat is scheduled to be launched on September 25, the the birth anniversary of Sangh ideologue Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay. “The trial run for this project has begun since August 15 as this is technology-linked,” Modi said, describing how it would encourage private investments to transform healthcare sector. He inaugurated various projects, including a newly-built hospital of the Gujarat Medical and Education Research Society. “At present, people, especially the aged ones, suffering from life-threatening diseases, refuse treatment (due to high cost) and suffer in pain as they don’t want their children to be burdened with medical expenses and loans. I want to end this situation through Ayushman Bharat Yojna in which government will pay hospital bill of up to Rs 5,00,000 in cases of serious diseases for 500 million people,” he said. He also talked about building 1,50,000

Prime Minister Narendra Modi giving away keys of a newly constructed house to a beneficiary in Valsad

‘Arogyadhams’ (wellness centres) across India, which would provide much more services than the usual primary health centres or community health centres. “Considering 6,00,000 villages in India, there would one wellness centre every 10-12 km. These technologically well-equipped centres will offer a slew of services, including preventive healthcare,” Modi said. Modi said the government had initiated a scheme to have a medical college and a hospital for every three parliamentary constituencies. “Later, as the programme picks up, the number of parliamentary seats will be reduced to two and then one. Ultimately, there must be a medical college and a hospital in every district,” he added. In Jujwa village near Valsad, Modi made an all-out attempt to strike chord with tribals by interacting with women, who got

houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (Gramin), through video conferencing and water supply schemes. Economists steeped in pessimism Former economist-turned Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh also came under attack from Modi when the latter talked about doubling farmers’ income by 2020. “Without even listen to me, they are saying it’s impossible to double farmers income. Some economists are steeped in pessimism and there is little they can do for people,” Modi said without naming anyone. He exuded confidence that farmers can work out miracles with their hard work. Manmohan Singh had dubbed Modi’s statement on doubling farmers’ income as a ‘hollow assurance’ and said that it was not possible unless the agriculture growth touched 12%.

500-acre temple complex for spiritual welfare coming up in Virginia International Swaminarayan Satsang Organization (ISSO), a global charity group, is setting up a 500-acre spiritual retreat centre for cultural and mental wellbeing at Bowling Green in the US state of Virginia. Named Devasya, it will be an interface between a Hindu temple and a cultural hub for Indians and other communities in the USA. Devasya will be home to a traditional Hindu temple where 150-year-old idols of Hari Krishna Maharaj and Shree Radhikaji will be worshiped daily. The main temple will be surrounded by smaller shrines for several other Hindu deities. A restaurant serving satvik Indian food to devotees within the premises of Devasya is also on the agenda. Western vegetarian cuisines will also be served at the restaurant round the year. A few dozen cottages have also been planned as relaxation shelters for visitors. Devasya will have an agenda of festivities and programs for visitors, devotees and spiritual peace seekers. All major Hindu festivals including Diwali, Holi, Navaratri, Dussehra, Sankranti, and Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated with equal enthusiasm, to provide a spiritual passage for inner peace to Indians from Washington DC Metropolitan Area and other parts of the USA. Since enlightenment is a stepping stone to spirituality, various cultural programs like conferences, seminars and musical concerts will be hosted alongside religious festivities at Devasya. The planned spiritual retreat will also be a hub of cultural education for different age groups. Devasya will offer courses on yoga, meditation, Indian languages, sangeet (music),

in brief POLICE OFFICER WHO SAVED BOY HONOURED Gagandeep Singh, a Sikh Sub-Inspector has been honoured by the state government for protecting a Muslim boy from being assaulted by a mob in Uttarakhand’s Rampur in May this year. On the occasion of Independence Day on 15th August, DGP Anil Rathudi awarded the ‘Frontier Service Respect Mark’ medal to Singh. Singh was praised for his heroic act of saving a Muslim man from the mob. Pictures and videos of the policeman holding a man close to his chest trying to protect him went viral on the internet. The officer was informed about unrest near a temple in Ramnagar following which he rushed to the place where a group of men were attacking the Muslim boy who was seen with his Hindu girlfriend. According to reports, the mob created commotion by first harassing the couple. In the video, the police officer could be seen holding the boy close to him when the mob tries to hit him. Even Bollywood celebrities including Farhan Akhtar, Vidya Balan and Siddharth Malhotra praised him for his brave act.

FAROOQ ABDULLAH HECKLED Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah was heckled during Eid prayers at a shrine in Srinagar, after he chanted "Bharat Mata ki Jai" during a prayer meeting for former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. According to reports, Abdullah was paying tributes to former Prime Minister when the youth present at the gathering took objection to Abdullah’s words and started shouting slogans against him. Even before the imam leading the congregational prayers could begin the Eid sermon at the Hazratbal shrine, Abdullah was heckled amid sloganeering. The National Conference leader remained unfazed and continued with his prayers, saying the jeering and booing were by his "own people" who were misguided. When a section of slogan shouting youths tried to approach Abdullah, some people joined hands to make a human chain to prevent them from doing so.

BUFFET BETS ON INDIA Continued from page 1

Foundation stone being laid for the temple

nritya (dance) and Indian vegetarian cooking. Devasya will also provide space for weddings, social gatherings and community events. People will be educated on and provided traditional naturopathy and herbal treatments here. A Gaushala has also been planned to make opportunities of Gau Puja and Gau Daan available for Hindus. There will be provisions for water sports too. Smoking and alcohol will be strictly prohibited on the premises. Devasya will be

easily accessible from anywhere in Washington DC Metropolitan Area. Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, commended the project and said Hinduism and the spiritual philosophy of India are full of enlightenment. It is a pressing need of the time to pass on Indian cultural values and traditions to the coming generations amidst distractions in the consumerist and materialistic society. Hope, the proposed temple will help in this direction.

