AV 2nd November 2013

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6 killed as serial blasts target Modi's Patna rally

AV Correspondent

In what is suspected to be the first-ever terror attack in Patna, six people were killed and 90 injured when serial blasts targeted Narendra Modi's rally in the state capital's Gandhi Maidan on Sunday.

While six of the blasts occurred around the rally venue, two bombs went off within 150 metres of the Continued on page 26

Gujarat chief minister and BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi said that India felt the absence of Sardar Patel all the more acutely now than ever before. Had he been the first Prime Minister of India, India would have been made of a different mettle.

Speaking at a function to mark the inauguration of the newly built Sardar Patel National Museum, Modi recalled Sardar Patel’s singular contribution in attaining the nation’s unity and integrity. He asked the youth to shun the politics of guns and bombs as terrorism and Maoism are eating up the very fabric of the nation. He appealed to the

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Thousands come together to celebrate Diwali at Trafalgar Square

Manmohan Singh with Narendra Modi

youth to be alert to the need for unity and join the path of development. He cited the example of Punjab which shuns guns and bombs to embrace development.

Although, the function organized at Ahmedabad based heritage property of

Sardar Patel Memorial on Tuesday was non-political, the comment passed by the Modi made some Congress workers angry and they tried to shout slogans against him.

Terming Sardar Patel a visionary and farsighted, Continued on page 26

London’s Trafalgar Square once again became a scene of colour and festivity on Sunday, despite warnings of severe storms, as thousands flocked to the Square in the spirit of Diwali.

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Keith Vazwith MP

Suraj Subhash Gokani

Keith Vaz MP because quite clearly you will not take no for an answer’ which shows, persistence pays off.

Suraj Subhash Gokani started his own business at the age of just 18. Taking a brave step in a tough climate he has built a successful business based on honesty, integrity and service. He and his team have successfully transferred over $1 billion internationally for corporate and private individuals looking to achieve the best exchange rate. Currencies 4 You is one of the leading foreign exchange companies in the UK with an International presence in 3 Countries.

1) Please tell me about your current position?

I am currently the Founder and CEO of Currencies 4 You Ltd. My role is to overview the business ensuring that we continue to progress in the right direction. Being a CEO of a firm does not mean that I give all the instructions to our team and they carry them out, although that is a huge part of being a successful CEO. I find it is very important to pull your sleeves up and do the hard work too by simply getting stuck in. I genuinely enjoy assisting new clients and also trading and providing analysis for existing clients too. I believe as a CEO you automatically become a role model to your team, therefore it is significantly important to show your passion and drive by doing the work that grows the business from the core upwards, in turn your team will automatically want to do the same.

2) What are your proudest

achievements?

The proudest achievement for me personally was when we achieved our target of converting $1 billion us dollars in currency transactions since starting at the tender age of 18.

When I was younger the target just seemed too far away to achieve, but with a great family and a team who provide huge support it became easier and easier to achieve.

3) What inspires you?

The most important factor that continuously inspires me is testimonials from our clients.

When they have the time to thank you and tell you how they are spending the money we have saved them, it provides huge levels of self-esteem to know that we have made that possible. We aspire to saving people money on their currency purchases and guiding them to the best times to convert their currency, seeing the increased spending power to businesses and individuals

makes it all worthwhile.

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

The biggest obstacle in my career was the beginning. To try to convince a bank to support an 18 year old boy who had just finished A –Levels and had no financial backing was a huge task. After calling all the major banks and continuously being told NO, the task became harder and harder, it also left a huge dent in my confidence. Every meeting felt like I was so close, yet to hear another NO because of the lack of experience.

Eventually one of the banks decided that they would support me, after previously saying No, so after we agreed contracts I decided to ask them on what grounds they said yes?

The reply I got was ‘we have never seen somebody so determined to make this happen,

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

My father, he taught me the art of negotiation at the age of 13, and he assured me that at the time it may not seem that useful but in the future it will be what I depend on. He encouraged me when I wanted to start my own business when others laughed because I was so young. My Mother continued to support me after papa sadly passed away, giving me the love of a mother and the strength of a father; she plays an important role in my life. Today, my team are a huge influence, without a great team you cannot achieve a great company.

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

I get to see exactly how much money we save our clients and what they do with it, it can be overwhelming at times, especially when they show so much appreciation for the service we provide.

7) And the worst?

Not being able to just speak to clients all day, as much as I love speaking with clients and assisting them in their currency requirements, I also have a

business to run, which means I also have to do all of the financial planning for the business and overview back office operations like accounts.

8) What are your long term goals?

My aim is to have at least one branch in each continent; currently we have 4 Offices in Watford, Dartford, Spain and Portugal. The business still has huge potential to grow further and I want to ensure that this goal is achieved.

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

Personally I would change the rules for immigration; I think this is a topic that needs addressing immediately.

Without saying too much, it directly affects how many people start claiming benefits without any contribution to the economy, which I don’t feel is fair. Tighter guidelines would be much better for the country as a whole.

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

Mohandas Gandhi, I admire his resilience to protest peacefully and ensure his point was understood by every human being. He gave his life trying to bring peace.

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COMMENT

Sri Lanka eye of the storm

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo has become the eye of a gathering storm. The deepening controversy over alleged human rights abuses including attacks on and intimidation of journalists and, most alarming of all, the disappearance of people, snatched in broad daylight by masked men and bundled into sinister looking white vans, which then speed away.

Fear stalks the land. The BBC’s Fergal Keane has produced disturbing reports from Sri Lanka; of a Tamil newspaper editor viciously beaten on the street and frightened of going out lest he be subjected to another bruising assault. His office was vandalized and machinery inside it destroyed.

British reporter David Blair has filed stories on abducted people. “Sometimes I think to myself, perhaps if they had killed my son that may be better than me sitting here and wondering where he is,” said Uthayachandra Manuel, mother of fisherman, Anton Saniston Manuel, 23, who was taken away at gunpoint shortly before midnight from his home in a small town in Northeast Sri Lanka. It is five years since he disappeared and nobody knows where he is.

Meanwhile, President Mahinder Rajapakse prepares to host visiting heads of Commonwealth governments, including British Prime Minister David Cameron and Prince Charles. But all is not well.

Prime Minister Harper of Canada has decided to stay away - signalling Canada’s displeasure at the growing repression of political dissent in Sri Lanka, the violence perpetrated on Tamil civilians, and the unaccounted Tamil civilian deaths during the final stages of the war against the Tamil Tigers. The UN

inquiry has come up with a damning report which claims that 40,000 Tamil civilians died in the crossfire or were killed in cold blood, something the Sri Lankan government strenuously rejects. Mr Rajapakse leads a country where thousands are locked up without charge or trial under draconian laws, where the judiciary is under fire and judges removed on a whim.

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in India has passed a unanimous resolution demanding that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh boycott CHOGM. But Tamil ministers in Sri Lanka’s newly elected assembly in the country’s northeast are against such action. It is a tough call. Dayan Jayatilleka, a former senior Sri Lankan diplomat, writing in the Hindu newspaper, argued the case for India’s participation.

Manmohan Singh’s absence, he avers, would be counter-productive: perceived as a snub to Colombo and would reinforce a view in Sri Lanka, dating back to Sirimavo Bandaranaike time, during Bangladesh conflict of 1971, that the island nation was better served depending on the Beijing-Islamabad axis. As a Pakistani genocide was underway in Bangladesh, the Sinhalese establishment adds not a cubit to its moral standing. The threat of a trilateral BeijingIslamabad-Colombo axis set out in minatory tones by the author has perils for Sri Lanka as well. Mr Jayatilleka reverted to a more courteous and rational discourse by pointing to the recent elections in the Tamil majority Northeast and the soft power leverage India has in devolution talks on its future. There is every likelihood Prime Minister Singh will attend CHOGM.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Russia – his 10th (and possibly last as India’s leader), in a total of 14 annual summits between the two countries, ended with a significant speech to the prestigious Moscow State Institute of International Relations, where he was awarded an honourary doctorate. He began with a warm tribute to Russia for its support to India when, as a fledgling state, it was still wrapped in swaddling clothes. “Over the past six decades,” said Dr Singh, “no country has had closer relations with India and no country inspires more admiration, trust and confidence among the people of India than Russia. India has benefited enormously from Russian support in every aspect of national life – be it in the development of heavy industry, the power sector, our space programme or in meeting our defence needs, Russia has stood by India at moments of great international challenge when our resources were limited and our friends few. Russia offered us partnership in nuclear energy when the world still shunned nuclear commerce with us.”

Prime Minister Singh emphasized that India’s special relationship with Russia enjoyed “complete political consensus and enormous public goodwill and support in India. I am convinced,” he continued, “that while the strength and the intensity of our relationship will remain undiminished, it must also adapt itself to the changing times so that we can address the full range of current opportunities and challenges.” Defence ties with Russia, he went on, were “unmatched by any other relationship (in the world). Russia will remain an indispensable partner for our defence needs. We also see Russia as a key partner of our energy security.” This included the nuclear field and conventional oil and gas.

Concluding, Dr Singh, said: “India’s partnership with Russia is “one of the fundamental foundations

of Indian foreign policy.”

There remains only the contextual analysis of the Prime Minister’s speech. One can do no better than refer readers to two recently published works: the first by American author Gary Bass, entitled “The Blood Telegram: Nixon, Kissinger and the Forgotten Genocide in Bangladesh; the second by former Pakistan ambassador to the US, Husain Haqqani, once a privileged insider, called “Magnificent Delusions: Pakistan, the United States and an epic History of Misunderstanding”. Both works include the wisdom and foresight of numerous American writers and figures in public life who advocated a close relationship with India as a creative road forward to the future. Unfortunately, it was anti-Indian hardliners, from John Foster Dulles, Admiral Radford, Alexander Haig, Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger, who crafted a policy of indulgence toward Pakistani militarism, export of terrorism and Islamonationalism, each with virulent anti-Indian underpinnings, that won the day in the corridors of power, be it in the White House, State Department or Pentagon. Gary Bass, quoting from the Nixon White House tapes, tells how Nixon was given to describing Indira Gandhi as “a bitch” while for Kissinger “Indians are bastards.” Nixon told British Foreign Secretary Alec Douglas Home, that ‘bloodthirsty’ India was given independence much too soon.

Kissinger warned Soviet ambassador Dobrynin of India’s inveterate ingratitude to dispensers of generosity. Nixon is dead, but Kissinger, alive and well, may rue his ill-considered judgments and profanities. The Indo-US relationship has moved from its troubled past, but history has lessons for us all. The Obama Administration has only recently sanctioned $1.6 billion in military and economic aid to Pakistan. Clearly, America’s Bourbons have learnt nothing and forgotten nothing.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh flew from Moscow to Beijing for a crucial visit to China, where he was accorded a warm welcome, for high level talks with China’s top leadership including Prime Minister Le Keqiang and President Xi Xinping. The much anticipated Border Defence Cooperation Agreement which establishes a mechanism to resolve local problems such as the intrusions into Indian territory of Chinese army units last April. The Chinese side was also more forthcoming about Beijing’s dam construction activities on the Brahmaputra river since India as a riparian state has a vital interest in the southward flow of its waters. Trade and investment issues were discussed, with the Indian side keen for Chinese manufacturers to set up offices in India and invest in Indian infrastructure development, particular the power sector. India, for its part, desired greater access to the Chinese market for its pharmaceuticals anf IT sectors, in a bid to correct the heavy trade imbalance against India.

Dr Singh, in address to China’s Communist Party school for senior cadres spoke of his country’s hopes for a stable and friendly relationship with China free of Cold War suspicion and mistrust.

Such attitudes were redundant in the present-day world. The realpolitik of past centuries had diminishing relevance now. He said China’s rise was not inimical to Indian interests and there was considerable scope for greater cooperation on trade and investment to the mutual benefit of both parties. A more emollient China is handling relations with neighbours in Southeast Asia and elsewhere with deftness and imagination, so is India with China.

Summing up, Prime Minister Singh has been adroit in fulfilling India’s regional and global vision.

India has reached out to ASEAN, Africa, Latin America and Japan with increasing dividends, consolidating ties with Russia, moving forward with the US and keeping relations with the EU troublefree.

Consensus on India’s debt to Russian relationship

India, China: Managing a difficult relationship

3 "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has."

Anthropologist Margaret Mead (1901-1978)

Sarah Teather MP Liberal Democrat MP for Brent Central

Celebrating the wonder of Diwali in Brent

Every year, Brent explodes into fantastic colour, dazzling vibrancy and excitement as Diwali festivities take hold.

This year will be no different.

As winter nears, Diwali – the festival of lights – brings with it a most welcome burst of bright lights and colourful fireworks in our dark autumn skies.

Diwali celebrations amaze me now as much as they did when I was growing up in Leicester.

Its message of hope and light, and the triumph of good over evil, is as powerful now as ever. Diwali is one of the most important annual festivals for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains; but we can all relate to its messages of truth and inner light.

Brent Diwali shows us how multiculturalism enriches our communities. Each year, I am inspired by the inclusiveness of the celebrations in the borough as people of all races, faiths and backgrounds come together.

It is always great to see children involved in our Diwali celebrations – teaching children and young people about other cultures and beliefs is so important if we want to build a peaceful and harmonious society.

As people come together, we renew the bonds of community which hold us together.

Despite falling unemployment and promising

signs of economic recovery, many families of all backgrounds are still facing a difficult financial time. Outside the UK, wars continue to lead to millions of families having to flee their homes.

As we face these challenges, the spirituality, love and community spirit shown by the people of Brent as we celebrate together reminds us of what is most important in our world.

Funding to local residents for religious and cultural celebrations was cut in 2011, and I was concerned about the effect this would have on Diwali celebrations.

However, fantastic work has been done since then by the Brent community to ensure people can continue to come together at this special time of year.

In recent years, I have been fortunate enough to celebrate with my constituents at both the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Willesden Green and the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden. These two great temples are perfect settings for celebrating this special time. This year, I will again be joining those in Neasden at the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.

I would like to thank all those in Brent who put so much effort into making these special occasions such a success and I would like to wish all Asian Voice readers a very happy Diwali.

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Thousands come together to celebrate Diwali at Trafalgar Square

Anoushka Shankar entertaining the revellers

London’s Trafalgar Square once again became a scene of colour and festivity on Sunday, despite warnings of severe storms, as thousands flocked to the Square in the spirit of Diwali. The free Diwali Festival, organized by the Mayor of London in association with the Diwali in London committee, was supported by headline sponsor Lebara and media partner Zee TV. People gathered to enjoy the festival, including acts performed by local Londoners showcasing their diverse talent, from a vibrant Bhajan band, to a diverse representation of traditional and cultural dances from your latest Bollywood charts to the traditions of local regions.

Thousands of people had lined up outside at 1pm to enter the square and were given the opportunity to participate in London’ largest outdoor Garba dance. Members of the public excitedly

queued up for the chance to wear a traditional Indian sari as well whilst others indulged in the vast variety of delicious food stalls had to offer The official opening peace lamp ceremony was led by Diwali in London (DIL) Chairman - Ameet Aggarwal, from the Art of Living alongside fellow distinguished guests Ray Lewis, Greater London Authority Senior Advisor to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Dr Virander Paul, Acting Indian High Commissioner and Srutidharma das, Temple president of Bhaktivedenta Manor, Watford.

Diwali in London were privileged to have world renowned artist Anoushka Shankar perform some transcendental and powerful compositions on stage this year. Ms Shankar said: “It feels really special to me to be connected to Diwali in London especially as I was born here and recently

Diwali greetings Asian Voice will not be publishing the Saturday 9th November issue as we shall be on our Diwali break.

In the meantime please enjoy our exclusive Diwali magazine that has a wide range of articles and helpful information on various interesting subjects.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers, supporters, advertisers and well wishers a very Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New Year ahead.

Virander Paul, Acting High Commissioner, Ameet Agarwal, Chairman and others lighting the lamp

DIL Committee Members

moved back to the city.”

Ameet Aggarwal, Chairman, Diwali in London said: “Trafalgar square once again welcomed the diversity of cosmopolitan London for the Diwali festival; with an over spilling crowd.

The Square was beautifully decorated with lamps and the famous fountains were specially lit for the occasion. The spirit of Diwali in the form of celebration and mutual respect was shared by all on the day. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a diverse yet united committee.”

Boris Johnson appeared by video link and gave his blessings for Diwali. He said: “London would not be the exciting and dynamic city that it is without the many communities that contribute to its dynamism and prsperity, something that is reflected in festivals like our Diwali celebrations. It has a powerful message, about peace, mutual respect and the victory of light over evil, which is important for Londoners as well as to Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. I wish

Crowds enjoying the Diwali festivities

Origins of Diwali on the Square

Ranu Mehta-Radia

The idea of resonating the message of Diwali to our youths and the Nation was conceived when 6 prominent Hindu leaders met at Shri Nitin Palan’s house in 2002. The discussions round the table revolved around instilling Hindu dharma to our future generations as well as sharing the universal values of love, light and peace with the different communities across the UK. Their strategy was to target a prominent public place where Diwali could be celebrated inviting Londoners to a Free Festival as well as raise the profile of the Hindu community and our fundamental values to all political parties.

Stepping up to take a lead to celebrate Diwali at a prominent London venue rested on the shoulders of Nitin Palan, an active member of the iconic Swami Narayan Neasden temple.

Ramesh Kallidai of Hindu Forum committed to taking Diwali to the House of Commons which is also a national fixture now in the House of Commons calendar.

The first Diwali on Trafalgar brought a few hundred people to the Square, those who were present on that historic day remember standing under umbrellas as the rains came down. Defiantly, the small team were determined to make a everyone celebrating in London and beyond a

success the following year, and contacted other prominent Hindu, Sikh and Jain organisations to collectively work together.

The Diwali in London Committee now consists of 12 organisations: BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Chinmaya Mission UK International Society for Krishna Consciousness UK The Art of Living National Hindu Students Forum Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (UK) Brahmin Society of North London Oshwal Association of the UK Vishwa Hindu Parishad (UK) Telugu Association of London Met Police Hindu Association Sai School of Harrow.

The Chair is rotated annually to ensure that each Organisation gets the opportunity to host the Festival. Youth Wings of each organisations are mentored to shadow the current Coordinators so the baton can be handed over to our dynamic young people to manage the event in the future.

Diwali in London Committee clearly demonstrates that all Hindus, Sikhs and Jains can work together to strengthen our communities. The annual festival now attracts up to 20,000 visitors.

happy and prosperous Diwali. We look forward

to the next Diwali in Trafalgar Square!

Havoc and disruption in wake of St Jude’s Day Storm Four people were killed, 625,000 properties without electricity, hundreds of uprooted or ripped apart trees and chaos for commuters as train companies halted nearly all services to and from London and more than 130 flights at Heathrow were cancelled, as 100mph winds battered southern England.

The St Jude’s Day storm, named after the patron saint of lost causes, was the worst gale to hit the UK in more than a

decade. The damage is expected to cost over several hundred million pounds to repair and clean up. Victims of the storm include a sporty 17-yearold grammar school girl, who was killed as she slept when a 30ft tree crushed the caravan where she had been living while building work was carried out on her family’s home.

One of the worst scenes of devastation was at a home in Hounslow, where two people died

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were found in the rubble of the property hours after the blast. Three other people were taken to hospital with cuts and burns.

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As I See It

Dharmasya Moolah Arthah “Economic prosperity is the basis of sustaining civilisation�

- Chanakya (Kautilya's Arthashastra)

Mahatma Gandhi came to Britain some 83 years ago to attend a round table conference for the future of British India. During the visit, he (the Naked Fakir as per Winston Churchill) went to Buckingham Palace to meet the King Emperor. He also went to Lancashire and stayed most of the time in the East London.

An English journalist asked Mahatma Gandhi a question, “What is your opinion about the western civilization?� Mahatma’s short reply was, “i think it would be a good idea.�

Historians have interpreted these few words in various ways. But I do not believe that a good communicator like Gandhiji would have meant to insult the western civilization.

For many people in the West, India is a confusing idea. To some, it is difficult to comprehend that India exists more or less as it is now for thousands of years. It was the philosopher and political Guru Chankya, who inspired and guided, King Chandragupta to create a huge landmass from present day Afghanistan in the west, up to almost the border of Myanmar (Burma) as one nation, Bharat Varsha. India at the time of partition had a landmass of 1.265 million sq miles and the population of India alone was just under 300 million.

Today, Pakistan occupies almost half of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and it has gifted 25000 sq miles of India illegally to China. The population of India as it is now is 1.25 billion people. Hindus form about 900 millions and it is the largest faith group in an extended land mass all the over the world map. Many a people, abroad especially, are baffled how such a huge country, larger than Western Europe, with so many different faiths and linguistic traditions , can survive and live together and people are willing to describe themselves as Indians. Inspite of the variations and contradictions in terms of education, rituals, economic wellbeing etc Indians are wedded together in a living democracy and a secular nation.

What is also very remarkable in spite of so many sects and forms of worships within Sanatan Hindu tradition, there is no internal warfare or violence. I don’t intend to go into the reasons and pros and cons of why it is inspiringly so, in spite of all the forces which would encourage separatism and divisions.

Many reasons are there which acts as a unifying force. Festivals in India are going on all throughout the year.

After all in the Bible, Jesus Christ said, a man does not live for bread alone.

Societies are formed and they themselves create the individual identity, perhaps through the festivals available to themselves and created by themselves. Diwali is an all encompassing and the most popular Indian festivity, not confined to any faith or tradition as such, though Hindus, Jains and Sikhs have several important reasons to celebrate Diwali with all the fanfare and devotion. It is enjoyed by young as well as not so young. ‘Dharmashya Moolah Arthah’ – “Economic prosperity is the basis of

sustaining civilization� is linked with the Diwali Festival which extends over five days. A day is dedicated to the worship of goddess Laxmi – the goddess of wealth, which is called Dhanterash.

When people worship the goddess of the wealth, motivations behind it are simple: 1. Wealth Creation 2. To increase the quantum of wealth 3. How to retain the wealth as a legacy According to Kautilaya’s Arthshashtra; Wealth creation is the foundation for sustaining civilization.

However, Chankya and Hindu scriptures are very clear that the process of wealth creation has to be legal and ultimately in public benefit. Gandhiji’s principle of Trusteeship is also an extension of the Hindu teachings of wealth creation, wealth accumulation and its utilization.

Last Sunday, I met a very successful entrepreneur at The Trafalgar Square during the Diwali celebrations. We were discussing about this. For me and many others, whatever is ones job, business or profession, if a person creates wealth lawfully and pays the taxes due to the country than wealth creation and accumulation becomes a very honorable activity.

Our discussions went on further and developes some simple messages – each one of us while taking stock of the year that passed, perhaps can raise questions for himself by himself.

1. What is the purpose of my life?

2. How do I perform to discharge my duties or obligations?

Philantropy is not the only avenue to serve the community at large.

Compassion and caring 'samaydaan' (time devoted in serving others) are also very important. It reminds me that philanthropy and public service are always encouraged and appreciated everywhere. In Britain, there are so many Universities, Museums, Libraries, Art centres and other educational, cultural and health related activities funded by charitable organizations, and they are doing commendable service to the people because of the generous philanthropists.

Ahmedabad, the commercial capital of Gujarat is also very fortunate to have Indian Institute of Management (IIM), which is a world renowned management school. Apart from IIM, Ahmedabad Textile Industry Research Association (ATIRA), National Institute of Design (NID), Space Application Centre (SAC) and several hospitals as well as educational and research institutes exist today thanks to well-to-do people like Kasturbhai Lalbhai, Vikram Sarabhai and many others, who had the vision and the big heart to deploy their private fortunes for the benefit of public good Similarly people like Dipchand Gardy, Azim Premji, Tatas and others across India wholeheartedly offer their personal wealth for public cause.

