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26 - OCT - 1 NOV 2019 - VOL 48 ISSUE 26
MR CORBYN
YOU ARE NOT CONVINCING
inside: Countdown to verdict in Ayodhya case begins SEE PAGE 16-17
Indian army destroys 4 terror camps across LoC SEE PAGE 26
Happy Diwali Dear Reader,
Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn
Home Secretary Priti Patel: you have to act now
See page-26 for full report
We wish you a very Happy Diwali and prosperous New Year. Diwali Special Magazine with this week�s papers are posted to all subscriber Our offices will remain closed from 25 - 29 October 2019 There will be no edition of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar on 2nd November 2019.
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onetoone WITH KEITH VAZ, MP
Dr Jacqueline Allan Dr Jacqueline Allan is the founder of the charity Diabetics with Eating Disorders and current clinical psychology trainee. DWED is a charity that supports people with Type 1 Diabetes who have eating disorders including those who omit insulin for weight loss purposes. It was started in 2008 and has advocated for change in how we treat this illness by being involved in politics, the media and academia. She has a PhD in the subject from Birkbeck, Univeristy of London where she also lectured. For more information please watch the BBC documentary Diabulimia: The worlds most dangerous Eating Disorder (available on youtube).
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Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in? It will always be London. I have been fortunate to have many iterations in my working life and all of them were made possible by living here. There really isn't anywhere else like it, even when I'm only away for a few days, I get home sick.
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What are your proudest achievements? Finishing my PhD was a big one obviously but my proudest achievements are the people who I've helped, theres nothing like seeing someone who was once a really struggling graduate or have a baby or just even be there for someone else in
the support group.
3
What inspires you?
The people around me mostly. Especially the ones who are struggling but still fighting. That reminds me that it is OK and natural to have hardships but it's not Okay to give up. Their fight inspires me to keep fighting in my career and for my own health.
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What has been biggest obstacle in your career? Trying to explain to people that what they think they know is wrong. I've been laughed at, ridiculed and out right
Nirav Modi to appear for remand hearing by video link from jail Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi, who is fighting extradition to India on charges of over the nearly USD 2 billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud and money laundering case, was on Thursday remanded into custody till November 11. Nirav Modi was remanded by a Westminster Magistrates Court. The prime accused in the Rs 13,000 crore scam case, Nirav Modi who is facing extradition in the United Kingdom appeared via video link at the Westminster Magistrates Court in front of the district judge Nina Tempia where his custody was extended till November 17, 2019.
Nirav Modi
At the end of his custody, Nirav Modi will appear again before the court for the next remand hearing. This is a procedural hearing which takes place every 28 days in the case of people who have been remanded in custody. The UK courts rejected four bail applications of
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Nirav Modi. The fugitive diamantaire has been lodged at Wandsworth prison in south-west London, one of England's most overcrowded jails, since his arrest in March on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard on charges brought by the Indian government, being represented by the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in court. Nirav Modi is wanted for his role in alleged bank fraud amounting to approximately two billion dollars (1.5million pounds), largest to date. A warrant against him was issued by the UK home office at the behest of India. The extradition trial of Nirav Modi has been fixed as of now for May 11 to 15, 2020. The 48-year-old will remain in judicial custody pending a full extradition trial scheduled and must appear for call-over hearings until the case management for the trial kicks in from February next year. At the last call-over hearing at the magistrates’ court in London in September, Judge David Robinson told Nirav Modi that there was nothing substantial to deal with and that the court was working towards a five-day extradition trial hearing for May 11-15, 2020.
shouted at by people who thought that they knew everything. No one likes being told that not only are they wrong, they're dangerous.
it, in my previous career I have seen very little evidence for 'parity of esteem'
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I would like to be involved in a sea change regarding how we treat chronic illnesses in the NHS. We need to be thinking far more about how to help people manage these conditions and that requires integration with psychological services right from diagnosis.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date? The Psychiatrist Janet Treasure, she is a legend in the Eating Disorder world and you would think as such that she might be intimidating but she is the nicest, kindest most collaborative person. Watching how she interacts with clients, students, everyone and how plugged in she is to her subject is inspiring.
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What is the best aspect about your current role? I am so new in post that I don't really think I can answer that. I can say that getting into clinical psychology training is really tough and it's been my dream for a decade so for now I'll say; That I actually got in and am finally working for the NHS.
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And the worst?
Again I'm new in post, but I will say what scares me is just how much investment mental health services in this country need. And that despite all the talk about
8
What are your long term goals?
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If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change? I think probably that I would take a harder stance on taxing these huge global conglomerates properly, it's not right that if you or I miss paying our taxes we go to jail and they get away with paying nothing despite stratospheric profits. The government says we need austerity we don't we need closed tax loopholes
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If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why. Sigmund Freud. The thing with Freud is that you can empathise and even admire his theories on the human mind but only up to a point. So I would like to ask him, why all the weird incest stuff.
BBC's presenter Samira Ahmed sues corporation for equal pay One of the BBC's most well-known female presenters is taking the Corporation to an employment tribunal, claiming she was paid less than male colleagues for doing equivalent work. The BBC has been beset by accusations of pay disparity but the case being brought by journalist Samira Ahmed, 51, will be the first of several in the pipeline to make it to court. The tribunal could be a cause of serious embarrassment for the BBC, with a well-known journalist detailing her claims against BBC management. Court listings seen show that Ahmed's case is due to be heard over three days from next Monday at an employment tribunal in central London, over an alleged 'failure to provide equal pay for equal value work' under the Equal Pay Act. Ms Ahmed presents Newswatch on BBC One, which holds the BBC to acocunt for its editorial decisions, as well as regualrly appearing on BBC News and Radio 4's arts programme Front Row. She publicly threw her hat into the ring for the job ultimately given to Fiona Bruce - presenting Question Time following David Dimbleby's retirement. Ms Ahmed wrote on Twitter: 'I have 2 awards for journalism, 28 years in the broadcast news biz, including 11 at C4 News, currently presenting News Watch
Samira Ahmed
BBC& BBC Front Row & an honorary fellow of St Edmund Hall, Oxford. 'I'm v well qualified to present BBC Question Time & I'd like to be seriously considered.' After years at Channel 4 Samira Ahmed started at the BBC in the 1990s and has become a well-recognised face and voice on the BBC. The tribunal comes at a turbluent time for the BBC, which has faced a growing number of equal pay cases since the corporation was forced to start publishing the salaries of high-earning on-air presenters and reporters in 2017. The revelation of wide disparities between prominent journalists sparked outrage and saw the BBC
pleading with male journalists to cut their salaries while female staff saw wages bumped up. Carrie Gracie, a former China editor, left the corporation after discovering she was paid less than other unternational editors. She won an apology and a payout from the corporation. The corporation is the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission over claims of historical pay inequality at the organisation between male and female staff. The paper reported Ms Ahmed referred a request for comment to her lawyers, who declined to add further detail. The BBC declined to comment on the case.
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COMMENTS
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26 Oct - 1 Nov 2019
India, China reset button At Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative, India and China embarked on informal summits in a bid to reset the button to better understanding free of the fetters of a fraught past. The first summit in 2018 between the two leaders in Wuhan, China, set the ball rolling. A platform had been established for a second summit, this time in Tamil Nadu, India, where the dialogue reached a new high. Mr Modi, in reference to the Wuhan summit, said: ‘We had decided that we would prudently manage our differences and not let them become disputes, be sensitive to each other’s concerns [andcontributing] to peace and stability in the world.’ The elaborate personal welcome accorded by Mr Modi to President Xi Jinping set the scene at a beach resort in Kovalam, some 30 miles from Chennai, the State capital, for wide-ranging delegation-level talks covering all subjects of mutual concern. Mr Modi, in his opening speech said: ‘The Wuhan spirit has given our relations new momentum and trust. Today, our Chennai Connect will begin a new age in relations between our two countries.’ Replying, President Xi said the Wuhan summit had led to ‘healthy and steady development in bilateral relations, ‘deepened strategic communication, and diverse people to people cultural exchanges.’ The Kovalam delegation talks, economic and trade issues were given pride of place. China accepted that the balance of trade was weighted heavily in its favour, and that Indian goods and services had to be given greater access to the Chinese market. These issues were discussed specifically by Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and China’s Vice-Premier Hu Chan. President Xi briefed Prime Minister Modi on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent visit to Beijing. The Global Tmes, mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, which is given to targeting India with
abuse switched over to friendly cooing about the country. Such off-and- on dials at the press of a button is possible only in a tightly-controlled one party state. Enthusiasm must be leavened by common sense and reason. Indian and Chinese goals in Asia and the wider world will, no doubt, converge at certain points, but the divergences will remain crucially significant. The international chessboard requires calibrated assessment. China’s maritime activities and claims in the South China Sea are contested by littoral states, notably by Vietnam, a strategic ally with whom India has close defence ties. China claims Taiwan as its territory, which its democratically-elected government robustly refutes, while also laying claim to India’s Arunachal Pradesh. There is increasing turbulence in the global order which impinges on Indian and Chinese interests. US President Donald Trump, a loose cannon, and hence unpredictable, and much given to imposing arbitrary economic sanctions against perceived American rivals and adversaries. The US and China are presently engaged in a damaging trade war with serious consequences for the global economy, including that of India. It is neither in India’s nor in China’s interest that the Sino-Ameruican confrontation continues, since the two disputants preside over the world’s two largest economies. In sum, the present Sino-Indian engagement revolves principally round trade and investment; in other spheres it is one of calibrated crisis management. This requires handling more with head than heart. Trite slogans from a largely discredited past of friendship without shared responsibility was a recipe for disaster. While no state should be fettered by the past, to ignore its lessons could invite fresh catastrophe. However, international relations are no zero sum game either. India’s guard must never be lowered irresponsibly as it once was decades ago.
Texas Senator on Chinese threat Republican Senator Ted Cruz visited Delhi recently to warn Prime Minister Narendra Modi against ‘China (as) the most significant geopolitical threat.’ It was a long way to come since he had met Mr Modi during the Huston road show extravaganza with its cast of thousands. with the ubiquitous President Donald Trump at his side. What prevented Senator Cruz voicing his concerns on China when he had an opportunity to do so in confidence? Only Senator Cruz can provide the answer. Anyway, he did arrive in Delhi but whether he saw Mr Modi is something we may come know later, if at all. The Hindu newspaper’s Diplomatic Correspondent Suhasini Haidar caught up with him. He told her that the US Senate and House had issued concerns on developments in Kashmir including the reported violations of human rights by Indian agencies in the State. As a member of the Senate Foreign relations Committee, Senator Cruz said: ‘I think the legal question of how Kashmir is treated is for India to determine internally, and it in US’s interest not to intrude on those questions. But at the same time, we hope not to see Kashmir produce a violent military conflict... An escalating conflict with Pakistan makes it harder for India and India’s allies to work together on the pressing priorities we have across Asia and across the world. My trip was envisioned as an Indo-Pacific “friends and allies” tour, and I am very deliberately meeting with some of America’s friends and allies surrounding China from multiple perspectives. I believe that China is the most significant geopolitical threat in this next century, for the US, India and the world.’ His Indian interlocutor was quick to point out that India had never joined any alliance in its postIndependence history and was unlikely to do so now. She drew his attention to the Wuhan and Chennai summits between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to reset ties between their two countries, the wisdom self-evident in an increasingly troubled world. Nothing daunted, Senator Cruz referred to the risks underlying trade with China, mentioning Chinese hitech communications company Huawei whose 5G
technology remains an attractive proposition for prospective Indian buyers. The Trump administration has banned Huawei as a national security threat. India must make its call in the national interest and not by American alarums. Senator Cruz accepted India’s sovereign right to engage with China, but emphasising the shared democratic values that bound India and the United States in common endeavour. The reality, alas, punctures this fabled fantasy. America from its inception was a hegemonic state enshrined in the Monroe Doctrine of 1823. Its brutal dominance of its self-defined arc of licence is a record of unrelieved aggrandisement. The following passage penned in 1935 by General Smedly D. Butler, the most decorated US marine commander of his generation encapsulates this shame. ‘I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenue in. I helped in the rape of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street...I helped purify Nicaragua for the international banking house of Brown Brothers in 1909-1912 I brought light to the Dominican Republic for American sugar interests in 1916.. .Looking back on it I feel I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. We Marines operated on three continents.’ Senator Cruz might have been better advised to recall the Nixon-Kissinger administration’s alignment with Mao’s China against ‘democratic’ India in the East Pakistan crisis of 1971. The ensuing India-Pakistan war, ended in a Pakistani rout, and East Pakistan’s metamorphosis into democratic Bangladesh. Threatened Soviet military intervention kept the China-US axis at bay. India achieved its strategic goal - a friendly neighbour on its eastern flank. Today, US allies, from the Arab Gulf kingdoms to Turkey, Syria and Iran, to go no further, look to Russia as critical balancer to fraying American hegemony. The French paper Liberation highlighted Russian President Vladimir Putin’s deft statecraft, his mastery of grand strategy. The global chessboard provides a riveting spectacle. The best, surely, is yet to come.
RIL in record market capitalisation Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is India’s first company to hit a record market capitalisation of Rs 9 lakh crore. Bullish sentiment over the company’s sale deal with the world’s largest oil company Saudi Aramco has been driving the stock over the past few weeks with expectations of RIL’s telecom operations a record high.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT company is the second-most valued in the stock market, having reached a capitalisation of Rs 8.61 lakh crore. Housing Development Finance Corporation ranks third with its market capitalisation around Rs 7 lakh crore.
I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars. - Og Mandino
Alpesh Patel
Do Not Mistake Us as Weak Walkovers Mr Corbyn Following our meeting in Parliament convened by the editor of this paper, I wanted to share it with the readers of this paper and our extensive plans for the future. First my words as Chair, then our plans: “As CB mentioned in his invitation email to those officially invited, in 43 years of publishing he has not seen such strength of feeling. As someone on Facebook commented earlier this week - tongue in cheek: “Thank you Corbyn! You have done something that nobody could do so far for the British Indian community and that is - to bring them together!!! So one of the key purposes of today’s meeting is simply to make sure we mark this moment - and solidify this emerging unity - and discuss how we can build further on this positive step. So I will ask CB in a moment to share some of his reflections. Starting with a humble request - despite the emerging unity we have many varied points of view and strong opinions. So let’s agree to express these respectfully - concisely - and politely and not place our host Lord Gadhia in an awkward position because of lack of decorum. I also take this opportunity to thank Lord Gadhia for sponsoring this room in Parliament. Despite everything else going on, I am pleased that he has agreed to sit in on proceedings as an observer and perhaps he can share any reflections at the end. Turning to my three observations to frame our discussions FIRST: we do have a large number of Hindu organisations signing the letter and present in this room, but this is not only a Hindu issue - it is an Indian issue and must be seen as such. So the Jain and Sikh organisations are as much a part of this group as others and we would also welcome any Indian Muslim organisations. Moreover, we also have Indian professional organisations - so this cannot be a dharmic only issue SECOND: this is not a party political meeting in the sense of telling people how to vote. That’s something they must decide in the privacy of the ballot box. What we want to do is to ensure that the Labour Party is aware of the strength of feeling in the community and seek a change of policy and attitudes towards India and British Indians. As such our messages apply equally to all political parties. THIRD: we don’t want to fall into the trap of becoming an echo chamber. With social media and WhatsApp it’s easy to think that simply circulating strongly worded statements to others amounts to influence and change. We should think carefully about who we are seeking to influence and how we are going about it and what would make us more credible beyond reinforcing the consensus in our own communities. So when we issued the letter on Monday which went viral we were particularly mindful that we are not targeting the usual suspects and audiences. With Lord Gadhia’s help we had Robert Peston the political editor of ITV tweet out not just once but twice. This was hugely important. Continued on page 8
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Chef 'murdered estranged wife A chef murdered his estranged wife and two young daughters in a dispute over his immigration status in Britain, a court has heard. B a n g l a d e s h i Mohammed Abdul Shakur, 46, allegedly killed 26-yearold Juli Begum and children Anika and Thanha Khanum, aged five and six, in East Ham, east London on New Year's Day 2007. Days later, he allegedly fled the country only to be extradited from India in April this year to face trial at the Old Bailey. Jurors were told that a bone of contention throughout their marriage was Shakur's status in the UK. Before they became estranged in 2001, he allegedly told her: 'If you don't correct my visa and you don't make me legal to stay in this country then I will kill you and kill your whole family.' Prosecutor David Spens QC told how Ms Begum led
Juli Begum
an 'insular life' and in 1999, at the age of 19, had travelled from the UK to Bangladesh for an arranged marriage with the defendant, who was her cousin. In 2000, thanks to her sponsorship for a one-year visa, Shakur came to live with his wife and her mother in Poplar, east London. After three years, Ms Begum, the children and her mother moved to East Ham, east London, following the breakdown of the relationship. He told jurors Ms
Begum feared her husband would leave her and marry someone else if he obtained leave to remain in the country. Ms Begum allegedly told her sister that the defendant did not like their children because they were girls and he wanted boys, but she loved them very much. Shakur told her she was not beautiful and he only married her so he could come to London and send money to Bangladesh, it was claimed. While working in an Indian restaurant in Frimley, Surrey, Shakur was paid cash in hand and was allowed to live above his work, jurors heard. He sent money to his family in Bangladesh while Ms Begum received child benefits, the court heard. Jurors were told that by 2006, the defendant had £670 on his credit card which had a limit of £700. On January 10 2007, Ms Begum's sister became wor-
ried and told police she had not seen the family since New Year's Eve. Officers went to the home in Nelson Street, East Ham and found the bodies of Ms Begum and the two children. Shakur was traced on CCTV walking with Ms Begum and his daughters from and to the Nelson Street area on January 1. Mr Spens said that was the last time Ms Begum and her daughters were seen or heard from. The following day, the defendant allegedly went to the Bangladesh High Commission for an emergency passport and took a one-way flight to Bangladesh on January 5, the court heard. He allegedly gave different reasons for leaving the country, saying his father was ill, had died and that his mother was sick. Shakur, who sat with an interpreter in the dock, has denied three counts of murder.
Couple arranged for murder of adopted son A London couple are facing allegations they arranged for their adopted son, 11, to be murdered for a £150,000 insurance payout. Arti Dhir, 55, and Kaval Raijada, 30, from Hanwell, west London, deny organising the killing of Gopal Sejani, who was abducted and stabbed in Gujarat, India before dying of his injuries soon after. Indian authorities believe that Dhir and Rajiada arranged the killing of their adopted son so they could cash in a life insurance policy for £150,000. So far, Britain has rejected requests to extradite the couple to face trial in India on human rights grounds. However, the Indian government has now been granted leave to appeal the decision. According to court papers, the couple traveled to Keshod, a town in Gujarat, to adopt an orphan in 2015. Authorities claim they then placed an advert in a local newspaper to find a suitable child to take back to London. This ad led to them meeting Gopal, who was living with his older sister and her husband. They agreed to his adoption because they thought it would give Gopal the chance of a better life in London. But Gopal would never see the UK and, according to Indian authorities, his adoptive parents immediately took an insurance policy in Gopal's name. It is alleged that the policy would pay out after 10 years, or in the event of Gopal's death and Dhir made two payments of £15,000, knowing an insur-
Arti Dhir, 55 (left), and Kaval Raijada, 30 (right), from Hanwell, west London have been accused or arranging the murder of their adopted son for an insurance payment
ance claim would give them around £150,000. Speaking to the BBC Saurab Singh of Junagadh Police, in Gujarat, said: 'After a few days she took out an insurance policy in his name. It was a huge amount and she paid two premiums, knowing very well that in the event of Gopal's death, she would be paid 10 times the insured amount.' On February 8, 2017, Gopal was abducted, stabbed and abandoned on a road in Gujarat by two men on motorbikes. His brother-in-law, Harsukh Kardani, was also attacked while trying to defend Gopal and they both died later in that month. Indian authorities claim that two previous attempts had also been made against the boy's life before he was eventually killed. The insurance policy never paid out. Police in India arrested a suspect who they claimed was a friend of Dhir and Raijada and had spent time with them in London as a student.The suspect is one of four men arrested in India for their alleged involvement in the killing. Dhir and Raijada face six charges in India, including conspiracy to murder and kidnapping. They were arrested in the
UK in June 2017 after a request from the Indian government but, on July 2 this year, a judge at Westminster Magistrates' Court refused their extradition on human rights grounds. Senior District Judge Emma Arbuthnot ruled extradition would have been against the couple's human rights under UK law as the penalty for double murder in Gujarat is
Gopal Sejani, 11, was abducted and stabbed in Gujarat, India before dying of his injuries soon after
life in prison without parole. She added the 'irreducible sentence' would be 'inhuman and degrading'. However, she also said there was sufficient evidence to justify their extradition as there was a 'circumstantial prima facie case that Ms Dhir and Mr Raijada acting together and with others committed the offences'.
Black History Month Special : Sajeela Kershi to perform at University of Wolverhampton Multi-award winning comedian and writer, Sajeela Kershi is set to give a talk and perform 'Owning Your Own Narrative', her free comedy show. The show will take place on Thursday 31st October, Chancellor's Hall at the University of Wolverhampton's City Campus. Senior Lecturer in English Language at the School of Humanities, Josiane Boutonnet said: "It's wonderful to be welcoming Sajeela to the University during Black History Month. From her arrival as an immigrant to overcoming the trials and tribula-
tions facing an intersectional woman, Sajeela is an inspirational woman who has overcome the odds and who tells an inspiring and funny story." The talk and performance will be part of the Wolverhampton Comedy Festival. It will conclude with a Q&A session that seeks to open a discussion on hopes, fears, and obstacles facing new graduates and how best to overcome them. Kershi is well-known for working in the country and internationally, including shows in the USA, Prague, and Montreal's Just for Laughs festival.
in brief TWO MEN CHARGED CASH UNDER FALSE FLOOR OF VAN Two men have appeared in court charged in connection with an alleged drugs operation after investigators seized heroin worth an estimated £3million along with around £100,000 in cash. National Crime Agency (NCA) investigators, backed by West Yorkshire Police, arrested Yusuf Kara, 30, of Lidget Green, Bradford, and Fayyaz Ashraf, 36, of no fixed address but formerly of Bradford, on Thursday in connection with the distribution of heroin in the Yorkshire and Humber region. Kara and Ashraf appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Saturday, charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs and money laundering. They were remanded to next appear at Leeds Crown Court on November 18. The NCA said Ashraf was arrested after officers who stopped him as he drove his van in Bolton found approximately £100,000 in cash hidden under a false floor in the vehicle. Kara was later arrested on Shearbridge Road, Bradford. Officers then searched his house and found 56 packages, each containing 1kg of heroin, with a street value of between £2.5million and £3million, hidden in bags and a suitcase, according to the NCA. NCA operations manager Brent Lyon said: 'The seizure of this significant amount of heroin is a big step towards protecting the public from the damage and devastation drugs cause.'
