AV 23rd February 2019

FIRST & FOREMOST ASIAN WEEKLY IN EUROPE

R

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

23 FEB - 1 MAR 2019 - VOL 47 ISSUE 41

BRITISH INDIANS

OUTRAGED

inside: Saudi crown prince in India as 'trade, investment' top agenda SEE PAGE 26

ICJ refuses Pak request to adjourn Jadhav case SEE PAGE 26

Indians protesting outside Pakistan High Commission in London Rupanjana Dutta Hundreds of Indians living in the UK protested outside the High Commission of Pakistan in London on Saturday, against the Pulwama attack, which claimed lives of 40 CRPF jawans in Kashmir. Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the terror attack in Jammu

and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

Waving the Indian flag, people flocked with placards saying #Jaibharat, chanting “Pakistan Murdabad”, “Vande Mataram”, “Kashmir humara hain”. The protest was joined by the supporters and members of Overseas Friends of BJP.

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23 Feb - 1 Mar 2019

onetoone

WITH KEITH VAZ, MP

Murji Chauhan

Murji Chauhan came to the United Kingdom at the age of 21 and had nothing to his name. He bought his first terraced house and soon expanded his business into a shop and house property. He had started off as a very small, one room shop, businessman, and then enlarged his business as a tailors and a fabric/textiles retailer called Kacha Tailors which was the first Tailors shop in Leicester.

Murji also managed to help settle his younger brother in the country. He did this all without knowing the English language or even being able to count, which goes to show anything can be achieved with the right mindset. He also had his son educated to a degree level.

1

Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?

I feel most at home in my house next door to my shop. I have lived in the house for a very long time, and over the years made the house a home. I do, however, miss the country of my birth, India, and my first house at 73 Buller Road. The United Kindom has given me alot therefore I would proudly say that this is my home place and there is nothing like Leicester where I established myself.

2

What are your proudest achievements?

My proudest achievement is settling in a foreign country without knowing the language, and earning a living, as well as earning the respect of the public.

3

What inspires you?

My biggest inspiration are the compliments I receive from my customers, which motivates me to continue to do well.

4

What has been biggest obstacle in your career?

The biggest obstacle in my career is not being able to speak English, which can be a barrier in communicating with some English-speaking customers. And also another biggest obstacle in my career was the lack of financial support available to me. Therefore I was not always able to buy the best machinery in order to complete the jobs that I was undertaking. In order to complete the jobs, I had to be using my practical knowledge.

5

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

The biggest influence in my career has been my wife's support. Without my wife's support, I would not be able to achieve the things I have accomplished and achieved in my own life.

ISIS bride Shamima Begum has reportedly had her British citizenship revoked, according to documents obtained by ITV News. The teen's family was told in a letter from the Home Office on Tuesday.

"Please find enclosed papers that relate to a decision taken by the Home Secretary, to deprive your daughter, Shamima Begum, of her British citizenship," the letter read.

"In light of the circumstances of your daughter, the notice of the Home Secretary's decision has been served of file today (19th February), and the order removing her British citizenship has subsequently been made."

The letter urged Ms Begum's family to make her aware of the decision and said she had a right to

appeal. Ms Begum fled her east London home aged 15 to travel to Syria to support IS, but now wishes to return home for the sake of her third child, who was born at the weekend. Her two older children have died.

On Tuesday, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said the teenager could be arrested and investigated if she returns to the UK. Speaking to ITV on Monday, Ms Begum insisted she was "not a threat" to the

6

What is the best aspect about your current role?

The best aspect about my current role is that I am able to please my customers.

Also customer's writing great reviews about me and my business on the internet.

7

And the worst?

There is nothing bad about what I currently do.

Shamima Begum, center, and two other schoolgirls going through security at Gatwick airport in England in 2015, before leaving to join the terrorist group Islamic State. (Photo: Metropolitan Police via AP)

8

My long term goal is to continue to help and assist younger members of my family to achieve their goals in life.

9

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

If I was the Prime Minister, I would not let Brexit happen, as this has a lot of implications on the economy and effects day to day life.

10

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

I don’t have anyone in particular that comes to mind at this moment.

'took nothing. He was just a racist,' Mr Nawaz said.

The Metropolitan Police said they were called to a report of a racially aggravated assault in Dean Street at 7.10pm on Monday.

Mr Nawaz is the founder of the Quilliam Foundation, a counterextremism organisation and presents a weekend lunchtime show on LBC radio.

UK. "I'm a 19-year-old girl with a new born baby. I don't have any weapons; I don't want to hurt anyone even if I did have weapons or anything," she said.

"He [Home Secretary Sajid Javid] has no proof that I was a threat other than that I was in ISIS, that's it.

"I don't know how I would be seen as a danger.

I'm not going to go back and promote people to go to ISIS or anything, if anything I'm going to encourage them not to go because it's not all it seems in their videos.

"I do regret it because when I went I thought I was going to make a family and I didn't realise what the things they were doing that they weren't showing in their propaganda videos, and I actually do regret it, I do feel bad for anyone who was affected by the actions of ISIS." The Home Office said it did not comment on individual cases.

Rashid A Khan

What are your long term goals?

LBC RADIO HOST 'IS BATTERED BY SIGNET RINGWEARING RACIST IN ATTACK OUTSIDE THEATRE' A radio host says he will be 'scarred for life' after he was battered in the face by a man during a racist attack.

Maajid Nawaz, a presenter on LBC and an anti-extremism campaigner, says a white man struck him from behind outside the Soho Theatre in London.

The host says the attacker hit him in the face as he bent down to pick up his phone and called him a 'f***ing P***' before running away. In a series of tweets, Mr Nawaz, 41, posted a photo of a bloodied cut to his forehead and said the man racially abused him and then hit him with 'a signet ring'.

The attacker then ran away 'like a coward' and

ISIS Shamima Begum 'has citizenship revoked by British government'

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COMMENTS

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23 Feb - 1 Mar 2019

India’s continuing existential challenge The attack by a suicide bomber, Adil Ahmed Dar of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group is yet another reminder of the undeclared war launched by the Pakistani state against India. Covert operations funded and organized by Islamabad’s Inter Services directorate have a sectarian dimension also. As a Shia nation, Iran is a target for Sunni Islamists of varying stripes. For political India with its myriad muddles and confusions, past and present, the chickens are coming home to roost.

Multi-faith, multi-ethnic India, Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and others with no religious faith, is the primary obstacle to the creation of a new Caliphate in the South Asian subcontinent.

Placed on a broader canvas, the number of jihadi attacks in India exceed those of other countries combined: Mumbai in March 1993, Mumbai in November 2008, on a Mumbai suburban train in mid-2003: Parliament in New Delhi in December 2001 plus an attack on the Pathankot air base, attacks on Bangaluru tech centres. Mumbai is India’s financial capital, Bangaluru its space centre.

Venkat Dhulipala’s magisterial tome Creating A New Medina: State Power, Islam, and the Quest for Pakistan in Late Colonial North India [Cambridge University Press, 2015]. Its acute insights have demolished standard myths of the Partition saga.

The foremost boon, thus far, from the massacre of the jawans in Kashmir is of a united country. Congress President Rahul Candhi rose to the occasion pledging full support to the government in this nation’s darkest hour. His words were noble and passionate. ‘I( want to make it very clear that the aim of terrorism is to divide the country. And we are not going to be for one second...We are going to stand with our jawans and we are going to stand with the government’, he sad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened the Cabinet Security Committee to take stock of the situation. He

empowered the military to take whatever action they thought fit. On the diplomatic front, India has issued an appeal to the international community to pressure and isolate Pakistan. The Trump administration has condemned the terror attack and held Pakistan responsible, but it still gives Islamabad a reduced aid package. Why not impose a sanctions regime on Islamabad and cut off World Bank and IMF loans to the country? Democrats and Republicans under the Terry-Luar legislation piloted a $20 billion financial and military aid package through Congress to Pakistan governments, one of which military under General Musharraf, over 20 years. US declarations of intent make front-page copy of the Times of India [February 17] reflects a pathetic faith in US action. Their words aplenty after the November 24, 2008 Pakistan-sponsored jihadi attack on Mumbai but no effective action on the ground.

The double standards in US foreign policy are wilfully ignored by the mainstream Indian media. Democracy and human rights violations in Venezuela contrast with shameful silence on their violations in neighbouring Haiti, where the hungry populace riot daily for food. Also, the announcement of the notorious Elliot Abrams as Washington’s envoy to Venezuela despite his proven criminal record in Central America and his recent grilling by Congress have received no exposure in the Indian press and TV. Russia’s denunciation of the jihadi suicide attack was unequivocal. Nearer home, Sri Lanka and Maldives expressed in solidarity with India, as did Afghanistan and Iran. The former petitioned the UN on Pakistan-Taliban talks, the latter summoned the Pakistan Ambassador in Tehran to account for the killing of 27 Iranian border guards on the Iran-Pakistan frontier. India’s External Affairs Minister and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Seyyed Araqchi exchanged condolences. As India’s grasp of the stakes ripen, cloying political correctness will be consigned to the bin.

Head in the clouds

UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, appears to have his head in the clouds as he announced his country’s postBrexit defence policy. Hailing the freedom of action that awaited the UK, he charted a course of action for Britain without a reality check. Prime Minister Teresa May struggles desperately with the EU over a Brexit deal; she is hobbled by a divided Conservative party and a divided House of Commons, where her government has lost every resolution put to the vote by telling margins. The sole exception was her government’s narrow victory in the vote of confidence tabled by the Opposition Labour party led by Jeremy Corbyn, which, if successful would have led to the dissolution of Parliament and a fresh general election.

Meanwhile the Brexit talkathon in Brussels with a seemingly recalcitrant European Union shows little sign of ending before the stipulated March 29 deadline. A no Brexit deal will have catastrophic consequences for British industry and the country’s economy as a whole, plummeting living standards and swelling social discontent.

Against this depressing canvas came Mr Williamson’s soaring optimism. In a speech at the Royal United Services Institution in London, Mr Williamson spoke in ringing tones of plans for a ‘Global Britain’ using its capabilities in defence of a rule-based international system. He orated: ‘Brexit has brought us to a moment. A great moment in our history. A moment when we must strengthen our global presence, enhance our lethality and increase our mass. So as well as our relationships with Europe, we need to build on our relationship with the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada as part of the Five Eyes, with ASEAN nations, with Japan, the Republic of Korea and India.’ A tall order indeed Looking at the envisaged structure, one detects two tables, one high for the ‘Five Eyes’ elect, the other lower to accommodate the lesser beings. The verbiage illustrates the discredited White Man’s burden – an utter fantasy in this

day and age, with no chance of takeoff. We saw, and still see, the brutal, unproductive war in Afghanistan, witness the hideous aftermath of the misconstrued invasion and occupation of Iraq, complete with CIA torture chambers for the lesser breeds without the law, where the search of Saddam Husain’s elusive weapons of mass destruction, yielded only the march of folly including the catastrophic intrusion into Libya ignited by the infamous Obama administration. Millions were killed across the Greater Middle East and North Africa, once prosperous lands were laid waste and huge waves of dispossessed humanity, braved the deep across the Mediterranean in the false expectation of a better life.

Winston Churchill’s great wartime deeds were the swansong of a fading British empire. Treading in the footsteps of the American Empire promises no trails of glory. The lunatic obsessions of the American mainstream, of gun toting lobbies, machinations of the military industrial complex, a toxic mainstream media and the endless search for enemies bodes ill for the cacophonic trans-Atlantic alliance. A world order with a strapped on Bantustan has had its day. Russophobia simply compounds the Western dilemma.

A telling feature of Russia’s resurgence is the good humoured indulgence with which Russians dismiss the racial slights and taunts hurled at their country and people by the US mainstream and its likeminded European toadies: no burning of American flags, no anti-American demonstrations in Moscow.

According to Lord Palmerstone, the nineteenth century English statesman, ‘Britain has no eternal enemies, only eternal interests.’ For the present Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, Britain has one eternal enemy, Russia, and one eternal interest, its banishment beyond the pale into eventual oblivion. He was no passing mention of the Commonwealth. Perhaps it had expired without the solemnity of the last rites.

Rare honour for Ankiti Bose Who is Ankita Bose you may well ask of this 27 year-old Mumbai-based woman CEO with what sounds suspiciously like a Bengali name. A name alone guarantees anonymity in a madding crowd. However, a CEO against a name is likely to turn heads. Ankiti Bose has reached new unicorn status with Zillingo, an e-commerce fashion platform co-founded by her. This four year-old start-up is valued at around $970 million in the latest round, according to market sources.

Graduating from St Xaavier’s College, Mumbai with a degree in economics and mathematics in 2012, Ankiti Bose worked at McKinsey Mumbai for a time, then became the first Indian woman co-founder and CEO of a high-valued start-up.

The Singapore headquartered company’s technology is

powered from Bangaluru, its other co-founder and IIT Guhawati alumnus, Dhruv Kapoor leads a dynamic team.

Zillingo has become the most successful new company of Indian entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia, mopping up $226 million in the latest round from venture capital firm Sequoia Capital, announced Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund Temasek and Germany’s Burd Principal Investments.

The start-up has notched up a total $306 million in funding.

Bose was scouting for investments for Southeast Asian markets in Indonesia and the Philippines for Sequois Capital in India in late 2014, when she met software engineer Kapoor in Bangaluru. A gateway to new world opened up and other worlds to conquer in the fullness of time.

A man should never be ashamed to own he has been wrong, which is but saying, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday - Alexander Pope (1688-1744)

Alpesh Patel

The UK Pakistan Link to the India Bombings If you have any information about Pakistani based terror organisations, such as the recent attack that was carried out in the Indian State of Kashmir, then do let the police know. The Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), (meaning the Army of Mohammed) admitted responsibility of the attack and is based in Pakistan, and closely connected to Osama Bin Laden (also hosted by Pakistan), The UK Government notes that, “The public already contributes intelligence to around a third of the most serious terrorist investigations” by reporting suspicious activities to the police by calling confidentially on 0800 789 321 or at gov.uk/ACT JeM has received funding from ISI (Pakistan’s spy agency). This is noted in the well-researched ‘Handbook of Terrorism in The Asia Pacific’ by Kam Stefanie and Rohan Gunaratna. They reference Stanford University’s detailed research on Mapping Militants and these terrorists access millions of funds and who is behind them?

The Al Rashid Trust is recognised as a terrorist funding trust by the US. In fact, the Pakistani newspaper Dawn in 2016 reported that- “The Al-Rashid Trust (ART), a Pakistani non-governmental organisation known to have provided support to jihadist activities in the region, has approached the Islamabad High Court seeking the un-freezing of their accounts and assets, which have been seized since 2001, when it was declared a terrorist organisation by the United Nations and the United States (US).’

According to Stanford University, ART, “a charity organization in Pakistan that is on the U.S. Department of Treasury’s terrorist organization list, is known to fund JeM and other jihadi groups. However, the organizational ties between ART and JeM likely extend beyond simple funding, and ART may be a front organization for JeM and other jihadi activities” This is noted

by Hussain in "Frontline Pakistan : the struggle with militant Islam," Columbia University Press (2007) So, their funding and base is in Pakistan. The terror group has admitted that it is in Pakistan. It admitted that they carried out the bombing in Kashmir. But that is not enough proof for the cricketer PM of Pakistan, Imran Khan.

Oh and what is Pakistan’s reaction to having the Trust listed on US and UN’s terror lists? It did not ban the organisation. So the Pakistani State is a sponsor of terrorism. And what is the UK's connection to all of this? The ISI (Pakistan’s Intelligence Service), fund JeM according to the Handbook of Terrorism. The Telegraph even carried an article headlined "Pakistani spies’ in the Houses of Parliament". Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai was arrested by the FBI for running the Kashmiri American Council while acting as an agent of a foreign power (FBI language for being a spy). Fai was also a director of the Justice Foundation, based in Bloomsbury London. The FBI’s case is these are fronts for the ISI. The foundation has hosted events in the House of Lords by Lord Ahmed.

The next time a Parliamentarian is hosted by a ‘well-meaning’ foundation – ask to see the sources of financing. If it’s got the same messaging as JeM along the lines of making Kashmir a part of Pakistan – there will be an ISI link via a front foundation and we will find it and expose it.

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Alcoholic businessman hanged himself after GP advised him to resume drinking An inquest has heard how a doctor told a successful businessman fighting alcoholism that he should continue drinking six pints of lager a day - eight days before he hanged himself.

Stephen Appleton, 51, had given up drinking for a few days and was 'feeling hopeful' after years of battling depression and alcohol addiction. But when he saw his GP Dr Vikash Patel on April 4 last year he was told abstaining could kill him and he should resume his habit of drinking six pints of strong lager a day. Eight days later he was found hanged at his home in Windsor, Berkshire.

The hearing heard Mr Appleton worked in investment banking for 15 years in London but was made redundant in 2009. He moved back to his native Australia in 2010 and took on his father's business of helping people in financial difficulty, but each bankrupted client 'took a part of him' and he started to get depressed and drinking

Stephen Appleton

heavily in 2016 before moving back to the UK in January 2018 where he started attending alcoholics anonymous.

She told the coroner how by April 2 last year Mr Appleton had managed to go cold turkey for a number of days.

Assistant Berkshire Coroner Alison McCormick asked Dr Patel, who practised at the Lee House Surgery in Windsor, to explain why he had encouraged the alcoholic man to drink again.

Dr Patel said: 'Stephen had reduced his alcohol intake, had been abstaining for two or three days. My understanding at the time is that he was consuming somewhere in the region of six pints a day before.

'We had a discussion about the risks of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, my main concerns were with respect to withdrawal seizures, which can potentially be fatal.

'I was told that his alcohol consumption should be reverted back to original levels and reduced by 10 per cent per week.

I felt that to be reasonable or he would have run the risk of potentially fatal consequences.'

Dr Patel told the inquest he was following generic advice from Slough-based Turning Point, an alcohol management team, which he conveyed to Mr Appleton, who seemed to agree, though he admitted his partner did not.

Dr Patel said of the telephone conversation on April 11:

Dr Vikash Patel

'Initially I was concerned but once Stephen told me that it hadn't taken place I was still concerned but knew that he had been referred and safety net advice had already been given.

Stephen hadn't expressed any thoughts of self-harm or suicide before.'

The doctor said he had given Ms Smith a list of numbers to call, including a crisis team for mental health and Talking Therapies. Inquest continues.

Fraud complaints over get-rich-quick scheme that based itself at east London mosque A global “investment” scheme that targeted the Muslim community over two years has left some people claiming to be thousands of pounds out of pocket.

The Muslim Entrepreneur Network (MEN) was launched in 2015 by two east London businessmen as an online resource for subscribers to learn from each other.

Early on the organisation partnered with two Canadian venture capitalists described as millionaires, Rafaqat “Rocky” Mirza and Aziz “Com” Mirza.

With their encouragement members were encouraged to join what was described in video marketing materials as an “investment” scheme, the Leverage Program, which failed

to deliver on several promises and saw millions of pounds transferred to a nexus of other companies across the globe.

Some 22 households in Redbridge and five in Havering are thought to have paid into the scheme, and hundreds of thousands of pounds in refunds were distributed last year. But those still running Leverage have stated it is both legitimate and ongoing, and that they have been the target of a “smear campaign”.

An investigation has learned: • At least 1,400 people parted with between £225 and £25,000 each to join the Leverage Program in 2017 and 2018; • Scores of others invested in enterprises promoted by MEN and its directors, with one per-

son from Redbridge stumping up £250,000; • Investment cash was transferred to the Mirza brothers’ concerns overseas, with £1.8m alone transferred to Dubai; • Cash brought in later for a separate Al-Madina Mosque in Barking, MEN's former base of venture appears to operations. Right from top: Co-founder Harun Rashid, have been used to current MEN CEO Haroon Qureshi and "consultant" refund the first Rafaqat "Rocky" Mirza. Pictures: Ken Mears/Submitted • Would-be investors were Leverage investors, apparently drawn in on social media by a without investors’ being told; combination of religious termi• For six months in 2018 the nology, hyper-marketing and organisation rented space at Al the promise of “once-in-a-lifeMadina Mosque in Victoria time” opportunities.

Road, Barking for use as its official premises;

Personal trainer killed as he 'tried to wave down cars' after a wedding A husband who died after being hit by a van as he walked back from a wedding could have been trying to flag down a lift, an inquest heard.

In the early hours of August 13 last year Roop Thaker was walking along the B1383 Cambridge Road in Ugley towards Stansted Mountfitchet with his brother when he was struck by a Volkswagen Transporter van. Emergency services rushed to the scene but sadly, his death was confirmed by paramedics at 3.35am. Police also investigated the incident.

A post-mortem was carried out on August 14 at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow

by Dr Benjamin Swift who gave the cause of death as multiple injuries. Toxicology was also taken which suggested that Mr Thacker had been intoxicated at the time of his death.

During an inquest into his death held at Seax House in Chelmsford today (Thursday,

February 14), PC Brennan from Essex Police's Forensic Collision Investigation Unit gave evidence to the court.

PC Brennan arrived at the scene at 4.15am- just less than two hours after the incident initially occurred- and was briefed by other officers. She noted how the road surface was damp that night but was in good condition.

There was a footpath on one side of the road but there was no street lighting in the area and therefore visibility was limited to what was illuminated by the vehicle’s lights.

On examining the scene, PC Brennan found broken glass, vehicle debris and items belonging to a person, including a mobile phone, along the road.

There was also scratches and fabric scuffs and Mr Thaker was found further down the road with the vehicle stationary a little further along.

PC Brennan confirmed that

the marks on the vehicle were consistent to that of hitting an upright pedestrian.

The officer explained how witnesses Roop Thaker suggested that Mr Thaker had been trying to wave down passing vehicles while his brother was on the footpath.

However the vehicle struck Mr Thaker and passed over him before coming to a stop further along the road.

No alcohol was detected in the driver of the van and no defects were found with the vehicle or the environment.

Stratford.

The inquest also heard how Mr Thaker also received a the time of night, lack of lightmaster's degree in pharmacy at ing and footpath all would have King's College in London before decreased the expectation of becoming a personal trainer in pedestrians on the road. PC 2015.

Brennan concluded: “There was Senior Coroner Caroline no realistic chance the driver Beasley-Murray concluded that could have identifiead, reacted Mr Thaker had died as a result to and avoided Roop Thaker.” of a road traffic collision and Mr Thaker was a personal expressed sympathy to the famtrainer from Streatham in south ily on “these very sad circumLondon who worked at a gym in stances.”

BRENT COUNCIL CHAMPIONS NEW LED STREETLIGHTS

New LED streetlights could save local authorities millions of pounds a year and help reduce their carbon footprint. Brent Council announced this week that the installation of 21,000 new lamps across the borough will cut costs by £850,000. This is the most across London’s 32 boroughs, and its environmental team believes councils across the country should push for as many LED lights as possible.

Cllr Krupa Sheth, responsible for the environment at Brent Council, said: “By 2030 we will have saved over £9 million by installing LED street lights in Brent. She added that these savings are particularly important in the face of government cuts to central funding – the introduction of LED lights form part of Brent Council’s latest budget, which requires £26 million worth of savings over the next two years. As well as the financial benefits, the council pointed out that the lamps’ carbon emissions will be slashed by 62 per cent a year. It added that the new lights are “more clearly focused on brightening pavements and roads, with a natural white light to improve road safety and visibility for residents and visitors”.

This, however, has been disputed by those who have seen the lights spring up across the borough. Several residents have complained about the lights’ lack of brightness and say they feel unsafe walking down some streets at night. Others suggested the opposite – that the new white lights are too bright for those living close by to them. Councillors have asked concerned residents to email them to discuss any issues.

KIDNAPPING GANG WHO TORTURED VICTIMS FOR HUNDREDS OF POUNDS JAILED

A barbaric gang of East London men who tortured and beat victims with weapons for hundreds of pounds are now behind bars.

Their first victim was in Stepney at around 6pm on September 21, 2017, when he met Progghnamoy Chowdhury, a man he knew.

Chowdhury took him from Stepney to Dersingham Avenue, Forest Gate, where Mohammed Kodoris was lying in wait.

Over several hours he was beaten, assaulted and threatened by the men who then demanded his bank card so they could withdraw money from his bank account.

More than £600 was taken from the 29-yearold victim and he was only allowed to leave once they had taken pictures of his ID documents as well as all his family members.

Sajon was sentenced to six years for blackmail, while Kodoris, 52, was given a 16 year prison sentence for two counts of false imprisonment, eight years for blackmail, and two years for ABH, to be served concurrently. Chowdhury, 32, was sentenced to 16 years for two counts of false imprisonment, eight years for blackmail, to be served concurrently and two years for ABH, to be served concurrently. Abdal, 45, was the only gang member not to plead guilty, but after the trial was convicted and sentenced to sentenced to 12 years for kidnap, 12 years for false imprisonment, nine years for blackmail and two years for ABH, to be served concurrently.

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My Own Boss How is a millennial entrepreneur turning waste into sustainable paper?

Women must be a part of progression through technology sumer as well as the retailer. The retailer would also get paid instantly (and not have to wait for 2-6 months for payment by the card providers).

I am a passionate advocate of the potential of this technology and last year in April 2018, I became the first author in the world to publish my third book, “Escape the Cubicle: Quit The Job You Hate, Create A Life You Love’’, on the blockchain.

For this world-first to be creatSukhi Jutla, Blockchain Developer ed by a woman from a diverse back& FinTech author ground is an important achievement because it shows technology When I left university in 2005, I can be used to create a more inclujumped straight into what I sive society and I hope its a message thought would be my dream job to all Asian women to see that techwhich was working for an investnology is a viable career option for ment bank. That dream lasted 2 all. I finally plucked up the courage weeks when I realised working in to leave the day job in 2016 when I the corporate world was not suited became a full-time entrepreneur, for me. But every cloud has a silver setting up my latest tech business. I lining and it unwittingly became am now the co-founder of the start of my entrepreneurial MarketOrders, an online tech busijourney though I didn't realise it till ness that helps independent retail later. jewellers to source the products I spent over a decade in the corthey need direct from suppliers. We porate world working for worldare using technology to upgrade a class leading banks where I worked traditional and outdated industry. in the business side but was also I love working in tech and I interacting with the technology have been recognised by a number teams. It was here that I came of industry awards for my contribuacross the word ‘FinTech’ which tions including Asian Women of really excited me.

Achievement Awards, Management ‘FinTech’ is a term used to Todays ‘35 Women Under 35’, Top describe how traditional finance is 100 Women in Tech and named a disrupted by the use of technology Top 100 European Digital Pioneer in innovative ways. As I investigatby The Financial Times and ed how this technology Google. could be used, I was Becoming an invited to co-author entrepreneur has been my first book, ‘’The I am an Asian woman an exciting journey FinTech Book’’. I disrupting the Fintech but it’s also been a became curious steep learning industry and empowering about how techcurve with many women. In this column, I nology could be challenges.

You used to disrupt share my journey into have to keep learntraditional ways becoming an Asian female ing all the time and of working in the have a fearless canentrepreneur working bank and that led do attitude that helps me to discover the in tech. you to overcome the exciting new world of many obstacles running a blockchain technology. business will bring. As long So I retrained and qualias you are willing to keep learning fied as an IBM Foundation and turn obstacles into opportuniblockchain developer. This lead me ties then you will succeed. We have to write my second book called to let go of the idea that our career ‘’Books for Blockchain’’. Blockchain will follow a linear straight forward technology allows people to transpath and be open to experimenting act directly with each other. In the with learning new skills, underfinancial world, this is very imporstand that in today’s world we need tant because it means you no to keep learning and up-skilling longer need a middleman to help and re-skilling ourselves. Learning process the payment. should not stop at college or uniThis is particularly relevant for versity. people in developing countries Technology is what progresses where they struggle to open bank humanity in leaps and bounds and accounts and make payments. it's important that women are a Blockchain tech brings a greater part of this journey more so now level of trust and transparency in than ever before.So if you are a the financial world and no longer woman reading this, and in particexcludes sections of society who ular, from an Asian background, cannot get access to financial prodknow that the world of technology ucts. is flinging its arms wide open to In the most basic terms, each welcome you in should you choose time you use your credit card to this path. Embrace it, discover it make a purchase, a part of the payand above all, become a change ment is paid to the card providers agent and inspire our sisters, (such as Visa or Mastercard) and daughters and mothers to be part of they will charge a fee (usually paid this tech revolution. It’s never too by the retailer) to process that paylate to learn about technology. ment. But what if you could transact directly with the retailer? This Twitter: means the costs of the transaction @SukhiJutla/@Market_Orders would be cheaper for you as a conBook:Escape The Cubicle

Kaushal Shah, Founder & CEO, PaperPlus You can save one tree from being compromised for every 8 packets of A4 sheets, where each packet contains some 500 sheets.

Paper Plus Europe is a startup company that supplies carbon neutral paper across UK, Europe and Africa, currently having a market across 30+ countries. Their products are made using sustainable sugarcane based natural resources utilising the waste generated from the production of sugar cane fibres in India. Once these fibres are harvested by the farmers they are then sent to the sugar mills, where the cane juice is processed and the leftover waste generated is called Bagus. These Bagus fibres are normally burnt or dumped but sometimes used in generating electricity. But the Indian government has recently been imposing new laws, curbing these sugar mills to stop burning the bagus fibres and use them in making other products.