Over the past year, Paytm’s nearmonopoly status in digital payments has been challenged by numerous players such as Google Pay, Amazon Pay, BHIM and Flipkart-owned PhonePe, while newer players such as Whatsapp’s payments service are also expected to mount a significant challenge. With this news, Paytm has effectively separated itself from the rest of the pack. Paytm claims to have touched $4 billion in monthly gross transaction value, with the number of transactions touching a peak of 1.3 billion in the quarter ended June. Founded by Sharma in 2000, One97 started out as a mobile payments and mobile recharge business and currently ranks among the top three consumer internet companies in India. The company has created a host of payment solutions where consumers can transact via the Paytm digital wallet and Paytm Payments Bank. In the last two years, Paytm has also aggressively built its e-commerce marketplace by selling consumer goods, apparel, footwear, smartphones, bus tickets and movie tickets.

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1 - 7 September 2018

Five types of carbs to include in your diet Victims to bad PR, Carbohydrates are often frowned upon when it comes to weight loss. However, not all carbs are bad. Dietitians and doctors in fact, believe that eliminating any food group completely is not a healthy diet. Also, having too much of any food group- carbs, fats or proteins, is not healthy and will lead to weight gain. There are some natural sources of carbs such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Sugar, starch and fiber are some of the most common forms of carbs as well. Dietary guidelines for Americans recommend a carb make up of 45-64 per cent of total daily calories. However, there are no such guidelines specifically available for Indians. A person's ideal carbs intake can depend on your gender, age, fitness goals, diet preferences, and so on. Ways to include healthy carbs in your diet: Fiber-rich Fruits and Vegetables

Aim to consume at least 3-4 servings of fruits in your diet. You can also add nuts and dry fruits. Whole vegetables and fruits add fiber, water, and bulk, making you feel fuller on fewer calories. Whole Grains Substitute your refined grains for whole grains instead. They are rich in nutri-

Diet impacts women more than men Researchers from the Binghampton University in the US state that women may need a more nutrientrich diet than men to maintain positive emotional well-being. The group conducted an anonymous survey of 563 participants through social media, and found that men are more likely to experience mental well-being until nutritional deficiencies arise. Women, however, are less likely to experience mental wellbeing unless a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are followed. Published in journal Nutritional Neuroscience, the study may explain reports from previous studies that show women are at a greater risk for mental distress as compared to the opposite gender. Lina Begdace, assistant professor at Binghampton University said, “The biggest takeaway

is that women may need a larger spectrum of nutrients to support mood, compared to men. These findings may explain the reason why women are twice more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression and suffer from longer episodes, compared to men.”

She added, “Today's diet is high in energy but poor in key nutrients that support brain anatomy and functionality.” She added that evidence suggested our ancestors' diet, which was a high-energynutrient-dense diet, c o n t r i b u t e d significantly to brain volumes and cognitive evolution of mankind. She said, “Males and females had different physical and emotional responsibilities that may have necessitated different energy requirements and food preference.” The study said that gender-based differential food and energy intake may explain the differential brain volumes and connectivity between females and males.

Your intelligence is affecting your dating life Researchers from University of Western Australia (UWA) believes that being too intelligent and easy going can lower your chances of finding a romantic partner. They surveyed 383 young adults about a series of characteristics that people typically seek in a partner. The four primary characteristics were intelligence, easygoingness, kindness, and physical attractiveness. The subjects were asked to specify how attracted they would be to a potential partner who was more intelligent than one per cent, 10 per cent, 25, 50, 75, 90 and then 99 per cent of the population. They were then asked the same question across the other personality traits. The study, which was published in the British Journal of Psychology, found that there was a statistically significant reduction in rated attractiveness for a hypothetical person at the 99th percentile for both intelligence and easygoingness, compared to the

90th percentile. Gilles Gignac from UWA said, “Previously published research suggests that elevated levels of intelligence may incite feelings of insecurity in some people, which may reduce desirability. Correspondingly, exceptional easygoingness may be

viewed as an indication of a lack of confidence or ambition. So, on average, there doesn't appear to be any gain to being exceptionally kind or exceptionally physically attractive in the context of attracting a romantic partner.”

ents, and Vitamin B. Low-fat dairy products Milk, cheese, yoghurt provide calcium and protein. However, pick low-fat options as they help limit calories and fats. Avoid products that have added sugar. Legumes Legumes like beans, peas and lentils are nutritious foods to add to your diet. They are low in fat, high in folate, potassium, iron and magnesium. They are also a good source of protein and can be a healthy substitute to meat.

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Wedding bells to not ring Kangana turns director for any time soon for Ranbir 'Manikarnika' With Priyanka Chopra's engagement to Nick Jonas and a possible Ranveer Singh-Deepika Padukone wedding on the cards in November, Bollywood has switched its attention towards Ranbir Kapoor and girlfriend Alia Bhatt. The 'Sanju' actor had admitted to dating the actress in an interview with GQ magazine and their relationship has been a hot topic of discussion ever since. With rumours about their wedding doing the rounds, Ranbir broke his silence by calling it just that, rumours. “It's all a part of show business. You make up a story, and soon, there's another story of the first story, and so on,” he said. The actor added, “I've always believed that marriage is something that will happen naturally. It can't be like' Okay, I am 35 now, so it's time to get married'. It should come to you and your partner naturally and you should both feel, 'This is the right phase. Now, we should take this relationship to the next level.'” About his relationship with Alia, he s a i d ,

“Honestly, I am not playing hide-n-seek. I am in a happy, positive and beautiful phase of my life. But you can talk about your personal life only to a degree. Otherwise, it becomes the forerunner of your life and your work takes a back seat. Ranbir added, “There is always excitement to know about someone's personal life. But you want to give the relationship respect so that people don't malign it in a gossipy way. It is something beautiful, sacred and really important to you, so you want to deal with it in a nice manner.”