BANNED TERROR GROUP IS HOLDING MEETINGS AGAIN Hate preacher Anjem Choudary is inspiring his network of extremists and poses a renewed terror threat a year after he left jail, an analysis by experts has warned. The firebrand cleric’s release has reinvigorated his outlawed jihadist group al-Muhajiroun, they found. The ‘unrepentant’ father of Anjem Choudary, 52, speaking at five is back in his family home a protest outside London Central Mosque near Regent's in east London where he Park in 2011 previously masterminded the Islamist extremist network which helped radicalise terrorists, including London Bridge attack ringleader Khuram Butt, and Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, who murdered soldier Lee Rigby. Experts from the Counter Extremism Project (CEP) say the decision to give Choudary, 52, parole should be reviewed in light of the findings, which they say show he is a threat to national security. A study by the non-governmental monitoring organisation says his extremist network is understood to have restarted meetings. ‘Choudary remains a dangerous and influential figure,’ it says. It also shines new light on Choudary’s influence on outrages around the globe, profiling a network of 110 extremist individuals and 33 organisations associated with him. Of the 110 individuals, 18 successfully carried out terror attacks, 50 others attempted atrocities and 19 are – or attempted to become – Islamist fighters. Thirty-six are Islamist propagandists or recruiters. Choudary was freed last October after serving under half of his five-and-a-half year sentence for inviting support for Islamic State. The Daily Mail revealed at the time how he had become ‘hardened’ in jail and more determined than ever to spread his toxic Islamist propaganda. His militant views became ‘far more extreme and aggressive’ while locked up and he now regards himself as a ‘martyr’, according to those who met him in jail. When released, Choudary was subject to strict licence conditions. Initially, he lived in a bail hostel but by May he was back at his family home, where he was pictured wearing an electronic tag on his right ankle. Twelve months after he was freed, the CEP has assessed his current threat to national security. Researchers monitored the online channels extremists use to communicate with each other and as a propaganda tool to groom and radicalise recruits. The 40-page CEP dossier also cites information from concerned British officials and former members of al-Muhajiroun. Buoyed by Choudary’s release, supporters have now reportedly begun meeting again in London and Luton, where he regularly lectured before his arrest, it says.
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Doctor falsely diagnosed girl with cancer to scare mother An NHS doctor falsely diagnosed a girl with cancer to scare her mother into paying for private treatment, a tribunal heard. Dr Mina Chowdhury allegedly told the mother that her daughter had a stomach tumour that could spread if left untreated, before refusing to refer her for NHS treatment. The paediatrician at NHS Forth Valley was a managing director of a private healthcare firm at the time and it is alleged his actions were 'financially motivated and dishonest'. The claims were made during a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) hearing last Wednesday where Dr Chowdhury was accused of providing false information and creating 'an unwarranted sense of concern' to try and make money. At the time Dr Chowdhury was working in a private capacity at his clinic in Glasgow. However, when the mother took her daughter to A&E medics could find no signs of the cancer diagnosed by Dr Chowdhury. Parent A said that she was made to feel as though the NHS was unable to help
Dr Mina Chowdhury
with her daughter, who was suffering with dizziness, blindness, passing out and chronic weight loss, and was relieved when Dr Chowdhury made the diagnosis. Dr Chowdhury denies telling Parent A that her daughter had cancer but claims he said it was a low possibility. The doctor also denies using the expression 'we're going to talk about the C word' and claims that he did give Parent A the option to go to the NHS. However, Parent A claims that before the doctor diagnosed her child with cancer, she thought he had asked the girl to leave the room so that they could discuss the cost of medical tests. She claimed Dr Chowdhury advised her that her child would need blood tests costing £3,245 and
would need to travel to London for an MRI scan, without discussing referral to the NHS. Parent A alleged that after she took her daughter to A&E because she had collapsed, she became suspicious. Earlier in the hearing, held in Manchester, another parent alleged Dr Chowdhury had arranged 'inappropriate genetic testing' on a young boy to exclude a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. He is alleged to have said the boy, named as patient B, needed an echocardiogram to probe a heart murmur, which he said could only be carried out in London. Patient B's parent alleged he had created an 'unwarranted sense of concern without sufficient clinical justification' by suggesting over a Skype consultation that her child's high level of B cells – a type of white blood cell – could be due to cancer and later suggesting private treatment that was 'disproportionately expensive' without offering a referral for NHS treatment. Dr Chowdhury denies all allegations of misconduct, which are alleged to have taken place between March and August 2017. The tribunal continues.
ASDA celebrates Diwali This year ASDA hosted a special Diwali event, with great enthusiasm and sheer delight. Held at Layalina, a restaurant in the heart of Knightsbridge, the room was decorated with traditional diyas, fragrant candles, colourful lights and vibrant colors of marigold for a festive atmosphere. Host for the evening, Sandhya Hariharan, a popular food blogger, presented an exclusive five-course meal that included her favourite traditional Diwali dishes but with special twists. Keeping up with its traditions, ASDA invited guests and prominent personalities from the media and culinary world for an
evening to remember. The Diwali feast also initiated some great conversations of flavours amongst our guests as they relished every bite that was served. The celebration
brought together some great food bloggers and influencers like Ashanti Omkar from the BBC Asia Network and popular blogger and doctor, DR. Chintal.
Division over Brexit sparks boom in applications for politics courses The country remains deeply divided over the likely impact of Brexit, but one clear winner has already emerged - politics departments at universities. There has been a 28% surge in applications to politics courses since the debate about Europe took off in the run-up to the 2016 referendum. Applications went up by from 34,275 in 2013 to 47,445 in 2018 according to the UCAS, which oversees admissions.
Liverpool University has trebled the size of its politics department. That trend is largely reflected at institutions across the country and the number of students accepted on to politics courses in the five years to 2018 rose by 27% to 7,990, according to UCAS. Liverpool University politics lecturer Jon Tonge says that other dramatic political events, such as the Scottish independence ref-
erendum and the 2015 general election, have also boosted applications. And the fierce, often toxic, nature of the debate on social media has also captured the attention of young people, he said. It is all a far cry from the Blair years, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, dubbed the "tranquil age of politics" by Prof Tonge, when "consensus" reigned and politics courses were "not recruiting in huge numbers".
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From spring g 2020
the law around organ donation in England is chang ging Unless you choose to opt out, you will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when you die. To find out more about your choices, including how to opt out: visit organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 303 2094
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As I See It
Strong Relations Survive Distances CB Patel
Diwali. Time to love. Time for solidarity. Whether ALL faith traditions as well as others, have special occasions like Diwali, Christmas, Eid, Jewish Passover and even non-believers have Mother's Day, Father's Day, Appreciation Day and Friendship Day. Why not? The simple reason is human beings have a primal need to express love and gratitude now and then. At Diwali times, the parents and children and friends and well-wishers exchange greetings, visit each other and this is not just a formality. We do it because it as humans, it comes naturally to express our feelings, our love, our thanks to all those who mean something to us. So let me greet all of you with best wishes and prayer for a happy Diwali and a prosperous, peaceful, healthy and rewarding New Year. I am also grateful that readers, advertisers, and supporters have sent us their blessings and best wishes.
Always give forward the good you receive Parents expect, understandably, their children to visit them especially during Diwali time. This is a normal social instinct. But when these children grow up and have their own family, they tend to have different responsibilities and priorities. In all communities, the woman tends to have special feelings for parents, much more than a man. This is genetic and nothing to frown upon. So for this and any other reason, if children cannot visit or greet parents on a special day, they shouldn't agonise about it. Equally for the parents who would like to visit and greet their children and grandchildren, there are multiple reasons like age, transportation, health or others. All these situations need understanding and a bit of tolerance. One's wish may be there but practicality and logistics might prevent it. In society at large, up to 20 per cent have no children and very often they love and respect others in a wholesome manner. Again, natural. I visited three families in the last few days. Let me describe one inspiring pilgrimage. Kantaben Dave, granddaughter of
Nanalal Kavi – the giant of Gujarati literature, lives in London. She's a former outstanding teacher from Kampala and Mbale in Uganda, and she's 94. Her husband Prabhakar Patel is 76. I can't say I have ever met a happier, devoted or noble couple in my life. They live an exemplary life. Common people like Kantaben and Prabhakant have contributed almost £200,000 to human services actively in Africa, UK, and India. Completely without any pomposity or seeking fame. I happen to know them for the last 40 years. I visited them last Sunday. They have age-related health issues, and many former students of Kantaben not only know about it but are always willing to render help in their own ways. Kantaben and her husband Prabhakant live in the outskirts of London in the NorthEast side. One of her students and their family live in Harrow. Every week, this Mandavia couple, at their own initiative, go to nearby shops to buy groceries, and vegetables needed by Kantaben and deliver every weekend. Not only that, Mrs Mandavia ensures that the vegetables are cleaned and prepared meticulously so its convenient for Kantaben or Prabhakant to prepare their food. This noble couple from Harrow have been doing this for a very long time. Only reason is, Mr Mandavia feels Kantaben is an outstanding teacher who gave him too much. Let me talk about another person. Retired GP Dr Jani, who lives 80 miles away in Brighton, visits his former teacher whenever he can. However, what he does regularly is call her every weekend and talk extensively. I am aware of many other nice former students of all religions who live in UK, Canada, USA and other countries who are so inspiring. I myself am fortunate to have people who render love, adoration and support, from my loved ones within my family, ABPL Team and most importantly my readers and supporters. I am most grateful and have no words to express my feelings towards all of you. Wish you all a fantastic Diwali and a harmonious New Year.
Dear Community Letter Signatories Firstly, thank you all for coming to Parliament in the largest ever show of unity from British Indian organisations. Our diversity, not only our unity, is our strength. We managed to have under one roof everyone from the 80 year old man, to the 20-something lady, from the hedge fund manager to the priest. Imagine the resources, know-how, best-practices, networks and reach that collectively brings. Imagine all we can achieve together, for each other – to ensure we are always taken seriously together. Ours was simply to provide a platform and megaphone for your voice. Second, we have had a reply from the office of Jeremy Corbyn. I attach the letter. I will draft a response once I have heard from you. So please do email me your thoughts and I will collate them, indeed may attach them in a response to Jeremy Corbyn. As Diwali is approaching, one area we had been asked by many organisations is how to deal with supporters of the Labour Emergency Motion. For that reason we had prepared the attached 5 point pledge card for you to use. You could for instance insist that those not expressly signing it are not welcome to visit. Or you could simply draw
it to the attention of any visitor. How strong a stand you take of course depends on your relationships and the constituencies you have to serve and people you work with. Our stand at our meeting was strong and clear of course. Second, we will share with you the successes from all of us working together – not just making our message loud and clear, but as you fed back at the meeting, your needs such as help on communications, or sharing the help you need with others so together we support each other and grow stronger. I have already had many messages of support for our endeavour. Of course there will be the naysayers. To them I say, leave. You’re on the wrong side of history and the wrong side of the border. This morning (Monday 21 October) is the start of a nationwide campaign requesting British Politicians from all political parties to show support for the principles of the #BritishIndianPledge. Will your MP, Mayor, Councillor sign up to reaffirming our shared values and respecting British Indians? Alpesh Patel
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Do Not Mistake Us as Weak Walkovers Mr Corbyn Diwali. As I explained to the Times of India, we had as many people to speak and adopt the five point pledge ( See the bottom part of this page) – no objections were raised and many spoke at length indeed one elderly gentleman a little off-subject about their youthfulness in their 70s at reaching young people in their 20s through temple networks. So, it was not all serious. But always a goodnatured event. We think it’s important to quickly build on the letter, especially going into Diwali season when politicians will want to visit Mandirs. We need to be firm, consistent and realistic in our asks. So we have worked with the team to develop these five pledges which we would like politicians to make if they want to be welcomed during the Diwali period. BAPS, the largest single network of mandirs by both profile and numbers of visitors passing through their doors weekly throughout the UK immediately agreed to adopt the pledge. Going forward, as well as lobbying and campaigning CB Patel energetically outlines the history of British Indian campaigning harder by virtue of our personal for their rights in the UK networks including in governthese points: comparisons to other camment and numbers, we will also provide paigns which CB has been involved in over greater strength to all the organisations by four decades; we still have some organisahelping them with issues they raised, such as tions which are not supporting the letter and lack of expertise in modern communications he has tried to persuade them and will con(even Donald Trump in his 70s has mastered Twitter as the most important form of comtinue to try. These organisations should take munication today), and also providing them a comfort in strength in numbers and being in joint platform to highlight their causes good company; we should learn to walk before we run there will be many ideas and among each other – such as that of the some people want to be more aggressive and Kashmiri refugees raised eloquently by Sonal even confrontational in their approach Sher, who also wrote to me after “As a whilst others would prefer to take a more Kashmiri Pandit, it was heartening to see so gentle approach. We have to strike the right many organisations represented yesterday balance if we want to carry people with us. standing in support of what has often been a Carrying more people with us is more imporlonesome journey. So many people to this day have no idea what happened and that in tant than going to fast or going sacrificing itself is a shame!" You can read their story at maximum unity. http://bit.ly/kashmirpandits . This from a CB also covered that the next generation of Indians wants to do things differently. refugee. This from one of the organisations, They are more professional - they are interat the largest ever single unified meeting of ested in outcomes and not organisations and British Indian organisations in Parliament. positions. We need to guide them but also For those who have had to suffer in learn from them and harness their talents. silence, that's why it was important to have We also have to look at our own diversity. So all together in one room. There can be no the likes of Janhavi and Prerna (City Hindu greater credibility, than from those who have suffered at the end of a sword and bullet Network) should come forward because we been given a voice. A platform, strength, supneed more women and young people. We then introduced as a first point of port, and leverage through our simple power action, a pledge for the various organisations to convene. That is legitimacy and authority to use in their dealings with politicians at - those who've been exterminated. Continued from page 3
Not only is Peston a leading political commentator followed by every single Parliamentarian but to put things into perspective - whilst our organisations assembled here might have a few hundred or at best a few thousand followers on Twitter - Robert Peston has more than 1 million followers and also people who are a totally different audiences to the ones we normally reach. Similarly, we captured the attention of sites like Guido Fawkes and commentators like Tom Harwood. Without reaching into the mainstream we risk being side-lined as a fringe concern.” CB then took to the floor and covered
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Indian-origin people among rising hate crime targets The majority of hate crimes were related to race (76 per cent), while those linked to religion show that 47 per cent affected Muslims, 3 per cent Sikhs (188 incidents), 2 per cent Hindus (114 incidents) and 19 incidents affected Buddhists. There were over 100,000 incidents of hate crime recorded by the police in England and Wales in 2018-19, including many affecting members of the Indian community and those following Islam, Hindu and Sikh faiths, official figures released on Tuesday show. The Home Office said the increasing numbers of hate crime are mainly driven by improvements in crime recording, but also show a spike after the 2016 EU referendum and terror attacks in Manchester and London in 2017. The majority of hate crimes were related to race (76 per cent), while those linked to religion show that 47 per cent affected Muslims, 3 per cent Sikhs (188 incidents), 2 per cent Hindus (114 incidents) and 19 incidents affected Buddhists. Overall, 103,379 hate crimes were recorded in 2018-19, an increase of 10
per cent compared with 2017-18 (94,121 offences). Some Hindu temples and gurdwaras in various parts of the country have faced attacks in recent months and years, prompting the Home Office to offer funding to install security apparatus at religious institutions. “In April 2016, the Home Office began collecting information from the police on the perceived religion of victims of religious hate crime. By perceived, we mean the religion targeted by the offender. While in the majority of offences the perceived and actual religion of the victim will be the same, in some cases this will differ”, an official statement said. Hate crime is recorded according to five strands:
race or ethnicity; religion or beliefs; sexual orientation; disability; and transgender identity. Some incidents may have one or more motivating factor. The College of Policing’s guidance on race related hate crime says: “Race hate crime can include any group defined by race, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origin, including countries within the UK, and Gypsy or Irish Travellers”. “It automatically includes a person who is targeted because they are an asylum seeker or refugee as this is intrinsically linked to their ethnicity and origins. Policy and legislation takes a ‘human rights’ approach and covers majority as well as minority groups.”
Brexit uncertainity is hurting science UK-based India-born Nobel Prize winning biologist Sir Venkatraman Ramakrishnan has warned the British government that the uncertainty around Brexit is hurting science in Britain, with a dramatic drop in the number of leading researchers. The President of the Royal Society, Britain’s key advocate for science, issued his latest warning as the organization released a new analysis October 16 concluding that the UK is now a less attractive destination for top international science talent with 35 per cent fewer scientists coming through key schemes. “The potential paralysis of a no-deal Brexit and the current state of chaos are hurting UK science and that is hurting the national interest. We have seen a dramatic drop in the number of leading researchers who want to come to the UK. People do not want to gamble with their careers, when they have no sense of whether the UK will be willing and able to maintain its global scientific leadership,” said Ramakrishnan, who is popularly known as Venki. The 67-year-old leading scientist highlighted that the latest Royal Society analysis had found that UK science has missed out on around 0.5 billion euros a year because of the “uncer-
tainty around Brexit”. The UK is due to leave the European Union (EU) by October 31 and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made a do or die pledge to exit with or without an agreement in place. The Royal Society has made repeated interventions to warn that a no-deal Brexit would severely hurt science and collaborative projects with the EU, including one named Horizon 2020. The Royal Society claims the UK has traditionally performed head and shoulders above all other EU nations in attracting individuals via this programme. However, since the June 2016 referendum in favour of Brexit, this has seen a significant dent. Figures reveal that in 2015, as many as 515 individuals took up MSCA Individual Fellowships in UK institutions. In 2018, the number had fallen significantly to 336. Uncertainty about the UK’s future participation and collaboration within European research programmes is clearly having a damaging impact. Despite various government underwrites, the confidence of researchers in the UK and those who we are hoping to attract is being undermined, the Royal Society said. Society President Venki, who was knighted by Queen
Sir Venkatraman Ramakrishnan
Elizabeth in 2012 for his contribution to science, has repeatedly spoken out against the threat of a nodeal Brexit. He has also called for an approach to immigration that enhances the UK’s science base and drives the economy, jobs and international competitiveness after a previous Royal Society analysis found the UK over 400 per cent more expensive in its skilled work permits. Ramakrishnan shared the 2009 chemistry Nobel Prize with Thomas Steitz of the Yale University and Ada Yonath of the Jerusalembased Weizmann Institute of Science for discovering the precise structure of ribosomes – the molecular machines that manufacture proteins inside all living cells. A spokesperson for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said: “The government remains committed to becoming a world-leading place to carry out cuttingedge scientific research after we leave the EU.”