“This idea was born while I was pursuing my Masters at University in South Hampton where my dissertation focussed on the subject of sustainable paper,” said Shah.

The Global Enterprise and Entrepreneurship alumnus from India hails from a family which has been in this business for over 53 years in the sub-continent. Shah had headed the same project in India where he discovered that people were buying his product not because of its green credentials but because of its cheap price, something that Shah discovered after the Indian government had signed a duty free trade deal with the Indonesian

Government. This brought him to the realisation of how the Asian markets were not ready for sustainable products “I was very passionate about using waste material because if it is recycled properly then they make for innovative end-user products. I was at one of the Trade Expos and I was talking about the idea of sustainable paper and I saw that the attitude itself towards the product was different from what I had experienced in the Asian markets.” he said.

During his post-graduation, Shah kept exploring industry events, expos, trade fairs, conferences and scoping the market, strategising the pitch, understanding how to launch and disseminate his product into the European market and, working with his customers.

“The University was extremely supportive by sponsoring my Visa for two years under the Tier 1 graduate Entrepreneur visa after I had submitted my business plan to them and I received funds both from HSBC and my parents,” he disclosed.

EnvoPAP is the flagship product of the company which was first incorporated in 2015.

In the first two years, they started out by supplying paper for commercial and industry uses as copier paper in offices, and textbooks for schools.

Later, they diversified into craft-based products which are used for making high-strength packing boxes such as Amazon boxes which are made through recycled paper that uses a heavy amount of energy.

“The vision we have is to introduce, innovate and find products from agricultural

waste and involves limited use of energy. But the second phase of the evolution of product revolves around compostable, biodegradable and made from using alternative fibres,” he explained.

Apart from Bagus fibres they are now researching how rice straws and wheat straw can be used for paper production.

They have started working with UK based institutions and public bodies such as supermarkets and food providers where they are researching together to find the right product be it for the burger wraps or straws among others and have more than 9 products of such kind in the research pipeline.

“Bread wrapping is the most sold product in Ethiopia where we are selling bread-wrapping paper for all bakery items. So, we got into food packaging last year.

We are also doing coffee cups but it still requires a little more trial and error and research in terms of understanding the right material required to make them,” said Shah.

At a time when climate change and environmental concerns are most dominant among governments and other not-forprofit stakeholders, Paper Plus is committed to the UN's Sustainable Development Goal of consumption and production patterns. The business’ total revenue until now has exceeded £7 million, with Kaushal forecasting this to reach £10 million early in the next financial year.

“In the next ten years companies and government's are going to struggle with waste management and in management of the infrastructure and resources required for reducing and recycling waste,” said Shah.

Dhruv Patel receives OBE from Duke of Cambridge, Prince William its three directors. Since 2013, he Founder of City Hindus has served as an elected member Network, Dhruv Patel has received an OBE from Prince (Common Councilman) of the William, Duke of Cambridge, for voluntary service to the British Hindu community and to Social Cohesion. He received the honour in the 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours. Patel attended the investiture ceremony with his family at the Buckingham Palace on February 5. The London-born 35 year old who serves as a director of the City of London Academies Trust, and is Deputy Chairman of the City Bridge, has his interDhruv Patel receiving his OBE from Prince William ests in property, retail pharmacy, and the London insurCity of London Corporation. He ance market. later became the City of London He became the first chairman Corporation's first ever chair of a of the City Hindus Network committee from a BAME backwhen it was established in 2005, ground when he was elected and he held the position until Chairman of Community & 2010. Patel now serves as one of Children's Services, with the

responsibility of leading members into making decisions about social care, education, housing, wealth and wellbeing.

“I'm deeply humbled to have been invested as an Officer of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. I have been heavily engaged in voluntary service, particularly for the Hindu community, since my university days. My election to the City of London Corporation gave me the chance to broaden out this work.

My focus has been on ensuring London's young people have the best start to life, and all communities have the opportunity to thrive. Whilst it is wonderful to receive this national honour, recognition cannot be the driver sewa or selfless service is, and shall continue to be, a vital part of my life,” Patel said.

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Blessed and wedded at care homes Rupanjana Dutta In 2017 Hannah Griffiths, 35, who was still planning her actual big day with partner James Leeming, 42, put on a special ceremony for grandmother Ruby Higgs, who suffered from dementia and was too ill to attend the real wedding. Hannah and James were 'married' at a mock ceremony in Hartley Park Care Home in Plymouth, Devon, by a care assistant. Hannah, who described Ruby, 95, as her rock, wore her white wedding dress and the couple were surrounded by flowers and musicians. It was a day of celebration with other patients at the care home, who blessed the couple in their union.

As care giving gets more and more complicated, with fast paced lifestyles, increasing costs of living and demanding jobs, elderly parents and grand parents are often voluntarily resorting to a life in care homes- with proper medical assistant and help. Asian families – that are traditionally big and inclusive are also taking up the nuclear models, with elderly in the family, especially those who have complex physical ailments being moved to care homes.

Arti Patel, speaking to Asian Voice said, “I love my father-in-law. Recently he has been suffering from dememtia.

Initially we kept him at home, but he soon started getting disoriented, opening the door and walking out in the middle of the night, or leaving the shower or gas on. So the doctor suggested we don't keep him at home any more. We have three childrenso I need to contribute financially too.

That means I am not at home more often than I want to. Hence, we decided to

Councillor Ameet Jogia from Harrow recently got married to Priya Jatania at Karuna Manor, where his father Narottambhai Jogia (in wheelchair) is currently a resident

move him to a care home. But he is still as much a part of our life. We just celebrated our wedding anniversary at the care home where my father-in-law is staying.”

While care homes, regularly organise events like valentine's day, birthdays, anniversaries and Royal weddings or birth celebrations, they are opening the doors to more and more weddings to involve loved ones into the family's special ceremonies. Some choose to host a formal celebration- while others organise for a mock wedding, to ensure their elderly family members can bless them with their presence.

Councillor’s Care Home wedding

Similar was the arrangement in case of a Conservative politician, who took part in a historic marriage ceremony recently at a local care home.

Councillor Ameet Jogia from Harrow who recently got married to Priya Jatania, held his 'Mandvo', pre-marriage ceremony, at Karuna Manor Care Home, where his father Narottambhai Jogia is currently a resident.

The ceremony was the first marriage that has taken place in a care home. The ceremony took place after Ameet’s father was suddenly taken ill with terminal can-

cer in March last year. Narottambhai became a resident at Karuna in August 2018 after his cancer was incurable.

Narottambhai’s last wish was to see his son married and Karuna Manor arranged to help Ameet host his wedding ceremony at the care home after his father was not well enough to leave his home.

The celebrations were small and colourful and all residents and staff at Karuna Manor were able to attend the ceremony. Karuna Manor was turned into a Mandap, with flowers, decorations and food, with the ceremony taking place in the in-built Mandir at the home, with prayers and offerings from the in-house priest. Many of the residents dressed and attended the ceremony as part of the groom’s family and gave their blessings to the couple.

Anand Bhatt, Community Development Manager at Karuna Manor said it was a historic occasion for the home, “It was an honour to host a wedding at this care home and to help Ameet’s family conduct this last wish for his father and mother Hansaben Jogia. It was also a wonderful experience for all the residents and staff to attend a wedding.”

Karuna Manor is an awarding winning home in Harrow where the focus is on spirituality and quality of life. The home is unique and specialises in residential and nursing care for the elderly with Gujarati food cooked for residents every day.

Ameet and Priya (daughter of Deepakbhai Jatania - former President of the Lohana Community North London and Premaben Jatania) where later able to conduct the rest of their wedding celebrations with friends and family late last year.

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Golden Jubilee

Kenya Exodus and Settlement in Great Britain

We are especially delighted that many British Indians with a Kenya connection as well as others have responded to this initiative spectacularly, some even describing this as ‘historic’, 'unprecedented' and 'very helpful'. The general reaction is how the magazine can particularly help them connect with their children, grand children and great grand children by sharing the herculean efforts of their ancestors to settle in UK swiftly after they migrated due to change in the political situation of Kenya at that time.

Our younger generation and even their offspring would not only be inspired but as some readers have suggested, this will create a better understanding of their elders' struggle in a strange country.

With our age-old family and spiritual values, ambition, hard work and perseverance coupled with the positive environment of British society, whatever the British Indian community has achieved over the decades is second to none.

Our publication date is 30th March, 2019 and the advertising deadline is of 20th March, 2019, which should be understood as the latest and perhaps last minute advertising or sponsorship support.

Ideally, the sooner we receive the information and details, the better it will enable our journalists and graphics team to produce a better quality magazine with proper and attractive articles and layouts.

So far we have responses from some potential sponsors. We would like to have in-depth profiles of outstanding individuals or businesses. We are pleased to invite a short (50 words) profile and photo of all outstanding Kenya connected persons, including your elders, to be included in the Magazine, without any charge.

If you have any other suggestions please do let us know. Send your information to Ragini Nayak, Asian Business Publications (ABPL Group), 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW, UK or email support@abplgroup.com.

As I See It CB Patel

Rule of law and compassion: The Great British Virtues It’s remarkable that, despite being a smallish island nation, Great Britain has a unique place on the world map.

The rule of law, compassion, tolerance and civic sense has made the UK a shining example of democracy in action, despite all our current political struggles, Shamima Begum is at the moment in the eye of the storm. A school girl, not yet 15, was brain washed, became a jihadi bride and secretly left the UK with two other friends. That such an independent minded girl accepted an assigned husband is in a way mind boggling, but such is the power of fanaticism and hatred coupled with the acceptance of violence. Many Shamima Begum others who followed her example were brought up Muslim, but there are examples of Hindu extremists as well. If you look at their backgrounds, they were all vulnerable and susceptible to brain washing.

Shamima Begum’s British citizenship has been revoked. Her son also has acquired UK citizenship. As far as publicly known she does not have another nationality. One has to accept – and in a way appreciate - her deep desire to come back home, and sadly but not surprisingly - she hasn’t shown any remorse or regrets in the slightest for her actions or beliefs.

To my mind, we need to follow the rule of law. There is also the important fact that her child, just a few days old, has not perpetrated or condoned any crime. How can we deny him the prospects of a better life in a civilised society to which he is entitled as a legal British Citizen?

There is no doubt that she must face due legal process and accept any penalties within the system. Common sense also makes one feel, better keep such characters in the tent than keep them outside.

Labour Party in the labour ward!

119 years ago when the Labour Party was founded, one Indian barrister Shyamji Krishna Verma - was one of its midwives. He donated £1000 (during that time). Shyamji also established India house, in Highgate, London campaigning for Indian inde-

pendence.

When the India League was established by Annie Besant in 1912, he and several other Labour Party stalwarts became active Shyamji Krishna Verma supporters of the independence campaign.

The Indian Independence act of 1947 was passed under Clement Attlee, the Labour prime minister.

British Indians and other Asian voters have always had a soft spot for the Labour Party, and up until recently the Labour Party was the choice in elections.

Sadly the party today isn’t the same. It’s populist, extreme left wing economic agenda and perceived antisemitism has created a danger of one more split in the Labour Party. How tragic?

Some 30 years ago the Social Democratic Party evolved out of a splinter group. Most of them returned to the labour fold, but today you can’t be so sure. Divisions over economic policy, on handling anti-semitism and especially extremist aspects of socialism may not enable a healing process within the party. It continues to remain unelectable as an alternative ruling party for the foreseeable future.

Sadly the leadership does not seem much concerned - heartbreaking.

Who is this Hafiz Muhammad Saeed?

All of India is hurt, angry and aching for action following the cowardly act in Pulwama last Thursday. Indians of all backgrounds, religions, languages have become united for revenge against the perpetrators inspired, aided and furnished

by Pakistan.

Hafiz Saeed People from opposition parties are also demanding, somewhat loudly, a military and befitting reply against Pakistan.

It is a big relief that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown steadfastness under the circumstances. The

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Indian strategy is to expose the Pakistani connection, isolate Pakistan wherever possible and, further down the line, encourage economic sanctions with the help of like minded nations against the government of Pakistan, which is almost on the verge of financial bankruptcy, with the Prime Minister of Pakistan - contrary to his earliest pledges - now is going around with a begging bowl. Saudi Arabia, the Emirates and China are helping to a certain extent but the IMF, World Bank and other international resources are turning their faces away.

Military action is the last resort. In a normal scenario, a likely victory for India would be more than vindicated.

But the Indian government should stick to its current policy as opposed to waging a war with nuclear armed neighbour. The utmost priority for India is to safeguard its borders and pursue its policy of rapid economic and social development.

Modi has denounced such attacks, 59 countries have supported India and are keen to declare Masood Azar an international terrorist, regardless of some of them being members of Organisation of Islamic Countries.

Regrettably China, one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, is not agreeable.

May be in years to come, Chinese oppressions on Muslims in Xiang Xiang and other parts will incite terrorism from the likes of Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Masood Azar and Mohammed Omar Said Sheikh through Jaish-E-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. It may then be too late for China to retrace its misguided and mischievous path.

Hafiz Saeed is not alone. On Christmas Eve in 1999 an Indian airline plane flying from Kathmandu to Delhi was hijacked with 176 passengers. After the first stop at Amritsar, it went to Lahore, then Dubai where 26 hostages were freed and then landed at Kandahar airport in Afghanistan which was then under Taliban control. The hijackers who forced New Delhi to free three Islamist militant leaders from Indian prisons.

Mohammed Omar Said Sheikh a British Pakistani eventually went on to murder us journalist Daniel Pearl.

Such blood thirsty individuals live and die by sword. Chances are eventually Pakistan, which is sheltering such evil characters, will be forced to eliminate them for one reason or another.

Vegans responsible for falling pubs’ profits?

Pubs have blamed the Veganuary campaign in January for a slash in their sales despite the Christmas and New Year Cheer.

Sales declined by 1.8 pc in comparison to those in January last year given the better weather conditions this year.Surveys have suggested that up to 2.6 million Britons had planned to turn to a Vegan style compromising with meat and dairy in 2019.

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Bengal Heritage Foundation hosts Bengali folk event

East Bengal FC launches its merchandise in London

In a first of its kind, East Bengal Football Club from West Bengal, India has launched its merchandise in London at a socio-cultural Indian classical and Bengali Folk event 'Fagun Fest' organised by London Sharad Utsav and Bengal Heritage Foundation at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London on 17thFebruary.

Present in the launch were legendary football player of yesteryear – Chima Okorie and Debashis Golder, head of Air India, UK. Chima launched the Red Yellow EB jersey and was also seen wearing the jersey on the stage. This is an important step towards globalisation of the Indian Club Football in terms of tapping into the huge fan base across the world and reaching out to the next generation who are gradually learning the passion associated with East Bengal, Mohun Bagan.

Anirban Mukhopadhyay, President of London Sharad Utsav and an ardent East Bengal football fan said,“This is a proud moment for Indian football which has walked the extra mile to go global. This is just a starting point and

there is more to be done to take Indian football to the next level with support from club fans across the globe. Being able to flaunt this red-yellow jersey adds on to the enjoyment for all East Bengal fans like me.”

NRI Marriages to be compulsorily registered within 30 days A Bill seeking compulsory registration of NRI marriages within 30 days of the wedding, has been introduced in the Upper House of the Indian Parliament by India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj.

This Bill seeks to “safeguard the interests of Indian women trapped in fraudulent marriages with NRIs”. The proposed law will be applicable to NRIs marrying Indian women both within or outside of the country.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, close to 3,328 complaints were received between January 2015 and November 2017 from Indian women deserted by their NRI husbands.

The provisions of the Bill mandate that the marriage – whether it is solemnised in India or outside – should be registered within a period of 30 days from the time the couple ties the knot. Failure to do so would imply that the Indian authorities have the right to revoke the offender's passport. It also allows Indian courts to issue summons through the designated website of the MEA and attach properties belonging to the NRI – if he does not appear before the court.

Swaraj said the Indian government revoked the passports of 25 NRI husbands for abandoning their wives.

Highlighting the plight of wives abandoned by NRI husbands, the National Commission for Women (NCW) wrote to

the MEA, stating that “in many cases where despite the marriage having been

solemnized in accordance with the personal laws of the country and in India,

foreign courts decide the cases and dissolve marriages.”

UK

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Private equity: why it’s important for investors and entrepreneurs Private equity is a hazy term. It’s one of those terms that means many things to many people, and nothing to the vast majority. This is especially true, and somewhat surprising in the British Indian community, considering it is by any measure the most progressive. The Indian community, according to a Telegraph piece (2015), accounts for some 2% of the British Sachin Nandha population, yet contributes 12% of all the doctors in the Chief Executive PillboxCapital 3 NHS; and the Centre for Entrepreneurship tells us that Indian entrepreneurs employ some 100,000 people.

Many reading this column will already be an investor in some capacity. Many of you will have invested in property, by far the most popular asset class amongst Indians (globally). A brilliant long-term asset, but the heady days of super-high returns (pre-2008) are truly over, with returns falling to below 8% across all property related investments, with negative growth in parts of London (2018). According Savills (2017), there is inertia in the market caused by growing uncertainty around property deals.

Is the Community missing a trick?

Private equity (PE) on the other hand has returned a steady return of 11% per annum to investors (after manager fees) over the last 15 years according to British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA).

Compare this with the FTSE 250 returning 6.3% to investors. PE investment has outperformed every asset class consistently for over 10 years. Yet, very few in the community can get access to professional, FCA regulated PE funds. With little understanding, and not much in the public domain due to the very nature of it being ‘private’ it can prove difficult to place your money with fund managers or raise PE capital when your business is ready to scale.

What is Private Equity (PE)?

PE is a private regulated fund that invests in growing businesses that are ready to be scaled quickly. It uses private capital and bank funding to provide large sums of capital to entrepreneurs who are ready to take their business to the next level. Along with money, the right PE firm provides entrepreneurs access to deep networks (globally), across supply chains, and can attract experienced management teams to support entrepreneurs. With both added skill and capital businesses stand the best chance of achieving scale. For example, at PillboxCapital, we invest anywhere from £1m to £8m into businesses with a follow-on capacity of up to £60m over a number of years. Most PE funds will take majority stake in the business and look to exit in 4 to 7 years creating significant wealth for entrepreneurs, management teams and investors.

For investors, PE consistently out performs all other asset classes because it is investing in ‘real’ businesses, backing real talent with skill and money to help them grow quickly. Fund managers often have an expertise and will only invest with a specific criterion in mind. At PillboxCapital we only invest in regulated professional businesses. We have strong networks and capital to match; returning 15% per annum growth for investors.

PE can be a boon for entrepreneurs with a scalable business seeking capital and know-how, while also being the prefect place to park your investment over the medium term because you know you’re contributing to the real economy and can expect stronger returns than most other asset classes.

To find out more visit: www.pillboxcapital3.com https://www.bvca.co.uk

10 READERS VOICE

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IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION Gujarat Samachar newsweekly and its sister publication Asian Voice along with other magazines are published by Asian Business Publications (ABPL Group), 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW, UK. Asian Business Publications Ltd is a wholly owned company registered in the UK and has no shareholding or affiliation with any other publications or persons in India or outside U.K. Gujarat Samachar, a daily published from Gujarat, India is not in any way connected with Gujarat Samachar newsweekly published from the UK. To further clarify we reproduce below the respective Mastheads of the two publications:

Gujarat Samachar, London

Gujarat Samachar, India

CB Patel Publisher / Editor Gujarat Samachar & Asian Voice 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW

Terrorist Attack The terrorist attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwana, Jammu & Kashmir in India, killing 42 soldiers is devastating. No wonder, the disastrous incident sent shock waves across the length and breadth of the country. Civilians, irrespective of their political and religious affiliations, held peaceful candle march and also organised ' bandhs' at various places. Many state governments, organisations and individuals have come forward to extend monetary and non-monetary support to the next of kin of our martyred army personnel.

It is very painful that in spite of all security and protection measures, these terrorists identify some lapses and succeed in committing horrendous crimes, killing and injuring innocent people everywhere. More painful is the fact that these enemies of humanity obtain the support of local people otherwise how can they acquire vehicles, weaponry and the explosives that are commonly used in such assaults.

Bharat Shah Rayners Lane

Pulwana Attack The Pulwama attack was gruesome even though seventy years have passed after we got our Independence.

During these 70 years, several thousands of our soldiers have lost their lives for the country but we are still not able to take any strong action on Pakistan and thus allowing our soldiers to die in the name of peaceful discussions which has failed but instead increased the attacks on our soldiers and also terrorist attacks on innocent people.

Jubel D’Cruz, Mumbai, India

We are grateful to all letter writers for more and more versatile letters well within word limit.

Please keep contributing as always.

If you are new, then write to Rupanjana at rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com - AV

Brexit Mishmash

Reading AV/GS online

The British image overseas has been tarnished because they entered Brexit negotiations without any proper planning, no meaningful strategy and cavalier attitude to meet the pitfalls and uncertainty we are facing today on security, aviation, Irish border, immigration, sustainable trade relations, investments, banking, IT, protection of jobs, workers’ rights, supply of medicines and food.

We have lost credibility the whole thing has become a amalgamation of pantomime, farce, comedy and Tradegy.

One does not know whether to laugh or cry? The situation has become like the layers of an onion, under the first lie is another, and under that another and they all make you cry.

By taking it to the wire Theresa May is playing with fire.

Brexit has already cost the UK economy £40bn per year – or £800m per week – in the period since the EU referendum in 2016, according to Bank of England economist Jan Vlieghe.

He estimates that since the vote, Britain has lost 2 per cent of GDP “relative to a scenario where there had been no significant domestic economic events” – equating to a total of around £80bn over the past two years.

This is what the European countries are saying: “It’s a mixture of bemusement and bewilderment,” says Michiel van Hulten, a former Dutch MEP. “On one level it’s entertaining, great spectacle. A pantomime you can’t stop watching. As you know, we love British comedy. Except this isn’t Monty Python, it’s your politicians.” Spaniards, who have long viewed British politics as an ancient beacon of democracy and informed debate, are struggling to reconcile their ideal with the realities of recent days, weeks and months.

As Brexit turns into what one French commentator called a “national psychodrama” – or, in the more prosaic words of a friend, “un big mess” – many French are addressing Britons with the sympathy normally reserved for the bereaved. “So sorry,” they say, as a no-deal B-Day looms.

“What will you do now?”

Signs of Anglophilia are easy to spot in Prague: a square named after Winston Churchill, a bunch of English-language bookshops and several branches of Marks & Spencer. Since the Velvet revolution that heralded the end of communism in 1989, most Czech politicians, diplomats and opinion-formers have routinely deferred to Britain as a cradle of democracy and common sense.

All this has added to Czechs’ bewilderment at the seemingly chaotic drama unfolding at Westminster as the UK staggers towards the EU departure gate. Germans are also resigned – if frustrated - by British misperceptions, from Boris Johnson’s claims that a “German-led” EU is pursuing a Hitlerian superstate to the notion that Berlin would force the EU to submit to the UK’s Brexit demands in order to save the German car industry. They are also immune to the British tabloids’ assertions that Germany is morally indebted to Britain for the defeat of Hitler, and so should throw Theresa May a lifeline.

Poland’s attitude towards Britain might be characterised as largely affectionate – but with an edge. Brexit is not helping. The wartime alliance is remembered in Poland as much in terms of British betrayals as of Polish pilots and the Enigma machine. Too much time has flown under the bridge it is time to remove the red lines with white lines to wrap up the deal with the EU. Baldev Sharma Rayners Lane, Harrow

Although I am a lifelong, devoted subscriber of AV/GS, as I like to read books, novels, periodicals and newspapers, holding them in my hand rather than online, I read part of AV/GS online, mainly on Wednesdays, well before Friday when we normally receive our copies by post.

The main reason is that I prefer to write my letters, articles for AV well in advance, emailing them to AV on Saturday or Sunday and by reading AV on Wednesdays, I may be able to pick-up a subject matter based on news and letters published there in.

While trying to go online, I noticed that we have to pay full price, as if we are buying it from a shop. While I agree that such quality weeklies should not be available completely free online, for free-loaders who contribute nothing financially, I also feel that it should be available either free to subscribers or subscribers paying a small amount in the region of £5 to £10 extra with their subscription while non-subscribers paying full price, as is the norm with many ethnic publications.

We also read AV/GS online when we go on holidays to Spain, while sitting in a 25th floor balcony, with a bottle of cold drink, overlooking beautiful Mediterranean Sea, watching waves rise and ebb, listening to roar of sea waves that reminds us of our wonderful, carefree days in my birth place Dar Es Salaam, one of the most beautiful, scenic seaside cities in the world, with waves from mighty Indian Ocean washing shore line. Even after leaving Dar some 50 years ago, it is still fresh in our hearts as if it was only a month ago!

Lastly may I thank Dineshbhai and R. N. Patel for their mature comments and appreciation of regular letter writers, as well as expedient Editorial aBoard in selecting right letters for publication!

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Donald and His Wall America’s president, Donald Trump, has resurrected his election promise to build a wall between the US and Mexico.

This wall will be built to stop illegal migrants of Mexico from entering the USA. He plans to use emergency powers to pay for a border wall after Congress refused to approve the $5.7 billion (£4.4 billion) cost. He had hoped to make Mexico pay for the cost of erecting such a wall but this did not come to fruition.

However he has said that there are so many different forms in which Mexico will reimburse the US for the cost.

Building a border wall was a key pledge in Mr Trump’s election campaign. This is not the first time that a wall has been built between two countries. Yonks ago, China built its great wall to stop invaders from plundering its country. The Berlin wall is another such example. So it won’t be surprising if Donald’s wish becomes a reality. Next he may want to build partitions in public places to separate whites from muslims and blacks.This will amount to going back to the old days of segregation and apartheid. America’s wall may probably be construed as a segregation at the time when we are aiming for one world for all.

India should take a leaf out of Donald’s book and build such walls with its neighbouring countries to stop terrorists from infiltrating the land of Lord Rama, Krishna, Mahavira, Gandhi et al.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Pupils Strike for Climate Change It is indeed encouraging to see how our children have become politically, socially and morally active at such young age. The climate change which pollutes air we breathe in, affects younger generation, as well as elderly people more than general population; especially as so many schools are situated on main roads with heavy traffic constantly flowing during school time that leads to curtailment of outdoor activities.

No wonder many children develop breathing problems, asthma, bronchitis and similar health conditions that may ruin their health and put them on permanent medication for life that is an unnecessary burden on our already under pressure NHS, financially, academically and on staff shortages.

Talking to one of the students who participated in last Friday’s strike, 15th February 2019, she put her case eloquently, pointing out that it is time to act, take urgent steps to protect environment before it is too late, as ice caps are melting, sea level, sea temperature rising, destroying beautiful corals, flooding low level coastlines in countries like Bangladesh, Philippines and Indonesia.

If this trend is not reversed, we will lose some of the most beautiful, low lying islands in the chain of Maldives, Hawaii, Canaries, Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, Andaman and many more. It will also affect polar bears, dolphins, hump wales and many animals that depend on sea for their survival, indeed matured and informative view-point!

There were some valid points made by various people, professionals, as well as parents, media Pundits and School governors. This walk-out was too close to GCSE exams, on a school day rather than at week-end when parents can accompany students and keep an eye. But everyone agreed that these youngsters who are our future, is on the right track, teaching elders and politicians our duty and responsibilities. If they are allowed to negotiate Brexit, we may get us a better deal!

Kumudini Valambia By email What do you think?

We want to know your views on any issue. Write to: Asian Voice, 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW or e-mail: aveditorial@abplgroup.com

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Black pupils' schooling 'dumbed down over special needs' Many black pupils in England are having their education dumbed down after being wrongly identified as having one of a range special needs, a study says.

The study found black Caribbean pupils were twice as likely to be identified as having social, emotional and mental health needs as white British pupils.

The Oxford University team could not explain the "substantial over-representation" of this group. It urged schools to check if discipline policies caused a systematic bias. Previous research has looked towards cultural differences, teacher racism and ineffective classroom management as part of the answer.

Prof Steve Strand anal-

ysed data on six million children in England's schools between 2005 and 2016.

Social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) are a type of special educational needs that covers support with mental health problems and challenging behaviour.

Challenging behaviour is a big factor in pupil exclusions and shifts to alternative provision.

Prof Strand said: "Black Caribbean children may be suffering an inappropriate and narrowed curriculum, from unwarranted overidentification, particularly [in] secondary schools.

"This might mean they get less academically challenging, more vocationally orientated work perhaps," he

said, "like being shifted from maths to motor maintenance, or experience a lowered expectation of what they can do.

"From the factors that we have measured - socio-economic background, poverty and neighbourhood deprivation, and children's development on entry to school - we can't explain why, in particular, black Caribbean children and mixed-black-Caribbeanand-white children are more likely to be diagnosed with SEMH." There was a strong correlation between SEMH and social-economic background, Prof Strand said, but this could explain only half of the increased likelihood of a black Caribbean child being identified as having SEMH.

Schoolchildren protest over climate change Pupils from around the UK went "on strike" on Friday as part of a global campaign for action on climate change.

Students around the country walked out of schools to call on the government to declare a climate emergency and take active steps to tackle the problem. Organisers Youth Strike 4 Climate said protests took place in more than 60 towns and cities, with an estimated 15,000 taking part. They carried placards, some reading:

"There is no planet B." The action was part of a much wider global movement, known as Schools 4 Climate Action. It began with 15-year-old Swede Greta Thunberg skipping class to sit outside government buildings in September, accusing her country of not following the Paris Climate Agreement.

