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Vol 45 | Issue 18
SURROGACY BILL
LIAM FOX FOR GREATER COOPERATION WITH INDIA P25
3rd September to 9th September 2016
Let noble thoughts come to us from every side
Fight between Rights and Morality The Indian government gave its nod to the Surrogacy Bill 2016, in a move aimed to curb unethical practices and exploitation of women in the country. As India slowly made its way into becoming a hub of commercial surrogacy, the administration saw a booming industry that religiously took advantage of the lower class and the desperate. The worst hit are foreign couples, especially from the US and the UK, who have often come to India with the sole purpose of taking a child back home- so says some people. The new bill seeks a bar on unmarried couples, single parents, live-in partners and homosexuals from opting for the procedure, and has a provision for a jail term up to ten years and a fine of Rs 1000,000 for violations like abandoning the child. Addressing the media, India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "The new bill proposes
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a complete ban on commercial surrogacy in the country and will allow only legally wedded Indian couples married for at least five years to have children through surrogacy. Foreigners as well as
NRIs and PIOs who hold Overseas Citizens of India cards have been barred from opting for surrogacy." She added, "Unmarried couples, single parents, live-in part-
ners and homosexuals cannot opt for surrogacy as per the bill. Legally wedded couples who have been married for at least five years, can opt for surrogacy." She even Continued on page 26
London Mayor visits Hindu temple on their second anniversary
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Deputy Mayor for Business Rajesh Agrawal, Acharya Swamishree Maharaj, Navin Shah AM, Cllr Muhammed Butt, Cllr Krupesh Hirani, Ashok Chauhan MBE, CB Patel, Kishor Parmar and others
Rt Hon Sadiq Khan, has been the first Muslim Mayor of London to visit Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury as the guest of hon-
our to mark the temple's second anniversary on Sunday 28th August 2016. Addressing the packed Mandir, Mr Khan enthused,
“The last time I came here I asked for your prayers and for your blessings to carry me through the election. Continued on page 16
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ONE ONE with Keith Vaz, MP
Asian Voice 3rd September 2016
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to
Mr Neville Menezes
Mr Neville Menezes is a Consultant Pancreatico-biliary Surgeon and is one of the founder members and Trustees of Pancreatic Cancer Action. He is one of the medical advisors on the panel of doctors for the charity, ‘Pancreatic Cancer Action’. He is appointed as the Consultant HPB Surgeon for the Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire Cancer network holding Consultant posts at The Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Guildford and Ashford & St. Peter’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Chertsey Surrey. His specialist surgical training was in the West of Scotland & The South Thames Deanery. He completed his FRCS from The Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh and thereafter pursued research & specialist training followed by an Intercollegiate FRCS (Gen. Surg.) in 2002. His Pancreatico-biliary experience and research related to minimally invasive techniques for intractable pancreatic pain was acquired at the Lister Department of Surgery at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary working with Professor CW Imrie and his Hepatobiliary experience was acquired at King’s College Hospital in London. His Laparoscopic Training was at the Minimal Access Therapeutic Training Unit (MATTU) in Guildford. He strongly believes that any improvement in pancreatic cancer survival will be related to and as a direct consequence of early diagnosis which is also the primary aim of the charity ‘Pancreatic Cancer Action’. 1) What is your current position? I am appointed as a Laparoscopic & Upper GI Surgeon at Ashford & St. Peter’s hospital NHS Trust and the Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford. In addition to treating patients I enjoy and cherish
goals? We have come a long way in our management of cancer and other diseases in the UK. I am very keen to take this progress to parts of this world where medical care is poor. What we take for granted very often can only be dreamt by people in these countries.
3) What inspires you? The rapid progress made in science & technology and the application of newer techniques in diagnostics for detecting illnesses early. We are fortunate to be able to practice medicine in an era, where one hears of a new treatment or invention in medicine, almost on a daily basis.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change? I would invite suggestions for the future of healthcare reforms from doctors working on the shopfront. The medical profession currently is battling with limited resources and high patient expectations. As patients are living longer and health and social care is getting very expensive it is time to be honest with the electorate about what can be realistically funded in our NHS.
my role in training junior doctors in surgery.
4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career? Fulfilling all expectations of patients can be a very difficult. One has to be able to offer the best care possible with limited resources. Medical care with all its progress and inventions can be very expensive. However our NHS is still one of the best health care systems in the world and despite the day to day obstacles that I face, I am proud to be able to play a significant role within the NHS.
2) What are your proudest achievements? My wife and two lovely daughters. They have always supported me in my work and play a major role in my aspirations and
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date? My Wife Elizabeth, a research scientist by profession, who gave up her time and aspirations to allow me to achieve my goals
had sent a sexually explicit image of them together to
Seeking qualified
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Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice the wellknown weekly publications, enjoying strong readership in the UK, Europe, and the US are looking for skilled telesales staff members to effortlessly market both the papers. • Require good knowledge of both English and Gujarati languages. • Considerable experience in telesales will be an added advantage.
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achievements. I am able to discuss medical topics with my daughters as they both have taken a liking to human sciences. My wife has great empathy in her approach to cancer patients and is always enthusiastic in getting involved in their care with her background in Immunology.
Woman accused of killing Tanveer Iqbal sent sexually explicit image to his wife The lover of alleged murder victim Tanveer Iqbal
AsianVoiceNews
Zatoon Bibi in court
Bibi’s ex-hubby Gul Nawaz denies murdering Iqbal
his wife, a court heard. Zatoon Bibi is said to have sent the picture of the music shop boss performing a sexual act on her to his partner Nasreen. Bibi, 37, and ex-husband Gul Nawaz, 44,, and a 16-year-old male who can not be identified, have all denied murdering Mr
and dreams. She has been a constant encouragement in times when I have felt low and also a boost to my energy levels when tasks seemed impossible. 6) What is the best aspect about your current role? To be able to serve, my patients well and offer them the benefits of advanced medicine and surgery. When I see a patient with cancer being cured, I feel I have achieved something great and important. 7) And the worst? Political influence and bureaucracy has made it difficult for doctors to practice medicine. The constant change that one has to put up with, makes it very difficult to fulfil patient expectations. 8) What are your long term
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why? Given the opportunity I would not mind being marooned with Dr Joseph Lister, “the greatest surgical benefactor to mankind”. His remarkable accomplishment also earned him the title “Father of modern surgery”. It would be fascinating to hear from him his initial experiments and to inform him how far we have taken his ideas in the modern world.
Woman guilty of killing girl, 2, by careless driving in supermarket car park A woman has been found guilty of causing death by careless driving after she killed a two-year-old girl in a supermarket car park. Hoden Aden, 44, told police she thought she had struck a shopping trolley after she hit Fahima Hassan, who was in the car park at Asda in Forty Lane, Wembley with her mother . Aden, from Wembley, was found guilty of causing death by careless driving yesterday after a fourday trial at Harrow Crown Court. She was bailed to appear at the same court for sentencing on Monday, September 12. The court heard how Fahima, of Kingsbury, and
her mother had just left the store at about 8.20pm on September 11, 2014. Aden, who was driving a Volkswagen Tiguan, hit Fahima as she and her mother were in the road near a zebra style crossing point. Despite the best efforts of emergency services,
who rushed to the scene, Fahima died in hospital later the same day. Aden was interviewed twice under caution in September and December 2014, before she was summonsed to appear at Hendon Magistrates' Court on December 23, 2015.
Iqbal, 33. The trial at Birmingham Crown Court has now been adjourned until September 12. Bibi continued to give evidence last Thursday, where jurors heard details of the sex image.
Sally Howes QC, prosecuting, asked her what she thought she was doing when she sent explicit material of Tanveer performing a sexual act to her Bibi said Nasreen had become aware of the photo and insisted on seeing it,
adding: ”She asked for it that’s why I sent it.” She was asked what she thought Nasreen’s reaction would be. ”To be honest at the time nothing. I only sent her a screen shot. We had been doing that for years.”
C MMENTS
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Asian Voice |3rd September 2016
J&K: No shortcut to a solution The most daunting crisis facing India at present is the unrest in Kashmir. Over a month and a half violent jihadi agitation in the Valley has brought normal life to a standstill. Jihadi voices in the media have made accusations against the Indian state and its law enforcing agencies that would make the shade of Hitler’s propaganda chief Josef Goebbels squirm. Rapes, murders, abductions, disappearances and more have been published on edit or oped pages to catch the public eye. Mainstream politicians, media gurus, invited Pakistani voices on Indian TV nightly programmes , mouth the same rancid platitudes ad nauseam without a glimmer of light on the principal issue at stake. Mirwaz and Geelani, two of the senior-most Hurriyat figures issued a frank and forthright statement in the Hindu newspaper, demandeing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should look beyond the Indian Constitution for a solution to the Kashmir imbroglio. This, they averred, would entail tripartite talks between India, Pakistan and the Kashmiri Hurriyat movement. They set out the proposal to disabuse the Indian public that the agitation is about jobs, education, computers in schools and more welfare projects in the State. These to them are irrelevant, utterly abject and beneath contempt. Nothing less than Kashmir’s secession will suffice. If the late 1980s or early 1990s are anything to go by the expulsion of what remains of the Hindu Pandit population will follow in the general scheme of things. The Pandits are Kashmiri in every bone and fibre: Kashmir is also their ancestral homeland, as much as it is to the Muslim community. In the period alluded to above, the Valley was cleansed of its Hindu minority who as internally displaced people sought refuge in camps scattered across Jammu and the environs of Delhi. Which brings us to two further points: Is the Hurriyat laying claim to Hindu-populated Jammu
and Buddhist populated Ladakh, since the State of Kashmir constitutionally includes all three units under a single administrative authority? So, when India’s Home Secretary Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Modi hold a dialogue – the eternal buzzword – will they be discussing the liquidation of the Indian state itself? Because secession and its likely consequences are what the Hurriyat leadership is prepared to discuss; all other issues being off the table. Indian politicians have much to gain by being robustly honest with the Indian people. Cease the twaddle on dialogue on jobs and welfare and the rest because they are not worth the candle. Pakistan recently took Kashmir to the United Nations in the hope of witnessing India’s crucifixion. Nothing happened. America and Britain who, not too far in the past, were only too ready to accommodate Pakistan’s wishes on the subject, kept studiously aloof: nobody, but nobody, except a gaggle jihadi sympathizers in the Gulf, would put their imprimatur on the Pakistani resolution because no-one was prepared to underwrite the birth of an Islamic state and risk a cycle of regional and international instability. This is the bottom line, the true message the UN conveyed through its silence. India must accept that it is in what amounts to an undeclared war by Pakistan. It will require a long haul to respond effectively to the challenge. For all its bluster, the innards of Pakistan are tubercular, afflicted by the delusional mirage of an Islamic Caliphate in the Subcontinent built on the ruins of ‘Hindu’ India. Christine Fair, a distinguished American academic has understood this and explains the psychosis with admirable clarity in herbook, ‘The Pakistan Army’s Way of War.’ It should be read with due diligence and its contents absorbed. There are no short cuts to a satisfactory solution in Kashmir. Bite the bullet and survive. Avoid the truth and perish.
Better coordination on the way Prime Minister Modi has taken an important step forward in facing the mounting challenges on India’s Chinese and Pakistani fronts. The two powers are bonded in an all-weather relationship pivoted around an adversarial relationship with India. Pakistan’s ties with America frayed at the edges because, says Husain Haqqani, Islamabad’s former ambassador to the United States, Pakistan held unrealistic expectation that Washington would partner its ally to the last mile in its jihadi adventures against India. At that point national interests diverged. Such considerations do not apply to the SinoPakistan strategic alignment. Pakistan is useful to China, which apparently perceives it as its regional ‘Israel’, according to a top general in China’s People’s Liberation Army (Ref: Andrew Small, ‘The ChinaPakistan Axis: Asia’s New Geopolitics). It is surely the latest variant of Kipling’s Great Game, with the rider that the 21 st century, with its nuclear weapons and lethal conventional armaments, is infinitely more dangerous than the contest in the 19 th century. PM Modi has initiated two significant measures as part of India’s ongoing response. His first is the reorganization of his close team of advisers, with the aim of making it leaner, meaner and sharper. His National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, will henceforth have within his remit intelligence, his area of expertise as a former Intelligence Bureau chief; diplomacy will be the exclusive domain of Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar, a former ambassador to Japan and China, with a wealth of diplomatic experience behind him. The earlier overlap in their responsibilities has been removed in the
interests of smoother functioning, coordination and policy implementation. To this has been added the roving assignment to M.J. Akbar, the newly appointed Minister of State with responsibility for the Middle East. Mr Akbar has a keen intellect and a deft feel for the job. He has done the rounds in the Gulf and set down markers there. The more challenging area is the Levant, whose peace has long been destroyed by sectarian conflicts and great power meddling, principally by the west. Mr Akbar touched down in Damascus for wide- ranging talks with President Bashar-al Assad and senior Syrian leaders and officials, reinforcing Indo-Syrian ties, most significantly in the field of intelligence, where Syria’s unrivalled knowledge of Islamic State activities and plans for expansion into India and Indonesia can help India stay ahead of the game. With the failed coup in Turkey leading to a TurkishRussian rapprochement and President Putin hosting Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in Moscow with Egypt’s warm blessing, the international chessboard has a new and challenging look. President Sisi of Egypt will shortly be making a state visit to India; a new alignment is in bud to confront jihadi terrorism, of which Pakistan is the principal hub. The times are a-changing and India is gearing up to counter existential threats and challenges with renewed confidence and vigour. The Obama administration is a bystander, having goofed up its policies in the region and beyond. The US President’s domestic and international standing are none too high, as he gets ready to leave the White House.
Women cops rescue minors, bust sex traffickers Haryana is peopled by a go-getting and dynamic Jat community. No-one who has witnessed their sturdy enterprise can doubt their talents and capabilities. As with most transitional societies there is a dark side too that in recent years has come to the fore. The treatment of young women and girls in much of its rural hinterland and also in urban pockets keep yielding gruesome stories of domestic violence, rapes and murders, plus the abortions of unborn females. Finally, there is the trafficking of young girls for sex or forcible marriage. Police in Howrah, a suburb of Kolkata, arrested a suspect named Mehfizza in early August, who informed her interrogators of the sale of a 15 year-old juvenile to a man from Haryana. Two women police women, Sub-
Inspector Piyali Ghosh and Constable Madhumita Das, accompanied by two male constables, set out for Haryana to track down the man and his accomplices. They succeeded in doing so in a remote village, but were confronted by a violent mob and had to run across fields for their lives. They radioed for help and a Haryana police unit arrived and fired in the air to disperse the mob. The brave police women rescued three minors from Bengal and arrested nine traffickers. Back in Howrah, the police party said they were happy to have done their duty. They were warmly appreciative of the help the local force constantly receive from an anti-trafficking NGO, Shakti Vahini. All’s well that ends well - at least for now.
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Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. - Samuel Ullman (1840-1924)
India and Brexit – On the ground feedback Speaking to dozens of Indian entrepreneurs – the real ones who have startups not the multinationals, the ones most likely to be affected by Brexit, the ones without political connections – this is what I found from my trip to Pune, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad…just a selection of comments: Of course the funniest were the ones questioning the intellect of the average Brexit voter. My Indian guests found it hilarious how stupid the Brexiters could be. My guests from India were not shy or diplomatic in their language. They then asked my views on a host of matters. Here is what I said, taking off my Government hat as UK Government Dealmaker representing the Department for International Trade. Immigration My view as a businessman, not in any Government role or statement, was that leaving the EU was about stopping unqualified immigrants to the UK from the EU. So surely that means more numbers from India. That was just what logic told me. I did explain that does not mean open borders for India but the rules remain open for quality candidates. Business The whole point of Brexit I said was to reduce red tape and
make doing business easier. I will go by what Anand Mahendra said about it being good for Indian companies no longer being hampered by entering the UK market because of some regulation to protect, say, the Romanians from competition. I explained in my experience Indian companies were coming to the UK not for the access to the EU alone, but ease of doing business and going global from Britain. Access to EU I explained I see it inconceivable that a bunch of capitalist free trading countries decide to suddenly become restrictive. It would be irrational. Britain does not have a union with America but both manage to trade openly. Economy I explained to the British Deputy High Commissioners and others that the windfall has been unexpected from the vote in some regards. The cost of borrowing for the British government has dropped to the lowest level ever. So it presents a great opportunity for the Government to borrow for 30 years fixed at zero percent cost and invest that money in infrastructure so we get a return on that investment. Those were the top four questions and my answers to them.
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‘Hijacking’ of religious symbols by extremists intensifies rifts and tensions Dr Saeeda Shah from the University of Leicester discusses how Islamic symbols are distorted through extremism
The ‘hijacking’ of religious symbols – such as beards, clothing and phrases - by extremists sullies their original use and intensifies rifts and tensions, according to an expert from the University of Leicester. Dr Saeeda Shah from the University of Leicester School of Education has written an article for Think: Leicester, the University’s platform for independent academic opinion, highlighting how political exploitation of religions and associated symbols by different groups is becoming increasingly evident – and causes people to associate these symbols with negative messages. In the article she writes:
“Religious symbols which for ordinary people may serve as identity-markers and basis of self-esteem are being hijacked by vested interests, sullying their original use and associating negative signals and messages with them. “The same is happening with Islam and its religious symbols. The beard has become associated with extremist Muslims, and not only the terrorists’ images are often bearded but even the society looks at bearded people as extremists, and many bearded Muslims have complained of receiving strange looks and expressions. “The same is happening with Muslim women wearing dresses covering the head and body. The recent ban on wearing burkinies (female
swimwear used by some Muslim women that covers the body and the head) on some beaches in France also highlights how a culturally and religiously appropriate way of dressing for some has become associated with negative signals. “Another example of distortion of religious symbols is association of Allah Akbar with violence. Allah Akbar is Arabic phrase that means ‘God is Great’ and for Muslims it is an acknowledgement of God’s greatness used in prayers as well as when seeing or experiencing anything that reminds of God’s greatness, which can be even a beautiful flower. However, extremists’ use of it in association with acts of violence has given it negative associations. “When cultural and reli-
gious symbols are ‘hijacked’ by extremists, they often become associated with the messages and signals for which they are being deployed, which sullies their original use to the extent that it is almost obliterated. Once they are used for extremist views, these symbols are effectively ‘ruined’. The popular negative associations become powerful through media and all rational efforts to explain these are unfortunately often destined to fail, intensifying the rifts and tensions.” Throughout history a number of cultural symbols have been misappropriated by extremist groups, including the Celtic Cross by white supremacists, the swastika by the Nazis and the Union Jack by football hooligans.