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Kashmir motion at the Labour Party conference I am very disappointed by the Kashmir motion passed by our Labour Party at the Brighton conference on 25th September 2019 and I urge our Labour party to rescind this motion immediately. This motion has hurt the sentiments of our Indian community who have always supported the Labour Party. India has been a victim of cross border terrorism that is perpetuated by terrorist groups operating from our neighbouring country. Hindu Pandits living in Kashmir were killed and forced into exile by terror organisations operating from our neighbouring country. The seeds of this conflict were sworn in the Indian Independence act of Act that was passed on 18th July 1947 in the Westminster Parliament that created an Islamic Pakistan & Secular India. The division of India on religious grounds was very strongly opposed by Mahatma Gandhi. Kashmir was legally acceded to India by Maharaja Hari Singh through a deed that was duly signed by the then legitimate ruler of Kashmir Maharaja Hari Singh on 26th October 1947. Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan and both countries have signed a legally binding “Shimla agreement” to resolve the issues between the two countries including Kashmir bilaterally through peaceful talks and political dialogue. Britain must encourage both the countries to resolve the issue bilaterally through peaceful means. I urge our Labour Party to rescind this motion immediately. Dr Neeraj Patil, MBBS,MRCS,FRCS,FCEM, Consultant in Accident and Emergency Medicine Former Mayor of London Borough of Lambeth
Human rights of the Kashmiri people Mr Corbyn's letter sounds to me as simply explaining away the real situation by presenting their party's concern regarding human rights of Kashmiri people. Passing emergency motion on Kashmir situation has not done any good to the people of Kashmir so far. But it has certainly damaged the party's image among Indian Diaspora in UK. In fact, I was until now- since past 45 years a supporter of Labour Party, but I have seen the lack of true leadership, after Harold Wilson and Tony Blair. I do not agree with statement on para six “ There is an urgent need for India and Pakistan to work together on a bilateral basis with support of International Community” WHAT HAS THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ACTUALLY CONTRIBUTED TO RESOLVE THE SITUATION? And more importantly your understanding of the “Bilateral Basis” is WRONG. Any XYZ country has No concern with Kashmir, without knowing the history of Kashmir. Maharaja Harisinh of Kashmir, then opted to merge Kashmir with India. Thus Kashmir has became a part of India. Any XYX -by infiltration, or by brain washing of Kashmiri people can NOT alter the Fact that it is the internal matter of India and responsibility of India to resolve the situation. One thing is sure that by passing the so called “Emergency motion” the party's image is dented as far as Indian Community is concerned in UK. And it would certainly backfire at the general election. The Party's decision should NOT be influenced by other forces. Any misunderstanding on such sensitive matters damage the unity. Such motions does not do any thing good to the community except breaking the unity and harmony of the community. Mr Corbyn, to talk of about human rights by you is hipocracy. Where was your human rights concerns, w hen 700,000 Kashmiri pundits were driven out of Kashmir? Did you or your Party raise a voice when women were attacked or raped? Mr Corbyn, you never uttered a word when many thousands people were driven out of Kashmir. Mr Corbyn, have you taken any interest over 1 million Muslims in China who are imprisoned? India does not need any preachings from you or anyone on human rights. You did not utter a word about the condition in so called Azad Kashmir (Pakistan occupied Indian territory). Mr Coryn, don't just be selfish and look at the vote bank. You are expected to be impartial. I am sorry you failed on all fundamentals. Ballubhai Patel Bradford
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British Indian Commuity The meeting of the British Indian Community at the House of Commons, was something which one has not never seen for years. Such a unity and coming together reminds me, of the days of Indian Independence and freedom fighters. I appreciate the efforts taken by all to make a pledge and move the motion forward. Together we stand, divided we fall. Dr Lakshmi Vyas President, Hindu Forum of Europe V.P & Chair of Education, HFB
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Diwali As the festival of lights, Diwali brings a lot of happiness and pleasurable moments for children who wait the whole year long for the coming of this great festival. While Diwali is a stressful and hectic time for grown-ups, it is an exciting time for children. They have a chance to enjoy fireworks and eat their favourite sweets. Jubel D'Cruz, Mumbai, India
Gandhi statue [Courtesy: The Times] Mahatma Gandhi’s eccentric views were not limited to his anti-black racism (letter, Oct 18). He opposed the allocation of seats to untouchables in parliament, Western education and healthcare, and industrialisation. He hindered the Allied war effort in the Second World War. Nevertheless, on several occasions he defused tensions between opposing factions in India and saved countless lives. A Gandhi statue is deserved. RP Fernando Epsom, Surrey
Britain’s departure from the EU Finally it is happening. We are coming out of the EU at the end of this month, But at what cost? We have already forked out billions of pounds in subsidising other countries like Spain and Greece. We have been paying into the EU’s coffers since 1974. Will all that money go down the drain? What have we got in return for that? The referendum on whether to remain or come out of the EU had produced a very close outcome at 51 to 49 in favour of coming out. If we were to come out, why did we pay the vast amounts of money into the EU coffers for over 40 years? What have we got in return? As I remember it, other EU countries like France and Germany were very much against our membership and yet we got in. So why do we want to come out now? There are many disadvantages in our coming out than being a partner of the huge economic and military force. The fruit and vegetables that we get from the warmer EU countries like Spain and Italy will shoot up in price. So will be medicines like insulin for diabetics. If we were to be invaded by some maniac, would we have the support of the EU military? All in all, there will be much to lose and no gain in coming out. But then now it is too late to reverse the decision. Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford
Could single use plastic be eliminated by 2025! So many countries have pledged to remove single use plastic by 2025 and petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, a few have even promised it by 2025. Scandinavian countries with well educated, nature loving population are in the forefront, especially Norway with 57% electric cars on the road compared to our miserly 1% achievement. No wonder Norway will hit the target well before the due date of 2025, enjoying the cleanest air in Europe, if not in the world! Even India, with patriotic and enlightened PM Modi at the helm, will banish single use plastic by 2025 and removing petrol, diesel vehicles from the congested roads as soon as practically possible, with Delhi having unenviable reputation as the most polluted city in the world. India has a record number of eight such cities in top twenty leagues! Our NHS has promised to scrap 100 million single use plastic straws and stirrers from April 2020, followed by plastic plates, cups and cutlery to be phased out in the next twelve to eighteen months. This is indeed a huge, environment friendly step in the right direction every other retailer should follow. Unfortunately we have the most unfriendly government as far as environment is concerned. There is always readymade excuses that forces environment protesters to take drastic actions that may not be in the best interest of the people who may miss hospital appointments which are hard to come by, zero hours casual workers missing day’s wages that put food on the table. It is time for government to introduce 20p deposit on all bottles, 20p for all plastic bags without exemption to small retail businesses and tax the alcoholic drinks, following into the footsteps of Scotland, as well as plant million trees, converting vast areas of open land into forest. As we say, if there is a will, there is certainly a way! Kumudini Valambia By email
I extend my very best wishes to all readers of Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice for a happy Diwali as you come together and celebrate with your friends and family at this joyous time Diwali, the festival of lights, is not merely a date in the calendar. It is a celebration of a way of life. It also provides us with the opportunity to reflect on life, teach each other respect and to recongnise the power of good over evil. Our culture is strengthened by the many religious celebration occurring throughout the year, including Diwali. The British Asian community continues to bring colour and vibrancy to our county, and I send my best wishes to everyone as you come together to enjoy this year’s celebrations. Shubh Diwali
Boris Johnson Prime Ministerof United Kingdom
Could Holy Water cure Cancer! When someone is suffering from an incurable illness, may it be cancer, kidney or liver failure; it is human nature to go out of one’s belief, common sense and sentiment to seek cure, delay inevitable, seek comfort either in religion, black magic, herbalist or any other outlet that may give the tines hope. Even staunch, lifelong atheists suddenly found faith; go to temple, church, synagogue and other such worshiping places to seek solace from priests, gurus and faith healers, in a desperate effort to seek a miracle cure! That is human nature, survival at any cost! In Europe, Lourdes, a Roman Catholic sacred site in France, is famous for such miracle cures and to a lesser degree the Church of Black Madonna in Monserrat Mountain, a beautiful retreat, a hill station, also draws millions of worshippers to seek blessings, drink holy water and enjoy the sheer beauty of nature. Many newlyweds spend their honeymoon in the shadow of Holy Black Madonna, a wooden statue with long and chequered history that has turned black due to constant exposure to candle light. We were fortunate to visit Monserrat in late nineties, wrote an interesting piece widely published in many newspapers and magazines including AV! In Lourdes, the holy water flows from Grotto of Massabielle, many believe the water has healing power, first discovered in 1885, the location revealed by Our Lady of Lourdes, a title of Virgin Mary in Catholic faith. Over the years, the fame and faith has spread like wild fire and Lourdes has become as famous as Vatican and Bethlem for people of all faith. The holy water is bottled and sold in millions to visiting pilgrims. I have one in my fridge, brought by my neighbour who visited Lourdes while suffering from incurable cancer who passed away six months after visiting the holy site. Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email
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
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SCRUTATOR’S mistake of allowing the BJP to monopolise the nationalist narrative,’ remarked senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor (Times of India October 14).
Indian TV channels and print media rightly gave pride of place to India-born Abhijit Banerjee and his French wife and collaborator Esther Duflo for winning the Nobel Prize for Economics 2019, together with Harvard University academic, the American Michael Kremer. Esther Duflo is the second woman Economics Nobel laureate (Hindu, Business Line, Times of India, Statesman, October 15).
India could become farming model
Sourav Ganguly
Nobel laureates Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee
Abhijit Banerjee had his early education in Calcutta’s South Point School, then at Presidency College, from where graduated, before moving to Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University for post-graduate studies, and thence to Harvard University, where earned his doctorate. He is now a Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His wife Esther Duflo, also a MIT Professor, was once his MIT doctoral student. Professor Banerjee had teaching stints at Princeton and Harvard prior to his MIT appointment in 1993. His father, Professor Dipak Banerjee, was an acclaimed teacher and head of the Department of Economics at Presidency College for several years. Professor Amartya Sen, India’s first Economics Nobel laureate in 1998, was an undergraduate student in the same department in the mid1950s, went on to win top academic honours at Cambridge University, topping it off becoming Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, and is now Lamont Professor at Harvard University. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a congratulatory message and sent a bouquet of flowers to Abhijit Banerjee’s mother, Nirmala, herself once an economist of note, and now living in retirement in Kolkata, was elated at her son’s achievement, which had, she said, ‘made the nation proud.’ President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted their congratulations. However, Railway and Commerce Minister Piyus Goyal dismissed the Banerjee-Duflo duo as ‘leftist’ and hence irrelevant to India’s needs! Poverty, one would have thought, is neither of Left or of Right, but a human malady. Poverty and Development The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in a statement, said: ‘The research conducted by by this year’s laureates has considerably
improved our ability 0to fight global poverty. In just two decades, their new experimentbased approach has transformed development economics, which is now a field of research.’ They have shown that smaller and more precise questions are often best answered through carefully designed experiments among the people who are most affected by poverty. This novel conceptualisation has resulted in what is described as randomised control trials, previously used in in the pure sciences and in clinical drug trials. The studies of the three laureates have shown that deworming provided such clear benefits for the healthcare of school children, that the World Health Organisation recommended that there be free distribution of medicare for around 800 million schoolchildren in areas where over 20 per cent have parasitic worm infection.
development of Indian cricket – currently on a roll – to even greater heights. He brought dynamism into his captaincy, giving Virendra Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh their head and opening the door to their eventual stardom. Hopefully, he will do much the same as board President. He has poise and presence, is a fluent English and Hindi speaker and hence is guaranteed a wide reach within the country and also abroad (Statesman, Times of India, Hindu, October 16). Kashmir’s mobile phone lines restored Hundreds of Kashmir residents reconnected with relatives, friends and business partners, as mobile phone services were restored. This has come as welcome relief across the board, but perhaps for students in particular, who are due to sit for their annual examinations later this month. ‘We can get in touch with friends and share notes,’ said Ryan Ahmad. Meanwhile National Conference President Farooq Abdullah’s sister and daughter were arrested for holding an unauthorised demonstration against the abrogation of Article 307 on Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomous status. They were released a day later (Hindu October 15, 16, 17).
Tamil Nadu partnership
Congress loses middle class
Professor Duflo is working closely with the Tamil Nadu government on poverty alleviation. She said: ‘We are particularly impressed by the commitment of the Tamil Nadu government to challenge its officials and others to find creative solutions to reduce poverty. This continues the strong tradition of Tamil Nadu being at the forefront of finding innovative solutions to tough challenges to development.’ Business Line October 15) One must hope other states, most notably Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, emulate Tamil Nadu.
Noted political science guru, Professor Ashwini Kumar, says that Congress has lost the ear of India’s middle class: ‘The Congress is fighting on issues that
Army confident on weapon systems The Army is confident of its ability to fight and win the next war with the indigenous weapon
Army chief General Bipin Rawat
systems it possesses, said General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff. He said: ‘India is one of the largest importers of weapons and ammunition. The DRDO [Defence Research and Development Organisation] is striving to to ensure that the requirements of the Services are met with homegrown solutions.’ (Hindu October 16). India’s share of Indus waters
Second Bengali in headlines Former Indian Test cricket and ODI captain and accomplished batsman, Saurav Ganguly, takes guard as President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He cut his administrative teeth as Chairman of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), and has taken up the challenge to facilitate the growth and
Liam Condon, President of Bayer’s Crop Science Division said that India’s 86 per cent marginal and small landowning farmers, long regarded as an economic liability, could become the model for the world through the use of digital technology. ‘The big challenge is for smallholders is how to scale and that’s where digital technology comes in. With digital technology we can reach so many more smallholder’s point of view than in the past... My personal expectation is that the role models for the rest of the world from the smallholder’s point of view are going to be developed from India. The blueprint for Africa, China and Latin America is more likely to come from India than from anywhere else,’ said Liam Condon (Times of India October 16).
Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi
are not resonating with this middle class.’ (Hindu October 16) Yet Congress is the party in power in Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh. Conclusion: Congress is not without appeal, it lacks credible leadership at the centre. ‘Congress must not make the
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing an election rally for Haryana Assembly elections, said India would use its full quota of the Indus river waters to ensure that every drop is used for the benefit of the country’s farmers. Some of India’s share of these waters, which had been flowing into Pakistan for the past 70 years, would now be retained for the farmers of Haryana and Rajasthan, he said (Hindu October 16). Akal Takht chief decries RSS ‘Hindu Rashtra’ Giani Harpreet Singh, chief priest of Amritsar’s Golden Temple’s
Akal Takht, the Sikh sanctum sanctorum, reiterated that a ‘Hindu Rashtra [State] envisioned by the RSS would not be in the nation’s interest. The backdrop was the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent claim that ‘Bharat is a Hindu Rashta [state]. Shrimoni Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President Gobind Singh Longowal also criticised Bhagwat’s remark as ‘highly objectionable.’ He said country’s Constitution had guaranteed freedom of religion to every citizen and that the RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was ‘intentionally trying to impose the Hindu Rashtra agenda by ignoring it.’ (Hindu October 16). Infosys, TCS surge
Infosys MD Salil Parekh (right), Tata (TCS) MD Rajesh Gopinathan The second quarter fiscal JulySeptember 30, saw IT giants Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) surge with large contracts worth a combined $9 billion, of which TCS reported a $6.4 billion with Infosys recording $2.6 billion respectively. TCS CEO Rajesh Gopinathan said: ‘The strong order closure and deal pipeline is an indication of our growing traction within the customer innovation spends. Our investments in research and innovation and our large portfolio of intellectual property are positioning us as well as help customer scale up their innovation efforts.’ Salil Parekh, Infosys CEO told analysts that the financial results showed that client metrics remained strong, with the company adding 96 new clients in the second quarter fiscal (Business Line October 17). Wipro posts healthy profit IT major Wipro posted a healthy profit 35.1 per cent in the second quarter fiscal. The firm sees early signs of recovery in manufacturing, health and verticals (Business Line October 16). Vast opportunities in India for best talent Gunter Butschek, Managing Director, Tata Motors, told graduating students at a Convocation of Ahmedabad’s Nirma University, that ‘The India opportunity is unique; our economy is the fastest-growing with multiple unprecedented opportunities. You may probably go abroad and find better opportunities as Indian talent is highly regarded and globally competitive...you may say that there is too much talent and too few opportunities in India, the best talent will always find a way.’ (Business Line October 17).
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26 Oct - 1 Nov 2019
CIIr Ketan Sheth
NUS calls for universities to be 'decolonised' and end 'white privilege'
Councillor for Tokyngton Wembley, Brent Council’s Chair of Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee
Emotional Wellbein Brent is the home of Wembley National Stadium – one of the world’s most iconic venues, which will host the UEFA football competition next year. And next year Brent will be the London Borough of Culture. With such world-class places on our doorstep and so many exciting events on the horizon, you would think that Brent residents are the most satisfied and happiest. Well, I’m sure they feel pretty good about themselves most of the time, but it’s not just because of the Stadium. If you’re wondering why, let me explain…On my committee, we looked at the issue of emotional health and wellbeing and found that how we cope with significant life events such as the death of a loved one, or manage our day-to-day mood, feelings, relationships, and self-esteem are fundamental to our feelings of wellbeing. Also feelings of happiness, contentment, enjoyment, curiosity and engagement are qualities of someone who has a positive experience of their life. Equally important for wellbeing is our functioning in the world. Experiencing positive relationships, having some control over one’s life and a sense of purpose are important too. The challenges of good emotional health and wellbeing are different at different stages of our lives, and what we do or don’t do can make us feel better or worse. Brent embraced the New Economics Foundation’s approach
called ‘5 ways to wellbeing’ which are the five actions we can all do in our daily lives to help us feel better. They are: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give. Firstly, it means connecting with the people around you such as family, friends and neighbours or it could be getting active by going for a walk or run, cycling, playing a board game or gardening. By taking notice, it means being curious or appreciating what is beautiful in nature such as a sunset or the changing seasons. Keep learning is about taking up an evening course or learning a language at home. Finally, the action of giving is about volunteering or doing something for others – even just a little act of kindness such as holding the door open for a stranger. But in Brent, my colleagues in Public Health have added another one – create – so now we call it the 5+1 ways to wellbeing. Creating is about the satisfaction of completing something: For example, knitting or finishing off a puzzle. So, while in the Brent we are proud of world-class venues, we don’t have to visit them to improve our emotional wellbeing although I accept that watching a fantastic England game will certainly help. In short, we usually have what we need around us and they can be quite simple steps to better our emotional wellbeing.
The National Union of Students claim UK universities are 'a product of colonialism' and are calling for action to challenge 'racist structures' in higher education institutions. In a new manifesto, the NUS demands that higher education is 'decolonised' and says some parts 'have propagated systems that assure white privilege.' Zamzam Ibrahim, the NUS national president says the union has launched a campaign focusing on 'delivering a sustainable, accessible, lifelong, funded solution' to fix what she calls the UK's 'broken education system.' The call for change comes at a time when a number of
campaigns have been launched calling on individual universities to examine whether courses are too dominated by a small group of perspectives, typically white and male, and should include a broader range of voices and writers - sometimes known as 'decolonising the curriculum'. The union said while it feels universities have recognised there is a 'need to dismantle these systems,' 'thanks to NUS campaigning,' it wants more to be done to create in its words a truly liberated education, 'one that can thrive free from isolated attachment to western narratives.' The manifesto also states says that the NUS will work to 'break down the barriers to
succeeding in education and society'. The union highlighted action taken by SOAS, University of London, the higher education institution is described as the world's leading institution for the study of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. 'A joint report published by the NUS and vice-chancellors' group Universities UK (UUK) in May this year, looked at attainment of Black, Asian and minority ethnic students, noted that SOAS, University of London, has established an action plan outlining the institution's 'commitments to address the need for decolonisation within the school,' the union stated.
Crime on the Night Tube up almost a third in just one year Crime on the Night Tube rose almost a third last year, new figures have revealed. Violence, sexual offences and theft from passengers were all up on the previous twelve months. Conservative assembly member Susan Hall, who uncovered the increase through a mayoral question, attacked Sadiq Khan’s “complacent attitude to tackling crime”.
There were 32 per cent more violent attacks on the Night Tube in 2018/19 compared to the previous financial year, rising from 208 to 275 offences. Reports of sexual assault rose ten per cent last year, up from 56 to 62. But the biggest increase was thefts from passengers, which rose 50 per cent from 305 to 452. Trespass and vandalism, robbery, bike and vehicle crimes, and theft of Transport
for London (TfL) property all fell last year. Overall, crime was up 27 per cent, with 970 crimes compared to 762 in 2017/18. The Night Tube has been running for three years, with the first line opened in August 2016, shortly after Sadiq Khan became Mayor. Trains now run on the Victoria, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Central lines on Friday and Saturday nights.
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14 COMMUNITY
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Diwali volunteers bring joy to Diwali arts and crafts workshop Birmingham’s most needy
On Saturday 19th October 2019, over 200 volunteers came together in Birmingham, for the annual Diwali Basket Brigade. A staggering 7 tonnes of food (which amounted to 31,587 individual food items) were packed into 525 hampers, and then personally delivered to socially deprived/vulnerable households from all faiths and backgrounds, in and around Birmingham, ahead of Diwali. The families were nominated by various local charities, schools and community-based organisations, that have been identified as struggling to feed themselves and their children. This year’s event was supported by 218 volunteers, including 60 drivers who hand delivered the food hampers. The event was also graced with attendance of Lord-Lieutenant John Crabtree and his wife Diana,
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street and Consul General of India Dr Aman Puri. Diwali is one of the most popular Hindu festivals, and founder Deepak Parekh, started Diwali Basket Brigade as a way for the community to give back at this auspicious time. Deepak explained “Diwali is a time of celebration and happiness. But unfortunately, there are many people in our local communities who are living on the poverty line and struggle to feed themselves. Diwali Basket Brigade is our small effort, to support and spread the message of Diwali: of hope, happiness, and giving”. The event has proved very popular, and yet again was oversubscribed by volunteers. The number of baskets is almost double the previous year, showing both the need and passion from
the community to get involved. Volunteer's range in age, from children as young as 4, through to the over 80s, so it is a truly collective community effort. The special Diwali baskets have been filled with quality food, and other household products funded through voluntary donations. The baskets, which were made using fully biodegradable packaging, included fruit, vegetables and a range of non-perishable items, which were accompanied by a recipe sheet so that the contents of the baskets could be used to provide multiple meals for each family. Each basket also contained a hand made Diwali card and a small electric light or ‘Diya’ in line with the festival, which celebrates bringing light where there is darkness, and hope where there is none.
The Diwali Workshop at Pandav Vidhya Shala (PVS) project of Vishwa Hindu Parishad UK is an event for the Indian community bringing cohesion for all adults and children, where they can come together to take part in the Diwali celebrations. For the students of PVS it embeds their learning and participate in Diwali activities, such as rangoli, painting, diyas and making Diwali cards. Stalls were installed displaying range of arts and crafts, books, clothing and decorations, food along with that workshops on kathak and tabla were also conducted. The evening was organ-
ing and seeing the event happen. It is important to
ised by the volunteers for charity purposes. Geetaben Mistry, a volunteer of this workshop said, “I was a volunteer and at this event this year and absolutely enjoyed prepar-
me that my children see that giving up our time to keep our languages and culture alive for the betterment of the community is part of life. Seeing everyone having fun and the interaction
between parents and children was very rewarding experience and will absolutely look forward to doing it again next year.” Nine-year-old Dheeya said, “I really like going to the Diwali workshop as I enjoy making the rangolis and diva painting for Diwali. I will get to use the decorations to decorate our house for Diwali.” The participants of the workshop indulged into rangoli making with lentils. Preesha, 12, sharing her experience said, “The Diwali workshop is really fun place to go where we can start our Diwali celebrations early. This year we got to make Rangoli’s which are colourful patterns using lentils. This was my favourite it’s a very traditional way of making colourful patterns.”
Hindu, Jain communities show support for organ donation The Hindu and Jain communities are promoting organ donation with a special message this Diwali. Both the communities hailed the amendment in the law which will be implemented next year in England and Scotland. From spring 2020 in England and Autumn 2020 in Scotland, everyone will be considered as having agreed to donate their own organs when they die unless they record a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups. This system was introduced in Wales in December 2015 and in Jersey in July this year. Families will by default be involved in organ donation, so it is vital that they know what your choice is. Anyone who has also registered as an organ donor and made it clear that their faith must be considered as part of the organ donation process will have that decision honoured. In the lead up to the change in law, NHS Blood and Transplant is urging families across England to talk and share their decision. If the time comes, families find the organ donation conversation much easier if they already know what their relative wanted. To support the cause, Hindu and Jain communities are actively involved in explaining the change in law and have developed special videos and leaflets aimed at their communities. NHS Blood and Transplant, essential part of the NHS, is a joint England and Wales Special Health
in the UK - 83 being living kidney donors, while 56 people donated kidneys posthumously. But there are still 1006 Asian people awaiting an organ transplant. This shows the dire need for more Asian organ donors. Most Asian patients receive transplants from white donors, but in reality, for many the best blood and tissue match would come from a donor of the Shivum and Shyamal Kakkad pictured with their mother same ethnic backand a photo of father, Bharat, who died and donated his ground, meaning a betorgans earlier this year ter outcome for the Authority providing blood donapatient. tion service for England and organ Millie Banerjee, Chair of NHS donation service for the UK. Blood and Transplant said: Kirit Modi, Chair of the Jain “Diwali is a time of kindness and and Hindu organ donation reflection where we acknowledge (JHOD) steering group said: “I am the good deeds done for others. delighted that Hindu and Jain Hindus believe in sewa – selfless community leaders, donor famiservice – and what better selfless lies and patients are sending powservice than donating your organs erful messages about organ donaafter death to someone in need of tion this Diwali. We are also a transplant? Every day across the launching a Diwali video which UK someone dies waiting for a consists of an amazing story from lifesaving organ transplant and Shivum and Shyamal Kakkad people from BAME backgrounds about their father recently donatwait longer than white patients ing his organs when he passed for a kidney transplant, the most away. I urge everyone celebrating transplanted organ. Often the best Diwali this year to think about match comes from a person of the organ donation and help save same ethnicity so I would encourlives.” age everyone this Diwali to conIn 2018/19, there were a record sider organ donation and speak to number of 149 Asian organ donors their families about their decision
(From left to right) Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Professor John Forsythe (NHSBT), Kirit Modi (Chair of JHOD Steering Group) and Andrea Ttofa (NHSBT) at the Hindu and Jain workshop on organ donation from November 2018
to be a donor.” While being an organ donor is down to individual choice, it is concerning that the majority of people who have recorded an ‘opt out’ decision are BAME. Given that the best transplant outcome is often from being matched with someone of the same ethnic origin, this could further impact patients in need of organ transplants from their community. Many have voiced concerns over the process itself, or whether their faith or beliefs will be respected, so NHS Blood and Transplant is encouraging people to find out more about the organ donation process and about the position of their faith or belief system on organ donation.