Since then, tens of thousands of children across Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and Australia

have been inspired to hold their own demonstrations.

The biggest protests were held in London, Brighton, Oxford and Exeter, the UK Student Climate Network said. Greta tweeted about the UK protests, writing: "British PM says that the children on school strike are 'wasting lesson time'. That may well be the case. But then again, political leaders have wasted 30 yrs of inaction. And that is slightly worse."

23 Feb - 1 Mar 2019

EDUCATION

11

Telford university dedicates new building to late Angad Paul

Rt Hon. Lord Paul pictured with High Commissioner of India to the UK, Ruchi Ghanashyam and Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Geoff Layer

A building at the University of Wolverhampton’s Telford Innovation Campus has been renamed by its Chancellor.

University of Wolverhampton Chancellor The Rt Hon. Lord Paul of Marylebone PC led a ceremony at the campus to name its main building The Angad Paul Building in memory of his son who sadly died in November 2015.

The move is part of a legacy gift of £500,000 that Lord Paul has agreed to donate to the University in memory of Angad via the Ambika Paul Foundation, a

charitable trust set up by Lord Paul in memory of his daughter Ambika.

Guests included the High Commissioner of India to the UK, Ruchi Ghanashyam.

University of Wolverhampton Chancellor, Lord Paul said: “After twenty one years as Chancellor of this University, I am confident that the Telford Innovation Campus will be an outstanding centre of engineering excellence, and that it will also nurture the quality of creativity of which Angad Paul's life and attitudes remind us. I hope that

our event today will be a landmark on that journey.”

The gift is to be used to support a number of initiatives for students and staff.

These will be: • Lord Swraj Paul Early Careers Research Fund – to support early careers researchers leading up to the Research Excellence Framework 2021 • Lord Swraj Paul Excellence in Teaching Fund - to support individual and group teaching excellence reward initiatives • Lord Swraj Paul Fund to support Student Entrepreneurial Initiatives.

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23 Feb - 1 Mar 2019

SCRUTATOR’S Before fields Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as a campaigner for the 2019 general election in other states, should dwell on the darker aspects of governance in his own bailiwick: frequent lynching, riots, poor hospital care, robberies, name change of cities and much else have become the norm.

The Uttar Pradesh Assembly was in uproar over the hooch tragedy which claimed 116 lives in Uttar Pradesh and in neighbouring Uttarkhand and cannot be wished away with conspiracy fantasies.

Yogi Adityanath must address the fact the cheap illicit liquor produced in Uttar Pradesh was the source of these deaths among its poorest denizens.. Poor policing and slack administration have long been the bane of Uttar Pradesh. Bihar is also a case in point. There, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s ruling JD(U), in alliance with the BJP, opted for prohibition in a bid to win votes of women, in face of past evidence across borders and continents, that the suggested panacea leads to the crime just witnessed (Times of India, Hindu February 12).

Curtailing freedom When Adityanath visited West Bengal to address a public meeting as part of the BJP’s general election campaign, Chief Minister

Yogi Aditiyanath

former British prime minister David Cameron et. A visit to Chennai for high profile visitors leads inevitably to a photographed session with Lord Ram. Betwixt and between were ‘Huddles’ with writers and artists – more muddle, say critics – but the spanner in the works was the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) report that by and large exonerates the government of financial malfeasance (Business Line, Hindu, Times of India February 14) This should end Ram’s Ramayana ‘Exclusives.’

Banerjee leading the show. With her were Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, Arvind Kejriwal and Chandrababu Naidu and a minor cast. While the cat was away, the mice were at play. Bengal School examination papers were leaked in two subjects, and the increasingly jinxed Kolkata Metro had one of its power failures. Disgruntled passengers lamented the indifferent time-keeping and much else that was awry. In Delhi, a fire in a 4-star hotel had led a tragic loss of lives, while the capital’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his parasitic Am Aadmi party was unfurling his national ambitions. (Times of India, Hindu, Statesman February 14).

To make confusion worse confounded, Mulayam Singh Yadav, the patriarch of the Uttar Pradesh Samajwadi Dal, made a spirited defence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament, stating that he deserved to return to power in the national interest.

This puts Mulayam Singh seriously at odds with his son Akhilesh Yadav (Times of India, Statesman February 14, TV Channels February 13).

Rajapakse for close India, Lanka ties Former Sri Lankan President and now Opposition leader Mahinder Rajapakse, addressing the third edition of the Hindu newspaper’s Huddle in Bangaluru, said that

Rahul Gandhi on song However, Congress President Rahul Gandhi dismissed the CAG report as ‘not worth the paper it’s written on.’ (Times of India, Hindu February 14).

Mercifully, every day and hour yields fresh evidence of his unsuitability for high or low office – Shakespeare put it best, ‘the common curse of mankind, folly and ignorance.’

Akhilesh Yadav

Mamata Banerjee attempted to impede his movements, and was rightly condemned, but Adityanath prevented the Uttar Pradesh Samajwadi Dal leader Akhilesh Yadav from addressing the Allahabad University Students Union did he not? It led to another furore in the State Assembly. (Hindu February 13, 14).

Rafale hogs headlines The purchase of the French warplane keeps creating waves in Parliament, without the expected tsunami in public opinion. In the latest disruption in the Lok Sabha, Congress President Rahul Gandhi quoted as his evidence an ‘Exclusive’ front-page Hindu newspaper reports (February 11, 12) by the Hindu Group Chairman N. Ram. But when did Mr Ram’s written or spoken words become holy writ? He is much in the public eye these days in the company of the good and great – from cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar to former Sri Lankan president Mahinder Rajapakse,

Gloves off Ministerial gloves were off, as Ravi Shankar Prasad tore into the delinquent Congress President, describing as a ‘liar’ on the Rafale affair (Business Line February 14) Earlier, media reports told how Arun Jaitley had Rahul Gandhi’s incessant dismissed his vacuuity with utmost contempt.

Three Rafales for Aero India show Three Rafale aircraft have arrived in Bangaluru for the five-day Aero India air show – the biggest in Asia – starting February 20.

Fighter aircraft from the major powers are expected to display their planes in bid to augment sales to India and countries beyond (Business Line February 14).

Delhi circus Delhi was treated to an Opposition rally of low comedy, black comedy and pure farce. The usual performers were on view, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata

Coffins of jawans draped tricolour at Delhi Airport

with explosives and driven by suicide bomber Adil Ahmed of the Pakistan-based Jaish-eMohammed.(Times of India, Hindu, Statesman February 15, 16 T V channels February 14,15, 16) See page 3.

Kellogg eye Haldiram pie In one of the biggest buck transactions involving an iconic India consumer brand, Haldiram is exploring a potential partnership and a stake sale to Michigan-based Kellogg company, famous for the popular breakfast cereal brand and :Pringles chips. Haldiram, founded way back in 1937 by Gangabhis Bhujiawala Aggarwal, it is headquartered in Delhi, with two giant hubs in Kolkata and Nagpur. The firm, famous for its snacks, is valued around $3 billion. The difficulty for Kellogg’s will be convincing both branches of the Haldiram family, with one branch favouring the deal and the other against it (Times of India February 14) Message to China

Former Sri Lankan President Mahinder Rajapakse at Bangaluru meet

ties between the two countries should rest on an enduring platform beyond changes of regime in either capital.

‘We must evolve a mechanism to ensure that misunderstandings don’t take place,’ he said. Calling for strong people-to-people relations, he said the civil services of the two countries - not just the Foreign ministries – must have institutional mechanisms to foster bilateral ties (Hindu February 10).

China’s protest to India on Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as its own was brushed off by him as he inaugurated a tunnel designed to facilitate movement of troops to the border at short notice. Further to this, the Army and Air Force conducted the largest ever airborne exercises in the northeast (Times of India February 11).

No kowtowing

Tibet, once independent and sovereign, with its own government, administration, legislature, diplomats and currency, was invaded in 1950 by China, as did Nazi Germany did in like fashion to Czechoslovakia in March 1939. Tibet is now a militarized Chinese base, its great rivers which flow downstream into South and South East Asia are under Chinese control.

Anniversary celebrations in India on the Dalai Lama’s arrival in In India in April 1959 were cancelled in a bid to assuage Chinese sensibilities. The world’s oldest and most stubborn imperialism will accept except nothing less than the obligatory kowtow of a tributary state. Appeasing Beijing does not pay. Its brutal conquest of Xinjiang and shaming oppression of its Uighur population and suppression of their Islamic faith is reality that brooks no denial.

Business schools cash in on pre-placement offers Pre-placement offers are fast catching on in business schools.

These offers are usually made based on the candidate’s performance during summer internships. Unlike the earlier experience, increasing numbers of start-ups are flocking to Business schools with a good pay package.

‘Some companies are losing good candidates to start-ups, so they find it a good hedging strategy,’ said an expert (Business Line February 12).

Phase 1 of Chennai Metro completed

Five Kashmir jihadis killed Five Kashmiri jihadis, belonging to the Hizbul Mujahideen, were killed in a security operation by the paramilitary Rashtriya Rifles and the CRPF in the south Kashmir district of Kulgam (Hindu, Times of India February 11).

Suicide bomber kills 40 in Kashmir India was in shock following the deaths of 40 paramilitary jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force in a convoy on the highway in Kashmir’s Pulwara district, ambushed by a vehicle crammed

PM Modi inaugurating Chennai Metro with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister

It has been a long wait – almost decade, in fact, since construction began in June 2009 – for the good citizens of Chennai to enjoy their first ride to work or for pleasure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who inaugurated the 45 kilometre line was accompanied by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O. Pannerselvam and officials of the Metro network. Work will now commence on the 52 kilometre Phase II of the Metro (Business Line February 11).

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Rotherham peer Lord Ahmed accused of ‘inappropriate sexual approaches’ Rotherham peer Lord Nazir Ahmed has been accused of inappropriate sexual behaviour and exploiting his position to try and have sex with women.

The allegations emerged as part of a BBC Newsnight investigation aired last night (Thursday), which also raises questions about the adequacy of the code of conduct in the House of Lords.

Lord Ahmed, who is one of Britain's first Muslim peers, denies the allegations against him and said one of the women was trying to “damage my reputation”.

Newsnight said it had spoken to several women who "have been extremely upset by inappropriate sexual approaches" by Lord Ahmed and that "requests for political help were met with requests for sex".

One complainant Tahira Zaman (43) said Lord Ahmed, who is a married man with three children, repeatedly asked her out to dinner. She told Newsnight that at first she had declined, but agreed after Lord Ahmed said he had written to the police asking them to help her case. She claims Lord Ahmed sat on top of her and she had felt pressured to have sex with him. He continued to pursue her, she said, and they had a two-month affair

which only ended because he had made it clear he wasn't going to leave his wife.

Another woman told Newsnight that when she asked Lord Ahmed for help he suggested she should spend the night at his London home. In a statement, Lord Ahmed said: “I completely deny the allegation that I have exploited my position to pursue an inappropriate relationship with any member of the public (vulnerable or otherwise) or that I have acted inappropriately in the presence of women either in my personal or professional capacity.

“The House of Lords' Commissioner for Standards, Ms Lucy ScottMoncrieff CBE, assessed the complaint and decided that it did not engage parliamentary inappropriate behaviour about me. She decided to take no further action.

“The complainant asked the Commissioner to review her decision and acting upon this request, the Commissioner re-examined her reasoning and reached the same conclusion. The allegations have been rejected by others as being without merit and given these outcomes it is regrettable that the BBC has chosen to proceed with this broadcast.

“I take my duties as a

Lord Ahmed

Parliamentarian extremely seriously and would not act so as to undermine my personal or professional reputation. I am disappointed in the way in which the complainant has pursued this matter having provided inconsistent accounts of her alleged complaint.

“It is with regret that the timing of this broadcast is when my wife is in a critical condition in intensive care. I therefore ask that my and my family’s privacy is respected at this time.”

Lord Ahmed sat as a Labour councillor in Rotherham between 1990 and 2000 and was chairman of the party's South Yorkshire branch between 1993-2000. He resigned from the Labour party in 2013 days before he was due to face a hearing over alleged anti-Semitic comments. In 2009, he was jailed for dangerous driving after admitting sending text messages moments before his car hit a stranded driver on the hard shoulder.

23 Feb - 1 Mar 2019

13

returned. It said the matter was now closed. The Home Office would not comment.

Ipswich Labour MP Sandy Martin said: "I hope the Home Office will have learnt a lesson from this."

The issue came to light when a pupils at Stoke High School shared an image on social media with the caption: "How's there a 30-yearold man in our maths class?"

After concerns were raised by pupils and teachers

in November, the Home Office said disputed-age cases were "a challenging area of work".

It said Home Office staff had to rely on "physical appearance and demeanour" to assess a person's age. "If an individual is assessed to be under 18 but subsequent concerns about their age are raised - for example, by a school - we will act quickly to reconsider the case," a spokesman said at the time.

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'Lessons to be learnt' from older Stoke High School pupil An MP said he hoped lessons would be learned by the Home Office now an adult asylum seeker has left a school where he posed as a 15-year-old pupil.

The man, whom Year 11 classmates claimed was as old as 30, was found to be an adult following an age assessment carried out by the local authority. Stoke High School in Ipswich said neither the man nor a Year 7 pupil, who left at the same time, had

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NFRN to host its centenary dinner On February 24 hundreds of independent newsagents and convenience store owners, along with their families and friends, will be gathering for one of the highlights in their social calendars as National Federation of Retail Newsagents will be organising their annual dinner and dance at the Tower Hotel in St Katherine's way, London.

This year’s event is extra special as NFRN is currently celebrating its centenary.

A special toast will be raised to cheer for NFRN as an organisation, which has grown today from humble beginning to becoming the premier association for 15,000 independent retailers in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Despite this major milestone, the NFRN remains as relevant today as it was in 1919 and it exists to protect and further the interests of independent retailers.

Although several local groups of newsagents had existed previously and the roots of the Federation go back to 1893 and it was in Leicester on 9th and 10th July 1919 that the National Federation of Retail Newsagents Booksellers and Stationers was started, with its rules and a constitution drawn up, which divided the country into a number of district councils and branches covering local areas.

At this meeting, a national programme of 14 points were discussed.

Thirteen of the points were adopted, including the defence of members or branches in case of dispute, price of newspapers not to be more than half a penny, a minimum profit of 33.3% on all publications and the gradual elimination of street trading, beginning first with the abolition of all child street trading under 17 years of age.

NFRN now Mr Nilesh Patel serves as one of three National Trustees, as President of the London district and President of the London Barking and Havering branch.

So what does the NFRN do for its members and why should independent retailers belong to this organisation?

Nilesh Patel Mr Patel, the owner of Nils Mr F A Ratcliffe from Convenience Store in West London was elected as Hainault, explained, “For a the National President, with small businessman or Mr W Sidwell from Leicester women, today’s trading as Vice President, Mr environment is highly comAlexander MacLaren of petitive and challenging but Glasgow, was appointed as by being an NFRN member General Secretary and Mr J you never feel alone.

Pheasey from Leeds as Membership provides a Honorary Treasurer. wealth of practical help and assistance, commercial support, training, deals and buying opportunities so that we can develop our businessWherever one man can es, compete against help another, thank God the multiples and discount stores and for such a remain as the beating hearts of our commubirthright, brothernities for many years J Russell Lowell to come.

“One unique feature of the NFRN is its army of retail development manAt long last, retail agers who are out visiting newsagents had a national shops on a daily basis to movement to protect their offer professional support interests and as time has and help on a wide range of proved it has been immensebusiness matters. Backing ly successful with many this up is a helpline and legal achievements under its belt. helpline, plus a catalogue of The first National training modules, fact Council Meeting took place sheets and checklists to in the London District ensure that members comCouncil offices on July 17, ply with all the latest legisla1919 and late in October that tion and achieve business year the first Head Office growth. was established at 89 “There are so many Farringdon Street, London, issues facing retailers – from EC4. increasing instances of retail

crime to soaring business rates and onerous red tape – that the NFRN also exists to provide a strong voice - at government and parliamentary level and within our industry - to make sure that members’ concerns are not only heard but, more importantly, acted upon.

“In short, the NFRN is the voice of the independent retailer, whether they run newsagents, convenience stores, sweet shops, petrol forecourts, florists, post offices, coffee shops, off licences or card shops.”

Mr Patel continued, “As London President I am proud and honoured to be hosting the district’s annual dinner dance on February 24 and it promises to be a great evening where members can enjoy some great food and entertainment, catch up with friends, colleagues and trade partners and raise a glass to toast the centenary of the NFRN.”

NFRN Motto

The London dinner dance is taking place on February 24, at The Tower Hotel in St Katherine’s Way, London, from 6pm to midnight. Tickets cost £40 for a four-course meal, soft drinks, free bar and a full programme of entertainment.

If you would like to attend please contact organiser Nigel Smith by emailing: nigel.smith@nfrn.org.uk.

For more information about the NFRN visit www.nfrnonline.com

Annual charity challenge launched at Neasden temple

Chris Cloke, Head of Child Protection Awareness at the NSPCC

The BAPS Annual 10K Challenge was launched on Saturday 9 February evening at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden.

The official partner for this year’s charity Challenge, which takes place on 28 April, is the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) – the UK’s leading charity campaigning and working to protect children from neglect, harm and abuse.

The Challenge brings together more than 3,000 enthusiastic participants of all ages and backgrounds around the country for a fun and healthy way to raise funds for various worthy causes and local charities.

This year’s event will also offer an opportunity for a tailored group activity where participants can embark on various challenging tasks, such as abseiling, mountain climbing, a

static cycle ride, and the Spartan Race.

Chris Cloke, Head of Child Protection Awareness at the NSPCC, joined worshippers and guests at the Mandir for the official launch. Following a brief tour of the Mandir, Yogvivek Swami, Head Swami of the Mandir, welcomed him to the assembly.

Dr Mayank Shah, trustee and a leading volunteer for BAPS, said, “The NSPCC’s vision to not only protect children today, but prevent abuse in the future and transform society for every childhood is truly inspiring. We at BAPS share that vision and are guided

by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj’s message to serve and care for each child to in turn create a better world for everyone.

Children form an integral part of our activities and we are honoured to have an opportunity to further the great work of the NSPCC.”

Koolesh Shah, Chairman of Sri Aurobindo Trust sponsors module on modern Indian philosophy at SOAS Koolesh Shah, founder of London Town Group of companies and a devotee of Sri Aurobindo, one of India’s intellectual and spiritual giants of the early 20th century, has carried the cause to SOAS University of London as the Chairman of the Sri Aurobindo Trust. Thanks to the generous support of the Trust, SOAS have been able to offer a module on ‘Modern Indian Philosophy’ for the last three years, with a specific focus on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.

SOAS Development officer Stuart Linnett said, “We are excited and encouraged that the Trust has decided to continue to support the Modern Indian Philosophy module for a further three years.

“SOAS is uniquely placed to provide an academic home for the partnership. The study of religions has been an integral focus

Front: Pruthvish Patel, Koolesh Shah founder of London Town Group, Prof Stephen Hopgood, SOAS Pro-director.

Back: Stuart Linnett development officer, Dr Nikhil Shah Director of London Town Group

of the university teaching and research programmes since SOAS was founded over one hundred years ago. Students at SOAS can study a wider range of religious traditions and more in depth than any other similar programmes anywhere in the world.”

The module will continue to be aimed primarily at undergraduate students and those on taught master’s courses. The Module carries twenty-five percent of the total marks for that academic year. It comprises of one written examination, course work and the

field project.

The ‘Modern Indian Philosophy’ module has provided students with a fundamental understanding of Modern Indian Philosophy and raised awareness about the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.

The attention to the interplay between the textual and the lived, between tradition and innovation, and between politics and spirituality will be enhanced through the programme, exploring the relationship between East and West.

The Sri Aurobindo Trust investment includes the Field Study Awards, which will enable several SOAS students each year to visit Pondicherry and Auroville for a bespoke 10-day programme.

This programme provides students with an actual lived-in experience of the vision and practice of the Integral Yoga of Sri

Aurobindo as currently practised at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry and the international town of Auroville. As part of this experience, the students will have the opportunity to carry out their fieldwork research.

Koolesh Shah said, “We are delighted to work in partnership with SOAS to extend the module on the teachings of the internationally-acknowledged Indian philosopher and mystic, Sri Aurobindo. His teachings have a universal appeal as they offer a unique insight into human nature and the human potential for evolution and world unity. Given SOAS’ reputation as a global resource centre and an internationally acknowledged academic institute, we believe SOAS is the best partner in furthering our mission of making Sri Aurobindo’s teachings accessible to all.”

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More than just nostalgia

In conversation with Gup Shup podcast Photo courtesy: Mohammed Sheikh

Daniyal Gilani

important to have these discussions with the younger generation because they think they know everything, but we’ve lived it already and can help them make the right decisions in life and learn from our mistakes”, says his Nanu.

On the next episode of Gup Shup, Daniyal speaks to his late grandfather’s best friend Jameel. “The male experience will always be different to the female experience of the generation, it will be the same topic but a completely different angle”, he told the newsweekly.

Hoping his listeners are able to take valuable lessons from the podcast, he said “We can learn so much from the elder generation and give them the time that they deserve, it’s really important, the only thing we are up against is time. We don’t know how long certain people have long left and that’s the thing I am pushing out is for people to go and have those conversations”.

To rewind back into time, listen to Gup Shup on https://soundcloud.com/gupshuppodcast it is also available on Apple podcast.

Instapoets taking the world by storm Young female poets are attracting fans on social media, helping their poetry book sales to soar. Though not all are successful, Nikita Gill, a former student and part-time child carer, who posts verses online has gathered half a million followers on Instagram and more than 28,000 followers on twitter.

One of the most successful instapoets, Gill grew up in a house full of books. She was born in Belfast, where

Rupi Kaur

her father who worked in Merchant Navy was posted, and was taking his captain's exam at the Ulster University.

Encouraged to write from a young age, Gill grew up in Delhi, moved to the UK to do a Masters degree in Kent which focused on distraction theory in relation to young people with ADHD, ADD and dyslexia. This led to a desire to work with children with special needs.

In 2015, Gill, who often penned her poetry on old receipts or on restaurant napkins, began posting her work on a Tumblr blog, followed by on Instagram a few months later, and after being profiled in a Buzzfeed article, she gained 15,000 followers.

Now celebrities share her work regularly, although Khloé Kardashian once allegedly shared Gill's poem without crediting her.

The Indian-origin writer, whose diary is often filled with speaking engagements, is now among British poets to find fame via social media.

According to Gill, online poetry is popular because it is therapeutic in nature.

SHAKILA K NAMED AS OPENING ACT FOR EAST 17’S BISHOPS STORTFORD CONCERT Shakila K will be opening the East 17 concert at The Marne Inn, in Bishops Stortford, on 20thApril.

One of the UK's most popular boy bands during the early to mid-1990s, East 17has achieved 18 top-20 singles and four top-10 albums, selling over 18 million albums and 1.8 million singles in the UK in Shakila K the process. The 21-year-old Hertfordshire songstress, who’s working on her debut EP, is looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic night of music. Shakila K – who’ll soon be finishing her studies at London’s Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) – commented, “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to perform on the same stage as such a top act as East 17. “East 17 has had an incredibly successful career, with multi-platinum album sales and, of course, it’s great that they - like me - have such a strong connection with east London. I was born there and lived there for much of my life, so it’ll be amazing to be performing with people from that part of the world. “I’m sure everyone who comes to watch this event will have a night to remember,” Shakila K added. “I hope we have a great crowd to witness a very special event.

“I’m grateful to Aaron Fennell, the landlord of The Marne Inn, who’s organised this gig - and engaged me to perform.”

Preeti Bali

much history and experience gone, which I don’t know about”.

"It was exciting but worrying leaving More than just a series of conversafamily behind because I had a big tions of fond memories, Gup Shup family. First of all, I knew the lanserves as a bridge between the first and guage problem I was going to face, second generation and aims to bring when I came, he was living in a flat, I together two very different identities thought in England the houses were from the same background. The podmade of glass"– part one of episode cast also allows those from outside of two on the Gup Shup podcast is all the South Asian community to get a about how life was for Shameem, who better understanding of the communimigrated from Pakistan to the UK ty as opposed to the way the South after her marriage.

Asian diaspora is seen through mainstream media. “Some of the stuff spoGup Shup podcast is a series of conken about can be considered taboo, versations between Daniyal and those such as divorce, so it is about normalizfrom the first generation. Its first ing conversations about certain topics. episode is with his grandmother Divorce is a big one, a lot of people go (Shameem) who he lovingly calls through it, but brushing those type of ‘Nanu’. The conversations take us back conversations under the carpet won’t in time to when Nanu was a young do anything, we need to start being girl "We were six sister and three open and have these conversabrothers, my grandmother tions,” he told Asian Voice. lived with us helping my Daniyal originally More than Mum and we thought she recorded the conversawas the one who just a series of tions solely for himself, brought us up". but he realised the aconversations of fond Describing the power and memories, Gup Shup serves as area Rahim Yar change it could a bridge between the first and Khan where bring. Split she grew up into three second generation and aims in pre-partisegments, the to bring together two very tion, she says "It podcast series different identities was a close comtakes us back to munity if someone childhood for the first from the same was sick people would generation, migrating to background. come and see you". the UK and becoming figThe 25-year-old from ureheads of their family. The South London thought of the podcast is a more so intimate and idea after losing his grandfather in personal audio journal allowing its February last year. He says, “I had the listeners to imagine and contemporize privilege of growing up with my grandlife back then. For those who don’t parents and spent a lot of time with have the privilege of growing up with them, but I didn’t know about their their grandparents, it provides some past when my grandfather passed away understanding of how life was for the it was the triggering point for me – so generation before them. “I think it’s

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Nikita Gill

Rupi Kaur, a poet from Canada has similarly bagged 3.5mn followers on instagram.

However not everyone has welcomed the new generation of poets. An essay recently has accused them for 'rejection of craft', as they are allegedly failing to engage with the tradition.

However Fiona Sampson, the former editor of Poetry Review defended the millenial wordsmiths as 'exciting'. She added that instagram did not invent bad poetry, as an Editor of a poetry journal she has seen bad in every genre.

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BRITISH INDIANS OUTRAGED Continued from page 1

Hundreds of Indians living in the UK protested outside the High Commission of Pakistan in London on Saturday, against the Pulwama attack, which claimed lives of 40 CRPF jawans in Kashmir. Pakistan-based terror group Jaishe-Mohammad (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

Waving the Indian flag, people flocked with placards saying #Jaibharat, chanting “Pakistan Murdabad”, “Vande Mataram”, “Kashmir humara hain”. The protest was joined by the supporters and members of Overseas Friends of BJP. Dogra-origin, 41 year old Manu Khujaria stood with a microphone and said how families of soldiers in different parts of India are waiting for their father, brother, husband to come back home...She went on to speak in Hindi, “No to terrorism. We have tolerated Pakistan radicalising our youths- we have tolerated enough. Globally every nation should declare Pakistan as a terrorist nation.”

UK government ministers and a number of British MPs took to social media or issued statements to condemn the terror strike.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Twitter wrote, “Shocked by today's senseless and brutal act of terror in...Kashmir. I offer my sincere condolences to the victims' families. We stand with India."

Tory MP and leader of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Hindus, Bob Blackman, said, “My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the service people who died and I wish those recovering a swift return to full health. We stand with India at this time of crisis and should offer our full support to India in action to combat this terrorist atrocity.

“It should clearly be understood that the entirety of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, having opted to join India on independence in 1947. It is a sad fact that terrorism has emanated from across the line of control where the Pakistani military illegally occupies a sovereign part of India. Pakistan has shown a complete disregard to preventing these terrorist groups from operating across the line of control.

“This attack is cowardly, despicable and beyond comprehension.

“The international community, including the United Kingdom, must support India in the face of this ongoing aggression and outright terror and take action to isolate, proscribe and bring the terrorists to justice.

“Jihadist movements must be dealt with and quashed and any nations harbouring these groups should face consequences.”

Indian-origin Opposition Labour Party MP Virendra Sharma condemned the attack and called on the UK government to reconsider the reference to "India-administered Kashmir".

"I was pleased to see the British Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, has offered his sincere condolences to the victims' families, and stated that 'we stand with India', but I am concerned that he used the phrase 'India-administered Kashmir'," he said.

Sharma said he has written to the Foreign Secretary to reiterate that Kashmir is an integral part of the Indian state and has been since it formally acceded in 1947.

Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Chair of the Labour Friends of India said, “We stand in solidarity with the people of India and send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who were brutally murdered.”

On the other hand a comment by Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has infuriated the local community, when he mentioned that the party stood with the people of ‘Kashmir’ (not India) and would offer a political resolution, if they come to power in the UK. He wrote, “I'm alarmed by the violence that killed 44 people in Kashmir. Labour Party sends condolences to families who lost loved ones. We stand with the people of Kashmir and in government we will work towards negotiations and a political resolution.”

The Labour Party had the resolution of issues in Kashmir as one of their agenda in the 2015 election manifesto.

Asian Voice wrote to the Labour Friends of India, asking if the Labour party is moving away from 'the sentiments of Indians'. During the recent visit of the Pakistan Foreign Minister, the Azad Kashmir group had organised an event in House of Commons. An antiIndia event, it was attended by Labour MP Tan Dhesi among others.