Terrorist Ishaaq Hussain jailed amid Syria travel fears
Restaurant boss attacked customer in car park over bill
attempt to leave the A convicted country, he was travBirmingham terrorist elling alone, the court suspected of trying to heard. go to Syria has been Karen Jones, jailed for 20 months prosecuting, said it for misleading police was a “serious and about his travel plans. deliberate breach” by In July 2012, Ishaaq Hussain, 24, Ishaaq Hussain Hussain. Sentencing, Mr was sentenced to 40 Justice Saunders said Syria months’ imprisonment after was the suspected destination admitting an offence of as Hussain would not have preparing to commit a terrorbeen able to catch his return ist act by attending a training flight from Italy had he visited camp in Pakistan. Greece and Turkey. At an Old Bailey hearing He said: “Those facts on Friday, Hussain pleaded clearly give rise to the suspiguilty to failing to notify police cion that the defendant was of foreign travel plans on three intending to travel to Turkey occasions between January to gain access to Syria. and March this year, contrary “That is, however, only a to requirements following his suspicion. Had the prosecuearlier conviction. tion been able to prove those Hussain, of Washwood facts to the criminal standard Heath , had claimed to be of proof, a more serious charge planning a family holiday in would have been laid against Italy with his wife and young the defendant. child, but did not say the trip, “I do not sentence this which was twice postponed, defendant on the basis that he also included Greece and was intending to go to Syria to Turkey. And when he was fight.” stopped by police on his third
Two Birmingham brothers have avoided jail terms for battering a customer they believed had fled from their restaurant without paying. Boss Jaminul Islam and his Foridul, left, and Jaminul Islam. brother Foridul, a waiter, also took first punch – which the defen£20 from the victim’s wallet dants said was not shown on during the attack on the car the recording. park of the Bull and Spice in Christopher Recorder Nuneaton. Goodchild said the footage Warwick Crown Court showed the man wandering heard there was a dispute round the car park, and over the bill but the victim – Jaminul was the first of the said by the judge to be a “big brothers to assault him. man” who was having a The brothers, admitted “robust meal” with friends – assaulting the customer, had stepped outside to get causing him actual bodily more cash. harm. Jaminul, 22, and Kevin Saunders, proseForidul, 32, were handed cuting, said the fracas was eight-month suspended jail captured by a CCTV camera sentences. They were also but the main issue was ordered to perform 120 hours whether the victim “uttered of unpaid work and to each racist remarks” and threw the pay £150 costs.
Scot Police approves hijab; prompts Muslim women to join force In a refreshing announcement, Police Scotland said the hijab will officially become a part of its uniform as they expect to make a more diverse force. Muslim police officers in Scotland were allowed to wear the hijab in the past, but needed their senior staff officers' permission to do so. The unit said they hoped to "encourage women from Muslim communities, who may previously not have seen policing as a career option, to reconsider. In a official statement, chief constable Phil Gormley said, "I am delighted to make this announcement and welcome the support from both
the Muslim community, and the wider community, as well as police officers and staff. Like many other employers, especially in the public sector, we are working towards ensuring our service is representative of the communities we serve. I hope that this addition to our uniform options will contribute to making our staff mix more diverse and adds to the life skills, experiences and personal qualities that our officers and staff bring to policing the communities of Scotland." Welcoming the announcement, chair of the Scottish Police Muslim Association, Fahad Bashir said, "This is a positive step in the right
In Brief
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Asian Voice |3rd September 2016
The Metropolitan police were the first police force in Britain to introduce the hijab as an uniform option
direction, and I am delighted that Police Scotland is taking productive steps in order to ensure that our organisation is seen to be inclusive and represents the diverse communi-
ties that we serve across Scotland. No doubt this will encourage more women from Muslim and minority ethnic backgrounds to join Police Scotland."
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String of terror arrests leads to Army bomb squad on field
After the police arrested five men in the West Midlands on claims of terrorism offences, an army bomb disposal team was called to the Lee Bank area of Birmingham as a precaution. Two men aged 32, and 37, were held in Stoke, two others aged 18 and 24, were arrested at their homes in Birminghan and another aged 28, was detained at a different area of the Birmingham. A spokesperson said, "Police are searching a number of properties in the Stoke and Birmingham areas as part of the investigation; these searches are on-going. The arrests were intelligence-led and part of an on-going investigation."
£383k paid for school services
A failing Oldham free school paid £383,787 to a company owned by its chief executive for services ranging from PE coaches to marketing. Collective Spirit, which opened in Chadderton in September, 2013, amid fierce opposition, made the payments to the now dissolved Collective Community Partnerships CIC, where Raja Miah was a director. The firm also received £319,365 from Manchester Creative Studio. Both schools are state-funded and are run by Collective Spirit Multi Academy Trust whose chief executive is Mr Miah. Collective Community Partnerships, dissolved last month, listed its principal activities as "supporting children, young people and families from disadvantaged backgrounds" and at those "at risk of exclusion and underachievement in the education system". The payments are shown in the schools' financial statements for 2013/14 and 2014/15 and also include expenditure for office space rental, cleaning, security, auditing, caretaking, transport, recruitment and ICT.
'Despicable' duo jailed over abuse
A man who sexually assaulted a young girl after plying her with drugs and alcohol has been jailed. Zabed Shah (27), from Oldham, was sentenced to 36 months in prison on Thursday at Minshull Street Crown Court after pleading guilty to sexual assault on a child, attempting to pay for the sexual services of a child and supplying Class A drugs. Abdul Latif (30), also from Oldham, was also jailed for 27 months after admitting supplying Class A drugs. The court heard how in December, 2015 a 14-year-old girl reported to officers that she had been taken to a hotel in Manchester by two older men. She was with a 13-year-old friend at the time of the offence and they were given alcohol before Shah sexually assaulted her.
Waiter jailed for robbery after customers recognised his face
A waiter has been jailed for robbing a terrified woman at knifepoint – before threatening to hurt her family unless she dropped the case. Sheraz Shafi jumped in the back of the victim’s Range Rover and threatened her with a kitchen knife at Stechford Retail Park on April 27. He shouted: “You’re going to get hurt – do what I say.” The woman fled the car screaming for help, while Shafi snatched her handbag containing an iPhone, £400 in cash and valuable Asian gold jewellery. He was identified as a waiter working at Washwood Heath US-style diner Rock 66 after police issued CCTV footage. In a bizarre twist, Shafi then returned some of victim’s belongings by posting her purse and bank cards by through security gates at her home.
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Indian origin boy claims to have cure for most deadly form of breast cancer A 16-year-old Indian-origin boy has claimed to have found a treatment for the most deadly form of breast cancer which is unresponsive to drugs. Krtin Nithiyanandam, who moved to the UK from India with his parents, hopes he has found a way to turn so-called triple negative breast cancer into a kind which responds to drugs. Many breast cancers are driven by oestrogen, progesterone or growth chemicals so drugs that can block those fuels, such as tamoxifen, make effective treatments. However, triple negative breast cancer does not have receptors and it can only be treated with a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy which lowers the chance of survival. Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph Krtin said: “I’ve been basically trying to work out a way to change difficult-to-treat cancers into something that responds well to treatment. Most cancers have receptors on their surface which bind to drugs like Tamoxifen but triple nega-
Krtin Nithiyanandam claims he’s found a way to turn so-called triple negative breast cancer into a kind which responds to drugs. (Facebook)
tive don’t have receptors so the drugs don’t work. The prognosis for women with undifferentiated cancer isn’t very good so the goal is to turn the cancer back to a state where it can be treated. The ID4 protein actually stops undifferentiated stem cell cancers from differentiating so you have to block ID4 to allow the cancer to differentiate. I have found a way to silence the genes that produce ID4 which turns cancer back into a less dangerous state.” Some women with triple negative cancer
respond very well to treatment while others quickly decline. The problem lies in whether the cancer cells are “differentiated” or not. Differentiated means they look more like healthy cells and they tend to grow and multiply quite slowly, and are less aggressive. However, when cancer cells are “undifferentiated” they get stuck in a dangerous primitive form, never turning into recognisable breast tissue, and spreading quickly, leading to high grade tumours. He has also discovered that upping the activity of a tumour suppressor gene called PTEN allows chemotherapy to work more effectively, so the dual treatment could prove far more effective than traditional drugs. The therapy idea saw him shortlisted for the final of the UK-based young scientists programme titled The Big Bang Fair. His efforts had hit the headlines last year when he won the Google Science Fair for creating a test which helps pick up the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease and potentially stop it spreading further.
Celebrate the Year of Indian Girl Power ! Shahnaz Husain 2016 is the year of Indian Girl Power! Girls have made India proud at Rio, bringing home Olympic medals, along with the assurance that our girls can match up to the world’s best. Sakshi won the bronze in wrestling, a so-called male domain. Sindhu bagged the silver medal in a hard fought match with a historic performance, while gymnast Dipa Karmakar got 4th position in death-defying feats. The Government of India has conferred the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award on the girls. It is ironical that the unwanted girl child, who is still subjected to atrocities, has brought glory and pride to India. It also proves that a country like India, with such a large population, must be having enormous untapped talent. The need of the hour is upliftment of women in rural areas and education of the girl child. We also have to deal with gender bias and patriarchal mindsets. Also, the quality of life needs to improve in terms of basic health care and fitness. Special attention should be given to extra-curricular activities for girls and women in rural areas. An exercise
and diet regime would help both mental and physical health. Every mother should be empowered with education and financial independence, so that she can educate her girl child and inculcate the values of good health, nutritious diet and education. Good health and top level fitness are necessary for excelling in world sports events, like the Olympics. This is exactly what I had emphasized, when I lectured on woman empowerment at MIT, USA. Indeed, the woman
must realize her own potential and strength as an equal member of society. The family has to fight for change. Father and mother must value the girl child and give her equal opportunities. Changes cannot come from outside and by force. It has to come from within the society and within the family. A woman was created to blossom and bloom, in the colours and fragrance of her choice. The way an unwatered plant becomes parched and dies, so does the personality of a woman, who is struggling to break through the shackles of social conditioning, to achieve recognition as a separate individual, with a distinct identity. The change will be complete when society recognizes that it cannot benefit from preventing the emergence of the pearl from the oyster. Then we will also see the emergence of more Sakshis, Sindhus and Dipas!
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AND THE FINALISTS FOR THE 16th ASIAN ACHIEVERS AWARDS ARE… The nominations for the 16th annual Asian Achievers Awards have been unveiled. They include, stand-up comedian Romesh Ranganathan; National Karate Champion Myra Nasim; Captain Naveed Muhammad MBE British Army; Charity Khalsa Aid; Barrister Jo Sidhu QC; entrepreneur Selva Pankaj - CEO, Regent Group; Manjit Wolstenholme from Provident Financial PLC and Harish Sodha- international Executive Chairman,Diversity Travel. CB Patel, Publisher/Editor, ABPL Group said: “The mission of the Asian Achievers Awards is two fold - recognise and reward genuine high achievers in the Asian community. I know for a fact that the high esteem with which the community holds the awards stems from the overwhelming participation from all sections of the Asian community in the nomination process, and the free rein given by ABPL Group to the esteemed judges to uphold meritocracy and meritocracy alone. Those twin pillars have been foundational to the success of the Awards and the affection it has come to enjoy as the 'People's Awards'. "Given the record number of nominations that we received this year I am filled with awe and respect for the daunting process that the judges must have endured to select the very best from a galaxy of superstars". Taking place on September 16th at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, the Asian Achievers Awards celebrates the outstanding work of South Asian individuals from across a spectrum of backgrounds and professions.
ASIAN ACHIEVERS AWARDS 2016 NOMINEES Business Person Of The Year
Dr Nikesh Kotecha - Director at Morningside Pharmaceutical Rakesh Sharma – Chief Executive, Ultra Electronics Harish Sodha - Executive Chairman,Diversity Travel Arjun Waney - Chairman, Robata Restaurants ltd
Entrepreneur Of The Year Myra Nasim, National Karate Champion
Barrister Jo Sidhu QC
Reshma Sohoni - Partner & Co-Founder, Seedcamp Samir Desai CBE - Co-Founder and Director at Funding Circle Harnoop Singh Atkar - CEO at Oakland Primecare Selva Pankaj - CEO, Regent Group
Sports Personality Of The Year
Harleen Kaur – Martial Arts Daanyal Spalding - Golfer Ryan Raghoo - Paralympic long-jumper Myra Nasim – National Karate Champion
Uniformed And Civil Services
Mabs Hussain - Chief Superintendent District Commander, West Yorkshire Police PC Karmjit Rekhi MBE – Faith Officer, Metropolitan Police Service Captain Naveed Muhammad MBE – Chair of Armed Forces Muslim Association (AFMA) Lt Col Bilal Muhammad Siddique - Adjutant General’s Corps Harish Sodha, International Executive Chairman, Diversity Travel
Captain Naveed Muhammad MBE, Army
Media, Arts And Culture
Janan Ganesh - Political Columnist, The Financial Times Romesh Ranganathan - British stand-up comedian Irvine Iqbal - Actor The Singh Twins Rabindra & Amrit Kaur Singh– Contemporary British Artists
Woman Of The Year
Joysy John - Ada, National College for Digital Skills Manjit K Gill – Binti International Rupal Kantaria – Oliver Wyman Manjit Wolstenholme – Provident Financial PLC
Achievement In Community Service Romesh Ranganathan, comedian
Manjit Wolstenholme from Provident Financial PLC
Professor Meena Upadhyaya OBE - Medical geneticist at Cardiff University Khalsa Aid - An international relief work organisation to assist victims in disaster situations Zlakha Ahmed MBE - Founder and Manager of Apna Haq Prem Goyal OBE – CEO, Global Marketing Consultants
Professional Of The Year
Chitra Bharucha MBE – Director, Fit Biotech Leena Nair – Chief HR Officer of Unilever Nina Bhatia – Managing Director, British Gas Connected Homes Jo Sidhu QC – Barrister, President Society of Asian Lawyers, Bencher of Lincolns Inn
For more information see: www.asianachieversawards.com
This year’s theme is Professional Of the Year, for the outstanding achievement in the Professions and /or contribution to the community.
Selva Pankaj - CEO Regent Group
Since its launch, The Asian Achievers Awards has helped to raise millions
of pounds for various charities and this year, the chosen charity partner is the Indian Ocean Disaster Relief (IODR). IODR’s aim is to create awareness of the perils of human trafficking, to assist in rescuing and rehabilitating trafficked girls and act to lever-
Bhaktivedanta Manor hosts biggest international festival for Lord Krishna's birthday Tens of thousands of people from all over the UK visited Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna Temple in Watford between Thursday 25th August and Sunday 28th August 2016 for the largest and more spectacular festival outside of India to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. The Manor’s picturesque and peaceful grounds were transformed into a vibrant festival brought to life with the sound of music prepared with the help of 2,000 volunteers aged 16-90 years. The festival showcased an array of interactive multimedia displays, tradi-
tional dance performances, thought-proving dramas, and an opportunity to try the serene art of Japa meditation as well as discover the philosophy. A delicious selection of free vegetarian food was also available in abundance throughout the day. Visitors explored the collections of bazaars selling books; CDs, hand-made jewellery and fresh organic produce from the Manor’s very own farm. Children enjoyed the magic of Krishnaland offering children’s plays, face painting, games and henna art. Visitors were also able to see future plans for the Manor, including build-
Undeterred by the rain showers, the crowds still pour in for Janmasthami
ings the Shree Krishna Haveli - a new building extension project. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which was founded in New York by
A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada in 1966. Fifty-two events have been organised throughout the UK in order to honour and celebrate this significant year with the festival of Janmashtami being the highlight of the year.
age the power of iconic sports and other personalities to raise funds to highlight this crime and intervene wherever the need. The Asian Achievers Awards is also proud to have Sunrise Radio and Colors TV on board as Media Partners.
(We would like to state that the nominees mentioned in the introductory paragraph will not necessarily be the winners of their categories. We wish all those nominated all the best and look forward to announcing the winners of this year’s awards on 16 September.)
£250mn milestone for start up loans £250 million of Start Up Loans have been made available to entrepreneurs, Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark announced on 31 August. Since 2012, Start Up Loans worth a quarter of a billion pounds have been agreed with start-up businesses to support them in getting up and running with finance and support. Funded by Government through the British Business Bank, Start Up Loans generate a return on investment to the economy of £3 for every £1 spent. Businesses up and down the country from digital start-ups to recreational centres have bene-
fitted from the Government scheme. Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: “Whether you live in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, and whatever your age, everyone should have the chance to turn a great business idea into a reality. "British entrepreneurs and small businesses are the backbone of our economy. “This Government will build on the success of Start Up Loans to give entrepreneurs the support and opportunities they need to start a business, grow it in Britain and turn it into a global success story.”
www.asian-voice.com Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
What transforms around the corner to around the world? EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year programme, has helped thousands of companies grow from local to global. www.eoy.co.uk
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Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
Family members of Camber Sands victims question beach safety measures Bereaved family members of the five young Asian men who died at Camber Sands, have raised questions regarding the safety measures on the beach - as public launched an online petition calling for action. The five young men who died at Camber Sands were two brothers and their friends enjoying a day trip to the popular beach, it has emerged, as the family of one of the victims questioned why no lifeguard was present there. The deaths have intensified calls for lifeguards to be stationed at the beach. There are no permanent lifeguards at Camber Sands, and a petition on Change.org set up last month by Josie Holloway, from Greatstone, a coastal town about 10 miles away, called for them to be stationed there during the summer. Three of the men were pulled out of the sea at Camber Sands, near Rye, East Sussex, on Wednesday afternoon and two others were found later that evening when the tide receded. They have been named locally as Nitharsan Ravi,
Facebook courtesy: Kobi Nathan, Nitharsan Ravi, Kurushanth Srithavarajah, Ken Nathan, and Inthushan Sriskantharasa
Inthushan 22, Sriskantharasa, 23, brothers Kobi, 22, and Ken Nathan, 19, and Kurushanth Srithavarajah, 27. The five, all from Greater London, had travelled in Ravi's car. Ravi, a student at the University of Brighton was studying aeronautical engineering. Some suggested that they were perhaps playing football on a sandbar and got cut off by a strong tide. Guardian reported as relatives and friends gathered in support at Ravi’s family home in Plumstead, southeast London, his distraught younger sister Mayura, 17, sobbed and clutched her brother’s T-
shirt as she said: “The people he died with are all his best friends, really close mates.” The family was really angry that the stretch of beach had not been blocked off after a man died there last month. She added: “Now it’s been blocked. Why didn’t they do it before? They could have saved five other lives.” Ravi’s brother Ajirthan, 19, said police came to their door at 11pm on Wednesday as his brother’s Golf GTI was one of the only vehicles left in the car park. “Because of the incident, they were assuming that the five passengers of the car were the five peo-
ple they found,” he said. “...Then, about four hours later, they confirmed it’s my brother and his four friends.” He said the emergency services had told the family that Ken and Inthushan had got into difficulty first, getting trapped in quicksand or mud beneath the water, then his brother, Kobi Nathan and Kurushanth had tried to rescue them. Both died within 15 minutes after being pulled from the water, he said. The petition for a lifeguard stationed at that beach, has received more than 5,000 signatures and states: “Camber Sands gets unbelievably busy during summer time. They have beach patrol but no lifeguards … I feel it could save lives.” The list of signatories has been growing rapidly since Wednesday’s deaths. The RNLI said that while it was too early to determine any change in the location of its lifeguards, the policy was under constant review and Wednesday’s events would be factored into the charity’s planning.