Lord Jitesh Gadhia urged the Hindus and Jains to support organ donation and said: “Diwali is a time to celebrate the victory of good over evil and the rise of a new dawn. This year also marks the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. His commitment to humanity is encapsulated by two powerful quotes: ‘To give pleasure to a single heart by a single act is better than a thousand heads bowing in prayer’ and ‘There are two days in the year that we cannot do anything – yesterday and tomorrow.’ So, this Diwali, I would urge everyone to follow Gandhiji’s inspirational words and sign up today to organ donation and give the ultimate gift of life.”
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TLIGHT
Ayush Kejriwal Reinventing Fashion Ayush Kejriwal
Sunetra Senior yush is a master stylist of miscellaneous materials, redefining the meaning of fashion in an ever-changing modern world. His eye-popping creations are an alluring mix of Eastern and Western influences and beyond, and make a bold and radiant statement.
A
The expressive fashion designer might combine Indian floral trends with timeless nautical stripes, evoke an astrological star sign, such as Pisces, through a bold animal print on a pale pastel background, or introduce a denim under garment in lieu of a customary cotton blouse to a sari. “I certainly have an eclectic signature,” he told us. “One morning I might use one type of fabric while it will be an entirely different on another. A single garment may contain four different materials, twenty colours and three textures. This is because I will make what I’m feeling– I don’t adhere to the rule book, ignoring seasonal fashion and stipulated dos and don’ts, focussing instead on telling a personal story.”
kameez. However, quite fittingly, his reasoning goes deeper than any superficial indicator of identity to celebration of the spirit. “I don’t purposely choose to feature women with a certain look,” he explained. “In the same way I don’t consciously feature traditional clothes. Rather, I want women who wear my clothes to feel good. Style should look inwards not outwards: it should feed the soul. I don’t screen my models, and will work with women of all shapes and sizes, colour, sexual orientations and ages to bring the best out in them. Similarly, I organically draw from the beautiful parts of my culture. Old Indian dress has such a romance about it, how could I not entertain it?” Indeed, Ayush’s professional portfolio emerges at once an arresting photographic exhibit of the nuanced feminine personality, melding the high concept of the arts world with the dazzling aesthetics of fashion. The mindful maverick works empathetically with his models to encourage them to unapologetically express themselves, making them an integral part of his design process too. “I don’t enjoy the overly posed pictures that mark the generic perfection of the fashion industry. I want women to feel uninhibited and powerful in my jewellery and garments because without the wearer, my work would just be fabrics. There’s got to be energy. I ask for a particular mood, whatever that model might immediately relate to.” As can be gleaned from Ayush’s images, this can be melancholia, or the anticipation just before an elegant evening out. “Ultimately, the picture needs to be honest. That’s when the product
*** Creativity is central to Ayush’s brand who explicitly denounces the typically commercial dictates of his industry: “I see myself as separate from the traditional fraternity of fashion. I do what I want, and don’t chase sales as it’s crippling to the true, imaginative process. My pieces are works of art for me, where clothes are the canvas. I will take time to complete a certain design, unruffled by external deadlines or the pressure of making a profit. It means the customer gets a unique, editorial piece. There are a limited number of appears strongest. This is perhaps a lesdesigns.” son I’ve learned from styling my mothIndeed, operating solely via social er and sister when I was younger. They media without even an official website, are both such real people.” Ayush’ first design was bought by a cusThe rebellious basis of Ayush’s tomer in Germany after she happened work is interestingly reminiscent of felto spot his vibrant work online. Now, low humanistic artist, Cindy Sherman, less than a decade on, and the Glasgowwho was recently showcased at the based designer has a thriving progresNational Portrait Gallery. She is known sive brand, which is as collaborative as for her playful focus on the strange yet it is authentic. “I will showcase my fascinating manipulation of physical clothes on platforms such as appearance which is propagated Instagram, and let people by mainstream media. approach me. I love talking However, where Sherman 'Style should to clients individually will regularly change the and hearing about what look inwards not photographic context to excites them, and draws highlight the enduring outwards: them to a particular garimpersonal presence of it should feed ment. The messages conventional beauty, have just been increasing Ayush brings the focus to the soul' over time. I believe in a inner life to conversely flowing creative energy that champion beauty as an emoreaches out to others and tional resource that can be, moves them, which in turn, creates a beautifully, available to all. mutually affirming universe.” He commented on the fashion No surprise then that Ayush’s industry’s repressive pushing of exclufusion fashions have gone viral, particsive trends on the public at the expense ularly because of his celebratory use of of women’s happiness: “I have never dark-skinned models. This seems to worked to fill a gap in the market, and enhance his embrace of classic Indian hate the way certain brands prey on the garments, such as saris and salwar insecurities of women to get them to
buy. It’s awful and promotes a shallow, lifeless narrative that is stifling. Furthermore, it’s fake– images are retouched over and over again to create an absolutely impossible standard. That’s another reason I’m committed to authenticity through my brand.” Ayush, it seems, seeks to help women live as wholes, engaging with the outer touches to help find and elevate themselves.
And so, at the finest fore of an industry that epitomises the mechanical and seemingly insurmountable demands of an authoritarian system, Ayush’s imitable fashions represent a time when power is being gradually redistributed among the people. His digital brand not so much deconstructs as proactively reinvents fashion, preserving the fundamental colour, while washing out the corruption. The designer not only shines a light on the delicate depth of individuality, but also the multi-layered experience of life that crucially sustains it. Ultimately, Ayush’s collection emanates a compelling, visceral call to social empowerment.
Tell us more about cultural influence growing up? I never had formal training so my interest has come from early life. I’d help my mum around the house because she suffered a very debilitating condition. I’d help her get dressed and get about. I grew familiar with the feel of certain fabrics and the practicality of design. I have style nostalgically in my being in that sense. You are in marketing full-time as a day job. How has that helped inform your personal brand? The key to good marketing is one in the same as having an authentic brand: have an emotive story that the right people can relate to at the right time. My designs carry my personal pain and joy. I don’t censor my feelings which goes against formal marketing teaching: I will share my feelings on social media – it gives my brand the immediacy and courage that defines it. In relation to the industry, I see myself as a mad, high guy going somewhere else, but being happy about it! Finally, what are your favourite crafts? I work with a variety of techniques across India, but three favourites are: Kulamkari; a beautiful hand painted technique I use; using Kanchipuram silks, which gives a luxurious feel; Banarasi-produced silk where minute detail is brought skilfully by the workers to life. I: @designerkejriwal
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26 Oct - 1 Nov 2019
Grenfell shows stay put advice needs review The Government should review “stay put” advice during high-rise fires, the head of the London Fire Brigade has said. Residents in tall buildings are normally advised not to leave their homes when there is a fire in their block. But London Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton said this policy should be reconsidered when buildings fail, as in the case of Grenfell Tower fire. The devastating blaze claimed the lives of 72 people on 17 June 2017. The fire began just before 1am, and spread to the top of the building in just half an hour. But despite the strength of the blaze, residents were told to stay in their flats until 2.47am, when an evacuation was ordered. Though 223 people escaped the tower, only 36 made it out after the ‘stay put’ advice was removed. Experts have since said
evacuation should have begun over an hour earlier. Now the London Fire Brigade has published a report calling on the Government to research what to do when buildings fail during a fire. It also calls for a ban on all flammable cladding, and for sprinklers to be fitted in more buildings. Speaking at the London Assembly last Wednesday, Ms Cotton stressed that since 2014 there have been 5,000 high-rise fires in London, and in most cases ‘stay put’ advice remains effective.
Harrow councillor responds to increase in recorded crimes A senior Harrow councillor has defended recent Labour administrations’ approach to crime and insisted the borough is a safe place to live. Cllr Krishna Suresh, responsible for crime and community cohesion at Harrow Council, pointed out that, statistically, the borough is the second safest in London. He said the council should be “proud” of its contribution to combatting crime in Harrow but that there is still more to do, particularly around burglaries. “The ‘Safer Harrow Partnership’, with its focus on high harm and violent crime has made a significant difference.
Harrow is a safer place and our residents are safer.” It came after Conservative councillor Anjana Patel noted that, between May 2016 and June 2019, there were almost 6,700 more crimes recorded in Harrow than the period of three years before. She pointed out that the increase coincides with London mayor Sadiq Khan’s time in office and suggested he should focus on reducing crime on the city’s streets above all. But Cllr Suresh said the rise in crime is linked to police funding cuts by recent Conservative governments.
Defiant head vows to keep unregistered school open The head teacher of an unregistered Islamic school, prosecuted for operating illegally, has said it has a "unique" approach and will remain open. Nadia Ali, of Ambassadors High, in Streatham - which an inspection found "wilfully neglected" safeguarding was given community service last month. She called the pupils "happy learners" and denied it was breaking the law, as it was now open 18 hours a week only. Ofsted has urged improved legislation to
deal with unregistered schools. By law, any institution with more than five fulltime pupils has to be officially registered and inspected. Government guidance defines full-time education as more than 18 hours a week. The south London school, which describes itself as having an Islamic ethos, says it charges £2,500 a year per pupil and had 45 children on the roll at the time of its last inspection. But it has not yet met standards required to register.
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18 FINANCE - UK
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26 Oct - 1 Nov 2019
Lowest October rise in UK house prices since 2008 According to the property website Rightmove, UK house prices have registered their lowest rise in October since the 2008 financial crisis as Brexit uncertainty continues to take its toll. Its data also mentioned that some parts of London are continuing to see asking prices fall, in some cases by £15,000 or more in a month. The price of property coming to market at this time of year usually experiences an “autumn bounce,” with an average rise of 1.6% recorded in the month of October over the last 10 years – but this year saw a “more sluggish” monthly rise of 0.6%, which was the lowest since October 2008. The current state of the housing market combined with the ongoing political uncertainty from Brexit appears to be putting off many would-be sellers. Rightmove’s average number of new house sale listings per week has fallen to just over 24,000 – its lowest at this time of year since October 2009. This is down 13.5% on the same period a year ago. On the contrary, many buyers “seem undeterred”, with the number of sales being agreed virtually unchanged on a year ago, according to the site, whose latest data was based on the
asking prices of more than 122,000 properties put on sale between 8 September and 12 October. Miles Shipside, a Rightmove director, said: “With upwards pricing power now pretty flat, some sellers who are motivated by maximising their money seem to be holding back. They may be waiting for more certainty around both achieving their price aspirations, and also the Brexit outcome.” Rightmove’s detailed data paints a mixed picture for London, with some
boroughs seeing sizeable price falls and others experiencing price growth. The average price of a home in Kingston upon Thames, south-west London, has fallen by more than £17,000 in a month – from £605,000 in September to £587,000 in October. Wandsworth in south London recorded a typical £16,000 price fall. But in other boroughs, including Britain’s most expensive area, Kensington and Chelsea, average prices continued to climb.
Thomas Cook: MPs to question PwC on possible conflict of interest Bosses at PricewaterhouseCoopers will be grilled by MPs for a possible conflict of interest after it emerged that the accountancy firm advised Thomas Cook executives about their salary and bonuses, while it was also the travel company's external auditor. A parliamentary inquiry into the collapse of Thomas Cook is undergoing and is focusing on executive pay, accounting practices and the role of auditors. At a combative hearing on 15 October, the beleaguered tour operator’s bosses drew stinging criticism for the millions of pounds of bonuses paid to directors in the years running up to its demise. In its recent written submission to MPs, the Institute of Directors talked about “the allegedly aggressive accounting methods” adopted at Thomas Cook. Meanwhile, in recent days both MPs and
the IoD have voiced concerns that directors’ pay and bonuses were calculated on profit numbers that excluded oneoff negative items. “Were accounting judgments therefore being affected by executive pay considerations?” asked the IoD. PwC audited the business between 2008 and 2016, with EY taking over the following year. Now it has surfaced that for a period of time, PwC performed a dual role as both the Thomas Cook
remuneration committee’s adviser and the company’s external auditor. Thomas Cook’s 2009 annual report stated that the remuneration committee “was mindful of the dual role” performed by PwC. It said: “PwC held this dual role because prior to the merger they had acted as remuneration adviser to MyTravel Group plc and external auditor to Thomas Cook.” During this period, there was anger among many investors at pay awards for the company’s then-bosses. A vote over
boardroom pay in 2008 received just 4% support from independent shareholders after a one-off £5m bonus was given to then-chief executive Manny Fontenla-Novoa. In June 2009, another firm, Kepler Associates, was appointed external adviser to the remuneration committee. In 2016, rules were introduced that meant auditors could no longer provide any remuneration advice. Britain’s accounting watchdog, the Financial Reporting Council, has already begun an investigation into EY’s audit of Thomas Cook’s accounts. Commenting on its past dual role at Thomas Cook, PwC said: “The non-audit work as advisers to the remuneration committee, which ceased in 2009, was approved in advance by the audit committee, complied with all relevant regulatory standards, and was disclosed in the company’s annual reports.”
UK midcaps recover on lower risk of no-deal Brexit UK midcaps recovered from early losses to edge higher expecting that a nodeal Brexit will be avoided even though uncertainties persisted as lawmakers forced Prime Minister Boris Johnson to seek another extension from the European Union. Markets, however, looked past the political chaos to the fact that an extension to Brexit meant any near-term risk of a disruptive no-deal departure will be eliminated. An index of midcap companies added 0.4%, after initially dropping as much as 0.3%, while the exporterheavy FTSE 100 advanced 0.6% as the pound stayed in the red. In a parliamentary showdown, lawmakers voted in favour of an amendment exposing an unwilling Johnson to request the European Union for a delay to the Brexit deadline and withheld support for the last-minute divorce deal. Along with the extension request, Johnson sent another letter to the EU laying out reasons why the exit should not be delayed, sending conflicting messages
Tatas rule out sale of JLR well as trouble Tata Sons, the o v e r s e a s , Indian conglomerate including an that owns Jaguar e c o n o m i c Land Rover, said it is slowdown in open to finding China, where auto partners for the sales are sliding, automaker but isn’t and uncertainty planning on selling the embattled unit. N. Chandrasekaran over Brexit. In a interview, Chandrasekaran “We’re not going to sell,” said dealing with tariffs is said Natarajan the “new normal” for the Chandrasekaran, chairman global auto industry and of Tata Sons, the holding that negotiations around company in an expansive Britain’s exit from the business empire that European Union have taken includes Tata Motors Ltd. too long.“Nations are “Auto is a core business for getting more protective.” us. From revenue terms, While the company would auto is our largest “always look for company.” partnerships,” it doesn’t Tata Motors bought the want deals where “we just maker of the Jaguar XE sell a stake and we have no sedan and Land Rover say,” Chandrasekaran said. Discovery SUV from Ford “We are not financial Motor in 2008. After turning investors, Tata Group, we it into a cash cow with run companies. I’m not a booming sales in countries Blackstone, I’m not a KKR.” like Russia and China, JLR JLR’s capital expenditure has waned to such an extent that outpaced operating cash it had to launch a 2.5 billionflow over the past two years, pound ($3.2 billion) savings but Chandrasekaran said his program and slash target is to reverse that trend thousands of jobs by 2021. “Once we do that, worldwide. Losses at Tata’s then people will believe automotive business have what I’m saying: I’m not mounted with a slump in running away.” the country’s car market, as
B A Finance & Mortgage Co. ESTABLISHED SINCE 1970
from £100K to £30M
to the European trading bloc. As a result, housebuilders, which are considered to be among most vulnerable sectors to affect the UK economy, advanced. The FTSE 250 has gained nearly 4% over the last two weeks, handily outperforming the bluechips, as investors had bet that a long-drawn Brexit process could be nearing its end as Johnson chased a withdrawal agreement with the EU. On news-related moves, Smith+Nephew slid 7% and was headed for its worst day in 17 months after the medical device maker said Chief Executive Officer Namal Nawana would step down after just 17 months in the role. Another steep faller on the main index was Just Eat, which skidded 6% to a four-month low, as investors focussed on the takeaway group’s comments about a structural shift in Britain over a sharp rise in thirdquarter revenue. Shares in M&G, the UK business spun off by insurer Prudential, fell 11% in a rocky start to trading as a standalone business. Prudential lost 10%.
Commercial Mortgages, Bridging Finance, Development Finance UPTO 100%.
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Last week we finally completed on a two bedroom flat in SE2. I say finally because this deal was agreed a full nine months ago. Perhaps this number is significant, as it’s the time from conception to birth.
Suresh Vagjiani
Sow & Reap London Property Investment
The deal was agreed at £245K, it was purported to come along with an allotted parking space. However, as the deal progressed it transpired, it didn’t. Agents often don’t know their product. Very little, if any, research is done from the source documents. Instead there is a reliance on what has been told to them. I have seen private flats being sold as ex council due to the limited knowledge of the agent. This was a probate deal, there were four beneficiaries for the sale of this property, hence the reason for the delay in getting the deal done. Consent had to be sought from all four, and often they would simply not respond to requests from the lawyers. Our fascination with this location is backed by solid research and we have been buying here for our clients for some time, and will continue to do so. The delay in Crossrail is a good thing. It has kept the window open for investment even longer. The property was an investment property, therefore, we thought it prudent to purchase with the benefit of the existing tenants. This means our client has been receiving rental income from the date of completion.
AGONY AGENT IS HERE TO HELP!
However, in order to do this properly, we had to
Q. How do I evict my tenants? A. There are several ways of ending a tenancy, some methods are more elegant and straight forward than others - it doesn’t necessarily need to be a messy or aggressive affair. ASK NICELY Before going in all guns blazing, it’s always worth trying the diplomatic approach. Depending on the situation you could simply ask the tenant to leave and explain your reasons for your request.
The tenants refused to sign because they had not been informed of the sale, to compound this they had a list of issues in the flat which they were insisting should be resolved before signing any agreements. When we were finally due to execute the deal, we discovered one of the beneficiaries whose signature was required went off to Ghana. Documents had to be couriered back and forth. When they were finally executed, the mortgage expired. So, the whole process had to be restarted. All was not over yet. When the new mortgage came through, we were ready to exchange and complete simultaneously. However, the boiler blew up and this now had to be resolved as we did not want our client to inherit the issue. A retention of £1K was agreed to expedite matters. Finally, the deal was completed last week. The property was completed at £240K and, in our opinion, is worth £275K. This deal is not driven primarily by the discount, rather by where prices will go in the next 3-5 years. We believe this will prove to be one of the strongest hotspots in London. Our client has not actually seen the property. She is a first time passive property investor. Despite the time, hassle and money (to be fair
SERVE A VALID POSSESSION NOTICE Failing the diplomatic approach, you may now want to consider serving a possession notice, either a Section 21 Notice or a Section 8 Notice. It may make sense to serve one over the other, but it will entirely depend on your circumstances.
London, NW6 Purchase Price: £385,000
26 Oct - 1 Nov 2019
rehash the agreement; and, this came with its own raft of problems.
You might be surprised, your tenant may be amenable to vacate your property willingly. If your tenant agrees, make sure he/she signs a document clarifying the agreement.
BUY TO LET OPPORTUNITY
19
most of the hassle fell on us in sorting the various issues out), she has agreed to go ahead with another purchase; in Camden this time, driven by the deal, though the flat is already in an extremely strong location. This is a property we have been tracking for about a year. Originally the deal fell apart due to the revised lease not reflecting certain important points which were in the original lease. The vendor had a tussle with the previous lawyer who drew up the lease. This accounted for the delay in getting the deal in a format where we were satisfied enough to exchange. This client works in the financial services sector, and has done so for many years. Yet, she had neglected to invest properly for her future welfare. With these potentially two acquisitions we are confident her future will be very secure.
A Section Notice is typically enough to force the tenant to surrender the tenancy, so court action may not be required. Approximately 80% of tenants leave after being served notice.
a County Court. For more information on arranging a hearing at a county court, please go to the County Court HMCTS page. GET THE BAILIFFS INVOLVED
Please note, failure to serve this notice correctly may delay the repossession and it is wise to consult a professional to advise you or do this for you. GETTING A COURT ORDER
Having won the repossession order in court, most tenants will vacate your property as instructed. However, if they do not, you must arrange for Court Bailiffs to remove your tenant.
Once the relevant Section Notice has expired and if the tenant has not paid you the rent due or moved out of your property, you may apply for a hearing at
If in doubt, or if all of this sounds like too much hard work for you, please contact the office as we offer tailor made services to help you.
l Beautiful two bedroom first floor flat l Long lease and low service charges
l Period conversion, high ceilings, garden and off street parking l Moments away from Kilburn station l Close to local amenities
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l £135K cash required to close this deal, subject to mortgage criteria Call us now for more information!
Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing
0207 993 0103
info@sowandreap.co.uk www.sowandreap.co.uk 27 Gloucester Place, London, W1U 8HU SowandReapProperties
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20 FINANCE
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G20 needs collective action to spur growth: Sitharaman India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the need for G20 to take collective measures to revive global growth. Sitharaman said it is the responsibility of the G20 nations, comprising 19 countries and European Union, to “navigate the global policy coordination" by taking strong steps towards “building buffers and catalyzing a second wave of reforms". The G20 is a group of influential developed and emerging economies. The minister is leading the Indian delegation to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) annual meeting in Nirmala Sitharaman Washington DC. She called for measures unveiled by India, concerted action in the face of a particularly the reduction of global slowdown and corporate tax rate. Sitharaman highlighted that the emerging said India had reduced the market economies, in corporate tax rate from 30% to particular, face the challenge of 22%, thereby making it one of achieving economic growth and the lowest corporate tax inclusive development while imposing countries in the world pursuing sustainable financing. today and this move is expected The FM emphasised on the to spur investment. importance of countries The main issues discussed pursuing structural reform during the BRICS finance measures to counter the growth ministers and central bank slowdown. She highlighted the governors meeting included
those linked to the New Development Bank (such as membership expansion and enhancing the effectiveness of the utilisation of the NDB’s project preparation facility); developing the way forward on IMF resources as well as formulating a consensus cooperation on authorised economic operators programme. The FM also highlighted India’s
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strong support for NDB’s membership expansion and encouraged the NDB management to continue the good progress achieved on this issue till date. As far as improving the effectiveness of the project preparation facility (PPF) is concerned, the FM indicated that sustainable recovery mechanisms need to be built into the PPF guidelines so that the assistance extended is recovered once the project loan is sanctioned. With reference to the alternative proposal emerging at the current juncture with reference to strengthening borrowed resources of IMF, FM expressed a word of caution and indicated that borrowed resources cannot provide full confidence in extreme crisis situations as creditor nations themselves may be in stress.