An angry Dr Rami Ranger, who is an entrepreneur and the Chair of the Conservative Friends of India wrote, “You should be standing with the people of India as those killed in cold blood were from every part of India,” aiming at Mr

Corbyn.

Foreign Office minister for Asia, Tariq Ahmad met Indian high commissioner Ruchi Ghanshyam and conveyed condolences over the Pulwama deaths, adding, “India is a key partner for the UK across trade, security and culture.”

Tom Tugendhat, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament, said, “I’m deeply saddened by the terrorist attack in Kashmir. Thoughts are with the Indian security personnel killed and injured by this appalling crime.”

Community stands by India

Trupti Patel, President, Hindu Forum of Britain in a statement said, “We have witnessed that Pakistan over the past few decades has become accustomed to harbouring terrorist, terror groups and terror training camps.

Countless cross-border attacks have taken place and it is clear to many across the globe that Pakistan has now in effect become a terrorist state. As a nation we have had a number of terror attacks with loss of many lives and injury to countless others. We have suffered as a nation at the hands of such terror groups. We therefore understand the pain and sorrow of the people of India, and we stand united in this their time of grief...

“The international community has made many gestures, but they remain mere gestures whilst Pakistan continues on its path of terrorism. The time has come for all good people and nations across the globe not only to condemn Pakistan, but to take proactive action to isolate this terrorist state...At this time in the 21st Century, let Britain lead the world and show that when it comes to terrorism, enough is enough. We ask you to galvanise the international community in support of PM Modi and the People of India, and to take practical action that will get to the root of the terror issue...I hope and trust that I will secure your full support.”

OFBJP (UK) condemning the attack in a statement said, “Pakistan has miserably failed in its attempt to forcibly snatch the Jammu & Kashmir from India after getting defeated in three wars; but has continued to support and fund the low intensity war against India by using the Islamic terrorists, who roam freely in Pakistan...Overseas Friends of BJP (UK) demands that Pakistan stop this overt and covert support to terrorists operating from its soil; and warns that it would be solely responsible for any retaliatory action taken by India.”

Study Group appoints new CCO Rajay Naik, former director of The Open University, has been appointed chief commercial officer at Study Group.

Naik’s previous tenure as Keypath Education’s European CEO saw him lead the rapid expansion of the company’s online degree programmes on behalf of the University of Exeter, Aston University and other prestigious higher education institutions.

Study Group is a leading provider of international education.

It enables students from around the globe to suc-

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Rajay Naik

ceed at degree level, by helping them develop the necessary study and language skills. Last year, 60,000 students from 150 countries chose Study Group to provide them with life-changing learning experiences.

Prior to this, Naik led all external functions of The Open University for five years and was a key architect of the FutureLearn MOOC platform. He was also one of five members of the landmark review of UK higher education chaired by Lord Browne.

Emma Lancaster, Study Group’s CEO said, “We’re delighted to welcome Rajay to the team”, says. “He brings a fresh perspective and invaluable expertise to our global executive team.”

“Universities are increasingly looking at

new forms of academic delivery – and they expect private sector partners to recognise this and satisfy demand,” said Naik.

“So I’m particularly excited to be joining Study Group, as it is exceptionally positioned to extend its impact on global education over the coming years.”

“Rajay is uniquely qualified to lead our new product development”, adds Lancaster. “We’re entering a new era and expect to innovate to ensure the best international student experience possible.”

Tory austerity tears apart nurseries

Indian journalist attacked Radhika Iyer, NDTV correspondet in the UK was mobbed at the protest outside Pakistan High Commission, because she represented NDTV, which is labelled as 'anti-Modi', and therefore 'anti-national' in India.

In a social media post, a pain-stricken Iyer wrote, “As a journalist, you can well imagine how unpredictable, challenging and emotionally very taxing some days at work can be. Like for anyone else in their own work place. I have been reporting for the last 14 and a half years. Much of it in broadcast journalism as you know. During terror blasts, tsunami, cyclone, air crash, train accidents, political crisis, during day, during night, weekends, festivals, during the week of my wedding, during treatment for cancer. Today though was particularly challenging. And hurtful.

“I was at a protest march by some Indians in London against the gruesome terror attack in J&K in India. I was among the first to reach and started filming on my phone. I interviewed some people, then recorded visuals. When suddenly the crowd cornered me. Hooted me for being associated with NDTV. One lady said ‘you cannot be here’. One man said ‘ if you are an Indian, then say bharat mata ji jai ‘- the rest kept bullying and shouting slogans whenever I started to film, preventing me from doing my job.

“This was a protest by Indians and people of Indian origin. Against terrorism. Even against Pakistan. When suddenly in the middle of it, the focus was on me and the media channel I am associated with. I felt cornered, vulnerable and isolated amidst so many of my own- fellow Indians! some who are well known to me...If you don’t like Ndtv- don’t watch it, or don’t give aninterview. If you want to raise concerns, speak to me or ask me who you should be writing to if it is not my report you have an objection to. why stop a person from doing his/her job? “...I am fine now and back at work! For most time though- I stood there as an Indian, feeling absolutely helpless and let down by my fellow Indians for simply being there to do my job. I stood alone - as a woman, a journalist, an Indian - on duty.”

Patriotism and nationalism are two entirely different things. India is a democracy- and freedom of thought and speech are an integral part of the country. Radhika who was doing her jobwas attacked for representing a media channel for a country, where 'freedom of free spech' and 'freedom of press' still exist. While we take pride in calling ourselves as Indians on British soil, waving the Indian flag and chanting our country's name- beating our chest, attacking someone for doing her job as a journalist, or for thinking differently as an Indian or as a woman- is neither patriotic nor an example of a true Indian.

Gurkha Engineers mount first Queen's Guard in four years

Gurkha Engineers mounting first Queen's guard at Buckingham Palace

The Queen's Gurkha Engineers (QGE) have mounted their first Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace for four years.

The regiment had earlier carried out the duty during Gurkha 200 celebrations in 2015. The origins of the Changing of the Guard date back to 1660 and is carried out by troops on active duty. The

Queen's Gurkha Engineers will provide the Queen's Guard and Windsor Guard until April 12.

Each Gurkha will carry a kukri instead of a bayonet on parade and members of the public will be able to see personnel draw their kukris have them inspected at Wellington Barracks immediately before the Changing of the Guard.

Meet the new 'RoboReporters' as your news anchors Priyanka Mehta

Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets.

From September 2017, the government had doubled the entitlement of 15 hours to 30 hours Over 1000 nurseries of free childcare for all working close down parents of three and four-yearolds per week during term-time.

According to the National Day However, the government’s Nurseries Association (NDNA), flagship program has failed to the hourly rate per child given to benefit half of the poorest famithe Tower Hamlets council lies amounting to roughly from government to pass to 300,000 family units who provider is down from £8.96 in require this support according 2016-17 to £8.06 in 2019-20. to research conducted by They say, that due to an increase Insurer Royal London. in the business costs the hourly Increasing living costs and an funding rate which the insecurity about jobs at the Government gives to providers height of Brexit pushes many of via their local authority has these working couples to rely on decreased and three of the inner these programs especially London council areas seem to be among first generation of Asian the most affected. immigrant couples who do not The Official Ofsted figures have their grandparents to fall of 2015, there has been a net loss back upon. of over 1000 nurseries and childBut one of the predominant minders from the Early Years reasons for this scheme’s failure Register and over 15,000 childis the lack of resources in maincare providers have left the registaining these nurseries wherein, ter. local councils do not receive Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief enough funds from the governExecutive of National Day ment.

Nurseries Association (NDNA) in Niru Naidu is a resident a statement said, “We have seen from Tower Hamlets and a that during that first year, nursworks at an IT consultant firm. ery closures increased by 66% Her three-year old son is autistic these are just the figures covered and attends the Overland by our research, the true figure Nursery in Tower could be greater.

Hamlets- one of the “We have “We have three nurseries due flagged this issue to close down of underfundflagged this issue of sometime in ing with the underfunding with the July this year.

Department “My son Department of Education ofEducation got the help he (DfE) for (DfE) for years now but needed at this years now nursery and they continue to deny the but they conthat is why it problems our members tinue to deny cannot be the problems see every day.” stressed how much our members see it is important to have every day.” early years childcare,” she Meanwhile, local said. councillor Rabina Khan from Mary Sambrook and John Liberal Democrats has started a Smith are two other nurseries campaign on Twitter slated to close down. Over #SaveOurNurseries where she 30,000 petitions have been talks about how “One in three signed against the council’s prochildren in Tower Hamlets live posal to shut down these nursin poverty.” In her video message eries which the council claims she opposes the Mayor's proare not cost-effective. posed closure of these nurseries “The decision to close the and “demands better” for these three local authority day nursfamilies. eries is not one that has been “If we are elected in the taken lightly. future as an administration and “There is a clear financial an opposition, we will fight to challenge facing schools so they make sure that these nurseries can longer support these nursare re-opened,” she said. eries and the council simply While these nurseries in cannot justify picking up this London are expected to close cost. This has not been an easy down by July this year, the Welsh decision, and we will we will be Government has announced an looking at how the council can investment of £60mn in more invest in early years provision than 100 new childcare projects more widely in ways which will as part of the 30 hours of early benefit a greater number of chileducation every week due to be dren in the borough.” said John rolled out across Wales by April.

Fake news, misinformation, and disinformation- these concerns are now only the tip of the iceberg; the bigger challenge that Journalists needs to both prepare for and be skeptical of- is the penetration of Artificial Intelligence and robots gradual substituting TV anchors, Radio Jockeys and feature writers.

According to the Diversity in Journalism report released in 2017 by the National Council for the Training of Journalists, reporters are less ethnically diverse than the workforce as a whole with 94% of those being 'white'.

“With news agencies speed is important which is why they need to resort to algorithms but accuracy is equally important,” said a freelance journalist from Europe who wished to stay anonymous.

Robots curate financial company reports Reuters, Bloomberg and Financial Times are competitive news organisations always racing against each other in releasing individual company results, economic numbers and commodity data that needs to be disseminated to their hedge fund clientele in lightening speed of micro-seconds.

“These company reports are often the same each quarter in terms of the format.

The only difference is that you need to be sharp enough to pick out the important numbers. But apart from that there is hardly any creativity required. So, the collation of these reports can often be done by such algorithms,” she explained.

Bloomberg news is one of the first adaptors of this automated content.

Cyborg, churned out thousands of articles last year by taking these financial reports and turned them into news stories like a business reporter. Other organisations include Washington Post using Heliograf, Content Management System called 'Bertie' used by Forbes.

The line between Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Journalism While mainstream print and digital media in the west has been picking up the tech fad, in the east, China’s state news agency Xinhua introduced AI anchors named Qiu Hao. These anchors were developed through machine learning to simulate the voice, facial movements, and gestures of real-life broadcasters. Does this mean that news will be delivered through Machine Learning and does it allude to a loss in field reporting?

“Yes and no. I think there’s no

Xinhua’s robotic news anchor Qiu Hao

replacement to being on the field. But stories from individuals and photographs / videos from regular people go a long way in recording an incident and telling the story accurately.

There’s space for both. What’s sad though is that for many news companies - field reporters are becoming less important in comparison to the desk bound social media reporters. Companies must continue to invest in field reporting and see value in stories told from the field,” said Rahul Joglekar, a freelance journalist and filmmaker with many years of experience at the BBC in London.

S a r a h O'Connor is a journalist who had challenged “Emma” her technical counterpart at Financial Times while filing a story about the UK's employment data. To her surprise not only had the robot been three times faster in drafting the story but had been also been interpretive in providing context to the story and included relevant angles such as Brexit to the piece.

These company reports are often the same each quarter in terms of the format. The only difference is that you need to be sharp enough to pick out the important numbers. But apart from that there is hardly any creativity required. So, the collation of these reports can often be done by such algorithms.

“In my opinion, it always boils down to quality reporting, which I think cannot possibly be done by AI,” said Deborah Bonetti, Director, The Foreign Press Association, London.

Elon Musk's not for profit charity OpenAI has launched a new AI model that can write news stories almost from complete scratch. The AI system is fed text, anything from a few words, and asked to write the next few sentences based on its predictions of what should come next. It is almost an extended version of the 'autocorrect' feature which saves many from the humiliation of unknown spellings. But what about liaising with different organisations such as government bodies, or PR agencies?

PR agencies and the human touch “Artificial Intelligence is being used in a meaningful way in the PR industry by doing the everyday mundane tasks from preparing name badges for press events to curating data,” said Sangeeta Waldron, owner and founder of Serendipity PR & Media.

“Public relations is all about story-telling and building relationships and while A r t i f i c i a l Intelligence is not at the moment able to replicate emotional intelligence and bring in the human skills of creativity.

“We can't ignore it but we need to think about how we're going to regulate it, in terms of putting it to good use and ensuring that there are ethics behind it,” she said.

The increasing penetration of technology, machine learning and social media are all wake-up calls to all journalists, who appear to compete with “RoboReporters”. These new-age techsavvy journalists can in a long run prove to be more cost-effective, faster and more efficient and may start appearing on your Television screens as well.

“It is possible but will it work? I personally wouldn’t trust a robot to go out and tell a proper story. Maybe technology will one day be invented that can do that but until then hopefully, people will rely on good broadcasters and field reporters!” Joglekar concluded.

JBCCC request May to apologise for Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Lord Meghnad Desai and Lord Raj Loomba, have initiated a debate on the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in the House of Lords in the UK Parliament to request for an apology from the British Government. What marks a historic moment at a time when the centenary of the massacre falls on 13 April 2019, will see a discussion on the subject in full detail for the first time in one hundred years. It also proposes conversation around the British government’s plans to commemorate the centenary.

The last time was in July, 1920 when the House of Lords, through a vote, condoned the actions of Brigadier General Dyer who killed more than a thousand peaceful protestors at

Jallianwala Bagh on 13th April, 1919.

Dyer had fired on them without warning, and continued to fire for ten minutes even as they were trying to escape, while he blocked the main exit with his soldiers and armoured vehicles.

Lord Desai and Lord Loomba are members of the Jallianwala Bagh Centenary Commemoration Committee (JBCCC) that comprises NRIs and Indians . The JBCCC chairperson is Sardar Balbir Singh Kakar and includes Lady Kishwar Desai, Navtej Sarna, Virendra Sharma, and Dr. Rajinder Singh Chadha (Patron-inChief). Lord Desai and Lord Loomba have also written a letter to the Prime Minister Theresa May requesting for an apology, on behalf of the JBCCC.

Apart from the debate, the JBCCC, along with The Arts And Cultural Heritage Trust, has also supported the Partition Museum, Town Hall, Amritsar to produce and install a detailed exhibition on the massacre at the Town Hall, Amritsar. This exhibition, with the help of Manchester Museum, will now be travelling to England to Manchester, London and Birmingham in April 2019. There are also requests to send the exhibitions to various cities in India and around Punjab .

“Punjab under Siege – the Jallianwala Bagh Centenary (19192019)” has been set up to critical acclaim at the Partition Museum last year in August.

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BRITISH INDIANS OUTRAGED Continued from page 1

Hundreds of Indians living in the UK protested outside the High Commission of Pakistan in London on Saturday, against the Pulwama attack, which claimed lives of 40 CRPF jawans in Kashmir. Pakistan-based terror group Jaishe-Mohammad (JeM) has claimed responsibility for the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

Waving the Indian flag, people flocked with placards saying #Jaibharat, chanting “Pakistan Murdabad”, “Vande Mataram”, “Kashmir humara hain”. The protest was joined by the supporters and members of Overseas Friends of BJP. Dogra-origin, 41 year old Manu Khujaria stood with a microphone and said how families of soldiers in different parts of India are waiting for their father, brother, husband to come back home...She went on to speak in Hindi, “No to terrorism. We have tolerated Pakistan radicalising our youths- we have tolerated enough. Globally every nation should declare Pakistan as a terrorist nation.”

UK government ministers and a number of British MPs took to social media or issued statements to condemn the terror strike.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Twitter wrote, “Shocked by today's senseless and brutal act of terror in...Kashmir. I offer my sincere condolences to the victims' families. We stand with India."

Tory MP and leader of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Hindus, Bob Blackman, said, “My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the service people who died and I wish those recovering a swift return to full health. We stand with India at this time of crisis and should offer our full support to India in action to combat this terrorist atrocity.

“It should clearly be understood that the entirety of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, having opted to join India on independence in 1947. It is a sad fact that terrorism has emanated from across the line of control where the Pakistani military illegally occupies a sovereign part of India. Pakistan has shown a complete disregard to preventing these terrorist groups from operating across the line of control.

“This attack is cowardly, despicable and beyond comprehension.

“The international community, including the United Kingdom, must support India in the face of this ongoing aggression and outright terror and take action to isolate, proscribe and bring the terrorists to justice.

“Jihadist movements must be dealt with and quashed and any nations harbouring these groups should face consequences.”

Indian-origin Opposition Labour Party MP Virendra Sharma condemned the attack and called on the UK government to reconsider the reference to "India-administered Kashmir".

"I was pleased to see the British Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, has offered his sincere condolences to the victims' families, and stated that 'we stand with India', but I am concerned that he used the phrase 'India-administered Kashmir'," he said.

Sharma said he has written to the Foreign Secretary to reiterate that Kashmir is an integral part of the Indian state and has been since it formally acceded in 1947.

Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Chair of the Labour Friends of India said, “We stand in solidarity with the people of India and send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who were brutally murdered.”

On the other hand a comment by Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has infuriated the local community, when he mentioned that the party stood with the people of ‘Kashmir’ (not India) and would offer a political resolution, if they come to power in the UK. He wrote, “I'm alarmed by the violence that killed 44 people in Kashmir. Labour Party sends condolences to families who lost loved ones. We stand with the people of Kashmir and in government we will work towards negotiations and a political resolution.”

The Labour Party had the resolution of issues in Kashmir as one of their agenda in the 2015 election manifesto.

Asian Voice wrote to the Labour Friends of India, asking if the Labour party is moving away from 'the sentiments of Indians'. During the recent visit of the Pakistan Foreign Minister, the Azad Kashmir group had organised an event in House of Commons. An antiIndia event, it was attended by Labour MP Tan Dhesi among others.

An angry Dr Rami Ranger, who is an entrepreneur and the Chair of the Conservative Friends of India wrote, “You should be standing with the people of India as those killed in cold blood were from every part of India,” aiming at Mr

Corbyn.

Foreign Office minister for Asia, Tariq Ahmad met Indian high commissioner Ruchi Ghanshyam and conveyed condolences over the Pulwama deaths, adding, “India is a key partner for the UK across trade, security and culture.”

Tom Tugendhat, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament, said, “I’m deeply saddened by the terrorist attack in Kashmir. Thoughts are with the Indian security personnel killed and injured by this appalling crime.”

Community stands by India

Trupti Patel, President, Hindu Forum of Britain in a statement said, “We have witnessed that Pakistan over the past few decades has become accustomed to harbouring terrorist, terror groups and terror training camps.

Countless cross-border attacks have taken place and it is clear to many across the globe that Pakistan has now in effect become a terrorist state. As a nation we have had a number of terror attacks with loss of many lives and injury to countless others. We have suffered as a nation at the hands of such terror groups. We therefore understand the pain and sorrow of the people of India, and we stand united in this their time of grief...

“The international community has made many gestures, but they remain mere gestures whilst Pakistan continues on its path of terrorism. The time has come for all good people and nations across the globe not only to condemn Pakistan, but to take proactive action to isolate this terrorist state...At this time in the 21st Century, let Britain lead the world and show that when it comes to terrorism, enough is enough. We ask you to galvanise the international community in support of PM Modi and the People of India, and to take practical action that will get to the root of the terror issue...I hope and trust that I will secure your full support.”

OFBJP (UK) condemning the attack in a statement said, “Pakistan has miserably failed in its attempt to forcibly snatch the Jammu & Kashmir from India after getting defeated in three wars; but has continued to support and fund the low intensity war against India by using the Islamic terrorists, who roam freely in Pakistan...Overseas Friends of BJP (UK) demands that Pakistan stop this overt and covert support to terrorists operating from its soil; and warns that it would be solely responsible for any retaliatory action taken by India.”

Study Group appoints new CCO Rajay Naik, former director of The Open University, has been appointed chief commercial officer at Study Group.

Naik’s previous tenure as Keypath Education’s European CEO saw him lead the rapid expansion of the company’s online degree programmes on behalf of the University of Exeter, Aston University and other prestigious higher education institutions.

Study Group is a leading provider of international education.

It enables students from around the globe to suc-

17

Rajay Naik

ceed at degree level, by helping them develop the necessary study and language skills. Last year, 60,000 students from 150 countries chose Study Group to provide them with life-changing learning experiences.

Prior to this, Naik led all external functions of The Open University for five years and was a key architect of the FutureLearn MOOC platform. He was also one of five members of the landmark review of UK higher education chaired by Lord Browne.

Emma Lancaster, Study Group’s CEO said, “We’re delighted to welcome Rajay to the team”, says. “He brings a fresh perspective and invaluable expertise to our global executive team.”

“Universities are increasingly looking at

new forms of academic delivery – and they expect private sector partners to recognise this and satisfy demand,” said Naik.

“So I’m particularly excited to be joining Study Group, as it is exceptionally positioned to extend its impact on global education over the coming years.”

“Rajay is uniquely qualified to lead our new product development”, adds Lancaster. “We’re entering a new era and expect to innovate to ensure the best international student experience possible.”

Tory austerity tears apart nurseries

Indian journalist attacked Radhika Iyer, NDTV correspondet in the UK was mobbed at the protest outside Pakistan High Commission, because she represented NDTV, which is labelled as 'anti-Modi', and therefore 'anti-national' in India.

In a social media post, a pain-stricken Iyer wrote, “As a journalist, you can well imagine how unpredictable, challenging and emotionally very taxing some days at work can be. Like for anyone else in their own work place. I have been reporting for the last 14 and a half years. Much of it in broadcast journalism as you know. During terror blasts, tsunami, cyclone, air crash, train accidents, political crisis, during day, during night, weekends, festivals, during the week of my wedding, during treatment for cancer. Today though was particularly challenging. And hurtful.

“I was at a protest march by some Indians in London against the gruesome terror attack in J&K in India. I was among the first to reach and started filming on my phone. I interviewed some people, then recorded visuals. When suddenly the crowd cornered me. Hooted me for being associated with NDTV. One lady said ‘you cannot be here’. One man said ‘ if you are an Indian, then say bharat mata ji jai ‘- the rest kept bullying and shouting slogans whenever I started to film, preventing me from doing my job.

“This was a protest by Indians and people of Indian origin. Against terrorism. Even against Pakistan. When suddenly in the middle of it, the focus was on me and the media channel I am associated with. I felt cornered, vulnerable and isolated amidst so many of my own- fellow Indians! some who are well known to me...If you don’t like Ndtv- don’t watch it, or don’t give aninterview. If you want to raise concerns, speak to me or ask me who you should be writing to if it is not my report you have an objection to. why stop a person from doing his/her job? “...I am fine now and back at work! For most time though- I stood there as an Indian, feeling absolutely helpless and let down by my fellow Indians for simply being there to do my job. I stood alone - as a woman, a journalist, an Indian - on duty.”

Patriotism and nationalism are two entirely different things. India is a democracy- and freedom of thought and speech are an integral part of the country. Radhika who was doing her jobwas attacked for representing a media channel for a country, where 'freedom of free spech' and 'freedom of press' still exist. While we take pride in calling ourselves as Indians on British soil, waving the Indian flag and chanting our country's name- beating our chest, attacking someone for doing her job as a journalist, or for thinking differently as an Indian or as a woman- is neither patriotic nor an example of a true Indian.

Gurkha Engineers mount first Queen's Guard in four years

Gurkha Engineers mounting first Queen's guard at Buckingham Palace

The Queen's Gurkha Engineers (QGE) have mounted their first Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace for four years.

The regiment had earlier carried out the duty during Gurkha 200 celebrations in 2015. The origins of the Changing of the Guard date back to 1660 and is carried out by troops on active duty. The

Queen's Gurkha Engineers will provide the Queen's Guard and Windsor Guard until April 12.

Each Gurkha will carry a kukri instead of a bayonet on parade and members of the public will be able to see personnel draw their kukris have them inspected at Wellington Barracks immediately before the Changing of the Guard.

Meet the new 'RoboReporters' as your news anchors Priyanka Mehta

Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets.

From September 2017, the government had doubled the entitlement of 15 hours to 30 hours Over 1000 nurseries of free childcare for all working close down parents of three and four-yearolds per week during term-time.

According to the National Day However, the government’s Nurseries Association (NDNA), flagship program has failed to the hourly rate per child given to benefit half of the poorest famithe Tower Hamlets council lies amounting to roughly from government to pass to 300,000 family units who provider is down from £8.96 in require this support according 2016-17 to £8.06 in 2019-20. to research conducted by They say, that due to an increase Insurer Royal London. in the business costs the hourly Increasing living costs and an funding rate which the insecurity about jobs at the Government gives to providers height of Brexit pushes many of via their local authority has these working couples to rely on decreased and three of the inner these programs especially London council areas seem to be among first generation of Asian the most affected. immigrant couples who do not The Official Ofsted figures have their grandparents to fall of 2015, there has been a net loss back upon. of over 1000 nurseries and childBut one of the predominant minders from the Early Years reasons for this scheme’s failure Register and over 15,000 childis the lack of resources in maincare providers have left the registaining these nurseries wherein, ter. local councils do not receive Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief enough funds from the governExecutive of National Day ment.

Nurseries Association (NDNA) in Niru Naidu is a resident a statement said, “We have seen from Tower Hamlets and a that during that first year, nursworks at an IT consultant firm. ery closures increased by 66% Her three-year old son is autistic these are just the figures covered and attends the Overland by our research, the true figure Nursery in Tower could be greater.

Hamlets- one of the “We have “We have three nurseries due flagged this issue to close down of underfundflagged this issue of sometime in ing with the underfunding with the July this year.

Department “My son Department of Education ofEducation got the help he (DfE) for (DfE) for years now but needed at this years now nursery and they continue to deny the but they conthat is why it problems our members tinue to deny cannot be the problems see every day.” stressed how much our members see it is important to have every day.” early years childcare,” she Meanwhile, local said. councillor Rabina Khan from Mary Sambrook and John Liberal Democrats has started a Smith are two other nurseries campaign on Twitter slated to close down. Over #SaveOurNurseries where she 30,000 petitions have been talks about how “One in three signed against the council’s prochildren in Tower Hamlets live posal to shut down these nursin poverty.” In her video message eries which the council claims she opposes the Mayor's proare not cost-effective. posed closure of these nurseries “The decision to close the and “demands better” for these three local authority day nursfamilies. eries is not one that has been “If we are elected in the taken lightly. future as an administration and “There is a clear financial an opposition, we will fight to challenge facing schools so they make sure that these nurseries can longer support these nursare re-opened,” she said. eries and the council simply While these nurseries in cannot justify picking up this London are expected to close cost. This has not been an easy down by July this year, the Welsh decision, and we will we will be Government has announced an looking at how the council can investment of £60mn in more invest in early years provision than 100 new childcare projects more widely in ways which will as part of the 30 hours of early benefit a greater number of chileducation every week due to be dren in the borough.” said John rolled out across Wales by April.

Fake news, misinformation, and disinformation- these concerns are now only the tip of the iceberg; the bigger challenge that Journalists needs to both prepare for and be skeptical of- is the penetration of Artificial Intelligence and robots gradual substituting TV anchors, Radio Jockeys and feature writers.

According to the Diversity in Journalism report released in 2017 by the National Council for the Training of Journalists, reporters are less ethnically diverse than the workforce as a whole with 94% of those being 'white'.

“With news agencies speed is important which is why they need to resort to algorithms but accuracy is equally important,” said a freelance journalist from Europe who wished to stay anonymous.

Robots curate financial company reports Reuters, Bloomberg and Financial Times are competitive news organisations always racing against each other in releasing individual company results, economic numbers and commodity data that needs to be disseminated to their hedge fund clientele in lightening speed of micro-seconds.

“These company reports are often the same each quarter in terms of the format.

The only difference is that you need to be sharp enough to pick out the important numbers. But apart from that there is hardly any creativity required. So, the collation of these reports can often be done by such algorithms,” she explained.

Bloomberg news is one of the first adaptors of this automated content.

Cyborg, churned out thousands of articles last year by taking these financial reports and turned them into news stories like a business reporter. Other organisations include Washington Post using Heliograf, Content Management System called 'Bertie' used by Forbes.

The line between Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Journalism While mainstream print and digital media in the west has been picking up the tech fad, in the east, China’s state news agency Xinhua introduced AI anchors named Qiu Hao. These anchors were developed through machine learning to simulate the voice, facial movements, and gestures of real-life broadcasters. Does this mean that news will be delivered through Machine Learning and does it allude to a loss in field reporting?

“Yes and no. I think there’s no

Xinhua’s robotic news anchor Qiu Hao

replacement to being on the field. But stories from individuals and photographs / videos from regular people go a long way in recording an incident and telling the story accurately.

There’s space for both. What’s sad though is that for many news companies - field reporters are becoming less important in comparison to the desk bound social media reporters. Companies must continue to invest in field reporting and see value in stories told from the field,” said Rahul Joglekar, a freelance journalist and filmmaker with many years of experience at the BBC in London.