Pursuit for riches is good when the process of wealth creation is value based and it must be utilized with some inspirational motives.

- CB

Spriha Srivastava

Tara Arts brings Journalists on Stage Tara Arts, a global theatre house has something absolutely brilliant to offer this time. It’s bringing the worlds of theatre and journalism together in a unique theatre festival where the journalist is the story. Journalists on Stage, curated & introduced by Steve Richards will feature one journalist each night.

Polly Toynbee, John Pienaar and Mihir Bose will be interviewed live on stage. They will give their views on journalism, politics, sport and current affairs and there will be the opportunity for audience Q&A. At the end of the week, Steve Richards will perform his hit Edinburgh show, Rock N Roll Politics.

Starting this week, the series involves four interesting stories. The first one with: Guardian’s star columnist, Polly Toynbee, who recently authored ‘�Dogma and Disarray�, co-written with David Walker, joined Polly and Steve in conversation. The second one on November 1st with Sports writer and former BBC Sports Editor, Mihir Bose was another hit. Mihir writes a weekly “Big Sports Interview� for the London Evening Standard, and also writes and broadcasts on sport and social and historical issues for several outlets including the BBC, the Financial Times and Sunday Times. His latest book is The Spirit of the Game: How Sport Made the Modern World.

Continuing through the week, the third in the series is with BBC Five Live’s John Pienaar. John

Pienaar is one of the most prominent and respected political broadcasters. He presents a live radio show, Pienaar’s Politics and co-hosts Five Live’s broadcast of Question Time each Thursday. And finally, to conclude the event, Independent Columnist & BBC Presenter Steve Richards will present his one- man show Rock N Roll Politics.

Steve Richards' sell out Edinburgh show will take you for a unique guide behind the scenes of politics and the media.

Steve’s Rock N Roll Politics has received some extremely fascinating reviews including one from Independent which says “"Richards' hour is genial, comfortable and arguably more likely than even the best column to make the case for politicians and politics."

This is an extremely interesting opportunity for audience to pose their questions to media and to know what goes behind the scenes.

Talking about the series, Steve Richards said, "In the era of Twitter, blogs, Facebook and rolling news there is a danger we all hide behind our computer screens and never get out. For the last couple of years I have taken to the stage with my one man show Rock N Roll Politics, selling out in London venues and at the Edinburgh Festival. At Tara Arts we are going one step further by getting three other top journalists to take to perform live too. The audience can meet the likes of Polly Toynbee and the BBC's John Pienaar and they can engage with

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readers, listeners and viewers. Yes, there is a very big role for social media but I'm excited that some of the country's best journalists are also appearing on stage with me, bringing their columns, broadcasting and reports to life. There is no better theatre!"

Tara Arts founded in 1977 by Artistic Director Jatinder Verma, began in life as touring company.

It staged its opening p r o d u c t i o n , Sacrifice, a play by the Nobel Prize-winning Indian playwright Rabindranath Tagore, at Battersea Arts Centre in August 1977. Tara Arts aspires to be a carbon neutral theatre through their work in London and on tour. They are part of the pioneering Theatres Trust Ecovenue programme. Tara Arts was awarded a Green Business Award by Wandsworth Council in autumn 2008.

The company also produces global theatre for local a u d i e n c e s .

Positioned between East and West, Tara Arts has pioneered cross-cultural theatre for over 3 decades. The company tours vibrant adaptations of European and Asian classics and new work, brings the great stories of the world to children in junior schools and, at Tara Theatre, develops emerging artists and new audiences. It has produced work at the National Theatre, Trafalgar Square, the British Library and a host of other theatres across Britain, Europe, and Asia.

For those of you interested in watching these shows, it’s running till 2nd November at Tara Theatre, Earlsfield and it’s available for £12.50, multi-buy (buy tickets for more than one evening): £11.50 or see all 4 Journalists on Stage for £40.00.

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at aveditorial@ abplgroup.com

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November2013

7

8

UK

Successful Education Investment Conclave 2013 strengthens UKIndia relationship in education and skills sector

The inaugural India Education Investment Conclave 2013 concluded on an optimistic note regarding the strong synergy between India and the UK in the education and skills sector.

The conclave was organised by business news channel IndiaIncorporated.com an d technology-led education company U-Aspire, in c o n j u n c t i o n with Deloitte, the UKIndia Business Council, Confederation of Indian Industry and UK Education’s International Unit at professional services firm Deloitte’s office in London on 2-3 October.

“As a major employer in both countries, with a depth and breadth of expertise across the economy – we are keen to play our part in raising education standards and skills in India,” said Julie Mercer, Head of Education at Deloitte, as she set the tone for the event. The objectives of the conclave were to facilitate investment flows into Indian education; help create partnerships between Indian and British education, as well as private equity and venture capital; and assist potential partners to

understand where the opportunities are in Indian education, and how best to take advantage of them.

“The India-UK relationship is deep and remains unparalleled.

Today, the countries stand as equals in this partnership and as both nations progress and grow together, education will prove to be the key driving force,” said Manoj Ladwa, f o u n d e r - C E O of Indiaincorporated.com.

Supriyo Chaudhari, director of U-Aspire, added: “India has plenty of opportunities, but you must have a good local joint-venture partner, ambition and a willingness to stay in it for the long haul.”

The over-arching message from the experts in the know was that foreign providers would benefit greatly by engaging on a state-by-state level, as mindsets and conditions vary greatly across India at large.

Lead Producer for the Conclave Pratik Dattani said: “India offers great investment opportunities and we are looking to significantly boost investment into, and collaboration with, Indian education through this initiative.”

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5 members of ‘Burka gang’ arrested for Selfridges robbery

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November2013

Five men were arrested last Tuesday for a ‘smash and grab’ raid that took place at Selfridges in Oxford Street in June. A gang of at least 6 men escaped with over £1.5m worth of luxury items, including high-end watches, after posing as wealthy Middle East women to enter the department store. They used sledgehammers to smash glass cabinets before grabbing handfuls of watches and fleeing on scooters.

Flying Squad officers cornered in on eight addresses in Islington as part of an ongoing investigation into two robberies involving men dressed in burkas.

The men arrested are also being questioned about an earlier robbery in Windsor in April when men dressed in burkastyle black robes carried out a raid on a jewellery store in Windsor.

Over 100 watches were taken, worth more than £1 million, and have still not been recovered.

Detective Inspector Bob Currie, of the Flying Squad, said: "The raids represents the next stage in what is a complex and ongoing investi-

Members of the public holding a suspect down outside Selfridges in June

gation. The actions of the people involved in these two offences showed a blatant disregard for the safety of the public and those members of staff at the premises targeted.

"Today's arrests show that the Flying Squad

will continue to pursue those who chose to commit these types of offences, gathering the necessary intelligence to arrest them and bring them before the courts."

Two men were already jailed in connec-

tion with the Selfridges raid, after being held by members of the public as the scooter they were riding crashed as they made their getaway.

Dozens of watches spilled onto the pavement as they crashed.

CHN with Lord Popat hosts first ever Diwali Dinner at House of Lords

The City Hindus Network and Lord Dolar Popat of Harrow hosted a fantastic evening to celebrate Diwali, at the House of Lords on Friday 25th October. The first Diwali event of its kind, the dinner was held on the beautiful terrace overlooking the River Thames, making it fitting for the upcoming festival of light. The highly anticipated dinner was oversubscribed with over 120 guests attending the evening, which included a special tour of Parliament.

In attendance was Richard Harrington MP, Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party and Member of Parliament for Watford, Lord Bilimoria, Chairman of UK India Business Council and CEO of Cobra Beer, Alpesh Patel, Advisory Board for City Hindus Network, Aekta Mahajan, Vice Chair, City Hindus Network, CB Patel, Executive Editor, ABPL Group and the executive board of CHN members: Nishma Gosrani, Bijal Shah, Dimple Dattani, Punam Denley, Dipen Jobanputra and the newly appointed Chair of CHN, Prinal Nathwani.

Mayuri Parmar, Director of Conservative Friends of India was also present.

Lord Popat gave an enlightening speech on the need to engage with

L-R - Dimple Dattani, Aekta Mahajan, Richard Harrington MP, Lord Popat, Alpesh Patel, Ameet Jogia

young Hindus to harness the opportunities available to them and for the British Hindu Community to reach the next level by increasing their civic participation in society, for example becoming school gover-

nors, councillors, JPs etc.

Richard Harrington spoke about the perception of the Conservative Party amongst ethnic minorities whilst Lord Bilimoria spoke about effective leadership within the Hindu community and the importance of being leaders of tomorrow.

A special announcement was also made by CHN, which introduced its new Chair, Prinal Nathwani.

An exquisite threecourse meal followed a Q&A session where CHN m e m b e r s quizzed the panel on some tricky quesCB Patel with Lord Bilmoria and tions.

Lord Popat

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November2013

Leading Lights

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

As readers of this column may know, I was recently invited to the Rhodes Youth Forum (RYF) organised by Youth Time; an international non-profit, non-governmental organisation that promotes equality, peace and understanding, starting with the young.

There I discovered some of the world’s elite youth- among them outstanding young South Asians –and introduced them to you as we need to know what exciting initiatives and opportunities Europe presents to us.

29-year old Hrishabh Sandilya is Vice President of External Relations and Development at the AngloAmerican University (AAU) in Prague, Czech Republic. He co-founded The Insaniyat Initiative, a think/action tank that discusses urbanity and Prague, and dabbles in social commentary and writing.

Born in Bombay to a Sindhi mother and a South Indian father, his

Photo Credit: Youth Time

A Young Indian with a British Connection Impacting Central Europe

Rani Singh and Dr Hrishabh Sandilya at Rhodes Youth Forum, Greece

family has historical links to the UK. On his mother’s side, the family has been in the UK and the Commonwealth since Partition and his father spent his formative years in England (when Hrishabh’s grandfather was posted here with Unilever).

Hrishabh went to the Cathedral & John Connon School in Bombay, followed by college at St. Xavier’s and Sydenham before moving to Europe,

where he’s been for the last nine years.

He spent the first period in Poland and the UK, before he moved to Prague for his Master’s and Doctorate at Prague’s Charles University.

He was asked to coordinate the International Master’s program at Charles University during his doctoral studies, after which he moved into education management and ended up at his current position in External

Relations at AAU. “AAU was the first private (and non-profit) educational institution in Central Europe after the fall of Communism.”

Hrishabh told me. “It’s shaped many young minds and has had a positive impact on Czech society with its focus on the liberal arts. I have a chance to interact with thinkers, diplomats, politicians and people who are making a real impact and that is the part I cherish about my work at AAU.” Hrishabh maintains a UK focus, too. “At AAU we teach in the Anglo-Saxon educational style and have a strong professional link with the University of London. I have extended family spread out over the London area and Surrey.

My mother’s uncle moved there in the 40s, and I still see my cousins every time I am there. A lot of my friends from high school are in the UK and my brother worked there in the past, so there are strong ties and I am always glad to be back.”

Hrishabh feels that British Indians could be getting more out of Europe. “With school fees on the rise in the UK and a reduction in the quality of teaching, British Asians are in the best position to take advantage of a Continental education.

There are some fantastic

universities in Western and Central Europe, where, in most cases, these schools teach entirely in English (even for their own local students). With reasonable or no fees, quality teaching, and the chance to learn other languages, it makes perfect sense to look at the options.

Hrishabh is an India scholar – “I research Indiaher international and domestic politics, and comment on India for the Czech media, as well as advising companies and organisations on their India strategies.”

Hrishabh thinks that the Youth Time Movement is important for young Indians in Britain as well as in India. It makes sense that AAU is an academic partner of Youth Time and the Rhodes Youth Forum.

“The RYF focuses on different voices and ideas coming from parts of the world that don’t necessarily get their fair share of attention. Young Indians need to realise that there are great ideas coming from outside the Anglophone world. Events like this give us a platform to hear these thoughts.”

Indians and others also have a chance to take advantage of two scholarships at the Anglo American University Hrishabh has initiated through the RYF.

“Youth Time is a natural partner of AAU. Apart from being based in Prague, Youth Time’s focus on informal education and innovation in learning is something AAU holds close to its heart. We believe in the role that learning outside the classroom plays in the overall development of graduates.

We are happy to support our students and those from the outside to get the best out of fora like the RYF or the forthcoming Paris event.

By offering scholarships to study at AAU, we are hoping to foster a closer link with Youth Time members, and in the longrun come up with innovative projects on revitalizing the discourse on education together with Youth Time Movement.”

Hrishabh is in India twice a year and lectures at the Xavier Institute of Communications in Bombay. He maintains academic links to institutions in both Delhi and Bombay.

At the Paris International Youth Forum “New Paradigm of Education: European Dialogue” on26-27 November, European youth leaders aged 20 to 35 will present projects concerning new paradigms of education. http://youth-time.org/npe

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November2013

Being held to Ransom

Quest for gold

Last week NPower announced rises in gas prices by 9.3% and electricity by 11.1%. This follows in the wake of price rises by British Gas, SSE and EDF energy. SSE will increase prices by 8.2% from 15 November and British Gas said prices would go up by 9.2% on 23 November.

The latest rise by N Power will add an extra £137 to an annual average dual-fuel bill, taking it to £1,459. Five years ago, the average dual-fuel bil was £752; now it is £1,264 - an increase of four times above inflation. When wholesale prices go up, bills go up, but when, for instance, wholesales fell by 45% in 2009, bills did not go down proportionately and fell by mere 5%!

The six big energy firms who supply 98% of Brirish homes are holding their consumers to ransom. We need to have power, we need to use gas to stay warm in winter and cannot revert to using cow dung or wood for cooking and heating.

People who suffer most from the indiscriminate rises are retired senior citizens who have nowhere to go during the day, and to avoid heating bills, they stay in cold and damp houses and suffer from depression and other illnesses and be a burden on the health service.

The solution is to nationalise the companies providing the indispensable utilities like gas, electricity and water and or subsidise the cost of these utilities.

Instead of giving aid to foreign countries which in fact carry a chip on their shoulders against us, let the charity begin at home!

Human quest/craving for gold go back to days of Ravan/Kuber. Historical quest of El Dorado (land of gold) by Spanish Conquistadors’ended in loot of Red Indians’gold/silver of Latin America.

Fiction film makers produced blockbuster “ing Solomon’ Mines”in 1950s.

Lately I read twice a novel entitled “eshwa noo javeraat”depicting events about hiding gold from British soldiers after Indian freedom War of 1857.

It is remarkable that Shobhan Sarkar dreamt nine years ago about 1000 tonnes of gold, buried by Raja Ram Bukhsh Singh of Avadh. Three more sites along banks of Ganga river have been suggested for excavation. It is also remarkable that top ministers, 20 TV teams, scientists, engineers and 140 constabulary, police are now involved. All this fuss is based on dream when Maharashtra state has banned practices, rites and rituals that spread superstition.

Quest/excavation is ordered after GSI’ report; but the GSI has equipment that is neither adequate to penetrate beyond depth of 1 metre nor pin point preciousness of the material.

Revival of 9 year old dream and timing of hastened excavation just a day before visit by N. Modi to Kanpur, is also suspected to distract public attention by UPA and to clutch straws before general election of 2014.

Crucial question: Can such a tiny principality have 1000 tonnes of gold?

Then how much gold was owned by 565 major and minor states!

If gold is found, how much will be stashed abroad/ pocketed by corrupt persons.

Ramesh Jhalla By email

Very informative medical tourism special

Importance of classification

My in-laws have been a subscriber of both AV/GS for several years. We live as a joint family. Since last one year or so, I have been a regular reader of Asian Voice.

Though I was born and brought up in London, I find the contents very useful and keeps me in touch with the global diaspora. Last week, we were happy to receive the medical tourism special. I find it very enlightening and especialy the article on keeping fit by Ms Sapna Vyas Patel, it was a jewel in the crown. I did briefly mention the article to my fatherin-law and he was unhappy that it was not published in the Gujarati language.

May I request you to please do that at the earliest and help all family members to look after their health and live a more fulfilling life.

I refer to Sh. Ramesh Jhalla`s letter in AV 26th Oct. I quite agree with him. I believe it is very wrong to confuse “arna”with “aste” Let me first quote Dr BR Ambedkar, a leading member of the Indian constituent assembly, a renowned lawyer and also a recognised leader of those who called themselves “alits” “he principle underlying caste is fundamentally different from the principle underlying “arna” Not only are they fundamentally different but also fundamentally opposed.”

His further statement: “ must admit that the Vedic theory of “arnas”as interpreted by Swami Dayanand and some others is sensible and an inoffensive thing. It did not admit birth as determining factor in fixing the place of an individual in society. It only recognised worth.”

Many Vedic discussions and dialogues between Rishis are stated in Mahabharata as references and guidance.

Rishi Bhrigu said there is no distinction between varnas, this whole jagat is Brahma-roop. Originally all humans were only Brahmanas, with passage of time and variation in individual`s activities the varnas (classification) came about).

Rishi Bhrigu goes on to explain how Varna-vyavastha naturally developed on the basis of guna-karma with passage of time. Towards the end of the discussion, the Rishi says: if one born of shudra parents does not have qualities of shudra, he is not a shudra. If one born of brahman parents does not have qualities of brahman, he is not a brahmana) Manusmriti says: a Brahmana becomes a Shudra and vice versa on the basis of one`s merits, actions and abilities. Similarly, such interchange also takes place between Kshatriyas and Vaishyas.)

The Bhagwad Geeta says: The fourclass system developed on the basis of one`s guna (qualification) and karma (activity).

I believe that it is natural for human beings to classify. The classification system, which is known in Vedas as “arnavyavastha” exists under one name/style or another in all cultures. In the same manner, quality differentiations are applied to agricultural products, manufactured goods and so on. There is nothing unnatural about this.

Many thanks, Kalpna Patel, Edgware, Middlesex

Discrediting Modi

Shame on BBC’s double standard sitcom - Citizen Khan (Series 2 BBC One, 9:30PM Fri, 25 Oct 2013) Mr Khan talks to building society manager including the manager’s wife who is Indian, that Indians are horrible people, short, ugly, fat with no manners and they have got “poo breath”, and then goes on to urinate in a fish tank of building society himself.

Mr Khan tells his daughter that India is like a “toilet”; The developers (Anil Gupta-Richard Pinto & Adil Ray) of this so called sitcom are crass and has in the name of so called comedy insulted all Indians.

I am proud of my Indian heritage and have been deeply offended by this show.

Mr Khan is disgusting and should simply crawl back into the hole he came from. I do not pay my BBC licence fee to sponsor repulsive trite productions.

On one hand UK’s Home-Office welcomes people of all nationality to become a British Citizen by taking a test on Life in the UK and on the other hand BBC promoting this derogatory, insulting and obnoxious so called entertainmentCitizen Khan.

I want the BBC to publicly apologise and going forward, be more mindful of the content of their productions.

The number of people in jobs in London has risen by 30,000 in the past three months.

A quarter of a million Londoners have found jobs since the last General Election in 2010. And across the UK, more people are in work now than ever before.

The economy is showing positive signs of recovery after several years of painful decisions. In the European Parliament Conservative MEPs are working to deliver a more competitive economy that will create even more jobs for the UK. We have made sure that the EU cuts its budget; we have secured exemption from regulations for small businesses; and we have seen off attempts to limit the number of hours we can work.

There is more to be done and that is why, working with David Cameron, Conservative MPs are working on a plan to radically cut EU red tape and meddling, to eliminate the barriers that impede businesses from starting up, growing, employing and trading.

We are the only Party that has shown it can make changes for the better in the EU, changes which will help the continued recovery that we all want to see in London’s economy.

I would like to comment on the editorial write up (26/10/2013) on Narendra Modi.

Since the time Modi was nominated as the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate there is a sustained campaign against Modi by Muslim groups in India and abroad especially in U.K and America.

Javed Afthar and Sabhna Ashmi are in the forefront in attacking Modi calling all sorts of names including ‘ascist’and ‘Hitler’ Both were nominated by the Congress as MPs in the Rajya Sabha.

Both of them are asking Muslims not to support Modi as if they are self styled leaders of the Muslim community. They operate their own organisation for antiModi campaign in this country and they are supported and aided by British Muslims and anti- BJP groups.

There are also anti-Modi organisations operating in U.S.A. Pheku.com operating from USA aims to discredit Narendra Modi. The organisation is mainly run Muslims and Christian in America.

CPWR (Council for Parliament of the World Religion) withdrew the support for Swami Vivekananda 150 Birth day celebration since VHP was involved in organising the function.

FOIL (Forum of Inqualibi Leftists) is mainly run by Muslims and leftists.

Campaign against Genocide ( CAG) is run under the leadership of Dr. Raja Swamy and it is an anti-BJP organisation.

All these organisations well funded and directly support anti- Modi organisations.

It is interesting to note that Am Admi party is getting funds from anti- BJP organisations in Britain in order to take votes from Hindus in Delhi even though they do not have any organisational base and run by a few individuals.

Kiran Purohit By email

Syed Kamall Conservative MEP for London

Arun Vaidyanathan By email

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford

Citizen Khan Series 2

Making changes for the better

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November2013

11

12

MEDIA WATCH

Narendra Modi has emerged from the wings and now occupies the centre-stage of Indian politics. The Gujarat Chief Minister, building on his transformational economic agenda for the state and his three back-to-back election victories, has pitched his tent at the heart of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) campaign for the general election in May 2014, from which he hopes to emerge as India’s next prime minister.

Narendra Modi addressing meeting in UP

The Economist’s profile (October 19) of the rising megastar told of the way Indian big business had swung behind Mr Modi and the high expectations that large Indian companies had of him. His 13 year business-friendly tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister had apparently convinced honchos such as Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani that their (and the country’s) best bet would be a Modi government in Delhi.

The Economist projected Mr Modi’s visible achievements: efficient and corruption-free administration, prompt decision-making, rising all-round prosperity, good roads, good rail time-keeping, readily available power etc. Mr Modi’s electoral successes were proof of the pudding being in the eating. The Economist referred to the Gujarat riots of 2002 in which Muslims suffered the most, and the long shadow this had cast over Mr Modi’s political reputation, the magazine hinting that it was time to move on, presumably because the top people, including then ministers, had been arrested, tried in a court of law, and sentenced to long terms of imprisonment for their respective roles in fomenting the violence.

Wipro confounds sceptics

India’s third-largest software services exporter, Bangalorebased Wipro Ltd, reported a higher than expected 28 per cent net profit in the second quarter fiscal (July-September).

Revenue rose 19 per cent to $1.76 billion.. The company’s success was predicated on winning 45 new clients and a weaker rupee. It now needs two similar quarters to bridge the gap with its leading competitors.

Analysts have been waiting to see concrete results of a Wipro turnaround following the appointment of T.K.Kurien as company CEO in January 2011.

His goal was to make up lost ground against rivals Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp, and HCL Technologies Ltd. Mr Kurien said: “We have plenty of work to do going forward… and must make sure that next year we can catch up…...”

Infosys buoyant

Domestic air travel growth Following three years of decline in domestic air travel, India has posted a 13.4 per cent increase in September following a 20.4 per cent rise in August. The number of passengers taking to the air in September increased to 4.5 million over the September 2012 figure of 4 million. “The peak travel months of October-December are likely to see a moderate rise in flyers due to higher fares, but the negative growth is behind us for now,” said a senior airline official.

While low-cost carrier IndiGo remained the market leader with 30.3 per cent share in domestic travel, Air India saw the highest aircraft occupancy for the second month in a row.