Brit-Muslims pulled off plane for alleged 'ISIS material' Three Britain-born Muslims siblings were reportedly taken off an EasyJet flight to Italy after fellow passengers accused them of having "ISIS materials" on their phones. They said they were met withy "gunwielding policemen and men in dark suits" on the ground who asked if they spoke english. Maryam Dhara, Sakina Dharas, and their brother Ali Dharas were taken off the plane after another passenger reported seeing them with Arabic text or "praise be to Allah" on their phones and had claimed they were ISIS supporters. Maryam said, "We're told a couple had reported us having been reading ISIS materials. They said the pair of us, meaning me and my sister, had been reading ISIS material." She added, "My sister and I wear headscarves. We thought, there's clearly profiling
going on here. We were just in shock. What is going on? None of us have been doing that. We're absolutely flummoxed." Maryam told the officers that if there had been Arabic text on their phones, it was "part of the Quran, our religious text, so even if we did have it, it wouldn't signify that we're a part of ISIS at all. Regardless, we've had nothing on our phone remotely Arabic related and we're Indian by ethnicity, so we wouldn't even have Arabic in conversation with anyone." Even
Serving member of the BAF arrested over terror suspicion A 30 year old man of the British Armed Forces has been arrested for alleged terror offences. Held in Somerset by Met counterterrorism officers for being involved in preparing terrorist acts, the man was later taken to a west country police station. The arrest was pre-planned and
conducted in a joint investigation with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and South West Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit, as per the Scotland Yard. While no details are provided regarding the arrest, the police assured there was no immediate threat to the public.
with all the clarifications, the 19 year old said an officer w h o "appeared to be an MI5 a g e n t " , asked her to "talk him through my passport, including all my pilgrimages- hajj, and, unfortunately for me, also Iraq." The siblings claimed the officer said he had done full checks of their travel history and it had come back all clear. He allegedly also said that if anything came ue, he would be "waiting for them" when they returned. The teens were eventually allowed to go back on
Months after half of the “Jungle” refugee camp in Calais, France was demolished, the audacious plan to rid the French port of the migrant problem has backfired. French police say despite the clearing, the population of the camp has doubled to nearly 10,000 sine June. The camp, it is said is a lawless “no-go zone” with inter-ethnic tensions. Last week an Afghan man was killed and several others injured as hundreds of Sudanese and Afghans fought each other. Gilles
London to celebrate the first ever Jammu and Kashmir festival The first ever Jammu Kashmir Festival will be celebrated in the UK from Friday, 21st October to 26th October 2016 and hopes to celebrate cultural diversity, promote participation, inclusivity and spread the message of peace and goodwill. The crowning glory of India, Jammu Kashmir has seen years of turbulence and ongoing unrest owing to the insurgency from its neighbours, resulting in the forced exodus of its native population, the Kashmiri Pandits. The current Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has shown huge commitment to tackling this conflict and bringing to the people of Jammu Kashmir, a stable and prosperous abode. A small group of likeminded individuals, originally from Jammu Kashmir, India, now living in the UK have taken it upon themselves to tackle the skewed perception of this beautiful state with an immense potential for growth and investment opportunities. Jammu Kashmir
Festival is the first ever attempt to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state and its pluralistic, varied cultural diversity to the British people. The week-long festival will see the participation of regional artistes, politicians, businesses and volunteers from the state of Jammu Kashmir and other parts of India. The programme will include cultural performances by Natrang Music and Dance repertory, Dogra Martial arts tradition showcase by National Army Museum, a talk by Dr Andrew Kerr on the role of Dogra regiment in the World Wars, a Food Festival and an Exhibition featuring promotional videos, posters, photographs, costumes and artefacts at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London. There will also be a Business Round Table in association with the Confederation of Indian Industries exploring the “Business Potential and Emerging Opportunities in the state of Jammu Kashmir” at the Houses of Parliament. For more information please see: www.jammukashmirfestival.org.
Poles: A new force to reckon with
board with an apology for the "inconvenience". A spokesman for EasyJet said, "EasyJet can confirm that, following concerns raised by a passenger during the boarding, a member of ground staff requested the assistance of the police, who took the decision to talk to three passengers at the bottom of the aircraft steps, before departure. The police then confirmed to the captain that the passengers were cleared to complete their journey and they reboarded the aircraft and the flight departed to Naples". Maryam said, "I would like an apology. What happened was wrong. This kind of profiling shouldn't take place. I don't want this to happen again to anyone else."
Figures from the Office of National Statistics show Poles are the largest foreign group living in the UK, overtaking Indians for the first time. The change shows the impact of free movement in the EU following the Eastern European block joining. Nearly 9 million people living in Britain last year were born aboard. It is equivalent to one in eight born abroad, compared to one in 11, a decade ago. The ONS figures show a total of 831,000 people who were born in Poland, compared to 795,000 people born in India, living in Britain.
Debove, an official with the SGP FO police union said, “It’s an explosive situation. There are fights all the time in the camp.” He added, for a long time the Afghans were here in greater numbers, but now it is the Sudanese who have the upper hand. He also said “Every night there are around 1000 migrants on the roads leading to the ferry port and the Channel Tunnel entrance.” These migrants are trying to get on broad trucks and trains which will bring them to England.
As the Calais crisis grows, Britain's Home Secretary Amber Rudd flew to Paris amid a threat by UK to review its security cooperation with France. Under the 2003 Le Troquet accord, British border checks take place in the Calais port, preventing thousands of potential
Rumble in the Calais ‘Jungle’
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The Office for National Statistics said the huge increase in the number of foreign born mothers is attributed to the impact of immigration and because these women have higher levels of fertility than British-born women. With this new set of figures the only thing that remains to be asked is not can, but when and how. How soon will they embrace upward social mobility to rise above the current level of shop keepers and other menial jobs? When in the future would we have a Polish origined Mayor or even Prime Minister?
migrants crossing into Britain. Whitehall insiders said there was no imminent threat to the accord. However a senior government source issued a diplomatic warning that the border deal was part of the wider bilateral relations that included significant security co-operation.
www.asian-voice.com Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
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Social care In the face of deep cuts to social care funding, many disabled and older people are being denied the care and support they need to live independently and with dignity. As a result, everyday tasks that many of us take for granted such as washing, dressing and eating are now proving more and more difficult for thousands of people. At Leonard Cheshire Disability, we are campaigning for better and fairer social care and would like to hear from your readers about their experiences of care, good or bad. Whether you have received social care yourself, or experienced it through a friend or family member, please get in touch. Together we can make a difference. You can email us at campaigning@leonardcheshire.org or write to Campaigns, Leonard Cheshire Disability, 66 South Lambeth Road, London, SW8 1RL. For more information visit www.leonardcheshire.org. Emma McEwan Campaigns Manager, Leonard Cheshire Disability
Thought for the week
I liked the one of the last week by G B shaw. It reminds me of another Good One but a bit long by him. My Life belongs to the whole community and I must do whatever I can for it, It must be thoroughly used up when I die because the harder I work, the longer I will live, It's Not a brief candle to me, It's a sort of Torch which I have got hold of for the moment, And I want to make it burn as Bright as possible before handing it over to Future Generations! Upendra Kapadia By email
Heartfelt condolences
I write on behalf of Janab Amil Saheb, Ibrahim B S Zaini, President of Anjuman e Saifee, Leicester to convey our deep sadness and sorrow at the Swadhaamgaman of His Holiness Shree Parmukhswami Maharaj. He was a Saint who fostered peace and harmony through the world by his wisdom, character and charitable or philanthropic work. His nobility will be remembered by all us. We share in your profound pain and pray the Swaminarayan followers are able to bear this irreplaceable loss. I am sure the New Swamiji will continue in his footsteps. Jaffer Kapasi OBE By email
Plastic bags
I was horrified to hear that fish in the sea are feeding on discarded plastic bags. So we who consume fish are unwittingly ingesting bits of plastic, posing a grave danger to health. In future I shall stick to eating chips on their own. Vijay Joshi By email
What do you think? We want to know your views on this subject Write to, Asian Voice, 12 Hoxton Market, London N1 6HW or e-mail: aveditorial@abplgroup.com
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One to One
World’s two prominent playwrights
Following his research Dr. Andrew Dickson, is right in saying ‘Shakespeare was more relevant to India’, your comment page (it covers variety of interesting topics) of 16th July. Shakespeare, a renowned playwright wrote 38 plays and many sonnets. His plays contained excellent double plots, exotic locations, full of witty play on words and phrases which delighted wider audience. His historic plays though woven with complicated story, were based on famous events and so, were easily understood by common people. Indians greatly appreciate high standard literature and not only produced epics like Mahabharata (including Gita giving all time philosophy of meaningful life) and Ramayana but India produced noble laureate like Tagor. Shakespeare reminds us of our genius playwright Kalidasa. It is believed he lived in aprx 4th- 5th century and adorned the court of Chandragupta II. He wrote three plays which are considered as master pieces, among them Abhijnanasakuntalam is the magnum opus. It is the story of Dushyant and Shakuntala from Mahabharata. Malavikagnimitram and Vikramorvasiam are other two romantic plays he wrote. Kumarasambhava and Raghuvmsa his epic poems, and minor poems Meghduta (cloud messenger), rtusamhara (description of seasons) are enthralling. They are two acclaimed all-time greatest writers in the world. Ila Kapadia By email
I was spell bound to read a new subject, plastic surgery, in Hon. Keith Vaz’s column, Asian Voice, 27-8-2016. In-depth interview with Amit Shah about plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery is engrossing. In my college years I was familiarized by professor Ginwalla of Nair Hospital Dental College, a maxillo facial and plastic surgeon. He taught dental students, basics of plastic surgery and demonstrated various stages. I understood that skin graft from healthy area can replace skin damaged by accident or illness. “Microtome” was used to take skin from healthy area and grafted to affected area. Maxillo facial surgeons are included in some accident and trauma teams; to treat patient in one session. But later I learnt that plastic surgery was requested by healthy persons too. Rich tycoons who did not want share prices to fall underwent plastic surgery every 5 years to look young forever. Actors/actresses and models needed perfect bodies to earn higher remunerations also were treated by plastic surgeons. Late Micheal Jackson was well known for repeated plastic surgery sessions to reshape his face. Cosmetic surgery is a lucrative industry these days. Avid readers can keep abreast with latest developments by such interviews. Ramesh Jhalla By email
Complexity of Kashmir issue
Kashmir is a complex issue, thorn in good relations between two nuclear armed neighbours, although Kashmir is just pretext, main aim being making India a jewel in “Islamic Dominated States”. Question is whether this thorny issue could ever be resolved. India has been fudging over Kashmir for a long time, giving Kashmiris unbelievable privileges, separate identity and making them the most subsidized citizens with unheard privileges without tangible result, pouring money and goodwill in bottomless pit. It is time, with “All Party” support, to resolve the issue one way or another, by giving Kashmiris the freedom to decide their own fate, although this may set dangerous precedence, people of Punjab and Kerala may demand same privileges. Second, more acceptable but equally complex solution could be to separate Jammu from Kashmir, maintaining their slim Hindu/Sikh majority, returning Kashmiri Pundits and encouraging retiring Jawans and other loyal citizens to settle in “Kashmir Valley” with huge subsidies, building well protected enclaves with security uppermost in mind, in a manner the illegal “Jewish Settlements” in West Bank are protected, thus changing demography of the region over decades, reverting the State to its 1947 population ratio, before ethnic cleansing drove Hindus/Sikhs out of the Valley. Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email
Bottom of the list
Page 32 of last week’s Asian Voice makes depressing reading. The “Medal Standings” table places India right at the bottom of the list with just one silver (P. V.Sindhu) and one bronze (Sakshi Malik) medals won at the Rio Olympics. In a country where women are treated with contempt as weak and feeble, it is these two women who saved India from utter annihilation. A country with the second largest population in the world could not produce even a few people to go back home with gold around their necks! What could be the reason behind this poor show by a country which was once the champion in hockey and top of the table in cricket? It must be due to India’s lack of investment and encouragement in sports. But then India must have its priorities - either to feed the millions who go to bed at night on empty stomach or to squander scanty resources in “running after a ball”. In passing it must be said that not a single Gujarati name appears in the list of participants. But then the Gujaratis must be busy making money for their country. Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford
Out of EU: turmoil or opportunity?
I am writing this having taken for granted that the decision emanating from the referendum, which I believe is the most democratic form of an electoral process, is the final will of the people and that the decision is legally binding. On 28th June in Wall Street Journal Dr Henry Kissinger observed that ‘the cascade of commentary on Britain’s decision to leave institutional Europe has described the epochal event primarily in the vocabulary of calamity. However, the coin of the realm of statesmen is not anguish or recrimination; it should transform setback into opportunity.’ The UK Government will negotiate access to the single market, particularly for services, whilst restricting immigration from the EU. I believe Switzerland has this status. Last week, Germany’s European Affairs Minister indicated that Britain could be given a “special status”. At the centre of all this, geographically and politically, is Germany. The Brexit vote has thrust Berlin into an even more pivotal position – the future of the EU will now revolve even more tightly around Germany. What this means in practice is a kind of hub-and-spoke Europe in which diplomacy, bilaterally and in groups, centres on Berlin. Andy Chande Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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GCSE Results 2016: Sharp decline in A*- C grades but Asians continue to do well Over 700,000 school pupils collected their GCSE results last Thursday. The percentage of pupils achieving a C grade or above saw the sharpest decline since the exams were launched in 1988. The number of students gaining A*-C grades dropped 2.1 percentage points to 66.9 per cent, following a rush by 17-year-olds to resit English and maths. However, the grade outcomes of 16-year-olds also declined, with A* grades falling 0.1 per cent, grades A* to A declining by 0.6 percentage points, and grades A* to C dropping 1.3 percentage points. Meanwhile Asian pupils seem to have continued to do well compared to their cohort. Pupils from The Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School celebrated their best GCSE examination results to date. With 73% of all grades being an A* and 95.4% being A*-A, this is a truly exceptional set of results and marks a new level of excellence for the School. A record 35 boys achieved 10 A* grades or more and 127 students achieved straight A*s-A. Hard work, dedication and enjoyment of learning is clearly evident for both pupils and dedicated staff in these superb results. These successes are
as I received one of my A*s in this. Habs were very supportive of me taking my Hinduism course and even let me sit one of my exams at school.” Abhiram Bibekar, who received 10 A*s, said: “I am definitely very happy with these results and I’m very proud to be part of this L to R: Sohum Panda, Kiran Mehta, Dylan Parekh, Dillan Parmar from year group, Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School which has achieved the best Music, Physical Education, reflected across the acaever results on record at Classical Greek, and D&T demic spectrum from Habs.” Graphic Products all 100% A*-A in Schools in Manchester achieving 100% A*-A Mathematics to 99.4% in also celebrated outstandgrades. English Language. ing GCSE results. GCSE Dillan Parmar, who Pleasingly the school’s results at schools throughreceived 10 A*s, said: “I’m STEM subjects continue to out the city saw a signifiecstatic with my results. achieve the highest levels Thanks to my teachers and of excellence with 92% A* also to my peers – we’ve in Physics, 86% A* in built up a great camaChemistry, 79% A* and Swaminarayan School sturaderie, especially within 94% A*-A in Biology. dents achieved an average our form class. We all help These terrific results bode grade per student of ABB in each other and it’s great.” well for the engineers and the 2016 A Level results. Aditya Dabral, who medics of the future. Nilesh Manani, achieved 9 A*s and 2 As, Humanities and Modern Headteacher said, "The added: “I’m delighted and Foreign Languages continstudents and the teachers I’m glad that all my friends ue to enjoy outstanding have worked extremely also did really well. I took successes and the breadth hard under the pressure of an extra GCSE, in of the curriculum is numerous examination and Hinduism, and it was great demonstrated in Italian,
cant improvement from last year in the number of pupils achieving the all important A*-C grades in the key subjects of maths and English, with nearly 56 per cent of pupils achieving this benchmark. At Parrs Wood High School in Didsbury the school was celebrating its best ever results and has over the last few years seen its results consistently improve. Results were also up this year at Abraham Moss High School with particular successes including student Aarij Elahi who achieved 9 A* and 1A, and Mohamed Ben Al Fakih who got 7 A* and 3A grades. At Whalley Range High School for Girls in south Manchester, one student, Amina Hameed was celebrating a clutch of A* and A grades, including a much coveted top grade A^ (A
'hat') in Further Maths. She achieved 10 A* grades and 1 A in addition to her outstanding result in Further Maths. Also in south Manchester at Levenshulme High School for Girls, Alina Imran achieved 7A* 1A, and Sidra Hussain got 5A* and 3A, whilst classmate Nahrin Raza achieved 5A* and 4A grades.
Calling all students
Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar would be delighted to hear from any of our readers who have received outstanding results either in their GCSEs or A’levels. Please send your photo, copy of results and details of what further studies you will be doing to aveditorial@abplgroup.com
Swaminarayan School A’Level students results syllabus changes.” Particular mention must be given to Raksha Jain, who has achieved three grades at A* at A Level, one A at AS, and will be reading Bio-Med at St George's; Vishali Pala, who has achieved three grades at A* at A Level and will be
reading Chemistry at Imperial; Dhaval Patel, who has achieved one A* and two A grades at A level and will be reading Engineering at UCL; Eeshan Verma, one A* and Two A grades with one A at AS and will be studying Physics at Imperial College.
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MEDIA WATCH
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Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
‘All the world’s a stage/ And all the men and women merely players/They have their exits and their entrances…’ wrote William Shakespeare. How right he was, and is. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Raghuram Rajan, is vacating his office, and Urjit Patel, Deputy Governor, is taking over the reins as the new Governor. Rajan, by most accounts, performed commendably during his tenure, and will be hard act to follow. One of the biggest names in international banking circles and an academic of note at the University of Chicago, to which he now returns, he predicted the financial crash of 2008, while the experts at the international rating agencies and the mandarins of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund were deep in their slumbers.
Dr Urjit Patel, (left) new Governor of the Reserve Bank of India with incumbent Dr Raghuram Rajan
Apart from the lunatic sledging of Subramanian Swamy, Dr Rajan has received fulsome praise from the government and India’s financial community for his stress on anti-inflationary measures so that a secure platform would be constructed to ensure lasting economic growth. Hereon, growth will be linked to a benchmark inflation statistic based on control of the fiscal deficit. Dr Rajan also put in place farreaching banking reforms; these form the core of his legacy as he hands over charge to his successor. The Government took its time naming him, but its choice has been determined by a desire for continuity in monetary policy.
Appointment lauded
The decision to appoint Dr Urjit Patel has been widely lauded by the captains of industry and financial experts. Deepak Parekh, Chairman, Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC), the private sector’s largest lender, under whom Dr Patel worked for nine years, hailed the appointment, pointing to Patel’s depth of experience, having served in the private and public sectors, and in governme. A former respected RBI Governor, G. Rangarajan agreed, as did economists Megnad Desai, Jagdish Bhagwati and the markets (Times of India, Hindu, Business Line, Mint August 21, 22)
India, Dubai to expand traffic
India’s civil aviation authorities are to hold talks with their counterparts in Dubai to increase bilateral seat entitlements due to increased demand. The Indian Civil Aviation Ministry received a fresh request as airlines from both countries have exhausted their current capacity (Hindu August 15)
Russia keen to make India aeronautics hub
Russia is ready to make India its global aeronautics manufacturing hub, and to this end, is looking for a local partner in the venture. This would also provide Indian companies to tap Russian technologies, as the head of an official Russian delegation visiting India pointed out.