'Zero' trailer to release on Shah Rukh’s birthday

Shooting for Kangana Ranaut's upcoming 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi' is over and all that is left is some patchwork. However, reports suggest that director Krish Jagarlamudi is now busy with NTR biopic that features an ensemble star cast of Nandamuri Balakrishna, Vidya Balan, Rana Daggubati and Rakul Preet. Which is why, leading actress Kangana has decided to take over charge of completing the remaining work not only as the actor, but also as director of t h e

movie. A source has confirmed the news saying, “Yes, there is some patchwork still to be completed and Krish has got busy with the NTR biopic. He is not to be blamed, Manikarnika is a period drama and such movies takes time. Kangana speaks to Krish over the phone almost every day to discuss the filming. He is there in spirit with the team of Vijayendra Prasad who has written the story and screenplay, and Prasoon Joshi who has penned the dialogue and lyrics, working closely with Kangana to wrap up the film.” Produced by Kamal Jain and Zee Studios, the film will mark the acting debut of Deepika Padukone's ex-boyfriend Nihaar Pandya who will portray the character of Baji Rao the second. 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi' is set to hit the screens on January 25.

Shahid Kapoor ‘nervous’ but well prepared for second child 'Padmavat' actor Shahid Kapoor has a lot on his plate right now with a upcoming movie and a second child. All set to embrace fatherhood again, his wife Mira Rajput's due date is close to the release date of 'Batti Gul Meter Chalu'. “Having a child is the most amazing feeling and we are fortunate that we are having a second one so soon, so I feel happy and blesses about that. Family is always a big reason to work even harder. When you come back home to your family, it's a great feeling,” he said. When asked in an interview about the doubling up of responsibilities with a second

child, he said, “I don't think so. It's just that you have to do whatever is required. In fact, I am nervous because I have 'Batti Gul's release coming up in September and the baby is due around the same time. That's why I have to dedicate my time correctly to both the things and hopefully I will be able to manage it well.” Meanwhile for now, Shahid is busy looking for a bigger house to move in once the baby arrives. Also, on the work front, he is all set to star in Shree Narayan Singh's 'Batti Gul Meter Chalu' starring Yami Gautam and Divyendu Sharma in pivotal roles.

A tale of tangled emotions: 'Manmarziyaan' A movie with a vertically-challenged man in the lead, 'Zero' is one of the most-awaited films of this year. With ace actor Shah Rukh Khan as the lead in the movie, cinegoers look forward to its December release as he teams up with none other than Aanand L Rai. The firs teaser for 'Zero' was unveiled in January this year, while a song featuring SRK and Salman Khan was released on Eid in June. Now, we hear that the movie trailer will be launched on the actor-producer’s birthday, November. When asked if true,

Aanand confirmed the news. He said, “We'll come out with 'Zero's trailer on November 2, Khansaab's birthday. The shooting has been completed and the post-production is underway, as per the schedule.” The movie also stars Anushka Sharma and boasts of extensive visual effects in keeping with its story line. Aanand said, “It's amazing how technology can add to telling a story like 'Zero'. The film is turning out wonderfully. I look forward to sharing it when it's ready.”

Release date of the much-awaited 'Manmarziyaan' is near and the love triangle between Vicky, Rumi, and Robbie gives us hope for a fantastic story. A tad different from the usual Anurag Kashyap movies, the film has no cuss words, no brooding Nawazuddin Siddiqui and definitely no dark story line. A simple story set in simple Amritsar, 'Manmarziyaan' brings to us a love triangle that has us rooting for each character. Vicky Kaushal plays the vagabond lover of Taapsee Pannu, who plays Rumi, an outspoken and bold punjaban. All's well until Abhishek Bachchan as Robbie enters their lives and things get complicated. Trailer of the movie stays true to the title and in true Kashyap style, perfectly captures the twisted and messy human relationships and emotions. Set to release on September 14, 'Manmarziyaan' is one love story we can't wait to watch.

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Sivakarthikeyan turns comic book hero!

Dhanush signs three films with Kalaipuli Thanu It seems that multifaceted Dhanush is keen on keeping himself occupied this year. The actor has several film in his kitty, including a sequel to 'Vada Chennai', 'Enai Nokki Paayum Thota', and a film with Karthik Subbaraj. Reports suggest the actor/director/singer has now signed three more films with producer Kalaipuli S Thanu. Thanu and Dhanush have worked together for 'VIP 2', when the former distributed the film that went on to earn a decent amount of money. While no official announcements have been made, both the bigshots will collaborate for three projects in the future which will be produced by three notable directors of Tamil Cinema. Thanu is known to spend lavishly on films.

Meanwhile, sources also confirm that the actor would be teaming up with director Ramkumar of 'Mundasupatti' fame for a new project. It is said that Dhanush is impressed with the script narrated by the filmmaker and has given his approval for the project.

Simran and Trisha join hands after 20 years

Sivakarthikeyan, who has seen rapid growth in the Tamil film industry currently awaits the release of his upcoming film 'Seemaraja'. The actor is also producing Arunraja Kamaraj directorial 'Kanaa', featuring Aishwarya Rajesh under the banner Sivakarthikeyan Productions. Amidst all this, the 'Velaikkaran' actor will also be seen in a comic book. His renowned film 'Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam' is now

been made into a comic book and is available for sale at the Book Exhibition in Chennai. The news was announced by director Ponram who tweeted, “For the very first time, we're releasing VVS movie in comic's style book. Our comic's book is available at the Discovery Book Palace located at the YMCA ground book exhibition. Hope you all will like it. @Siva_Kartikeyan @sooriofficial #vvscomicsbook”

* Schedule is subject to change

MONDAY 27th - FRIDAY 31st August

TIME

16:00: 17:00: 17:30: 18:00: 18:30: 19:00: 19:30: 20:00: 20:30: 21:00: 21:30: 22:30: 23:00:

TIME

18:30: 19:00: 19:30: 21:00: 22:00:

TIME

17:30: 18:30: 19:00: 19:30: 21:00: 22:00:

TV PROGRAM NAMES

RASOI SHOW FOOD HIGHWAY INTERNETWALA LOVE RADHA PREM KI DEEWANI UTTARAN DIL KI PUKAR AMRUTA GHADGE & FAMILY ISHQ MEIN MARJAWAN INTERNETWALA LOVE BALIKA VADHU - LAMHE PYAAR KE SHAITAAN - A CRIMINAL MIND (PREMIERE) RADHA PREM KI DEEWANI AMRUTA GHADGE & FAMILY

SATURDAY 1st September TV PROGRAM NAMES

UTTARAN DIL KI PUKAR INTERNETWALA LOVE - CATCH UP EPISODES ZINDAGI KI HAQEEQAT SE AAMNA SAAMNA SHAITAAN - A CRIMINAL MIND

SUNDAY 2nd September

TV PROGRAM NAMES

"WEEKEND KA MAHAEPISODE BALIKA VADHU -LAMHE PYAAR KE" UTTARAN DIL KI PUKAR AMRUTA GHADGE & FAMILY - KAHAANI AB TAK ZINDAGI KI HAQEEQAT SE AAMNA SAAMNA SHAITAAN - A CRIMINAL MIND

After almost two decades, actresses Simran and Trisha are all set to share screen space yet again in Rajinikanth's upcoming untitled film directed by Karthik Subbaraj. Both extremely talented actors, Simran and Trisha have Trisha created a legacy of their own in Simran the industry. The forner has revealed that she will pair across Rajini in the film, while it remains to see whether Trisha will also play Thalaivar's love interest or star as the antagonist. Trisha took to twitter and announced about being a part of Rajinikanth’s next. She wrote, “Coz sometimes you wake up and realise you’re still dreamin #BestMonday #GODsfavouritechild #mycircleiscompletetoday.” “Even though I’ve made four films in my career so far, I grew fascinated towards cinema because of superstar Rajinikanth sir. To get to direct him is the best moment of my life,” Subbaraj said. He added that he plans to go on the floors in next two months and wrap up the project this year itself.

Wednesday September 05, 2018 01:00 Film : The Killer 05:00 Film : Prithipal Singh... A Story 07:00 Film : Sultanat 10:02 Film : Jaanam 12:52 Film : Awarapan 15:21 Film : Jayantabhai ki Luv Story 18:00 Film : Star Stop * Schedule is subject to change * Schedule is subject to change 19:00 Film : Akaash Vani SATURDAY 1st - SUNDAY 2nd September Sunday September 02, 2018 22:00 Film : Bezubaan Ishq 00:55 Film : Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan Thursday September 06, 2018 TIME TV PROGRAM NAMES 05:00 Film : The Perfect Girl 00:45 Film : Tejasvini 07:00 Film : Dhadkan 05:00 Film : Dam999 16:30 CID 10:23 Film : Woh 7 Din 07:05 Film : Loha 09:42 Film : Chor Bazaari-Ek Atrangi Prem Kahani 13:23 Film : Deewane Huye Pagal 17:30 Dus Ka Dum 12:00 Film : Huff! It's Too Much 16:38 Film : Machine 14:04 Film : Wake Up India 18:30 Indian Idol 19:28 Film : Grand Masti 16:43 Film : Andaaz 21:30 Film : Aitraaz 20:00 Indian Idol 19:50 Film : Aatma - Feel It Around You Monday September 03, 2018 21:48 Film : Trapped 00:44 Film : Hey Bro 21:30 Dus Ka Dum Friday September 07, 2018 05:00 Film : Login 23:55 Film : Akaash Vani 07:00 Film : Sweekar Kiya Maine 22:30 Crime Patrol 05:00 Film : Future Toh Bright Hai Ji 09:54 Film : Dam999 07:10 Film : Johny I Love You 12:21 Film : China Gate 10:00 Film : Keemat MONDAY 3rd - FRIDAY 7th September 15:53 Film : Agent Vinod 13:28 Film : Andha Kanoon 19:00 Film : Jayantabhai ki Luv Story 16:50 Film : Raja Hindustani TIME TV PROGRAM NAMES 21:35 Film : Grand Masti 20:27 Film : Gangster 22:48 Film : Aatma - Feel It Around You COMEDY, Riteish Deshmukh,Vivek 18:30 Vighnaharta Ganesh Saturday September 08, 2018 Tuesday September 04, 2018 19:15 Mere Sai 00:40 Film : Tumsa Nahi Dekha 23:41 Film : Deewane Huye Pagal 05:00 Film : Login 05:00 Film : Wake Up India 20:00 Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai 07:00 Film : Krishna Arjun 07:16 Film : Woh 7 Din 20:30 Porus 09:44 Film : Gunaah 10:15 Film : Tejasvini 12:10 Film : The Perfect Girl 21:00 Kaun Banega Crorepati 13:30 Film : Dhokha 14:15 Film : Andaaz 16:00 Film : Daraar 22:00 Dil Hi Toh Hai 17:23 Film : Trapped 19:30 Film : Rama Rama Kya Hai Dramaa 19:30 Film : Holiday 22:30 Crime Patrol 22:17 Film : Utthaan 22:45 Film : Wah Taj SUNDAY 2nd September SATURDAY 1st September

TIME

* Schedule is subject to change

MONDAY 27th - FRIDAY 31st August 19:00: SAVITRI DEVI COLLEGE & HOSPITAL 19:30: UDANN 20:00: SHAKTI ASTITVA KE EHSAAS KI

20:30: 21:00: 21:30: 22:00: 22:30: 22:30:

TU AASHIQUI ROOP BEPANNAAH SILSILA DEV 2 KAUN HAI? (Friday Only)

TV PROGRAM NAMES

19:30: DESI BEAT 3.0

TIME

TV PROGRAM NAMES

19:30: BREAKFAST WITH CHAMPIONS

20:00: NAAGIN - SEASON 3

22:30: KAUN HAI?