“There is a distinct improvement in our service and people are coming back to us. Our airline has almost all new planes and passengers feel the difference,” said an Air India official.

(October 21)

Tata-SIA set for the skies

India’s Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) has accepted the Tata-Singapore Airlines proposal to set up a full service carrier in India that

Manmohan Singh receiving doctorate at Moscow Institute of International Relations. See comment page 3

Economic Times (October 19) said the market was in consolidation following a period of turbulence, with a “sense of optimism coming up. If you divide global and local investors, global investors are far more bullish on India than local investors. In some sense they (the former) are finding Delhi better off from their respective locations than we (Indians) find here.” Global investors appear to be saying to us, “why are you worried about your environment.” Look at the situation in our country. In the US, for example, there has been a budgetary shut down 16 times in the past 30 years and the debt levels have risen 60 times in the last 80 years. “There are many countries in worse shape than we are. So all these factors have

for cooperation in sectors such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, mining, automobiles, fertilizers, aviation as well as modernization of industrial facilities in their two countries.

The Government of India’s energy arm, ONGC, has shown an interest in Russia’s Arctic offshore reserves of oil and gas and the two sides will explore the possibility of building a pipeline to pump these to India (Hindu October 22). Meanwhile the first Russian-built nuclear reactor at Kundakulam has been linked India’s southern grid with a gradual augmentation of power production that should reach its peak capacity by the year-end.

The second reactor is due to go critical in March next year.

Reactors 3 and 4 await final legal scrutiny on both sides, but talks on setting them up are believed to have been successfully concluded.

Indo-Russian defence ties

Ratan Tata with Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong and Indian Minister Anand Sharma

contributed to the present Indian rally,” he said (Economic Times October 19)

N.R. Narayana Murthy

would entail an initial foreign investment of $49 million. Tata Sons (the holding company of the Tata Group) will be the majority partner in the venture with a 51 per cent stake, with Singapore Airlines vholding the remaining 49 per cent. The two companies plan to set up their airline with an initial investment of $100 million, of which Tata will contribute $51 million and Singapore Airlines 49 per cent.

Aviation Consulting firm CAPA Centre for Aviation South Asia CEO, Kapil Kaul, said: “I term it as a very important milestone for Indian aviation and credit the government for being decisive and clear in its thinking…..All is in order for this game-changing joint venture.”

(Hindu, Mint October 25).

Ratan Tata said Tata Sons would consider reacquiring Air India, if the government wished to privatize the airline sometime in the future.

pany’s declining performnces, has posted a robust second quarter and is currently growing faster than Wipro. ((Mint, October 23)

Axis Direct Director, Nilesh Shah, in an interview with the

Further, India and Russia underscored the significant potential

Meanwhile, Infosys, which had to call upon its retired founder N.R. Narayana Murthy to take up the reins following the com-

Modi ‘Dream Team’

The Economist, while rightly lauding Gujarat’s advance as a vibrant industrial state, hinted that it was uniquely so, as opposed to the rest of India.

That surely is overblown: neighbouring Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu lead the field as India’s major industrial hubs.

Maharashtra has recorded the the country’s highest domestic and foreign investment for decades, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala have long been top of the national league in education and welfare. The complexities of modern government require surely a competent team to deliver good governance, a point underscored by pro-BJP columnist Swapan Dasgupta, who called for a “Modi Dream Team” to be put in place (Times of India, October 6).

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November2013

Bullish global investors

India, Russia war game

Troops of Russia’s Eastern Military District in Siberia are presently engaged in a joint antiterrorist war game with Indian Army units in Rajasthan. The seventh drill in the series of exercises named “Indra,” the present exercise involves the mechanized forces of Indian and Russian army formations, which include tanks and armoured personnel carriers. “Both countries have troops deployed in active counter insurgency/terrorist operations and therefore sharing each other’s military experiences will pay meaningful dividends,” said a Defence Ministry statement. The last “Indra” exercise was held in Siberia in August 2012. (Telegraph October 19)

Oil and gas

Following his talks with President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India-Russian defence ties “will remain a key defence partner for India as we move into a stage of joint design, development and key production of key defence platforms.” In a joint statement at the end of the 14th IndoRussian summit, the partners plans “to enhance cooperation in the field of rocket, missile and naval technologies and weapon systems.” India and Russia also pledged to extend indefinitely their 15-year-old partnership in the production of the BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missile and develop an even more potent hypersonic version.

Vikramaditya ready

Aircraft carrier Vikramaditya is to be handed over to India in midNovember, with the delivery of the sixth Russian-built Trikent stealth frigate to India to follow.

Progress in the joint development of the fifth generation warplane and a multi-role transport aircraft is ongoing. India and Russia are also to set up a new working group for Glonass, the Russian equivalent to the US Global Positioning System, which will guide Indian weapon systems on land, air, sea and space to their targets with improved accuracy.

Russia will share this top secret technology only with India, said Dmitry Rogozin, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister with special responsibility for the defence industry (Hindu, October 22).

UK

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November2013

What you need to know about Family and Immigration Law with Duncan Lewis

To The Mother of all Parliaments from the Mother of All Democracies ‘Here, where the Independence of Hindus was granted, the mother of all Parliaments, we elevate her because we originate from the mother of all Democracies. ‘ My speech as Member of the City Hindu Network Advisory Board at our Annual Diwali Dinner at the House of Lords hosted by Lord Popat, with Chief Guest Richard Harrington MP, Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party: “Jai Shri Krishna and Happy Diwali to you all.

Richard, thank you so very much for being here and stepping in for Matthew Hancock who sadly could not make it tonight due to Downing Street duties for the Prime Minister.

Richard, when I worked in the United States Congress as an intern (– I wrote paper on the influence of the AIPAC – the Israeli-Jewish Lobby in America.

Richard, on 6th of October, City Hindu Network sent a tweet mentioning Matthew will be here today. We added the twitter handle of the Prime Minister to that tweet.

On the very next day, 7th October, the Prime Minister announced Matthew’s promotion. The very next day.

Richard, make no mistake, the City Hindu Network has that kind of pull and power. We modelled ourselves on AIPAC. Now Richard, in Matthews promotion, (which is thanks to us), his knowledge of global economics will be vital.

The reason the cow is sacred in Hindu culture – it is the giver of life, a mother, it is the provider of milk, a sustainable source of nutrition to human without having to sacrifice its own life as meat.

Hinduism has believed in sustainable economics as something sacred for 5,000 years as the oldest of all faiths.

Richard, we want to bestow upon you an immense honour. We want you to be an Ambassador for Hinduism. So let me tell you about Hinduism: No man has ever given freedom to so many ever, in the history of the world than a Hindu man - Gandhi. If you believe in freedom, you honor him at the top of your altar. Even before Abraham Lincoln.

Einstein, like you Richard, Jewish, said of that Hindu – ‘generations to come will scarcely belief that one such as this of

13

flesh and blood walked this earth.’

The greatest minds of the West, Einstein, have looked up in awe and wonderment at the greatest that Hinduism has produced.

But we are not pacifists. When the call came to defend democracy, to fight for British Independence, Hindus lined up in their thousands, volunteers, to march to their deaths in the Second World War. My grandfather and great grandfather were in the British Army. It is why we feel this is OUR wonderful country, our Britain – and we are at home in this great nation, Great Britain, as she, Britannia, was at home in Hindustan.

India, Hindustan is not a democracy because of Britain, but Britain is a democracy because of Hindu soldiers.

Hinduism and Democracy go hand in hand – Empror Ashoka had written down the pillars of the Rule of Law long before the Greeks even conceived of them.

To be an ambassador of Hinduism, is to be an ambassador of Democracy.

Never in its History has the Hindu nation invaded another country. In no other nation on earth do so many Muslims live in harmony with those of another faith, as they do with Hindus in India.

To be an ambassador of Hinduism is therefore to be an ambassador for Peace.

Diwali, is about the Ramayan, 5,000 BC – we believe in one God, in many incarnations. The longest poem ever written. It goes hand in hand with the oldest story ever told – the Hindu epic the Mahabharat.

I want you Richard to know, and I remind the Hindus in this room, know in this in this Parliament, never has she been so rich as she is now to have Parliamentarians with the richness of this faith (I’m looking at you Lord Popat).

Here, where the Independence of Hindus was granted, the mother of all Parliaments, we elevate her because we originate from the mother of all Democracies.

Richard, like Matthew, we would like to promote you too, and promote each of you in this room, – promote you to be an Ambassador of Hinduism.

Congratulations

Immigration and Family Law may at first glance be considered as quite distinct areas of law; however we at Duncan Lewis have found in practice they are increasingly becoming intertwined.

By Savita Sharma Due to an increasing number of immigration overstayers entering into relationships with others, often of British or European nationality; issues are now arising between the need to maintain family life and the need to maintain an effective immigration control. In mid2013, the Home Office acknowledged that up to 70,000 illegal immigrants were living in the UK and that a significant number had been living in the UK with children and a family for many years. Therefore, it is inevitable that family law issues will overlap with immigration issues.

There are two main questions which arise in all family cases where a person’s immigration status is unclear.

Firstly, what impact can an individual’s immigration status have in family proceedings and secondly, how does family law impact on a party’s immigration status.

The family issues that can arise by a person’s immigration status range from applying for a divorce in cases where your partner holds a non UK passport; where you are involved in court proceedings relating to children born in this country i.e. residence or contact orders; if you have entered the UK on a spouse visa and are then a victim of domestic violence, or where you wish to leave the UK with your children. Where the other parent is a British Citizen you are strongly advised to obtain expert family and immigration advice immediately.

The current trend in case law sug-

– Happy Diwali.”

gests that immigration orders are stronger than those of the family court where an individual’s case is being heard in both courts. Family courts have become wary about applications being made to be then used in any subsequent immigration matter as they may fetter the duty and discretion of the Secretary of State. Therefore, if your immigration status is unclear and you wish to make an application in respect of a family or child care issue, then you should obtain specialist family advice to consider whether indeed you are in a position to make an application in the family courts and how or if it will affect your immigration case.

The Immigration Laws appears to have become more regulated by changes in the Immigration Rules since July 2012 but the Immigration Courts have recognised the importance of taking into account what would be in the best interests of the child when making decisions and upholding the principle of family unity.

As illustrated above, there are cases where particular family situations involving British and European national partners or children may create strong ties and prevent the removal of a family member subject to the merits of each case. If you are in this position or know someone who is, they should be advised to seek specialist family and immigration legal advice to effectively protect their legal position.

Legal 500 Law Firm, Duncan Lewis has extensive experience of working with clients and throughout London and across the UK with immigration issues in Family Law. Duncan Lewis has specialist Family/Childcare and Immigration Law Departments that work closely together to ensure that both family legal rights and Immigration issues are safeguarded promptly for all clients.

Mrs Savita Sharma is a Director and Solicitor of Duncan Lewis and an accredited specialist in all areas of Family Law

Offices across London and throughout UK l City of London Harrow Hackney Islington Lewisham Shepherd’s Bush

l l l l

Southall Tooting Birmingham Cardiff Leicester Manchester

With over 500 Staff to Assist Tel: 020 7923 4020 - www.duncanlewis.com

Successful entrepreneur Rami Ranger sues Lords for blocking peerage A very successful entrepreneur and a well-known community leader has sued the House of Lords in a first such case that will have unprecedented legal proceedings. As a Sunday Times article announced, Rami Ranger was “hysteriously blackballed in his bid to become a life peer”. A self-made millionaire, Rami is forcing the Lords to reveal why his application to be a “people’s peer” has been twice rejected.

Rami’s company, Sun Mark, which has a turnover of more than £150m, has won an annual Queen’s award five times and Rami believes that he “more than meets” the published criteria. He blames

the block on potentially inaccurate or damaging information sent to the appointments commission from unknown sources.

Friends of Rami have said that he could be the victim of elitism, because the commission only supports an ‘old boy’s network’ of their ‘friends’.

Ranger’s High Court proceedings aims to force the commission to disclose all correspondence and comments that relate to his two applications — one in 2007 and the other in 2010 — including two unsolicited letters that it received from third parties. The commission has stated that it is not required to reveal the material because of

an exemption in the Data Protection Act that covers the honours system.

A document proved Ranger’s first application to the commission for a peerage in July 2007 reached the second “sift”stage. But his second application in August 2010 “appears to have been rejected out of hand without so much as a moment’s consideration” the court papers say.

The commission has stated that there is an exemption in the act relating to “personal data processed for the purposes of the conferring by the Crown of any honour or dignity”. Rami’s lawyers have argued that this definition does not explicitly cover a life peerage and that disclosure should be ordered by the High Court as a matter of public interest and transparency.

Petition Readers are invited to read the above details very carefully and if you agree, sign the petition:We, the undersigned, are aware of this news item. We believe it is right for Rami Ranger to take this legal step. We believe that the Honour system in Great Britain is in a unique way to recognize and involve all citizens who contribute to the well being of the country.

The community should be given some say. Rami Ranger has a done brave and honourable thing instead of suffering in silence.

Name:

Address:

Signature:

Date:

UK

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Vince Cable on Gandhi today in business

Business Secretary Vince Cable gave an impressive speech at The Inner Temple last Wednesday, 23rd October, about the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's principles and practice today to the business sector and the financial markets.

He was answering the questions put to him by The Gandhi Foundation “What would a Gandhian Business Model look like? And what steps would a LibDem Government take to get there?” Some 200 leaders from business, finance, the law, politics, academia, the Faiths, media and the voluntary sector had been invited to hear him in The Inner Temple's magnificent Hall overlooking the Thames.

This was The Gandhi Foundation's Annual Lecture for 2013. Cable followed in the footsteps of The Dalai Lama and 4

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November2013

L to R: Simon Thorley QC, Treasurer of The Inner Temple; Business Secretary Vince Cable; Lord Bhikhu Parekh, President of The Gandhi Foundation

Nobel Peace Prize Winners. The evening was opened by Simon Thorley QC, Treasurer of The Inner Temple, and Lord Bhikhu Parekh, President of The Foundation. Mr Cable spoke for half an hour and then took questions.

The financial and economic crisis we are still in demands yet more new

thinking. How can our society improve transparency, accountability and trust in business and finance? The Foundation thinks that Vince Cable's Lecture has offered a significant start and intends to build on it by opening up the debate. So, which of Gandhi's principles and practices do you think are relevant today

to these two vital economic sectors? How can they best be implemented? Can a practicable and acceptable 'Gandhian' Business Model be developed that can lead them out of the current crisis?

The Foundation believes that it can be and that its implementation will earn these companies society's respect again.

Plaque to be unveiled at Stansted Airport in name of Ugandan Asians Dhiren Katwa

A plaque to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the expulsion of Ugandan Asians is set to be unveiled at a ceremony at Stansted Airport next week.

The event has been organised by The India Overseas Trust 40th Anniversary Celebration Committee, led by Praful Patel, its Chairman, who is desperately seeking personal glorification, it has been claimed.

On first hearing about this event at Stansted, UK’s fourth busiest airport, in September, we asked Mr Patel for more information, but failed to get a response. Asian Voice has now seen the invitation and a covering letter, dated 22 October, thanks to a source.

In principle, the idea is worth welcoming. But having shown this invitation to some of Uganda’s movers and shakers, and the fact that most of those we approached were unaware of this event, does raise a few questions.

The general feedback

from Asian influencers in Uganda was that they would not welcome this event because they feel they have been well settled and are fully satisfied with the hospitality of the people and the Government of Uganda.

They are doing their utmost to contribute in whatever way they can to the development and prosperity of their ‘home’ Uganda and that a reminder of the events of 1972 and the deeds of dictator Idi Amin are neither necessary nor desirable.

General Yoweri Museveni, Uganda’s President, some 20 years ago tried to rectify the damage caused by Idi Amin.

The Uganda Government with the help of the World Bank and others have done everything possible to compensate for what happened in 1972. President Museveni even made a public apology at Westminster Abbey and at the Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Neasden, London, inviting expelled Ugandan Asians to return. Whilst some, including the Madhvanis

and Dr Sudhir Ruparelia did decide to go back, the large majority have stayed in the UK and in other parts of the world, on what then were foreign shores, but are now home to them.

One respondent asked about the purpose of this plaque unveiling whilst another questioned Mr Patel’s objectivity and aims, and that of his several trusts, which include The Indo-British Cultural Exchange Limited, Kailas Manasarovar Trust and The International Ayurveda Foundation, each of which has an interesting financial history. For example, The India Overseas Trust, according to the Charity Commission, between 2008 to 2011 had a total income of £587 and total spend, during this same period, of £8,314, with just £1 spent in 2008.

Of those who responded, one asked how Mr Patel could organise such events in the name of Ugandan Asians when he does not even live in Uganda, nor has he done so for the last few decades. Has Mr Patel

one had overstayed his visa. One, aged 21, had overstayed his visa while the others, aged 28 and 35, had entered the country illegally. The restaurant could now face a fine of up to £10,000 for each illegal worker.

Paul Smith, from the Thames Valley and Surrey Home Office immigration enforcement team, said: 'The message to employ-

ers in Oxfordshire who choose to use illegal labour is clear. We will catch you and you will face a heavy penalty.

Illegal working has a negative impact on communities. It defrauds the taxpayer, undercuts honest employers and cheats legitimate job seekers out of employment opportunities. I would urge members of the public with

carried out a public consultation, specifically of Asians in Uganda and in the UK? Do people really need reminding of the expulsion of Ugandan Asians?

In June this year, a thanksgiving event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the expulsion of Ugandan Asians, was held at Leicester Cathedral. The keynote speech at this event was given by Communities Secretary Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP. Our several requests for accounts of this, and other recent events organised by the charities which Mr Patel represents, have been ignored.

After all, this is money from the public purse and people are fully entitled, we feel, to know how and where their cash is spent, are they not?

We would welcome your thoughts, comments, observations on this matter as we do genuinely believe that every penny raised in the name of charity should be accounted for.

Please email dhiren.katwa@abplgroup.com

Immigration officers raid Asian restaurant

IMMIGRATION officials arrested three people after raiding a restaurant in Witney and a popular haunt for Prime Minister David Cameron.

Officials from the UK Border Agency raided Shaan in Corn Street on Friday 18th October at 8pm. Three Bangladeshi males were arrested and officials said two were illegal immigrants and

PM David Cameron was a frequent visitor to Shaan in Witney

information about suspected immigration abuse

Mosque Bomber Jailed For Life

A man who moved to Britain to study will serve at least 40 years behind bars for his campaign of "racial hatred" in the Midlands.

A white supremacist who murdered a grandfather and bombed three mosques in the Midlands has been jailed for life.

Pavlo Lapshyn, a student from Ukraine, was told he would spend at least 40 years behind bars despite his guilty plea, after a judge described his crimes as "abhorrent".

Mohammed Saleem

The family of 82-yearold Mohammed Saleem, who was stabbed to death by Lapshyn in Small Heath, Birmingham, said the sentence could "never be enough", adding: "He took away the life of a beloved person."

Lapshyn, 25, began his racist campaign just five days after arriving in the UK in April this year.

After killing Mr Saleem, he then went on to launch three attacks on mosques in the Black Country, bringing terror to Muslim communities.

During their investigation, police found dozens of videos and hundreds of images of chemicals, firearms and bomb parts inside his office. One clip showed

Racist: Pavlo Lapshyn

him practising for the attacks by blowing up a tree in a forest in Ukraine.

Passing sentence at the Old Bailey, judge Mr Justice Sweeney told Lapshyn he had been motivated by "religious and racial hatred".

"You were clearly planning to plant and detonate more devices in the hope that you would ignite racial conflict and cause Muslims to leave the area where you were living. Such views, hatred and motivation are abhorrent to all right thinking people and have no place whatsoever in our multi-faith and multicultural society," he said.

Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale, head of counter-terrorism for the West Midlands, said: "Lapshyn will be spending a very long time in prison and rightly so. He clearly would have continued with his evil bombing campaign had he not been caught."

During the sentencing, which was delayed after a suspicious package was discovered in the courtroom, Lapshyn showed no emotion, even while the judge read out a harrowing victim impact statement from Mr Saleem's family.

Driver admits careless driving

A driver last Friday admitted killing a pedestrian after driving carelessly in Hampstead earlier this year.

Mohammed Rashid, 23, of Weedington Road, Queen’s Crescent, pleaded guilty to causing the death of 32-year-old journalist Laurence Gunn by careless driving at Blackfriars Crown Court.

Mr Gunn, of Shirland Road in Maida Vale, was struck by Rashid’s Ford Focus in East Heath Road near to the junction with Downshire Hill, on to get in touch.'

Abdul Chawdhury, the manager of Shaan, said he checked the documents of the three employees when he interviewed them and thought they were in order.

The manager said that the arrests had come as a shock to the rest of the staff at the restaurant which has been open since 1999. He said: ‘I had interviewed the men and checked their passports

Laurence Gunn died in a car crash in Hampstead

Saturday March 3 at about 7pm. He suffered major head injuries in the crash and died a day later on March 4 at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington.

Rashid was arrested at the scene. He will be sentenced on November 29. and references and thought everything was in order. We will have to wait and see what the UKBA investigation finds.’ The restaurant proudly displays a picture of Mr Cameron posing with staff members in its window, and snaps of him dining with his wife and children on its website. The restaurant is around the corner from Mr Cameron’s constituency office.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November2013

Shrien Dewani wins extradition hearing

Honeymoon murder suspect Shrien Dewani has won a further hearing in his legal battle against extradition. On Tuesday 22nd October, a panel of three High Court judges headed by the Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas ruled that there are outstanding legal issues the court must decide.

Dewani, 33, is fighting removal to South Africa to face trial over his wife Anni's death until he has recovered from mental health problems, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

His lawyers have repeatedly said that he will be willing to defend himself at trial only when he is fit to do so.

Lord Thomas has called for a reopening of the case to take in to consideration, firstly, his status as "an accused person" and secondly, concerns whether it would be "unjust and oppressive" to extradite Dewani "regardless of the prognosis" of his mental condition.

Anni Dewani's mother Nilam Hindocha said outside court: "I am the mother of a murdered daughter. How long do I have to wait? It is nearly three years since she was killed and we have kept our dignity and respect

Shrien and Anni Dewani

throughout. I was brought up to believe British justice is the best in the world, so it is very hard to understand why we are still here."

In July, Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle ruled at Westminster Magistrates' Court that Dewani should be extradited and rejected his attempt to stay in the UK for further hospital treatment.

He said Dewani, from Bristol, was still not fit to plead or stand trial at present, but there was evidence that he would receive the care he needed in South Africa.

Dewani is suspected of planning the killing of his new wife Anni, 28, who was shot as the couple travelled in a taxi on the outskirts of Cape Town in November 2010, whilst on their honeymoon. Since then, three

men have been convicted over Mrs Dewani's death.

Last year South African Xolile Mngeni was convicted of premeditated murder for shooting her. Prosecutors claimed that he was a hitman hired by Dewani to kill his wife, yet Dewani has consistently denied this. Taxi driver Zola Tongo was jailed for 18 years after he admitted his part in the killing and another accomplice, Mziwamadod a Qwabe, also pleaded guilty to murder and was handed a 25-year prison sentence.

Lord Thomas said the further hearing should take place "as soon as possible". Legal experts said the renewed hearing, which could lead to appeals all the way to the Supreme Court, could delay any possibility of Dewani being extradited for months, if not years.

together as their empire of 12 practices spread across London and the Home Counties.

When the couple divorced last year, Mrs Sharma took ownership of seven of them, which upset her former husband and ‘strong-willed’ mother Kesh Sharma. But Mr Sharma insisted that five of those surgeries belonged to them, but the High Court last Friday said they did not agree.