Coal, iron ore projects
India, on its part, expressed a desire to jointly develop iron ore and coal mines in Russia and sought technical inputs on producing high-grade cold-rolled grain-oriented steel usually used in power transmission equipment.
Rogozin meets PM
Russian Deputy Prime Minister with special responsibility for India, Dmitry Rogozin, visited India for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the progress of IndoRussian projects. Mr Modi extolled India-Russia ties as ‘time-tested’. He said he was looking forward to President Putin’s visit to India later this year for the annual India-Russia Summit (Hindu, Times of India August 19, 20)
Locksmith to global player
The Godrej Group began small and has made it big, reflecting in many ways the story of India. The
Adi Godrej
company started the long road to eminence way back in1897. Its founder Ardeshir Godrej had left India in 1889 for Africa to practice law, but unwilling to commit perjury in a particular case, to advance he returned home in 1897 to start a modest business. The Indian National Congress, which was founded in December 1885, had initiated the movement for freedom and given the Make in India call known as swadeshi.
Swadeshi spirit
The swadeshi spirit took hold and gained traction Ardeshir Godrej incarnated the idea. The company started by manufacturing locks, then steel furniture, detergents, typewriters and refrigerators. Today it is a player in the defence sector. Three generations of this remarkable Mumbai-based Parsi family have overseen the Godrej Group expand into a global conglomerate worth $4.5 billion. Godrej Chairman Adi Godrej hopes to expand the Group 10 times in 10 years. Group employees are guaranteed housing, education and healthcare in keeping with best welfare practices. More power to Godrej elbow (Business Line August 18)
NAVIC: India’s eye in the sky
India’s navigation satellite system is due to become operational very shortly. Consisting a constellation of four geosynchronous and two standby satellites, NAVIC will ensure accurate real-time positioning and timing services over India and the region around to a range of 1,500km. India thus joins an exclusive club of the US, E U, Russia and China.
English returns to Bengal govt schools West Bengal has abolished the Communist-led Left Front regime’s ruling that English could only be taught from Class V in government schools, according to a local wit and satirist. Whatever the true reason, it has done immeasurable harm to education in the State, The President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Naushad Forbes, said: ‘ As it moved away from English at government schools (till Class V) West Bengal missed out on the IT and IT services boom that the country benefited from.’ (Times of India August 24). You can understand why the Communists were thrashed in two State and General elections. Their 63 seats in the Lok Sabha, a decade ago, has slumped to 10 and shrinking.
Used car market boom
First time car buyers in the age group of 25-34 are responsible for the surge in sales of secondhand car market of Rs 90,000 crore., according to a report released recently by the India Blue-Blue Book, a vehicle pricing guide. As per the report, India is expected to be among the top five in the global automotive market
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and not because she was drawn to China. The artcle concluded that India’s soft power connection with Myamar were strtonger than those of China, ‘because they share a lot in culture, religion and democratic values, and their highest officials have had a close relationship for a very long time.’ (Hindu August 24)
India’s French connection
Rafale aircraft are still a pie-inthe-sky with not a plane delivered and none in sight and the price
Rafale aircraft
rising. Prime Minister Modi’s investment in the French connection appears a few light years away from yielding the desired dividends. What is alarming is the leaked 22,400 pages of technological details of secret data, in an Australian newspaper, on the vaunted Scorpene submarines India has contracted to buy from a French company. Francois Hollande, the French President, is perceived to be a joke in poor taste in his own country, his approval ratings
Civilian, military use
The fully operational NAVIC, while of primary benefit for Indians, particularly fishermen, there are significant potential benefits for the South Asian region as well. NAVIC has dualuse technologies, which means that it can provide information for the civilian and military sectors. India’s weapon systems and guided missiles require the guidance of space satellites. When cooperation with the American GPS system, and the EU’s Galileo project fell through, India decided to go it alone (Mint August 17)
Bangalore doctors thank IBM’s Watson
Dr Somashehar, an oncologist and Chairman of Manipal Hospital‘s cancer centre, examines 120 patients per day and also does multiple surgeries. As a result, he cannot read the 130 research papers published daily across the world. However, IBM’s Watson, a powerful computing platform, has the capacity to ingest millions of pages of research papers and patient records in a blink. Its artificial intelligence technology can pull together connected strands of information to make sense of them. It learns as it goes along, correcting its own mistakes. The system operates in New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, figures out the best option for treatment (Times of India August 24)
External Affiairs Mnister Sushma Swaraj with Aung San Ssu Kyi
by 2020, in which the market for second-hand is predicted to grow annually by 15 per cent. (Hindu August 24)
Swaraj, Suu Kyi reaffirm India-Myanmar ties
Aung San Suu Kyi and the top leadership in Myanmar assured Sushma Swaraj, India’s External Affairs Minister, that they were committed to maintain close ties with India in every field, that they would not permit Indian insurgent groups to operate from their country to attack targets in India.
10uper cent and plunging. His socialist party will be booted out of office come the 2017 general election in France. One or two retired Indian Air Force officers are given to pleading the French cause in the media, their generous pensions at home possibly supplemented by more sumptuous sums as tokens of French affection (Times of India, Hindu, Business Line, Telegraph, Mint August 25).
Balancing China
However, Suu Kyi’s first foreign visit was to China, move the country’s Global Times newspaper to comment that by so doing it seemed that China was ‘more significant than India in Myanmar’s diplomacy.’ but conceded that she would seek a balanced relationship with the two countries in the national interest
National Security Adavisor Ajit Doval, (right) Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar (left). see comment page 3
UK Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
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Dear Readers, A Bhajan Tarpan – as part of the PitruMatru Tarpan ritual that provides an opportunity to repay debt to our ancestors – has been organised by Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar on September 28, 2016. The programme will take place at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London. Renowned singer Mayaben Deepak will render prayers and bhajans on the solemn occasion. Well-known scholar Dr M N Nandakumar, who is also Executive Director of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, London, will throw light on the significance of Shraddha and Tarpan. All the subscribers of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar are welcome to grace the occasion. Entry is on first come, first served basis. There is no charge. But as
the space is limited, you are requested to book your name at the earliest. You may, if you wish, bring in your parents' and loved ones' A4 size framed photographs which will be displayed along with others. However, such interested people should reach the venue one hour in advance before the commencement of the programme. A complimentary vegetarian buffet dinner will be served on the occasion. RSVP – anand.pillai@abplgroup.com or Karma Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW. The cut-off date is September 25, 2016. Time: 6pm Place: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 4A Castletown Rd, London W14 9HE
Bank holiday getaway crashes to a halt on M20 Drivers in Kent had a narrow escape as a bridge collapsed onto the M20 motorway on Saturday. One man was injured as the footbridge plunged onto two lorries on the London-bound carriageway at 12:10pm. It is said that a digger, carried on the back of a lorry, hit the bridge as it passed causing the deck to sheer away from its foundations. Following the incident, motorists faced a tailback stretching 15 miles on the M20, the main route to the Channel Tunnel and the Port of Dover. Many travellers misdeed their ferry connections to France as a result. A motorcyclist in his 50s was treated by para-
medics before being taken to hospital in Royal Tunbridge Wells with suspected broken ribs. An air ambulance, serval ambulance crews, firefighters and police rushed to the scene, but the motorcyclist was the only causality. Traffic on both sides of
the M20 came to a halt, causing long tailbacks on one of the busiest days of the year. Highways England said the M26 in Kent has been closed eastbound between the M25 junction and J3 of the M20 to “assist management of traffic.”
NSPCC offers support to parents with children starting primary school In a few weeks’ time, many parents will be sending their children to school for the first time. Parents are often left feeling worried and concerned about relinquishing their day to day care responsibilities, while many children take new school life in their stride. Once the obligatory first day at school photo has been taken, the reality of the day ahead can be a little overwhelming. As parents, it is natural to pre-empt problems and
to feel concerned that teachers will not recognise signs that your child is in distress or needs assistance. Starting school can also be the longest period of time parents and children have been separated, creating further anxieties. Additionally, starting school can produce new pressures for working parents around organising the dropping off and collection of children, with some parents having to pass this responsibility over to a child minder or family
member. It is vital parents have a support system in place and the guidance a helpline practitioner can offer will help to reduce parental stress. Children are very adaptable and one of their many developmental stages is to learn coping mechanisms around change. Anyone who needs to contact helpline for advice can either call 0808 800 5000, text: 88858, email: help@nspcc.org.uk or visit nspcc.org.uk
The Bhavan’s Open Day New Academic Year 2016/17 Sat 10 September 10.30am - 4.30pm 2 2 Co u r s e s i n I n d i a n M u s i c , Da n ce , Yoga, Languages Taster Cou rses| Street Food Meet the Teachers | Cou rse Registration 020 7 3 81 3 0 8 6/46 0 8 w w w.bhavan.net T h e B h a v a n , 4 a C a s t l e t o w n Ro a d , Wes t Kensington, London, W1 4 9 HE
Step inside and disc cover tth he beauty of IIn ndian arts
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GP surgeries in London to carry posters in Arabic, Urdu, Somali, and Bengali, to help parents worried about radicalisation Doctor's surgeries in London to carry posters in Arabic, Urdu, Somali, and Bengali to help parents worried about radicalisation Posters in Arabic, Urdu, Bengali, and Somali will appear in 354 GP surgeries (doctor's chambers) in London to raise awareness of an NSPCC helpline for parents worried about terrorism and radicalisation. The charity’s posters, which will also be written in English and Welsh, will appear in waiting rooms to let people know about the service which was set up after a spate of terrorist attacks and the growing problem of extremists targeting children. The NSPCC posters, which will appear in 1,000 surgeries across the country, aim to reach 6 million people a month. The NSPCC started receiving calls from adults worried about the problem, which prompted the children’s charity to offer advice and help. Previously adults could raise their worries about radicalisation and terrorism through Government agencies,
including MI5 and antiterror hotlines, and law enforcement agencies. The NSPCC service will provide a national point of support to parents concerned their children are being radicalised, or who need advice on how to talk to them about wider concerns related to the impact of terrorism. Its counsellors have been trained to spot the warning signs of radicalisation so they can advise adults who are worried about a child being groomed. Part of the training, which detailed how recruiters befriend vulnerable targets, feed them ideologies and –in the worst case scenario - persuade them to commit terrorist attacks, was provided by Home Office experts. Adults calling the helpline will be advised about the signs which may hint at a child being radicalised. These include: l Isolating themselves from family and friends l Talking as if from a scripted speech l Increased levels of anger l Becoming disrespectful
and asking inappropriate questions An NSPCC spokesman said: “We have seen a wave of terrorist attacks in recent weeks and months and both parents and children tell us how frightened they are by what is happening. 0“So it is vital that we are here for parents when they need our support and are able to provide them with non-judgemental advice on issues ranging from the wider terrorist threat to the dangers of radicalisation. “We have circulated posters around the country to try and reach as many parents as possible, and make the line as accessible as possible. “Of course, the fact that a young person might hold extreme or radical views is not a safeguarding issue in itself. “But when young people are groomed for extremist purposes and encouraged to commit acts that could hurt themselves or others, then it becomes abuse. “That’s why we’ve trained our counsellors to cope with this fresh danger to young people.”
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Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
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Rangeelu Gujarat creates history Red Lotus Events in Partnership with Brent Council presented the largest Gujarat exhibition ever held in the UK, creating history. An astonishing accomplishment by Mira Salat and Pritee Varsani, two young females of the Asian community giving back to the UK. Asian Voice and Gujarat Samamchar were the media partners. Rangeelu Gujarat, an extravagant interactive culture exhibition which was held on the 20th and 21st August, 2016 designed to showcase the best parts of the Glorious State Gujarat. The aim of the event was to allow the British public to strengthen the existing relationship with Gujarat through understanding its cultural identity. Ranging from young people
to elderly folk the event attracted around 30,000 visitors. People from all over the UK attended. Furthermore, there has been a new interest where people have been requesting for the event to be held all over the UK which proves that Rangeelu Gujarat, just in its first year has been extremely successful. Activities included pagri tying, mediation, raas garba, kite flying, arts and much more, where people were able to actually interact and take part in the diverse range of traditional Gujarat Culture. Mira Salat, Director of Red Lotus Events speaking about her experience said, "It's been a rollercoaster, trying to break the stereotype of a 'Gujarati event' it was an absolute honour welcoming the youth to Rangeelu Gujarat. Finally, there will be a platform for people to learn of their Gujarati culture without any caste, community or religious barriers. The amount of support we recieved from the audience was immeasurable. Through
the wind and rain the masses held tight to their umbrellas eager to see the next performance! From kids to adults alike there was something for everyone. And all went home with a smile on their faces. We've truly started a movement which creates pride in ones’ heart of being Gujarati”. Pritee Varsani, Director of Red Lotus Events added, “Absolutely amazing. Great vibe, great atmosphere. Lovely to get the support of the public with their presence. Rangeelu Gujarat is a movement for us and we need to make sure we hold the culture here in the UK”. Commenting on the part-
Mahwish Chishty to open her first solo international exhibition at IWM London US-based artist Mahwish Chishty, born in Pakistan and raised in Saudi Arabia, opens her first solo international exhibition at IWM London with a selection of 2D and 3D works from her Drone Art series. She will be exhibiting her most recent drone model Reaper for the first time. The exhibition that will run from 19 October 2016 – 19 March 2017, will feature a mixture of sculptural paintings on wood, painted drone models and works on paper. Each piece reflects Chishty’s training in traditional miniature painting and many will be painted in the style of colourful Pakistani folk art. Inspired by a trip to Pakistan in 2011, Chishty uses her pieces to comment on the ongoing drone war in the country. Struck by the pervasive and constant presence of foreign drones in Pakistan, Chishty’s designs combine symbols of violence and contemporary warfare with Pakistani artistic and cultural traditions. They highlight how foreign unmanned aircraft have become a feature of the physical, psychological and cultural environment of the country. The exhibition dis-
play will evoke this reality, as drone models and sculptural paintings are placed throughout the gallery, sometimes above eye level without frame or glass barriers, protruding from the walls to seemingly surround and hover above the viewer. Each piece also blends traditional techniques with contemporary practice and provides layers of meaning within the works. For example, the patterns of the painted drones echo the decoration used by haulage trucks across Pakistan to adorn their vehicles. Teastained paper creates a neutral background but also alludes to the brown tone of aerial photographs taken from drone surveillance footage. Photographs of Pakistani street scenes taken by local news media are transferred and overlaid directly onto her sculptural paintings of drones, refer-
encing their constant and commonplace presence. This exhibition will mark the first time IWM will show work by a nonBritish artist who has direct links with the region where this type of war is fought, and reflects the current state of globalised conflict. It is part of the IWM Contemporary programme, which is dedicated to creating exhibitions by leading artists and photographers whose work is a response to war and conflict. Mahwish Chishty is the most recent exhibition in the programme, and follows shows by artists including Omer Fast, Hew Locke, Imogen Stidworthy, Nick Danziger and Edward Barber. Mahwish Chishty said, "I am delighted to be holding my first solo exhibition outside the US at IWM. When I embarked on the
drone series, my primary intention was to make unmanned aerial aircrafts as visible as possible, contrary to their invisible presence in the affected areas. As a PakistaniAmerican, I feel the responsibility to address these issues that hopefully will open up a dialogue about the complexities of modern warfare." Alex Walton, Curator of IWM Contemporary: Mahwish Chishty, said, "This exhibition is highly relevant to British audiences who wish to gain further insight into global conflict, and it builds on the IWM Contemporary programme, which continues to push boundaries." Mahwish Chishty is a contemporary artist combining new media and conceptual work with her traditional practice as a painter. Chishty has exhib-
nership, Cllr Muhammed Butt leader of Brent said, “As leader of Brent council I am extremely proud that we managed to bring the diverse culture of the Gujarat region and showcased the many artistic talents of the people. This cultural event was organised by Red Lotus events led by Pritee and Mira just shows what we can do when we come together for the benefit of our communities to build bridges of unity and harmony. I would like to see more of these events from all our communities and Red Lotus will be able to assist to make sure that the success of Rangeelu Gujarat will benefit all our communities”.
Dear Readers, Diwali is now two months away. Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar as every year will be publishing the ‘Diwali Special’ Magazine for our fabulous and supportive readers like yourself. This year in the English section, like every year, we are doing something special for our young readers. 1. If you are between 5-25 years of age, write an article in English on either of the following topics in no more than 350 words, along with a suitable photo: - how do you celebrate your Diwali every year OR - Your most memorable Diwali with friends and family OR - how do you celebrate Diwali in your school. 2. If you are 2-25 years of age, you can also draw/paint a picture of what Diwali means to you or your memorable Diwali, with a suitable photo caption, your full name, age; scan and send the picture to the the below address, by the mentioned deadline. 3. If you are within 9-25 years of age, you can also write a short story within 350 words or a poem within 150 words for our Diwali special. 4. If you are a part of an organisation, which has a youth wing or support youth activities, please tell us how your young members or youth wing celebrates Diwali in 300 words with 2 pictures (in no less than 300dpi). Send your articles/stories/poem with your photo and/or painting/picture to veditorial@abplgroup.com. Last date of entry: 02 October 2015. - Asian Voice
ited her work nationally and internationally at venues including Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MOCADA), Brooklyn NY; University of Technology (UTS Gallery), Sydney, Australia; University of
Michigan, Maryland Art Place, Baltimore, MD; and Canvas Gallery, Karachi, Pakistan. Her works are held in both public and private collections. This will be the first time that the artist’s work is shown in the United Kingdom.
SP
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Peter Hale
unbelievable group of people. Vile actually.” The remark was prompted after the four men claimed there were being treated “like slaves”. After the men left the meeting following a heated exchange regarding rota allocations, Mr Hale commented on one of the Asian doctors, “Chill pill? He needs a good slap.” In front of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in Manchester, Mr Hale admitted to making the comments but denied prejudice. The trial continues.
“I know how you feel” Duke tells a 14 year old On a visit to the Keech hospice in Luton, the Duke of Cambridge comforted 14 year old Ben Hines as he spoke about the loss the of his mother. Resting his hands on the Ben’s shoulder, Prince William said, “Time makes it easier.” The sentiment came after Ben has spoken about the favourite memories of his mother who died last year, aged 40. Prince William who was moved by Ben’s story told him “I know how you feel. I still miss my mother every day and it’s 20 years after she died.” Following the meeting the Duke made Ben, his
bothers Thomas and Richard, and father Gary promise to keep in touch. Gary Hines, 48, said, “I was getting all choked up towards the end when Ben was talking about his mum. He gave Ben his absolute attention. You could see that it struck a chord with him.” The Duke toured and met other people in the hospice along with the Duchess of Cambridge.