S a r a h O'Connor is a journalist who had challenged “Emma” her technical counterpart at Financial Times while filing a story about the UK's employment data. To her surprise not only had the robot been three times faster in drafting the story but had been also been interpretive in providing context to the story and included relevant angles such as Brexit to the piece.

These company reports are often the same each quarter in terms of the format. The only difference is that you need to be sharp enough to pick out the important numbers. But apart from that there is hardly any creativity required. So, the collation of these reports can often be done by such algorithms.

“In my opinion, it always boils down to quality reporting, which I think cannot possibly be done by AI,” said Deborah Bonetti, Director, The Foreign Press Association, London.

Elon Musk's not for profit charity OpenAI has launched a new AI model that can write news stories almost from complete scratch. The AI system is fed text, anything from a few words, and asked to write the next few sentences based on its predictions of what should come next. It is almost an extended version of the 'autocorrect' feature which saves many from the humiliation of unknown spellings. But what about liaising with different organisations such as government bodies, or PR agencies?

PR agencies and the human touch “Artificial Intelligence is being used in a meaningful way in the PR industry by doing the everyday mundane tasks from preparing name badges for press events to curating data,” said Sangeeta Waldron, owner and founder of Serendipity PR & Media.

“Public relations is all about story-telling and building relationships and while A r t i f i c i a l Intelligence is not at the moment able to replicate emotional intelligence and bring in the human skills of creativity.

“We can't ignore it but we need to think about how we're going to regulate it, in terms of putting it to good use and ensuring that there are ethics behind it,” she said.

The increasing penetration of technology, machine learning and social media are all wake-up calls to all journalists, who appear to compete with “RoboReporters”. These new-age techsavvy journalists can in a long run prove to be more cost-effective, faster and more efficient and may start appearing on your Television screens as well.

“It is possible but will it work? I personally wouldn’t trust a robot to go out and tell a proper story. Maybe technology will one day be invented that can do that but until then hopefully, people will rely on good broadcasters and field reporters!” Joglekar concluded.

JBCCC request May to apologise for Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Lord Meghnad Desai and Lord Raj Loomba, have initiated a debate on the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in the House of Lords in the UK Parliament to request for an apology from the British Government. What marks a historic moment at a time when the centenary of the massacre falls on 13 April 2019, will see a discussion on the subject in full detail for the first time in one hundred years. It also proposes conversation around the British government’s plans to commemorate the centenary.

The last time was in July, 1920 when the House of Lords, through a vote, condoned the actions of Brigadier General Dyer who killed more than a thousand peaceful protestors at

Jallianwala Bagh on 13th April, 1919.

Dyer had fired on them without warning, and continued to fire for ten minutes even as they were trying to escape, while he blocked the main exit with his soldiers and armoured vehicles.

Lord Desai and Lord Loomba are members of the Jallianwala Bagh Centenary Commemoration Committee (JBCCC) that comprises NRIs and Indians . The JBCCC chairperson is Sardar Balbir Singh Kakar and includes Lady Kishwar Desai, Navtej Sarna, Virendra Sharma, and Dr. Rajinder Singh Chadha (Patron-inChief). Lord Desai and Lord Loomba have also written a letter to the Prime Minister Theresa May requesting for an apology, on behalf of the JBCCC.

Apart from the debate, the JBCCC, along with The Arts And Cultural Heritage Trust, has also supported the Partition Museum, Town Hall, Amritsar to produce and install a detailed exhibition on the massacre at the Town Hall, Amritsar. This exhibition, with the help of Manchester Museum, will now be travelling to England to Manchester, London and Birmingham in April 2019. There are also requests to send the exhibitions to various cities in India and around Punjab .

“Punjab under Siege – the Jallianwala Bagh Centenary (19192019)” has been set up to critical acclaim at the Partition Museum last year in August.

18 FINANCE - UK

AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

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23 Feb - 1 Mar 2019

Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel Dear Financial Voice Reader, A few years ago I wrote about returning from India, Dubai, Malaysia and Singapore and having visited our High Commissions in Delhi, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. I wrote about my BBC interview and I explained why I was optimistic and hopeful about being in the UK. So, now with Brexit and Trump's Trade War, am I just as confident, today? More importantly how much from that article still holds water today? Surprisingly, despite Brexit – almost all of it stands true even today. There was only one part of one sentence in that article that needed to be struck off. Take a look: In the UK for centuries now, we have invested in infrastructure. Infrastructure that is the envy of businessmen who want electricity, railways, roads, airports, office spaces, all the things we take for granted.

But all the things which if you are someone like Ratan Tata, who invests in the UK, helps you in achieving massive profits. You don’t after all pay for this infrastructure. It is a historic investment. Written off. Paid by generations long gone. Any businessman will tell you that such assets which you get for free, allow your profit and loss to be very healthy. Indeed, one way of wealth creation is by sweating assets that you bought for nothing.

Again, just ask the ‘Tatas'.

So why do some entrepreneurs who I met in these countries want to invest in the UK when opposition parties talk about the decline of the country (whichever political party – its job in the opposition is to talk about the decline of the country sadly.)?

Our workers do the actual work. They do not siesta.

Our workers are well educated and innovative. Our universities are outstanding at innovation. Why? Years of investment. Any businessman wants return on his investment. We are part of the EU’s $12trillion GDP market, but not part of the Euro. We are the fifth largest economy in the world. We are a good place from where to export. I know because when I speak to UKTI colleagues in the Embassies and High Commissions around the world – I see it. I am not seeking your vote. So I am not saying this other than it is true. What then of America? Make no mistake America is our competitor and also thankfully our business collaborator. We do best when we work with them and the Chinese or Koreans or Japanese – to tap into outstanding markets and make the best products.

As a government, you can spend on investment which fuels future growth or you can spend on consumers. The former is better because it also brings investment from abroad and this too boosts growth in the longer term. But we have to ensure the projects are likely to generate growth. And growth is not just about physical infrastructure but human infrastructure - in other words we have to invest in education and entrepreneurship skills.

This is too often overlooked. We want not just foreigners to make profit from being in the UK, and repatriating those profits, but also the domestic population to profit.

Because in 40 years time, I will write about how the world still wants to invest in the UK.

Beating the bank scammers Fraud is an issue that affects banks, businesses and individuals. According to UK Finance, last year individuals lost £2,784 on average per case of Authorised Push Payment fraud, also known as APP fraud or simply push fraud.

These scams frequently involve someone posing as a legitimate company who issues a payment demand via telephone, intercepted mail or hacked email.

For example, an individual who could be planning on some property renovation hires a building firm and agrees a fee and a start date. They receive an email from an address similar or even exactly the same as the one used by the

building firm, requesting payment to be made to the company’s account. The individual, familiar with the company and with an agreement in place, might never stop to consider the legitimacy of the contact and make the payment. A few days later, the individual might contact the company directly only to find that they have not requested a payment and do not own the account that the funds have been sent to. In many cases, the funds are emptied from the fraudulent account in a matter of hours, often becoming unrecoverable, although attempts to retrieve the funds will always be undertaken.

Laurie Hood, Financial

Crime Specialist at Starling Bank, shared his advice to avoid APP Fraud. “For those tricked into making the payment the impact can be huge. Taking time to think and being vigilant are key; you should never automatically assume any emails, texts or calls are genuine,” he says. His first tip is to think about the nature of the request: Is the payment being requested earlier than expected? Is it a different amount? Was it unusually urgent? Was it made outside contact hours?

Hood also recommends looking carefully at the email which may have subtle changes such as a zero instead of an ‘O.’ He also suggests considering the

quality of a text or email such as the spelling, sentence structure or logo which may be of a lower quality than expected.

“These should all be red flags for you to take your time and contact the company directly to enquire – they won’t mind, you might just alert them to a fraudster purporting to represent them and it will give you peace of mind!” he says.

Starling Bank is a UK mobile-only bank, committed to preventing and raising awareness about fraud. Visit www.starlingbank.com.

Japanese carmaker Honda plans to close Swindon factory Japanese carmaker Honda plans to close its factory in Swindon, dealing what trade unions called a “shattering body blow” to the UK automotive sector, which is already wrestling with the effects of Brexit-related uncertainty. The move would put 3,500 jobs at its only European production site at risk and even threaten others in its supply chain.

“At this point, we are not able to make any comments regarding the speculation.

We take our responsibilities to our associates very seriously and will always communicate any significant news with them first,” Honda said in a statement.

The loss of the plant follows previous warnings about the impact of a nodeal Brexit from Britain's largest automotive firm,

Jaguar Land Rover, as well as Ford, Toyota, Nissan and BMW. Many of the firms have also pointed to a slowdown in demand from China, as well as slumping diesel sales caused by the continuing fallout from the 'Dieselgate' emissions datarigging scandal. Earlier this month, Nissan ditched plans to build its new X-Trail SUV in Sunderland, while Ford has said it would shed 1,000

jobs as part of a wider European cost-cutting plan.

The Swindon factory made 160,000 Honda Civics last year, just over 10 per cent of total UK vehicle production.

The vast majority were for export to the EU. Honda is expected to move production back to Japan, partly because it can guarantee tariff-free exports to the EU. Jaguar Land Rover has

cited Brexit among the factors in its own 4,500 job cuts, while Toyota and BMW have said production sites could close in a no-deal scenario. However, Justin Tomlinson, the North Swindon Conservative MP whose constituency includes the plant, said he had spoken to the company and insisted its decision was “due to global trends and not Brexit”. Honda had, however, also previously voiced concern about the impact a hard Brexit could have on the 'just-in-time' manufacturing processes crucial to the automotive sector, potentially costing the company millions of pounds. Britain's largest trade union Unite said the closure of the Swindon plant would be a “shattering body blow at the heart of UK manufacturing.”

Mallya seeks permission to Crowdstacker took loan from appeal against extradition order client before it went bust

Fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya has filed an application in the UK High Court, seeking permission to appeal against an extradition order signed by British Home Secretary Sajid Javid.

The 63 year old embattled liquor baron, wanted for wilful default of over £900 million loans from Indian banks, made the application in the Administrative Court pision of the High Court last week.

Javid had signed off on the order on February 5, triggering a 14-day window for his appeal application.

A UK court representative said, “The application has been sent for a judge on papers decision, which is expected any time between two to four weeks.”

The case will proceed to a “substantial hearing” in the

next few months.

A “judge on papers” decision will involve a High Court judge determining the merits of the application. In case Mallya's application is rejected, he will have the option to submit a “renewal form”.

On December 9, the Westminster Magistrate's Court had ordered Mallya's extradition to stand trial on charges bought by the CBI and ED. Meanwhile, Mallya took to Twitter to call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accept his settlement offer in relation to the airline's loan default.

“I respectfully ask why the Prime Minister is not instructing his Banks to take the money I have put on the table so he can at least claim credit for full recovery of public funds lent to Kingfisher,” he tweeted.

Mallya added that his offer to the Karnataka High Court should not be dismissed as “frivolous” because it is a “perfectly tangible, sincere, honest and readily achievable offer.” Mallya's latest statements add to his consecutive claim inside and outside courts that he is willing to settle with Indian banks but for some reason, they are not taking up his offer.

He suggests the reluctance could be for political reasons. Expressing frustration at the media narrative that he stole money and fled from India, Mallya said, “The Prime Minister's last speech in Parliament was brought to my attention. He certainly is a very eloquent speaker. I noticed that he referred to an unnamed person who 'ran away' with £900 million.

Crowdstacker, one of Britain's leading peer-topeer sites founded by Karteek Patel, has allegedly taken out a loan with a property lender that was listed on its own platform, subsequently going into administration.

Member of the Peer-toPeer Finance Association (P2PFA) alongside companies such as Funding Circle and Zopa, the company borrowed £250,000 from Amicus Finance in 2016.

Meanwhile, Amicus, which had borrowed over £15m from Crowdstacker's “crowd” of users since 2015, went into administration in December, with investors owed millions of pounds.

The reported loan and insolvency raised more questions about the

transparency of P2P industry, which uses online platforms to match retail and professional investors with businesses and consumers seeking finance.

The sector is currently under scrutiny as the amount lent through the platforms has increased.

Crowdstacker secured a loan note of £250,000 from Amicus in April 2016, according to documents filed at Companies House.

While it won't say what the loan was for, but the charge was still outstanding when Amicus appointed administrators in December. They said the debt was due for repayment or conversion into equity by 2020.

Amicus offered shortterm loans to property developers and its pitch on Crowdstacker said it was a

modern business with “oldfashioned values” and had won “over seven awards” in 2016.

Lenders were offered a 5.43 per cent interest rate for an 18-month loan.

Amicus was removed from the Crowdstacker platform last year as its financial troubles became evident.

The latter said 70 per cent of the debts had been repaid to the “crowd”, but over £4m was still outstanding.

Crowdstacker is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and has raised £55m to lend to small firms since it was founded five years ago. Its investments include Burning Night, a Leedsbased bar operator that also filed for administration just before Christmas.

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REAL ESTATE VOICE

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

19

23 Feb - 1 Mar 2019

THE DOUBLE EDGED SWORD Currently, we are arranging bridging funding for several clients.

The aim of a bridge is to take one from one place to another.

You’re not supposed to stay on a bridge, it is not designed for this purpose.

For one reason or another, there are legitimate reasons as to why investors would opt for a bridge. At the moment, lenders are taking notoriously long to approve loans.

Suresh Vagjiani Sow & Reap London Property Investment

In a situation where speed is of the essence, going to a conventional lender is not an option at the best of times, let alone if you’re facing some complications with the property.

Using bridging is like a doubleedged sword. We have experience on both sides. On numerous occasions the bridge has served its purpose, and allowed us to buy properties with issues and we have come out successful. On one deal we made 40% per annum for our investors. On another occasion, we purchased at the top end of the market just as it was going down, and our costs went up, resulting in a loss of equity.

London is full of bridgers. There are many investors both private and

corporate who wish to get a return on their money without having the headache of actually dealing with any property. The money comes in and out and their aim is to continually keep the funds being reused.

AGONY AGENT IS HERE TO HELP!

One client needs funds to purchase a development, and exercise an option to purchase a restaurant which he is currently leasing and has an option on.

Q: My tenant’s toilet is blocked again! What should I do?

Another client has had an altercation with the council, over a planning issue, resulting in the press catching hold of the story and spreading it all over the media; with the result no lender will touch him and not many bridgers either. We required someone to look at the case in detail and intuitively.

We used a bridging company when we purchased a number of units in NW London. The deal had numerous issues. Enforcement notices had been put on the title by the council. The flats had been constructed without planning.

There were signs of subsidence.

The freeholder was absent… and so forth. Not the sort of deal you can even approach a High Street lender with. These issues are good, it means many buyers will be scared off, as not everyone can quantify

A: First, we need to get to the bottom of why this is happening.

and assess each risk the building poses. If a lawyer looks at the issues they will typically scare the client into not purchasing the asset. In fact, this was the view point of the lawyer we were using at the time.

We pressed on and purchased the deal overriding the lawyer. The bulk of the funds came from a bridge and we used this time to tidy up all the issues until the deal was in good shape to approach a High Street lender, with a more favourable rate.

If wielded correctly, bridging can be used as a powerful tool to execute deals. It allows one to move with speed, and to decrease the amount you have to put in a deal. However, you must be able to see the exit prior to going in.

PROACTIVELY SERVING IN THE WORKPLACE Last week, I discussed being more effective in our relationships by proactively expressing love in a way the other person values.

Love needs to be expressed in the language understood by the other person.

These principles can be applied in the workplace, in terms of service.

The categories are different.

When we serve one another, we

anticipate what will please them rather than what only pleases us.

We should take care to apply this word “please” in a nonsentimental way. We try to “please” the higher nature of the other person not the lower nature. If the doctor has prescribed that a person should eat no confectionery then buying confectionery, however much the person likes it, is not “pleasing” them. It is only appeasing their lower nature.

In the workplace we can be effective if we proactively and

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consistently serve through the following acts:

with pride to work for the company.

Development - acts that show commitment to improving the skills and aptitude of your employees.

Tangibles - such as pay and conditions etc.

Acknowledgement - informal and formal ways of saying thank you and recognising contributions.

Values - often overlooked but very powerful; inculcating behaviours which have integrity and congruency and imbue staff

Perhaps the toilet is prone to blocking as it has been fitted incorrectly (very unlikely). In which case it is your responsibility as the landlord to have this investigated and unblocked.

Or, perhaps your tenants are flushing items like cotton buds, wet wipes or even nappies down the toilet. If this is the case, then your tenants are responsible for any costs associated with the unblocking. If you like, as a gesture of goodwill, you may unblock the toilet at your cost as a one off, but you will need to explain if the same situation happens again then they will be liable for the costs. Always follow up such conversations in writing (for example by email).

Clarity - making sure everyone knows their responsibilities and managing expectations.

If this is a flat where you have residents sharing a waste pipe, you may find that the neighbours above or below are the ones blocking the waste pipe. If this is the case then all you need to do is contact the building manager, and they will deal with the issue.

Many successful business leaders know that if they take care of their employees, the result is happy customers and healthy profits.

If you are having issues with your buy to let property please do get in touch, I will be more than happy to help.

Abraham Goldberg

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Banks, govt fund to own 51% stake in restructured Jet Restructured Jet Airways will effectively be a 51 per cent government fund and PSU banks-owned. Sources said SBIled lenders will convert £60 million loan into equity at Re 1, which will take their stake to 32 per cent. National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), an investor-owned fund manager anchored by the government of India will pick up 19.5 per cent, and invest £140 million, they said. This will collectively get 51.5 per cent control with PSU banks and NIIF. It is learnt Abu Dhabibased Etihad, which currently has 24 per cent stake in Jet, will invest another £140 million, limiting its stake at 24.9 per cent and avoiding an open offer.

Etihad is expected to pick up the additional equity at Rs 150 per share. Incidentally, the Abu

Dhabi Investment Authority is one of the investors in NIIF, which was set up for building infrastructure but is now bailing out the airline. Jet's remaining debt of £600 million will be restructured and converted into long term 10 year debt. After this restructuring, Naresh Goyal's stake will fall from 51 per cent to 20 per cent. While he will remain promoter, Goyal will lose board seat and managerial control.

Last week, the Jet board had cleared a “bank-led provisional resolution plan” (BLPRP) which will see SBI-led lender banks becoming its largest stakeholder after debt restructuring. Under this plan, Jet will see £170 million aircraft debt, through steps like conversion of debt to equity, equity infusion and asset monetisation. Lenders have proposed to convert debt to equity at Re 1 and provide emergency funding.

“Conversion of lenders” debt into 11.4 million shares of Rs 10 each by allotment of such number of equity shares to the lenders that would result in the lenders becoming the largest shareholders in the company.

Such allotment of 11.4 million shares will be made at an aggregate consideration of Re 1 since under the RBI circular, lenders can convert debt into equity at Re 1 when the book value per share of a company is negative,” Jet had said while announcing its Q3 results. The board of struggling Jet Airways, which recently defaulted on debt repayment, has agreed to give lenders the majority stake of 50.1 per cent by converting part of its debt into equity as part of a resolution plan worked out by lenders.

Deal to sell assets to Jio has failed, Anil Ambani tells SC Approximately 13 months after Anil Ambani announced the sale of his debt-ridden Reliance Communications' telecom assets to elder brother Mukesh's Reliance Jio for an estimated £2.3 billion, he has revealed the deal fell through despite its best efforts. Ambani, who is facing contempt proceedings for his failure to comply with the Supreme Court's order to pay Swedish telecom company Ericsson £55 million (plus interest), made the revelation in

Anil Ambani

front of the SC. The agreement is reportedly in jeopardy for while now, especially after RCom filed for insolvency on February 1, following its inability to repay about £4.7 billion of debt. But the admission in an open courtroom marks its formal burial.

Ambani was personally present in the court and remained standing in the jampacked room for two and a half hours. Ericsson has asked that he be detained in civil prison till

he clears his dues, for which he has given personal guarantee.

Although the Ambani brothers had agreed on the transaction, they differed on the question of who would be responsible for RCom's past liabilities, including the spectrum usage charge payable to the Centre. The deal with Jio was the only positive thing for Anil and his bail-out plans, however, with Mukesh's refusal to assume any previous liabilities that might arise, it was headed for the rocks.

Banks post collective net profit after RBI lending curbs The banking sector finally reported a collective net profit of £15.4 million in the quarter ended December 2019 - the first since the RBI’s last February circular that forced lenders to recognise delinquent loans as nonperforming assets. The aggregate results of banks entered the green zone have been with private banks improving their profits, while public sector banks (PSBs) paring losses.

In the preceding second quarter of FY19, banks had reported a net loss of £394.3 million and £670 million in Q1.

Collective losses of 21 PSBs, which dominate lending, shrank to £1.16 billion in the third quarter from £1.47 billion in the second quarter and £1.66 billion in the first. The number of PSBs that have reported a net profit

has increased from seven in the second quarter to 11. Ten PSBs continued to be in the red with IDBI Bank topping the list with its net loss of £418.5 million. The highest profit among PSBs during the quarter was generated by SBI (£395.4 million).

The 18 listed private banks reported a total net profit of £1.18 billion - an increase of 8.8% over £ 1.08 billion in the second quarter. In the private sector, Lakshmi Vilas Bank and IDFC Capital First were the only two private lenders to report a net loss. Of these two, IDFC Capital First’s £153.8 million loss was due to one-time merger related costs.

HDFC Bank’s £558.5 million net profit for the quarter accounted for half of the private sector’s total profit. ICICI, Axis

and Kotak Mahindra Bank too reported net profit in four figures.

A year-on-year comparison of bank profits does not give the correct picture as it was only after the February 12, 2018, circular that banks took a concerted effort to providing for bad loans. In the third quarter of FY17, banks had reported aggregate profit of over £1 billion. Bank profits would have been better in Q3 but for the provisioning that many lenders had to make towards IL&FS. Barring IL&FS, there is indication that the tide is turning as far as bad loans are concerned. Last week, a survey conducted by the Indian Banks’ Association and Ficci indicated that most banks see bad loans coming down.

According to the survey,

majority (54%) of reporting PSBs cited a reduction in NPA levels, with only 38% showing an increase.

Further, in the current round of survey, none of the respondent banks has cited an increase in the requests for restructuring of advances. While 39% have stated a fall in number of such requests, 61% have reported no change in the number of such requests.

While not many new loans are turning bad, heavy provisions towards existing NPAs continued to be a drag on the profits of banks. For PSBs, the total provisions for the quarter stood at £5.23 billion, while for private banks it was £3.12 billion. In the public sector, barring SBI, Indian Bank and Vijaya Bank, all lenders have their NPA ratios in double digits.

Overseas investments by Indian cos dip by $1bn in ’18 According to data from the RBI, overseas investments by Indian for 2018 stood at $11 billion, compared to $12 billion in 2017.

For the same period, the “number of Indian parties investing overseas” stood at 3,641 and 3,759 respectively. The data includes outflow in equity, loan and guarantees invoked, and in 2016, 3,510 Indian parties

had invested $13.2 billion, which means that the dip in 2017 was more than $1 billion.

Company-wise details of investments are not maintained.

Economist Prof Charan Singh, CEO, e-GROW, said, “The reasons for the dip that come to mind immediately is that the overall income level in our economy and country has

dipped in the last few years, also, there are now more opportunities to invest within India.”

Experts also pointed to a host of global factors, including volatile currencies and political uncertainties as reasons for retarded investments. Madan Sabnavis, chief economist, CARE Ratings, said, “Most of

the ventures overseas have had mixed results. Global economy hasn't picked up, US seems slightly better, but not confident of growth being sustained.

So, it looks like western economies aren't providing the same kind of options as domestic, although our economy has its own problems.”

in brief RBI TO PAY £2.8 BN AS INTERIM DIVIDEND TO GOVERNMENT

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said it would give £2.8 billion to the Union government as interim dividend. The decision was taken at a meeting of the RBI’s Central Board in New Delhi. “Based on a limited audit review and after applying the extant economic capital framework, the Board decided to transfer an interim surplus of £2.8 billion to the Central government for the half-year ended December 31, 2018,” the RBI said in a statement. This is the second successive year that the RBI will be transferring an interim surplus. Earlier, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley addressed a post Budget meeting of the Central Board. He broadly outlined the various reforms and policy measures taken by the government over the last four years and the effects thereof.

LOHANI BACK AS AIR INDIA CHAIRMAN

Ashwani Lohani has been reappointed as Air India chairman. The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet issued an order appointing Lohani as CMD for “a period of one year or until further order”. The AI chairman's post had fallen vacant on January 31, 2019, when then CMD P S Kharola was made aviation secretary. First appointed as AI CMD in September 2015, Lohani was moved as Railway Board chairman in November, 2017. He retired as Railway Board chairman on December 31, 2018, and has now been brought back to head AI after the government's plan to sell off the airline came a cropper last year.

PENALTY IMPOSED ON 7 BANKS

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed monetary penalty on seven banks for non-compliance with various directions issued by the RBI, including monitoring of end use of funds. The banks are: Allahabad Bank (£150,000), Andhra Bank (£100,000), Bank of Maharashtra (£150,000), Indian Overseas Bank (£150,000), HDFC Bank (Rs 20,00,000), IDBI Bank (Rs 20,00,000) and Kotak Mahindra Bank (Rs 20,00,000). “This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the banks with their customers,” the RBI said. The RBI has not, however, spelt out the exact nature of the violations in its brief statements. On February 7, the RBI slapped £100,000 penalty on State Bank of India for violating norms. The penalty was levied on the bank for not monitoring the end use of funds in respect of one of its borrowers. On February 5, the RBI had imposed a penalty of £220,000 on Axis Bank in two separate cases, £200,000 on UCO Bank and £100,000 on Syndicate Bank for violation of norms.

WHOLESALE INFLATION EASES TO 10-MONTH LOW IN JANUARY

Wholesale price inflation slowed to a 10month low in January on the back of sliding fuel, manufactured products and some food prices. The annual rate of inflation, based on the monthly wholesale price index (WPI), was 2.8% in January compared to 3.8% for the previous month and 3% during the corresponding month of the previous year, data released by the commerce and industry ministry showed. The easing in WPI comes on the heels of retail inflation slowing to a 19-month low of 2.1% in January, which once again justified the central bank’s move to cut interest rates by 25 basis points earlier this month.

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in brief SA WITHDRAWS ARREST WARRANT AGAINST GUPTA

South Africa has provisionally withdrawn an arrest warrant for Ajay Gupta, a businessman and friend of former president Jacob Zuma, in a corruption case, police said. The case against Gupta relates to allegations made by former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas, who said that a member of the Gupta family offered him the job of finance minister and a large bribe if Jonas would help the Gupta family with its business ventures in South Africa.

The Guptas have denied any wrongdoing.

“The warrant for Ajay Gupta was provisionally withdrawn,” said Hangwani Mulaudzi, a spokesman for the Hawks police unit. “But it can be reinstated.”

MAN FACES HATE CRIME CHARGE FOR PUNCHING SIKH

A man was arrested on hate crime charges in the US state of California after he punched a Sikh clerk and threw hot coffee on him as he believed the victim was a Muslim, according to a media report. The man, identified as John Crain, threw hot coffee at the clerk and then punched him in the face before fleeing. The clerk told cops that Crain had prepared himself a cup of coffee and attempted to leave without paying, according to police. He is seen in the CCTV footage confronting Crain before being attacked. Crain told police he “hated Muslims” and attacked the Sikh clerk because he believed he’s Muslim.

GMU SCIENTIST PADMANABHAN SESHAIYER TO BE HONOURED

Vrije Universiteit Brussel will confer Padmanabhan Seshaiyer, associate dean for academic affairs for George Mason University’s College of Science and a professor of mathematical sciences, with the title of Doctor Honoris Causa, an honor given to an elite cadre of “committed scientists who transcend the boundaries of their own disciplines and to personalities that have been at the frontiers of societal change.” “Having a societal impact [with] our research is always a good thing,” the Indian American professor said in a statement. “If that research can lead to societal change, it really adds a lot of value to what you’re doing.” Seshaiyer has been at the forefront of a multidisciplinary effort that connects science to societal problems in hopes of effecting positive change.

ONE INDIAN AMERICAN, 14 INDIANS NAMED AMONG MIT SLOAN FELLOWS

One Indian American as well as a number of individuals from India were among the 111 people recently named to the 2019 class of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management’s Fellows MBA Program. Among the Fellows was Indian American Priya Sampath.

Sampath who is the director of foundation relations at the Habitat for Humanity International. In addition to Sampath, there were 14 India-based individuals named to the program. Among them were Shweta Aprameya, Mukesh Bansal, Neha Chaudhry, Brotish Das, Aditya Srujan Jandhyala, Ambuj Jhunjhunwala, Karthik Mahalingam, Kiranmayi Muntha, Vijay Nair, Vishnu Pogunulu, Nanda Ponnambalam, Neha Sharma and Rohit Sharma.

PAKISTAN-BANGLADESH

Afghanistan, Iran furious at Pak for backing terrorists NEW DELHI: Afghanistan officially complained to the UN Security Council against Pakistan’s recent engagements with the Taliban and called it a “violation of the national sovereignty of Afghanistan.”

Meanwhile, Iran, irate over a terror strike by Pakistan-based Sunni group Jaish-al-Adl against 27 soldiers of its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has vowed revenge.