21:00: DANCE DEEWANE

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Incredible 40 years for the Hindu Youth Association community organisation covering a range of activities from Gujarati, Hinduism, Maths and English classes to running Yoga classes and parent and toddler group. The fundamental principles of HYA have always been to support the future of tomorrow, to build personality in physical, intellectual, moral and spiritual strength which are all central to ensuring our young people become good active citizens.

This year marks an incredible 40 years since the humble seeds of Hindu Youth Association (HYA) were planted and formed in 1978. HYA is a registered charity run solely by volunteers. It all began when two young men started teaching Gujarati in their homes to their nieces and nephews. Now 40 years later, the seeds of this humble legacy has been nurtured and blossomed into a successful

Coming Events

Nagrecha Charitable Trust to hold a musical evening on September 8, Saturday, at Hariben Bachubhai Nagrecha Hall, 198-204 Leyton ROad, London E5 DT. l Certified course in Jainism in English, to be held on September 1 and 2, 9.00 am to 6.30 pm, at Jain Centre, 68 Colindale Avenue, NW9 5DR l Leicester Friends of OCHS to hold talk on Four Purusharthas; the Goals of Human Life by Dr Nick Sutton, on September 1, 6.30 pm to 9.00 pm, at the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre, Rothley Street Leicester, LE4 6LF. l Sree Sree Anukulchandra's Satsang to be held on September 1, Saturday, 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm, at the Reading Hindu Temple 112 Whitley Street, Reading RG2 0EQ. Chinmaya Mission UK presents, The Secrets of the Hanuman Chalisa and Festival of Hanuman, six evening talks by Swami Swaroopananda, from September 17 to 22, 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm, every Saturday, at the Dhamecha Lohana Centre HA2 8AX. l Shri Krishna Janmashtami by BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, Neasden, London NW10 8LD, Monday 3 Sept, 9am-10pm. Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha's head Param Pujya Mahant Swami is currently in Atladara. Every morning and evening, he meets all Hari Bhakts and gives them an opportunity to sit in satsang. In his lessons, Mahant Swami speaks of unity, equality, and empathy. Several programmes are being held at the Atladara Temple, including Children's Day, Youth Day, and other days. Recently, Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala called upon Mahant Swami and gained his blessings. Hindoda festival is currently being celebrated at Atladara. Locals flock in every day for a glimpse of the Hindoda. Mahant Swami will be in Atladara till September 2.

Sneh Joshi

From humble beginnings to a Gold award accreditation In 2007 the Department for Education ran a pilot to measure standards of supplementary schools across London. HYA was one of only 14 supplementary schools selected to take part. In their first assessment they achieved a silver award (the highest awarded in the pilot). The award was presented by Lord Adonis, the then Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State for Schools. With continued dedication and commitment of the volunteers, HYA achieved the Gold award in 2009. The only one to do so at the time in Greenwich. To get a Gold award was a truly outstanding achievement. It is clear to see what HYA has blossomed into is quite extraordinary. From something so humble and modest, to a vibrant community hub that we have today. To celebrate the landmark of the 40 years, a number of events have been organised this year. From a Yoga session involving all the students and some parents that took place in June to celebrate international yoga day to upcoming events such as a community fun day on 22nd September and an special ceremony on 27th October to reward the students for their achievements over the past year and also to recognise the contribution by all the volunteers, past and present. For information and full details of the charity please visit www.hyauk.org.

A group of doctors who are based in UK but originally from Kolkata are leading a project to teach people about basic health support. Working in collaboration with Humanity Hospital Kolkata founded by Padmashree Mrs Subhasini Mistry, Essex Indians community group have visited several parts of Bengal including Sundarban, and trained people in collaboration with Sundorbon Foundation. 11th August in a similar course at thw Indian Museum, the group trained people from different spheres of life starting from students of premier schools of Kolkata to marginalised people in Sonagachi area of Kolkata. Indian museum's Education officer Dr Sayan Bhattacharya mentioned it is for the first time in the history of Indian Museum this kind of training course has happened.

MORE THAN 5700 CHANGES MADE TO IMMIGRATION RULES SINCE 2010 The Guardian has revealed that Home Office officials have made more than 5700 changes to net immigration rules since 2010, making the visa system nearly impossible to navigate, according to senior judges and lawyers. The rules have more than doubled in length to almost 375,000 words, resulting in a complex system which has called “something of a disgrace” by Lord Justice Irwin and prompting a radical overhaul. In 2012, more than 1,300 changes were made coinciding with Theresa May’s introduction of the hostile environment policy when she was home secretary. Amber Rudd, who

trend where money is concerned, so do not be surprised if this turns out be a time of fortunate opportunities and lucky breaks. Keep your assertive inclination under control as conflict and disagreement could be sparked off by your short- sightedness. Think carefully about the implications of your actions. Get out as much as possible. TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Do not be misled by inconse-

quential issues as you will have better opportunities if you stick to your main objectives. The domestic scene may prove to be active and harmonious as long as you use tact and diplomacy. This is also a time when you will develop fresh insights into other people.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 Your thinking is inspired, so lis-

ten to your thoughts. This may be a time of expansion and improved opportunity and it would be unwise to let yourself become complacent. The need to push ahead with personal interests and to assert yourself with added force will take precedence over everything else for some time to come. Mentally you will be in top form.

You will continue to be in a restless mood for some time to come. This makes you impatient with restrictions and even more determined to cut your own path. Do not get over-anxious if everything seems to be in slow motion - it is time to pull a few strings. You are likely to experience some tension in close relationships.