Anushika's barrister, Alan Gourgey QC, told the court about the deep rift between her and her mother-in-law at the heart of the expensive court battle. At the heart of the case, lay a strong mutual antipathy between two very strong-willed women, the husband's mother Kesh and the wife,' he said.

'Kesh had been the driving force of the Sharma family businesses and she held a dominant and highly controlling position within the Sharma family...she expected deference from her family, which she regarded as her due, both as a mother and one of the founders of the family fortune.'

Richard Snowden QC, for Kesh and her sons, confirmed that Anushika was 'a daughter-in-law for whom she had no warm feelings.'

Last Friday judges sided with the younger party and handed her victory. Mr Justice Jackson said the business had depended on her dentistry expertise and her husband’s family had invested no capital and 'no more than minimal effort' in the venture.

Dentist daughter wins battle over dynasty

Dr Anushika Sharma

A millionairess dentist whose 'strong mutual antipathy’ with her 'controlling' former mother-inlaw took them to the High Court has won a key dispute at the heart of her bitter divorce battle.

Anushika Sharma, 36, and her 45-year-old former husband Sunny, worked together running their ‘niche’ dentistry business and are believed to have had assets worth up to £10million. They raised two children

Ex-husband Sunny

UK

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Sikh mother killed by 72mph police bike The family of 78-year-old Harbhajan Kaur, killed by a police motorbike going 72 mph, has vowed to continue their fight3 for justice, claiming they had been “failed” by the authorities. Mrs Kaur was hit as she crossed the road outside her home in Gants Hill. The City of London police motorcycle rider was escorting a convoy of taxis carrying disabled children for a day trip to Southend.

An inquest into her death of the grandmotherof-eight on Tuesday ruled nobody was to blame and that the clash was a tragic accident.

The family argues it was unnecessary to be travelling at 72mph, considering the road it was travelling on, had a 40mph limit. They say if the bike had been slower, or was sounding sirens, the outcome could have been different.

They are angry that the officer, who was seriously injured in the collision, was not charged or disciplined and called for a fresh investigation.

Mrs Kaur’s son -, 61, of Goodmayes, said: “This wasn’t an emergency. How can it have been that urgent for the officer to be going that fast? We feel powerless that there hasn’t been a proper investigation. If it was me, police would have

Gurmej Singh and his family holds up a picture of 78-year-old Harbhajan Kaur

arrested me straight away.

My mother has been crossing there every day for 18 years and she only crossed when there was the green man.”

Police had been slowing traffic at junctions while escorting the convoy in June last year. Mr Singh said officers told him the motorbike had to speed up ahead of the vehicles to reach Gants Hill roundabout before the convoy to halt traffic. It had pulled out alongside the taxis but failed to see her.

Her body was so severely disfigured the family were unable to properly conduct a traditional Sikh ceremony of bathing and dressing the body and praying with an open coffin.

Granddaughter Amandip Kaur said: “All we want is justice. He was going over 70 with no

warning. We feel that if they are going to travel that fast, emergency or not, they should have their sirens on. She was the most lovely, wise person who is still missed every day.”

A Met spokesman said: “The incident was investigated by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards and a full investigation took place. The officer was interviewed under caution.

“A file was handed to the Crown Prosecution Service which made the decision there was insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction on charges of either death by dangerous or careless driving.”

He added that a review of the evidence recommended “that no disciplinary or misconduct proceedings should be taken”.

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www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November 2013

Nandita breaks the ice

Hrithik Roshan ready to come up with ‘Krrish 4’

ctor Hrithik Roshan, who is currently busy promoting "Krrish 3", says the A team might come up with "Krrish 4." "All the

F

or someone who is not used to talking all the time, it is quite a challenge to assume such a role. But actress Nandita has managed to do just that, as she handles two interesting roles simultaneously, in two different films. Nandita has 'Anjala' with Vimal and 'Mundasupatti with Vishnu, in her hands now. "As for 'Mundasupatti', I am playing a school girl in the period set film, and am sporting a cool retro hairstyle and very minimal makeup. 'Anjala' is quite a challenge for me. I am an introvert by nature, but the film portrays me as Uthra, who possesses a diametrically opposite character. So when I had to keep talking to everyone on the sets, it was very difficult in the beginning, but I have steadily get used to it,” says the actress.

other franchise like Spiderman, Superman all those films were revamped in a span of three to four years. This is one film which has completed a decade, which is great, and maybe you will find a 'Krrish 4' in future.

You never know," the 39-year-old said.

"Hopefully we will also make 'Krrish 4'," he added.

"Krrish 3" is the third film in the franchise that began with "Koi Mil Gaya" in 2003 followed by "Krrish" in 2006.

Kangana's costumes worth Rs 10 million

ooks like Bollywood stars take the idiom ‘clothes L maketh the man’ a bit too

seriously while preparing to get into character. Shah Rukh Khan’s costumes in “RA.One” (2011) apparently cost over Rs 10 million and in the latest such case, Kangana Ranaut’s all-rubber latex suit in “Krrish 3” comes with a hefty price tag too. It is learnt that Kangana’s custom-made bodysuits have burnt a big hole in the makers’ pockets - worth a whopping Rs1000,000 per costume. And since, the makers had got around 10 such bodysuits, the total expense came to nearly Rs10 million.

Not dating Arjun or Varun: Alia Bhatt

A

lia Bhatt is an ambitious girl with a plan for stardom. “I know what I want. Though I am very young, I don’t want to be typecast, because I am not just a baby doll. I am okay with that image but I want to fit into any role. While visualising my career, I have not left any room for failure and if it does come my way, it will be difficult for me to deal with it. I see myself as a successful actor only.”

She says that she is not dating Arjun Kapoor or Varun Dhawan. “I continue to hang out with them and I don’t hide my friendships.

I would be totally open if I am dating an actor. Recently I read somewhere that I have dumped Arjun. I am very fond of Arjun and Varun both but I am not dating either.”

I am jobless: Ranbir Kapoor

C

alling himself jobless, Ranbir Kapoor has rubbished reports of having raised his acting fee to Rs 200 million.

There were reports that Ranbir apparently charged a huge sum for Abhinav Kashyap's 'Besharam', which failed at the box office. "I am jobless now... have no new films... hence this look. I don't know if you have seen my last film ('Besharam' - hinting at the failure of the film).

It is embarrassing to talk about the economics of business (fee hike). Actors share profit and loss of a film. It is not true (Rs 200 million hike)," Ranbir told reporters at an event.

Ananya more comfortable in Kollywood A

ctress Ananya, who has done Tamil and Malayalam movies, is comfortable with both the film industries. However, the actress now says, though she is a Malayali, she is more at ease working in the Tamil film industry! "I find it more comfortable working in Tamil films rather than in Malayalam. Right from the start, I got strong characters and lead roles in Kollywood. Luckily, all the films fared well at the box office too," says Ananya and adds that, she wants to be a part of good Malayalam films. "I am selective and don't mind waiting for the best role rather than doing all the projects coming my way and then regret about it later,” says the actress.

RGV gets threat, security beefed up

Security arrangements at the office and residence of filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma have been beefed up after he received a threat.

Varma had got threats earlier also due to the content of his forthcoming crime saga “Satya 2,” which the promos showed. "He is at the additional commissioner's office in Bandra presently. The security arrangements have been tightened at his house as well as office," a spokesperson of Varma, said. Varma took to microblogging site Twitter to explain his position.

Karthi's new looks awes Chennaites

T

he shoot of Karthi's next untitled film is happening in the roads of Chennai.

The passers by seems to be spell bound by the actor's new look. Fans have started praising the star for his new makeover on the internet.

Karthi whose “All in All Azaguraja” is going to be grand Diwali release is spotted with a French beard and appears with a never seen before hairstyle. Ranjith of “Attakathi” fame weilds the megaphone of this film to be produced by K.E.Gnanavel Raja under his banner Studio Green films.

Ajay Devgn all praise for Deepika

Ajay Devgn does not generally compliment other actors.

However, the star is all praise for Deepika Padukone's performance in “Ram-Leela.”

Incidentally, the two haven't worked together yet.

However, Devgn got to see Deepika's songs and a couple of scenes from the Sanjay Leela Bhansali romantic drama recently, and is said to be impressed with her act in it.

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November 2013

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No family pressure to get married: Priyanka

don't have any pressure to get married from my family. My dad never put this pressure on me to settle down,” Priyanka, who lost her father to can“I cer, said in a group interview. But the actress, who turned 31 this summer,

admits that her mother wanted her to get married ever since she turned 18.

“My mum is on her own track, but I never had any pressure because I am very work driven. But that doesn't mean you can't be in a relationship or can't get married. India has also changed and you can be a working woman and also have a family,” added the star of successful films like “Aitraaz,” “Mujhse Shaadi Karogi” and “Barfi!.”

She says her real hero was her father. She said: “For me, my dad has been my superhero. He always did superhero kind of things in my life. I was his favourite, so he used to pamper me a lot. He was very protective.”

Never did anything crazy for love: Kareena

ori Tere Pyaar Mein” actress Kareena Kapoor says she is a "boring" person in real life and never did anything "crazy" for her husband “G Saif Ali Khan. "I don't think I have done anything crazy for love. I am boring. Saif

has an image of being crazy but he is not. He likes me, he has no choice," Kareena said.

Kareena is sharing the screen space with Imran Khan again after “Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu.” Though Kareena might have not gone over the top for love in her real life, Imran certainly has.

Imran narrated how in his real life he had gone to Chennai to meet the family of a girl he was dating by impersonating another guy, as the girl's family did not like him, and stayed with them for a week.

In “Gori Tere Pyaar Mein,” Imran will pursue his love interest Kareena, who is playing an urban NGO worker, to a village. Imran, who is playing the role of a South Indian youth, said he did not have to work on the accent.

Sherlyn Chopra works hard to look good when nude

Sherlyn Chopra is known to push the envelope when it comes to the bold quotient in the industry.

Recently, the Twitter queen posted a sensual picture which grabbed attention and became viral online. On being asked about the picture where she is seen wrapping her legs around a pillar in a palace, Sherlyn said, "It is one of the postures found in Vatsyayana's Kamasutra. It depicts raw passion mixed with a sense of yearning."

Sherlyn believes that the body and mind should be in sync to feel good about one's body. "I work my ass off in the gym to be able to look wow even when naked," said the lady lass.

SRK is India’s most attractive personality hah Rukh Khan is 'India's Most Attractive Personality' according to a 16S city survey conducted by Trust Research

Advisory (TRA), based on what it called a '36 Trait Matrix', to measure brand attractiveness.

Following Shah Rukh Khan in attractiveness quotient are Amitabh Bachchan and cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Aamir Khan is India's fourth most attractive personality, followed by Mithun Chakraborty, Katrina Kaif, Salman Khan, Sachin Tendulkar and others.

Altogether 25 personalities from the field of cinema, sports and social-spiritual, business and music, were listed in the report.

"While we often see attractiveness only in terms of physical beauty, it is much more. It is a function of four founding appeals - rational, emotional, aspirational and communication. When the quotient is high on all four appeals, the overall attractiveness quotient becomes high," said N Chandramouli, TRA CEO. Other notable entries were Rabindranath Tagore, Madhuri Dixit, Sourav Ganguly, Sushmita Sen, Chris Gayle, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Kareena Kapoor, Anil Ambani, Karishma Kapoor, Lata Mangeshkar, Sunny Deol, Priyanka Chopra, Rekha, Hrithik Roshan, Ranbir Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha and Abhishek Bachchan.

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FINANCIAL VOICE Financial Voice

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November2013

Dear Financial Voice Reader, With interest rates rising in India – is it time to lock in the fall in the Rupee and sell out of pounds? UK GDP meant the pound should strengthen. Weak Indian economy should mean the Rupee continues being troubled – so no mad rush to buy Rupees. Dollar at risk during the week from several delayed US reports, Euro poised to print new highs if data disappoint.

The week started with a quiet session on Monday with little movement across major currency pairs as a number of US economic reports showed mixed data.

Industrial production growth accelerated to 0.6% from 0.4% while manufacturing production growth slowed from 0.5% to 0.1%. Pending home sales also dropped 5.6%, which was the largest decline in 3 years and although these figures are second tier we can assess that economic recovery in the US might be losing pace.

However, the quiet nature of Monday's session might be followed by volatile sessions ahead of us as the delayed Retail Sales scheduled for release on Tuesday is a very important piece of data and a possible decline in this critical sector of the US economy will once again drive Dollar lower. Even though the data are delayed due to the government shutdown in the US the Retail Sales and consumer spending in general are the backbone of the US economy and it is very important for us to note down how the economy was fairing before the shutdown occurred. Also on Tuesday, another piece of information is expected as the Consumer Confidence for October will demonstrate what the climate is in the US regarding consumer spending after the end of the aforementioned shutdown. Further down the week there are other piece of data coming in from the US like the Consumer Confidence report, the ADP Unemployment Change and the ISM Manufacturing Index and all these should show us how badly hurt is the economy from the recent government shutdown.

Across other currencies, the Euro remained unchanged hovering near the critical 1.3800 level but the German unemployment and retail sales reports that are scheduled for release this week might change that.

The Single currency has been showing amazing resilience during the last sessions as investors remain optimistic over Europe's signs of recovery. At the same time, the Euro acts as a diversification choice for traders as they distance themselves from the declining Dollar.

We expect that the continued weakness shown by the US currency will lift the Euro even more towards new highs for the year.

The Pound however was hit by signs of weaker consumer spending and is now battling to hold the 1.6100 level but even though the report showed a big decline in spending the British retailers are reported to be optimistic about a strong recovery over the next month. I remain very bullish on the Pound on a medium-term horizon as the British economy appears strong and this notion is shared by key policymakers as well. Last Thursday, Bank of England's Governor Carney announced changes to the bank's money market operations. In a significant development to the UK economics, Carney introduced changes to the lending requirements and terms in an effort to stimulate UK recovery even more and I believe that this would prove beneficial to the Pound in the long run.

BSE sensex surges by 359 points

The BSE benchmark sensex on Tuesday surged nearly 359 points to end at a three-year high after the Reserve Bank enhanced liquidity for banks and expectedly hiked a key policy rate. Snapping its fiveday losing run, the 30share index closed in on the 21,000 mark on the back of massive buying in rate-sensitive banking, realty, auto and consumer durable shares. Investor wealth zoomed by around Rs 1,000 billion on the BSE as overall 1,294 stocks closed with gains.

The BSE sensex, which had lost 325 points in the past five sessions, shot up by 358.73 points, or 1.74 per cent to 20,929.01 after RBI governor Raghuram Rajan announced the second quarter review of monetary policy 2013-14.

Market participants viewed the RBI's move to increase the liquidity provided through term repos of 7-day and 14-day tenor from 0.25 per cent of Net Demand and Time Liability (NDTL) of banking system to 0.5 per cent as a big positive.

"There was fear in the last few days that the RBI might go on a over-drive in its fight against inflation by hiking repo rate by 50 bps as against the consensus 25 bps hike. After the policy was announced, there was a relief on this front as well," said Rikesh Parikh, VP - Institution Corporate Broking, Motilal Oswal Securities.

The 50-scrip National Stock Exchange index Nifty jumped up by 119.80 points, or 1.96 per cent to 6,220.90.

Chidambaram to usher in fresh financial reforms

India’s finance minister P Chidambaram signalled the start of a fresh round of financial sector reforms, while asking regulators to initiate steps to boost foreign investment flows to avoid any adverse impact of the withdrawal of the stimulus by the US Federal Reserve.

The financial sector reforms, sources said, would be based on the recommendations of the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission, which has recommended an overhaul of laws. But, with little scope to push through the legislative changes, the finance ministry is pushing regulators to implement those moves that do not require amendments to the existing statues. The move is aimed at increasing confidence among global investors,

several of whom have lowered the expectations from India after a series of policy flipflops. The non-legislative changes could result in a thrust to the much-awaited deepening of bonds markets and tweaking of rules to make the system more efficient. The finance ministry is in the process of finalizing such changes.

But, a big focus of the FSDC (Financial Stability

and Development Council) agenda was related to the tapering, ahead of finance minister’s proposed meeting with foreign fund houses to attract fresh investments.

Chidambaram advised the regulators and finance ministry officials to use the “opportunity available due to postponement of the reversal of the monetary policies in advanced economies to further address the macroeconomic imbalances.”

The US Federal Reserve has a bond purchase programme of $85 billion a month, aimed at maintaining the economic stimulus by keeping the interest rate low. With the US economy showing signs of recovery, the Fed was expected to unwind the stimulus last month itself but was postponed due to a sluggishness in the economy. Fears

of tapering had hit emerging markets such as India adversely with the rupee hitting a lifetime low of 68.75 to a dollar at the end of August, resulting in a series of measures from the government and RBI to check outflows from the country and boost inflow of dollars. The FSDC meeting, which was attended by Sebi chairman U K Sinha, RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, IRDA chief T S Vijayan and FMC Chairman Ramesh Abhishek, discussed various steps to attract foreign investment and streamline procedures. Over the next two months, sources said, stock exchanges will organize meetings between the finance minister and large sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and institutional investors to woo investments.

Stock exchanges across Africa could “learn lessons” from developments initiated over the past decade by leading exchanges in India that have significantly helped to boost market capitalisation, Ibukun Adebayo, Cohead of the Primary Markets at the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), told an audience at the ‘London Investor Show 2013’ at Olympia late last week.

The event in West London attracted well over a thousand attendees to hear experts on investing topics spanning a broad range of asset classes - from international equities, retail bonds, exchange traded funds (ETFs), exchange traded commodities and derivatives.

Speaking during a ‘Global Investing: Focus on Africa’ seminar, the LSEG’s Adebayo said: “There is a big need and big desire to improve the local markets in Africa and bring in international standards.”

He added: “The problem with stock markets in Africa is that although they

are commercial entities, they are still very much viewed as bastions of domestic and national capitalism. So, suggesting that the Johannesburg Stock Exchange should merge with the Nigerian Stock Exchange is frankly not going to happen.”

Citing India as an example with stratospheric growth in market capitalisation of listed companies from some $200m a decade or so ago to in excess of $1 trillion in recent years, Adebayo remarked: “They [Indian exchanges] have taken a systematic approach to developing liquidity, changing rules and creating a market infrastructure that is more conducive to sustaining liquidity.” According to a report from the World Federation of Exchanges the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) located in Mumbai was ranked in ninth position among all exchanges globally with $1,597 billion (bn) in market capitalisation at the end of 2010.

More recently, this August the NSE’s market capitalisation stood at c.$989bn

with 1,635 companies listed.

Lisa Campbell, Director, Investor Conferences (UK) Ltd., organisers of the London Investor Show, commenting said: “A wide range of events for traders and investors took place throughout the day - from investment workshops, free seminars, debates and panel sessions, to a live trading hour and a series of presentations from AIM companies.”

There were around forty exhibitor stands including CMC Markets, IG Group, LSEG, Societe Generale and ShareSoc, the UK Individual Shareholders Society. And, thirty AIM companies were listed in the agenda spanning financial services, mining, pharmaceutical, software/IT, support services and oil and gas sectors.

She added: “The London Investor Show offers unique access for investors to some of the best speakers in the country. Investment Workshop tutors were on hand in the shape of Rodney Hobson, Sandy Jadeja and Justin

Urquhart Stewart.” Even ‘Asian Voice’ columnist Alpesh Patel, a successful professional investor, gave a presentation titled ‘How to Pick Winning Strategies’.

Chris Hulme, Chairman of the UK Shareholders’ Association (‘UKSA’), which had stand at the show, commenting on the day’s proceedings, said: “It was a well attended event and some very well educated investors seemed to enjoy the various talks, presentations and seminars that took place.”

He added: “The number of people we saw across the day and the conversations we had indicates s that there is much more confidence in the market.

Indeed, a lot more people were talking about coming back to the markets and investing. People are also understanding more about the need for shareholder action groups and representation of members by such bodies.” The next ‘London Investor Show’ - FOREX takes place on 21 February 2014.

- by Roger Aitken

The Bombay high court stayed the Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP) proceedings of the income tax authorities on the Indian subsidiaries of the British telecom major Vodafone Plc and Royal Dutch Shell Plc till further orders. The HC was hearing disputes raised by Vodafone and Shell over

transfer pricing computations by the I-T department. A bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice M S Sanklecha passed the order while hearing two separate petitions against the I-T department filed by Vodafone India Services Pvt Ltd and by Shell India Markets Pvt Ltd.

The DRP was setup in 2009 to deal with income tax-related transfer pricing disputes. It was largely projected to deal with tax assessments of foreign firms.

Transfer pricing is the practice of arm’s length pricing for transactions between group companies based in different coun-

tries to ensure that a fair price - one that would have been charged to an unrelated party - is levied.

In April 2013, energy and petrochemical company Shell India approached the HC against the Indian tax department’s allegations of evasion through a transfer pricing mechanism.

P Chidambaram

African Exchanges Could Learn From India’s Bourse Development, says LSE Official

HC stays tax demands against Vodafone, Shell

FINANCIAL VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November2013

19

Come rain or shine, the deal's got to be done

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap A Property Investment Company

On Monday morning there were mass travel issues due to the harsh weather late night. One of my colleagues left home at 7am to get to the office early, instead he arrived at 9.30am. Public and road transport were both delayed.

What’s the relevance of this to property I hear you ask? Come rain or shine there’s an auction on this day; the Savills auction.

Whether the room is full or half empty it will take place. Price is determined by demand and supply, here the supply is Lots for sale and the demand is based on the number of people who turn up for the auction and the phone bidders.

The good thing about auctions is the sales happen there and then; once the hammer has fallen the property is sold. It only takes two buyers to drive the price up and only one of them has to stay at home for the price of the property to be low.

Currently we have a property market which is heating up and this is even more so for Central London properties coming up for auction, where prices currently will be going up almost exponentially.

I know a dealer who regularly disposes his properties in auction to achieve a higher price than you can get from agents. However on a day like this where the flow of buyers will be hampered it pays to make the extra effort to attend. If the train and car won't get you there on time then jump on a bike if necessary! This will get you there on time and who knows you may pick up a bargain.

Th e year 2012 was when we had the Olympics, it was also the ye ar of the Q ueen 's J ubilee; at one Allsops au ction in May the turnou t was real ly po or, th e room was o nly half fu ll. This is in stark cont rast to times whe n the d oors in the auction roo m had t o be closed d ue to over capacity.

Th ese were both exc ellent de als and they shou ld have bee n picked up. We we re o n the wrong sid e of t he fen ce o n this au ction as se llers and n ot buyers, ho weve r it t aug ht me a valu able le sson . Timing is everything an d it pays to k now which f acto rs can disru pt the atten dance at auct io ns; bad weather be in g one.

During this time we were in the unfortunate position of selling a couple of Lots in the auction. One, a block of 4 flats in Harlesden; the other, a block of three flats in Shepherd's Bush. We were hoping to dispose of both prior to the completion dates which we had agreed for three months.

The block in Harlesden didn’t sell during the auction. One of the parties approached me privately and done the deal at £700k under an auction contract. This was still cheap, I later learned they had sold the block on. The other block didn’t sell, we had an offer of £600k but refused it as £650k was our bottom line. The same property is now selling for £921k without any work being done on it or money spent on it. So what changed? The market has certainly heated up but this was a deal even at £650k, simply the crowd was not there to bid the prices up. This is a 40% increase in just over a year.

We had purchased the pair of properties at £1.25m and were aiming to sell prior to completion by dumping it in the auction, however the timing was wrong. The demand was either on holiday or focusing on the Olympics and the Queen's Jubilee. It should have been foreseen given what was going on in the country, everyone seemed to be in holiday mood.