In a strongly worded letter, Afghanistan’s UN envoy “called on the government of Pakistan to take decisive action against known terrorist and extremist groups on its territory, which pose a common threat to Afghanistan, Pakistan and the region.

Any passivity in fulfilling this objective not only undermines broader counter terrorism efforts, but also have a profound impact in providing further space and capacity for such groups to continue attacks

in Afghanistan and the wider region.”

IRGC commander and Major Gen Mohammad Ali Jafari said Iran would retaliate against Jaish-al-Adl if Pakistan fails to take action against it.

India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj met Iranian deputy foreign minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi and exchanged condolences for the two almost simultaneous terror strikes against their respective security

forces by Pakistan-based terror groups. After the meeting, Araqchi tweeted, “We agreed on close cooperation to combat terror in the region. Enough is enough!”

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has also promised retribution for the attack. IRGC was attacked by Jaish-al-Adl in the SistanBaluchistan province.

Afghanistan flagged the scheduled meeting between Taliban and Pakistani PM Imran

Khan.

“This initiative is a source of deep regret and concern to the people and government of Afghanistan as it amounts to the official legitimisation of an armed group that poses a serious threat to security of Afghanistan, and whose members are sanctioned by provisions of UNSC’s 1988 Committee’s Sanctions Regime.”

Taliban’s meeting with Khan was cancelled, finally.

In the past couple of days, almost 60 US Congressmen and Senators have reached out to India to convey their support and condemn the attack. Across party lines, Senators Bob Menendez, John Cornyn, Mark Warner, Tom Cotton, Jack Reed, Ben Cardin, Marco Rubio, Chuck Schumer, Kevin Cramer, Cory Booker and Ben Cassidy among others offered condolences and said the US stood with India against terrorism.

Saudi crown prince signs $20 bn deal with cash-strapped Pak ISLAMABAD: Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a raft of investment deals worth $20 billion with cashstrapped Pakistan during his visit to the country. Pakistan is facing a serious balance of payments crisis and hopes the deals seven separate agreements and MoUs will provide welcome relief to its teetering economy.

The crown prince, widely known as "MBS", has undertaken three-country visit five months after he came under intense pressure following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. He got a warm welcome in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Imran Khan thanked long-time ally Saudi Arabia for its support, adding:

Imran Khan receiving Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman

"Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are now taking this relationship to a level which (they) never had before." Khan has already visited Saudi Arabia twice since coming to power last summer. Earlier on Sunday, MBS was greeted with a booming 21-gun salute and was warmly embraced by Khan and

army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on his arrival.

The two-day visit to Pakistan comes amid high tensions in the region: India and Saudi Arabia's arch-rival Iran both bordering Pakistan - have accused Islamabad of backing terror groups which have carried

out bloody suicide attacks on their soil in recent days. India has also accused Pakistan of orchestrating the Pulwama attack.

After his two-day visit MBS returned to Saudi Arabi from there he travelled to India on Tuesday. The crown prince during his visit will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He is expected to finish the trip with a visit to China.

The Asia trip comes after the murder of Khashoggi, a fierce critic of MBS, ignited a diplomatic crisis. Riyadh initially denied the murder, then gave several conflicting accounts of Khashoggi's death, and now claims he was killed in an unauthorised operation.

Over 100 drug dealers surrender in Bangladesh DHAKA: Over 100 Bangladeshi drug dealers have surrendered to the authorities at a ceremony in a coastal town seeking clemency and vowing to go back to a normal life.

The unprecedented event was prompted by a Philippinesstyle massive anti-narcotic crackdown, which led to the killing of nearly 300 people and arrests of about 25,000 others since May of last year.

Bangladesh last year launched a "war" on drugs following a proliferation of illegal substances in the South Asian nation of 165 million people, mostly of cheap methamphetamine pills known as "yaba".

Those who surrendered before the country's Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan at Teknaf

Drug dealers surrender before Home Minister in Cox's Bazar district

town in the coastal Cox's Bazar district included drug traders, traffickers and several "godfathers".

They surrendered a total of 350,000 vanilla-scented, pinkcoloured pills of "yaba" - which derives its name from a Thai word that means a "crazy medicine" - and dozens of illegal

firearms. "I was leading my life towards a wrong path. I regret my past activities," said Sirajul Islam, one of the drug traffickers who surrendered. "I want your blessings so that I would be able to live a better life and work for building a drugfree society."

Islam hails from Teknaf, a

southeastern coastal town bordering Myanmar, which is known as a hub of "yaba" smuggling and trading. He was named in the list of 1,151 "yaba" traders prepared by the country's Ministry of Home Affairs after the proliferation of the pills in the past few years. Of those traders, 73 were named the "yaba godfathers". A total of 24 such godfathers surrendered, police sources said.

Data from the country's Department of Narcotics Control said some seven million people use drugs, with "yaba" the most popular substance. In May last year, Bangladesh started a Philippines-style war on drugs after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared a zerotolerance policy against illegal drugs.

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ICE halts force-feeding of Indian detainees at El Paso detention centre CALIFORNIA: Following mounting pressure, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has stopped forcefeeding Indian detainees on a hunger strike inside an El Paso immigration detention centre.

Last week, the United Nations human rights office said the force-feeding hunger strikers at the facility could violate the UN Convention Against Torture. A US district judge said the government had to stop forcefeeding two of the detained Indian immigrants, but warned that if their health started to decline he would consider ordering force-feeding again. All force-feeding at the detention center had stopped, ICE spokeswoman Leticia Zamarripa said. “This is a win for us,” said Louis Lopez, who is representing Malkeet Singh and Jasvir Singh in the case.

ICE said there are currently 12 detainees refusing food, nine from India, three from Cuba. US District Judge David Guaderrama heard from Dr. Michelle Iglesias about how men detained in the El Paso facility are restrained and have feeding tubes pushed through their noses. The judge asked whether

Members of SALDEF with El Paso representatives to talk about the hunger strike

by Indian detainees

they had some other way they could protest, and sought details about the Singhs’ physical condition.

“What are the physiological and psychological effects of allowing a hunger strike to continue unabated by forcefeeding?” he asked. In addition to Guaderrama, US District Judges David Briones, Philip R. Martinez and Frank Montalvo at the El Paso courthouse have issued orders for force-feeding in recent weeks. Supporters of the hunger strikers from the non-profit Strengthening South

Asian Communities in America staged a protest in El Paso on behalf of detainees.

Those orders are secret, under seal, because they contain “highly sensitive and personal medical information,” Montalvo said in a letter declining a request to unseal the orders.

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said the office views force-feeding as potential “ill treatment” that would go against the convention, ratified by the United States in 1994.

The statement by the Genevabased office echoed concerns raised by 14 Democratic lawmakers who have asked ICE for more information. Texas Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar, who toured the El Paso Processing Center and met with the hunger strikers two weeks ago, found them “deeply traumatized” and frail.

SALDEF, a national civil rights, advocacy, and educational organization whose mission is to empower Sikh Americans by building dialogue, deepening understanding, promoting civic and political participation, said it was part of the coalition of civil rights groups that had planned the rally outside the El Paso Processing Center to bring attention to this issue.

According to a statement by Indian American communications director for SALDEF Gujari Singh, “It is imperative that the Department of Homeland Security immediately release the individuals engaged in these hunger strikes to ensure their well-being, safety, and protection of their due process rights.”

Amazon pays $13mn for Mindy Kaling, Nisha Ganatra’s new film CALIFORNIA: Amazon has paid record $13 million for the distribution rights of “Late Night,” a film directed by Indian American director Nisha Ganatra. This is Mindy Kaling's first feature film both as a writer and actress. “Late Night,” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 25. “Mindy Kaling has crafted the rare film that is both entertaining and powerful,” 'Deadline' quoted Jennifer Salke, the head of Amazon Studios, as saying. “The moment the lights came up after the premiere, we knew ‘Late Night’ is a film our viewers will love and talk about. It’s an incisive workplace comedy that reinvents all the tropes about women.”

“Late Night” stars Emma Thompson as Katherine Newbury, a pioneer and legendary host on the late-night talk-show circuit. According to

Indian American writer/actor Mindy Kaling (left) and Indian American director Nisha Ganatra attend the premiere of “Late Night” during the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.

the film’s synopsis: “When Katherine accused of being a ‘woman who hates women,’ she puts affirmative action on the to-do list. Molly (Mindy Kaling) is hired as the one woman in Katherine’s all-male writers’ room.

But Molly might be too little too late, as the formidable Katherine also faces the reality

of low ratings and a network that wants to replace her. Molly, wanting to prove she’s not simply a diversity hire who’s disrupting the comfort of the brotherhood, is determined to help Katherine by revitalizing her show and career- and possibly effect even bigger change at the same time.”

The Sundance Film Festival

describes the film as “smartly” written by Kaling and “snappily” directed by Ganatra, which takes on “white privilege, entitlement, and a culture veering toward crassness and conservatism.” In a cover story for Variety, Kaling said that she saw “Late Night” as a chance to retell a familiar story of someone trying to break into the entertainment business from a fresh perspective.

“So much of this movie is about being a fan and being on the outside of the entertainment business,” Kaling told Variety.

“That story has been told many, many times by 52-year-old white men, and I love all those movies.

And as a comedy nerd I’ve always identified with them because it was the closest thing that I could identify with. There was no one like me making those kind of films.” “Late Night” co-stars John Lithgow, Amy Ryan, and Ike Barinholtz.

Kamala Harris confronts critics on her black heritage NEW YORK: US Sen. Kamala Harris, who is of Indian and Jamaican descent, has confronted critics who questioned her black heritage, her record of incarcerating minorities as a prosecutor and her decision to marry a white man. In an interview with The Breakfast Club radio, the California Democrat was asked to address a series of derogatory memes that have circulated on social media. One of the hosts cited a meme that said Harris is "not African American" because her parents were immigrants

Kamala Harris

born in India and Jamaica and she spent her high school years in Canada.

"So I was born in Oakland,

and raised in the US except for the years that I was in high school in Montreal, Canada," Harris responded. "And look, this is the same thing they did to (former President Barack Obama). This is not new to us and so I think that we know what they are trying to do. "They are trying to do what has been happening over the last two years, which is powerful voices trying to sow hate and division, and so we need to recognize when we're being played," Harris said.

One of the hosts asked

Harris how she responds to people who question the “legitimacy of your blackness." "I think they don't understand who black people are," Harris replied. "I'm not going to spend my time trying to educate people about who black people are. I'm black, and I'm proud of being black. I was born black. I will die black, and I'm not going to make excuses for anybody because they don't understand."

Harris became the first Indian American and the second black woman to serve in the US Senate when she took office in 2017.

in brief

SIKH ACTIVIST TO FIGHT FOR CITY COUNCIL SEAT IN FISHERS

Gurinder Singh Khalsa, an Indian American Sikh activist in Fishers, Indiana, recently announced his intention Gurinder Singh Khalsa to run for city council in the midwestern town. Khalsa, a Republican, filed his papers to make his candidacy official, according to reports.

Gurinder Singh, along with his supporters, reached the Hamilton County Circuit Court where Khalsa filed his papers and presented them to Hamilton County Circuit Court Clerk Kathy Kreag Williams, the reports said. His wife Gagandeep Kaur was present, among others. Khalsa, a native of Haryana, said, "I have been proud to call Fishers my home and look forward to giving back to the community. Please vote for me."

LANKA HUNTING FOR 2 HANGMEN

Sri Lankan prison authorities are hunting for two hangmen after the president pledged to end a 43-year moratorium on capital punishment and execute condemned drug traffickers amid alarm over drug-related crime in this Indian Ocean island nation. Interviews of the candidates will be conducted next month and two will be hired, prison department spokesman. The officials are looking for candidates with "excellent moral character" and should pass a test to check the "mind and mental strength." The move to hire hangmen comes after President Maithripala Sirisena said executions will resume in the next two months for condemned drug traffickers, vowing to be tough on drug offenders and modeling his country's drug fight after the Philippines.

Sri Lanka last executed a prisoner in 1976.

NAWAZ SHARIF'S BROTHER SHAHBAZ INDICTED IN HOUSING SCAM

A Pakistani anti-graft tribunal has indicted the country's opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif over his alleged links to a multimillion dollar housing scam in the eastern city of Lahore. Sharif was arrested in October on charges of abusing power as chief minister of Punjab from 2013 to 2018 by awarding contacts for the housing scheme to those connected to his Pakistan Muslim League party. The court also indicted 10 other people on corruption charges in connection with a housing program for low-income citizens. Sharif and the other co-accused denied the charges.

Sharif leads the opposition in the lower house of parliament. He is free on bail pending trial, which starts next week.

US LAWMAKER APOLOGISES FOR ANTISEMITIC COMMENTS

Freshman Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar has apologised for tweets suggesting that members of Congress support Israel because they are being paid to do so, which drew widespread criticism and a rebuke from House Speaker. She said she had no intention of offending anyone, including Jewish Americans. “We have to always be willing to step back and think through criticism, just as I expect people to hear me when others attack me about my identity,” Omar tweeted. “This is why I unequivocally apologize.” The statement was the latest reckoning among Democrats of intense differences in their ranks over the US-Israeli relationship, highlighted by criticism from Omar and Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.

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Pulwama attack avenged within 100 hours

(Inset) Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist Adil Ahmad Dar

In a befitting reply to the Jaish-eMohammad (JeM) in retaliation to the horrifying Pulwama terrorist attack, The Indian Army killed three terrorists, including the commander of the JeM, in an operation that began late Sunday and lasted 17 hours.

Announcing the news, Lt Gen KJS Dhillion, 15 Corps Commander said, “I would like to inform the nation that in less than 100 hours of the Pulwama terrorist attack, we have eliminated the Jaish-e-Mohammad leadership in the Valley which was being handled by the JeM leadership in Pakistan.”

Lt Gen Dhillion also said that families in the Valley should convince their children not to pick up weapons. He said, “Anyone who picked up guns in Kashmir will be eliminated, unless they surrender. This is a message to all the mothers of Kashmir.”

Regarding involvement of Pakistan in the attack, Lt Gen Dhillion said the JeM was a “child” of the Pakistani Army and they, as well as the ISI, had a role to play in the February 14 attacks. He said, “There is no doubt that Pakistan Army and the ISI is involved.” He said it was a matter of investigation and details would not be made public as yet. “The type of car bomb attack that took place in Pulwama on February 14 happened after a long time in Kashmir. We will keep all options open to deal with these kinds of attacks. We have leads on the type of explosives used but I can't share the details as an investigation is underway.”

In the encounter that continued till Monday evening, four army personnel, including a Major, were killed. The encounter took place in Pinglena area of Pulwama district. The four Army men have been identified as Major Vibhuti Shankar Dhoundiyal, Hawaldar Sheo Ram, Sepoy Hari Singh and Sepoy Ajay Kumar. Zulfiquar Hasan of the CRPF said a helpline-14411 has been helping Kashmiris across the country in wake of this attack. “A lot of Kashmiri students have approached this helpline for help all over the country. All Kashmiri children studying outside have been taken care of by security forces.”

The Jammu & Kashmir Police released a statement informing three terrorists were killed and one identified as Hilal, a resident of Pinglena. Two terrorists have been identified as Pakistanis. All three killed terrorists were affiliated with JeM and were wanted in a series of terror crimes, including attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities. One of the Pakistani terrorists identified as Kamran had taken over as operational commander of the outfit after Mufti Waqas was killed in an encounter in February last year.

The attack that shocked the world At least 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) paramilitary troopers were killed in the deadliest terror attack witnessed in three decades of Kashmir's insurgency. The surprise attack by a JeM suicide bomber left the whole world in shock and eventual anger. Last Thursday, Jaish bomber Adil Ahmed Adar, 20, rammed an SUV loaded with 350 kg of explosives into one of the buses, carrying 35-40 troopers, out of a 78vehicle CRPF convoy. While 40 were killed in the attack, several injured personnel continue to battle for their lives. The Pulwama attack is the deadliest terror attack that has occurred in the Valley in the past three decades of militant activity in Kashmir.

Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-eMohammed claimed responsibility for the attack and released a video of Dar, a resident of Kakapora who joined the group a year ago.

Mastermind behind Pulwama It is believed Pakistan-based JeM commander Ghazi Abdul Rasheed is the mastermind behind the gruesome Pulwama

attack. He is one of the closest aides of JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar. Agencies believe Ghazi Rasheed is the IED expert who trained Adil Ahmad Dar, the man who executed the suicide strike. Ghazi managed to infiltrate Kashmir along with his two associates around mid-December last year.

He was sent to Kashmir by Masood Azhar to avenge the killings of his two nephews, Talah Rasheed and Usman, in 2017 and 2018 respectively in Pulwama. After Masood Azhar's second nephew Usman, who was a Jaish sniper, got neutralised in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama's Tral area last year, the Pakistan-based terror outfit sent its top commander Ghazi to the Valley. Intelligence sources say Ghazi had a narrow escape in an encounter between militants and security forces in Pulwama's Ratnipora village just days before the attack.

Time for talks over: PM Modi In reaction to the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi who addressed the press after holding delegation-level talks with Argentine President Mauricio Macri, said the world should unite to take concrete action against terrorism and those who support it.

He said, “Now, it is required that the world unites against terrorism and those who support it. Hesitation to take action against terrorism and those who support it is akin to encouraging terrorism.”

International diplomatic reaction

List of martyred CRPF Jawans

Punjab • Head Constable Jaimal Singh • Constable Sukhjinder Singh • Constable Kulwinder Singh • Constable Maninder Singh Attri Rajasthan • Constable Rohitash Lamba • Head Constable Narayan Lal Gurjar • Head • Constable Hemraj Meena • Constable Bhagirath Singh • Constable Jeet Ram Uttar Pradesh • Constable Mahesh Kumar • Constable Ramesh Yadav • Constable Koushal Kumar Rawat • Constable Pradeep Singh • Constable Ajit Kumar Azad • Constable Pradeep Kumar • Constable Shyam Babu • Head Constable Awadhesh Kumar Yadav • Constable Pankaj Kumar Tripathi • Constable Amit Kumar • Constable Vijay Kr. Mourya • Head Constable Ram Vakeel Maharashtra • Head Constable Sanjay Rajput • Constable Rathod Nitin Shivaji Odisha • Head Constable PK Sahoo • Constable Manoja Kumar Behera Over 45 countries including the US and China reacted to the dastardly attack on CRPF jawans. The United States not only condemned the attack but also attacked Pakistan for harbouring terrorists. It warned the nation to deny safe haven to terrorists or any terror outfits. Russian President Vladamir Putin sent condolences to Prime Minister Modi and his counterpart President Ram Nath Kovind.

France also condemned the attack and extended support to combat terror networks and cut their funding to prevent such crossborder attacks. While China expressed condolences and condemned the act of terror, it still failed to change its stance on Masood Azhaar, who is the founder of Jaishe-Mohammed. Countries like Australia, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, European Union, and a host of other countries also joined in condemning the terror attack.

All parties unite to condemn Pak A resolution adopted at the all-party meeting convened by the NDA government

expressed India's determination to fight terrorism following the Pulwama terror attack. The political parties put up a united face and underlined their solidarity with security forces for defending the country's unity and integrity.

MEA mandarins brief envoys The government’s campaign to isolate Pakistan saw the foreign ministry reaching out to more resident envoys and explaining to them how Pakistan-based Jaish-eMuhammed had carried out the Pulwama attack. The emphasis was on highlighting JeM’s links with Pakistan and how even Pakistan’s ministers have been spotted sharing the same podium with UNproscribed terrorists like Hafiz Saeed.

J&K withdraws security to 4 separatists In a crackdown on pro-Pakistan elements, the Jammu and Kashmir government withdrew security and allied Tamil Nadu • Constable Subramaniam G • Constable Sivachandran West Bengal • Head Constable Bablu Santra • Constable Sudeep Biswas Uttarakhand • Constable Virendra Singh • Assistant Sub Inspector Mohan Lal Himachal Pradesh • Constable Tilak Raj Jammu and Kashmir • Head Constable Naseer Ahmad Jharkhand • Head Constable Vijay Soreng Kerala • Constable Vasantha Kumar VV Karnataka • Constable GD Guru H Madhya Pradesh • Constable Ashvni Kumar Kaochi Assam • Head Constable Maneswar Bsumatari Bihar • Constable Ratan Kumar Thakur • Head Constable Sanjay Kumar Sinha government facilities provided to four separatist leaders, including Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and his colleague Abdul Gani Bhat, for the past several years. “In view of the recent terror attack on a CRPF convoy, the government of India has emphasised the need to immediately review the wastage of police resources in providing unnecessary security to a large number of non-government persons in the state.

This is particularly relevant in context of security provided to separatists and their sympathisers,” the J&K government said in an order. It added that “as a first step”, the security and allied arrangements provided to Mirwaiz, Bhat, Bilal Lone and Shabir Ahmad Shah were being withdrawn with immediate effect.

'Bharat Ke Veer' Over 80,000 people have come forward and contributed over £2 million since February 14 to a contribution platform that was exclusively set up for the CRPF personnel killed in the terror attack. A total

of £4.6 million has been collected and disbursed under the initiative to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers who lost their lives in the terror attack. The 'Bharat ke Veer' website and mobile application was launched by Home Minister Rajnath Singh in April 2017. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar was also involved in the initiative. Technically supported by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and powered by the State Bank of India, the website and app allow anyone to financially support the bravehearts of their choice or donate to a general corpus.

People can donate a maximum of Rs 15,00,000 to an individual trooper or the next of kin. If the amount exceeds Rs 15,00,000, the rest of the money is diverted towards the account of another trooper or the 'Bharat ke Veer' corpus. The platform is managed by a committee of eminent people of repute and senior government officials who decide to disburse the fund equitably to the families of CRPF personnel on need basis.

SBI waives off outstanding loans for 23 CRPF soldiers The country's largest lender State Bank of India has initiated slew of measures, including waving off outstanding loans of 23 CRPF soldiers martyred in a terrorist attack in Pulwama district. “The 23 CRPF soldiers had availed of loans from the bank and the bank has decided to waive off all the outstanding loans with immediate effect,” the bank said in a statement. All the CRPF soldiers were the bank's customers under defence salary package where it provides insurance of Rs 30,00,000 to each of the defence personnel.

The bank said it is also taking steps to expedite release of insurance money to the next of kin of the martyred soldiers. “It is extremely distressing and disturbing to witness the loss of lives of the soldiers who always stand for safety of our country. These initiatives by the bank is a small gesture towards the families who have faced irreparable loss,” the bank's chairman Rajnish Kumar said.

DJ Marshmello observes 2-minute silence at Pune gig World-renowned American music producer and DJ, Marshmello was recently in India for a music festival. He was seen partying in the country with the who's who of Bollywood. At the concert that took place recently in Pune, there were many other musicians that played but DJ Marshmello's set was special because keeping in mind the recent Pulwama attack, he observed a twominute silence for all the martyred soldiers in the attack. Before starting to play the music, Marshmello said, “Two-minute silence for the India soldiers who lost their lives in a terror attack,” as the Indian flag was shown in the backdrop.

People in different states also organised candlelight marches in memory of killed CRPF men. The Indian government expressed satisfaction over Saudi Arabia's condemnation of the Pulwama terror attack.

Officials said Pakistan needed to worry about India's growing defence ties with Riyadh.

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SOUTH INDIA

BJP aligns with AIADMK, to contest 5 seats in TN CHENNAI: The BJP will contest five Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu in the upcoming polls, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam announced. The AIADMK will contest 21 seats; the PMK, which had joined hands with the AIADMK earlier in the day, will contest seven seats. The AIADMK and the BJP will also contest together in Puducherry.

Union railway minister Piyush Goyal was also present in the AIADMK-BJP joint press conference. Goyal said, "We will also support AIADMK in the bypolls on 21 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. We have agreed to contest elections in the leadership of OPS and EPS in state and in leadership of Modiji at the Centre."

Union railway minister Piyush Goyal attends the AIADMK-BJP joint press conference.

Asserting that all the 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will be won by the NDA, Goyal said, "I am extremely delighted that today AIADMK and BJP have concluded a very fruitful discussion. We have agreed to contest Lok Sabha elections in

Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and by-elections to 21 assembly seats in alliance with our friendly partners."

Earlier in the day the AIADMK finalised electoral alliance with PMK that would contest in 7 seats as part of the mega alliance. After the PMK

joined the AIADMK for the Lok Sabha polls, DMK chief MK Stalin launched a frontal attack on the former.

Terming the alliance as a "losing" alliance that fared poorly in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls, Stalin said that the PMK is not concerned about the welfare of the people. "This is an alliance that was defeated by the people in 2009 elections. S Ramadoss is not worried about the country or the welfare of people. Only money matters to him," Stalin said.

In 2014, the AIADMK swept Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu, winning as many 37 seats.

The BJP and NDA ally PMK won 1 seat apiece. The BJP and the AIADMK were not alliance partners then.

PUNJAB

Modi pitches for re-election with war on graft in Haryana KURUKSHETRA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked the Mahabharata at a Swachh Bharat Abhiyan event in Kurukshetra, Haryana, stating that it was time to launch a final war on immorality and corruption, and that it was the corrupt who had problems with him. Speaking at the Swachh Shakti-2019, Modi tried to strike a chord with Haryana and Haryanvis too in his speech by thanking the state for its contribution to the country and his political growth. “Thousands of years ago, Lord Krishna launched a cleanliness programme: it was through war.

Similarly, we have to launch a

war on immorality now. Our mission is to free India of corruption; this will gain momentum after we get the mandate in the Lok Sabha polls,” the PM said.

He said he was committed to reciprocating Haryana's contribution to his political and the country's growth. Though he did not name any party, he missed no opportunity to target the Opposition. “This state blessed me soon after the party declared me tis prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 elections. I addressed the first rally in Rewari. Similarly, we launched the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign from

Haryana in 2015 and you have seen the results. We have launched other schemes like Ayushman Bharat from Haryana too,” Modi said.

Modi also lauded Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and the state for producing medal-winning women athletes. He targeted the Opposition, saying that it had mocked him when he had launched Swachh Bharat Abhiyan at the Red Fort in New Delhi.

He said his government's drive against public defecation and push for having toilets in all houses had been undertaken keeping the “respect for sisters

and mothers in mind.” “Our government has tried to make life simpler for the poor and middle class by rooting out corruption and throwing the middleman out of the system,” he said.

The PM inaugurated two healthcare institutionsNational Cancer Institute at Jhajjar and the ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Faridabad, and laid the foundation stone of National Institute of Ayurveda, Panchkula, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya University of Health Sciences, Karnal, Shri Krishna AYUSH University, Kurukshetra, and Battles of Panipat Museum, Panipat.

WEST BENGAL

SC refuses to monitor CBI probe into Saradha Chit Fund scam NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has refused to monitor the ongoing CBI investigation into various chit fund scams, including the one involving Saradha Group of Companies. A two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna did not allow the application filed by some investors saying that despite the apex court's 2014 order directing the agency to probe the chit fund scam, the investigation has not attained finality. Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for some investors who lost money to a ponzi scam, the CBI probe has not led to any conclusion and the investors are still running from pillar to post for redress.

The bench said, “We are not inclined to set up a monitoring committee for the chit fund

scam probe.” The SC on May 9, 2014, had ordered a CBI probe into the multi-million chit-fund scam which had also revealed involvement of politicians in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam. Kunal Kumar Ghosh, Member of Parliament, was arrested on November 23, 2013, over the scam in which lakhs of people were cheated through several ponzi schemes. Ghosh was a top official at Saradha Group of Companies.

The SC said it would be virtually impossible for a state police to carry out investigations into the scam having inter-state ramifications and unearth larger conspiracy involved into it. The SC had on February 5 directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar to appear before the agency and “faithfully” cooperate into the investigation

in brief RAJINI WON’T CONTEST OR BACK ANYONE IN LS POLLS

Superstar Rajinikanth said he would neither contest nor support any political party in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. He, however, asked his supporters to vote for the party “that will establish a strong and stable government at the Centre.We will not contest the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Our aim is the Tamil Nadu assembly election,” Rajinikanth said, even as a meeting of district secretaries of Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM) was in progress at his residence. He directed his his supporters to stay away from election campaigns and focus on strengthening their support base, keeping the assembly election in mind. He also warned that he would not hesitate to expel anyone who tried to make money or misuse their position in RMM.

PUDUCHERRY CM SLEEPS ON ROAD OUTSIDE KIRAN BEDI'S HOME

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy slept on the road outside Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi's residence in the latest case of power struggle between the Union Territory's Congress government and the former IPS officer. Narayanasamy tweeted pictures of him sleeping on the road, with a thin shawl as blanket. The protest was triggered was when Bedi's idea of making wearing helmets compulsory for motorists with immediate effect.

Narayanasamy however, was against it and wants the rule to be implemented in a phased manner. He also demands that Kiran Bedi sanction for 39 government proposals, including a free rice scheme. “It is a conspiracy hatched by the Prime Minister using Kiran Bedi to create day-today problems for our government,” he said.

ELDERLY MAN KILLS SON TO MARRY DAUGHTER-IN-LAW

In a brutal incident, a 62 year old man has allegedly murdered his son to marry his daughter-in-law. The accused, identified as Chhota Singh, was arrested for killing his 40 year old son in Dabri Khana, Faridkot.