Govt looks to ease further FDI rules Weeks after it relaxed the foreign direct investment (FDI) regime, the government has begun a fresh review for further liberalisation of sectoral caps as well as segments that are not on the automatic list, as it courts more overseas investors to revive the investment cycle. The department for promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) has initiated an internal exercise to identify additional sectors for easier FDI rules before it takes them up with ministries concerned, sources said. “While most sectors are already on automatic route, we are seeing if there is further scope,” said an official. Just last month, the cabinet cleared rules for coal mining, single-brand retail, contract manufacturing and digital media, while the finance ministry changed the norms for segments of the insurance business. However, a budget announcement regarding aviation is still due which DPIIT is not pursuing with the civil aviation ministry. While the government allows 100% FDI in the sector, the rules governing substantial ownership and effective control are seen to be stumbling blocks on which the civil aviation ministry is yet to make up its mind, delaying a decision on the matter. Over the years the government has eased the rules considerably, with only a handful of sectors left where prior government approval is required. The list includes defence and telecom, where up to 100% FDI is allowed, but overseas investment beyond 49% requires prior government approval.
Brexit and Diwali Affecting Gold Prices in the Short Term
October 16th, 2019 This last week has seen big swings in the foreign exchange market as sterling or cable has risen from $1.22 to a present level of $1.2850. Gold or in dollar terms, on the other hand, has remained fairly steady around the $1475 to $1515 range. The gold price in sterling (xaugbp) has taken a hit from a high of £1240 last week to a present level of £1158. This move down in the sterling price has been due to the short squeeze in sterling as it looks, as of this writing, that PM Johnson will fail to get a deal to leave the EU on October 31st and might even ask for an extension. One of the major reasons for the move higher in gold to £1280 in the beginning of September of this year, apart from gold strength in all fiat currencies, had been the fact that it looked like PM Johnson could leave without a deal on October 31st “come what may”. That stance of leaving without a deal “come what may” seems to have changed. Despite all the noise and the fact that we will also see increased demand for gold during the Diwali Festival towards the end of this month the fundamental long term reason to accumulate physical gold has not disappeared. The Federal Reserve has
made a 180 degree turn from a stance of tightening policy through interest rate hikes and quantitative 1 tightening to one rate cuts and renewed quantitative easing or QE.
way to keep things running is through more debt creation and money printing as we are seeing occur again under the leadership of the Federal Reserve and the ECB.
The ECB as well, under the stewardship of lameduck President Draghi, also cut rates in its last meeting and announced more QE. The troubles in the Repo Market have also not abated and aside from $60 billion in monthly QE the Federal Reserve will also be supplying what some call the plumbing of Wall Street with a total of $145 billion to support the overnight and term repo markets well into next year. So despite the correction in the gold price one should focus on the fact that our current monetary and financial system is still very fragile and the main reason for that is all the debt that had to be incurred since the Crisis of 2008 to keep the system running. Unfortunately, the only
The time-tested way for governments and Central Banks to lessen the burden of debt has been currency debasement and, in my opinion, that will not come to a halt anytime soon whether the U.K. leaves with or without a deal or even leaves in name only. The chart of cable or gbpusd above shows currency debasement started way before the vote to leave the EU. Mario Innecco YouTube channel maneco64 The home of alternative economics and contrarian views. For more information, please contact Mr Oliver Temple of Gold Investments Ltd on tel: 0207 283 7753. For more articles on gold and the market, go to maneco64 YouTube channel"
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in brief CHINA DETAINS 2 US CITIZENS WHO RAN TEACHING PROGRAM
China said it detained two US citizens on suspicion of organizing others to illegally cross the border, amid sharpening tensions between the sides over trade, technology and other sensitive issues. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said police in the eastern province of Jiangsu arrested Alyssa Petersen and Jacob Harlan. Harlan is the owner and Petersen is the director of a Rexburg, Idaho-based organization called China Horizons, whose website says it is an English teaching program that offers an "immersive experience within a Chinese school." However, a post on the 17year-old group's Facebook page said it would be shutting down at the end of the month. Chinese officials said that Harlan and Petersen may be detained "for the next few months or years."
PAK DENIES ENTRY TO JOURNALISM WATCHDOG CHIEF Pakistani authorities denied entry to an official of the Committee to Protect Journalists and forced him to leave the country, the journalist watchdog group said. Steven Butler, the Asia programme director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, was travelling to Pakistan to attend a human rights conference when he was stopped upon entry in Lahore. While Butler had a valid Pakistani visa, immigration officials told him that the interior ministry had put him on a â&#x20AC;&#x153;stop listâ&#x20AC;? before confiscating his passport. There was no official comment from the Pakistani government.
Narrow escape for Pak from FATF 'Black List' ISLAMABAD: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) maintained that it has kept Pakistan in its Grey List till February 2020 and directed it to take extra measures for the complete elimination of terror financing and money laundering, say reports. Earlier, FATF placed Pakistan on the 'Grey' list in June 2018 and gave the country 15 months to complete implementation of a 27-point action plan. "The FATF strongly urges Pakistan to swiftly complete its full action plan by February 2020," it said in a statement. "Otherwise, should significant and sustainable progress not be made across the full range of its action plan by the next Plenary, the FATF will take action." The Paris-based global finance watchdog, which tackles money laundering, said it was concerned that Pakistan had failed to complete the action plan first by a January deadline, then a May deadline and now October. Though Pakistani media claim that FATF had "expressed satisfaction" over the steps taken by Islamabad in compliance on measures to tackle terrorism funding and money laundering, sources state the road for Pakistan would not be that
easy. Ahead of the meeting, the watchdog's Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) issued a critical report on progress made by Islamabad since last year. Of the 40 recommendations, the report said, Pakistan fully complied with only one, largely complied with nine, partially complied with 26, and totally missed four parameters, which were mandatory if Islamabad wanted to be removed from the grey list. It said Pakistan should adequately identify, assess and understand risks associated with militant groups operating in Pakistan such as Islamic State group, al-Qaeda, Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which continue to raise funds openly. Islamabad says it has seized the groups' assets and put the militants on trials, like the entire leadership of the JuD, including its chief Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks in India, which killed 166 people. Pakistan, struggling with a balance of payments crisis
that has forced it to turn to the International Monetary Fund for help, has promised a series of measures to crack down on terrorism financing. But it still faces considerable scepticism over whether the announcements have been followed by effective action to curb militant groups that operate from its territory. "Pakistan needs to do more and it needs to do it faster," FATF President Xiangmin Liu told reporters in Paris. This year, China holds the presidency of the FATF. Besides China, Turkey and Malaysia have also backed Pakistan. Prior to the FATF decision, Pakistani officials said they were confident Islamabad would not be placed on the blacklist. But relief will be temporary with the February deadline looming over the horizon. Considering the difference between grey, dark grey and black list, FATF states that the term 'Dark Grey' is used to issue a strong warning so that the concerned country gets one final chance to improve. While 'Dark Grey' means warming up for the final phase, i.e. 'Black' list -- means the country concerned is "non-cooperative" in the global fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.
Pak man unleashes pet lion on electrician
ISLAMABAD: The caretaker of a Pakistani house of worship unleashed his pet lion on an electrician who was trying to collect late payment, local police said. The incident allegedly took place in September. The attacker, identified as Ali Raza, was the caretaker of Imambargah Sada-e-Imam Hussain, a seminary in Pakistan's Shahdra in Punjab province. According to local reports, the electrician, Mohammad Rafique, had been hired to render certain services at the Imambargah. When the work was over, Raza allegedly delayed payment for several days. On September 9, when the discussion got too heated after the electrician insisted on payment, Raza allegedly set his pet lion on him. The victim did not immediately file legal charges because the caretaker promised to get him treatment and pay him compensation. A month passed and the caretaker received neither, so he decided to file a police report. Raza has been booked under attempt to murder charges. As per the victim's account, Raza and two others merely stood there and watched while the lion mauled Rafiq. It was only when bystanders heard his cries and came to his rescue that the man was saved. As of the lion, whether Raza had a permit to keep it and what happened with the animal after the incident is as yet unknown.
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Lankan army chief in controversy over election advertisement COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's election chief said that he has asked for an explanation from the defense ministry on why the army commander features in an advertisement promoting a candidate for next month's presidential election. The advertisement, which appeared in a newspaper recently, had comments made by Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva, the current army chief, in 2009 praising presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa for his role in ending the country's long civil war. Rajapaksa was defense chief at the time, serving under his brother, then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and Silva
Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva
was an army division commander. The advertisement includes a photo of Silva in uniform with his comments.
Blast at Afghan mosque kills 62 KABUL: At least 62 worshippers were killed instantly after a bomb rocked a mosque in eastern Afghanistan. Dozens of people gathered for Friday prayers when a massive explosion destroyed the building's roof. The attack underscored the record-high number of civilians dying in the country's 18-year war. Attahullah Khogyani, spokesman for the governor of Nangarhar Province, said the attack wounded 36 others. He said it was not immediately clear if the mosque was attacked by a suicide bomber or by some other type of bombing. "Both men and children are among those killed and wounded in the attack," he said. Sediq Sediqqi, spokesman for Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, strongly condemned the attack. "The Afghan government strongly condemns today's suicide attack in a mosque in Nangarhar province," he tweeted. "The Taliban and their partners heinous crimes continue to target civilians in time of worship," he added. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but both the Taliban and the Islamic State group are active in eastern Afghanistan, especially Nangarhar province.
Election chief Mahinda Deshapriya criticized the advertisement and said he has sought an explanation from the secretary to the defense ministry on why the army chief was being used to promote a presidential candidate. "We highly regret this advertisement," said Deshapriya, adding that "it could be an old statement, but it is regrettable that the rank and designation of the present army commander had been used." Mahinda Rajapaksa has swept to victory in several elections by promoting himself as the leader who defeated the once invincible Tamil Tiger rebels in the long civil war.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa's popularity is on the increase after April's Easter attacks in Sri Lanka that killed 263 people and wounded 500. But to his opponents and critics, he is a feared defense official accused of condoning rape, torture and shadowy disappearances of critics. He said that if he wins the Nov. 16 election, he won't recognize an agreement the government made with the UN human rights council to investigate alleged war crimes during the civil war. If he does win and follows through with his comments, it would be a severe setback to Lanka's postwar reconciliation process.
Bangladesh to relocate Rohingya to flood-prone island DHAKA: Bangladesh will start relocating Rohingya Muslims to a flood-prone island off its coast next month as several thousand refugees have agreed to move, a government official said. Approximately 6,000-7,000 Rohingya refugees have agreed to be relocated to the newly built camp on the Bhashan Char Island. Refugee Commissioner of Bangladesh Mahbub Alam Talukder said that officials will be posted to Bhashan Char island in the next few days to oversee the process. Dhaka wants to move 100,000 refugees to Bhasan Char - a Bay of Bengal island hours by boat from the mainland - to ease overcrowding in its camps at Cox’s Bazar, home to more than 1 million Rohingya Muslims who have fled neighbouring Myanmar. “We want to start relocation by early next month,” Talukder said adding that “the refugees will be shifted in phases. Our officials are compiling the lists of the refugees who are willing to move there,” he said, adding that as many as 7,000 refugees had
agreed to shift. Some human rights groups have expressed concern over that plan because the island is remote and prone to devastation from cyclones. Many refugees oppose the move, which some human rights experts fear could spark a new crisis. Densely populated Bangladesh has been grappling with large refugee numbers, with local communities turning hostile towards Rohingya after a second failed bid to send thousands back to Myanmar in August. The number of refugees in Cox’s Bazar has swelled since August 2017, when a Myanmar military-led crackdown that UN investigators have said was conducted with “genocidal intent” prompted some 730,000 Rohingya to flee. A UN human rights investigator who visited in January said she feared a new crisis if Rohingya were taken to the island. “There are a number of things that remain unknown to me even following my visit, chief among them being whether the island is truly habitable,” said Yanghee Lee, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar.
in brief LADY GAGA CAUSES ONLINE FRENZY WITH SANSKRIT TWEET Pop star Lady Gaga, who is recovering from a nasty fall she suffered during a concert in Las Vegas, surprised her Indian fans when she tweeted a Sanskrit mantra. “Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu,” Gaga posted on Twitter. The mantra encompasses the feeling of love and happiness towards the world. In simple words, it translates to “May all beings everywhere be free and happy.” Since the post went online, Gaga’s tweet has gone viral. Some users questioned if it has something to do with her next album, while some welcomed her to Hinduism and some sent her good wishes for a fast recovery. “Just beautiful,” one user wrote. “Great to see Lady Gaga tweet Sanskrit Mantra which radiates the feeling of love and happiness towards the world,” one user wrote.
'TARZAN' STAR'S WIFE KILLED BY THEIR SON The wife of former "Tarzan" actor Ron Ely was stabbed to death by the couple's son at their California home, police said. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office said that deputies showed up at the couple's house following an emergency call about a family dispute and found Valerie Lundeen Ely, 62, dead with "multiple stab wounds." Deputies identified the suspect as the Elys' son, 30-year-old Cameron Ely, and shot him dead after determining he posed a threat. "Deputies searched the residence and surrounding area for Cameron Ely," the Sheriff's Office said. "During the search, the suspect was located outside the home. He posed a threat and in response 4 deputies fired their service weapons at the suspect, fatally wounding him."
KIM RIDES TO SACRED PEAK, VOWS TO FIGHT US North Korea released a series of photos showing leader Kim Jong-un riding a white horse to a sacred mountain he has often climbed before making key decisions. Near the mountain, Kim reportedly vowed to overcome US-led sanctions that he said had both pained and infuriated his people. Kim previously visited Mount Paektu before executing his powerful uncle in 2013 and entering into diplomacy with South Korea and the US in 2018. The mountain and the white horse are symbols associated with the Kim family’s rule.
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in brief ‘SOS’ PICKED UP ON CCTV CLIP SAVES OZ CAMPER An Australian woman lost in dense bush land was found after a man remotely monitoring security footage saw an ‘SOS’ sign scrawled in the earth on his property. Deborah Pilgrim went missing while camping with friends about 100km from the South Australian state capital of Adelaide. The 55-year-old took a walk from the campsite and lost her way. A man remotely monitoring CCTV footage of his property noticed an SOS sign etched into a dirt driveway near his unoccupied home. He alerted police, who found Pilgrim close on a neighbouring property where she had located water. “It was so overwhelming... I dropped to the ground,” Pilgrim said, recalling the moment rescuers arrived.
DRUNK WOMAN JAILED FOR BITING COP IN SINGAPORE A New Zealand woman has been jailed in Singapore for six and half months for biting a policewoman’s arm after a drunken night out while visiting her sister. Katie Christina Rakich arrived in Singapore one evening in June, already slightly drunk, and headed for dinner with her younger sister. But Rakich became rowdy and started yelling and causing a mess, prompting her sister to call the police. Rakich was arrested and driven to a police station. As she was being brought out of the vehicle, she bit the left arm of a female police officer. “The bite was very forceful and caused the victim great pain,” prosecutor Benedict Teong told the court.
STIR BRINGS CATALONIA TO A STANDSTILL Tens of thousands of demonstrators waving pro-independence flags and chanting “freedom for political prisoners” poured into Barcelona, the fifth day of protests over the jailing of Catalan separatist leaders. Roads leading into the city were packed as marchers from across the region joined a mass rally against this week’s verdict by Spain’s Supreme Court, which sentenced nine separatists to jail over a 2017 secessionist bid. Some masked youths hurled stones at police late in the afternoon on one city street, but the vast majority of rallies were peaceful.
EGYPT URGED TO FREE BLOGGER, LAWYER, JOURNALIST The UN human rights office urged Egypt to free a prominent blogger, lawyer and journalist allegedly mistreated in custody who are among several thousand people detained since street protests began a month ago. Officials at Egypt's interior ministry were not immediately available for comment. The state prosecutor's office said in late September that it had questioned up to 1,000 suspects who took part in the demonstrations. About 3,400 people have been arrested since protests began, including about 300 who have since been released, according to the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms, an independent body.
INDONESIA’S PREZ SWORN IN FOR 2ND TERM Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who rose from poverty and pledged to champion democracy, fight corruption and modernise the world’s most populous Muslim majority nation, was sworn in for his second and final five-year term with a pledge to take bolder actions. Known for his down-to-earth style, Widodo, 58, opted for an austere ceremony at the parliament. On his way to the ceremony, Widodo got out of his convoy and met with supporters. “We must work together immediately to bring Indonesia to prosperity,” Widodo said.
PIO techie goes to cops with corpse, confesses to killing 4 SAN FRANCISCO: A 53-yearold Indian-origin IT professional has been arrested after he walked into a northern California police station along with a dead body in his car. Shankar Nagappa Hangud, a resident of Roseville, California confessed to have killed three other people, Roseville Police Department Captain Joshua Simon said. Simon declined to name the victims, but said they were all members of the suspect’s family, two adults and two juveniles. Hangud was held in custody and would face four charges of murder. "This incident has touched the lives of many in the area," Simon told reporters, adding that such a killing had not occurred in the Placer County city of 130,000 in his recent memory. "It's a very sad, sad
Shankar Nagappa Hangud
situation," he said. “The suspect himself drove to the Mount Shasta police department with one of the victims in his car and made a confession to them to start off this investigation,”
Simon said. "It appears that the victims were killed by this suspect over a few days time span, we're still working to put that timeline together." Mount Shasta police chief Parish Cross said he and another officer went outside to the car to verify what Hangud had said was true. Hangud told police the address where to find the three other bodies and Roseville officers checked his apartment near Sacramento and discovered the other victims, according to authorities. However, Hangud refused any interviews. Police said they were not ready to disclose a motive for Hangud’s alleged acts; however, tax records showed that Hangud faced a federal tax lien of $178,603 from the Internal Revenue Service this year. Police believe Hangud “drove from
Roseville and travelled to unknown places in northern California, and ended up in Mount Shasta,” Simon said. Hangud was a data specialist and had worked for several companies in the Sacramento area, according to his LinkedIn profile. His most recent employment was with a company called Social Interest Solutions. The company declined to comment, but public records showed his employment there ended in 2018. Court records show that Hangud’s only previous encounter with law enforcement was for speeding in Placer County in 2016. Before 2015, Hangud worked in the technology sector in the Bay Area and had previously lived in Dallas, Texas; Maryland; and New Jersey, according to public documents.
Tulsi Gabbard hits back at Hillary for calling her Russia’s candidate WASHINGTON: With its internecine policy battles and personality clashes already on public display during numerous Presidential election debates, the Democratic Party was scorched again this week by a flaming row between stalwart Hillary Clinton and upstart Tulsi Gabbard, much to the delight of Republicans. The war of words was sparked off by an ad hominem attack by Hillary Clinton on a podcast in which she suggested that Gabbard, a HinduAmerican Congresswoman from Hawaii, is being groomed by Russia for the White House. “I’m not making any predictions, but I think they’ve got their eye on somebody who is currently in the Democratic primary and are grooming her to be the thirdparty candidate. She’s the favourite of the Russians. They have a bunch of sites and bots and other ways of supporting her so far,” Clinton said on a podcast hosted by David Plouffe, a former aide to President Barack Obama. Although she
Tulsi Gabbard and Hillary Clinton
did not name Gabbard, the reference was obvious given that the Congresswoman has often been accused of being Moscow’s favoured candidate, in part because her unorthodox foreign policy stance, like that of President Trump, prefers a noninterventionist approach particularly in terms of military deployment. Political analysts have also noted that Gabbard is the most discussed candidate on right wing forums online, and was even seen as the winner of the last presidential debate on
websites such as Drudge Report and Breitbart, even though she spoke the least. Any doubts that Clinton was referring to her was removed by the Congresswoman herself in a flaming response in which she referred to the former first lady and presidential candidate nominee as the “queen of warmongers” who was out to destroy her (Gabbard’s) reputation. “Great! Thank you @HillaryClinton. You, the queen of warmongers, embodiment of corruption, and
personification of the rot that has sickened the Democratic Party for so long, have finally come out from behind the curtain. From the day I announced my candidacy, there has been a concerted campaign to destroy my reputation. We wondered who was behind it and why. Now we know - it was always you, through your proxies and powerful allies in the corporate media and war machine, afraid of the threat I pose,” Gabbard tweeted. “It’s now clear that this primary is between you and me. Don’t cowardly hide behind your proxies. Join the race directly,” she added. While Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders are seen as the front runners, Gabbard is polling only at around one per cent and is not seen as a potential nominee. Given the internal battles, some Democratic party faithfuls believe Hillary Clinton can still enter the race even at this late stage and grab the nomination.
9 Indians among 35 killed in Mecca bus accident RIYADH: Nine Indian pilgrims were on board the bus that was involved in a major accident near the Muslim holy city of Medina in Saudi Arabia. While two of the nine were injured in the accident and are receiving treatment, the Indian Consulate General said it is still trying to get more details about the other seven. The accident had led to the death of 35 pilgrims when the bus collided with another heavy vehicle. Four people were injured in the crash. “We have been relentlessly making efforts to get the details of other pilgrims. We have been informed by local authorities that the
following Indian passport holders on the bus,” the Consulate General tweeted and listed the names of the seven without revealing further details. They have been identified as Asraf Alam from Bihar, Feroz Ali, Aftab Ali, Naushad Ali, Zeeshan Khan and Belal from Uttar Pradesh and Moktar Ali Gazi from West Bengal. The two injured Indians have been identified as Matin Gulam Walele and Zeba Nizam Bagban, a couple from Pune, Maharashtra. They are currently undergoing treatment at Saudi’s King Fahd hospital. The accident involved a collision between "a
private chartered bus... with a heavy vehicle (loader)" near the western Saudi Arabian city, a spokesman for Medina police said, according to the official Saudi Press Agency. The images of the accident showed the bus engulfed in flames with its windows blown out. The bus was carrying mostly Arab and Asian pilgrims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had offered condolences to families of those who lost their lives in the accident. "Anguished by the news of a bus crash near Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
Praying for a quick recovery of the injured," PM Modi had said in a tweet. The Ministry of External Affairs had directed its mission in Jeddah to ascertain details of Indians involved in the bus crash. The ultra-conservative kingdom wants to foster a yearround religious tourism sector that includes millions of pilgrims, in efforts to diversify its oil-dependent economy. Up until last month, the country issued visas only to Muslim pilgrims, but tourists are now allowed to visit as part of the drive to prepare the biggest Arab economy for a post-oil era.