The outlook remains optimistic as developments point the way forward and bring you a sense of real achievement. Relationships look great as Venus and Mars help to enhance your personal magnetism and put you in a gregarious mood. Venus, the planet of love and romance throws a pleasing light on love and creativity, make the most of this phase.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 The fiery planet Mars is the moving force in regard to amorous experience, giving more than just a hint that links between lovers will be rather intense and passionate. Legal or official matters are likely to occupy your attention this week. Luck and love form a pleasing combination as Jupiter, the planet of luck and expansion has moved into your solar 3rd house of desire.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 With Venus, your ruling planet in your sign, this is a good time for your social as well as your love life. If you’re single you are likely to meet the person of your dreams and this could lead to a permanent relationship for some of you. You could also benefit at work through a promotion. Organise your time so that it is not taken up entirely by the demands of other people.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 Career-wise you cannot go wrong provided you do not act in a way that threatens other people's egos. An ambition that you have been striving for is likely to come to fruition which could mean promotion and a boost in status. Play your cards right and you can pull strings in you favour. Personal relationships may be more intense with some heavy sacrifices of personal freedom.

Arpita Ray mentioned that this kind of training should be part of medical curriculum but sadly that's not the case in India. Dr Anirban Mandal, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and member of the faculty, mentioned that it is encouraging to see that Humanity Hospital is leading in this front. They staged a fund raising drama show on 17th August at Tapan theatre Kolkata.

CultureMonks supported the event. Dr Anirban Mandal and Dr Arpita Ray lead the course. Doctors from Essex Indians group conducted Emergency medical management Course on 13th August at Humanity Hospital.Dr Dipankar Mukhopadhyay, Dr Arpita Ray and Dr Prantik Das were part of the faculty. Hands on training with maniquins and simulation training were performed. Dr

took over after May, resigned this year over the Windrush scandal, the new home secretary, Sajid Javid, has promised changes, but they are yet to happen.a One document was published in March 2014 with 22 changes, only to be superseded three days later by a second version containing another 250 changes. A Home Office spokesperson said: “The number of individual changes to immigration rules should not be used as an indicator of the number of policy changes. Many changes to the rules involve minor corrections, such as changes to individual words...”

The UK’s leading Vedic writer and TV personality

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 There is a definite expansive

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

The charity consists of over 30 regular volunteers made up of business owners, qualified teachers, parents, professionals from various specialist fields, ex-students and a vast number of supporters.

Doctors from UK visit India to teach about health support

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SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

This is a favourable time for getting away from usual routines and seeking a retreat for a few days. All the better if you are interested in such things as meditation, yoga and therapies that help you to get in closer touch with your inner self. This will not only prove to be highly enjoyable but it will have a decidedly beneficial effect on your physical and psychological well-being.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

The fiery planet Mars, continues to occupy your Solar 1st house for some time to come. You will be pleased to see that your social life livens up during this week. Its influence will help you to maintain a high energy level and achieve positive results in anything that requires drive and initiative. If you are involved in a fairly competitive field of activity, you will come out on top.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 It seems that you will be in gregarious mood, intent on cultivating a wider circle of acquaintances. Mentally you will be in good form to make on-the-spot decisions and also get your ideas across to the right people. Ideas that you have been juggling with for quite some time will now be easily pulled into shape, allowing you to push ahead.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 Business partnerships are tested, some of them could challenge your authority. The more you live up to your own set of principles the more you will gain. Now is the time to cultivate an easier relationship with life, get out and about, explore fresh possibilities. Once you set your mind on a goal you stay the course no matter what obstacles you encounter.

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1 - 7 September 2018

in brief JHULAN GOSWAMI RETIRES FROM T20 INTERNATIONALS

Jhulan Goswami, a leading wicket-taker of India's women's team, retired from T20 International cricket. Goswami played in 68 T20Is picking up 56 wickets, which included a five-wicket haul against Australia in 2012. Goswami thanked the BCCI and her teammates for all the love and support she garnered during her stint with the T20I team and wished them luck going forward. Goswami is a veteran of 169 ODIs and 10 Tests and is the leading wicket-taker in 50-over cricket. She, along with Mithali Raj, is widely considered one of the pioneers in India’s recent rise in women’s cricket and was an integral part of the squad that reached the World Cup final in 2017. She also partnered with Raj during much of the latter’s record-breaking Test innings against England in 2002 in which she scored 214 runs. Goswami scored 62 off 196 balls in that instance. In 2007, Goswami became the first ever Indian to win ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award. That was also the year when none of the male players won anything. Three years later, she won the Arjuna Award, becoming the second woman cricketer to have won the award after Diana Edulji. In 2012, she won the Padma Shri.

LEANDER DROPPED FROM INDIA'S DAVIS CUP SQUAD

Veteran Leander Paes was dropped from the Indian Davis Cup squad for the World Group away tie against Serbia scheduled from 14 to 16 September. The reigning Asian Games champion pair of Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan will be playing the doubles while three singles players will be Yuki Bhambri, Ramkumar Ramanathan and Prajnesh Gunneswaran. Rohan Bopanna is currently ranked 37 in the ATP doubles list while Divij is a rank below at 38. The members of the selection committee, SP Misra (Chairman), Balram Singh, Nandan Bal, Rohit Rajpal and coach Zeeshan Ali selected the team via tele-conference. Mahesh Bhupathi and Zeeshan Ali are the non-playing captain and coach respectively. The team will be accompanied by two physios as well for this tie. Squad: Yuki Bhambri, Ramkumar Ramanathan, Prajnesh Gunneswaran, Rohan Bopanna, Divij Sharan, Saketh Myneni.