He killed his son Rajwinder Singh with a sharp knife following a heated argument over his alleged affair with the victim's wife. A case has been registered against Chhota Singh. Chhota killed his son when he was sleeping in his room, cutting his body into pieces and putting them in plastic bags after. When he tried to dump them in a sewer, his nephew Gurcharan Singh caught and handed him over to police after noticing blood stains in the house. There was reported animosity between Chhota and Rajwinder over the former's alleged affair with Jasvir Kaur.

ANOTHER TMC LEADER ‘STRANGLED TO DEATH’

People agitating Saradha Chit Fund

of cases arising out of the chit fund scam, while making it clear that he will not be arrested. The CBI has alleged that Kumar, who was leading the SIT in the Saradha chit fund scam, destroyed and tampered with material evidence in the form of call detail records (CDRs) of the prime accused and potential accused. The SC had on February 4 taken strong note of allegations of tampering with evidence in the Saradha scam,

saying, “If the police commissioner is even remotely trying to destroy evidence, we will come down so heavily on him that he will regret.” The court had also directed the West Bengal chief secretary, the director general of police (DGP) and the Kolkata police commissioner to file replies to the statements made in the contempt petition filed against them by the CBI on or before February 18.

Another party leader Ritesh Roy was found dead at Dadpur in Hooghly district on February 11, shortly after the murder of Trinamool Congress MLA Satyajit Biswas.

Roy, 45, was a cooperative society chairman from East Midnapore district's Marishda village. Roy was missing since 7 February, his wife Mahua Roya confirmed.

Police recovered Roy's body from a bush beside the highway, two km from Dadpur.

He was taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. Roy's son said, “There are two external injury marks on Roy's throat and eye. The post mortem report said he was killed by strangulation.

After we got the news from police in Hooghly, I went there and identified his body. We want strong action against the murderers.” His wife said he left his house in East Medinipur to go to Kolaghat in the same district.

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HERITAGE HISTORY

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23 Feb - 1 Mar 2019

Memorable Lok Sabha Elections and MPs

• What a coincidence: India and Pak had Dalits as first Law Ministers • Despite help creating Bangladesh, Indira lost due to the Emergency

B

Law Minister Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. The Muslim League initially refused to join the Interim Government headed by Lord Wavell, the Viceroy and Governor General, but the Congress leaders opted to join. Later the ML leaders joined the Government, but boycott the CA. Despite Mahatma Gandhi’s firm opposition, the Partition of British India could not be avoided. The Mahatma even offered the Premiership to Mohammad Ali Jinnah to avoid the Partition but his lieutenants including Nehru and Patel disliked his offer. Following the 3 June 1947 declaration by Lord Mountbatten, the new Viceroy, the Partition became reality and nearly 600 Princely States were free to join either Indian Union or Pakistan Union or had

ut for Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohmmad (JeM) sponsored Pulwama terrorist attack on last 14 February, entire India was in election mode for the 17th Lok Sabha due in April-May 2019. There seems some uncertainty since the security of the country is more important and all the political parties are unanimous in supporting any action by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the three wings of the Armed Forces, including all out war with Pakistan.The mood of the nation is that general election can wait. Of course, the Lok Sabha election would take place, though little late and the well established parliamentary democratic traditions would be carried out irrespective of who forms the next government. Looking at the towering personalities in the freedom movement and at the time of the Indian independence era beginning from 1947, one is pained to see the nation reaching the era of dwarfs. Let’s hope this phase would also evaporate soon thanks to the solid foundation built up by the Indian Constitution makers. India would continue shining.

The Constituent Assembly (CA), consisted of indirectly elected representatives in the elections held during 15 December 1946 and June 1947. It was set up for the purpose of drafting a constitution for India. Total

208 elected members were of Indian National Congress (INC) including Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel and others followed by 73 of Muslim League (ML) and 15 others including Scheduled Castes Federation (SCF) leader and India’s first

All the towering personalities: the first Union Cabinet of independent India

option to remain independent. According to the India Independence Act passed by the British Parliament in July 1947, independent India and Pakistan were to be

INC won 364. Only two other parties won double digit seats. The Communist Party of India (CPI) with 16 seats and the Socialist Party with 12 seats. The Bharatiya Jan Sangh (BJS) headed by Dr.

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PM Indira Gandhi with Bangbandhu Shiekh Mujibur Rahman

independent on 15 August 1947 but for facilitating Mountbatten attending the swearing in of Jinnah as the Governor General of Pakistan, the ceremony was held on 14 August 1947 at Karachi.

A separate Constituent Assembly headed by Jogendra Nath Mandal was formed for Pakistan. A depressed caste leader Mandal became the first Law Minister of Pakistan and defected to India in 1956.

The Indian leaders preferred to have Mountbatten as the first Governor General of Independent India followed

by C. Rajgopalachari, the first Indian to be appointed, during June 1948 and January 1950. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected the President of Republic of India. The first Cabinet of independent India, popularly called Nehru-Sardar government, had at least five nonCongress members including Dr. Ambedkar, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Baldev Singh, Shanmukham Chetty and C. H. Bhabha under the advice of the Mahatma to make it a National Government.

Following differences with Prime Minister Nehru, Dr. Mookerjee, formerly the President of the Hindu Mahasabha and Dr. Ambedkar, who was the founder President of SCF, preferred to resign and joined the opposition.

In 1951-52, the elections were held for 489 seats. The

Mookerjee, the previous avatar of the BJP won only 3 seats. Independents won 37, the second highest number of seats after Congress.

Nehru was elected the Prime Minister.In 1957 election, out of 494 seats, the INC won 371. Only two other parties won double digit seats. The CPI with 27 seats and the Praja Socialist Party (PSP) with 19 seats. The BJS won only 4 seats. Once again, the Independents won 42, the second highest number of seats after Congress. Nehru was again elected the PM. There was no official Leader of Opposition during the second Lok Sabha. Dr. Rammanohar Lohia, Rajaji and others deserted Congress following differences with Nehru.

The 1962 elections saw INC winning 361 out of 494

Next Column:

From Morarji Desai to Narendra Modi seats. The CPI won 29, BJS 14 Swatantra Party 18 PSP 12 respectively. Nehru was elected the Prime Minister, but after he passed away in 1964, Gulzari lal Nanda was made the interim PM who was succeeded by Lal Bahadur Shastri who held the post for about 19 months before his death. Indira Gandhi then took over in 1966.This was a crucial period for India since in 1962, China attacked and defeated India.It was a personal set back to PM Nehru. In 1965, PM Shastri led India to

victory in war with Pakistan.

The Congress party under Indira Gandhi’s leadership won a 4th successive term to office by winning 283 out of 520 seats in 1967. But the vote share of Congress went down. In these elections, six other parties won double digit seats with Rajaji’s Swatantra Party winning 44 seats and emerging as the single largest opposition party. Indira became the PM for the second time. This was a turning point in Indian politics since Socialist leader Dr. Lohia and BJS leader Deendayal Upadhyaya called for an anti-Congress front leading to as many as nine states forming non-Congress coalition governments, though for a shorter period.

In 1971, it was the first election after Smt. Gandhi broke away from the Congress in 1969. Her party won a whopping 352 seats out of 518 with the other faction of Congress under Morarji Desai winning only 16 seats.

Indira Gandhi became the Prime Minister for the third time. India supported East Pakistan's struggle for independence. The third Indo-Pakistan war broke out on December 3, but 11 days later the Pakistani army was forced to surrender in East Pakistan and India recognized the People's Republic of Bangladesh under Bangbandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman. Of course, this Lok Sabha period saw the Emergency imposed by PM Indira in June 1975 following the judgment of Allahabad High Court disqualifying her and setting aside her election.

Though she imprisoned most of the opposition leaders, in the March 1977 elections not only her party but even Indira and her son Sanjay lost the election. This was rather a turning point in the Indian politics where after getting defeated in her own constituency, she opted to contest from Chikmanglur to enter the Lok Sabha!

(Continued)

Dr. Hari Desai (The writer is a Socio-political Historian.

E-mail: haridesai@gmail.com)

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Saudi crown prince in India as 'trade, investment' top agenda Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, looking to boost ties with Asian allies, has arrived in India on a two-day visit amid rising expectations of further investment deals following a high-profile trip to Pakistan. The Saudi prince, also known as MBS, was welcomed at the New Delhi airport by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who embraced him in a characteristic bear hug.

On Wednesday, Prince Mohammed is likely to hold talks with Modi, who is a recipient of Saudi Arabia's highest civilian honour, the King Abdulaziz Sash. "Trade and investment, defence and security, including counter-terrorism, and renewable energy" will be discussed during MBS's meeting with Modi, India's foreign ministry said. The two sides are also expected to discuss oil giant Saudi Aramco's investment in refineries in India, including the company's stalled project to build a $44bn facility on the western coast of India.

On Monday, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announced that the India-Saudi project would be moved to a new location following demonstrations by farmers

Happy 8 th Birthday to Happy 6th Birthday to Vihana Rachhoya Virina Rachhoya DOB:13-3-2011 DOB:17-2-2013 Father: Manish Rachhoya Mother: Hema Rachhoya, Baa - Dada, Mama-Mami, Sister & Brother: Maansi didi & Dhyaan Bhai, from Shah & Rachhoya Family.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi receiving Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Delhi Airport

protesting against land acquisition.

Energy supplies India's ties to Saudi Arabia have grown significantly over the past two decades. Home to more than 2.7 million Indian expatriates, the kingdom is India's fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade worth $28bn.

Riyadh is also the top source of India's energy supplies, supplying 20 per cent of its crude. "India, as a massive consumer of oil, and Saudi Arabia, as a major producer is an obvious synergy," Manoj Joshi of New Delhi-

based Observer Research Foundation think-tank, said.

"Indian corporates, skilled personnel and managers are already playing a big role in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudis, in turn, hope to play a role in India's growth by becoming investors in the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund soon.

Investment in non-oil sectors in India is also part of Saudi economic strategy," he added. In November, the crown prince announced he was on the verge of

finalising an initial investment in India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, a quasi-sovereign wealth fund, to help accelerate the building of ports, highways and other projects in India.

Pakistan ties "The texture of Saudi Arabia's relationship with Pakistan is different," Joshi said. "Islamabad looks up to Saudi Arabia as a coreligionist and indeed, leader of the Islamic world.

The Indian relationship is based on a practical partnership of two sovereign states."

ICJ refuses Pak request to adjourn Jadhav case The International Court of Justice on Tuesday refused to entertain Pakistan's request to adjourn the hearing in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav to appoint a new ad-hoc judge.

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case opened on Monday at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed at least 40 CRPF soldiers.

Pakistan, which is presenting its case on Tuesday, asked the judge

Happy Birthday

Happy 5th Birthday to Karina! - Birth date: 17-2-2014 Happy 6th Birthday to Virina! - Birth date: 17-2-2013 Happy 8th Birthday to Vihana! - Birth date: 13-3-2011

Kulbhushan Jadhav

to adjourn the case, citing the illness of its ad-hoc judge. Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, the ad-hoc judge for Pakistan in the ICJ suffered a cardiac attack ahead of the hearing. Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan, who is representing Pakistan, at the start of the hearing, said: "We applied our right

Obituary

provided to us that we can appoint an ad hoc judge.

"But since our judge is indispensable at this point.

In light of the above, Pakistan would like to place before the court that another judge to be sworn in which right has been provided under article 35-5 and the judge be given ample amount of time to go through the briefings before going ahead with arguments," he said. But the world court declined Pakistan's plea and asked it to continue argument in the absence on the ad-hoc judge.

On the first day of the hearing, India urged the

Saileshbhai Ambubhai Patel It is with deep sadness that we inform the passing away of Saileshbhai Ambubhai Patel (Leicester), father of Dhruv Patel, on February 9, at the age of 49. He was a sampark karyakar at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Leicester, and also offered his seva as part of the Sanyukta Mandal admin team.

Varshaben Patel It is with deep regret that we announce the sad departure of Mrs Varshaben Patel, wife of Jotindra Kumar ( Tiku) Patel of Harrow, mother to Rima Fitzgerald, Parin Patel, and grandmotherto Dhillon Fitzgerald, and Keira Varsha Patel. She was also a loving mother-in-law to Mr Danny Fitzgerald, and Mrs Keral Patel. Her funeral will be held at St Marylebone Crematorium, East End Road, East Finchley, N2 0RZ on February 23, Saturday, 10.00 am. Those who wish to reach out to the family, please call on 0208 863 2630 / 07917 573 451.

ICJ to annul Jadhav's death sentence and order his immediate release, saying the verdict by a Pakistani military court based on a "farcical case" hopelessly fails to satisfy even the minimum standards of due process. Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India.

India moved the ICJ in May the same year for the "egregious violation" of the provisions of the Vienna Convention by Pakistan by repeatedly denying New Delhi consular access to the 48-year-old Indian national.

Under Article 31 of the Statute of the Court, a State party to a case before the International Court of Justice which does not have a judge of its nationality on the Bench may choose a person to sit as judge ad hoc in that specific case.

It follows that the composition of the International Court of Justice will vary from one case to another and that the number of judges sitting in a given case will not necessarily be 15.

Happy 5th birthday to Karina DOB: 17-2-2014 Father:Hardik Shah Mother: Heeral, Baa-Dada, Kaka-Kaki, FOI-Fua, Maansi Didi & Dhyaan Bhai And Shah family.

Hakuna Matata: Six brothers' journey across India in rickshaws

On January 2, this year, six brothers and friends, Amish, Mehul, Sachin, Harsh, Parag, and Minesh set out on an incredible journey across India. With their trip commencing from Bangalore, they had 15 days panned out to reach Jaisalmer, Rajasthan in a pair of auto rickshaws. They had a planned route that took them through villages, towns, cities, and highways, giving them the opportunity to visit every ashram, temple and famous landmarks that came in the way.

As fun as the journey sounds, learning to drive the three wheeled motorised rickshaws was a challenge in itself, the group admitted.

Actually navigating them on the busy streets of India seemed almost impossible and the only thing getting them through all the chaos were their spirits. They sampled small dhabas and made friends with the locals as their two rickshawsHakuna and Matata whirred

through the roads. Their daily journey often involved traveling for eight hours and having to stop frequently to refuel and cool down the five horsepower engines. As uplifting as the trip was, the group did face several bumps and bruises along the way.

Their machines needed repairs, and an accident in a remote village left Sachin needing evacuation to a hospital in Ahmedabad for surgery on his broken leg.

While the six have several memories and experiences than they can count, the highlight of their endeavour is the over ÂŁ20,000 they have collected and donated to charity Just Imagine.

The foundation was set up and run by members of the local Gujarati community and provides nutrition, medication, education, and accommodation to 560 children living with HIV in orphanages in Goa and Ethiopia.

Hawk trainer jets crash near Bengaluru, one pilot killed One pilot was killed and two others ejected to safety after two aircraft of Indian Air Force’s aerobatic team Surya Kiran crashed near the airbase at Yelahanka, a suburb of Bengaluru.

The Hawk trainer jets, which grazed each other before crashing, were on practice sorties a day ahead of the Aero India 2019 opening.

The incident occurred just outside the Air Force Station Yelahanka, according to the IAF. The injured pilots were evacuated to the Command Hospital and are currently out of danger.

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23 Feb - 1 Mar 2019

Smoking may limit body’s ability to fight skin cancer Melanoma patients with a history of smoking cigarettes are 40 per cent less likely to survive their skin cancer than people who have never smoked, according to new research.

A study of more than 700 melanoma patients, mainly from the north of England, provides evidence to suggest that smoking may blight the immune response against melanoma and reduce survival.

These new findings from researchers at the University of Leeds, published today in Cancer Research, provide another reason why people should try to give up smoking – particularly those who have been diagnosed with malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

The scientists, who were funded by Cancer Research UK, found that overall, smokers were 40 per cent less likely to survive their

disease than people who have never smoked within a decade after their diagnosis.

In a subset of 156 patients who had the most genetic indicators for immune cells, smokers were around four and a half times less likely to survive from the cancer than people who had never smoked.

Given that reduced survival was found to be greatest for smokers in the group with most indicators of immune cells, the researchers think that smoking could directly affect how smokers’ bodies deal with the melanoma cancer cells.

Smoking has been reported by other scientists to have adverse effects on

the immune system, but it’s not yet known which chemicals are responsible for this effect.

Lead author Julia Newton-Bishop, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Leeds, said: “The immune system is like an orchestra, with multiple pieces. This research suggests that smoking might disrupt how it works together in tune, allowing the musicians to continue playing but possibly in a more disorganised way.

“The result is that smokers could still mount an immune response to try and destroy the melanoma, but it appears to have been less effective than in neversmokers, and smokers were less likely to survive their cancer.

“Based on these findings, stopping smoking should be strongly recommended for people diagnosed with melanoma.”

Researchers believe that smoking may have had an impact on patients’ immune system and this may have altered their ability to fight their skin cancer, as well as increasing their risk of other health issues relating to smoking.

This study found an association between smoking and a patient’s chance of survival from melanoma.

But it could not determine for sure that smoking caused the drop in survival.

Dr Julie Sharp, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: “Overall, these results show that smoking could limit the chances of melanoma patients’ survival so it’s especially important that they are given all the support possible to give up smoking for good.”

Household toxins linked to multiple disorders Children living in homes that have toxic chemicals on the floors and furniture are exposed to higher concentrations of harmful semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in their blood or urine than those without these materials, finds a new study. SVOCs, which are a subgroup within the volatile organic compounds (VOCs), have been associated with various diseases in children.

VOCs are a type of indoor air pollutants.

The study found that

children from homes with vinyl flooring had benzyl butyl phthalate metabolite concentrations in urine that were 15 times higher than those in children living with no vinyl flooring. Further, children living in homes where the sofa contained flame-retardant polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in its foam had a six-fold higher concentration of PBDEs in their blood serum.

Exposure to PBDEs has been linked to neurodevel-

opmental delays, obesity, endocrine and thyroid disruption, cancer and other diseases, according to the study presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in the US. Furthermore, benzyl butyl phthalate has been linked to respiratory disorders, skin irritations, multiple myeloma and reproductive disorders.

"SVOCs are widely used in electronics, furniture and building materials and can

be detected in nearly all indoor environments.

Human exposure to them is widespread, particularly among young children who spend most of their time indoors and have greater exposure to chemicals found in household dust," said Heather Stapleton, an environmental chemist from Duke University in the US. For the study, the researchers conducted inhome exposures to SVOCs among 203 children from 190 families.

A&E waits at worst level for 15 years in England A&E waits in England have reached their worst level since the four-hour target was introduced in 2004.

The deterioration in performance came after hospitals appeared to be coping well in the early part of winter. During January, only 84.4% of patients were treated or admitted in four hours - well below the 95% threshold. It means nearly 330,000 patients waited longer than they should with hospitals reporting significant problems finding

beds for those needing to be kept in. More than 80,000 patients were kept waiting an extra four hours or more to be transferred to a ward after their wait in A&E. These are known as trolley waits, since patients are left in temporary waiting areas while a bed is found.

All this comes despite relatively low levels of flu.

The last time the target was met was July 2015.

An NHS England spokesman accepted there were significant pressures,

but pointed out that in some respects performance had improved. He said that when performance was combined with December, this winter was actually slightly better than last.

There are also more patients coming to A&E than there were last year, which needed to be taken into account, while the mass cancellation of non-emergency treatments that was ordered during last January did not happen this year. There is also a sense that the wider system

is working better.

Some patients face delays being discharged form hospital because there is a lack of community care available to support them.

These delays have fallen compared to two winters ago, suggesting council care teams and NHS services are in a better position to provide support to hospitals.

And in the coming years, the budget for the NHS is due to rise by more than 3% compared to the 1-2% it has seen since 2010.

Study suggests brain function of night owls and larks differ The brain function of very late risers and "morning larks" during the hours of the working day is different, according to a study.

Researchers scanned the brains of night owls with a bedtime of 02:30 and a wake time of 10:15, along with

early risers. The tests - performed between 08:00 and 20:00 - found night owls had less connectivity in brain regions linked to maintaining consciousness.

They also had poorer attention, slower reactions and increased sleepiness.

To Our Readers We are publishing these items in good faith, kindly consult your Doctor before you try to implement any advice. We do not hold any responsibility for its efficacy...

Researchers said it suggested that night owls were disadvantaged by the "constraints" of the typical working day. They called for

more research to understand the health implications of night owls performing on a work or school schedule to which they are not naturally suited.

The authors of the study called for more research to look at whether other brain regions might be affected by being a night owl or morning lark.

in brief NEW DRUG TO DELAY AGEING DISCOVERED

Researchers, including one of Indian origin, have developed a new drug that can delay ageing demonstrated by declining muscle mass, strength and function. As human bodies age, they increasingly lose the ability to repair and rebuild degenerating skeletal muscles. This can dramatically limit the ability of older adults to live fully active and independent lives. In the study, researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston identified a protein called Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) in muscle stem cells that appears to be responsible for the age-related dysfunction. They developed a small molecule drug, NNMT inhibitor (NNMTi), which when prescribed to aged mice could limit NNMT's effects as well as significantly increase muscle size, strength and metabolic state in the animals.

By resetting muscle stem cells to a more youthful state, the mice could be rejuvenated so that they could more effectively repair muscle tissues, the researchers explained.

"There are no treatments currently available to delay, arrest or reverse age-related muscle degeneration. These initial results support the development of an innovative drug treatment that has the potential to help the elderly to become fitter, faster and stronger, thus enabling them to live more active and independent lives as they age," said Harshini Neelakantan, research scientist at UTMB.

SHORT BURSTS OF INTENSE EXERCISE 'BETTER FOR WEIGHT LOSS'

Bursts of high intensity interval training (Hiit) may be more effective for weight loss than longer less intense workouts, a study suggests. The research, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, analysed results from 36 earlier studies. Although all the participants lost weight, those doing Hiit saw a 28.5% greater weight loss. The researchers cautioned that Hiit may not be suitable for everyone.

"Hiit might increase the risk of injury and impose higher cardiovascular stress," they said.

Researchers from the Federal University of Goias, Brazil, analysed data from 576 men and 522 women of varying levels of fitness. Interval training was defined as cardiovascular exercise which involved repeated brief bursts of intense effort, interspersed with recovery periods. Cycling, swimming, running and boxing were included. These workouts were compared with longer continuous moderate intensity workouts, most of which were between 30 and 45 minutes. All participants exercised for at least four weeks.

Those doing interval training lost on average 1.58kg (3.48lb) compared with the 1.13kg (2.49lb) lost by those doing lower intensity workouts. Sprint interval training seemed to be particularly effective for weight loss, although researchers did caution that the wide variety of training programmes made it difficult to recommend one regime in particular.

The NHS currently recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, such as cycling or brisk walking, every week.

GOVERNMENT GIVES THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BAILOUT

The Government's Treasury department has given the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) a £600million bailout to cover 'unforeseen' costs. Spending estimates published by the Treasury describe the money as 'reserve funding to cover one-off pressures'. Analysts believe the DHSC was in danger of breaching its budget of almost £125bn, which could lead to a parliamentary vote on whether extra cash should be given. The rising cost of generic drugs and preparations for Brexit are thought to have stretched the DHSC – which 'acts as guardians of the health and care framework' – more than normal. The reserve fund is set aside for unforeseen costs that cannot be covered by existing budgets. Departments must formally request tjhe reserve fund to access it. It was given a £250million bailout by the Treasury in 2014-15. Although the DHSC overspent the following year, it avoided going to Parliament due to an 'administrative error'.

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Abhishek Bachchan pens down emotional post for his Pa Amitabh Megastar Amitabh Bachchan just completed 50 years in the film industry and his son is really excited about him. Abhishek Bachchan took to social media and penned a heartfelt post for his dad on his glorious years in Bollywood. Wearing a quirky Amitabh Bachchan sweatshirt, the 'Manmarziyaan' actor called his father his icon, best friend, best critic, guide, greatest support, idol, and hero. He also said how he wishes his father would rock another 50 years in the fraternity.

“50 years today, he started his journey in films. Even today, his passion and love for his craft and work is the same as I'm sure it was

on the first day.

Dearest Pa, today we celebrate you, your talent, your passion, your brilliance and your immense influence.

Can't wait to see what you have in store for the next 50 years.” Abhishek wrote. “The coolest thing he taught me today.... As I went, in the morning to wish him for completing 50 years of being an actor and to tell him that I was leaving for work- I asked him where he was all ready to go to? He said..... To work,” he added. On February 15, 1969, Amitabh Bachchan signed his first film KA Abbas' 'Saat Hindustani'.

Later on in his career, Amitabh Bachchan went on to give some of the iconic films like 'Deewaar', 'Sholay', 'Don', 'Trishul', 'Coolie', 'Silsila', 'Piku' and many others.

Vicky Kaushal says can't handle female attention Basking in the success of his latest film 'Uri: The Surgical Strike', Vicky Kaushal said he may have become a star but he still doesn't know how to handle female attention. “I don't know how to handle it. I melt so quick you can pour me in a glass,” he said in a recent interview.

When asked about women hitting on him, he said, “Sometimes, it is so direct that it just stumps me. Sometimes, it's super subtle. But I am a failure at (getting) subtle moves.”

Vicky also shared an interesting incident that happened during the film promotions. He revealed, “I had gone to the washroom. When I

Sara Ali Khan moves into new house

It has already been a banger walk into the industry for Sara Ali Khan, with 'Kedarnath' winning hearts all over and her last film 'Simmba' earning Rs 200 Crore at the domestic box office and over Rs 350 Crore worldwide. With just two movies, the actress seems to have established herself in Bollywood.

Now, it appears she has moved into her own house. After a picture of her stacking boxes in the back of a car went viral, the actor just shared a picture on her Instagram account where she is seen sitting besides the same boxes filled with her belongings. She captioned

it, “Here’s to new beginnings.”

Sara also made already her 'Koffee With Karan' debut already and shared the couch with father Saif Ali Khan last year. Talking to host Karan Johar, the actor had said that she gets her heart from her mother, Amrita Singh, and intellect from her father. Now the rumours suggest that the actor is being considered for the lead role in filmmaker Imtiaz Ali’s next film.

came out, there was a sweet lady standing outside, waiting for a selfie. We took the selfie and then she was like 'okay, I am staying in this room and I will see you at the bar'. I didn't know what to do and thought to myself ki yaar itna confidence toh mujhme bhi nahi hai.” He added that he was quickly pulled of the situation by his manager, Kaushal said he was far from being a player.

In fact, when it came to women, he was more like a guy with a 'pallu' on him.

On the professional front, Kaushal will be seen as Aurangzeb in Karan Johar's magnum opus 'Takht', which also stars Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Alia Bhatt.

Kangana Ranaut to direct movie on own life Following the success of 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi', Kangana Ranaut is all set to direct a film on her own life story.

Reportedly, the project is currently in the scripting stage and is penned by Vijayendra Prasad, who wrote the story of 'Baahubali' franchise and her recent hit. The film is expected to go floors in November – December. Confirming the news, Ranaut said, “Yes, it is true, my own story is the subject of my next directorial. But it is not a propaganda film with characters who are starkly black and white, rather it is a sincere, heartfelt account of my journey so far with plenty of lighter moments. I'm emboldened by the love of the people around me, who have never judged me but accepted me for who I am.”

She also said that Prasad requested her to write a story on her when they working for 'Manikarnika'. “Then, around 12 weeks ago, he urged me to let him write a film based on my life.

I was nervous and wary initially, but then, given his stature and the fact that I trust implicitly, I gave Vijayendra sir the go-ahead to the project.”

Ranaut added, “How can I show my journey without people, I can't be walking

alone. But we will not be taking any names.

The idea is to project me and my life with all its highs and lows. In the end, it is the story of an achiever, a girl from the mountains who came into Bollywood without any connections in the industry or even a godfather, and went on to carve a niche for herself against all odds, with some memorable films like 'Gangster', 'Tanu Weds Manu' and its sequel, 'Fashion', 'Queen' and more recently 'Manikarnika', bagging three National Awards along the way.”

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KOLLYWOOD

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Soundarya Rajinikanth ties the knot Superstar Rajinikanth's daughter Soundarya married actor businessman Vishagan Vanangamudi in a lavish ceremony last week, which was attended by stars from the film industry, including leaders like colleague Kamal Haasan, and Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, among others.

Soundarya looked like a dream in Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla couture while Vishagan wore a veshti.

Rajinikanth was all smiles as he

you to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamy, Deputy Chief Minister O Paneerselvam, Ministers of State, DMK Chief MK Stalin, Central Minister Pon. Radhakrishnan, Mukesh Ambanii family, Thirunavukarsar, Amarnath, Kamal Haasan, Friends, relations, film industry members, police officials, journalists and all those who attended the marriage and blessed my daughter Soundarya Rajinikanth and my son-in-law Vishagan.”

posed with his colleagues, who blessed the newlyweds. Filmmaker KS Ravikumar, who has directed Rajinikanth in films like 'Lingaa', 'Mutthu' and 'Padayappa' to name a few, was also among the attendees.

The lavish wedding was followed by a grand reception hosted at an uptown hotel in Chennai. After celebrations came to an end, Rajinikanth posted an emotional letter thanking guests who attended the wedding and blessed the newlyweds. “A heartfelt thank

Mahesh Babu gets added to urban dictionary Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu, who is currently shooting for his 25th film 'Maharshi', has unlocked a new achievement. His name is now a word in Urban Dictionary and its description has won many a Telugu and Tamil fans.

The dictionary describes Mahesh Babu as “A sexy Indian Telugu actor that almost every girl is in love with. He is called prince because he is charming and very handsome.”