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in brief
NTK leader ‘justifies’ Rajiv killing, booked CHENNAI: Naam Tamizhar Katchi founder leader Seeman has triggered a row after he 'justified' the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in his campaign speech for NTK candidate K Kandasamy in Vikravandi. In the speech Seeman justified the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, who was killed by an LTTE suicide bomber on May 21, 1991 at nearby Sriperumbudur. Seeking action against Seeman, state Congress President KS Alagiri said "Tamils will never forget Seeman for advocating an organization that killed the former Prime Minister." His comment comes at a time when both the Tamil Nadu Government and other Tamil
groups are requesting the TN Governor to release the seven convicts of Rajiv Gandhi assassination case who are serving their sentence for the last 28 years. Alagiri added that Seeman's speech is disrupting the public peace and he should be booked with sedition. “Rajiv Gandhi was the one who took steps to eradicate the sufferings the Tamils faced in Sri Lanka for 40 years. The former PM sent the peace-keeping force to save Tamils, but LTTE killed more than 2,000 Indian soldiers and Seeman is trying to hide their cowardly act. There can be no bigger anti-national than Seeman, the election commission should
immediately suspend Naam Tamilar’s recognition as a political party," the Congress leader said Later, based on the complaint from Villupuram Congress President Ramesh, the police booked Seeman under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. Unfazed by the criticism of Congress leaders, Seeman said he will not take back his comments on Rajiv Gandhi. Speaking to reporters at the Chennai airport, he said “Congress didn’t raise any objection when certain people glorified Godse for killing Gandhi. They have been repeatedly claiming that LTTE was responsible for Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination and made all the
CHENNAI-JAFFNA FLIGHTS RESTART
Naam Tamizhar Katchi leader Seeman
International committees to blacklist our representatives. Now they are condemning me for saying that we killed Rajiv Gandhi, I have been telling this for the past 25 years. Even if I say we didn’t kill Rajiv Gandhi are you going to believe us?" asked Seeman. Seeman blamed both Congress and DMK for the death of Tamils in Sri Lanka during the war in 2009. "Congress was in power at the center and DMK was ruling in Tamil Nadu when thousands of innocent Tamils got killed in Sri Lanka during the war,” he added.
PUNJAB
Guru Nanak birth anniversary: Akal Takht allows SGPC to set up main stage CHANDIGARH: Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh said only the SGPC will set up the main stage to hold religious events at Sultanpur Lodhi during the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev next month. However, he welcomed a separate stage by the Punjab government at Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala, stressing that it should only be used for spreading the message of the Sikh guru, instead of political speeches. The decision of the highest temporal seat of Sikhs came amid a deadlock between the Punjab government and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee over the issue of the joint celebrations. The Jathedar said the SGPC had been directed to make arrangements for the stage at Gurdwara Ber Sahib in
Sultanpur Lodhi as per Sikh tenets. “It will be a common stage for all,” asserted the Jathedar, adding that the SGPC chief was directed to welcome all political and religious leaders besides government officials without any prejudice. Representatives of any political party are welcome at the main programme being organised by the SGPC, he said. “If anyone like President, Prime Minister, Punjab or any other state chief minister or former chief minister or any other dignitaries come for the function then it would be responsibility of the SGPC to honour them. Some Sikh scholar will be asked to do the job of stage secretary during the function. All will be given space and time to speak from stage. Akal Takht Jathedar will read the message for community to conclude the
function. Stage will be set by SGPC for functions on October 11 and 12,” reads a statement issued by Akal Takht. The Jatehdar also asked the Punjab government to join the main religious event being organised by the apex gurdwara body from November 1 to 12. On October 15, the state government had offered to hold functions at Sultanpur Lodhi under the aegis of the Akal Takht and with the support of the SGPC to break the logjam over the joint celebrations. The SGPC has decided to hold the main event at a stadium near Gurdwara Ber Sahib in Sultanpur Lodhi on November 12 while the state government wanted to hold the function near a “tent city” coming up there. Controversy and war of words had erupted between SGPC on one side and Congress
led Punjab government on other side after AKal Takht had asked both to put one stage to celebrate the birth anniversary. After almost three months of arguments between both sides, taking an initiative to break the deadlock, the Punjab government had offered to hold the Sultanpur Lodhi functions on November 11 and 12 under the patronage of the Akal Takht, with the support of the SGPC. As per the proposal of Punjab government, no political speeches would be allowed at the main function, during which only the Jathedars of the five Takhts, the head granthi of Darbar Sahib, the Prime Minister (or any other senior representative of the Central Government), former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, the Chief Minister and SGPC president would be present on the stage.
WEST BENGAL
I was blacked out at govt’s Puja Carnival: Bengal Governor KOLKATA: In kicking up a fresh row with the Trinamool Congress government, West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar said that he felt “insulted” by the treatment meted out to him at “Puja Carnival”, a cultural programme organised by the state government in Kolkata last week. Dhankhar said: “I felt insulted at the (Puja) Carnival. I am deeply hurt and disturbed. The insult was not only to me but to every people of West Bengal.” Sources said that the Governor felt hurt as the live feed from the governmentappointed agency as well as television channels did not show him. His view was also obstructed many times. While Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
Jagdeep Dhankhar
and several foreign delegates and members of film industry and industrialists were present at one part of the stage, the Governor was made to sit in a separate part during the twohour programme, in which over 70 Durga Pujas committees in and around Kolkata took out colourful processions. “The treatment deeply pained me. For four hours, the
first citizen was there and for not a second I was shown. The first servant was blacked out. You cannot have that kind of intolerance... Someone called me and said this is reminiscent of Emergency,” said the Governor, adding that it took him “three days to recover from the pain”. “I was put in a place from where I could not see a single live programme,” Dhankhar said. “You may ask why I did not speak about it for the last three days... Please judge me harshly. But also judge others, too. Bengal is the fountain in the world’s culture, yet why this uncultured behaviour was meted out to me?” Dhankhar said. While the BJP backed the Governor, accusing the government of “showing intolerance”, the ruling
Trinamool Congress dubbed Dhankhar’s comments as “unfortunate” and “unbecoming” of the constitutional head of the state. “It is unfortunate that he (Dhankhar) made such a comment. I was there at the function and what I saw was that a separate stage was dedicated to the Governor. His statements are unbecoming of the high position he holds,” said Tapas Roy, TMC Legislative Party leader in the Assembly. State BJP secretary Sayantan Basu, on the other hand, said: “The Governor’s statement shows that there is an Emergency in West Bengal. There is no respect for constitutional positions. Intolerance is speaking in the state.”
After a gap of 40 years, an Alliance Air flight from Chennai touched down at the Jaffna international airport to mark the commencement of operations at the airport. The airport was redeveloped at Rs 1,950 million (Sri Lankan rupee) of which India funded Rs 300 million (Sri Lankan rupee). The airport was closed down following the LTTE-led civil war in the island nation. At the inauguration of the airport, Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe said that India-Sri Lanka collaboration has potential for economic development of the Jaffna region. Northern province governor Suren Raghavan said the development of Jaffna airport was a step to improve an area that was in tatters once. Hinting about the significance of Alliance Air flight landing at the airport, he said, “This is not a mere opening of an airport but to rebuild relations with international destinations. Now, it is easy to go to Chennai than to go to Colombo and then fly to Chennai.”
CHANCELLOR HELD FOR MURDER OF FORMER V-C Sudhir Angur (57), the chancellor of Alliance University, was arrested and charged for conspiring and commissioning the killing of the varsity's former vice-chancellor Ayyappa Dore. Investigators also apprehended a varsity executive, Suraj Singh (29), who, they claimed, had taken part in the slaying of Dore (53). Singh, and a gang of four contract killers now on the run, had hacked Dore to death last week, police claimed. Police said Angur paid Singh and the others £100,000 for the murder. Police have launched a manhunt for the four men who helped Singh kill Dore, police said. Angur and Singh were arrested and a machete, which they suspect was used in the crime, and bloodstained clothes were seized from Singh’s house. Officers found Dore, who was vice-chancellor of Alliance University between 2010 and 2014, with multiple slash wounds just 150 metres from the RT Nagar police station in Bengluru.
DHINDSA QUITS AS SAD’S LEADER IN RAJYA SABHA Apparently unhappy over the functioning of the party under Sukhbir Singh Badal, veteran leader and Rajya Sabha member Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said he has resigned as the leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in the Rajya Sabha. Dhindsa (82) said he tendered his resignation to RS Chairman and also informed the same to the party. SAD, while reacting to Dhindsa’s resignation, clarified that the party had already informed the Parliamentary Affairs Minister about the change in its leadership in the Rajya Sabha in June this year. Dhindsa’s tenure ends in April 2022. Dhindsa had earlier quit from all party posts in September last year. However, Dhindsa who was party’s secretary general and a core committee member, had cited health reasons for stepping down from all party posts.
BJP SEEKS PRESIDENT'S INTERVENTION IN BENGAL A BJP delegation met President Ram Nath Kovind and sought his intervention alleging constitutional breakdown in West Bengal under the Trinamool Congress rule. BJP leader Mukul Roy said over 89 persons with links to his party have been killed in the state since panchayat elections were held there in 2018 and over 35 of them have been murdered after the announcement of Lok Sabha election results in May this year. Roy said that the Mamata Banerjee-led government was foisting "false cases", most of them under the charge of possessing narcotics, on BJP workers and claimed that over 20,000 people were jailed. "West Bengal suffers from anarchism and the law and order situation is very alarming. There is a constitutional breakdown in the state. We sought the intervention of the President," he said.
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Greetings from Vijay Rupani
Diary of a new Canadian Immigrant
The Perils of Misguided Triumph Dear Mr. C.B. Patel, Wishing you a Happy New Year. The illuminating Diwali lights symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. ABPL Group publishes 'Gujarat Samachar' and 'Asian Voice' weeklies along with special editions covering various issues. I am happy that, like every year, ABPL Group is publishing Diwali Special edition this year as well. May the festival of lights bring all the success and prosperity to everyone at ABPL Group. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and his wife, Gurkiran Kaur, wave to supporters on stage at NDP election headquarters in Burnaby
Rupani opens Sardar Patel Street in Uzbekistan Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani began his maiden visit to Uzbekistan last week. On the first day of his fiveday visit Rupani unveiled a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and inaugurated a street in Andijan named after the Iron Man - the ‘Sardar Patel Street.’ He has also participated in the first International Investment Forum of Andijan region, titled “Open Andijan.” At the event, the CM interacted with the business community for investment activities and work on measures to increase the volume of investments, and to drive economic growth in the Ferghana Valley region. In his address, CM Rupani spoke of a cooperative partnership between India and Uzbekistan. He said, “In recent times, our relationship has grown into a close strategic partnership. The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Uzbekistan in 2015 and 2016, and visit by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to India in 2018, and earlier this year for the
Vibrant Gujarat Summit have elevated our partnership to a new high.” Attends Sharda University opening function Sharda University opened its campus in Uzbekistan, especially across the Andijan region for students from Eurasia in various disciplines. CM Rupani also attended the inaugural function along with Shukhrat Abdurakhmanov, Chief Governor of Andijan Region. Rupani said, "Sharda University has played a significant role in enhancing the educational landscape of India and I am sure the University will set another
benchmark with this new campus in Uzbekistan. I wish that this partnership proves to be fruitful for both the countries and becomes a global mark of peace, stability and outstanding work." Rupani also met Erkinjon Turdimov, governor of the Samarkand region of Uzbekistan. Both the leaders discussed business opportunities between the two countries. Accompanied by a delegation, Rupani travelled by a bullet train from Tashkent to Samarkand. He also visited the India Study Centre of Samarkand State University later during the day.
Dear Readers, The inconclusiveness surrounding the Brexit situation, seems to be getting worse by the day. Add to that the Labour Party's insensitive resolution that still has the Indian community on the edge, and we have a country similar to TRUMPISTAN. Erratic leaders, grumbling unhappy citizens, and a Middle Class in utter and complete denial. No, Canada's relative sophistication hasn't gone to my head. Having worked with Asian Voice for over four years now, Great Britain has a piece of my soul. Everything related to it is admittedly, personal. Brexit is driving everyone mad. Heck, the whole ho-ha is driving me, someone based in Toronto, insane. The whole 'Will They – Won't They' game is honestly losing its charm. The European Union is visibly exhausted over the UK's lack of decision. Personally, I did not take to the Referendum in the first place. However, what is, is, and if Britain leaves now, not only will it take at least five more years to work out its new economic relationship with the EU, it will take more years to settle into the new status quo. As depicted by an economist, Britain will be economically worse off then. Meanwhile, yet another “historical” vote failed to decide Britain's fate and the nightmare continues. Canada votes : Justin Trudeau's Liberal just scrapes by Speaking about deciding fates, the citizens of Canada decided theirs on Monday and as my first experience watching the elections here in the Great White North, it was exhilarating. As was expected despite the best performances by New Democratic Party (NDP) Leader Jagmeet Singh, the original race was between Justin Trudeau's Liberal
Party and Andrew Scheer's Conservative. Following a tight 40-day campaign that saw neither of them emerge as the hero, the Liberals won just enough seats in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, and Ontario to secure a minority government. With final ballots still being counted in multiple constituencies, the Liberals have for now won 156 seats, 21 lesser than they began with, and the Conservatives saw a jump from 95 to 122 seats. Singh's NDP stands at 24 seats. He promises his MPs will have a constructive and positive role in the new Parliament. Singh and the NDP rode a late-campaign bump in the polls, but that momentum failed to convert into actual seats. However, despite the seat losses, the NDP does appear to be in a position to extend its influence by propping up a Liberal minority government. Singh had already taken a risk in the final half of the campaign, positioning himself as a federal kingmaker if no party could secure a majority. Over half way through his campaign, he had begun to lay down conditions a Liberal government would need to meet in exchange for NDP support. The campaign was particularly difficult for Singh, the first visible minority person to lead a major Canadian federal party. Not only did he has personal cases of racism to deal with, he was constantly challenged on Quebec's secularism law, which would prevent public employees from wearing religious symbols on the job. He even faced a challenge from Trudeau about what the federal government should do about the law, which is still referred to as Bill 21. Issues of race and culture were high on the leader's campaign notes and for me personally, Singh was a hero for handling the issue in a dignified and respectful manner.
Facebook vows to tackle misinformation Facebook has made fresh plans to protect elections from interference and misinformation in case UK goes to the polls. The social network said it will set up a dedicated operations centre if a general election is called to serve as an added layer of defence, monitoring and quickly removing activity that breaks its rules. From next week, advertisements relating to social issues such as immigration, health and the environment will have to go through the same verification process as political adverts. At present Facebook requires political advertisers to share who they are
and where they live. Posts reported by Facebook‘s UK fact-checking partner Full Fact found to contain misinformation will also feature more prominent labelling. Damian Collins, chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, when asked whether Facebook has any plans to formalise a long-term working relationship with third-party fact-checkers given the “onus” put on them in tackling so-called “fake news”. Facebook‘s vice president of policy solutions Richard Allan said new rules for the era of digital campaigning need to be decided by Parliament and regulators.
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Mr Corbyn, You Are Not Convincing Dear Mr Corbyn, On behalf of Indian organisations, a courtesy letter was sent to you lately. Not only is your reply completely out of context and misleading, it may perhaps be the most halfhearted text I have read in this lifetime. Innumerable readers have written to us (See Letter Page). You have received an appropriate response by Mr Alpesh Patel
(See the Edit Page Column). In fact, several Labour MPs, London Assembly Members and other leaders have written to us saying you have tried to divert people looking at the way you have written to Mr CB Patel, Publisher- Editor Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar. 'Kashmir Protest March' According to Scotland Yard, 5,000 to 10,000 Pakistanis
are supposed to hold a march that begins from Richmond Terrace (Opp Downing Street) at 10 am on Diwali, October 27, Sunday. They call it the 'Kashmir Protest March'. They are then going to Trafalgar Square where the London Mayor has organised the annual Diwali celebration. Then this march will reach India House. What a dangerous
and divisive situation. Many Muslims have raised the issue why so called Pakistani protesters have chosen to attack the largest Hindu celebration on the auspicious occasion of Diwali in Central London? Are the protesters anti-Hindu? Never before has such a march been allowed against any faith traditions in London. Scotland Yard and the
Home Secretary have been reached out by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, several MPs, and member of London Assembly Mr Naveen Shah. They have stated that such a provocation endangers the peace and harmony of this great city. If this march results in violence or bloodshed, the signal will go all over the world warning investors to
think twice before investing in the UK. (For further details, see inside). We believe that if the march cannot be stopped by the Home Secretary, then its the duty of the Home Secretary and Commissioner of Metro Police to ensure no harm is done to Brit-Indians or properties of the Indian High Commission or others.
Indian army destroys 4 terror camps across LoC The Indian Army mounted an artillery attack on at least four terror camps and Pakistani military positions across the Line of Control (LoC) in retaliation to ceasefire violations meant to assist infiltrators, killing at least six soldiers of the neighbouring country and inflicting heavy terrorist casualties, General Bipin Rawat said. “Pakistan army was trying to push in terrorists. We lost two soldiers (havildar Padam Bahadur Shrestha and rifleman Kumar Shrestha of Gorkha Rifles) and a civilian (Mohd Sadiq, 55, of Ghundhishat village) in the Pakistani firing in our ‘depth’ areas,” Gen Rawat said. “Instead of waiting for the terrorists to infiltrate, we decided to target the launch pads since we had the coordinates for them. We had definite information that some camps and launch pads have been activated there (in the Neelum Valley of PoK),” he added. The Army deployed 155mm Bofors howitzers – the mainstay of the artillery firepower of the army – apart from heavy-calibre mortars and anti-tank guided missiles, to target the four makeshift launch pads at Jura, Athmuqam, Kundalsahi and Sandok, which are “fed” by the main terrorist training camps in Manshera, Kotli and Muzaffarabad, which are quite a distance away from the LoC. The co-located Pakistan army posts and gun positions aiding the launch pads were also not spared in the fire assaults. “There has been heavy damage on the terror infrastructure across the Tangdhar sector,” the Army chief said. The counter-attack by India came after two Indian Army soldiers and a civilian were killed in unprovoked Pakistani firing on the previous
day at Karnah in J&K’s Kupwara district, according to the army. Three others were also injured in the Pakistani firing that left one house, two cowsheds and a rice godown completely destroyed. The army chief briefed defence minister Rajnath Singh about the Indian response. Singh congratulated General Rawat and his men for taking resolute action against terrorists while avoiding civilian casualties. An official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said India's response could not be compared to the “surgical strikes” carried out against terror launch pads in 2016. On the intervening night of September 28-29 in 2016, the army carried attacks on seven terror launch pads across the LoC in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). The next day, it announced that India had mounted the offensive using Special Forces on the ground, inflicting “significant casualties” on terrorists. Another official said that the calibrated escalation of area weapons was
undertaken by India after the infiltration attempt and that the army retains the right to respond in case the Pakistan Army continues to assist terrorist activities across Indian borders. Killed 9 Indian soldiers, lost 1 of ours, claims Pak The Pakistan army claimed that it killed nine Indian soldiers and injured several others in a “befitting response” to ceasefire violations from across the LoC in J&K, reports Omer Farooq Khan. Asif Ghafoor, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s armed forces, said that nine Indian soldiers were killed in its firing and two Indian bunkers were destroyed. He said that the Pakistani civilian casualties occurred in the Jura, Shahkot and Nousheri sectors, a claim rejected by India. Pakistan foreign affairs ministry spokesperson Muhammad Faisal summoned Indian charge d’affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia to his office to protest. The counter-offensive measures come weeks after
multiple intelligence agencies warned the government that at least 60 terrorists have infiltrated into Jammu & Kashmir recently and another 500 are waiting to infiltrate, according to the army. The development follows India’s August 5 measures to nullify Article 370 of the Constitution, stripping J&K of its special status, and bifurcate the state into two Union territories - J&K and Ladakh. In the previous big escalation of tensions between the two countries, on February 27 this year, Indian Air Force fighters flew deep into Pakistan to bomb a terror facility in reprisal for a February 14 suicide bombing in J&K’s Pulwama that killed 40 troopers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Tensions between the sub-continental neighbours have remained high since the incident, which also triggered a dogfight between IAF fighters and Pakistani jets. In the air combat, a Pakistani fighter jet was downed and IAF, too, lost a
Mig-21 Bison in Pakistani territory. Pakistan released the Indian jet’s fighter pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, two days after the incident amid international pressure. New Delhi has repeatedly snubbed talks with Pakistan unless and until Islamabad stops terrorist groups from using its soil to launch cross-border attacks in India. A recent document circulated among India’s intelligence agencies shows that Pakistan has eased restrictions on terror groups, including Jaish-eMohammed (JeM), Lashkar-eTaiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). The intel shows that JeM and LeT have stepped up their recruitment drives in Pakistan’s tribal areas. The Pakistan establishment is also making efforts to deploy more Kashmiri-origin terrorists in India in a bid to show that militancy is a “local phenomenon”, according to the document. These groups are planning an attack in response to the Indian move on Article 370, intelligence suggests. The window for infiltration of terrorists along the LoC closes with approaching winter. Sectors such as Gurez, Kargil, Machhil, Keran, Tangdhar, Uri are snowbound by November making it difficult for terrorists to cross over. And as the winter approaches, infiltrating terrorists shift their focus to the Jammu-Kathua area. Intelligence inputs indicate that several terror launch pads across the LoC are active again. Almost seven months after the Balakot operation, JeM has revived its terror training complex in the region. Islamabad relaxed restrictions over terror groups targeting India after August 5.