‘Traingate’ escalates with new threat Days after Jeremy Corbyn’s ‘traingate’ indecent became national news, the Labour leader issued a new threat. In a heated press conference, Mr Corbyn threatened to nationalise Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Trains. This came as his aides called the Virgin founder a “tax exile.” In the press conference Mr Corbyn admitted there were seats available when he was filmed sitting on the train floor saying there was a lack of seats. The press conference, his first public appearance since the indecent, also saw the leader lash out at journalists for questioning his version of the story. Virgin Trains released CCTV which challenged Corbyn’s version of the story. The CCTV footage shows the Labour leader appearing to walk past
unfilled, unreserved seats before filming the video on the floor and then returning to take a seat for the reminder of the 3 hour journey from London to Newcastle. Mr Corbyn giving his first account said, “Yes I did walk through the train. Yes, I did look for two empty seats together so I could sit down with my wife to talk to her. That wasn’t possible, so I went to the end of the train.” He further added that after sitting on the floor for the start of the journey the train manager found some empty seats and he moved to a seat. In another twist, the I n f o r m a t i o n Commissioner’s Office said it was investigating Virgin Trains’ decision to release the CCTV footage citing data protection concerns.
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Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
NHS surgeon fights for his career after ‘racist’ remark An NHS surgeon’s career is on the line after he referred to the his junior Asian colleagues as “sub-continent elements” in a staff meeting. Peter Hale, 58, who was the clinical director the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust was sacked following the remarks. Peter Hale, claimed the three Pakistani doctors and an Indian medic who worked under him were “their own worst enemy”. Hale’s comments was recorded accidentally after a mobile phone use to record the meeting was left turned on, capturing the candid remarks. He said, “Some of these sub-continent elements, what you end up with is long-term resentments and grievances and all sorts of stuff. They are their own worst enemies. They don't know what they want…They’re an
TLIGHT
There's always a symmetrical poetry to my subjects
Sujata Setia: But Natural Photography
Sunetra Senior
Sujata is an award-winning family and children’s photographer who captures all the emotional nuance and inner glow of people’s lives. Whether it is the simple tenderness of new-born babe wrapped in a blanket - looking for all the world as if a fuzzy caterpillar - or a more complex portrait of a melancholy mother in search of herself or a national identity, in the retreating reflection of a train window, Sujata's works never fail to penetrate the secret below the surface: “I always tell a story” she told us, “that’s part of the reason the photography becomes art. My characters are never overly staged: I peer into their personalities and ultimately also the essence of their narratives.” Sujata isn’t simply talking as an instructor of photography here; another service offered as part of her uniquely attentive business, But Natural Photography. She has actually experienced that thorough, finally liberating, introspection by way of progress and making a mark in her own life. Having been a successful journalist and one of the top reporters in India, the young professional found herself spiritually stranded when arriving to the post-recession landscape of the UK: “it was a very challenging time when I moved here,” she carried on. “There were very limited options for me, and at times it felt as if I was losing touch with reality. There finally came a point where I could either give up, or fight to take myself forwards.” And, as it turns out, Sujata made more than the right decision: “I did throw myself back into life, going out, spending time with friends and through that fundamental passion, my photography began to sprout. I started to notice I was very good with the camera, set up my own page online, and have not looked back since.” Following the light within, the fighter photographer - and mother of one - has conquered a whole career. How do you bring the idea of ‘natural’ photography to your work? I follow the idea that people are their best, most beautiful and evocative when they’re in their natural environment and the space where they’re their happiest. There must be a strong relationship with the self. Perhaps that’s why a lot of my photos are taken in a rustic setting; it’s all about fostering that organic feeling.
Are there elements of photography that you particularly enjoy playing with? I love working with the light: seeing how it falls and how best to follow it. I play with colours too and also the perfect styling – there's always a symmetrical poetry to my subjects.
You’re described as a ‘rule-breaker’; how exactly do you do that? I don’t really pay attention the ‘right’ way to follow the technical. I’m not afraid to experiment with light and composition; photography is very creative and set rules will constrict your images. What is your favourite part of the whole process? Photography is essentially my redemp-
tion for the stresses of life; it sets your mind and heart free. If you’re feeling physically restricted or in any way weighed down by responsibility, it allows you to generate an inner freedom. The possibility for translating your imagination into reality is endless. That is always important: freedom of the mind.
What’s one of your most memorable moments? When I was doing a workshop with students very recently, with the Syrian crisis specifically in mind. I created a photo of a mother on a platform who is simultaneously clinging to and having to let go of her son. That very week the newspapers and social media were circulating that photo of a single refugee child sat at the back of an ambulance the parallel was uncanny! The woman in the photograph could be a refugee of any situation really: whether it is a political crisis, the national rift of war or being an unwitting hostage to her own inscrutable emotions.
Do you have some good advice for budding photographers? Don’t fear an investment in learning; be agile and look around. Be open to the process. There’s always another level
to transcend. Always keep trying and following the light – that’s a technical necessity!
What’s been one of your most prized awards? Probably the one I received from Digital Fine Arts Magazine for Best Children’s Photography. It was one of the first awards I received and commemorated the fact that I had kept going for every rejection that came before. My work, as it is continuing to do, was speaking for itself. What’s been some of your favourite editorial work? There was a picture of a little new-born child that got a lot of love. It was published in several journals: the Booker online, Digital Photography online to name a few.
Finally what’s one fact about photography that people believe, but simply isn’t true? That anyone who has a camera can become a great photographer. You need to develop the art too: grow both theoretically and emotionally. www.facebook.com/suja tasetia?fref=ts
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London Mayor visits Hindu temple on their second anniversary Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
Continued from page 1 And I’m pleased to be here as your Mayor today to thank you for your support and for those prayers and blessings. On that day, I promised that I would return here to welcome His Holiness to London and it gives me great joy to meet you, Bapa.” On that last visit, just before Mr Khan took office, he was particularly impressed with the Mandir’s eco-credentials. He once again noted, “We’re proud that this Mandir is known as the world’s first Eco temple a beacon to the rest of the world and to the rest of London. I hope that through your inspiration, we’ll now have a wave of Eco Mandirs, Eco Guhdwaras, Eco Mosques, Eco Synagogues and Eco Churches in London.” The Mayor was led into the Mandir by the prestigious Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band. He was personally greeted and Acharya welcomed by Swamishree Maharaj – the global spiritual leader of Shree Maninagar Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan – who explained, “The reason that you have come to palace of Lord Shree Swaminarayan is your love towards God.”
AsianVoiceNewsweekly
AsianVoiceNews
Fluent in Hindi, the Mayor heard Acharya Swamishree Maharaj explain the meaning of his name, “Sadiq means truthful or honest. The meaning of ‘sa’ ‘dik’ is ‘one who follows God’s direction’; Khan means ‘one who acts with dignity’. The Mayor’s name is completely apt.” The Mayor earlier had the chance to see the range of sports, educational, cultural and charitable activities of the Mandir and met many of its participants. He was extremely pleased that the Mandir was already Khan presented with a Paag, a special turban reserved for delivering on several of his leaders of the community and blessed by the temple guru own policy pledges, such as Acharya Swamishree Maharaj those on health, fairness, skills and the environment. Khan My praised, “We’re proud of this community’s amazing work of service to others. This year alone, the community of the Mandir has raised money for St Luke’s Hospice and has held regular blood drives. To date, the total Mayor welcomed in the Kingsbury temple with drum rolls and bagpipers units of blood col-
Rt Hon Sadiq Khan offering flower tributes at the temple
lected by the Mandir is over 1700 units. “And we’re proud of this Mandir’s great work with young people. Not only providing them with a range of activities, but demonstrating the values of your faith and how we can all be model citizens in this great city.” The Mayor applauded Acharya Swamishree Maharaj, “Your dedication to your faith, your service to so many people and your values of selflessness are an inspiration to me and to thousands of Londoners. And I’d like to tell you how immensely proud I am - and how proud London is - of the community here at Kingsbury Mandir.”
Mayor was honoured with the unique Shree Swaminarayan Gadi paagh. This hand-tied turban is reserved for the most eminent leaders in society and recently adorned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his inauguration rally. In concluding his speech, the Mayor again paid homage to Acharya Swamishree Maharaj, “Bapa, thank you for gifting London with this generous community and for gifting London with this beautiful iconic Mandir - a Mandir that will not only serve this community, but communities across London for generations to come.”
The audit will be led by a new dedicated Whitehall unit situated in the Cabinet Office, reporting jointly to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid, and the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Ben Gummer. The first data is expected to be published before the summer 2017 and will be updated annually to ensure the public can track improvement and better hold services to account. EHRC Chair David Isaac said: "There is no place for racism and hatred in a modern Britain and we share the UN’s serious concerns about the recent spike in race hate incidents. In the weeks before and after the Brexit vote we saw reports of race hate incidents rise significantly. We support the UN’s recommendations for effective investigation and prosecution of all acts of racist
hate crime and wide-ranging action better to deter and punish perpetrators.” “There are concerns that the acrimonious and divisive manner in which the referendum debate was conducted exacerbated worrying divisions in British society, and has been used by a minority to legitimise race hate. The recommendation that the UK should adopt comprehensive measures to combat racist hate speech and xenophobic political discourse is therefore a welcome one. Political parties need to come together and show leadership, working with the relevant crime prevention agencies. “We also welcome the UN’s recommendations to tackle race inequality in areas such as health, education, employment and criminal justice, following our comprehensive report on this issue last week."
Prime Minister orders Government audit to tackle racial disparities in public service outcomes
Prime Minister Theresa May has launched an unprecedented audit of public services to reveal racial disparities and help end the burning injustices many people experience across Britain. The PM has ordered Whitehall departments to identify and publish information showing how outcomes differ for people of different backgrounds, in a range of areas including health, education and employment. Not only will it give every person the ability to check how their race affects the way they are treated by public services, the transparent information will help government and the public to force poor-performing services to improve. The Prime Minister said: “When I stood on the steps of Downing Street on my first day, I made clear that I believe in a United Kingdom by every definition - and that
means the government I lead will stand up for you and your family against injustice and inequality. “Today, I am launching an audit to look into racial disparities in our public services that stretches right across government. It will highlight the differences in outcomes for people of different backgrounds, in every area from health to education, childcare to welfare, employment, skills and criminal justice. “This audit will reveal difficult truths, but we should not be apologetic about shining a light on injustices as never before. It is only by doing so we can make this country work for everyone, not just a privileged few.” Latest figures from the Equality and Human Rights Commission show large disparities between how people are treated depending on their race:
l If you are from a Black Caribbean background, you are three times more likely to be permanently excluded from school than your peers; l If you are a black woman, you are seven times more likely to be detained under mental health legislation than a white woman; l The employment rate for ethnic minorities is 10 percentage points lower than the national average; l People in ethnic minority households are almost twice as likely to live in relative poverty as white people – but it is not just those from minority backgrounds who are affected, with white working class boys less likely to go to university than any other group. Yet this type of information is not systematically captured by public services or published transparently for the benefit of the public or the government. Only in a
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few areas has government collected such information specifically for the purpose of revealing racial disparity, and very rarely is it published in an open and accessible way. This audit will also help understand where there are geographical inequalities in services that affect people of some races more than others, such as the white working class who tend to live in coastal towns or BME communities who tend to live in inner cities. As Home Secretary, the Prime Minister published stop and search data that revealed people from black and ethnic minority communities were seven times more likely to be stopped and searched than their white counterparts. The publication helped hold forces to account and the ratio has now reduced to four times more likely, with the aim for a continued fall.
photo courtesy: Suryakant Jadva
Kashmir provocateurs warned of strong action AsianVoiceNews
The curfew imposed by the government to maintain a semblance of sanity in the violence-struck Valley, has been lifted after a total of 52 days. The move makes way for an all-party delegation visit to the region. Leading the delegation, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, and others will visit Kashmir on September 4, and meet a group of individuals and organisations in Srinagar. While official statements are yet to come, the delegation is said to limit itself to the brief followed by the team which went to the state during the protests of 2010. Singh held a meeting with BJP chief Amit Shah, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, and MoS in PMO Jitendra Singh, where it was decided that an all-party team should go to Srinagar soon. It is said that the officials may not talk to secessionists, but individuals are free to interact as per will. Meanwhile, a visibly shattered Kashmir makes it way back to normalcy despite specks of clashes reported in different parts of Srinagar. Police station areas of Nowhatta and Maharaj Gunj in Srinagar and Pulwama district are still under curfew. Several rioters are still resorting to stone pelting at private vehicles, erected barricades and security forces. A statement issued by the police reported incidents of stone pelting from Srinagar, Anantnag, Kulgam, Sopore, Kupwara, and Bandipora. "These incidents were reported from Guzarbal, Babademb, Saidpora, Batamaloo, Chanapora in Srinagar, Gandwani, Shol Batango in Kulgam, Nadihal Chowk in Sopore, Brambari, Rekhipora in Kupwara and Kaloosa in Bandipora," the statement said. All senior separatist leaders have been placed under detention in Srinagar. The bout of violence that began on July 9, following the encounter death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani saw the death of 71 people, 68 civilians and three policemen. Around 11,000 others, including civilians and security personnel were injured during this time. Modi's Mann ki Baat: The Prime Minister addressed
the Kashmir situation in his radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, a day after chief minister Mehbooba Mufti met him. He said that any life lost in Kashmir, is the country's loss. "Ekta and Mamata was the crux of all interactions I had recently on Kashmir situation." Modi said that all those pushing the youth towards stone pelting in Kashmir will some day have to answer them, and added that all political parties spoke in one voice on Kashmir. 400 local leaders to be held in detention: Intelligence officers have identified 400 local leaders for instigating violence, and shared their list with the state police for an immediate crackdown, including detention under the Public Safety Act. Central agencies said the list included overground workers of Hizbul Mujahideen and other terrorist outfits, besides locallevel functionaries of Tehreek-e-hurriyat and Jamaat-e-Islami. A central officer said, "These are primarily local leaders who have been mobilising children as young as 1012, besides teenagers, to come on the streets and indulge in stone-pelting. Many are overground workers from villages in south Kashmir who shelter terrorists and help with logistics." A home ministry official said, "The message conveyed to the state authorities is clear, there has to be firm and resolute police action against those mobilising young protesters. Just like 2010, when the cycle of stone-pelting protests was contained by acting against the leaders and invoking PSA against top separatists like Masarat Alam, we must crack down on the identified local-level leaders. Detaining such leaders under PSA for a few
months will put them out of circulation, thus allowing the protests to die down." He added, "A strong message needs to go out that the government and its agencies mean business and that those instigating mobs for their selfish ends will not be allowed to go scot-free and must be ready to face action under tough laws like PSA." Pak PM appoints special task force to "fight for Kashmir cause": In a move that adds more fuel to the already existing fire, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appointed 22 parliamentarians as special envoys "for fighting the Kashmir cause in different parts of the world".
AsianVoiceNewsweekly
J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti calls on Modi: In the light of the protests, a flustered Mehbooba Mufti met with PM Modi in New Delhi. While the opposition has consistently called out Modi's lack of control in the events, Mehbooba resorted to praise him and Rajnath Singh for taking proper initiatives to start a dialogue with Pakistan. "PM Modi reached out to Pakistan, went to Lahore, but then Pathankot happened. Home Minister Rajnath Singh also went to Islamabad. Unfortunately, Pakistan has repeatedly given up chances to talk and resolve the issue of violence in Kashmir." She added, "Now, it is time for Pakistan to respond if it wants peace in Kashmir." Addressing the media after her meeting with the PM, Mufti slammed Pak for fuelling the protests. "Pakistan has been openly trying to provoke and fuel tensions in Kashmir valley. PM Modi, like all of us, is very concerned with the situation in Jammu and
Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi
No fool himself, Sharif seems aware of the consequences the task force would have on the rotting relations between the two countries. "I am standing behind these special envoys to ensure their toil for highlighting the Kashmir cause resonates across the world so that I can shake the collective conscience of the international community during my address at the UN this September," Sharif said. He said Pakistan will remind the United Nations of its longheld promise of self-determination for the Kashmiri people. The action came a few days after Modi said Pak will have to answer for the "atrocities" in Balochistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
Kashmir." She said the situation in the region has been bad since 2008. "The UPA government had ignored the situation after the 2008 unrest. But PM Modi is trying to resolve the situation." A call for Sindhudesh: While Pak focuses its energy on prodding Kashmir, azaadi slogans were raised in the Sindh province a few days after Gilgit, PoK and Balochistan. Baloch and Sindhi leaders held protests even against China-Pakistan economic corridor outside the Chinese Embassy in London, raising pro-Modi slogans on the go. The action was in response to the warning China's think tank issued to India asking not to interfere in Balochistan.
Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
17
British-Pakistani barrister shot dead in Islamabad
Fahad Malik
Islamabad: British Pakistani barrister Fahad Malik was shot dead on 15th August in Islamabad close to the Prime Minister’s residence in front of many witnesses. Malik, a British national who did his bar at the Lincoln's Inn was practising law in Pakistan and leaves behind a widow Sakina Bukhari and two young children. Malik was shot by two men from a known gang while mediating between two quarrelling factions at a coffee shop despite installation of CCTV cameras. Suspects named in local media as Raja Arshad and Nauman Khokar were granted bail. Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah has challenged Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to hand over the murder case to the Sindh Police. The Interior Minister and political leader Imran Khan visited Malik's house and promised to bring the killers to justice. Malik is the nephew of ex-chairman of Senate Muhammad Mian Soomro and son-in-law of Syed Wajid Bukhari, who was Minister of Environment in Pervez Musharraf’s cabinet. A spokesperson for the family said: "this is a very dark day for us. It is also a very dark day for Pakistan when arrested killers can be released on bail and then allowed to disappear. We call on all authorities both Pakistan and British to do all they can to bring Fahad's murderers to justice". Sayeeda Warsi, Baroness Warsi released the following statement: I am deeply sad-
dened by the senseless murder of British National Fahad Malik in Pakistan. Fahad Malik was a wellknown and respected member of the UK Pakistani community and was tragically assassinated in the vicinity of a police station in Islamabad on Monday 15th August after mediating a dispute between two parties. This murder of a British national is sadly indicative of the plague of killings and gang warfare which inflict casualties across Pakistan on a regular basis. This attack in the heart of the country’s capital, Islamabad, a city in which I have lived and I know well, is even more alarming. I welcome the commitment that both Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan have given to this matter and urge them to continue to ensure that investigations are fully conducted to bring Fahad’s killers to justice. Pakistan must show that the rule of law is not just written but is operational and is implemented for British Pakistanis who regularly travel to Pakistan for both work and pleasure. It is important that confidence in the police, army, security services and judiciary is maintained and the investigation, prosecution and conviction of Fahad Malik’s murderers will go some way to restoring that confidence. My sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathy is with Fahad Malik’s family especially his widow and two young children. They are in our thoughts and prayers.
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London Mayor visits Hindu temple on their second anniversary Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
Continued from page 1 And I’m pleased to be here as your Mayor today to thank you for your support and for those prayers and blessings. On that day, I promised that I would return here to welcome His Holiness to London and it gives me great joy to meet you, Bapa.” On that last visit, just before Mr Khan took office, he was particularly impressed with the Mandir’s eco-credentials. He once again noted, “We’re proud that this Mandir is known as the world’s first Eco temple a beacon to the rest of the world and to the rest of London. I hope that through your inspiration, we’ll now have a wave of Eco Mandirs, Eco Guhdwaras, Eco Mosques, Eco Synagogues and Eco Churches in London.” The Mayor was led into the Mandir by the prestigious Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band. He was personally greeted and Acharya welcomed by Swamishree Maharaj – the global spiritual leader of Shree Maninagar Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan – who explained, “The reason that you have come to palace of Lord Shree Swaminarayan is your love towards God.”