This is probably the first time a South Indian star has made it to the Urban Dictionary. His name and the description was added back on August 8, 2013, but the description is going viral now. The word has been updated yet

* Schedule is subject to change

MONDAY 25th - FRIDAY 1st March 2019

TIME 15:30: 16:00: 16:30: 17:30: 18:00: 18:30: 19:00: 19:30: 20:00: 20:30: 21:00: 22:00: 22:30:

TIME 17:30: 18:00: 18:30: 19:00: 19:30: 20:00: 20:30: 21:30: 22:30:

TIME 18:00: 18:30: 19:00: 19:30: 20:00: 20:30: 21:30: 22:30:

TV PROGRAM NAMES SIRF 30 MINUTES THE GREAT INDIAN GLOBAL KITCHEN 2 RASOI SHOW CHHUTA CHHEDA RADHA PREM KI DEEWANI UTTARAN JAHAANARA INTERNETWALA LOVE ISHQ MEIN MARJAWAN MOHE RANNG DO LAAL BALIKA VADHU - LAMHE PYAAR KE KAHAANI AB TAK - JAHAANARA TANTRA

SATURDAY 2nd March 2019 TV PROGRAM NAMES CHHUTA CHHEDA RADHA PREM KI DEEWANI UTTARAN HUM SAAF SAAF HAIN FAMOUSLY FILMFARE NAVRANGI RE RED ALERT ZINDAGI KI HAQEEQAT SE AAMNA SAAMNA CHHUTA CHHEDA

SUNDAY 3rd MARCH 2019 TV PROGRAM NAMES

RADHA PREM KI DEEWANI UTTARAN HUM SAAF SAAF HAIN FAMOUSLY FILMFARE NAVRANGI RE RED ALERT ZINDAGI KI HAQEEQAT SE AAMNA SAAMNA CHHUTA CHHEDA

* Schedule is subject to change

SATURDAY 23rd February 2019 TIME TV PROGRAM NAMES 17:00 17:30 18:30 20:00 21:30 23:00

Keys to Kismat Crime Patrol The Kapil Sharma Show Super Dancer Chapter 3 The Kapil Sharma Show The Kapil Sharma Show

SUNDAY 24th February 2019 TIME 16:30 17:30 18:30 20:00 21:30 23:00

TV PROGRAM NAMES Meet the Drapers Crime Patrol The Kapil Sharma Show Super Dancer Chapter 3 The Kapil Sharma Show The Kapil Sharma Show

MONDAY 25th February - Friday 1st March

TIME 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00

TV PROGRAM NAMES Vighnaharta Ganesh Mere Sai Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai Chandragupta Maurya Main Maayke Chali Jaaungi Patiala Babes Ladies Special Crime Patrol

again on June 18, 2018, with a negative definition. The second definition of Mahesh Babu reads, “Also known as Disaster Star. Looks like Gay, Know for his Fake records and collections.”

On the work front Mahesh Babu is shooting for his upcoming film 'Maharshi' which is being directed by Vamshi Paidipally.

The film is touted to be a commercial potboiler and is currently being shot in and around Hyderabad. And as the shooting is underway, a picture of Mahesh Babu from the shooting spot of the film was recently leaked and went viral within minutes.

Wednesday February 27, 2019 01:41 Film : Jashnn 06:00 Film : Krishna Arjun 08:33 Film : Madrangi 11:00 Film : Krishan Avtaar 14:02 Film : Agnivarsha * Schedule is subject to change 16:52 Film : Vivah Sunday February 24, 2019 01:55 Film : Aatma - Feel It Around You 20:18 Film : Banjo 23:03 Film : Dastak 06:00 Film : Ishq Click Thursday February 28, 2019 08:33 Film : Gurudev 01:48 Film : Jurm 11:48 Film : Chaalbaaz 06:00 Film : Four Pillars Of Basement 15:00 Film : Mr. India 08:10 Film : The Real Hunter 18:41 Film : English Vinglish 10:26 Film : Chameli Ki Shaadi 21:23 Film : Happy Bhag Jayegi 13:17 Film : Mere Dost Picture Abhi Baki Hai 23:59 Film : Aitraaz 16:00 Film : Sanam Teri Kasam Monday February 25, 2019 19:12 Film : Star Stop 02:10 Film : Rama Rama Kya Hai Dramaa 20:00 Film : Teen Patti 06:00 Film : Prithipal Singh... A Story 23:00 Film : Yeh Zindagi Ka Safar Friday March 01, 2019 08:00 Film : Daring Aashique 03:10 Film : Ishq Click 10:31 Film : Mrityudand 06:00 Film : Cheetah The Leopard 13:51 Film : Chaalbaaz 08:54 Film : Ram Balram 17:02 Film : Fitoor 12:21 Film : Mast 19:40 Film : Star Stop 15:16 Film : Krishan Avtaar 20:18 Film : Vivah 18:18 Film : Banjo 23:45 Film : English Vinglish 21:02 Film : Don- The Chase Begins Again Tuesday February 26, 2019 Saturday March 02, 2019 02:12 Film : Jeet - Born To Win 00:41 Film : Masti 06:00 Film : The Silent Heroes 03:30 Film : Shaurya 08:20 Film : Main Hoon Ziddi 06:00 Film : Blue Oranges 08:15 Film : Kasoor 10:55 Film : Mr. India 11:23 Film : Keemat 14:31 Film : Shikaar 14:50 Film : Teen Patti 17:15 Film : Happy Bhag Jayegi 17:47 Film : A Flying Jatt 20:00 Film : Sanam Teri Kasam 20:50 Film : Bewafaa 23:15 Film : Awarapan

SATURDAY 2nd March 2019 20:00: SHAKTI ASTITVA KE EHSAAS KI 20:30: KESARRI NANDAN 21:00: GATHBANDHAN * Schedule is subject to change

MONDAY 25th - FRIDAY 1st March 2019 18:00: KITCHEN CHAMPION 19:00: KHOOB LADI MARDANI JHANSI KI RANI 19:30: UDAAN

21:30: ROOP 22:00: SILSILA

TIME

23:00: SITARA

TIME

TV PROGRAM NAMES

19:30:

DESI BEAT 4.0

19:30: FAMOUSLY FILMFARE

20:00:

NAAGIN - SEASON 3

20:00: NAAGIN - SEASON 3

21:00:

KHATRON KE KHILADI JIGGER

21:00: KHATRON KE KHILADI JIGGER

PE TRIGGER

22:30: KHOOB LADI MARDANI JHANSI KI RANI

TV PROGRAM NAMES

SUNDAY 3rd MARCH 2019

PE TRIGGER

22:00:

COURT ROOM

22:00: COURT ROOM

23:30:

SITAARA

23:30: SILSILA

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23 Feb - 1 Mar 2019

Mahant Swami pays respects to Pulwama terror attack victims in Pune

‘Beware of Muslim rape gangs’ appear in windows of people’s homes

The stickers were found on people’s homes

Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha head Pujya Mahant Swami is currently in Maharashtra on his vicharan. After staying in Nashik for a few days, he went to Pune on February 13 and was received by saints and devotees. On 14th, Subodh Din was celebrated in the presence of Swami. God Swaminarayan's teachings were presented in his vachanamrut. Pujya Mahant Swami did pooja of the vachanamrut. On February 15 was celebrated as Satpurush Day. Praises of Pujya Pramukh Swami and Pujya Mahant Swami were sung through dialogue, and video shows.

Also in the presence of Mahant Swami, respects were paid to martyred CRPF soldiers of the February 14 Pulwama. Prayers were made for quick recovery of injured soldiers. In his address, Mahant Swami said, “Jawans are protecting the border, which is why we are sleeping peacefully. We pray to God for them.” Satsang Din was celebrated on February 18.

Devotees came in large numbers, especially Marwadi devotees. After his vicharan in Pune, Mahant Swami will move towards Sakri.

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Sneh Joshi

when he found the stickers on his front door and said: ‘I came home to find these stickers plastered over the door to my flats. This is not good.

‘Racist and divisive hatred spread by cowards.

It’s all intended to appeal to the closet racists who have been empowered by the rise of Trump in the US and Brexit here. The people responsible are an underground hate group who seeks a whites-only population. They are also dumb as rocks – second, third and fourth generation immigrants were born in the UK so not sure where they should go back to? ‘This is not free speech – it’s an incitement of ethnic and racial hatred.’

Police officers and residents removed the stickers after finding them – but an investigation will be carried out.

Family Day: A Commonwealth Celebration This February half term, celebrate a coming together of families and cultures as Westminster Abbey partners with the Royal Commonwealth Society for day of Commonwealththemed activities.

Performers include London's Maori Choir, and many varied forms of dance including classical Indian Kuchipudi dance, Traditional Fijian dance, Sabahan Malaysian dance

- Sarojini Naidu He Lift up the veils that darken the delicate moon of thy glory and grace, Withhold not, O love, from the night of my longing the joy of thy luminous face, Give me a spear of the scented keora guarding thy pinioned curls, Or a silken thread from the fringes that trouble the dream of thy glimmering pearls; Faint grows my soul with thy tresses' perfume and the song of thy anklets' caprice, Revive me, I pray, with the magical nectar that dwells in the flower of thy kiss.

She How shall I yield to the voice of thy pleading, how shall I grant thy prayer, Or give thee a rose-red silken tassel, a scented leaf from my hair?

Or fling in the flame of thy heart's desire the veils that cover my face, Profane the law of my father's creed for a foe of my father's race?

Thy kinsmen have broken our sacred altars and slaughtered our sacred kine, The feud of old faiths and the blood of old battles sever thy people and mine.

He What are the sins of my race, Beloved, what are my people to thee?

And what are thy shrines, and kine and kindred, what are thy gods to me?

Love recks not of feuds and bitter follies, of stranger, comrade or kin, Alike in his ear sound the temple bells and the cry of the muezzin.

For Love shall cancel the ancient wrong and conquer the ancient rage, Redeem with his tears the memoried sorrow that sullied a bygone age.

and Sega dancers from Mauritius as well as Sri Lankan storyteller Debbie Guneratne telling world stories in Poets' Corner.

Suitable for children aged 5+ accompanied by an adult.

Date: Friday, 22nd Feb Time: 10am till 2pm Venue: The Abbey Price: £10 per adult, kids go free, booking required tickets.westminsterabbey.org

Sandeep Adhwaryu for Times of India

The UK’s leading Vedic writer and TV personality

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 The Sun travels through your

twelfth house now, marking a time of retreat and regeneration. This also heralds a time for research and unfinished behind-the-scene activities. Matters which have dragged on for a while should now be re-assessed and put to rest. Some of you will be looking to spiritual enlightenment and take up yoga and meditation.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 The Sun illuminates your sector of

friends, social gatherings and group activities. You will be in constant demand and will be in a position to network with new-found friends who will promote your cause.

Personal relationships are also to the fore and some of you might even find true love. This is a time to follow your dreams and ideals.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 More than any other time of the

year, your focus is drawn to your career and standing in the society. This is the time when you are more interested in, and focused on, accomplishing something important.

Contact with authority figures is more likely during this period.

Recognition will come your way whether you ask for it or not, and the responsibility that goes with it.

You are feeling most adventurous and willing to achieve higher knowledge and spiritual growth. This is a good time to broaden your horizons through travel and higher learning. This may take you to far off lands in pursuit of your new-found goals. You must distance yourself from the mundane grind of life and take on something which is more meaningful for your inner growth.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

Police have launched an investigation after racist anti-immigration propaganda was found plastered on people’s front doors.

Residents in St Ives, reported the stickers to police on Monday morning after spotting them in the windows of their homes and lampposts in the Cambridgeshire town.

Pictures of the stickers show messages including: ‘Beware of Muslim rape gangs’ and ‘Mass immigration is white genocide’.

Other stickers said: ‘Diversity means no white countries, cities, neighbourhoods or people.’ and ‘Second generation? Third, fourth? You have to go back.’

The propaganda was a haunting reminder of the ‘No Irish, no blacks, no dogs’ signs seen in some B&B windows in the 1960s. Resident David Kirby was shocked

An Indian Love Song

The Sun energizes your sector of change, transformation and regeneration. On a more practical level, you may be dealing with joint finances and shared resources now more than usual. You should also make sure that your tax affairs are in order. You are more willing than usual to explore and delve deeper into life's secrets and arrive at meaningful conclusions.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

020 8518 5500

With the Sun transiting your solar fourth house of family and home, these areas are highlighted during this period. Buying or selling of property or even renovating it will be uppermost in your mind as you will be trying to put your roots down permanently. It is also a time when family life will be charged with emotions so be diplomatic and respect other people's views.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

As the Sun transits your seventh house, you have a greater need than usual to be in a relationship. The emphasis is on "us" rather than "me". Social interactions of a personal nature are highlighted. This is likely to be an extremely busy time for most of you. Use tact and diplomacy in your dealing, otherwise you are likely to come across as over confident and egotistical.

You are exploring and searching now, making connections, and paying attention to your immediate environment.

Socially you are very popular and your communications strengthen your connections. You will be busy with errands, paperwork, phone calls, and light socialising. Siblings, close relatives and friends may play an important role in your life during this period.

The Sun transits your solar sixth house and highlights your health and also makes you take pride in your day to day work. Hence, you should enhance your skills, get organized and take up a health regime for your well being. This transit highlights the need for efficiency and as such you should bring in the new and get rid of the old ideas that do not work.

The Sun highlights your second house of finance, and your focus is on material affairs and comfort issues. This is a good time to plan your future investments carefully to maximise your profits. If travelling make sure you keep your documents safe as there is a possibility of misplacing them. Some of you might change your travel itinerary.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

After a period of relative inactivity, you are coming out of your shell, ready to perform and to express yourself creatively. This is a very progressive period of the year, when you are inspired emotionally. You take more pride in your your love affairs, your children, and your hobbies and are generally very sociable and make friends easily.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

The Sun transits your first house and this affects your personal identity, appearance, outward behaviour, and self-expression. This marks the peak of your physical solar cycle, and you are in the position to make an impression on others, and to assert your personal influence.

Increased energy and a renewed feeling of confidence is with you now, so take advantage of your charisma to achieve your goals.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

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23 Feb - 1 Mar 2019

in brief CRICKETER GETS LIFETIME BAN FOR ATTACKING SELECTOR BHANDARI

Under-23 cricketer Anuj Dedha has been slapped with a lifetime ban for assaulting Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) senior selection committee chairman Amit Bhandari. DDCA chief Rajat Sharma said that the association would impose a life ban on Anuj Dedha for physically assaulting Amit Bhandari, who is also a former India pacer. Anuj Dedha attacked Amit Bhandari for not selecting him in the U-23 state side. Bhandari was attacked by a group of people during the Under-23 state trials at St Stephens ground in New Delhi. Bhandari was hit with iron rods and hockey sticks at the trials, before being rushed to a hospital. Bhandari got 7 stitches for cuts on his legs and head.

CHRIS GAYLE TO RETIRE FROM ODI AFTER WORLD CUP 2019

Star West Indies batsman Chris Gayle will be retiring from the ODI cricket after the 2019 World Cup to be played in England. While addressing the media he said, “this was the right time to end his career in the ODI format of the game.” Chris Gayle made his debut against India in 1999 in Toronto in the ODI format. Gayle has played 103 Test matches, 284 ODIs and 56 T20I. Gayle has amassed 9,727 runs in 284 ODI matches with an average of 37.12. The Windies batsman has the highest score of 215 in this format which came against Zimbabwe during the 2015 World Cup group stage match. Gayle needs to score 273 runs more to achieve the 10,000 run mark. He will be the second Windies batsmen in history to reach the landmark after Brian Lara. The former left-handed batsman Brian Lara has scored 10,405 runs in 299 games in white ball cricket.

JAPAN’S OLYMPIC POSTER GIRL IKEE DIAGNOSED WITH LEUKAEMIA

Japan’s swim queen Rikako Ikee, the poster girl for next year’s Tokyo Olympics, has been diagnosed with leukaemia. In a shock announcement, Ikee said: “After feeling unwell, I returned in haste from Australia and following tests I was diagnosed with leukaemia. I still can’t believe it myself, I’m in a state of confusion.” Ikee shot to fame at last year’s Asian Games, where she captured a record six gold medals to fire a warning for the 2020 Olympics in her home city. The teenage superstar, who holds a string of national records, has been tipped to push for gold on several fronts, in particular in the women’s 100 metres butterfly.

JEMIMAH JUMPS TO SECOND PLACE IN T20I RANKINGS

Indian batswomen Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana jumped four places to be second and sixth in the ICC T20 rankings despite their team's 0-3 loss in New Zealand. Rodrigues's 132 runs in the threematch series against New Zealand have lifted her to the second position while Mandhana, who grabbed the top spot in ODIs, has gained four spots after finishing as the leading run-getter in the New Zealand series with an aggregate of 180.

The stylish left-hander smashed two halfcenturies including a fluent 86 in the last match in Hamilton that India lost by two runs. Spinners Radha Yadav, up 18 places to 10th after taking four wickets in the series, and Deepti Sharma, up five places to 14th, are the India players to move up among bowlers.

Saina defeats Sindhu to retain crown

Saina Nehwal has won the battle between India's badminton queens and retained her crown by defeating her arch rival and top seed PV Sindhu 21-18, 21-15 in Guwahati. With this victory, Saina also maintained her perfect record in the Senior Nationals with four titles in as many appearances. The SainaSindhu clash was the cynosure of all eyes. Sindhu was off the blocks in style, winning the first three points. But Saina did not take long to find her groove. The defending champion first leveled the scores and then took a slender lead (11-10) at the break.

Saina, who will turn 29 next month, maintained a steady lead and didn’t allow Sindhu to move ahead thereafter.

Playing

PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal

aggressively, Saina used powerful smashes to good effect.

Sindhu’s returns were mostly in mid-court areas which were

finished in a flash by Saina, who converted her second game point to grab the opener at 21-18.

Like in the first game, Sindhu pocketed the first couple of points in the second, hinting at a fightback. Sindhu was ahead a few times (5-3 and 7-6) but after tat she lost steam. Saina increased the intensity by firing bullet smashes to every corner of the court. Her aggressive brand of play caught Sindhu completely unawares and she came under tremendous pressure. Saina continued her tempo and sealed the fate of Sindhu on the second match point (21-15) in 44 minutes. It was Saina’s back-to-back win in the Nationals after she won in Nagpur last year.

Perera helps Lanka chase down 304 to win first test Sri Lanka’s middle order batsman Kusal Perera scored an unbeaten century to lead the team to a one-wicket win over South Africa in the first Test at Kingsmead. Perera was not out on 153, his highest Test score, as he put on 78 for the last wicket with number 11 Vishwa Fernando (six not out), taking Sri Lanka to a victory target of 304 that had looked beyond its reach.

South Africa appeared oddson for victory when they claimed the ninth Sri Lankan wicket with the score on 226, but Perera launched a brilliant counter-attack with a mix of powerful hitting and intelligent farming of the strike. The win, Sri Lanka’s first in any format since October, ends South Africa’s run of seven home series victories in a row with the second and final Test in Port

Kusal Perera

Elizabeth from February 21-25.

The winning total is the third-highest run chase ever in Durban and leaves Sri Lanka unbeaten in three Tests at Kingsmead, with two wins and a draw. South Africa were missing seamer Vernon Philander with a hamstring injury, but the muchvaunted seam attack that had seen off Pakistan earlier in the

season was expected to complete the win when Sri Lanka resumed the day on 83 for three.

Dale Steyn picked up two wickets in an over to leave the tourists on 110 for five, but Perera and Dhananjaya de Silva (48) put on 96 runs for the sixth wicket to take Sri Lanka to within a hundred of their target.

But Keshav Maharaj (3-71) removed the latter and along with Duanne Olivier (2-35) took four wickets for the addition of 20 runs to leave South Africa on the brink of what looked like being a routine victory.

But Perera, with only one previous Test hundred to his name, continued to attack the bowling and, along with the stout rear-guard from Fernando, kept South Africa at bay. The last wicket stand of 78 is the highest ever to win a first-class game of cricket, while the previous highest in Tests was 57

by Pakistan against Australia in 1994.

Scores: Sri Lanka 191 (Kusal 51, Steyn 4-48) and 304 for 9 (Kusal 153*, Vishwa 6*) beat South Africa 235 (de Kock 80, Fernando 4-62) and 259 (du Plessis 90, Embuldeniya 5-66) by one wicket

Smriti Mandhana tops ODI batswoman rankings Indian left-handed opener Smriti Mandhana retained the top spot in ODI batswoman rankings with 774 points. The second and third spot were grabbed by Australian stars Ellyse Perry and Meg Lanning respectively. Indian ODI skipper Mithali Raj also featured in the ICC Women’s ranking, and claimed the fifth spot just behind Kiwi star batswoman Amy Satterthwaite who retained her fourth position. Deepti Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur are the other two Indian cricketers to star in the top 20,

Smriti Mandhana

and are ranked 17 and 19 respectively.

The Indian Deepti Sharma team is at the third spot in the ODI format with 120 points. The top two spots belonged to England and A u s t r a l i a .

Australia is at the top with 141 points and

England stands at 123 points. In the bowlers, pacer Jhulan Goswami was the best-placed Indian at the third spot with 685 points.

Pakistan’s Sana Mir was leading the pack at the moment with 718 points.

Deepti Sharma and Poonam Yadav are two other Indian bowlers figuring at

the top-10 at eighth and ninth positions respectively. Deepti Sharma added another feather to her cap by grabbing the third spot in the all-rounders ranking.

The highest an Indian has ever been placed on this ranking is the 2nd position, with former captains – Jhulan Goswami, Purnima Rau and Shubhangi Kulkarni – all achieving this feat India is set to take on England in a three-match ODI series from Febraury 22. All three ODI’s will be held in Mumbai. The ODI series will be followed by a three-match T20 series which will be held in Guwahati.

Mithali Raj

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AsianVoiceNews AsianVoiceNewsweekly

IPL 2019 all Selectors recall set to start on Rahul, drop Karthik in favour of Rishabh March 23 ODI AND T20 HOME SERIES AGAINST AUSTRALIA

The stage is set for the next edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). This season, IPL will be held in March in view of the Lok Sabha polls and also ICC Cricket World Cup which will be played in England from May 30. The BCCI has confirmed that the tournament will start on March 23 and take place entirely in India. Chennai Super Kings will face Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opening match. The decision to hold the tournament entirely in India was taken after BCCI held hectic parleys to decide whether to shift the venue of tournament outside India. In 2009 and 2014, the BCCI had organised the tournament in South Africa and UAE due to overlapping of dates with the general elections.

Also, India’s opening match at the World Cup was postponed from June 2 to 5.

The decision was taken after the BCCI was directed to maintain a mandatory 15day gap between the conclusion of IPL and international fixture. The transfers and the retention lists of players were announced in November last year and the auction was held on December 18. In the auction, pacer Jaydev Unadkat and uncapped Varun Chakravarthy were the most expensive player at £840,000 each. While Unadkat was picked by Rajasthan Royals, Chakravarthy went to Kings XI Punjab. English cricketer Sam Curran was the most expensive foreign player at £720,000. He will play for Punjab in the coming season. Prominent players who remained unsold in the auction include Cheteshwar Pujara, Brendon McCullum, Mushfiqur Rahim and Alex Hales.

Here are the full squads: CHENNAI SUPER KINGS (CSK) MS Dhoni (C), Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Deepak Chahar, Suresh Raina, Karn Sharma, Mohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, David Willey, Dhruv Shorey, Faf du Plessis, M Vijay, Sam Billings, KM Asif, Dwayne Bravo, Shane Watson, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir, Harbhajan Singh, N Jagadeesan, Shardul Thakur, Monu Kumar, Chaitanya

Indian selectors have recalled opener KL Rahul and picked rookie leg-spinner Mayank Markande as the new face, but they were still unsure about the second

Mayank Markande

Bishnoi, Ruturaj Gaikwad.

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE (RBC) Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers, Parthiv Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Kulwant Khejroliya, Washington Sundar, Pawan Negi, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Moeen Ali, Mohammed Siraj, Colin de Grandhomme, Shimron Hetmyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Shivam Dube, Heinrich Klassen, Gurkeerat Singh, Himmat Singh, Prayas Ray Barman.

KINGS XI PUNJAB (KXIP) KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Andrew Tye, Mayank Agarwal, Ankit Rajpoot, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Karun Nair, David Miller, Ravichandran Ashwin, Moises Henriques, Nicholas Pooran, Varun Chakaravarthy, Sam Curran, Mohammad Shami, Sarfaraz Khan, Hardus Viljoen, Arshdeep Singh, Darshan Nalkande, Prabhsimran Singh, Agnivesh Ayachi, Harpreet Brar, Murugan Ashwin.

SUNRISERS HYDERABAD (SRH) Bhuvneshwar Kumar, David Warner, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Deepak Hooda, Mohammad Nabi, Manish Pandey, Basil Thampi, Rashid Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Siddarth Kaul, Shreevats Goswami (wk), Khaleel Ahmed, Yusuf Pathan, Billy Stanlake, T Natarajan, Ricky Bhui, Shakib Al Hasan, Jonny Bairstow, Wriddhiman Saha.

KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS (KKR) Dinesh Karthik (C), Kuldeep Yadav, Shubman Gill, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Chris Lynn, Andre

Russell, Lockie Ferguson, Piyush Chawla, Shrikant Mundhe, Prasidh Krishna, Rinku Singh, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Carlos Brathwaite, Anrich Nortje, Nikhil Naik, Harry Gurney, Shivam Mavi, Nitish Rana, Yarra Prithviraj, Joe Denly.

MUMBAI INDIANS (MI) Rohit Sharma (C), Yuvraj Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Krunal Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Mayank Markande, Rahul Chahar, Anukul Roy, Siddhesh Lad, Aditya Tare, Quinton de Kock, Evin Lewis, Ben Cutting, Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne, Jason Behrendorff, Lasith Malinga, Anmolpreet Singh, Barinder Sran, Pankaj Jaiswal, Rasikh Salam.

DELHI CAPITALS Shreyas Iyer, Colin Munro, Chris Morris, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Ishant Sharma, Prithvi Shaw, Harshal Patel, Rahul Tewatia, Jayant Yadav, Manjot Kalra, Kagiso Rabada, Sandeep Lamichhane, Trent Boult, Hanuma Vihari, Amit Mishra, Avesh Khan, Ankush Bains, Nathu Singh, Colin Ingram, Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul, Jalaj Saxena, Bandaru Ayyappa.

RAJASTHAN ROYALS (RR) Ajinkya Rahane, Steve Smith, Jaydev Unadkat, Varun Aaron, Ben Stokes, Aryaman Birla, Krishnappa Gowtham, Sanju Samson, Shubham Rajane, Shreyas Gopal, S. Midhun, Prashant Chopra, Rahul Tripathi, Stuart Binny, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Ish Sodhi, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mahipal Lomror, Oshane Thomas, Shashank Singh, Liam Livinstone, Manan Vohra, Ashton Turner, Riyan Parag.

wicketkeepers’ slot when they dropped Dinesh Karthik in favour of Rishabh

Rishabh Pant

Pant while naming the Indian team for the ODI and T20 home series against Australia.

Karthik though was retained in the T20 squad.

Starting on February 24, India will play two T20 Internationals and five ODIs against t h e Aussies, in what will be their last

impressed the Mumbai Indians in the IPL last summer, taking 15 wickets in 14 games and was touted as the find of the season.

“We are looking at him (Markande) as a back-up spinner. So, we’ve been grooming him through the India ‘A’ process and he has taken a five-wicket haul (against England Lions),” said chief selector MSK Prasad.

Karthik played in only the final two ODIs of the five-match series in New Zealand last month, in which he managed scores of 38 not out and 0. Clearly, the selectors and the team management are keen on giving Pant one last shot to book his ticket to England as a specialistbatsman-cum-secondwicketkeeper for the World Cup. In this context, this axing comes as a massive jolt to the Tamil Nadu player’s prospects of boarding the Heathrow-bound flight - a slight surprise considering that he’s performed consistently in the chances that he’s got.

Prasad agreed that his colleagues were sort of ‘auditioning’ Pant and Karthik, to see who fits the bill the best for the World Cup. “Definitely, because prior to this, we had two series in New Zealand and Australia, where Karthik was chosen. Because Rishabh played four Tests in Australia, we wanted him to get a good break. After a 20-day break, he played couple of One-dayers against the England Lions, where he did well, then we sent him to T20 matches. We want to give him a few ODIs before taking a final call,” Prasad said.

In other significant decision, the selectors have recalled pacer Umesh Yadav in the T20 squad. He missed out on selection in ODIs though. By including Vijay Shankar over Ravindra Jadeja, they have also given a clear indication as to who is ahead in the race for the second all-rounder’s slot. The pace attack includes Jasprit Bumrah, refreshed after a break, and Shami, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been rested from the T20Is and the first two ODIs.

KL Rahul

international assignment before the World Cup, which begins in England on May 30.

Returning from suspension, Rahul hit back-to-back fifties for India A against the England Lions in the two unofficial Tests recently. The Karnataka opener was in poor form during the Test series in Australia, but has enjoyed the confidence of the team management as a reserve opener. The 21-year-old Markande was immediately rewarded after his fivewicket haul powered India ‘A’ to an innings and 68-run victory over England Lions in the second unofficial test in Mysuru. The Punjab leggie had