Exit polls predict big win for NDA in Maharashtra, Haryana The Bharatiya Janata Partyled governments in Maharashtra and Haryana will retain power comfortably according to the predictions made by exit polls. The votes will be counted on October 24, Thursday. While the exit polls were unanimous in predicting the NDA's fortunes, they varied in their projection of seats for rival alliances - some forecast a further dip in the Opposition tally from 2014. With some exit polls predicting the BJP could reach the halfway mark on
its own in Maharashtra, a point of interest will be how it accommodates its ally, the Shiv Sena, in the government, and whether it agrees to have the Sena’s youth leader Aditya Thackeray as deputy to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The BJP’s wins will strengthen Fadnavis as well as Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar. The BJP and Sena did not have a pre-poll alliance for the 2014 Assembly polls. The BJP, confident of securing a two-thirds
majority in both the states, is expected to showcase the Assembly poll wins as vindication of the Narendra Modi government’s policies
at the Centre, especially scrapping of provisions of Article 370 and efficient implementation of its social welfare schemes, but also a
defeat of the Opposition’s criticism on economic slowdown. The ramifications for the Opposition are likely to be more severe. The Congress is in the midst of a power struggle between the veterans, led by Ahmed Patel and others, and its younger leaders, whom Rahul Gandhi leads. Recent events suggest that this tussle could come out soon. Last week, former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda did not turn up for a Rahul Gandhi rally
in Mahendragarh, and Rajasthan Deputy CM Sachin Pilot publicly criticised CM Ashok Gehlotled government. In the run up to the polls, several of those close to Gandhi have either been ejected from key posts, or have quit. In Maharashtra, key Congress leaders like Ashok Chavan, Prithviraj Chavan and Sushilkumar Shinde restricted themselves in campaigning in their pocket boroughs. The Congress is at cross purposes ideologically as well.
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How to have a happy and healthy Diwali Diwali is a very special day for millions of Indians living all over the world. No diwali celebration is complete without the platefuls of burfi, besan, laddoo and halwa. The vast array of traditional sweets means the festival of lights might almost be called the festival of mithai! With the prevalence of diabetes being four times higher in South Asians than in the Europeans, this is a particularly testing time to avoid those soaring blood sugar levels not to mention the weight gain. Is there such a thing as Healthy Diwali? If you’re watching your weight, mindful of your health, are diabetic, have high cholesterol or have heart disease, ghee and sugar laden mithai and salt heavy snacks aren’t a good option. But this doesn’t mean you have to suffer and forgo the fun. Here are a few top tips: - Plan ahead. Set yourself realistic targets for the festive period and think about keeping your weight stable or not gaining more than 2lbs overall. - Avoid skipping meals, this
is particularly important for diabetics. - Ask friends and family not to buy you mithai but to choose alternative gifts such as nuts and dried fruit, a fruit basket, perfumed candles, floating Rangoli or pooja thali to name a few. - Have mithai and fried snacks in small amounts and eat slowly. Before eating snacks, drink water and continue to sip water to bring in that feeling of fullness. - If you are making mithai yourself, use low fat ingredients like lower fat milks and
other dairy products and natural sweeteners like dried fruit and dates to make the sweets. - Include healthier options of traditional dishes such as baked samosas or kachoris and instead of using fried ingredients make chevda by using roasted shelled peanuts, lower fat crisps, rice krispies or cornflakes, roasted chickpeas and spices. - Impress your guests with a selection of salads, cholesterol busting dishes such as soya cocktail sticks, chana
masala chaat, oat tikki or muttar paneer made with tofu. - If you are having fizzy drinks, choose sugar free or diet varieties. - Be aware that alcohol is high in calories and so can contribute to weight gain. Alcohol is also an appetite stimulant and can lead to overeating especially those moorish savoury fried snacks. Remember too much alcohol on an empty stomach can cause blood sugars levels to drop dangerously low in diabetics. - If you are diabetic do check your blood sugars so that you are aware and can plan to eat accordingly. - Fit in extra physical activity during these celebrations. Why not join in the garba / bhangra/disco moves at the diwali party? Great for burning those extra calories. Even the most disciplined diet-followers let down their guard and get into the festival spirit, so go ahead and enjoy yourself with family and friends keeping the above tips in mind and get back to being fit and healthy as soon as possible.
Working out on an empty stomach before breakfast could help fight off type 2 diabetes A study found exercising in a fasted state helps people control their blood sugar levels more than working out post-meal. Their body becomes efficient at using insulin, called 'insulin sensitive', which is generally seen as a sign of good health. Keeping insulin in check has the potential to fight type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions. The study at universities of Bath and Birmingham involved 30 men classified as obese or overweight who were split into two intervention groups. For six weeks, one group
ate breakfast before exercise and one after - as well as a control group. All participants ate dinner at 8pm the night before. The breakfast was a high carbohydrate shake. The participants were also given a placebo drink before or after the exercise, depending on which group they were in. The exercise was cycling three times a week, supervised by a researcher, lasting up to 50 minutes. There were no rules around their diet other than the restricted times of their breakfast and dinner. Muscles in the group who exercised before eating were more responsive to
insulin than those who exercised after, a sample of muscle tissue after the intervention showed. This means they need smaller amounts of insulin to lower blood glucose levels - called 'insulin sensitive'. People with low insulin sensitivity, also referred to as insulin resistance, will require larger amounts of insulin and may have diabetes. It could also indicate problems such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. The study found the muscles of those in the fasted exercise group had more key proteins involved in
transporting glucose from the bloodstream to the muscles. They also burned double the amount of fat than the group that did so after eating, meaning they use more of their fat as fuel because their insulin levels are lower. This did not have an effect on their weight loss, but would have profound benefits to their bodies' use of insulin, scientists say. Next, the intervention will be tested in women. The study was led by Dr Rob Edinburgh as part of his PhD and was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
Scientists seek clues to how disease 'is born' British and American scientists are teaming up to search for the earliest signs of cancer in a bid to detect and treat the disease before it emerges. They plan to "give birth" to cancer in the lab to see exactly what it looks like "on day one". It is just one of the research priorities of the new International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection. Working together on early detection of cancer will mean patients benefitting more quickly, it says. Cancer Research UK has teamed up with the Universities of Cambridge, Manchester, University College London, and Stanford and Oregon in the
US, to share ideas, technology and expertise in this area. Together, the scientists are aiming to develop less invasive tests, such as blood, breath and urine tests, for monitoring high-risk patients, improve imaging techniques for detecting cancer early and look for virtually undetectable signs of the disease. But they admit this is "like looking for a needle in a haystack" and could be 30 years off. "The fundamental problem is that we never get to see a cancer being born in a human being," says Dr David Crosby, head of early detection research at Cancer Research UK. "By the time it's found, it's already established." Researchers from
Hyper-polarised MRI scans could be the future for diagnosing prostate cancer
Manchester, for example, are growing human breast tissue in the lab with synthetic immune cells to see if they can spot the very earliest, subtle changes that could lead to cancer. Prof Rob Bristow said it was akin to a "living tissue bank outside patients". Yet there is always the danger of over-diagnosis,
because not all early cell changes turn into cancers. So the cancer researchers say they must be more precise, also looking at the genes people are born with and the environment they grow up in, to work out an individual's unique personal risk of different cancers. Only then will they know when to intervene.
in brief GOOGLE GETS GREEN LIGHT TO ACCESS FIVE YEARS' OF SENSITIVE PATIENT DATA FROM NHS Google has been given the go-ahead to access five years' worth of sensitive NHS patient data. In a deal signed last month, the internet giant was handed hospital records of thousands of patients in England. New documents show the data will include medical history, diagnoses, treatment dates and ethnic origin. The news has raised concerns about the privacy of the data, which could now be harvested and commercialised. It comes almost a year after Google absorbed the London-based AI lab DeepMind Health, a leading health technology developer. DeepMind was bought by Google's parent company Alphabet for £400 million ($520m) in 2014 and up until November 2018 had maintained independence. But as of this year DeepMind transferred control of its health division to the parent company in California. DeepMind had contracts to process medical record from three NHS trusts covering nine hospitals in England to develop its Streams mobile application. The app alerts doctors and nurses when patients are at risk of acute kidney injury, and to conduct artificial intelligence research. The Royal Free Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust chose to sign new deals with Google 'after careful consideration'. Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust also signed off on the transfer, but it was not clear what records Google would have access to. However, FOI requests by New Scientist revealed the trust, which which runs Somerset's biggest hospital Musgrove Park Hospital, has agreed to give access to all of its patient data from 2014. That includes patients who attended appointments or were admitted to A&E in that time period, according to Phil Booth, co-ordinator of medical data campaign group MedConfidential.
DNA TOOL COULD CORRECT 89% OF GENETIC DEFECTS A new way of editing the code of life could correct 89% of the errors in DNA that cause disease, say US scientists. The technology, called prime editing, has been described as a "genetic word processor" able to accurately re-write the genetic code. It has been used to correct damaging mutations in the lab, including those that cause sickle cell anaemia. The team at the Broad Institute say it is "very versatile and precise", but stress the research is only starting. Prime editing is the latest advance in the field of gene editing, which is developing at an incredible pace. Our DNA is the instruction manual for building and running our bodies. It is in nearly every one of our cells. Being able to tweak DNA through gene editing is already transforming scientific research, promising to revolutionise medicine and asking deep moral and ethical questions after the creation of babies who were gene-edited to have protection from HIV. Much of the excitement has centred on a technology called Crispr-Cas9, which was developed just seven years ago. It scans DNA for the right spot and then, like a microscopic pair of scissors, cuts it in two. This creates the opportunity to edit the DNA. However, the edits are not always perfect and the cuts can end up in the wrong place. Both issues are a problem for using the technology in medicine. The promise of prime editing is precision.
AIR POLLUTION 'TRIGGERS HUNDREDS MORE HEART ATTACKS AND STROKES' Higher air pollution in the UK trigger hundreds more heart attacks, strokes and acute asthma attacks each year, research suggests. A team at King's College London looked at data from London, Birmingham, Bristol, Derby, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, Oxford and Southampton. They calculated days with above average pollution levels would see an extra 124 cardiac arrests over the year. NHS England boss Simon Stevens said it was evidence of "a health emergency". The figure is based on ambulance call data and does not count heart attacks suffered by patients already in hospital. It points to significant short-term health risks caused by air pollution, on top of contributing to almost 500,000 premature deaths in Europe every year. On days with high pollution levels, across the nine cities in total, they calculated that there would be a total of 231 additional hospital admissions for stroke, with an extra 193 children and adults taken to hospital for asthma treatment. Dr Heather Walton, of King's College London's Environmental Research Group, said air pollution reduction policies concentrated in the main on effects connected to life expectancy.
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Kangana to launch her own production house After making her directorial debut with 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi,' in which she was also seen in the titular role, Kangana Ranaut will now foray into production. She is now gearing up to launch her own production house which will be called Manikarnika Films which is expected to be launched in 2020. “If 'Judgementall Hai Kya' was made without me on a budget of £1 million, it would have been a blockbuster at £4 million. However, because it was made at nearly £3 million, it just about broke even. I want to [back] a few small films and see how that goes. Eventually, I may do something on a bigger level. We will also venture into digital entertainment,” Kangana said in an interview.
She also announced that she won’t act in her production ventures and would rather provide the platform for new talent. “I won’t be acting in the films that I produce. There is a lot of talent around and I will hire actors who are perfect for the scripts. I will take new talent under my wing and guide them,” she said. Last seen in Ekta Kapoor’s 'Judgementall Hai Kya' opposite RajKummar Rao, Kangana is currently busy with her upcoming projects. She will be next seen in 'Thalaivi,' a biopic based on the life of late Tamil Nadu politician J Jayalalithaa. After the biopic, Kangana will work on her action film 'Dhaakad' where she features in the lead role opposite Jassie Gill.
Ayushmann ups his fees by 500% Boman Irani is back with a bang
Boman Irani is all set to return to the silver screen with Kabir Khan’s '‘83,' playing World Cup commentator Farokh Engineer. In preparation for the role, the actor even met the man his character is based on. “When I went with my family to America, we watched the India-South Africa World Cup match. We were leaving for the airport when the manager of our hotel came and informed us that Farokh Engineer is staying here. “Everyone said we are late for the airport, but I went to meet him. He instantly asked me where I was going, and asked me to come and stay with him and even go for the IndiaPakistan match in Manchester, which was the following week. I sat in the car and informed my wife that next week I was going to London and to watch the match with Farokh Engineer. It sounded like as if I was coming from Bandra,” he laughs, adding that his wife was on board with his plan. “Where will you get a chance like this? I travelled to India, came back to London, and took Biryani from Manchester’s Delhi Durbar for him. I stayed in his house and we went to watch the match,” Boman further gushes. Meanwhile, the actor will also be seen in 'Made in China', in which he plays a sexologist. Speaking about the role, which might be controversial for some, he says that the taboo on sex should be lifted. “If somebody has a heart problem then he will go to a cardiologist, so if you have any issues regarding sex then you go to a sexologist. That’s the backdrop of this film, and I don’t think it needs to be taken as a taboo subject. It’s done with dignity and there is a social message in it.’’
Ayushmann Khurrana, who is riding high on the success of his last release 'Dream Girl', has decided to hike his fees to as much as 500%. According to the latest reports, the actor - singer used to charged £200,000 for a film till now, but will take home a whopping £1 million from 2020 onwards. With non-stop hits like 'Bareilly Ki Barfi,'
'Shubh Mangal Saavdhan,' 'AndhaDhun', 'Badhaai Ho,' 'Article 15' and his latest - 'Dream Girl', Ayushmann has emerged as one of the most bankable actors in the last couple of years. He has won a humongous fanbase who are totally in awe of his acting skills and unique choice of projects. Ayushmann has been having a dream run at the box-office. His penchant for quirky movies with some highly exciting characters has made him an extremely popular star among the audience who feel that he is among those rare stars who is combining success with sensible cinema. Brand Ayushmann today spells consistency, success and good content", a source said. "The fact that he can rake in double figures on an opening day is probably the reason he has decided to hike his remuneration. He is working very hard, choosing films with care and now with his success ratio, he has been flooded with more offers. Apparently, he has upped his fees from £200,000 to £1 million," adds the source. Seems Ayushmann will continue to score with his unusual upcoming projects. He will be seen portraying 'Bala' with a fun take on premature balding, Shoojit Sircar's comedydrama 'Gulabo Sitabo', co-starring Amitabh Bachchan, and playing a gay man in 'Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan.'
Bhansali ropes in Alia to play 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' After a lot of speculations about Alia Bhatt teaming up with the acclaimed filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali for a film, the wait has finally been over. It is now confirmed that Alia and Bhansali would be teaming up for 'Gangubai Kathiawadi.' Although, fans will still have to wait for an announcement about the lead male star in the film. Film Trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to his Twitter page to make the announcement and posted, "#Xclusiv: Sanjay Leela Bhansali announces his new film #GangubaiKathiawadi... Stars Alia Bhatt in title role... Also, release date finalized: 11 Sept 2020... Bhansali Productions collaborates with Jayantilal Gada's PEN India Ltd for this film." Earlier, the filmmaker announced 'Inshallah' with Alia and Salman Khan in leading roles and
revealed that it would be an Eid 2020 release. Unfortunately, the film got shelved due to reasons best known to the makers. This led to various rumours about whether the actress and the director would collaborate for another project. Alia said at an event, "I was very excited to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Salman as well, I believe sometimes certain things happen which are not in your control. They say if you want to make God laugh, tell them your plans. Plans never really go 'as per plan' but I can give it to you in writing that I am going to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali very soon." For the unversed, Gangubai Kathiawadi hailed from the underworld and was a brothel owner, who would peddle drugs and also gave orders for murders. Alia isn't new to taking up challenging roles and it would be quite interesting to watch her playing a dark role on the big screen.
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26 Oct - 1 Nov 2019
Katrina launches her own beauty line "I believe that beauty lies in what makes you happy," starts off Katrina Kaif to introduce her own beauty line called Kay Beauty. "For as long as I can remember, makeup has been an innate part of my journey - from the runway to the big screen, and now I have rendered my love for it to Kay Beauty, my first ever Beauty Brand," says the actress. Talking about what the line up entails, she informs, "After spending years donning different looks, it was time that I created a brand that truly stands for what I believe in. I'm always on the clock, always on the run, with endless shoots that involve me wearing makeup all the time. As much as I love the look and feel of it, I do wish my skin felt as comfortable, as I did wearing it."
However, she admits that self care is imperative for the skin and that's what her brand insists on. "That is what I wanted Kay Beauty to be – a bridge between high glamour and care, so all of us can be glamorous without any guilt. Kay Beauty stands for #MakeUpThatKares, as each product is enriched with skin loving ingredients that have been hand-picked to care for your skin. I hope you can see the love that I've put into each of these products; be it while picking the formulations, or choosing the shades and textures, as we moved along. I am so thrilled to unveil my first range of products and cannot wait to see what you all think of it. This is an exciting new chapter of my life that I am now sharing with you, and this is just the beginning."
Deepika has a reason why she didn’t live with Ranveer before marriage Actor Deepika Padukone has made a stunning feature on the cover of yet another magazine this month. She will be the cover girl for Harper’s Bazaar US, which has called her ‘the woman who became one of the world’s biggest stars while you were sleeping.’ In her interview to the magazine, Deepika at length opened up about becoming a Bollywood star, dealing with depression and also marrying Ranveer Singh. The couple got married in November last year and are soon to celebrate their first anniversary. When asked about why the couple decided not to live together before getting married, Deepika said that it was important to her. “There was a lot of temptation to move away from the tradition, especially for the two of us, who are constantly travelling, but it was important to me,” she said. “Ranveer has always been okay with whatever. He’s always said, ‘Whatever makes you happy makes me happy.’ But for me, it’s about
Sara and Kartik Aaryan call it quits? wanting to do everything at the right time. It’s how I saw my parents do it, so I didn’t know any other way,” she said. “If we had started living together earlier, then what would we be discovering later on? That’s what this year has been - living together and discovering each other. I like to say we made the best decision of our lives. I know people are cynical about marriage, but that hasn’t been our experience. We believe in the institution, and we’re enjoying every bit of it,” she added.
Siddhanth brings tears in sister Shraddha's eyes
Actress Shraddha Kapoor got teary-eyed after hearing brother Siddhanth Kapoor sing. Shraddha tweeted a video link of the song 'Kash fir se' crooned by her brother in the upcoming film, 'Yaaram.' "I was brought to tears when I heard my brother sing. Had goosebumps and was simply awestruck," Shraddha wrote. Siddhanth is to make his singing debut in Ovais Khan's film. Composed by Jeet Gannguli and penned by Kumaar, the track was recorded in one take after practising it for two days. Shraddha often sings in her films and is the voice behind Galliyan Unplugged. Seems it won't be long to see the two teaming up to record a number. On the work front, Shraddha is currently
basking the success of her last two hits 'Saaho' and 'Chhichhore.' The actress, on the other hand, will be next seen in 'Street Dancer 3D' and 'Baaghi 3.' Before 'Aashiqui 2' (2013), Shraddha featured in 'Teen Patti' (2010) with Amitabh Bachchan and 'Luv Ka The End' (2011). However, 'Aashiqui 2' helped her map her presence in Bollywood. In an earlier interview, Shraddha said that she is excited to be back with Baaghi family. "I am super excited to be back with the Baaghi family. I had such a memorable time being a part of Baaghi and this is my third film with Sajid sir, second with Tiger and first with Ahmed sir. The script is amazing and I'm excited to be a part of this movie."
Sara Ali Khan and Kartik Aaryan quickly became one of the most loved couples in B-town with their cute displays of affection that i n c l u d e d frequent visits to each other’s sets. The two, who had no qualms proclaiming their crush on each other on public platforms, got the opportunity of a lifetime when they were cast opposite each other in a romantic drama ‘Aaj Kal’. Sara had confessed on Koffee With Karan that she would like to date Kartik. Post that, Ranveer Singh did the honours and officially introduced them at an event. Since the film shoot began and post the wrap-up, the duo was quite cozy which began the dating rumours. Now, if the reports are to be believed, the couple has called it quits. Since their work schedule is pretty tight, they’ve not been able to spend much time with each other. Another report state that the stars want to let their work and profession make the headlines, and not just their romance. Kartik also reportedly wants to be known as someone more than Sara’s boyfriend and has asked
the photographers not to shoot them together. Sara had travelled to Lucknow after Imtiaz Ali’s film was wrapped up and Kartik was shooting for 'Pati Patni Aur Woh.' The duo was seen hanging out while holding hands. Kartik even flew to Bangkok during her birthday to spend time with her. They have been often seen together in Mumbai picking each other up from work or airports.
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Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan to debut in Kollywood Former Indian cricketers Irfan Pathan and Harbhajan Singh have decided to try their luck on the big screen as well. After a successful innings, both the cricketers will now debut in Tamil cinema. Irfan will be seen in a prominent role in the upcoming Vikram film, tentatively titled 'Vikram 58', directed by Ajay Gnanamuthu and produced by Lalith Kumar’s Seven Screen Studio. Meanwhile, Harbhajan will debut in the Santhanamstarrer 'Dikkiloona', directed by Karthik Yogi and produced by KJR Studios and Soldiers Factory. The producers of the film tweeted confirmation that Irfan was on board. "Proud and honoured to introduce @IrfanPathan in #ChiyaanVikram58 in a super stylish action avatar!! Welcome on Board sir and wish you a sensational debut," read a tweet by co-producers Seven Screen Studio. Vikram is known as Chiyaan to his
TV Listing
* Schedule is subject to change
fans. AR Rahman has scored music for "Vikram 58". Filming of the project will begin soon, and will be done across various parts of India. Harbajan also announced his debut in Tamil films on Twitter. "Introducing me to Tamil cinema @kjr_studios, #dikkiloona @SoldiersFactory, @iamsanthanam. Thanks to the team. The earth that
formed. These are the relationships that stopped me from saying words," Harbhajan tweeted. Incidentally, both Irfan and Harbhajan are no strangers to Chennai, having played for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Harbhajan, in fact, regularly tweets in Tamil to connect with his fans in Tamil Nadu.