AsianVoiceNewsweekly
AsianVoiceNews
Fluent in Hindi, the Mayor heard Acharya Swamishree Maharaj explain the meaning of his name, “Sadiq means truthful or honest. The meaning of ‘sa’ ‘dik’ is ‘one who follows God’s direction’; Khan means ‘one who acts with dignity’. The Mayor’s name is completely apt.” The Mayor earlier had the chance to see the range of sports, educational, cultural and charitable activities of the Mandir and met many of its participants. He was extremely pleased that the Mandir was already Khan presented with a Paag, a special turban reserved for delivering on several of his leaders of the community and blessed by the temple guru own policy pledges, such as Acharya Swamishree Maharaj those on health, fairness, skills and the environment. Khan My praised, “We’re proud of this community’s amazing work of service to others. This year alone, the community of the Mandir has raised money for St Luke’s Hospice and has held regular blood drives. To date, the total Mayor welcomed in the Kingsbury temple with drum rolls and bagpipers units of blood col-
Rt Hon Sadiq Khan offering flower tributes at the temple
lected by the Mandir is over 1700 units. “And we’re proud of this Mandir’s great work with young people. Not only providing them with a range of activities, but demonstrating the values of your faith and how we can all be model citizens in this great city.” The Mayor applauded Acharya Swamishree Maharaj, “Your dedication to your faith, your service to so many people and your values of selflessness are an inspiration to me and to thousands of Londoners. And I’d like to tell you how immensely proud I am - and how proud London is - of the community here at Kingsbury Mandir.”
Mayor was honoured with the unique Shree Swaminarayan Gadi paagh. This hand-tied turban is reserved for the most eminent leaders in society and recently adorned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his inauguration rally. In concluding his speech, the Mayor again paid homage to Acharya Swamishree Maharaj, “Bapa, thank you for gifting London with this generous community and for gifting London with this beautiful iconic Mandir - a Mandir that will not only serve this community, but communities across London for generations to come.”
The audit will be led by a new dedicated Whitehall unit situated in the Cabinet Office, reporting jointly to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid, and the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Ben Gummer. The first data is expected to be published before the summer 2017 and will be updated annually to ensure the public can track improvement and better hold services to account. EHRC Chair David Isaac said: "There is no place for racism and hatred in a modern Britain and we share the UN’s serious concerns about the recent spike in race hate incidents. In the weeks before and after the Brexit vote we saw reports of race hate incidents rise significantly. We support the UN’s recommendations for effective investigation and prosecution of all acts of racist
hate crime and wide-ranging action better to deter and punish perpetrators.” “There are concerns that the acrimonious and divisive manner in which the referendum debate was conducted exacerbated worrying divisions in British society, and has been used by a minority to legitimise race hate. The recommendation that the UK should adopt comprehensive measures to combat racist hate speech and xenophobic political discourse is therefore a welcome one. Political parties need to come together and show leadership, working with the relevant crime prevention agencies. “We also welcome the UN’s recommendations to tackle race inequality in areas such as health, education, employment and criminal justice, following our comprehensive report on this issue last week."
Prime Minister orders Government audit to tackle racial disparities in public service outcomes
Prime Minister Theresa May has launched an unprecedented audit of public services to reveal racial disparities and help end the burning injustices many people experience across Britain. The PM has ordered Whitehall departments to identify and publish information showing how outcomes differ for people of different backgrounds, in a range of areas including health, education and employment. Not only will it give every person the ability to check how their race affects the way they are treated by public services, the transparent information will help government and the public to force poor-performing services to improve. The Prime Minister said: “When I stood on the steps of Downing Street on my first day, I made clear that I believe in a United Kingdom by every definition - and that
means the government I lead will stand up for you and your family against injustice and inequality. “Today, I am launching an audit to look into racial disparities in our public services that stretches right across government. It will highlight the differences in outcomes for people of different backgrounds, in every area from health to education, childcare to welfare, employment, skills and criminal justice. “This audit will reveal difficult truths, but we should not be apologetic about shining a light on injustices as never before. It is only by doing so we can make this country work for everyone, not just a privileged few.” Latest figures from the Equality and Human Rights Commission show large disparities between how people are treated depending on their race:
l If you are from a Black Caribbean background, you are three times more likely to be permanently excluded from school than your peers; l If you are a black woman, you are seven times more likely to be detained under mental health legislation than a white woman; l The employment rate for ethnic minorities is 10 percentage points lower than the national average; l People in ethnic minority households are almost twice as likely to live in relative poverty as white people – but it is not just those from minority backgrounds who are affected, with white working class boys less likely to go to university than any other group. Yet this type of information is not systematically captured by public services or published transparently for the benefit of the public or the government. Only in a
ASIAN ACHIEVERS
PRESENTS
AWARDS
The people’s choice awards
I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H
few areas has government collected such information specifically for the purpose of revealing racial disparity, and very rarely is it published in an open and accessible way. This audit will also help understand where there are geographical inequalities in services that affect people of some races more than others, such as the white working class who tend to live in coastal towns or BME communities who tend to live in inner cities. As Home Secretary, the Prime Minister published stop and search data that revealed people from black and ethnic minority communities were seven times more likely to be stopped and searched than their white counterparts. The publication helped hold forces to account and the ratio has now reduced to four times more likely, with the aim for a continued fall.
photo courtesy: Suryakant Jadva
Kashmir provocateurs warned of strong action AsianVoiceNews
The curfew imposed by the government to maintain a semblance of sanity in the violence-struck Valley, has been lifted after a total of 52 days. The move makes way for an all-party delegation visit to the region. Leading the delegation, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, and others will visit Kashmir on September 4, and meet a group of individuals and organisations in Srinagar. While official statements are yet to come, the delegation is said to limit itself to the brief followed by the team which went to the state during the protests of 2010. Singh held a meeting with BJP chief Amit Shah, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, and MoS in PMO Jitendra Singh, where it was decided that an all-party team should go to Srinagar soon. It is said that the officials may not talk to secessionists, but individuals are free to interact as per will. Meanwhile, a visibly shattered Kashmir makes it way back to normalcy despite specks of clashes reported in different parts of Srinagar. Police station areas of Nowhatta and Maharaj Gunj in Srinagar and Pulwama district are still under curfew. Several rioters are still resorting to stone pelting at private vehicles, erected barricades and security forces. A statement issued by the police reported incidents of stone pelting from Srinagar, Anantnag, Kulgam, Sopore, Kupwara, and Bandipora. "These incidents were reported from Guzarbal, Babademb, Saidpora, Batamaloo, Chanapora in Srinagar, Gandwani, Shol Batango in Kulgam, Nadihal Chowk in Sopore, Brambari, Rekhipora in Kupwara and Kaloosa in Bandipora," the statement said. All senior separatist leaders have been placed under detention in Srinagar. The bout of violence that began on July 9, following the encounter death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani saw the death of 71 people, 68 civilians and three policemen. Around 11,000 others, including civilians and security personnel were injured during this time. Modi's Mann ki Baat: The Prime Minister addressed
the Kashmir situation in his radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, a day after chief minister Mehbooba Mufti met him. He said that any life lost in Kashmir, is the country's loss. "Ekta and Mamata was the crux of all interactions I had recently on Kashmir situation." Modi said that all those pushing the youth towards stone pelting in Kashmir will some day have to answer them, and added that all political parties spoke in one voice on Kashmir. 400 local leaders to be held in detention: Intelligence officers have identified 400 local leaders for instigating violence, and shared their list with the state police for an immediate crackdown, including detention under the Public Safety Act. Central agencies said the list included overground workers of Hizbul Mujahideen and other terrorist outfits, besides locallevel functionaries of Tehreek-e-hurriyat and Jamaat-e-Islami. A central officer said, "These are primarily local leaders who have been mobilising children as young as 1012, besides teenagers, to come on the streets and indulge in stone-pelting. Many are overground workers from villages in south Kashmir who shelter terrorists and help with logistics." A home ministry official said, "The message conveyed to the state authorities is clear, there has to be firm and resolute police action against those mobilising young protesters. Just like 2010, when the cycle of stone-pelting protests was contained by acting against the leaders and invoking PSA against top separatists like Masarat Alam, we must crack down on the identified local-level leaders. Detaining such leaders under PSA for a few
months will put them out of circulation, thus allowing the protests to die down." He added, "A strong message needs to go out that the government and its agencies mean business and that those instigating mobs for their selfish ends will not be allowed to go scot-free and must be ready to face action under tough laws like PSA." Pak PM appoints special task force to "fight for Kashmir cause": In a move that adds more fuel to the already existing fire, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appointed 22 parliamentarians as special envoys "for fighting the Kashmir cause in different parts of the world".
AsianVoiceNewsweekly
J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti calls on Modi: In the light of the protests, a flustered Mehbooba Mufti met with PM Modi in New Delhi. While the opposition has consistently called out Modi's lack of control in the events, Mehbooba resorted to praise him and Rajnath Singh for taking proper initiatives to start a dialogue with Pakistan. "PM Modi reached out to Pakistan, went to Lahore, but then Pathankot happened. Home Minister Rajnath Singh also went to Islamabad. Unfortunately, Pakistan has repeatedly given up chances to talk and resolve the issue of violence in Kashmir." She added, "Now, it is time for Pakistan to respond if it wants peace in Kashmir." Addressing the media after her meeting with the PM, Mufti slammed Pak for fuelling the protests. "Pakistan has been openly trying to provoke and fuel tensions in Kashmir valley. PM Modi, like all of us, is very concerned with the situation in Jammu and
Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi
No fool himself, Sharif seems aware of the consequences the task force would have on the rotting relations between the two countries. "I am standing behind these special envoys to ensure their toil for highlighting the Kashmir cause resonates across the world so that I can shake the collective conscience of the international community during my address at the UN this September," Sharif said. He said Pakistan will remind the United Nations of its longheld promise of self-determination for the Kashmiri people. The action came a few days after Modi said Pak will have to answer for the "atrocities" in Balochistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
Kashmir." She said the situation in the region has been bad since 2008. "The UPA government had ignored the situation after the 2008 unrest. But PM Modi is trying to resolve the situation." A call for Sindhudesh: While Pak focuses its energy on prodding Kashmir, azaadi slogans were raised in the Sindh province a few days after Gilgit, PoK and Balochistan. Baloch and Sindhi leaders held protests even against China-Pakistan economic corridor outside the Chinese Embassy in London, raising pro-Modi slogans on the go. The action was in response to the warning China's think tank issued to India asking not to interfere in Balochistan.
Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
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British-Pakistani barrister shot dead in Islamabad
Fahad Malik
Islamabad: British Pakistani barrister Fahad Malik was shot dead on 15th August in Islamabad close to the Prime Minister’s residence in front of many witnesses. Malik, a British national who did his bar at the Lincoln's Inn was practising law in Pakistan and leaves behind a widow Sakina Bukhari and two young children. Malik was shot by two men from a known gang while mediating between two quarrelling factions at a coffee shop despite installation of CCTV cameras. Suspects named in local media as Raja Arshad and Nauman Khokar were granted bail. Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah has challenged Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to hand over the murder case to the Sindh Police. The Interior Minister and political leader Imran Khan visited Malik's house and promised to bring the killers to justice. Malik is the nephew of ex-chairman of Senate Muhammad Mian Soomro and son-in-law of Syed Wajid Bukhari, who was Minister of Environment in Pervez Musharraf’s cabinet. A spokesperson for the family said: "this is a very dark day for us. It is also a very dark day for Pakistan when arrested killers can be released on bail and then allowed to disappear. We call on all authorities both Pakistan and British to do all they can to bring Fahad's murderers to justice". Sayeeda Warsi, Baroness Warsi released the following statement: I am deeply sad-
dened by the senseless murder of British National Fahad Malik in Pakistan. Fahad Malik was a wellknown and respected member of the UK Pakistani community and was tragically assassinated in the vicinity of a police station in Islamabad on Monday 15th August after mediating a dispute between two parties. This murder of a British national is sadly indicative of the plague of killings and gang warfare which inflict casualties across Pakistan on a regular basis. This attack in the heart of the country’s capital, Islamabad, a city in which I have lived and I know well, is even more alarming. I welcome the commitment that both Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan have given to this matter and urge them to continue to ensure that investigations are fully conducted to bring Fahad’s killers to justice. Pakistan must show that the rule of law is not just written but is operational and is implemented for British Pakistanis who regularly travel to Pakistan for both work and pleasure. It is important that confidence in the police, army, security services and judiciary is maintained and the investigation, prosecution and conviction of Fahad Malik’s murderers will go some way to restoring that confidence. My sincerest condolences and heartfelt sympathy is with Fahad Malik’s family especially his widow and two young children. They are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Gupta family plans to sell South African holdings Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
The Gupta family of South Africa, which has been accused of holding undue political sway over President Jacob Zuma, said that they planned to dispose of all stakes it holds in South African businesses before the end of the year. The Guptas have denied accusations that they have used their friendship with Zuma to influence his decisions or advance their business interests. But South Africa's anti-corruption watchdog said in July it would get more funds to investigate whether Zuma allowed the family to make government appointments. In a statement, the Gupta family said “we now believe the time is right for us to exit our shareholding of the South African businesses” and it believed the move would benefit current employees. “As such, we announce our intention to sell all of our shareholding in South Africa by the
end of the year. We are already in discussions with several international prospective buyers,” the statement said. The prominent business family is accused of being behind Zuma's abrupt sacking of former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene in December, a move that rattled investor confidence and triggered calls for the President's resignation. The scandal surrounding the Guptas took a dramatic turn earlier this year after deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas said the family had offered him his boss's job. Zuma has said
that the Guptas are his friends but denied doing anything improper. The Guptas have also denied making job offers to anyone in government. South African markets were rattled again this week on news that Nene's replacement, Pravin Gordhan, had been summoned by an elite police unit over an investigation into a suspected rogue spy unit in the tax service. The Gupta family's assets in South Africa would include its holding company Oakbay Investments, which controls Johannesburg-listed Oakbay Resources. They
also own the New Age newspaper and the ANN7 news network. Oakbay Investments chief executive Nazeem Howa said the company would remain rooted in South Africa. “Oakbay Investments will continue in South Africa, they (the Guptas) are just selling their share holding,” he told the eNCA news channel. The company does not have an easy operating environment in South Africa. All four of the country's major banks have severed links with it. Analysts have said the banks were likely prompted by concerns about reputational risk and if the Guptas are no longer part of Oakbay, that risk may diminish. The three Gupta brothers moved to South Africa from India at the end of apartheid rule in the mid1990s and went on to build a business empire that stretches from technology to the media to mining.
Panel to suggest steps to promote e-payments The government has now set up an 11-member panel, headed by former finance secretary Ratan P Watal to suggest ways to promote electronic transactions through incentives such as tax rebates, cash back and lottery. The panel will recommend steps for leveraging unique identification number or other identify proofs for authenticating card, and digital transactions, along with examining the setting up of a Centralised KYC registry. The panel will also study feasibility of creating a payments history of all card/digital payments and
ensure that merchants/consumers can leverage the data to access "instant, low cost microedit" through digital means and create neces-
sary linkage between the payment history and credit information, as per an order issued by the finance ministry. The committee will study introduction of
single window system of payment gateway to accept all types of cards/digital payments of government receipts and enable settlements via NPCI or other agencies within specified timeliness. It will also look into the scope of integration of all government systems like Public Finance Management System, PayGov, Bharatkosh and eKuber. Committee members include former RBI Deputy Governor HR Khan, Chairman of Indian Banks Association, President of Nasscom and CBDT Chairperson.
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KFC’s top-secret family recipe ‘revealed’
The nephew of KFC founder “Colonel” Harland Sanders may have inadvertently revealed the secret recipe for one of the world’s most widely eaten fast-food dishes. Last week, the Chicago Tribune published a piece by reporter Jay Jones, who visited Kentucky to write a travel item about the Harland Sanders Café and Museum in the small town of Corbin, formerly the service station where the Colonel first served his chicken to motorists in 1930. There, he met Sanders’ nephew, 67-year-old Joe Ledington, with whom he leafed through an old scrapbook that had belonged to Ledington’s aunt Claudia, the Colonel’s second wife, who died in 1996. Inside was a copy of Claudia’s last will and testament, on the back of which was written a recipe for a fried chicken spice blend made up of 11 herbs and spices. “That is the original 11 herbs and spices that were supposed to be so secretive,” Ledington told Jones. Contacted later to con-
firm the story, the Colonel’s nephew was a little more cagey, telling the Tribune that he couldn’t say “for sure” whether this was the mysterious recipe served today at some 20,000 locations in 123 countries. The newspaper cooked a batch according to the blend in the scrapbook and declared it “the real deal”, especially after they added MSG, which KFC admitted is currently an ingredient in its chicken. In 1999, when a couple thought they had stumbled across the recipe scribbled on a note in the basement of the Kentucky home they had bought from the Colonel and Claudia more than two decades earlier, KFC promptly sued them – though the case was dropped when the company decided the recipe differed significantly with the genuine article. When the Tribune piece was published, they made do with a statement: “Many people have made these claims over the years and no one has been accurate,” the company said last week. “This one isn’t either.”
Birla denies talks with Voda over Idea merger
India 7th wealthiest country in the world India stands seventh in the list of top 10 wealthiest countries in the world. In the report, made by New World Wealth, the United States stood at the top with a total individual wealth, and India came seventh with $5,600 billion, ahead of Canada ($4,700 billion), Australia ($4,500 billion) and Italy ($4,400 billion), which
came in at 8th, 9th and 10th slots, respectively. The US is the wealthiest in the world in terms of total individual wealth held ($48,900 billion) while China ($17,400 billion) stood second and Japan third with $15,100 billion, United Kingdom fourth with $9,200 billion, followed by Germany with $9100 billion. The wealth
refers to net assets of a person, including property, cash, equities, business interests. The ranking of India comes mainly due to its large population. The report said, "Australia's ranking is impressive, considering it only has 22 million people living there. Over the past 5 years, China was the fastest growing wealthiest
country in terms of dollar wealth growth. On India, the report stated, “Australia and India also grew strongly and India, Australia and Canada have just overtaken Italy over the past 12 months.” The study ranked the wealthiest countries in the world as of June 2016 in terms of total individual wealth held.
India lauds Goldman Sachs growth forecast The Centre has praised global investment banker Goldman Sachs for awarding a growth forecast of 7.9 per cent for the Indian economy in the current fiscal, along with the promise of an improved monsoon, key reforms and increased FDI inflows. M Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister of Urban Development, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, tweeted, "Happy that Goldman
M Venkaiah Naidu
Sachs forecast Indian economy to clock 7.9 per cent in current fiscal with better
monsoon, key reforms and FDI inflows." Moody's Investors Service in August had forecast the real GDP growth for India at around 7.5 per cent for FY2017. "Goldman Sachs lauded several important policy changes and reforms that were carried out like GST bill passage, bankruptcy code, government approval of inflation targeting framework and measures to ease doing business," Naidu tweeted.