So, when the weather is bad all the more reason to attend as there’s a chance you could end up with a good deal.

We are currently at the beginning of a spike in property prices more so in the Central London region, not that this will be the only hot spot. I believe areas like Ealing and Shepard's Bush will be going up heavily in the next 2-3 years. Naturally there will be a seasonal lull in prices over the Christmas period, after this time prices will begin their rise being boosted by the government Help to Buy scheme, which will be rolled out in January 2014.

Lending has increased currently, brokers are busy again and valuations are taking longer. This is a sign that prices are going up. It's worth taking note the credit crunch was a shortage of credit, this is what led to a decrease in house prices. There is still a fundamental requirement for property in the UK this is highlighted in the Barker Report commissioned by the government in 2004 which points to a fundamental lack in the housing supply.

Also this quote taken from The Housing Report November 2012 by the National Housing Federation, Shelter and the Chartered Institute of Housing highlights it too: "DCLG has updated previously published data on the number of new homes built overall in 2011, providing an adjusted total of 114,160 homes – up 7% on the previous year. As was noted in the last edition of The Housing Report, while this increase was welcome, the 2011 figure remains the lowest annual total of any year – aside from the 106,720 in 2010 – for more than six decades. The numbers of new build starts appear to be far from healthy, hitting 23,510 in the three months to the end of June 2012 – down slightly from the previous quarter, and down 30% since the Government took office."

Enough houses simply aren't being built. While housing supply has fallen, demand has increased. We now need to build at the rate of at least 250,000 new homes a year to match the annual population growth, and at an even higher rate to replace our ageing housing stock and meet the accumulated backlog.

The Government has helped with its Help to Buy scheme, but this alone will not be enough to stimulate the lack of supply. This shortage of property is good if you’re an investor. But the high level of demand means it’s difficult to find deals. But this also means you're more likely to benefit from future capital growth.

The Real Deal

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Tips of the Week l Control your emotions. When it comes to an investment property don't consider this emotionally; keep buying to live in and buying to Let separate. l The return on property can only come in two forms, one is capital growth and the other is rental income; there is no third way. But capital growth is how you canmake most of the money and this is driven by location.

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FINANCIAL VOICE maria@abplgroup.com

The NHS: The levy for migrants

Maria Fernandes

The plan to charge £200 levy on migrants does not seem unreasonable at first sight particularly then taxpayers are already stretched. However the hype that preceded this and the estimated costs have been estimated, and the benefits wildly exaggerated.

What is discussed is health tourism which suggests that the problem lies with visitors. If this is the case (and there is no evidence that it is) than it is surprising that they will not be caught by the proposed levy system. Visitors are currently not allowed to seek medical treatment other than emergency care which should be available for everyone no matter where they come from.

After all if someone had an infectious disease there would be implications for the wider public and in our interests that the person is treated.

The UK also has reciprocal agreements with most European countries and 28 other nations, including countries such as Canada and Australia.

Therefore if their nationals used our services we could reclaim the cost of that care from the other country. The research released by the Department of Health indicates that the NHS is not very good at recouping the money.

Charging those who come to the UK is unfair as they pay their taxes and as part of that are entitled to receive NHS care.

With students, some of them work and in the same position. The

profile of this category of person is of young working age people who are unlikely to need health care. If required to pay a levy, which after all is miniscule in terms of the total amount spent may encourage this group to try to get their money’s worth and this may end up costing even more than anticipated.

The total budget of the NHS is £104 billion and the costs that are being targeted amount to around £30 million or 0.15%. Once the additional administrative costs of putting this in practice are taken into account this figure will shrink even more. A sledge hammer to crack a nut?

The group most likely to seek treatment are ex pats who live abroad, and accordingly, although British, do not pay UK taxes but come to the UK when they become ill and receive treatment. There is no bar to them doing so if they are coming over to settle here. They will be able to continue using the services.

Whilst the Government claim that they want to attract the bright and the best, they continue to target migrants by increased regulations. Undoubtedly the levy will start a process at a low figure and slowly but surely the figure will begin to increase as it is a captive audience without much of a say.

These groups already have to pay large amounts of money to enter and to study or work in the UK. To expect them to pay even more may be one step too far.

Tata Steel to build £15 mn furnace at UK plant

Indian steel giant Tata Steel has confirmed plans to construct a new £15-million furnace at its South Yorkshire plant in the UK to enable it to tap into new market opportunities and develop innovative new products for the aerospace industry.

The vacuum induction melting (VIM) furnace at its Stocksbridge unit will enable the firm to increase its supply of high-purity steel to the aerospace industry and is expected to be in operation by 2015.

“Having our own manufacturing capability will greatly increase our scope for VIM sales. This is a clear signal to our customers that we are fully committed to the aerospace market for the long term,” said Mark Broxholme, managing director of Tata Speciality Steels.

VIM production involves melting and casting steel in an oxygen-free

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November 2013

atmosphere, producing steel which is very clean with a low gas content. The development will also lead to more jobs as the company said there would also be a minor increase in the number of people working at the site once the furnace was constructed.

Tata Speciality Steels will work with German metallurgical technology company SMS Mevac, a major supplier of vacuum steelmaking equipment, to build the VIM facility.

“I am very much looking forward to seeing the

plant in full operation in 2015, satisfying the requirements of this demanding, high-end market,” said Michael Thiehofe, managing director at SMS Mevac.

Tata Steel UK is also hoping to build a power station at its Port Talbot works in Wales to replace old equipment. The gas-fuelled power station is likely to take three years to build and is due to have a lifespan of 35 years. According to local media reports, a proposal has been submitted to Neath Port Talbot Council which confirms

Most expensive mansion repossessed

A mansion on a superexpensive street nicknamed 'Billionaire's row' has become the UK's most valuable repossession after going on the market for £30million.

The house, named Dryades, is located in the centre of The Bishops Avenue, a leafy street in North London. But the property, owned by a Pakistani political dynasty, has been seized by the bank after a lengthy High Court battle.

The 8,000square-foot home has now been put on the market by the bank for a staggering £30million, but plans are already in motion to knock the existing house down and replace it with a giant new home.

Planning permission has been granted by Barnet Council for a

46,000square-foot replacement, which could more than triple the present value of the property. Its value could approach £100 million mark when completed - making it one of the country’s most valu-

able new residences.

The property was bought for around £12,000,000 in 2005 by the family of Pakistan’s former privatisation minister Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan as they looked to invest in the London property market. In 2007 it was used to secure a £50million loan with Deutsche Bank, but a lengthy ‘debt and possession’ dispute between both parties resulted in the family losing the home earlier this year.

rate by a further 25 bps to 8.75 per cent, which eases liquidity in the banking system by lowering the cost of borrowing for lenders.

"Today's move was a follow-through of the hawkish September policy guidance, as high and persistent inflation is seen as an impediment to the medium-term growth outlook," said Radhika Rao, economist at DBS in Singapore.

India's benchmark 10year bond yield dropped as much as 6 basis points from before the policy statement to 8.58 per cent, as traders were relieved that the rate hike was accompanied by the MSF cut. The rupee erased losses to trade stronger on the day at 61.46/47 per dollar while stocks extended

gains.

Food fight Annual food inflation accelerated to 18.4 per cent in September, its highest since mid-2010, pushed up by prices of vegetables, including onions, and stirring public discontent ahead of national elections which must be held by next May. However, India's economy grew at just 4.4 per cent in the June quarter, its slowest since early 2009. The 5 per cent growth rate recorded in the last fiscal year through March was the weakest in a decade.

The RBI expects the economy again to grow at 5 per cent in the current fiscal year that ends in March, below its earlier forecast of around 5.5 per cent but still above many

private-sector forecasts.

"The pass-through of rupee depreciation into prices of manufactured products is acting, along with elevated food and fuel inflation, to offset possible disinflationary effects of low growth," Rajan said in his policy statement.

The headline wholesale price index unexpectedly hit a seven-month high in September of 6.46 per cent as food prices surged, while the consumer price index jumped an annual 9.84 per cent.

The RBI said CPI inflation would remain above 9 per cent in coming months "absent policy action."

D.K. Joshi, principal economist at Crisil Ltd in Mumbai, said future rate moves would depend on inflation readings.

Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan

RBI raises repo rate by 25 bps, eases rupee support

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised interest rates for the second time in as many months, warning that inflation is likely to remain elevated despite sluggish growth, and rolled back an emergency measure put in place in July to support the rupee.

The central bank lifted its policy repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 7.75 per cent.

"Overall WPI (wholesale price index) inflation is expected to remain higher than current levels through most of the remaining part of the year, warranting an appropriate policy response," RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan said in his review.

While Rajan refrained from giving more explicit guidance, some RBI watchers say he may not

Raghuram Rajan

yet be finished tightening.

"Another hike is still possible given that the policy stance is still hawkish, not dovish at all," said Ganti Murthy, head of fixed income at IDBI Asset Management Co Ltd. The RBI next meets in December.

With the rupee having stabilised after a summer slide, the RBI as expected also lowered its Marginal Standing Facility (MSF)

Tata’s intention to apply to the planning inspectorate for development consent for the power station, which would be fuelled using gases generated as a by-product of the steel making process.

“The proposed development therefore represents an opportunity to significantly increase energy efficiency,” the report says.

Tata Steel is looking to install two boilers and two steam turbines connected to the existing blast furnace gas distribution network in order to receive gases through the pipe work. The firm is looking to increase its power generation capacity at Port Talbot from 115.7MWe (Mega Watts Electrical) to 225MWe. The European operations of Tata Steel, whose main steelmaking sites are in the UK and the Netherlands, comprise Europe’s second-largest steel producer.

Tata-SIA airlines gets FIPB nod, to take off soon

The Tata-Singapore Airlines (SIA) joint venture full service airline will soon take to the skies. The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) cleared this proposal in which Tatas will have 51% stake, investing $51 million initially, and SIA will have 49% share and invest $49 million to begin with.

India’s economic affairs secretary Arvind Mayaram told reporters that the deal was cleared without any riders for the proposed Delhi-based airline. TataSIA will now require security clearance from the home ministry along with nods from first the aviation ministry and then a licence from the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA).

A Tata Group spokesman said: "We are yet to formally hear from the FIPB. We are delighted with the reports of approval. As and when the formal approval comes, we will progress with the subsequent stages of the process."

However desperate to shrug off charges of inertia, UPA-II is keen that the airline starts within its remaining term. Tata-SIA had applied to FIPB on September 19 and got the same in just over a month.

"Tata-AirAsia application for starting a low cost airline had to wait for a longer time to get FIPB nod which they got on March 6, 2013.

The ministry approved it last month and now the DGCA is in the process of issuing it the licence that may happen by December. So the entire process from filing for FIPB nod to actually start flying for Tata-AirAsia will have taken about a year,” said sources.

FINANCIAL VOICE

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November2013

21

Foreign Exchange

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

UK Economy posted good growth On Friday 25th October we saw a 0.8% rise in GDP for the third quarter of 2013 meaning the UK economy posted its strongest growth since the second quarter of 2010. On a year-on-year basis, the UK economy is 1.5% larger than a year ago. This was led by a 0.7% increase in the UK’s service sector. Strong job creation over the summer has cut the jobless rate to 7.7% from 7.8% which has surprised Bank of England officials, meaning that they may have to revise their forecasts for growth, unemployment and inflation.

The recovery has largely been driven this year by increased consumer spending and falling household savings.

Cheap financing has encouraged consumers into the shops, car showrooms and estate agents.

The housing market is surging, retail sales rose at their strongest rate for five years in the third quarter and car sales were up more than 10% year on year in September. It would be better if this was an exports and investment driven recovery, but consumption led growth is a good start.

Earlier in the week, we saw the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voting unanimously at 9-0 to keep quantitative easing at £375bn and keep interest rates low.

In terms of their view on the economic recovery, they estimate that growth in the second half of the year would remain around 0.7% a quarter or a little higher which is stronger than expected from August’s inflation report. The BoE also felt that the recent reduction in the unemployment rate to 7.7% was reducing slightly faster than expected. Despite the positive

outlook it failed to have much effect on the pound.

The US dollar continued to slide to the weakest level since February as investor appetite for riskier assets rose on bets the Federal Reserve will delay tapering stimulus into 2014. The U.S. dollar index, which monitors the greenback against 10 other major currencies, fell by 1% last week commencing Monday 21st October.

Data from the Labour Department showed that the official unemployment rate fell to 7.2% in September, non-farm payroll figures revealed that only

148,000 new jobs were added in the same month instead of an expected addition of 180,000.

The data suggests that the US economy was weakening even before the government shutdown and as stated above, will delay the Fed’s decision to taper its monetary policy programme.

Friday’s durable goods orders data and the expectation that September retail sales will fall is another indicator that risks for the economy are still skewed to the downside and the manufacturing cycle doesn't seem to have gained momentum.

The Fed has promised not to raise rates until unemployment drops to at least 6.5%, provided inflation looks set to stay under 2.5%. The jobless rate stood at 7.2% in September.

On Tuesday 29th October, we saw the Reserve Bank of India decide to raise interest rates 7.75% in an attempt to fight inflation and despite sluggish growth. India’s annual rate of inflation rose to 9.84% in September from 9.52% in August. Growth slowed in the second quarter to 4.4% on an annual basis.

Weekly Currencies

As of Tuesday 29th October 2013 @ 4.15pm GBP - INR = 98.51

USD - INR = 61.31 EUR - INR = 84.46 GBP - USD = 1.61 GBP - EUR = 1.17

EUR - USD = 1.38 GBP - AED = 5.89

GBP - CAD = 1.68

GBP - NZD = 1.94

GBP - AUD = 1.69

GBP - ZAR = 15.85

GBP - HUF = 342.98

www.rationalfx.com

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

22

PAKISTAN-BANGLADESH-SRI LANKA

In Focus

Girl buried alive after rape in Pakistan, survives

Lahore: A teenage girl was buried alive after being raped in Pakistan's Punjab province, prompting a court to order a probe into the brutal attack. Siddique Mughal, a resident of a village in Toba Tek Singh district, told police that his 13year-old daughter was abducted by two unidentified men. The men took the girl to a deserted place and raped her. They believed she had died during the assault and buried her, Mughal said. However, the girl regained consciousness and dug her way out of the mud covering her.

Bangla opposition rallies turn violent, 5 killed

Dhaka: At least five protesters were killed and over 300 injured as workers of the main opposition BNP clashed with security forces during rallies across Bangladesh demanding a neutral caretaker government to oversee the next general election. BNP chief Khaleda Zia, addressing a massive rally here, issued an ultimatum to her archrival PM Sheikh Hasina to initiate talks on her demand.

The former PM said if the demand was not accepted, the party would enforce another nationwide strike.

Pakistan to send Sarabjit’s belongings home

Islamabad: The Pakistan government will send the belongings of Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh who died after inmates in the Lahore central jail assaulted him with bricks in April. A spokesperson in the interior ministry confirmed that the Government was shortly planning to send the belongings after a request by the Indian authorities. The jail authorities said that a number of small articles like his cup, spoon, plate, his clothes and shoes along with some books and other belongings were sent to the ministry of interior last week.

Pakistani man charged with assaulting Hindu woman

Islamabad: A Pakistani court has sent a man to three days' police custody on charges of assaulting and stripping off a Hindu woman in broad daylight in Sindh province. After police in New Chhor town in Umerkot district presented the suspect before the second judicial magistrate, the court remanded him in police custody for three days. A case has been registered under the Pakistan Penal Code - assault or use of criminal force on woman and stripping her of clothes.

Two Indian prisoners seek reduction in sentences

Islamabad: Two Indian prisoners have approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) and sought a reduction in their prison sentences, and include the time spent in jail as under trials. Lahore High Court judge Justice Ayesha A Malik has sought a reply from the Pakistan Government on the appeals. A Pakistani military court had sentenced Muhammad Afzal and Muhammad Islam to serve four years each on charges of spying for India, the report added.

China, Pakistan to boost defence ties

Beijing: China and Pakistan have decided to further firm up their close military ties by expanding their defence cooperation as visiting Pakistan army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani met top defence officials here. China and Pakistan have agreed to update their military ties and drive new progress in cooperation, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Fan Changlong, vicechairman of China's Central Military Commission, who met Kayani praised the fruitful development of bilateral military relations, which "mirrors our all-weather friendship".

Obama says 'no' to Sharif on Kashmir, nuclear parity

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November 2013

Washington: As expected, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif failed to get any traction with US President Barack Obama on his wish list - US mediation on Kashmir, nuclear parity with India and an end to drone strikes on suspected terror dens in Pakistani territory.

Despite being rebuffed by both India and the US, Sharif did once again dutifully raise Kashmir during his two hour meeting with Obama at the White House, but the joint statement made no mention of it or the drones. Speaking to the media with Obama after their Oval office meeting, Sharif said he was committed to cooperation with India, including on Kashmir.

And while India has described Pakistan as the "epicentre of terrorism" and linked any progress on peace talks to Islamabad shutting down its "machinery of terrorism" he told Obama that "terrorism constitutes a com-

mon threat" for Pakistan and India. "We need to ally our respective concerns through serious and sincere efforts without indulging in any blame game," Sharif said. He had also "brought up the issue of drones in our meeting, emphasizing the need for an end to such strikes," he said. Obama, on his part, made no mention of either Kashmir or drone strikes in Pakistan that according to Sharif "has become a major irritant in our bilateral relationship" besides being a "a

continual violation of our territorial integrity."

Acknowledging tensions and "misunderstandings" between the two countries, Obama said he and Sharif had pledged to work together on security issues in ways that "respect Pakistan's sovereignty.

"We committed to working together and making sure that rather than this being a source of tension between our two countries, this can be a source of strength for us working together," he said.

Obama also praised Sharif for seeking to end tensions with India saying, "I think he is taking a very wise path in exploring how decades of tension between India and Pakistan can be reduced." Noting that "billions of dollars have been spent on an arms race in response to these tensions," he said those resources could be much more properly invested in education, social welfare programmes on both sides of the border between India and Pakistan.

The joint statement noted that "the two Leaders stressed that improvement in Pakistan-India bilateral relations would greatly enhance prospects for lasting regional peace, stability, and prosperity, as it would significantly benefit the lives of citizens on both sides of the border."

In this context, it said Obama welcomed recent engagements between Sharif and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz will hold a crucial meeting in London this week with his British counterpart David Cameron and President Hamid Karzai to boost the Afghan reconciliation process.

Sharif will hold the meeting on the sidelines of the World Islamic Economic Forum in the British capital.

The premier left for London on Monday afternoon.

The UK's trilateral peace initiative, the fourth since the summer of 2012, is aimed at strengthening cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan and to encourage an Afghanled peace deal. The last trilateral meet was held in February.

Nawaz and Karzai last met on August 26 when the Afghan leader visited Pakistan to seek full support and greater cooperation in the peace and reconciliation process.

This is the World Islamic Economic Forum's first

annual event in Europe following meetings in Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Kuwait and Pakistan.

He would also hold bilateral talks with leaders of several countries, including his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak, King Abdullah of Jordan, the Sultan of Brunei, Indonesian President and the President of Kosovo.

He will talk about the steps it is taking to create business and investment opportunities and will also discuss matters relating to fostering greater economic cooperation and collaboration among the Muslim countries and between the Islamic countries and the rest of the world.

Senior members of the British Cabinet will call on Sharif, including Foreign Secretary William Hague, Home Secretary Theresa May and International Development Secretary Justine Greening. PakistanUK relations will be discussed in these meetings.

Islamabad: A court in Pakistan has observed that nobody, be it the federal government or parliament, was ready to bring in legislation to rein in the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Pakistan's all-powerful intelligence agency controlled by the military.

While hearing the case of 282 missing people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court (PHC) Dost Muhammad Khan warned that the courts would be forced to restrict the members of the law enforcing agencies and security forces to their barracks if they continued to whisk away citizens on a daily basis through unlawful means, The News International reported.

The report quoted Khan as saying that the provincial and federal governments had become spectators to the violation of the constitution, law and fundamental rights of the citizens by the intelligence agencies and security forces.

The chief justice observed that the government and the democratic system of the country would run smoothly only when the law enforcing agencies acted under the law.

He also pointed out that the US intelligence agency CIA too was a powerful intelligence agency but its top officials would appear immediately before a court whenever asked to do so.

The court submitted that like the US, the civilian government should also make the ISI its subordinate.

The judge said that the people's problems are on the rise and illegal detention centres in the country have also become a big problem for the judiciary.

However, Additional Attorney General of Pakistan Syed Attique Shah submitted before the two-member bench that the federal government, following the guidelines of the high courts and Supreme Court, had established a task force for missing persons.

Islamabad: Pakistan said the trial in the Mumbai attack case would be carried forward based on the information brought by a judicial commission that had visited India recently.

"Based on the information brought by the judicial commission, our courts will proceed further," Foreign Office spokesman Aizaz Chaudhry said.

Chaudhry said that Pakistan would need more evidence from the Indian side. Asked what he had meant by "more evidence" he had said, "I do not have the details. The point is that the two countries need to work together in a cooperative

manner so that trials take place with proper evidence".

Replying to queries on kind of evidence needed, since the Pakistani judicial commission had a successful trip to India, Pakistani officials didn't elaborate and said they would have to check on the latest developments.

Incidentally, Chaudhry's comments about need for additional evidence was missing from the official transcripts released to the media later. Replying to a query on if the slow pace of Mumbai terror attack was discussed between Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and US President Barack Obama, he said issues relating to

counter-terrorism were discussed. "The prime minister made it clear that the issue of terrorism is of as much concern to Pakistan as for India if not more. In fact we are the victims of terrorism. The answer lies in working jointly to defeat this common enemy," he said.

Asked whether Pakistan still needs more evidence from India, Chaudhry said, "Please check with the ministry of interior".

Meanwhile, advisor to prime minister on national security and foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan would take action against Mumbai attacks accused Hafiz Saeed if they get "con-

crete legal evidence" to do so.

"We told them that the trial of Mumbai suspects will start soon...we will take action against Hafiz Saeed if we have concrete legal evidence to do so," Aziz said in an interview. Pakistan's prosecution team had earlier said their trip to Mumbai was "excellent from the prosecution's point of view". Special public prosecutor Chaudhury Mohammed Azhar had said the Indian authorities cooperated with the Pakistani commission.

The Mumbai attacks trial here in Pakistan has been going on at a slow pace and on October 23, it was postponed by another two weeks.

Nawaz Sharif with Barack Obama

Sharif to attend crucial meeting on Afghan in London

Nobody ready to rein in ISI: Pak court

Mumbai attack trial to proceed on judicial panel's information: Pakistan

China, India sign deal aimed at soothing border tension

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November 2013

In Focus

Another American beauty queen of Indian origin

Washington: Eighteen-year-old Indian-American Emily Shah has won Miss New Jersey USA 2014 title, following in the footsteps of Nina Davuluri, who was crowned Miss America recently. Emily would now compete for Miss America and Miss Universe titles.

Shuffling between India and America, Emily has dabbled in cinema, having acted in both Bollywood and Hollywood films. She featured in Hollywood movies like “The Great New Wonderful” with Naseeruddin Shah and Bollywood films such as “Out of Control” alongside Riteish Deshmukh, “Ta Ra Rum Pum”, “Jaaneman” among others.

Indian martyrs honoured in Egypt

Cairo: Indian martyrs who had played a pivotal role in the famous Battle of El Alamein, considered to be a turning point during the Second World War, have been honoured by the Indian Embassy here. On the 71st anniversary of the battle, Indian Ambassador Navdeep Suri laid a wreath at the war memorial. Soldiers of the Indian infantry divisions had fought with great valour during the entire North African Campaign and their heroic performance have won them rich accolades.