Captain Kohli breaking one record after another Virat Kohli has been breaking one record after another in the ongoing 5-match Test series against England. The Indian skipper, who smashed 97 runs in the first innings, hit a sparkling ton in the next. Kohli has already amassed 440 runs from three Tests and is leading the run charts. A look at the records scripted by Kohli at Nottingham. Century: Kohli's century sees him equal Sehwag. This was Kohli's 23rd Test century and he equaled legend Virender Sehwag, who had notched the same number of tons in his career. Kohli is the joint-fourth highest centurion among Indian cricketers. This was also his 16th Test century as skipper. This was the 10th occasion where Kohli scored at least 200 runs in a Test as skipper. Lara and Ponting had 7 each. Runs: 12th time Kohli has scored 200 runs in a Test. Kohli is averaging a whopping 73.33 with the bat in this Test series. In 2014, he averaged just 13.40. This was the 12th time Kohli has amassed 200 runs in a Test match as a player. Only Kumar Sangakkara (17), Brian Lara (15), Don Bradman (14) and Rickey Ponting (13) lead the Indian skipper. Record: Kohli equals Dravid, eyes Sachin's record. Kohli has scored 5 centuries or more for the third successive year across all formats in a year. Sachin Tendulkar, Steve Smith and David Warner have managed the

same for four successive years. This was Kohli's 10th Test ton in SENA countries. He equaled Rahul Dravid and trails leader Sachin (17) by 7 tons. Skipper: Kohli scripts record as a captain. Kohli showed once again why he thrives as a skipper. The 29-year-old has scored 400+ runs in a series as a skipper for the 4th time in Test cricket. Sunil Gavaskar leads the proceedings (5). Kohli also went past former India skipper Azharuddin (426) as the leading run-scorer

by an Indian skipper in England. He is the highest scorer among Asian captains. Reclaims top ICC ranking Kohli reclaimed the top spot in the latest ICC Test Rankings after his brilliant show in the third Test against England at Trent Bridge. Kohli first earned the pole position after his 149 and 51 in the first Test at Birmingham. However, he dropped to second place after India’s defeat at the Lord’s but a stupendous performance has again put him at the top.

Stuart Broad fined for giving Rishabh Pant a send-off England fast bowler Stuart Broad has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the second day of the third Test against India at Trent Bridge. Broad was found to have breached Article 2.1.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to "using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batsman upon his/her dismissal during an International Match." In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to the disciplinary record of the fast bowler, for whom it was the first offence since the introduction of the revised Code in September 2016. The incident occurred in the 92nd over of India's first innings, when following the dismissal of Rishabh Pant, Broad walked towards the batsman and spoke in an aggressive manner, which had the potential to provoke an aggressive reaction from the dismissed batsman. Broad admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing. The charges were levelled by on-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Chris Gaffaney and third umpire Aleem Dar. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 percent of a player's match fee, and one or two demerit points. India outclass England India staged a stunning comeback in the five-match Test rubber by thrashing England by 203 runs in the third Test at Trent Bridge. In

Stuart Broad

Rishabh Pant

their pursuit of 521 runs for victory, England resumed their innings at 311/9 on the final morning and lasted a little over two overs before losing the final wicket of James Anderson (11) to off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. England's innings closed at 317. Earlier on day 4, India pacer Jasprit Bumrah wrecked the English lineup to return with five wickets. He was complimented well by the senior pro Ishant Sharma (2/70) while fellow quicks Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya contributed with one wicket apiece. England will have to blame themselves as the top order flopped against a disciplined Indian attack. England's opening conundrum continued to haunt them with both Alastair

Cook and Keaton Jennings failing in both the innings while skipper Joe Root and No.4 Ollie Pope also had a poor outing. The home side's innings would have folded up earlier, but the in-form duo of Jos Buttler (106) and Ben Stokes (62) delayed the inevitable with a 169-run fifth wicket stand. Bumrah ended their partnership with the wicket of Buttler before Pandya sent back the injured wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow for a duck. With the team tottering at 231/6 and more than three sessions to spare, it was only a matter of time for the visitors to clean up the English tail that wagged a bit in the form of Adil Rashid (33 not out) and Anderson (11) taking the game to the final day.

BCCI names women's squads for Lanka tour The BCCI announced the Indian women squads for the upcoming limited overs tour to Sri Lanka, where they play three One-day Internationals as part of the ICC women's championship and five T20 Internationals. The Mithali Raj-led ODI side will play the first two ODIs at Galle on September 11 and 13 before moving to Katunayake for the final 50-over match and the first T20I on September 16 and 19, respectively. The next three T20Is will be played in Colombo on

September 21, 22 and 24 while the final T20I will again be played at Katunayake on September 25. The T20I squad will miss veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami, who announced her retirement from the shortest format earlier in the day. Squad for 3 ODIs: Mithali Raj (Captain), Harmanpreet Kaur (vice-captain), Smriti Mandhana, Punam Raut, Deepti Sharma, D.Hemlata, Jemimah Rodrigues, Veda

Krishnamurthy, Tanya Bhatia (wicket-keeper), Ekta Bisht, Poonam Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Jhulan Goswami, Mansi Joshi, Shikha Pandey. Squad for 5 T20Is: Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Mithali Raj, Veda Krishnamurthy, Jemimah Rodrigues, D.Hemlata, Deepti Sharma, Anuja Patil, Tanya Bhatia (wicket-keeper), Poonam Yadav, Ekta Bisht, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Shikha Pandey and Mansi Joshi.

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1 - 7 September 2018

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Sindhu settles for silver, India's medal tally rises to 50 PV Sindhu and the Indian archery teams bagged three silver medals for India on Day 10 of the Asian Games 2018. The men's table tennis team settled for bronze after losing to South Korea in semifinal. The men's hockey team thrashed Sri Lanka 20-0 in their final group match. India now have 50 medals - 9 gold, 19 silver and 22 bronze. Meanwhile, Dutee Chand qualified for women's 200m final while Hima Das got disqualified after a false start. Badminton - PV Sindhu gets silver: PV Sindhu loses 13-21, 16-21 to world No.1 Tai Tzu Ying of Taiwan in the women's singles final. However, she is the first Indian ever to bag a silver medal in badminton at the Asian Games. In the final, Tai Tzu was just too good for Sindhu. At no point in the match, it looked possible that Sindhu will get past the Taiwanese. Just like Saina, Sindhu fought as much as she could, but it was never going to be enough. Malaysian challenge awaits Indian hockey: The Indian men's team will next face Malaysia in the semi-finals on August 30. India crushed Sri Lanka 20-0 in their final Pool A match to end the group stages with a whopping 76 goals in total. Saina Nehwal settles with bronze: The Hyderabadi badminton player lost to world No.1 Tai Tzu Ying of Taiwan in the semifinals to settle for the bronze medal, which was also Saina's maiden medal at the Asian Games.