Anirudh Ravichander's surprise gift to fans on his b'day Composer Anirudh Ravichander celebrated his 29th birthday on October 16. He took to his Twitter profile to reveal that the motion poster and the theme music of Rajinikanth's 'Darbar' will be unveiled on November 7. Sharing the update, Anirudh wrote, "On this special day, very excited to give you all an update! #DarbarMotionPoster with #ThalaivarThemeMusic on Nov 7th Thalaivar Superstar @rajinikanth + @ARMurugadoss sir combo gonna be a blast this Pongal @LycaProductions” As soon as the announcement was made, #Darbar and #DarbarMotionPoster started trending on Twitter with over 9000 people talking about it. The young composer was roped in to score the tunes for Darbar and gave a special gift to his fans on his special day. Rajinikanth is upbeat about his upcoming film, 'Darbar' which is directed by AR Murugadoss. The shooting of the film has been wrapped up and the postproduction work is going on in full swing. Bankrolled by Lyca Productions, 'Darbar' will release on Pongal 2020. Murugadoss, in an interview, opened up about the film. He said, "My next film with Rajini sir will not be a political film. But will be a mass entertainer... satisfying all types of audiences. I have been his fan for a very long time and it will be my dream project." Rajinikanth, after
completing his work in the film, has jetted off to Rishikesh along with his daughter Aishwarya Rajesh. In an earlier interaction, the 'Kabali' actor stated that 'Darbar' has come out exceptionally well.
Director Atlee to work with Hollywood actor Bill Duke?
Veteran Hollywood actor, producer, writer and director Bill Duke posed a question to director Atlee recently on his official Twitter account. In the post, Bill asked why it is difficult for actors and technicians across the world to unite and make a film together. As a response, Atlee replied that it is not difficult to collaborate, and that such developments can only be exciting. The thread continued, with Bill expressing interest to work with Atlee. The 'No Man's Land' actor thanked Atlee for his words, and requested to share his email ID for further discussion about their project. Adding to that, Bill also invited Atlee for lunch whenever he lands is in Hollywood. Atlee is currently gearing up for the release of his upcoming sports drama, 'Bigil,' which stars Vijay and Nayanthara as leads. Releasing this Diwali, 'Bigil' is produced by Kalpathi S. Aghoram under the banner AGS
SATURDAY NOV 2, 2019 00:00 FILM: GULAAB GANG 02:33 FILM: HOUSEFULL 06:00 FILM: VIKALP 08:34 FILM: NAZAR 10:52 FILM: BAADSHAH 14:27 FILM: DON - THE CHASE BEGINS AGAIN 18:02 FILM: DON 2 21:03 FILM: AITRAAZ SUNDAY NOV 3, 2019 00:22 FILM: KYA KOOL HAI HUM 3 02:41 FILM: ISHQ CLICK 06:00 FILM: MUNNA MANGE MEMSAAB 08:30 FILM: TAAL 12:17 FILM: HAMARA DIL AAPKE PAAS HAI 15:48 FILM: AGENT VINOD 18:55 FILM: HAPPY BHAG JAYEGI 21:33 FILM: WELCOME MONDAY NOV 4, 2019 00:56 FILM: HOUSEFULL 03:25 FILM: RAGINI MMS 06:00 FILM: TITOO MBA 08:08 FILM: TUM HASIN MAIN JAWAN 11:02 FILM: DON - THE CHASE BEGINS AGAIN 14:44 FILM: DON 2 17:44 FILM: AITRAAZ 20:57 FILM: THAKSHAK TUESDAY NOV 5, 2019 00:31 FILM: HAPPY BHAG JAYEGI
MON 28TH OCTOBER - FRI 1ST NOVEMBER 18:30 VIGHNAHARTA GANESHA 19:00 MERE SAI
19:30 TARA FROM SATARA
20:00 ISHAARON ISHAARON MEIN * Schedule is subject to change
SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER TIME TV PROGRAM NAMES 17:30 ZINDAGI KE CROSSROADS 18:30 THE KAPIL SHARMA SHOW 20:00 INDIAN IDOL 21:30 THE KAPIL SHARMA SHOW SUNDAY 27TH OCTOBER TIME TV PROGRAM NAMES 17:30 ZINDAGI KE CROSSROADS 18:30 THE KAPIL SHARMA SHOW 20:00 INDIAN IDOL 21:30 THE KAPIL SHARMA SHOW
* Schedule is subject to change
MON 28TH - FRI 1ST NOV 2019 13:00: SWARAGINI 13:30: BHARADWAJ BAHUEIN 15:30: SIRF 30 MINUTES 16:00: THE GREAT INDIAN GLOBAL KITCHEN 2 16:30: RASOI SHOW 17:30: CHHUTA CHHEDA 18:00: TUM KAUN PIYA 18:30: DIL KA RISHTA
* Schedule is subject to change
Entertainment. Duke is known for his performances in films such as 'Predator', 'Commando' and quite recently, he appeared in Panos Cosmatos' 'Mandy,' an action-horror starring Nicholas Cage as the lead.
02:46 FILM: LUV SHUV PYAR VYAR 06:00 FILM: 18.11 - A CODE OF SECRECY 08:27 FILM: AAJ KA MAHATMA 11:19 FILM: DHOKHA 13:51 FILM: JO BOLE SO NIHAL 16:16 FILM: WELCOME 19:35 LIFESTYLE : STAR STOP 20:15 FILM: BATTI GUL METER CHALU 23:23 FILM: WAH TAJ WEDNESDAY NOV 6, 2019 01:32 FILM: CHOR BAZAARI-EK ATRANGI PREM KAHANI 06:00 FILM: KHEL KHILARI KA 08:43 FILM: JHEEL KE US PAAR 11:30 FILM: JAANAM 14:16 FILM: ROJA 17:03 FILM: ALIGARH 19:36 LIFESTYLE : STAR STOP 20:16 FILM: ENGLISH VINGLISH 22:59 FILM: BATTI GUL METER CHALU THURSDAY NOV 7, 2019 01:58 FILM: ANJAANE - THE UNKNOWN 06:00 FILM: LASHKAR 08:26 FILM: ATISHBAZ 11:11 FILM: INSANIYAT 14:42 FILM: PHOOL AUR KANTE 17:51 FILM: WAH TAJ 20:04 FILM: AWARA PAAGAL DEEWANA 23:29 FILM: WOH LAMHE FRIDAY NOV 8 2019 01:52 FILM: HAI APNA DIL TOH AWARA 06:00 FILM: DAMM 999 08:12 FILM: CHINA GATE 11:43 FILM: ROJA 14:31 FILM: ALIGARH 16:57 FILM: ENGLISH VINGLISH 19:40 LIFESTYLE : STAR STOP 20:14 FILM: PHATA POSTER NIKLA HERO 23:14 FILM: WELCOME BACK
MON 28TH - FRI 1ST NOV 2019 09:30: VIDYA 18:00: MERE HUMRAHI 18:30: VIDYA RAM SIYA KE LUV KUSH 19:00: 19:30: CHOTI SARDAARNI 20:00: SHAKTI ASTITVA KE EHSAAS KI 20:30: KITCHEN CHAMPION BIGG BOSS - SEASON 13 21:30:
20:30 PATIALA BABES
21:00 KAUN BANEGA CROREPATI 22:30 TARA FROM SATARA
23:00 CRIME PATROL SONY MAX 2 PRIME TIME 19:00 MONDAY
19:00 TUESDAY
AMAR PREM JURMANA
19:00 WEDNESDAY BADAL 19:00 THURSDAY 19:00 FRIDAY
19:00: 19:30: 20:00: 20:30: 21:00:
BUNDAL BAAZ ARADHANA
JAHAANARA BEPANNAH TERE NAAL ISHQ MOHE RANNG DO LAAL BALIKA VADHU - LAMHE PYAAR KE 22:00: JAGTE RAHO 22:00: RED ALERT SAT 2ND NOV 2019 11:00: MAHAKALI 14:30: CHALTE CHALTE 17:30: DIVINE DESTINATION 18:00: DESI BEAT - SEASON 3 18:30: IIFA MAIN EVENT SUN 3RD NOV 2019 11:00: SHRIMAD BHAGWAT 17:30: DIVINE DESTINATION 18:00: BIGG BOSS - SEASON 13 20:30: RED ALERT 21:30: JAGTE RAHO
22:30: BAHU BEGUM 23:00: BEPANAH PYAARR 23:30: CHOTI SARDAARNI 0:00: GATHBANDHAN SAT 2ND NOV 2019 18:30: STUDENT OF THE YEAR 2 21:30: BIGG BOSS (SEASON 13) WEEKEND KA VAAR 23:00: KAWACH MAHASHIVRATRI SUN 3RD NOV 2019 11:00: GATTU BATTU 11:30: RUDRA 14:30: KAL HO NA HO 17:30: BIGG BOSS (SEASON 13) 19:00: CHOTI SARDAARNI 20:30: KHATRA KHATRA KHATRA 21:30: BIGG BOSS (SEASON 13) WEEKEND KA VAAR 23:00: KAWACH MAHASHIVRATRI
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Mahant Swami in Gondal
Clocks will be going back by 1 hour, on Sunday 27th October 2019
Gorgeous books to help children celebrate Diwali Bijal Shah On 15th, Mahant Swami said, “The demerits of ignorance ruins everything, ruins our life. Satsang is not the matter of ignorance.” On 17th morning, Mahant Swami said in the assembly, “The one who acts according to the will of the God, attains God-like qualities. What a great achievement!” The satsang sabha was held that evening. The children performed dance and presented dialogue on self-conflict. On 18th, Mahant Swami installed the idols in Modasa Harimandir of Aravalli district and in Mota Shakhpur village of Gondal region. Imparting his blessings Mahant Swami said, "Now that the idols have been installed, everyone should visit the temple regularly.” On 19th, Mahant Swami worshiped at Aksharghat of the river Gondli seated on Kamalasan. Devotees of Junagadh came to attend Ravi Sabha held on 20th. A skit with a message of cleanliness was presented by the teenagers. Mahant Swami rendered 13th Vachanamrut in Gadhda. A large number of devotees are paying visit for darshan and blessings of Mahanta Swami. His holiness will be in Gondal till October 29.
IS bride Shamima Begum 'at real risk of death or torture' after loss of British citizenship
The decision to revoke the British citizenship of IS bride Shamima Begum has exposed her to a "real risk" of torture or death, a court has heard. Shamima, one of three east London schoolgirls who travelled to Syria to join the terror group, has launched a legal challenge against the government's decision to strip her of her citizenship. Her lawyer told the Daily Mirror that she will argue she was a victim of
rape by her husband. Tasnime Akunjee, representing Ms Begum, said: "She was married in an Isis ceremony within two weeks of reaching Syria to a 23-year-old fighter. Her context is as a rape victim, or a statutory rape victim." The Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) is beginning a four-day preliminary hearing in central London, brought by Ms Begum's family and supporters.
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Diwali Programmes 'Diwali on the Square Bolton' organized by Bolton Hindu Forum Date: 26 October, Saturday Time: 2:00 pm to 8 pm Venue: Victoria Square, Town Hall, Bolton BL1 1RZ. Contact. 01204 238 018 Gujarat Hindu Society Date: 27 October, Sunday Diwali fireworks at 7:30 pm Venue: Gujarat Hindu Society, Preston South Meadow Lane, Preston PR1 8JN Date: 28 October, Monday Annakoot from 1:00 pm Contact. 01772 253 901 BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple Date: 27 October, Sunday Chopda Pujan from 5:00 pm to 6:45 pm Pyromusic fireworks from 7:45 pm to 8:15 pm Darshan from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm Date: 28 October, Monday Annakoot Darshan from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm followed by aarti, Venue: Neasden London, 105-119, Brentfield Road, London NW10 8LD - Contact: 020 8965 2651
As a mother of two, I naturally wanted them to share in the joy of Diwali as I did when I was young. The gorgeous decorations, the picture-perfect food, the friends and family that we'd celebrate with, perhaps over a sparkler or two and the meaning behind it all - I wanted to immerse them in all of this. In true bookworm fashion, there's nothing better than literature to warm them up, get them excited in the anticipation of the coming days, marked by the triumph of good over evil, aptly titled the festival of lights or simply 'Diwali'. Diwali, celebrated by millions globally come together over diyas (small clay pot candles), the magical art of rangoli, glittering sweets bathing in coloured sugar and of course red envelopes and miniature deities. Over a special storytime session with their school friends, I introduced them to Diwali over three of these visually captivating stories. I share these here in the hope that they might spark a young love for the festival for children who'll be celebrating all over. THE DIWALI GIFT BY SHWETA CHOPRA AND SHUCHI MEHTA Three delightful monkeys take centre stage as they delve into the mystery of the Diwali gift that they happen to find. Through their eyes, young readers explore the divine Hindu Gods and the traditions of the colourful holiday.
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26 Oct - 1 Nov 2019
Autumn Song - Poem by Sarojini Naidu
Like a joy on the heart of a sorrow, The sunset hangs on a cloud; A golden storm of glittering sheaves, Of fair and frail and fluttering leaves, The wild wind blows in a cloud. Hark to a voice that is calling To my heart in the voice of the wind: My heart is weary and sad and alone, For its dreams like the fluttering leaves have gone, And why should I stay behind?
AJIT NINAN FOR TOI
LETS CELEBRATE DIWALI BY ANJALI JOSHE Simple, but sweet, a glorious picture book that embraces all of the different ways of celebrating diwali, including the Hindu, Sikh and Jain traditions. There's always a reason to celebrate Diwali! SHUB DIWALI BY CHITRA SOUNDAR One of the few books that celebrates the birth of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth mapping her power from monsoon season to winter. With short, sharp sentences and clear-cut illustrations, the book's perfect for young children aged 3–5. RAMAYANA: DIVINE LOOPHOLE BY SANJAY PATEL With the magic of Disney and Pixar creations under his belt, Sanjay Patel's Ramayana (one of the epics of Hindu mythology) series includes a picture book on Diwali. In this book, Sanjay recreates Lord Rama’s return from exile after successfully winning that battle with Demon King Ravana. Stunning illustrations and smart story-telling that capture almost 24,000 verses into a succinct picture book.
What’s on
Shri Swaminarayan Temple (Willesden ) Date: 26 October, Saturday Kalichaudash Hanumanji Pujan at 6:30 pm Date: 27 October, Sunday Diwali Laxmi Poojan at 5:30 pm Date: 28 October, Monday New Year Annakoot from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Venue: 220-222, Willesden Lane London NW2 5RG Contact. 020 8459 4506 Shri Swaminarayan Temple (Leicester) - ISSO Date: 26 October, Saturday Kalichaudash Hanumanji Pujan at 6:00 pm Date: 27 October, Sunday Diwali Laxmi Poojan at 11:00 am Date: 28 October, Monday New Year Annakoot from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm Venue: 139-141, Loughborough Road, Leicestershire LE4 5LQ Contact. 01162 666 210 Shree Swaminarayan Temple (Cardiff) Date: 26 October, Saturday Kalichaudash Hanumanji Pujan at 6:30 pm Date: 27 October, Sunday Diwali Laxmi Poojan at 6:30 pm
Leicester,
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Sport
www.asian-voice.com
26 Oct - 1 Nov 2019
AsianVoiceNews AsianVoiceNewsweekly
India thrash South Africa to sweep series India wrapped up a 3-0 series whitewash as South Africa were bowled out for 133 in the second innings of the third Test in Ranchi. After India posted a mammoth 497/9 on the scoreboards, thanks to Rohit Sharma's double century and Ajinkya Rahane's ton, South Africa folded for 162 in the first innings and Virat Kohli enforced the followon. South Africa were close to suffering the ignominy of being bowled out twice in one day, but survived onslaught from the Indian bowlers by the skin of their teeth. Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav have been the stars with the ball for India in this Test match. Debutant Shahbaz Nadeem, who took 2-22 in the first innings, picked up the wickets of Theunis de Bruyn and Lungi Ngidi off consecutive deliveries in his first over of the day to secure the win for India in double quick time on Day 4. The series clean-sweep means India maintain their perfect record in the World Test Championship with 240 points. India have thoroughly dominated South Africa, with both bat
and ball. After South Africa were asked to follow on, they were reduced to 98/7 in the second innings, with Shami picking up three crucial wickets. Later, George Linde (27) started well but failed to convert it into a big score as he was run out by Shahbaz Nadeem. Dane Piedt (23) and de Bruyn (30 not out) also contributed with important runs at the bottom of the order but failed to keep going. Rohit’s double, Rahane’s ton muzzle SA Reaching milestones with a six was Virender Sehwag’s forte, and on his birthday, Rohit Sharma emulated him, hitting Lungi Ngidi over the midwicket fence to bring up his maiden double hundred in Test cricket. That six was preceded by a few nervous moments as Rohit Sharma started the post-lunch session on 199. Rohit is now the fourth batsman in the world with double hundreds in both Tests and ODIs another record he shares with Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar and Chris Gayle. But the tension showed. Before lunch, he had almost
Indian cricket team members pose with winning trophy
chopped one on to the stumps off Kagiso Rabada in search of the 200th run. He tried but could not get the single off Ngidi in the first over after lunch. Then he did the best thing to get out of that situation - hit the ball out of the park. When the next ball disappeared in the same direction but landed farther, a triple century against South Africa, again like Sehwag, did not feel like
a distant dream. For the South African bowlers, except Rabada, and George Linde to some extent, did not look too threatening. And Rabada it was who finally sent back Rohit, with another bouncer. Rohit took him on but could not clear Ngidi at deep fine leg. Sunday was not all about Rohit though. It was also about Ajinkya Rahane, who is often thought to be a
lesser force in home conditions than abroad. True that his career has blown hot and cold in the last two years, after leading India in Virat Kohli’s absence in Dharamsala. But this innings has to count among his best. He middled the ball from the very first delivery he faced on Saturday, while the rest of the batsmen were struggling to cope with the
Will take call on Dhoni after talking to selectors: Ganguly BCCI president-elect Sourav Ganguly said that he would wait for the national selectors to spell out their plans on MS Dhoni. “I will talk to the selectors about him when I meet them on October 24 during the selection meeting for the T20 series against Bangladesh. I will give my opinion after that,” Ganguly said. “The picture might seem unclear from the outside, but the team management surely has something in mind. So I will ask
the selectors and the captain. Coach (Shastri) won’t be present at the meeting as per the BCCI’s amended constitution,” Ganguly said. “We will also have to find out what Dhoni wants. I will speak to him if necessary,” he added. Can’t depend on few individuals to win big events, says MSD During a promotional event in Delhi, Dhoni spoke about what all was needed to build a team.
“What you want to achieve as a team is to win the tournament but that’s a long-term goal. Ultimately, what you do is to break it into smaller things,” Dhoni said. India have been struggling to come up with a settled batting lineup in shorter formats. How does he look at the scenario? “It’s not always about few of the individuals performing a lot better than the whole lot. When it comes to winning a big tournament, you need a team to perform.”
movement off the seam. When he came out to bat with Rohit on Sunday, it did not seem to be a new day when one has to start afresh. His first boundary of the morning was a picture perfect cover drive down on one knee, reminiscent of Sachin Tendulkar in his prime. And though he had allowed Rohit Sharma to dominate the spinners on Saturday, Sunday was a different story. He danced down the track to hit Dane Piedt over his head for a boundary and over the covers. The only mistake Rahane made over two days was to give Piedt the charge once too often and miss the floater completely. But Heinriech Klaasen, who had four victims in this innings, could not gather it to stump him. But that was only after Rahane had completed his first century at home since 2016. By the time he departed, the Proteas were so deflated that Ravindra Jadeja scored a half-century without much difficulty, and Umesh Yadav hit five sixes off just 10 balls off Linde, who bowled tight otherwise and got rewarded with some late wickets.
Mumbai’s Jaiswal becomes youngest List A double centurion
Bangladesh cricketers threaten to go on strike A Test against India at the iconic Eden Gardens would have been a cherished dream for Bangladesh cricketers, that too with the country’s Prime Minister among the watchers at the stadium. But that now seems in jeopardy with their top cricketers, including first-class players, going on strike demanding better remuneration and facilities and streamlining of the domestic structure. The average Bangladesh cricketer has never been among the most-highly paid in the world, and the players argue that the manner in which the game is run in the country limits their earning potential. Eleven of the big stars of Bangladesh cricket - including Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah - put forth a list of 11 demands and declared that they will not return to action till these are met. • The players are dissatisfied by the working of the Cricketers' Welfare Association of Bangladesh, as they feel it has
done nothing for their benefit. Hence, they want its president and secretary to step down and their successors elected by players themselves through voting • Players should be allowed to choose their teams and negotiate salaries with Dhaka Premier League teams, as was the case earlier. • The Bangladesh Premier League teams are now operated by the cricket board itself. It is demanded that it returns to its earlier franchise-based model with local players allowed to set their own base prices. • Remuneration in first-class cricket be hiked to one lakh takas per match (approximately Rs 83,700) - almost a three-fold increase from the present level and an improvement in their allowances and other facilities. • Number of centrallycontracted players should be increased to 30, and also their retainers. • Salaries of groundsmen, local coaches, umpires, physios and
trainers should be increased. • There is just one one-day and one T20 tournament in the domestic set-up. One more of each should be started. • A proper calendar for the domestic season should be finalised in advance. • Pending payments to the players in the Dhaka Premier League must be cleared. • The BCB allows its players to feature in only two franchise leagues around the world. That cap must be lifted. • Improving the feeder system of players so that domestic cricket gets more competitive and the game gets more widespread. • Though the players have come together citing unsatisfactory administration on BCB’s part, most of the points raised by them directly relate to their income. • Insistence of playing in more foreign T20 leagues, more domestic limited-overs tournaments and central contracts betray that players are not satisfied with how much
they earn at the present. • That the players want more say in who they play for in the domestic tournaments, and for how much, shows that players are aware of their star value in the country and are eager to leverage it. • There is great passion for cricket in Bangladesh, but whether there are the financial resources to meet the players' demands is debatable. BCB caught off-guard Though a development of this kind couldn't have taken place all of a sudden, the Bangladesh Cricket Board claimed it had yet to receive a formal intimation of the players' strike. “We have come to know about this through the media. This has not been formally communicated to us. Obviously, the players are very important for us. We will talk to them about these issues. A decision in this regard will be taken at a board meeting in due course,” BCB chief executive officer Nizamuddin Chaudhary said.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
At 17, Yashasvi Jaiswal of Mumbai became the youngest List A double centurion. Playing his fifth List A match recently, the youngster struck an awe-inspiring, unconquered double hundred (203 n.o., 154b, 17x4, 12x6) in Mumbai’s win over Jharkhand in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. In the process, he became the youngest male cricketer to score a double century and the third after Karan Kaushal (Uttarakhand in 2018-19) and Sanju Samson (Kerala) to achieve the feat in the tournament. This was his third three-figure mark in the tournament. He had earlier scored 113 (Goa) and112 (Kerala). Speaking after Mumbai’s 39-run win, Jaiswal said: “(The innings) felt good. I didn’t think much and just played the ball on its merit and it (double century) happened. Jaiswal, who played with an injured wrist, was so focused on his innings that he didn’t realise he was the youngest double centurion till it was brought to his notice. He credits his early struggle for his maturity now.