Beijing: China and India signed a deal aimed at soothing tension on their contested border, as the two nuclear-armed giants try to break a decadesold stalemate on overlapping claims to long remote stretches of the Himalayas.

The agreement was signed in Beijing's Great Hall of the People following a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

China, a close ally of India's long-time foe, Pakistan, lays claim to more than 90,000 sq km disputed by New Delhi in the eastern sector of the Himalayas. India says China occupies 38,000 square km of its territory on the Aksai Chin plateau in the west.

The two countries fought a brief border war in 1962 and since then ties have been mired in distrust, with a series of alleged violations by Chinese military patrols earlier this year.

"I am sure it will help to maintain peace, tranquility and stability in our border areas," China's Li told reporters following talks with Singh.

The border defence cooperation agreement is built on existing confidence-building measures and is designed to ensure that patrolling along the Line of Actual Control, as the unsettled border is called, does not escalate into an unintended skirmish, an Indian official said last week.

Singh said the agreement "will add to the existing instruments to ensure peace, stability and predictability on our

23 WORLD People from India, China out-educating Americans: Obama

New York: Billions of people from countries like India and China are striving hard to "out-educate" Americans in mathematics and technology, US President Barack Obama has said while stressing on education reforms to prepare Americans for a global economy where "jobs can go anywhere."

"In previous generations, America's standing economically was so much higher than everybody else's that we did not have a lot of competition," Obama said. "Now you have got bil-

a living wage.

"We live in a 21st century global economy. And in a global economy, jobs can go anywhere. Companies, they are looking for the besteducated people, wherever they live, and they will reward them with good jobs and good pay," the president said. "We can just kind of shrug our shoulders and settle for something less, or we can do what America has always done, which is adapt. We pull together, we up our game, we hustle, we fight back, we work hard, and we win," he said.

Manmohan Singh with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang

borders".

Under the new deal, the two sides will give notice of patrols along the ill-defined border to ensure that patrols do not "tail" each other to reduce the chance of confrontation and will exercise "maximum selfrestraint" should the two sides come face to face in areas where the line of control is unclear.

Peace at border important: Manmohan While addressing an audience at the Central School of Communist Party of China in Beijing, Singh stressed on the need for sustained bilateral cooperation between India and China. He stressed that the two nations are actively engaged in the socio-economic transformation of “our people”.

He also congratulated China on its positive economic reform and stated

that its growth is a source of inspiration for India. He stressed on the fact that India welcomes china’s emergence. Singh added that, India and China cannot be contained, and “our recent history is witness to this”.

Singh, in his address to young leaders talked about the need for a conducive environment to foster economic success.

He also said that both India and China are beneficiaries of an open international economy that has been witnessing the free flow of important ingredients to success such as finance.

Singh also talked about the challenges posed by the emerging global environment. He urged that the nations should work together in a situation where political and economic powers are being diffused.

Barack Obama

lions of people from Beijing to Bangalore to Moscow, all of whom are competing with you directly. And they are - those countries are working every day to outeducate and out-compete us," Obama said in his remarks to students at the Pathways in Technology Early College High School in Brooklyn.

"And every year brings more research showing them pulling ahead, especially in some of the subject matter that this school specialises in - math and science and technology. So we have got a choice to make," he said.

He said if the workforce is not educated enough, it will be left behind and find it hard to get a job that pays

Obama joked that he had asked students at the Brooklyn school if they could help him help his daughter Malia with her math homework.

"I don't know if some of you have experienced this where you get to the point where your children ask you for help and you suddenly realise you have no idea what's going on," he said amid laughter from his young audience.

The President said America has to educate its young people and prepare them for the global economy.

With the cost of higher education escalating, Obama said he was working hard to reduce the burden of student loans on young people.

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24

INDIA

South

AIADMK fields Saroja for Yercaud by-election

The AIADMK has fielded P Saroja as its candidate to contest the Yercaud by-poll scheduled for December 4. The by-poll was necessitated by the death of AIADMK MLA C Perumal in July. Saroja is Perumal's wife. Meanwhile, DMK had announced V Maran as its candidate and sought support from all the political parties. While Bharatiya Janata Party has declared that it would not contest the poll, actor Vijayakanthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DMDK and the Congress have remained silent on the issue. The Left parties, the CPI and the CPM have extended support to the ruling AIADMK for the by-poll.

DMK serves legal notice to Jayalalithaa

The DMK slapped a legal notice on Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa and others charging her government with misusing official position by propagating her party's symbol "two leaves" on recently launched public transport buses, besides complaining to Election Commission. The DMK legal wing has served the notices to state's transport minister Senthil Balaji, chief secretary Sheela Balaakrishnan and Managing Director of Metropolitan Transport Corporation among others. The DMK also petitioned the Election Commission to derecognize AIADMK for violating model code of conduct in the Yercaud assemby by-poll.

Lecturer kills wife for studying MTech

All that the 28-year-old HG Preetha of Bangalore wanted to do was complete her MTech course, but she paid a heavy price because her husband had only a BE degree.

Santosh Kumar smashed her head with a crowbar at their residence. Preetha succumbed to her injuries later. Santosh, 32, a lecturer told police that he fought with Preetha after she refused to discontinue her MTech course. Santosh was against Preetha pursuing MTech. In a fit of rage, he hit her with the crowbar.

Punjab

Heroin worth Rs 1.20 bn recovered in Amritsar

The Punjab police arrested four men in Amritsar and recovered 24 kg of heroin worth Rs.1.20 billion on the international market from them, an officer said. Sources in the state special operations cell said that the recovery was made near the Millennium Gate following a tip-off that a big drugs consignment was being carried by a group of smugglers. This year, the BSF has recovered nearly 282 kg of heroin along the 553 km international border in Punjab. In 2012, it had recovered more than 288 kg of heroin.

ASI to begin restoration work of Rani Mahal

Heritage lovers could soon get a chance to see the historic Rani Mahal in Bathinda fort restored to its past glory. The dilapidated edifice, situated atop the main gate of Quila Mubarak, where India's first woman ruler, Razia Sultana, was imprisoned, is considered to be the most important structure in the fort. A team of Archeological Survey of India (ASI) visited Rani Mahal. The team prepared drawings and took pictures, ahead of starting the restoration work of the structure without altering its original shape. It also noted minutest details of the murals on the ceiling and walls.

3 Pakistani smugglers killed

At least three Pakistani smugglers were killed by Border Security Force (BSF) troopers along the India-Pakistan international border in Amritsar. Officials said that the shootout took place when alert BSF troopers noticed some movement at the electrified barbed wire fence on the international border near Mullankot border out post. The troopers accosted the intruders, who were inside India territory. A shootout ensued as the intruders fired at the BSF following which the troopers fired back.

TN house resolution calls India to boycott Colombo CHOGM

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November 2013

The Tamil Nadu legislative assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Indian government to boycott the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting slated to be held in Colombo in November.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had reportedly informed the DMK leadership recently that a decision on India's participation in the CHOGM would be taken considering all the "relevant factors", and the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu and the party.

Chief minister J Jayalalithaa moved the resolution during a short-duration session. The main opposition parties, the DMK, the DMDK, the Congress, and the Left parties, the CPI and the CPM hailed the resolution reflecting the sentiments of Tamils around the world.

The resolution said India should not send even representatives for the meeting being hosted by Sri Lanka.

"The Indian government should also take steps to get Sri Lanka suspended from the CHOGM until the

Island nation ensures Tamils get equal rights on a par with Sinhalese," the resolution said.

While welcoming the resolution, Tamil Nadu Congress committee legislature party leader K Gopinath also sought to register his party's apprehensions over India's bilateral relations with Lanka in future, especially on security issues.

The Congress legislator detailed the efforts taken by the UPA government for the welfare of Lankan Tamils in recent years, including Rs 40 billion it sanctioned for

infrastructure development in the Tamil areas in Sri Lanka and the constitution of a committee to supervise the schemes. "Our party lost its leader Rajiv Gandhi to the Sri Lankan Tamil welfare issue," Gopinath said.

In March, the Tamil Nadu assembly had passed a resolution calling for a referendum on Eelam (separate Tamil land) for Tamils in Sri Lanka and the displaced Tamils living in other countries. Jayalalithaa had stated then that the aspirations of Sri Lankan Tamils could be realized only through Eelam.

Police put up with a crank who made abusive calls to the police control room for more than a year, often making sexual overtures to women constables.

But they finally decided that enough was enough and arrested the man.

According to police, T Paneerselvam, 27, a lorry cleaner, made more than 1,200 calls to the police control room, starting from June 2012, while drinking with a friend in Vadanemili in Kancheepuram.

"He switched off his phone immediately after making a call to avoid being caught," a senior police officer said. Paneerselvam would not disconnect, even if a policewomen on the other end of the line transferred the call to a policeman, the offi-

cer said. In fact, he would demand that he be allowed to speak to a policewoman.

The officer d e s c r i b e d Paneerselvam, who made between eight and 15 calls to the control room every day, as being "abusive and menacing" on the phone.

Police officers did not take the calls seriously, believing that Paneerselvam was one of the many people who make prank calls to police. This emboldened Paneerselvam and he made even more calls to the control room.

"He used the same SIM card to make the calls but had several cellphones," an investigating officer said. "He would call at random both at night and during the day."

The group of ministers (GoM), set up to look into the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, will submit its report to the Union Cabinet before the winter session of Parliament, home minister Sushilkumar Shinde said.

"We will submit the report before the winter session begins," Shinde who heads the seven member GoM told reporters.

Shinde, however, refused to divulge anything on when Telangana will come into existence. "There is a process (of creating new state). When the Parliament passes the (Telangana) bill, the new state will be formed," he said.

The high-powered ministerial panel had detailed discussions over sharing of river water, power, distribution of assets and demarcating of boundaries in its two meetings held early this month.

The GoM will also look into the legal and administrative measures required to ensure that both Telangana and the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh can function efficiently from Hyderabad as the common capital for 10 years. Detailed reports, department-wise, are now being prepared and will be presented before the next meeting of the GoM to be held on November 7.

The panel was constituted to address all the issues that need resolution at the central and state government levels in the matter. After its first meeting on October 11, the GoM had said it would address all concerns of the people of Andhra Pradesh with "fairness and objectivity".

The GoM has already discussed the approach and methodology to be adopted by it.

Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal is meeting top industrialists and business captains to attract investment to his debt-ridden state. In recent days, Sukhbir has met with Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry, Infosys chairman N.R. Narayan Murthy, Biocon head Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Bajaj Auto chairman Rahul Bajaj, Godrej boss Adi Godrej, Hinduja group chairman Ashok P. Hinduja, Mahindra and Mahindra chairman Anand Mahindra, JSW Steel chairman Sajjan Jindal, Adlabs chairman Manmohan Shetty, Force Motors chairman Abhay Firodia and several other CEOs and top bosses of companies.

He has travelled to Mumbai and Bangalore to meet with the big names in the game. Even his father and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal visited Mumbai recently. He is even sending delegations to other countries like Taiwan, a country with which India has no diplomatic ties. He recently travelled to Dubai and Turkey to see development

projects there.

The state witnessed a lengthy phase of terrorism (1981-1993) which saw almost nil investment at that time and subsequently. Even as it came out of that period, no investment came to Punjab as neighbouring hill states Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir got a 10year tax holiday package for industry investing there.

Punjab, primarily an agricultural state with just 1.54 per cent of the country's geographical area, has its own set of problems to deal with.

It has a 553-km long international border with Pakistan, power shortage is a way of life with outages running into several hours daily and a large percentage of population, especially youth, is on some form of drugs.

Chennai man held for making 1,200 abusive calls to cops

Report on Telangana before winter session: Shinde

Sikh bodies fume at Rahul's Sukhbir Badal seeks investment remarks over Indira death from big business in the state

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's remarks about the death of his grandmother Indira Gandhi has angered Sikh bodies.

Sikh radical organization Dal Khalsa has accused both Congress and BJP of allegedly teasing the Sikhs.

"As we reminisce the dark days of November 1984, the scion of the ruling family has chosen to call the death of his grandmother as 'victimization based on anger and hatred'," said Dal Khalsa spokesperson Kanwar Pal Singh.

While speaking at a political rally in Churu, Rajasthan, Rahul Gandhi had mentioned that Satwant Singh and Beant Singh had killed his grandmother Indira Gandhi.

"Rahul has conveniently chosen not to mention the reasons for the anger, which his family, his government and the Congress continue to ignore to this day," Singh said.

Meanwhile, the Delhi

Rahul Gandhi

Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) also took strong exception to Rahulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remarks. "If Rahul says his grandmother and father were killed by communal forces, then who killed more than 5,000 innocent Sikhs all over the country in the carnage of November 1984," DSGMC president Manjit Singh GK asked.

"The comments by Rahul Gandhi has angered Sikhs because in his speech he has not touched the issue of anti-Sikh carnage of 1984, and he should seek forgiveness for that," GK said.

INDIA

In Focus

Air Marshal Arup Raha named next IAF chief The government on Tuesday announced that Air Marshal Arup Raha will take over as the next chief of the Indian Air Force after Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne retires on December 31, 2013. Commissioned into the IAF in December 1974 in the "Fighter Stream", Air Marshal Raha is currently posted as the IAF vicechief. During a career spanning over 39 years, he has held various command, staff and instructional appointments in the force. He has served as air attache at the Indian embassy in Ukraine and commanded the Central Air Command and the Western Air Command.

Harsh Vardhan is BJP's choice for Delhi CM

BJP has chosen Harsh Vardhan as its choice for the Delhi chief minister’s post. The assembly polls in Delhi are slated to take place on December 4. The decision taken following the BJP's parliamentary board meeting attended by party president Rajnath Singh and senior leader L K Advani among others. "The central parliamentary board has unanimously decided to project Harsh Vardhan as the BJP's chief ministerial candidate for Delhi elections," Rajnath Singh told reporters after the meeting. Harsh Vardhan, 59, was elected from Krishna Nagar constituency in east Delhi for the first time in 1993 and went on to retain that seat in the 1998, 2003 and 2008 assembly elections. An ENT surgeon by profession, he is married to Nutan, a specialist in hospital administration. He has two sons and a daughter.

19 diamantaires from Surat, Mumbai held in China

Nineteen diamantaires from Surat and Mumbai have been arrested in China for allegedly smuggling the precious stones into Shenzhen from Hong Kong.

The Shenzhen customs officials have also seized smuggled stones worth $49 million. “We don’t have information about those arrested but we are soon going to write to the ministry of external affairs to provide us the details,” said Dinesh Navadia, president, Surat Diamond Association (SDA). This is the second time in three years that the Chinese customs department has exposed a network of cross-border smuggling network. In 2010, 21 Indian diamantaires were arrested in for diamond smuggling. In July, a China court released 12 diamantaires and rest were given the jail sentence ranging from three to five years. Unconfirmed reports said that out of the 19 suspects arrested by Shenzhen customs, three are Gujarati traders from Surat. As per the reports in the Chinese newspaper Legal daily, of the 19 one is a Hong Kong citizen. The operation, codenamed ‘HS17’, was carried out on September 18 by a team of nearly 400 anti-smuggling officers deployed in Shenzhen and Shanghai.

S Korea appoints SRK as goodwill ambassador Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is the new poster boy for South Korea - not its conglomerates, but the nation. The actor has just been appointed goodwill ambassador for South Korea. So you know South Korea only as the land of Samsung and Hyundai? The King Khan could introduce you to Kukkiwon, the world famous taekwondo academy, Psy of Gangnam Style fame and K-pop, the mouthwatering Korean barbeque. To South Koreans, the actor could teach their first cricket team a thing or two about the business of the game - maybe organize the first match between Kolkata Knight Riders and the Koreans. And, perhaps, open Bollywood to a new part of the world.

Kejriwal formally invites Dikshit for a public debate

Aam Admi Party's (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal has written a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, formally inviting her for a public debate ahead of the Dec 4 assembly elections in the national capital.

Kejriwal said he was informed by some journalists that the Delhi chief minister may agree for a debate if a formal proposal was sent to her, which, he said, prompted him to write her a letter Oct 23. "I formally invite you for a public debate," wrote Kejriwal. "And if you want, we can also invite Harsh Vardhan (BJP's newly appointed chief ministerial candidate) for the debate," he added. Kejriwal said the debate should not take place in a TV studio, but at a public place so that people from all over the capital could listen to the participants and ask questions directly. "I would suggest that the debate takes place in Ramlila Maidan or any other public place so that the people get an opportunity to raise questions," wrote Kejriwal. "We can sit together and work out the finer details for the debate," he added.

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Coalgate: SC dismisses plea against Manmohan

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November 2013

The Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea seeking its direction to the CBI to name Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in its FIR filed against industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla and former coal secretary P C Parakh in a coal block allocation case.

"The probe is still going on and it is for the CBI officials to look into it," a bench headed by justice R M Lodha said when the petitioner submitted that the Prime Minister should also be questioned as he himself recently justified

the decision taken by him as a coal minister to allocate the natural resources to Hindalco in which FIR has been filed.

"You are reaching at the conclusion when the probe is going on," the bench, also comprising justices Madan B Lokur and Kurian Joseph, said.

It also rejected another application seeking its direction to the Prime Minister to file an affidavit to make his stand clear on the allocation of coal blocks which has come under the CBI's scrutiny and the agency has filed

FIR. The application, filed by advocate M L Sharma said, "Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was in direct charge of the coal ministry as the coal minister in 2005 and had decided to allot the coal block to various allottees including Hindalco."

Sharma, who was one of the petitioners on whose PIL the apex court is monitoring the probe in coalgate, also sought court's direction to government to place before the bench all the recommendation letters written by various ministers in favour of pri-

vate companies for allocation of blocks.

He said in his application that for the first time since the coal block allocation scam cropped up, the Prime Minister has explained about one allocation. "But there have been more than 150 coal block allocations, so will he be able to explain all of them?" he said.

The PMO had on October 19 defended the decision as "appropriate" and said the Prime Minister had approved it on the basis of "merits" of the case placed before him.

A BSF head constable was killed and seven security personnel were injured as Pakistani troops opened fire and heavily shelled over 50 border outposts along the international border on the night of October 22, in the biggest-ever provocative act from across the border in recent times.

The heavy shelling and fresh ceasefire violation come close on the heels of home minister Sushilkumar Shinde's visit to areas long the IB October 22 to review the security situation arising out of ceasefire violations since October 14, in which two jawans have been killed and 18 people injured. BSF officers said Pakistani rangers opened fire with automatic weapons and attacked over 5O border posts (BOPs) along the IB in Jammu frontier belt with mortar shells.

Pakistani rangers also rained mortars in forward villages of Arnia, RS Pura and Akhnoor sectors, the officers said.

BSF troops guarding the border line retaliated resulting in fierce exchanges of shelling and firing, which continued till the morning of October 23, they said. The injured have been hospitalized.

In the exchange of fire, Mukesh Lal Meena, a head constable of BSF posted in BOP Chinaj, was killed and seven BSF personnel, including two officers, were injured, they said.

Politicians urge India to give befitting reply to Pak Meanwhile, cutting across party lines, leaders of various political outfits urged the Central Government to act tough with Pakistan.

Condemning the attack, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said that such incidents were not acceptable and India should send a strong message to Pakistan.

"Now yesterday, when our Home Minister was there on the international border and the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, they (Pakistan) are doing it again, killing our soldiers.

Everyday, we are listening one soldier is getting seriously injured, admitted to hospitals or somebody dies. This is unacceptable," said Javadekar. "Now, India must take the further course of action which will prohibit Pakistan from doing what they are doing now," he added.

Janata Dal (United) leader Sabir Ali dubbed Pakistan's military as 'notorious' and blamed them for intentionally poking India at the international border.

"Pakistan has always had a dual governance trend. One is democratic and the other is led by the military, said Ali.”

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation filed a complaint before the Election Commission against what they said were 'hate and sensational speeches' being delivered by Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi. The BJP delegation, which gave a sixpage written complaint to the Election Commission, asked the poll body to take appropriate action against Rahul and the Congress for violation of the Model Code of Conduct. BJP vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, who was one of the members of the delegation, said Rahul should have been more responsible while

commenting about the BJP. "Rahul Gandhi not a Digvijay, he is the star campaigner of the Congress, no apologies from the party, or him, as yet," he said, while expressing hope that the Election Commission will take appropriate action.

The BJP leaders, in their complaint, demanded action against the Congress number two for election speeches that he had recently made in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Prakash Javadekar and Nirmala Sitharaman were amongst the other BJP leaders that met members of the Election Commission.

BSF jawan killed, 7 hurt BJP files complaint against Rahul Gandhi before EC in Pak firing, shelling

26

INDIA

Modi calls for Hindu-Muslim unity

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November 2013

Modi mocks Rahul, says he talks only about his family & not the poor

Muslim unity, along with attacks on Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and a politically audacious overture towards Lalu Prasad’s loyalist constituency among Yadavs, was the highlight of the nearly hour-long speech marked by trademark aggression and interactive style, rhetorical flourishes and invocations of Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai. Modi took many swipes at Kumar, who split from the BJP over the Gujarat CM’s projection as PM candidate. He scrupulously avoided mentioning Kumar by name, referring to him as “my friend” instead. However,

his speech was anything but friendly with Modi calling the Bihar CM an opportunist. He dismissed Kumar’s opposition to him as an incredible piece of hypocrisy.

Recalling how BJP agreed to project Kumar as NDA’s CM candidate for Bihar, Modi said the JD(U) leader left the NDA because of sycophants who told him that he could become the PM by joining hands with Congress. He said Kumar’s flirtations with Congress were a betrayal of the legacy of Ram Manohar Lohia and Jaiprakash Narayan.

The Gujarat CM also emphasized that the good work for which Kumar was credited for was actually done by BJP ministers in the NDA coalition, and took a dig at the Bihar CM for the state’s failure to avail its Haj subsidy. The attack on Kumar, while entirely predictable, contrasted starkly with his fond mention of Lalu and his unabashed appeal to Yadavs to cross over to the BJP.

Bharatiya Janata Party's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi took a dig at Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi at Jhansi, accusing him of talking only about his family and emotional issues and not about the problems plaguing India. Modi, who mockingly called the Congress MP "shahzade" (prince), pointed to Rahul's election speeches in the last couple of days and claimed that they were full of anecdotes and sacrifices made by his ancestors who were also responsible for India's myriad problems.

"I will not talk about emotions," said Modi, referring to Rahul's speeches where he talked about the assassinations of his grandmother Indira Gandhi and his father Rajiv Gandhi, both of whom had been prime ministers of India. Questioning why Rahul remains silent on riots that took place when the Congress was in power, Modi said, "Rahul Gandhi only says he was angry

when his grandmother Indira Gandhi was killed.

Were you angry when thousands of Sikhs were killed in 1984?" He said that Rahul belonged to the Congress which was heading the ruling coalition at the Centre but did not even once touch about corruption, price rise and rising crime during his speeches.

The Gujarat strongman also questioned the credibility of Rahul's statement on the alleged role of Pakistan's ISI in Muzaffarnagar riots.

"Rahul Gandhi claimed that some Muslims were in touch with the ISI. He should make their names public. Can such leaders be trusted? Is the Congress government a news agency and is its role only to give news. The government should tackle the ISI," he said. He also questioned how can Rahul, who is just a MP and has not been administered the oath of office and secrecy, be getting information from intelligence agencies. Modi also

attacked the Samajwadi Party, the Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party for the lack of development in Bundelkhand.