India had clocked an overall growth of 7.6 per cent in the previous fiscal, with the growth rate accelerating to 7.9 per cent during the January-March period this year on strong manufacturing growth. . The Finance Ministry and NITI Aayog insisted that Indian can reach an 8 per cent growth rate in the current fiscal if the monsoon was good this year against the previous two years of consecutive drought.
The Aditya Birla Group has strongly denied a report stating Idea Cellular was in talks for a merger deal with Vodafone's Indian operations. "Regrettably, there's a wrong-headed and baseless story stating that Idea is in talks with Vodafone on stake sale. This is absolutely untrue and preposterous. There's no such intent," said a spokesperson. The reaction came after a business channel showed a report of a possible merger. Idea shares even surged around 7 per cent even as broader market indices traded flat. There has been speculation in banking circles about a consolidation deal in the telecom sector. Sources said the merger
rumour was "at best a banker's idea", which was later leaked to the media. The speculation comes at a time when Vodafone is busy preparing to list its Indian unit to the local bourses by early next year. A senior banker said, "There may have been an exchange of ideas, but the story doesn't have many legs as of now." The proposed IPO, among the country's largest, is expected to raise $2.5-3 billion, valuing the company at around $11 billion. Idea Cellular, which has seen its share price fall from about Rs 160 around a year ago to about Rs 100 now, has a market value of just under $6 billion.
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We have been making offers on various properties on the whole at around 20-25 % below market value, this is a lot considering in these locations it is rare to get even 10%, that is if you manage to source a property in such locations in the first place.
Suresh Vagjiani
Sow & Reap London Property Investment
There exists a window of opportunity to pick up properties in prime locations. Rest assured this will not last for a long time. There have been a couple of occasions where we have overplayed our hand a little, there was a block which I was convinced no one would purchase apart from me. It had been knocking around for a while, and there was currently a fresh buyer on
Asian Voice |3rd September 2016
19
it. I assumed that although they had pulled the contract they would take their time, I stood corrected, the deal was exchanged at £2.7m. This is a ripe market for picking up stock. There are some who still sit on the fence even in these market conditions. They claim it’s going to get worse and therefore there will be better deals down the road. The bottom line is no one knows for sure. Secondly each property is unique, it will likely not be up for grabs later down the line. There are two benefits for a buyer in this market, the first is the discount and the second is the ability to be choosy about what you purchase. It’s not enough just to get a discount on a property it also needs to have a good
feel about it, this comes from the features it has and the direction its facing, as well as the layout. This is the case with a property we have just agreed in Queensway. Not only is it very cheap at £880 per sq. ft., it’s in the best part of the block, south facing, well laid out, high ceiling and on the
first floor of the block. This is an area which is destined to rise strongly in price in years to come, according to Knight Frank’s report. There are many factors which will ensure this area will rise in price, this is compounded by the very little new supply of properties which are due to come on the market. The report analysed how many new
properties were due to come on the market according to the plantain permission received and how many where actually being built. In short there will be a massive under supply in an area which is rising fast.
questioned and cautioned. It transpired that they had arrested the tenant as she was running the property as a cathouse, when she was arrested she informed the police that the landlord had given permission for her do this!! The tenant was charged and faced prison
time with deportation after the sentence had been served, the landlord had his arrest quashed as there was no proof either way that he was aware of the situation. One thing to remember is that it does not matter if you are right or wrong as this won’t protect you, it is
what can be proved in a court of law! In this situation the alarm would have been raised earlier if inspections had been conducted and if the cash rental payments had been questioned. Moral of the story: don’t be cheap with your most valuable asset and contact us today.
The contract is in and the deal is awaiting an investor. Call us now to buy!
HOUSE OF ILL FAME A lady offered the asking rent on a new build two bedroom flat we had put on the market to let, on behalf of a landlord. She passed referencing and she even met with the landlord and he commented how nice she was and such a perfect fit for the property so much so he did not want us to manage the property but only to provide a tenant introduction service. I endeavored to persuade the landlord to take up our full management service whereby we collect the rent and conduct
property inspections but he had his mind set. This means after the introduction everything from that point onwards is between the tenant and the landlord. The old saying that no news is good news is not always best as 8-9 months into the tenancy the landlord called me and asked if the police had been in touch with me!?? He then went on to inform me of the nightmare that he had been living recently which
BUY TO LET OPPORTUNITY
St John’s Wood Road, London NW8 Purchase Price: £920,000
started with a complaint from the property’s neighbor regard ing loud noise/music coming from the property in the early hours which got worse with time, until eventually the neighbor called the police as she was concerned that there was lots of comings and goings of men at all hours and she was worried that the house might be being used as a brothel. To conclude the landlord was arrested on suspicion under the Proceeds of Crime Act as the police had been monitoring the property. He was then
Cost of full management for this tenancy term Cost of introduction only service Cost of replacement beds Cost of solicitor Cost of being cheap with your most valuable asset
l
Opposite famous Lord’s Cricket Ground l Purchase price is £1,157 per sq. ft. l A property sold in the block last week for £1,562 per sq. ft. l Underground parking l 24hour porterage l Resale value expected to be around £1,250,000 Call us now to find out more!!
£1387.50 £777.00 £970.00 £££££££ Risk of prosecution
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FINANCIAL VOICE
Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel
Dear Financial Voice Reader, It’s not often my socks get blown off. I write to you from Chennai on the last leg of Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad trip. My role was to host and judge and as evaluate Indian companies as part of the British Government’s Department for International Trade’s Techrocketships campaign. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge launched this
back in April when it was my pleasure to show Their Royal Highnesses around some great British companies. I’ve never in my 10 years of doing my role as a British Government Dealmaker seen such a high quality of company. These companies looking for investment will be India’s next Flipkart or the world’s next Google – and my job is to get them to set up in the UK from where they can go global. I will do the deals around investment and set up to make that happen for them. I only pick 6 each year. So let me tell you about just two of those companies. Zify.co is a car pooling company. Isn’t that just another Uber? No. Not just India but the world has a car problem. This company removes every obstacle to car pooling. Major problems in the past were you didn’t know the driver – so this company has an algorithm to match drivers interests with their passenger (you sit in the front) you are car-sharing! Women felt unsafe – this app has verification from women passengers and drivers as to the passengers. You felt uncomfortable asking for money – the app does it automatically. What’s better? Saves the environment, reduces your cost of commute, means you get a easier trip, no waiting for busses and tubes, cheaper than Uber. The proof? 1m trips already. The entrepreneur behind it used behavioural scientists to work out how to make the app. He then went to bus stop to ask the first few people if they wanted a ride! That told me a lot about him – and I wanted him and his company in the UK and from here to go Global. The other one to blow my socks off was SatSure.com – they analyse satellite data and use it forecast crop yields. Yawn? No. That saves farmers’ lives. It also means insurance companies and State governments are not defrauded. Oh, the entrepreneur is a real live rocket scientists. They have clients. Again I want them in the UK. The clincher for me with these companies is that they already work. They have substantial revenue. The entrepreneurs behind them have some ‘X factor’ – for instance the rocket scientist knew that his competitor in the US had been funded by the CIA, (anyone could say that, but not many know the name of the company through which the CIA funds new technologies – he did). So as my remit is to bring companies of strategic importance to the UK economy I knew these two companies would fit that perfectly. I am really really excited about the India entrepreneur scene and what it means for the UK. Oh, no, we don’t steal them from India – they keep an Indian base, just grow faster globally via the UK – bit like Tata!
Shares in Kenya's two biggest banks fall Shares in KCB Group,, Kenya's biggest bank by assets, and Equity Bank, the biggest in terms of number of customers, fell sharply on Monday as investors reacted further to a government move to cap commercial lending rates. Shares in KCB and Equity were both down 9.3 per cent on the Nairobi Securities Exchange at 24.50 shillings and 26.75 shillings respectively. Co-operative Bank of Kenya dropped 9.7 per cent to 9.75 shillings, while NIC
Bank fell 8.3 per cent to 22.00 shillings. President Uhuru Kenyatta last week signed into law a bill capping commercial bank lending rates in a bid to boost the economy. Businesses in the East African country have complained that high rates, which average 18 per cent or more, hobble corporate investment. Analysts, however, have said capping rates may be counterproductive as it makes banks less willing to lend.
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Brexit hurting IT, risk of more deals being cancelled: Sikka AsianVoiceNews
Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka said possibility of more contracts being cancelled were imminent, following cancellation a recent deal with the Royal Bank of Scotland. Speaking at an investor meet in Pune, last week, Sikka said, "We are seeing softness in some clients post Brexit which was not anticipated in the beginning of the quarter. We want to see if RSB is as one-off case or there are more like RBS." Earlier this month, the bank had cancelled a fiveyear contract with Infosys
Vishal Sikka
after it abandoned its plan to float a separate standalone UK bank Williams & Glyn. The contract will impact as many as 3,000
Infosys employees and is expected to impact revenues this financial year by at least $40 million. One brokerage house expects it to be in the range of $50100 million. Infosys is looking to offset the RBS contract with other orders such as the one it got from the Indian government to build the tech network for GST. The company had a relatively disappointing first quarter, and was hoping to make up to some extent in subsequent quarters. "We have another five weeks of execution until the end of
Tata Motors Q1 net down 57 per cent over Brexit blues Tata Motors missed estimates on the net profit front during the AprilJune quarter, posting a 57.3 per cent decline on a year on year basis at £223.60 million, mainly due to foreign exchange losses after the Brexit. Consolidated revenue during the period increased by 9 per cent at £6.70 billion, driven by strong sales volume growth in all regions for JLR and continued growth in the medium and heavy commercial vehicles and light commercial vehicle segments. The company sold 134,000 units of Jaguar Land Rover, up 17 per cent YoY during the quarter due to the Jaguar F-Pace and XE, while domestic sales increased 7 per cent led by 10 per cent growth in commercial vehicle business. JLR’s profit during the quarter declined 38.2 per
the quarter, so clarity on the guidance will only come in October," Sikka said. In July, after the Q1 performance came in, Infosys lowered its revenue growth guidance for the current year to 10.5-12 per cent, from 11.5-13.5 per cent it provided in April. Cognizant has lowered revenue guidance twice this financial year. Sikka said on the positive side the company has been able to arrest some of the executionrelated concerns that pulled down performance in the June quarter.
Don't ban innovation just to feel safer: Rajan
Raghuram Rajan
cent to £304 million but revenue increased 9.2 per cent to £5,461 million compared to a year-ago period. Operating profit (Ebitda) was down by 18.1 per cent to £672 million and margin contracted by 410 basis points at 12.3 per cent, impacted by forex fluctuation and lower local market incentive. "The operating performance in the quarter reflected the overall higher wholesales, offset by adverse forex impact of £207 million,
including revaluation of $84 million, mainly EUR payables resulting from depreciation in the pound following the Brexit vote," the company said. The firm’s net profit on a standalone basis declined 91.1 per cent to £2.58 million but revenue increased 10.2 per cent to £1.15 billion. The standalone operating profit increased 22 per cent to £ 57.4 million and margin expanded by 60 basis points to 5 per cent during the period.
Banks to issue Masala bonds, RBI opens currency markets Reserve Bank of India has announced a series of measures to boost investor participation and market liquidity in both, corporate bond and currency markets. As per an official statement, it will allow commercial banks to issue rupee bonds in overseas markets, called Masala bonds, both for their capital requirement and for financing infrastructure and affordable housing. "Accepting many of the recommendations of the Khan Committee to develop the corporate bond market, it has been decided to enhance the aggregate limit of partial credit enhancement provided by banks, permit brokers in corporate bond repos, authorise the platform for repo in corporate bonds and encourage credit supply for large borrowers through market mechanism," the statement said. The Central Bank has now
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decided by the regulator that the aggregate PCE that will be provided by the financial system for a given bond issue will be increased from the present level of 20 per cent to 50 per cent of the bond issue size, subject to the PCE provided by any single bank not exceeding 20 per cent of the bond issue size and the extant exposure limits. To ease access to the foreign exchange market for hedging in over the counter and exchangetraded currency derivatives, the RBI has allowed entities exposed to
exchange rate risk, both resident and non-resident, to undertake hedge transactions with simplified procedures, up to a limit of $30 million at any given time. "The exposed person will be free to access any market and use any of the permissible products at his discretion," said the RBI. "This is intended to improve liquidity and depth in the foreign exchange market and the limit will be revised from time to time." To enhance participation in the corporate bond market, the RBI has decided that brokers authorised as market makers will be allowed to participate in the corporate bond repo market. "This measure is expected to meet their funding and securities requirement arising out of market making activities."
RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan has said that the bank should encourage innovation, but stay wary about following foreign advice on exporting bond markets or allowing infrastructure firms borrowing large amounts overseas. He added that regulators should not just ban innovation because it makes them feel safer. Rajan also set the agenda for successor Urjit Patel, asking him to guide the Monetary Policy Committee, in achieving inflation targets. Putting out a list of do's and don'ts for the bank, Rajan spoke at his annual address at the Foreign Exchange Dealers Association of India in Mumbai. "I am confident that Urjit Patel, who has worked closely with me on monetary policy for the last three years, will ably guide the MPC going forward in achieving our inflation objectives." He also pointed out that top corporates have been able to take advantage of the debt market to work around the reluctance of banks to pass on rate cuts. Highly rated firms are bypassing banks to borrow from the commercial paper markets, outstanding Cps having more than doubled in the last two years to over £30 billion. "We need riskier firms and projects to be able to access the bond markets for funds," said Rajan. He said, "The varied opinions of speculators can provide liquidity, which in turn can make the markets more immune to manipulation. In other words, excessive fear of speculation in markets is self-fulfilling, it renders markets illiquid and prone to manipulation."
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Trump vows to deport illegal immigrants from Day 1 as prez AsianVoiceNews
WASHINGTON: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump recently gave a more detailed look at his immigration policy, claiming to strengthen the system that allows employers to verify the eligibility of workers, and would create an entry-exit tracking system for visas. Speaking at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Trump reiterated his promise to cancel "unconstitutional orders" and "executive orders" relating to immigration. The billionaire mostly avoided questions relating to the undocumented immigrants who have already found their way into the country. He said, "All the media wants to talk about is the 11 million people, or more, or less, they have no idea what the number is because we have no control over our country, have no idea what it is, that are here illegally." His E-Verify, proposals on the employment verification system and on visa tracking, he said, would "ensure those who overstay their visas are quickly removed". Largely maintaining his hardline approach to undocumented immigrants who have committed violent crimes, Trump said, "On Day 1, I am going to begin swiftly removing criminal illegal immigrants from this country." He said he
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Donald Trump
Hillary Clinton
would always "err on the side of protecting the American people" when it came to removing such immigrants. He added, "No citizenship. They'll pay back taxes. They have to pay taxes. There's no amnesty, but we will work with them." Trump added, "When they come back in, then they can start paying taxes, but there is no path to legislation unless they leave the country and then come back." Nearly 60% of American voters do not trust either Hillary or Donald: Hillary Clinton's alleged quid pro quo with Clinton Foundation donors is starting to haunt her campaign and Donald Trump continues to flip-flop on major issues, as the two principal US presidential candidates, neither of them much liked or trusted by a majority of American voters,
stumble forward in their campaign to win the White House in November. With close to 60% of American voters expressing distrust of both candidates on issues ranging from racism and temperament (in case of Trump) to probity and integrity (in case of Clinton), both campaign are trying to fine-tune and finesse their messaging to appeal to the roughly 20% of undecided floating voters who will swing the election one way or the other. The Clinton campaign is vigorously pushing back against unsubstantiated reports about her health problems, using humour and irony from a supportive liberal media to deride the Trump fan club's conspiratorial theories about how unfit and unwell she is to be president. Some have turned the ques-
tion around to question Trump's own health and fitness considering he would be the oldest president ever elected if he were to win in November. A lot harder to turn around are the charges surrounding the Clinton Foundation, particularly after it transpires that more than half the private citizens who contributed to or supported the foundation got face-time with her when she was secretary of state. Although the quid pro quo charges are not clearly established, integrity monitors are leery of the frequency with which foundation executives tapped into Clinton's aides at the state department seeking support for those who contributed to or were associated with the foundation. “It is impossible to figure out where the Clinton Foundation ends and the state department begins,” Trump told a crowd in Austin, Texas. Clinton aides are contesting the charges of nexus, saying the reports “cherrypicked a limited subset of secretary Clinton's schedule to give a distorted portrayal of how often she crossed paths with individuals connected to charitable donations to the Clinton Foundation.”
WORLD Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
In Brief
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Attack on American university in Afghan leaves 13 dead
KABUL: A recent attack on the American University of Afghanistan left at least 13 people dead, and more than 30 wounded. Kabul Police Chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi said the dead included one guard, and the wounded, one foreign teacher. Dejan Panic, program director at Kabul's Emergency Hospital said 18 people wounded in the attack, include five women. Police spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said it wasn't clear if there were one attacker or two. AP photographer Massoud Hossaini said at least two grenades were thrown into the classroom.
Frenchman stabs Briton to death in Oz
SYDNEY: A woman of British-origin was stabbed to death in Australia, at a backpackers' hostel in what the police call an "extremist" attack. A spokesman for the Queensland state police said the suspected attacker was a 29 year old French national who yelled "Allahu Akbar" when arrested. Twenty one year old Mia AyliffeChung died on the scene, and a British man was left in critical condition. Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said, "Initial inquiries indicate that comments which may be construed of being of an extremist nature were made by the alleged offender. This person appears to have acted alone. He is a visitor to Australia and has no known local connections."
Pak shoemaker jailed over deer skin sandals for SRK
ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani shoemaker got into trouble for bragging about sending Peshawari sandals made from deer's skin to Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan. Reports said a cousin of the acter went to shoemaker Jahangir Khan and asked him to make two pairs for him. "Apparently, Jahangir Khan is a big fan of Shah Rukh and decided to send the Bollywood star a special gift, Peshawari sandals made out of deer skin, from his side.
US not to challenge overturning of Indian woman's conviction INDIANA: The State of Indiana has decided not appeal the overturning of the conviction against Indiana woman Purvi Patel who currently serves time for aborting her six-month fetus in 2013, and disposing it of in a dumpster. The Indian-American was found guilty of feticide in 2015, and received a 20 year prison sentence on both convictions. Indiana State Court of Appeals later overturned the conviction on July 22, and reduced the charge of neglect from a Class B felony to a Class D. A day after the deadline passed August 22, the Indiana State Attorney
Purvi Patel
General's office released a statement saying it would not continue to pursue the
matter as it would "not be productive". Indiana State Attorney General Greg
Zoeller said, "All those confronted here with very difficult and emotional facts, including the police investigators, prosecutors, trial court and jurors, are to be commended. We believe justice has been served." The three-panel appeals court noted that state laws regarding feticide were never meant to be used against pregnant women who induce their own abortions, but were designed to be used against those who attacked pregnant women. Patel must however, still be resentenced for wilful neglect of a minor, the maximum sentence for which is three
years, and she has already served 17 months in prison. Many pro-choice organisations and Indian American civil rights organisations, including South Asian Americans Leading Together and Chicago based Apna Ghar have filed an amicus brief in support of Patel during the appeal process. Neha Gill of Apna Ghar spoke in an interview last month and said Patel's conviction was a "concerted attack on women and women's bodies. Our systems and institutions work against women". She said it was "outrageous" that Patel was charged with both feticide
and criminal neglect of a minor. "The charge of feticide would imply that the fetus was killed, but then criminal neglect of a minor implies a live baby." Pleased with the Indiana State's decision to not appeal, the Leng Leng Chancey of National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum said, "In choosing not to appeal the decision, the state has taken a step in the right direction. Yet, we are still concerned by the court's reluctance to fully overturn the charge of neglect of a dependent against Patel, a conviction that continues to be an egregious injustice."