PV Sindhu

for a lane violation. Dutee is the first Indian since PT Usha in 1986 to finish second in women’s 100m and the first since Rachita Mistry in 1998 to lay her hands on a medal in the marque event. It was a day of redemption for Dutee who had to face a lot of hardships and was even dropped from the Indian squad in 2014 for hyperandrogenism. She was later made ineligible for competition before being reinstated following a Court of Arbitration order. Hima broke the national record for the second time in as many days during her event. Hima ran at a scorching pace to finish second behind title favourite Salwa Naser of Bahrain, who won the gold with a Games record timing of 50.09 seconds. Hima finished with 50.79 sec, ahead of bronze winner Elina Mikhina of Kazakhstan (52.63). It seemed that Anas had not recovered completely from the Tajinderpal Singh Toor effort he had put in in the heats as well as the semis a day earlier. It had a telling effort on his performance in the final as he failed to finish on top of the podium. Anas still managed a timing of 45.69 sec, which was fractionally slower than the 45.31 he had done while setting the national record during the Commonwealth Games in April. Table tennis- historic medal: Indian Toor wins shotput gold: Tajinderpal men's team lost to South Korea 0-3 in the Singh Toor gave up cricket for shot put at semi-finals but they have secured India's the insistence of his father Karm Singh when first-ever medal in the sport in Asian Games he was a child. He justified his father’s faith history. in him by winning the gold in shot put with Golden throw: Neeraj Chopra, 20, won an Asian Games record. Left-hander Toor India's first ever gold medal in men's javelin first throw was good enough to win him the with a top throw of 88.06 m, a national top place, but he ended the competition in record. The throw would have fetched style with the record to claim the first shot Chopra a comfortable bronze at the 2016 Rio put gold for India since 2002 when Bahadur Olympics, where the silver -winning throw Singh had finished on the top of the podium was 88.24 m and the bronze was won with an in the Busan Asian Games. 85.38 m throw. Chopra's 4 legitimate throws Quadruple sculls team strikes gold: The were all better than the Chinese silver four-member team led by Olympians Sawarn medalist's best (82.22). This is the sixthSingh and Dattu Bhokanal scripted history throw in the world this year by the reigning for Indian rowing winning gold in men’s junior world champion. quadruple sculls at the Asian Games. The Hockey girls beat Thailand 5-0: Having quartet’s show followed a double bronze win already qualified for the semifinals, India by the Indians at the JSC lake on the last day decided to play safe in their last league of the rowing competition. The bronze match against Thailand but still won 5-0 in medals were won by Dushyant in lightweight the women's hockey competition. men’s single sculls and the duo of Rohit Indians make their mark on track Kumar and Bhagwan Singh in lightweight Dutee Chand ran a near-perfect race to men’s double sculls. help India bag a silver in women’s 100m The gold won by the team of Sawarn, while Hima Das broke the national record Dattu, Om Prakash and Sukhmeet Singh was and a fatigued Muhammad Anas came close India’s first ever medal in the quadruple to rewriting the record books in men’s and sculls at the Games. The quadruple team, women’s 400m races respectively in the which had topped its heat, had a slow start as Asian Games. Indonesia took the lead. The Indians trailed India lost out on a bronze in 10,000m as till the 1000m of the race before overtaking G Lakshmanan, who had finished third the hosts and maintained their lead to bag behind Chani Hasan and Abraham India’s first gold medal in rowing in this Cheroben, both of Bahrain, was disqualified

edition. Bopanna & Sharan give golden solace: The pair of Rohan Bopanna and Divij Sharan managed to turn Incheon silver into gold in the men’s doubles event in tennis with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Aleksander Bublik and Denis Yevseyev of Kazakhstan in the final. However, Prajnesh Gunneswaran had to settle for bronze in the men’s singles after losing 2-6, 2-6 to Uzbekistan veteran Denis Istomin, adding to Ankita Raina’s bronze in women’s singles event. A gold and two bronze medals from tennis is a creditable performance but the Indians will rue missed opportunities - they could have won at least two more medals, including possibly another gold. In the 2014 Incheon Games, India had won five medals. kabaddi women go down to Iran, miss gold: The women’s kabaddi team could go just one step further than the men. No more. The defending champions were stopped in their tracks 24-27 in a thrilling final. The loss ended India’s bid for a third straight women’s kabaddi gold and it rankled as it

came just a day after the Indian men were shown the exit door – again by Iran. The girls settled for silver as against the bronze won by the men. Heena tackles pressure, technical glitch for medal: The pistol shooter, Heena Sidhu who went to the Asian Games in the backdrop of a selection controversy, won bronze in women’s 10m air pistol final. Shooting an average qualification round, the former No. 1 qualified seventh for the final with a score of 571. In the final, Heena didn’t get an ideal start and lurked in the 5th position before attending to her pistol that needed some tweaking. Once the pistol was recalibrated, Heena shot a few 10s to jump to third position. She shot 219.2 after 22 shots to settle for the third position. Another Indian in the fray, Manu Bhaker, remained medal-less once again, as she finished fifth with176.2 on board.

Neeraj Chopra

Ankita 2nd Indian woman to win singles medal in tennis: India’s Ankita Raina became the only second women’s tennis player after Sania Mirza to win a medal in singles at the Asian Games. In the singles semifinal, the 25-year-old Ahmedabad-born player lost a closelycontested match to Grand Slam quarterfinalist and top seed Shuai Zhang of China. Ankita lost 4-6, 6-7 (6) to settle for a bronze.

Quadruple sculls team

Asian Games 2018 Medal Tally Rank Country

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Total

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

97 43 32 24 17 13 12 9

64 38 40 19 16 14 8 19

45 61 46 29 16 20 7 22

206 142 118 72 49 47 27 50

China Japan Republic of Korea Indonesia IR Iran Chinese Taipei DPR Korea India