While recalling the area's contribution during the 1857 war of independence, Modi asked why the region was lagging behind in spite of its glorious legacy. This he said was due to the neglect of regional party's - Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party, which, he claimed, have joined hands with the UPA government at the Centre in siphoning off the money meant for the region's development. Modi, who is also Gujarat chief minister, accused both Akhilesh Yadav-led Uttar Pradesh government and former chief minister and BSP chief Mayawati of not using the Bundelkhand package adding that this was not the case in BJP ruled Madhya Pradesh where Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan used it in an effective manner.

Continued from page 1 platform from where Modi delivered his speech. The last bomb went off at 12.45 pm - 20 minutes before Modi and top BJP leaders took the stage. Four live bombs were later discovered near the rally venue.

Though the Bihar police did not officially call it a terror attack, Director General of Police Abhayanand confirmed the use of IED and timers.

Intelligence sources also hinted at the use of ammonium nitrate, detonators and iron nails.

By late Sunday evening, four people had been arrested. Police identified one of them as Mohammed Imtiaz from Bhuian Toli, Ranchi.

Another person shown as

arrested who has been battling for life at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences and is believed to have planted the bomb that went off inside a Patna Railway Station platform toilet died later. Police claimed to have seized important documents from them.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who spoke to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, condemned the blasts and appealed for calm. Home Ministry officials said there was no specific alert about the rally and it was solely up to the state government to decide what kind of arrangements were to be made. The Union Home Ministry had recently sent an advisory to all pollbound states to maintain

vigilance at election rallies.

Nitish said in a statement that there had been no intelligence input warning of such an attack while BJP claimed that Union home ministry had alerted the state but the state failed to act. "We provided all the help required for a rally on such a big scale." Ruling out any political conspiracy, he added that those trying to disturb the atmosphere of Bihar would be identified.

"There may be political differences between the BJP and JD(U), but it is time to fight such challenges together," he said.

Reports said that Nitish also called up BJP president Rajnath Singh, who was present at the Patna

rally, and assured a thorough probe.

Calling the blast a "blot on the glorious traditions of Bihar", the CM added that the NIA had been called in to join the investigation and promised definite details within 48 hours.

This is the second series of blasts in Bihar after the July Bodhgaya attack.

Fear spread among the crowd following the explosions, but only a few left the Modi rally. Large numbers decided to listen to him from the approach roads near the ground so that they could make quick exit in case of an emergency.

The first bomb went off inside a toilet on Platform No. 10 of Patna

Railway Station at around 9.30 am. One person who was critically injured in the blast. There were six subsequent blasts in and around Gandhi Maidan.

The second blast took place at 11.40 am in front of Udyog Bhavan, injuring several. The third blast took place at 12.05 pm in front of Regent Cinema near Gandhi Maidan and the fourth near the old Gandhi statue at the rally venue at 12.10 pm. The fifth bomb went off near the Biscomaun Bhawan at 12.15 pm, the sixth in front of the SBI Branch adjacent to the Maidan at 12.25 pm and the last at 12.45 pm at Children's Park, near the District Magistrate's official residence.

Alleged mastermind held, several detained Making headway in the blasts case, police have arrested two suspected terrorists, including one possibly the mastermind, and detained several others. A search operation by NIA and Patna police is on at Gandhi Maidan to locate explosives, if any, a senior police officer said on Monday.

The suspected terrorists have been identified as Tausim and Imtiyaz, official sources said.

SSP Patna Manu Maharaj earlier said that "one of the accused, who is being considered as the mastermind, has been arrested. He has confessed how the planning took place".

Continued from page 1 Modi targeted UPA government indirectly in context of women’s reservation bill and said that way back in 1919, as a Councilor of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Sardar Patel moved the motion for women’s reservation and his proposals were accepted unanimously by the local selfgovernment. He also praised Sardar for his vision of urban town planning as Ahmedabad Mayor.

Unlike his flamboyant speeches elsewhere, he refrained from criticizing the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who was also present at the meeting, as well as Congress led UPA government. On the contrary he

paid respect to Dr Singh in the beginning of his speech. Keeping all differences aside he addressed him as ‘‘Respected Prime Minister” and endorsed his visit to Sabarmati Ashram as well as Gujarat’s Congress headquarters ‘Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan’.

He appreciated the Prime Minister for launching awards on Good Governance. Modi said that the awards started during the tenure of Dr. Singh around six years back, and thanked him publicly for bestowing awards to Gujarat for best work on good governance.

“Gujarat has won more than 90 awards for good governance. Apart from government of India, World Health

Organization, World Bank, United Nations and other prestigious organizations conferred awards to the state.

So far, Gujarat has won more than 200 international and national awards in various categories that include good governance too,” said the Gujarat Chief Minister.

Modi also appreciated Dinsha Patel, Congress Minister and President of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial Society, for the revamp of the Memorial.

He said that the Society has utilized the place in best possible way and also used technology to make the place better.

“Now, those who would visit Sabarmati Ashram will also make it a point to remember Sardar

Patel by visiting the Memorial,” he said adding that it would boost tourism activities in the state.

He also spoke about Sardar’s work for unity of nation. “Today Maoism, terrorism have merged and became a major threats for the unity of our country.

This is Gandhi and Sardar’s land. The path of bombs and guns should be left behind and youths should join the mainstream to become partners of nation’s development”, he said.

Meanwhile, unlike Modi’s extempore speech, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh adhered to pre-written address and said that Sardar was instrumental in merging more than 500

erstwhile princely states into one united India.

“Because of his strong will and good governance, he was known as Iron Man of India. How he inspired farmers of Kheda, Bardoli and Barasad to unite for civil disobedience movement is still being remembered fondly,” said the Prime Minister adding that he is feeling proud that he is associated with the party in which Sardar worked for. “In fact Sardar was elected as Congress President in Karachi Session and he worked to make the party strong.”

He also touched the topic to Sardar-Nehru relations. He said that people talk about their differences but it was noteworthy that there

were more subjects of agreement between the two. “Both leaders used to respect thoughts of each other and Sardar used to say that it was his fortune to advise Panditji.

Both leaders lived as good friends and used to trust each other. People should take inspiration from them,” he said.

The function was attended by Governor of Gujarat Kamla Beniwal, leader of opposition in Gujarat Assembly Shankersinh Vaghela, Union Ministers Dinsha Patel, Bharatsinh Solanki, Tushar Chaudhary, Praful Patel and Karasanbhai Patel, chairman of Nirma Limited, who is also the Vice President of Sardar Patel Society.

Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi on Sunday made a strong pitch for Hindu-Muslim unity, saying the two communities should be fighting poverty instead of each other.

“Hindu poor should be fighting the poverty in their community instead of Muslims just as the poor among Muslims should be fighting their poverty rather than Hindus,” Modi said, adding that Hindus and Muslims needed to unite for the sake of growth.

Although Modi has been making efforts to live down his image as a divisive leader, this marked a significant step up with the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate’s remarks lustily cheered by the audience.

The Gujarat CM, who was speaking after Indian Mujahideen terrorists attacked his rally, avoided any reference to the explosions and rounded off his speech by exhorting the two communities to maintain peace and harmony at all costs.

The appeal for Hindu-

Narendra Modi

6 killed as serial blasts target Modi's Patna rally

Sardar Patel should have been India’s first PM: Modi

INDIA

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November 2013

27

The heritage Gujarat Club where SC orders Kolkata hospital to pay Sardar first time met Gandhiji Rs 59.6 mn for medical negligence Though one of the oldest clubs in Gujarat is not as luxurious as some of the sprawling resort types clubs in the state, but Gujarat Club has kept the memories of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel alive. Sardar used to visit the club regularly to play ‘Bridge’. Most importantly, Mahatma Gandhi first time approached him at the Gujarat Club. And rest is the history!!!

By Mayuri Dave

Once considered as rendezvous of Ahmedabad’s fashionable society, the heritage Gujarat Club’s present condition is not as glorious as its past. The Club had witnessed some of the most important historical events of India’s

Apart from Sardar, some of the gentries of Ahmedabad including Kasturbhai Lalbhai, Ambalal Sarabhai, Ganesh Vasudev Mavlenkar etc were office-bearers of the Gujarat Club in different periods in the past. Apart

Gandhiji and Sardar Patel

freedom movement.

Currently the club is known to common people as ‘Advocate’s Club’ as most of its active members are lawyers.

Hardly very few people know, even in Ahmedabad that the Gujarat Club was the place where Iron man of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel first time ever met Mahatma Gandhi in the year 1916. At that time Sardar was a completely different person. He used to wear European-style cloths and was part of the elite class of that time having western mannerisms. In short he was completely urbane, unlike his image in the public mind.

Sardar Patel was regular visitor there. He was fond of playing bridge and also sometimes used to play Tennis. Later on he became General Secretary of one of the most prestigious club of old Bombay Presidency.

from Mahatma Gandhi, personalities like S h y a m a p r a s a d Mukherjee, Sri Satya Sai Baba, Veer Savarkar, CV Raman amongst other also made it a point to visit the unique place.

The club was founded in the year 1988 by a gentleman called Nagarji Desai. Interestingly, first time when Mahatma Gandhi approached Sardar Patel here, the Iron Man was not interested to meet him. It was Gandhi who kept on trying and ultimately the meeting took place and together both the Gujaratis changed the history of India.

When film director Ketan Mehta wanted to make film on Sardar, he insisted to shoot the famous seen of Mahatma and Gandhi at the club premise itself in the year 1985. Even today the ambience for sporting activities are prevailing here, said Uday Patel, an

advocate and member of the club.

According to Patel, there are more than 1,100 members in the club, but regular visitors are hardly four hundreds. Facilities like billiards & snooker, tennis, table tennis, bridge, chess, carom etc

are available here. “Two billiard tables made out of Indian rosewood (Shisham) were imported all the way from England, around 100 years back are still being used by the players,” said Patel adding that three cement Tennis Courts were converted into parking place in the evening !!!

According to some of the old-timers the Gujarat Club is not all about Sardar-Gandhi rendezvous. It used to be the cradle of many sports.

Former world number one billiard player Geet Sethi and International billiard star Satish Mohan used to spend hours here during their initial years as players. G Vasant, who represented India in Davis Cup, was regularly playing tennis at the Gujarat Club Tennis courts. Besides, the club has produced a number of national as well as state level tennis, table tennis and chess players.

“Gujarat Chess Association was formed here,” said Patel.

With the changing time, importance of The Gujarat Club started receding. As Ahmedabad started developing in the western side, many clubs with modern amenities started coming up. “After the formation of the Sports Club of Gujarat, the importance of Gujarat Club started declining” J R Dastur wrote in a souvenir published by the club in the year 2007.

The Supreme Court of India awarded a whopping Rs 59.6 million as compensation to be paid by Kolkata- based AMRI Hospital and three doctors to a US-based Indian-origin doctor for medical negligence which led to the death of his wife in 1998.

A bench of justices SJ Mukhopadhaya and V Gopala Gowda asked the hospital and the three doctors to pay the amount within eight weeks to Kunal Saha, an Ohiobased AIDS researcher.

The National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC) in 2011 had awarded Rs 17.3 million to the doctor whose wife Anuradha Saha died in 1998 following faulty treatment administered at the hospital.

Raising the amount of compensation, the apex court also asked the hospital to pay an interest at the rate of six per cent to Saha.

The court said out of the total compensation amount, Dr Balram Prasad and Dr Sukumar Mukherjee will pay Rs 1000,000 each and Dr Baidyanath Halder will have to pay Rs 500,000 to Saha within eight weeks.

The rest of the amount, along with the interest, will be paid by the hospital, the apex court said, adding that a compliance report be filed before it after payment of the compensation amount.

NCDRC had fixed the compensation on a direction by the apex court, which had referred Saha's appeal to it while holding the three doctors and the hospital culpable to civil liability for medical negligence which had led to the death of Anuradha.

Anuradha, herself a

Kunal Saha with his wife Anuradha (file photo)

child psychologist, had come to her home town Kolkata in March 1998 on a summer vacation. She complained of skin rashes on April 25 and consulted Dr Sukumar Mukherjee, who, without prescribing any medicine, simply asked her to take rest.

As rashes reappeared more aggressively on May 7, 1998, Dr Mukherjee prescribed Depomedrol injection 80 mg twice daily, a step which was later faulted by experts at the apex court.

After administration of the injection, Anuradha's condition deteriorated rapidly following which she had to be admitted at AMRI on May 11 under Dr Mukherjee's supervision.

Saha, in his plea before NCDRC, had demanded a record Rs 770 million compensation.

While awarding Rs 1,72,87,500 compensation to Saha for his wife's death, NCDRC had held the US doctor responsible for contributing to the negligence committed by the three Kolkata doctors and the hospital and had ordered 10 per cent deduction in the amount of compensation making it Rs 155 million.

Another doctor involved in Anuradha's treatment, Abani Roy Chowdhury had passed

away during the pendency of the case.

As Anuradha's condition failed to improve, she was flown to Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, where she was found to be suffering from a rare and deadly skin disease-Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). She died there on May 28, 1998.

Saha had then filed a criminal as well as civil case against the doctors and both the hospitals on the ground that they were grossly negligent in her treatment leading to her death.

In 2009, though the apex court absolved the doctors and the hospitals of criminal liability for medical negligence, it had held them culpable of civil liabilities and referred Saha's plea for compensation under provisions of the Consumer Protection Act to NCDRC, which, had in 2006 dismissed, the case.

After the NCDRC judgment, Saha had again moved the apex court and the three doctors had also filed an appeal before it.

NCDRC, in its judgment, had stipulated that AMRI and Dr Mukherjee would pay Rs 4040,000 each to Saha, while two other doctors, Halder and Prasad, would pay Rs 2693,000 each to him.

India develops new tactical missile 'Pragati'

India has developed a new tactical surface-tosurface missile 'Pragati' with a range between 60170 km and will offer it to friendly countries.

The new missile, now on display at a defence exhibition in South Korea, is based on the Prahaar missile developed by the DRDO for the Army and can be termed as its export variant with minor differences, a DRDO official said.

The government has approved that it may be offered to friendly countries if anyone shows interest in it, he said.

The missile is the main exhibit of the DRDO which is showcasing an array of indigenous weapons at the Seoul International

Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX 2013).

This is the first time ever that an array of latest defence equipment developed by the DRDO, will be unveiled internationally at such a scale.

DRDO chief Avinash Chander is leading the Indian delegation at the show.

"DRDO is showcasing 'Pragati' tactical missile, 'Akash' missile system and 'Tejas' LCA and its variants.

Explosive

Detection Kit developed by the DRDO and r e c e n t l y launched in the US will be yet another key exhibit," a release by the Indian embassy in South Korea

said.

The LCA is a longdelayed project of the DRDO which is yet to be completed and the aircraft not been inducted by the IAF so far.

ADEX 2013 is expected to host more than 300 companies from 33 countries. DRDO's participation also commemorates the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and South Korea.

28

TRAVEL - INDIA

Mauritius

Heaven on Earth?

T

he Indian Ocean is swimming with spectacular floating paradise Islands all fringed with the softest of sands and the bluest of seas. However, there the similarities end. Each island has a unique quality and ambience. One thing is for sure all the Islands are ideally placed to offer almost year round sunshine.

Now, dear reader, come close and let me tell you a little secret. The secret is: Mauritius. The secret to what? you may ask, well the answer is simple. Mauritius is the secret to relaxation. There are some very busy islands in the Indian Ocean, where you feel compelled to get active.

Not in Mauritius, here you can take life at your own pace and just enjoy natures magnificence. There are, of course, some amazing activities if you choose to partake. The crystal clear waters are perfect for glass-bottom boat rides, mini-sailing and kayaking. Try snorkelling in the lagoons and discover why its coral reefs are so famous, filled with an abundance of exotic fish and sea life. For the more adventurous, there are diving tours available, so you can swim with a dazzling array of tropical fish including barracudas, king fish and eagle rays.

It was writer Mark Twain who said: “You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven was copied after Mauritius.” While you are sitting on one of the numerous beaches, you will no doubt question whether you are in fact in heaven!

Apart from the vision of heaven, what sets Mauritius apart from other Island retreats? A little style, a little chic and a little “je ne se quoi”. The Grand Island has been a destination for those in the

know for quite a while now. It has understated luxury hotels and spa resorts all well versed at giving visitors just what they are looking for. Many of the hotels are set on their very own private lagoons with fantastic settings. Palm fringed beaches abound with views of the reddest of sunsets. While there are many new and trendy resort islands, Mauritius has glamour and refinement akin to the traditional design houses of yore, sophisticated and established.

So, what price do you put on such luxury? Starting from a mere £949.00 per person – the time to book is now!

When booking a holiday, we recommend using a well established travel agent who is well versed in delivering holidays with an ATOL certification, ensuring the security of your booking.

When booking with an online agent, check there is a contact phone number – this ensures you will get service from an actual person and get your questions answered swiftly.

Brightsun Travel is such an agent and we were able to uncover a fantastic package in a beach side resort as well as up to 20% discount, all from a starting price from just £949 per person with flights and accommodation and half board thrown in! The Merville Beach Luxe, also has a superb spa and a beach side restaurant with tables set right on the beach.

Brightsun Travel also offers a price match promise on worldwide flights and holidays. To book your dream holiday, visit www.brightsun.co.uk or call Brightsun Travel on 0208 819 0486 and make a booking with an actual person – a refreshing way to book your next holiday!

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November 2013

Vadodara Royal family’s battle for property settled amicably

AV Correspondent Dispute for assets worth nearly Rs 220 billion among the Gaekwad family members, the erstwhile rulers of Vadodara, was settled after almost two decades. The members of one of the richest royal families in India were in legal battle for palaces that include one which is four times the size of the

he said.

More than 20 stakeholders belonging to the Gaekwad family that include direct heirs as well as members of extended families too were in the battle for the properties spread across multiple locations.

The Royal family’s dispute went into legal purview way back in 1991,

ward the battle against his uncle Sangramsinh for assets worth billions.

As per the signed agreement, Samarjitsinh would get the lion’s share from the assets that include majestic Laxmi Vilas Palace. The sprawling palace spread across 243 acres was built in 1890. A private golf course is part of the palace.

Buckingham Palace and other assets like diamonds, artifacts, jewellery, buildings and land.

Sources close to the development said that stakeholders in the Gaekwad family inked a memorandum of understanding before city civil court of Vadodara.

S a m a r j i t s i n h Gaekwad, one of the members of Vadodara Royal family, said that the outcome was amicable and accepted unanimously.

“This is a new beginning for the betterment of the royal family. Hope we will overcome the past and forge a new relationship,”

which was between two sons of the last king of erstwhile princely state Baroda Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad – Ranjitsinh and Sangramsinh. Visionary Sayajirao was known for his progressive approach in the field of education.

He was instrumental behind the famous Maharaja Sayajirao University in Vadodara.

His initiative for girls’ education and empowerment of women are still being remembered fondly by the people of Vadodara.

Last year, Ranjitsinh died, but his son Samarjitsinh carried for-

Besides, the museum at the palace with some of the most costly paintings and precious diamonds and other valuable jewellery will also belong to him.

Sangramsinh would also get huge property, despite the fact that his nephew set to occupy bigger pie of the cake. He will take control of family owned companies, Indumati Mahal Palace in Vadodara and properties in Mumbai and Vadodara.

Besides, female members of the families and their heirs would also get their share, which would also be in billions.

the then princely states and making united India, said a senior official of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNL) adding that Modi made it a resolve to build the statue so that the name of this great son of India is remembered for ages to come. The statue will be three times taller than America’s iconic ‘Statue of Liberty’ and will be constructed under Public Private Partnership (PPP) model and envisaged to render excellent platform for research and developmental activities.

Further, onlookers will avail benefit to adore the wonderful scenery of

Sardar dam through the spectator gallery built on at the height of 450 feet.

There will be audio visual gallery, laser light and sound show on the life of Sardar Patel, virtual tour explaining an array of aspects of Sardar Sarovar Project, agriculture development, water management and programme for the uplift of scheduled tribes and many more.

A museum and an exhibition center demonstrating the farsightedness and contributions of Sardar Patel will be the main attractions of the venue. Ferry services will also be made available to help the visitors reach the statue. ‘‘The significance of this statue isn’t merely on height but will be much more valued for the educational, historical, national and spiritual values. My dream is to develop this place as a source of inspiration for ages to come,” said Modi adding that ‘Statue of Unity’ will truly pay glowing tribute to the ‘Iron Man’ on his birth anniversary.

Modi to lay foundation stone for Sardar Patel statue

AV Correspondent

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Patel on Thursday to mark his 138th birth anniversary.

Considered as brainchild of Modi, the statue will be known as ‘Statue of Unity’ and will be constructed near Sardar Sarovar dam. The 182 meter tall statue is a tribute to the ‘Iron man of India’. The first phase, for which bids have already been invited, is estimated to cost around Rs 20.60 billion.

The statue will be erected at Sadhubet, about 3.32 km. away from Sardar Sarovar dam. The place is expected to emerge as a world-class tourist destination. In a unique approach, a drive will be launched on Oct 31 for collecting discarded iron farm tools from the farmers all over India for making the statue.

The idea behind collecting iron to build statue is to pay tribute to Patel’s pivotal role in dissolving

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November 2013

Everyday habits that are damaging your back

Back pain is one of the most common fallouts of everyday life. But even dumping your heels and stretching may not help your spine.

New research shows that a vast majority of backaches are the result of cumulative effects of lifestyle that we often ignore.

Simple daily habits such as hunching to read your smart phone or slouching in front of your computer can, over time, strain your spine and the surrounding muscles, leaving you vulnerable to serious back injury.

Here are the habits to watch out for: Sitting still Forget heavy lifting sitting hunched over a computer all day is poison for your back. Research has found that people with desk jobs suffer more back pain than those working in manual jobs.

Using your joints and spine strengthens them, reducing risk of injury.

But inactivity weakens them, which makes you more prone to problems.

Fix it: Get up and walk around for two minutes, at least once an hour, and improve your posture while you're sitting down. Aim for a "neutral spine position", in which everything is in line, with no strain spots.

Your shoulders should be relaxed, feet flat on the floor, and eyes in line with the middle of your screen.

Sneezing This seemingly innocuous, activity is apparently a very com-

mon cause of back pain thanks to its sheer force.

A sneeze's speed of release can be up to 100 miles per hour, and our first instinct is to cover our faces and turn away.

According to Janet Wakley, author of The Smart Guide to Back Care, this instinctive turn is terrible for our backs.

"Spontaneously twisting to the side, combined with the force used by the chest muscles to sneeze, can wrench back muscles in a second," she says.

Fix it: Turn your body when you're about to sneeze, so that your back remains straight.

Wearing high heels, pumps Yes, tottering in high heels for long periods can make your back sore, but too much time in the wrong flats can do just as much damage. Heels cause problems because

they force your foot forward, altering your body's angle. Since your weight isn't evenly distributed over the spine, it can trigger pain from your knees all the way up to your back. But ballet pumps and flip-flops aren't any better as they allow your foot to slide around. The lack of stability that this causes puts pressure on your spine.

Fix it: Ensure your shoe holds your foot firmly in place. Alternate between high heels, mids and flats. By wearing different shoes every day, you lessen your chance of experiencing long-term problems caused by using only one type of shoe.

Your favourite bra Figures suggest 80 per cent women wear an illfitting bra. This can cause several muscular problems. A bad bra can lead to hunching and sore

neck and back muscles, while one that gives proper support can minimise that forward hunch and relieve pain.

Fix it: Get measured by a trained bra-fitter. Go for styles with wider shoulder straps or a racerstyle back, which offer better support and draw you to pull your shoulders back.

Your pot belly Even an extra couple of pounds around your middle makes your pelvis tilt forward. This puts it out of alignment as your body works to rebalance itself. Also, this means that your spine isn't getting enough support from your abdominal muscles, which can cause excessive strain on your lower back.

Fix it: Don't do sit-ups - they won't flatten your tummy if there's fat on top. Fat-burning cardiovascular exercises, such as running or swimming, for 45 minutes, three times a week, are more effective at shifting the bulge.

Your Smartphone The head-down position that you use to look at phones, iPads and laptops strains the muscles in the neck and the pain can extend to your lower back. Using them for hours on end means your body will eventually start to adopt this hunched position.

Fix it: Make sure you take frequent screen breaks. Try to look straight ahead and not down at your screen.

Professor Lacueva, this provided for a more accurate study than asking the participants to record their own intake of the compounds "as it is not only based on their memory when answering questionnaires".

The study concluded that overall mortality was reduced by 30 per cent in participants who consumed more than 650 mg of polyphenols a day in comparison with those who took in less than 500 mg.

A component of grapefruit and other citrus fruits like naringenin, blocks the formation of kidney cysts, a new study has revealed. The team of scientists from Royal Holloway University, St George's, University of London and Kingston University London used a simple, single-celled amoeba to identify that naringenin regulates the PKD2 protein responsible for polycystic kidney disease and as a result, blocks formation of cysts.

Professor Robin Williams from the School of Biological Sciences at Royal Holloway said that this discovery provides an important step forward in understanding how polycystic kidney disease may be controlled.

To test how this discovery could apply in treatments, the team used a mammalian kidney cellline, and triggered the formation of cysts in these cells. They were then able to block the formation of the cysts by adding naringenin and saw that when

HEALTH WATCH 29 Arthritis: some foods that help reduce chronic pain

Arthritis is a form of inflammation of joints. It involves severe pain, swelling in joints, and joint stiffness. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, of which Osteoarthritis is the most common.

Sounds painful? It is indeed agonising. Going by data in our own country, India currently is home to around 2.5 million arthritis patients, according to experts.

As such there is no cure for arthritis, but definitely a change in lifestyle accompanied with small alterations in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diet can yield big returns in keeping a check on the disease.

Here are some super foods that can help ease arthritis pain.

Flaxseed oil Make room for this wonder food as flaxseeds as just 2 tablespoons contain loads of omega-3s and help ease inflammation and joint pain. It also contains alpha-linolenic acid and lignans which have antioxidant benefits.

Turmeric Turmeric, also known as `Haldi`, has been on the Indian food menu since eons. It is widely used in Indian cooking.

Studies suggest that turmeric helps a lot in treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Green tea Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official that tea is good for your health. The active ingredients in green tea namely polyphenols and flavonoids boost the immune system, thereby showing promise to help ease the inflammation and pain of rheumatoid arthritis.

Tart cherries Researchers suggest that drinking tart cherry juice twice daily for three weeks can lead to significant reductions in chronic inflammation. Also, the sweet and tangy, red coloured, tiny seasonal fruit is rich in the antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins - which help relieve muscle and joint soreness.

levels of the PKD2 protein were reduced in the kidney cells, so was the block in cyst formation, confirming that the effect was connected.

Meanwhile, Dr Mark Carew, from the School of Pharmacy and Chemistry

at Kingston University, said further investigation is underway to understand the action of naringenin at the molecular level. This work will entail looking at the function of the PKD2 protein as a cell growth regulator.

Drinking tea cuts mortality risk by 30% Eating citrus fruits helps prevent formation of kidney cysts Scientists suggest that drinking a regular cup of tea or coffee can help you live longer.

Researchers found that a diet packed with polyphenols - potent antioxidant compounds contained in the drinks can lower the "risk of several chronic diseases and overall mortality."

Experts from Barcelona University studied 807 men and women aged 65 or over from central Italy for 12 years.

The researchers recorded a 30 per cent reduction in mortality among a group of participants who had a high intake of polyphenols.

The compounds occur naturally in fruits, vegetables, nuts and cereals as well as tea and coffee. More than 8,000 different types have been

To Our Readers

We are publishing these items in good faith, kindly consult your Doctor before you try to implement it. We do not hold any responsibility for its efficacy...

identified in plants.

They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.

The study, led by Professor Cristina Andres Lacueva, head of the university's Biomarkers and Nutritional and Food Metabolomics Research Group, measured the participants' intake of polyphenols by using a nutritional biomarker which showed up in the subjects' urine.

According to

30

UK

Anand Mela on B4U B4U (Sky 891) will be televising the annual Anand Mela this Sunday 3rd November at 6.30pm in their program TALK OF THE TOWN.

Young peoples mela

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November2013

Croydon celebrates Diwali Croydon was one of the first towns to kickstart Diwali celebrations. The Diwali festival took place with great zeal and enthusiasm at Croydon Conference Centre, Surrey Street.

The spectacular festival was organised by ISKCON (International Society of Krishna Consciousness), located at 42 Enmore Road in South Norwood and

attracted over 400 people.

The occasion was graced by the presence of MP Gavin Barwell and Deputy Mayor, Vidhi Mohan, as well as Counsellors of Croydon Council. Not only did this event make a mark for all those who were present from all across the London but also had a very positive impact on the socio-cultural environment of Croydon.

Coming Events

L to R: Mr Jethala Hindocha, Anitaben Ruparalia, Manubhia Palan, Kantabhaia Amlani, Kalyanjibhia Thakrar, Shri Ram Bapa, A Harrow Councilor representing the Mayor of Harrow

On Sunday 20th October a special get together was held at Harrow High School. It's aim was to enable young people from the Lohana and Gujajrati community to meet prospective partners with a view to marriage and was attended by 450 people and was organised by Mr Jethala Hindocha.

Our Guest - Dr. P.N.Rachhoya Dr. P.N.Rachhoya is a retired senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who is currently an advocate of the Rajasthan High Court. He joined the police service in 1972 and retired in 2005 serving as the Additional Director General of Police of the Rajasthan State. During his 33 years of distinguished service he held various positions in the district police and was awarded the 'Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Services' by the Honorable President of India in 2002. He is a strategic thinker with strong work ethics and excellent people manage-

ment and leadership skills.

Whilst serving as the Director of the Rajasthan Police Academy, he has been a role model and mentor for many young police officers. He is prolific reader, writer, thinker and public speaker. He has authored and published more than 20 books in a variety of subjects including laws relating to terrorism, bombs & explosives, cyber crime, police history etc. Most recently he completed his PhD thesis on 'Cyber Crime and Indian Police'.

He resides in Jaipur with his wife and is currently visiting London.

Editor: CB Patel Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta Tel: 020 7749 4098 - Email: rupanjana.dutta@abplgroup.com Editorial Executive: Tanveer Mann Tel: 020 7749 4010 - Email: tanveer.mann@abplgroup.com Senior News Editor: Dhiren Katwa Freelance Correspondent: Rudy Otter Chief Operating Officer: Liji George Tel: 020 7749 4013 Email: george@abplgroup.com Chief Financial Officer: Surendra Patel Tel: 020 7749 4093 Mobile: 07875 229 220 Email: surendra.patel@abplgroup.com Chief Accountant: Akshay Desai Tel: 020 7749 4087 Email:accounts@abplgroup.com Business Manager: Alka Shah Tel: 020 7749 4002 - Mobile: 07944 151 893 Email: alka.shah@abplgroup.com Advertising Manager: Kishor Parmar Tel: 020 7749 4095 - Mobile: 07875 229 088 Email: kishor.parmar@abplgroup.com Business Development Managers: Rovin J George - Email: rovin.george@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4097 - Mobile: 07875 229 219 Nihir Shah - Email: nihir.shah@abplgroup.com Tel: 020 7749 4089 - Mobile: 07875 229 111 Urja Patel - Email: urja.patel@abplgroup.com Kalpesh Shah Tel: 07539 88 66 44 Email: kalpesh.shah@abplgroup.com Graphic Designers: Harish Dahya & Ajay Kumar Tel: 020 7749 4086 Email: graphics@abplgroup.com Customer Service: Ragini Nayak Tel: 020 7749 4080 - Email: support@abplgroup.com (BPO) AB Publication (India) Pvt. Ltd. 207 Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar, Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad.

Tel / Fax: +91 79 2646 5960

l Friday 1st November – Dhanteras – laxhmi Puja throughout the day at Adhya Shakti Mataji Temple.

Contact: 07882 253 540. l Sunday 3rd November – Diwali Celebrations at Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna Temple from 4pm – 6.30pm. Contact: 01923 851 003. l Sunday 10th November – Gaata Rahe Mera Dil Hindu Songs by Pooja Angra and Karan Rana from 5.30pm at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 4a Castletown road, West Kensington, W14 9HE. Contact: 0207 381 3086. l Sunday 10th November – Diwali Celebrations at Kadwa Patidar Centre, Kenmore Avenue, Harrow, HA3 8LU from 2pm-9pm. Contact: 007860 430 895. l Monday 4th November - Ankot and New year's Day Aarti from 1pm at The Jaspar Centre, Rosslyn Crescent, Harrow, HA1 2SU. Contact: 0208 861 1207 l Sunday 17th November - Bhajans and Kirtans from 1-6pm at Ramgarhia Community Centre, 231, Plashet Road, Upton Park, London E13.

Contact: 07956230307 l Friday 29th November - ladies Tulsi Viva from 1-4pm at The Jaspar Centre, Rosslyn Crescent, Harrow, HA1 2SU. Contact: 0208 861 1207 l Sunday 17th November - Shree Jalaram Bapa's 214th Birthday Mahotsav from 11am-5pm at Canon Palmer School, Aldborough Road South, Seven Kings, Ilford, Essex. Contact: 0845 838 2126 l Sunday 17th November - Tulsi Vivah at Shree Swaminarayan Temple from 11am.

Contact 0208 679 8050

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20

There are subtle transformations taking shape in you life and a feeling of helpful influences in the background. There is much to suggest that you are in tune with your inner self and in touch with those hidden forces which often seem to take a guiding hand in one's life. Focus on essentials and establish a solid foundation, so that you feel secure.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21

Whether you’re single or attached you’ll have to go through a lot, as deep psychological transformations are taking place in all types of relationships. No matter what your chosen path is, you’ll be recognised and rewarded for it. Don’t be afraid to experiment, trust your hunches, go with your gut feeling.

You have been going through major changes in your relationships, as a result of your own radical personal transformation. Your ideas about love and partnership are changing daily. As with most things, your health waxes and wanes. You might even find the energy to keep up with your projected gym schedule. No matter how hard you are working, try to make time for relaxation.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

Expansive Jupiter in your Solar 1st house is going to play a great part for some of you, who are widening their horizons. An important time to build too, as Saturn in your solar 5th House can be very severe and cold especially regarding relationships. Regardless of the limits, you have the capacity to turn the course of your life in a more fulfilling direction.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

You’re likely to find yourself doing a lot of thinking about both new and existing partnerships, and maybe toing and froing in one relationship in particular. Home and family duties and responsibilities may weigh heavy on you. In effect, you’re building a new foundation, so the work you put in now will pay off in the future.

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

You know you’ve got no choice but to streamline and re-assess your priorities before haphazardly saying yes to everything that smells like a potential opportunity. Try to create a balance between expansion and conservation. Jupiter in your 11th house makes you feel invincible, but the way to utilise this transit is to sift through all the opportunities that come your way.

If you are your own boss, then you can look forward to a fairly good week. Librans who face a strict schedule may find the next seven days a little frustrating, because this is a week where you will need a certain amount of personal space. You may be absorbing new ideas about how to create financial independence. Others may not understand, so you may have to keep your ideas to yourself.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

Bureau Chief: Nilesh Parmar (M) +91 94266 36912 Email: nilesh.parmar@abplgroup.com Consulting Editor: Bhupatbhai Parekh, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Tel: +91 79 2630 4142 Urvashi Jagadeesan (India) Mumbai: Kanti Bhatt, Hemraj Shah (Jumbo Advertiser) Horizon Advertising & Marketing: 205, Shalibhadra Complex, Opp. Jain Derasar,Nr. Nehru Nagar Circle, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad. Tel / Fax: +91 79 2646 5960 Email: horizon.marketing@abplgroup.com Business Manager: Hardik Shah (M) +91 99250 42936 Email: hardik.shah@abplgroup.com Advertising Manager: Neeta Patel (Vadodara) M: +91 98255 11702 Email: neeta_abplgroup@yahoo.co.in Assistant Marketing Manager: Manish Shah (Vadodara) M: +91 96876 06824 Email: manish.shah@abplgroup.com Assistant Marketing Manager: Krunal Shah (Ahmedabad) M: +91 98243 67146 Email: krunal.shah@abplgroup.com Business Co-ordinator: Shrijit Rajan M: +91 98798 82312 Email: shrijit.rajan@abplgroup.com Prashant Chanchal (Rajkot) M: +91 98250 35635 International Advertisement Representative: Jain Group (South India) Tel: +91 44 42041122/3/4 Fax: +91 44 25362973 Mumbai: +91 222471 4122 Email: jain@jaingroup.net Delhi Office: Tel: +91 44 9311581597

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It’s all about communications, as they take centre stage this week. As stubborn as you tend to be, you’ll have to openly speak up about your wants and needs without fear. Regarding love there will be a struggle between devotion and freedom. You need to feel completely consumed by the passion of your lover, and yet you need personal space to explore your own thing.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Anything or anyone that drains your time and energy should be re-evaluated. It’s time to use that creative imagination of yours to create grandeur in your life. Don't get too carried away and lose sight of little things that mean a lot to you. Jupiter, the planet of expansion in your Solar 8th house is good for joint resources, taxes etc.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

Responsibility is your key word, especially at work. Set your own goals, rather than trying to meet those set by someone else. You will achieve a lot more, especially when you're motivated by your own desires. Your ability to manage what you have on your plate earns respect from others around you. You will benefit in every way if you learn to self-discipline and pace yourself wisely.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

If your ambitions have been undefined, don't worry as from now on, you understand exactly what kind of impact you need to make on the world.

Jupiter in your work sector rules your daily life. All those little details should run perfectly, without you constantly worrying. That means you can focus on matters that are important to you. Health-wise you will be feeling fit and relaxed.

Your social graces will serve you well careerwise. Mixing business with pleasure will bring you benefits. You will achieve great success by being responsible and diplomatic. Ego confrontations with family members are possible now, but the best way to handle this energy is to do your best to strengthen your relationship with your family and your home base.

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

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SPORT

www.abplgroup.com - Asian Voice 2nd November2013

4th, 5th ODIs washed out

Rain played spoilsport at the fourth and fifth ODIs in the seven match series between India and Australia. Australia have taken a 2-1 lead over India by winning the first and third matches. India won the second match. The outcome of the 6th and 7th ODIs will decide the winner of the series.

4th ODI The fourth ODI was played at the JSCA stadium in Ranchi. While India was replying to Australia’s 295 for eight in 50 over rain began.

At that time India was 27 for no loss. Due to the rain the players trooped into indoors.

Once the rain stopped the match officials conducted an inspection of the ground before deciding not to resume the match. Trailing 1-2, India was hoping to win this match to restore parity in this series.

With this match producing no result, India will have to win at least two of remaining three games to not lose the series.

Earlier, Dhoni won the toss for the first time in this series and asked Australia to bat first considering the overcast sky and moisture in the pitch. Left-armer Jaydev Unadkat and Mohammad Shami, coming in for Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ishant Sharma, used the new ball well.

Shami generated good pace and movement off the pitch. The 23-year-old cut

England team in Australia for Ashes series

England's cricketers were in confident mood when they touched down in Perth last week at the start of their Ashes tour to Australia. Asked about his team's chances of winning a fourth consecutive Ashes series, spinner Graeme Swann said they were "always confident."

The England players looked fresh and relaxed despite arriving a little after midnight and Swann said he "can't wait to get cracking. If we play our good cricket," he said, "then it should be a great series." Kevin Pietersen wasn't among the playing group which arrived. He had been granted compassionate leave to remain in England following the death of a friend and will join the team later, bringing it up to its full complement of 17.

The players were having two days off before the first official practice session. England have six days to acclimatize before opening its tour with a three-day match against a West Australia XI.

through the Australian toporder to leave it gasping at 32 for three in eight overs.

He brought one in sharply to surprise Aaron Finch and made one rise from short of length to force Phil Huges edge to Dhoni. Another sharp incoming delivery shattered the woodwork of Watson.

The three-wicket haul was Shami’s best figures, the previous being two for 25 against Zimbabwe in July.

Dropped catches galore Australia should have been four down as George Bailey, facing the first ball, edged an away going delivery from Shami but Kohli failed to take the regulation catch at the third slip.

That was the beginning of the six dropped catches by the Indians. Bailey and Glenn Maxwell settled down for the fifth wicket that produced 153 runs, an Australian

record against India.

Bailey was steady and solid, while Maxwell was bold, and at times, brilliant, with his IPL style strokes.

His two reverse sweeps off Ashwin from well outside the off-stump to square-leg boundary, stood out.

Bailey (35) was reprieved

by Ashwin off Vinay at short mid-wicket at 90 before the Aussie captain brought up his 11th ODI half-century off 57 balls.

As the team’s score neared 150 came another dropped catch, this time Maxwell (44) square cut Unadkat. Yuvraj Singh failed to pouch him at point. The Aussie raced to his fourth half-century off 45 balls.

The Aussie duo brought up the 100 partnership in 103 balls and soon the score was 200.

Meanwhile, Dhoni failed to latch on to an intended

glide past slips by Maxwell (69) off Suresh Raina’s faster one.

Bailey fell 24 runs later when his attempt to clear the ground off Vinay ended in the hands of Rohit Sharma for a well-compiled 98 that had seven hits to the fence and three sixes.

The batting powerplay produced 37 runs, as during this period, Australia lost three wickets including Maxwell for a punishing 92 off just 77 balls with six fours and five sixes.

The last ten overs produced 57 as India restricted Australia to 295 for eight.

5th ODI called off The 5th ODI in Cuttack has been officially cancelled due to unplayable conditions at the Barabati stadium after days of continuous rains.

Cuttack has been witnessing regular showers.

Yesterday, even the official press release from the Odisha Cricket Association sounded very hopeless in regard to the match taking place.

“We deeply regret to mention that the sunny weather that we have been expecting has failed to come true. The ground is completely waterlogged and the match has been cancelled,” a press release said.

Surprisingly, rains couldn’t keep away the fans who came to buy the tickets anyway.

Tendulkar lone Indian in Wisden World XI

Australia great Don Bradman was named captain of an all-time Test World XI to mark the 150th anniversary of Wisden C r i c k e t e r s ' Almanack.

A l t h o u g h Bradman played his last Test in 1948, no batsman before or since has come anywhere near his staggering Test batting average of 99.94.

Also included is his compatriot Shane Warne, who during the 1990s established himself as arguably the greatest leg-spinner cricket has known. Given that it is a UKbased publication built around the events of the previous English season, albeit one now encompassing the whole of senior international cricket, it is perhaps unsurprising there are four England players in the side. WG Grace, the 19th century star who invented the fundamentals of batting, opening great Jack Hobbs, wicketkeeper Alan Knott, a mainstay of England teams of the 1970s and Sydney Barnes, a master of both swing and spin and reckoned by many to have been England's greatest

Sachin Tendulkar

bowler of all time, make it into the side.

West Indies provide three players in Vivian Richards, widely regarded as the best batsman of his generation, Garfield Sobers, frequently referred to as the greatest allrounder cricket has known and Malcolm Marshall, viewed as arguably the best in a long line of top-class Caribbean fast bowlers.

India provide one player in the soon-to-retire Sachin Tendulkar, Test cricket's leading run scorer of all-time, with the team completed by Pakistan's Wasim Akram, long esteemed as the best left-arm fast bowler cricket has known.

Hobbs, Bradman, Richards, Sobers and Warne

were named as Wisden's five players of the 20th Century in 2000.

Wisden World XI: 1 Jack Hobbs (England, Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1909) 61 Tests, 5,410 runs at 56.94 2 WG Grace (England, CY 1896) 22 Tests, 1,098 runs at 32.29 3 Don Bradman (Australia, CY 1931, capt) 52 Tests, 6,996 runs at 99.94) 4 Sachin Tendulkar (India, CY 1997) 198 Tests, 15,837 runs at 53.86 5 Vivian Richards (West Indies, CY 1977) 121 Tests, 8,540 runs at 50.23 6 Garry Sobers (West Indies, CY 1964) 93 Tests, 8,032 runs at 57.78, 235 wickets at 34.03 7 Alan Knott (England, CY 1970, wkt) 95 Tests, 4,389 runs at 32.75, 250 catches, 19 stumpings 8 Wasim Akram (Pakistan, CY 1993) 104 Tests, 414 wickets at 23.62 9 Shane Warne (Australia, CY 1994) 145 Tests, 708 wickets at 25.41 10 Malcolm Marshall (West Indies, CY 1983) 81 Tests, 376 wickets at 20.94 11 Sydney Barnes (England, CY 1910) 27 Tests, 189 wickets at 16.43

India to face Pakistan in World Twenty20 opener

Cricket rivals India and Pakistan were drawn against each other for next year's World Twenty20, according to the ICC. According to Sport24, India and Pakistan are among eight sides which have been given direct entry into the Super 10 stage of the competition, based on the ICC's T20 team rankings. The Super 10 stage will start with a match between India and Pakistan in Mirpur on March 21, while the West Indies will begin their title defence on March 23 against India also in Mirpur, the report said.

MCA names club after Tendulkar

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has paid tribute to Sachin Tendulkar by naming the Kandivili ground as the Sachin Tendulkar Gymkhana Club. The announcement was made by MCA’s newly elected president Sharad Pawar. The Club would be inaugurated on November 11. The MCA had formed a small committee headed by Pawar to decide how to felicitate Tendulkar who will hang up his boots after his historic 200th Test against West Indies. His glittering career has fetched him 100 international hundreds and over 34,000 runs in international cricket. "We have decided to name our clubhouse at Kandivli after Sachin Tendulkar and the unveiling function would be held there on November 11 in the presence of both the teams - West Indies and India," said Pawar.

India guaranteed top spot in ODI rankings

World Champions India are guaranteed the No.1 spot after the last two One-Day Internationals (ODI) in the seven-match series against Australia were washed out.

Australia currently lead the series 2-1 with the final two matches to be played in Nagpur and Bangalore on Wednesday and Saturday.

If Australia manage to win the final two ODIs, they will rise to 119 points while India will finish on 120. In sharp contrast, if India win both matches, they will finish on 123 points while Australia will slide to 114.

BCCI terminates Sahara Pune Warriors from IPL

The BCCI working committee terminated franchise Sahara Pune Warriors from the Indian Premier League for not paying a bank guarantee of Rs 1.74 billion. Owned by the Sahara Group, the Pune Warriors have been on collision course with the BCCI after the board encashed its bank guarantee due to non-payment of franchise fee. The Sahara group announced its pullout from the IPL after that even though that is yet to be formally conveyed to the BCCI. All the governing council members of the IPL were invited for the meeting. Sahara had been demanding the completion of the arbitration proceedings on the issue of franchise fee, which it feels should be lowered since the BCCI did not deliver on its promised number of IPL matches for the team.

The arbitration process has not yet started because of the differences between BCCI and Sahara over the judges to be appointed for it. Pune Warriors, bought by Sahara for $370 million (approx Rs 17.02 billion) in 2010, is the most expensive franchise on the IPL roster and its termination would cause substantial financial loss to the BCCI. With this decision, the IPL is back to an eight-team affair.