US aid to Pak shrinks amid mounting frustration over militants WASHINGTON: The United States has been steadily put off with Pakistan's continued support for resurgent militant groups, and its warming up to India. The US has cut off both, military and economic aid to the country in the recent past, a verdict of its growing frustration with the country's support of the Taliban in neighbouring Afghanistan. US officials and analysts say that ties between the two countries have been dogged for almost more than a decade, but soured following the militant
Islamic groups advancement in Afghan. South Asia expert with the Woodrow Wilson Center, Michael Kugelman said, "We're seeing a very definitive and very sharp reorienting of US policy in South Asia away from AfghanistanPakistan and more towards India." Officials said the long standing frustration with Pak's refusal to quit supporting the Taliban, especially within the US military and intelligence community, rides high on the Obama administration's desire to avoid new military involvement in
Afghan. Just last month, Obama announced that he would keep US troop levels in Afghanistan at 8,400 through the end of his administration, shelving plans to cut the force in half by year end. American aid to Pakistan, both civilian and military, is expected to total less than $1 billion in 2016, down from a recent peak of more than $3.5 billion in 2011, as per US government data. Just earlier this month, secretary of defence Ash Carter refused to authorise $300 million in military reimbursements to
Pakistan, citing the limited gains the country has made fighting the militant Haqqani network, based in the country's tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. In a stark illustration of the limits of US-Pakistan cooperation, the United States killed Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour in a drone strike in Pakistan's remote Baluchistan region in May, without informing Pakistan. Some US officials still warn of the dangers of allowing relations with Pakistan to deteriorate. In a July 26 opinion piece in the Financial Times,
Senator John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, argued that "the strategic imperative for improved relations between the US and Pakistan is clear - for the safety of American troops and the success of their mission in Afghanistan, for the stability of the region and for the national security of both Pakistan and the US" A senior Pakistani defence official said the United States will continue to need Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. Authorities in Islamabad
have long rejected accusations that Pakistan has provided support and sanctuary to militants operating in Afghanistan. "We have lost over a hundred billion dollars in fighting terrorism, which is more than anything they have given us," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. In any event, the official said, Pakistan can turn to other sources of aid, including China. Last year the two countries launched a plan for energy and infrastructure projects in Pakistan worth $46 billion
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2 Indian-American women named White House fellows Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
WASHINGTON: Two Indian-American women have been selected along with 14 others, for the prestigious White House Fellow Programme that offers a first-hand experience of working with the US federal government. Astrophysicist Anjali Tripathi from California and physician Tina R Shah from Chicago are among those selected from all over the state. A Pulmonary and Critical Care physician-scientist, Shah, recently completed her clinical fellowship at the University of Chicago, where she redesigned the care cycle for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, prompting a reduction in hospital re-admissions. A recipient of the inaugural UC Innovations Grant,
Anjali Tripathi and Tina Shah
she has also led an inter-professional research team to evaluate this value-based care delivery programme. Meanwhile Tripathi, an astrophysicist, focuses on the formation and evolution of planets. She has pioneered the characterisation of plan-
et forming environments and developed the first 3D simulations of planets evaporating due to extreme atmospheric heating. She was also associated in modelling the Milky Way and the search for dark matter. She received her MPhil in
Astronomy from Cambridge University, and is set to receive her PhD in Astronomy from Harvard. The White House Fellows Program was created in 1964 by President Lyndon B Johnson to provide promising American leaders with a "first hand, high level experience with the workings of the Federal government and to increase their sense of participation in national affairs." Selection as a White House Fellow is usually very competitive and based on a record of professional achievement, evidence of leadership potential and a proven commitment to public service. Each Fellow must possess the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully at senior levels of the Federal government.
120 killed in Italian quake AMATRICE (ITALY): A massive earthquake shook central Italy, reducing three towns to wreckage and claiming at least 120 people. The figures are, however, likely to rise as the rescue missions are still under way. Mayor of Amatrice, Sergio Pirozzi said, "The town isn't here any more. I believe the toll will rise." The magnitude 6 temblor shook the Lazio region, Umbria and Le Marche on the Adriatic coast. Premier Matteo Renzi will head to the zone later. Hardest hit were Amatrice and Accumoli near Rieti, 100 km northeast of Rome, and Pescara del Tronto, 25 km further east.
Italy's civil protection agency said the provisional toll was 120 dead, several hundred injured. Thousands are currently stranded and in need of temporary housing.
Amatrice centre has bitten the dust in its entirety, blocks of buildings razed and the air thick with dust and smelling strongly of gas. More than 40 aftershocks
shook the region further, some as strong as 5.1. Complicating matters was that the area is a popular vacation spot in summer, with populations swelling, making the number of people in the area at the time difficult to estimate. “The town isn't here anymore,” said Sergio Pirozzi, the mayor of Amatrice. The magnitude 6 quake struck at 3.36 am (0136 GMT) and was felt across a broad swath of central Italy, including Rome, where residents woke to a long swaying followed by aftershocks. The temblor shook the Lazio region and Umbria and Le Marche on the Adriatic coast.
Friday prayers in Denmark see women in the lead COPENHAGEN: History was made in Copenhagen last week after two female imams led the Friday prayer of Scandinavia's first female-led mosque. A little over 60 women were present in the Mariam mosque where Sherin Khankan and Saliha Marie Fetteh shared the ceremony. Khankan made the opening speech and sang the azaan, while Fetteh delivered a khutbah on "women and Islam in a modern world". Conventional mosques discourage women from praying inside the premises, and even if a women's section is provided, they are small and can only be accessed through back entrances. However, in the recently opened mosque, rows of women of all faiths who were invited to participate in the opening ceremony, bowed and touched their foreheads to the ground; a mark of respect. The institution has been six months in the making and there is still a lot to be done. Khankan said, "We're still in process of learning. We're on a journey and we've only taken the first step." She said one of the mosque's main objectives
Sherin Khankan
was "to challenge patriarchal structures within religious institutions. Islam has been male-dominated, women are still not equal in Catholicism and Judaism, and were only ordainedin the Protestant faith in 1948." She said it also wanted to challenge the "patriarchal interpretations" of the Qu'ran, tackle the growing face of Islamophobia and promote Islamic progressive values. Khankan said, "It is possible to change patriarchal structures but it's a long journey and we have met opposition. But we decided not to focus on the opposition and instead speak about all the people who support us.
We've had very positive reactions to the mosque, from Pakistan, Iran, Europe, Turkeyu, Arab countries." Fetteh and Khankan's mosque has already see five weddings, with three others lined up. These include the frowned upon inter-religious marriages. It has its own six page parriage charter with four key principles: polygamy is not an option, women have the right to divorce, a marriage will be annulled if psychological or physical violence is committed, and, in the event of a divorce, women will have equal rights over any children. Khankan said there "was no valid religious criti-
cism of us, we are on safe theological ground." She did however, face issues from family and friends who weren't too keen on her becoming an imam. "Not my parents, they have been so supportive. My father is a feminist icon. I wouldn't now be talking about female imams without my father, who always told me I could do anything." Female imams have long existed but mostly in China (19th Century) and South Africa (1995). The Women's Mosque of America opened in Los Angeles last year. American-Islamic scholar Amina Wadud led mixed Friday prayers in Oxford in 2008 in the UK. "This movement in Denmark is part of a greater worldwide movement. I hope we can inspire women in other countries, and we hope to be inspired by them." Khankan added, "We represent a modernist, spiritual approach to Islam. We are seeking to create an alternative voice, without delegitimising others, We want the Mariam mosque to be a place where everyone can come, and we can flourish together."
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Pak TV channels fined for airing Imran’s false wedding news
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has issued a fine of Rs 5,00,000 each on 13 different TV channels for airing "false" news regarding former cricketer and leading politician Imran Khan's third marriage. An official said, "Though PTI had withdrawn the complaint, PEMRA decided to go ahead with the fine as the false news was against the spirit of the license issued by the regulator to the owners of these channels." The accused channels repeatedly showed news of a 63 year old Khan entering into a third marriage in London.
Bid to kill Angela Merkel foiled
PRAGUE: An attempt to assassinate German Chancellor Angela Merkel was reportedly foiled after the Czech police detained an armed man who tried to join her motorcade during her visit to the capital. Police spokesman Josef Bocan said, "The perpetrator has been detained. He is suspected of attempting to cause a crime, specifically an attempt to use violence against an official. This incident is currently being investigated by Prague detectives." Merkel was on her way from the airport when the black Mercedes appeared and the driver refused to obey orders coming from police cars. The suspect, instead, tried to enter the motorcade and cut off a police vehicle. He was only stopped after the police warned of shooting him.
Boko Haram chief `fatally wounded' in air raid: Nigeria
LAGOS (NIGERIA): Nigerian military said it has "fatally wounded" Boko Haram chief Abubakar Shekau, in an air strike that was carried out at Taye village. This isn't the first time the military has claimed to do so, and has said in the past that Boko Haram was using look-alike fighters to impersonate Shekau. Army spokesman Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman said, "Those Boko Haram commanders confirmed dead include Abubakar Mubi, Malam Nuhu, and Malam Hamman, amongst others. While Abubakar Shekau is believed to be wounded on his shoulders." The terrorist outfit was driven in 2009, and has killed 20,000 people and driven more than 2.2 million from their homes.
Canadian Mounted Police allow women in uniform to wear hijabs
OTTAWA: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has allowed its officers to wear hijabs as part of their uniforms. Public safety minister Ralph Goodale's spokesman Scott Bardsley said, "The commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police recently approved this addition to the uniform. This is intended to better reflect the diversity in our communities and encourage more Muslim women to consider the Royal Canadian Mounted Police." The uniform of a RCMP officer includes a red serge tunic, leather riding boots, and wide-brimmed felt campaign hat as an iconic Canadian symbol. With the recent update, the RCMP becomes the third police force in Canada to add the hijab option, following Toronto and Edmonton.
Pak senator comes under fire over his remarks against poor
ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani senator faced flak from fellow lawmakers recently, for making controversial statements regarding the rich and poor population. Senator Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob Khan Nasar of the Ruling Muslim League-Nawaz, said the rich and poor were created by "God" and one should not interfere in the system. The statement came in response to Senator Taj Haider of the Pakistan People's Party, saying the country has become the property of the ruking elite, and that all decisions were made in the interests of the rich. Nasar replied, "This is a system created by God, and he has made some people rich and others poor and we should not interfere in this system." The remark however, saw a strong reaction with Haider saying the socio-economic classes were man-made phenomena with which God had nothing to do.
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Bangla police kill Dhaka cafe attack 'mastermind'
DHAKA: Bangladesh security forces killed three Islamist militants last week, including a Banglaborn Canadian citizen Tamim Ahmed Chowdhury, who allegedly masterminded the cafe attack in Dhaka last month. Monirul Islam, head of the Dhaka police counter-terrorism unit said the militants were cornered in a hideout on the outskirts of the capital and were killed, the police said. The Islamic State had claimed responsibility for the assault on the cafe situated in a posh neighbourhood of the capital where the militants singled out non-Muslims and foreigners, and killed Italians, Japanese, an American and an Indian. Chowdhury, 30, was identified as its national commander by the IS. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said, "According to our evidence we are now sure that Tamim was among the three killed. So the chapter of Tamim has ended here. He said the dead militant was one of the main suppliers of funds and arms for several recent attacks. The raid was conducted after the landlord of the house were the militants were staying, tipped the police. He said the militants had called themselves businessmen in the medical trade. Tamim had returned to Bangladesh in October, 2013 via Abu Dhabi, A K M Shahidul Hoque, the inspector general of police, said. The raid followed a tip off from the landlord of the house where the militants were staying, Hoque told reporters. The landlord said the militants had described themselves as businessmen in the medical trade. Police have also been holding in detention two men who had been among the survivors of the attack on the restaurant. Hasnat Karim, holds dual British and Bangladeshi citizenship, and Tahmid Hasib Khan, a student of Toronto University, had been dining separately in the restaurant. A lawyer for Karim, a 47-year-old engineer, has said his client is innocent. Relatives of Khan, 22, say he is innocent too. Earlier this month, security forces arrested four women suspected of being members of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh.
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SA minister Gordan refuses In Brief who attacked Lankan to obey police summons Terrorists cricket team killed: Pakistan
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CAPE TOWN: South Africa's Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has said he wouldn't obey a police summons linked to an investigation into whether he used the state revenue service to spy on other politicians in the ruling African National Congress. In a statement, Gordhan confirmed that the Hawks had asked him to present himself at their Pretoria offices to provide a "warning statement", a step that usually followed by filing of criminal charges. Gordhan said he was being investigated for allegedly breaking anti-spying laws by setting up an unauthorised unit at the South African Revenue Service, or SARS, and facilitating a generous early-retirement package for the unit's leader. He said, "I am advised that I am under no legal obligation to present myself to the Hawks as directed in their letter. I have decided not to do so." He cited one of the reasons for ignoring the summons, was a letter sent to his attorney by the head of the Hawks, in May, which said he was "not a suspect in the Hawks' investigation". The treasury even released the full summons, including the cellphone number of the head investigator, along with the detailed response from Gordhan's
Pravin Gordhan attorneys. The reveal is the latest of a list of setbacks in the monthlong conflict between President Jacob Zuma and the finance ministry, over the economic policy and the broader direction of the ANC. The police summons for the finance minister came days after the ANC's executive committee cleared Zuma of personal responsibility for the party's poor performance in the August municipal elections. Prince Mashele, senior research fellow at the Centre for the Study of Governance Innovation at the University of Pretoria said "the president is trying to test the water" by intensifying the investigation into Gordhan, which has already sent the rand tum-
Baloch leader seeks help to free his country WASHINGTON: A top Baloch leader believes Pakistani forces are engaged in a "tsunami of human rights violations" in Balochistan, and sought the help of the international community including India, in the Baloch nationalist movement. Brahumdagh Bugti, president of the Baloch Republican Party, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for recently raising concern over the situation in Balochistan. "Pak forces are engaged in tsunami of human rights violations. We do not want to live with Pakistan anymore." He urged the international community, including the US, NATO countries, Israel and India, to help them in their fight. Bugti said Modi's recent remarks during his Independence Day is the "most powerful statement" in the last seven decades. "It is for the first time that an Indian Prime Minister has spoken. We believe that India should have taken this step a long time ago." "I am thoroughly indebted to Prime Minister Modi. I thank Prime Minister Modi for speaking, raising the voice of Baloch people in his Independence Day address." He alleged that the Pakistani crime against
bling. He added that a similar market reaction and public outcry could still save Gordhan's job. "If the markets don't respond in a way that scares Jacob Zuma, Pravin Gordhan will be charged." Meanwhile, the president issued a statement saying he was not involved in the probe. He said he has "full confidence" in Gordhan. A statement issued by Zuma's office said, "The Presidency has noted the concerns expressed by individuals and organisations in society about the reported investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation involving Gordhan as well as other former South African Revenue Services officials." It added, "President Jacob Zuma wishes to express his full support and confidence in the Minister of Finance and emphasises the fact that the Minister has not been found guilty of any wrong doing. The Presidency wishes to also emphasise that President Zuma does not have powers to stop any investigations into any individuals. Our constitutional democracy, the strength of our state institutions and the effectiveness of our courts in upholding and protecting rights in our guarantee of justice and fairness."
LAHORE: Pak officials have claimed that four of the 10 terrorists allegedly involved in the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team, were killed in a shootout with the police. The attack had injured six players and killed six policemen and two civilians and claimed by the Pakistani Taliban and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. The encounter of the militants with the police took place late last Saturday.
Myanmar quake damages nearly 400 ancient temples
NAY PYI DAW: A 6.8 magnitude earthquake damaged around 397 ancient temples in the archaelogical complex of Bagan, in Myanmar. Deputy Director General of the Department of Archaeology, Thein Lwin said restoration work will take atleast a year to complete. The Cultural Ministry has currently put out a temporary ban on climbing some of the most famous pagodas of the region, to watch sunrise or sunset, one of the biggest tourist attraction of the area. The historic complex, which was capital of the ancient Myanmar kingdom of Pagan, has more than 3000 stupas and pagodas spread across 40 sq km.
At least 60 dead in Yemen army camp suicide attack
ADEN: A suicide car bomb attack on an army training camp killed at least 60 people in Aden. An official said the attacker drove his vehicle into a gathering of new recruits at the camp. Attacks in the region are often carried out by jihadists from either Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State, however, neither has taken responsibility for this one. Even after Yemeni government forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition retook towns in the area, there are several militants still present in recaptured towns and, control large parts of the neighbouring Shabwa province.
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Brahamdagh Bugti people has shaken the world. Bugti claimed that the use of aerial bombardment, use of gases have become routine, and called Balochistan the world capital of missing people. "We are political people. We want to solve this with peaceful means. But there is no way we are going to be part of the Pakistan any more. We want freedom of Pakistan. We are not fools to try our luck again and again with Pakistan. We are ready to negotiate though peaceful means," he said. "So far we have never received any support from any international countries including India. We want to request India and other countries to help Balochistan. It is genocide of Baloch people in Pakistan going on."
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SC slams Jaya over defamation cases In Brief AsianVoiceNews
Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court has slammed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for misusing the defamation law and said that public figures must face criticism. It said that public figures cannot use defamation law to throttle democracy and criticism of policy could not be a ground for defamation. The SC also reissued a notice to the CM for alleged misuse of defamation laws. The next hearing will take place on September 22. Chastising her, the SC said, "(You) can't use defamation case(s) to throttle democracy. This is not done." It added that the Tamil Nadu government
Jayalalithaa
should concentrate on good governance instead of filing defamation cases against those who criticise it. The observations were made while hearing a petition filed by DMDK chief A Vijayakanth who sought the quashing of defamation case
filed against him by the Tamil Nadu government. The Apex Court said that "a government cannot be seen to use state machinery to file criminal defamation cases against political opponents." The bench comprising of Justices Dipak Misra and RF Nariman said, "There has to be tolerance to criticism... defamation cases cannot be used by a political counter weapon. Cases for criticising the government or bureaucrats create a chilling effect." Earlier, the Madras High Court had stayed all further proceedings in the 14 criminal defamation cases pending
against Vijayakanth in various courts. Justice PN Prakash had granted interim relief to the actor who, along with his wife, had filed a petition to quash the cases registered against them for their speeches and statements against the Tamil Nadu government. Faced with cases and summons, he had first moved the apex court challenging the constitutionality of Section 499 of CrPC and Section 199 of the IPC. Jaya government and her party AIADMK have filed hundreds of criminal defamation cases against all kinds of people, including the media and opposition leaders across the state.
Former Cong MP heckled Children’s court opened in for pro Pak comments Hyderabad MANGALORE: Actor-politician Ramya's recent comments about Pakistan has seemingly gotten her into trouble. She was harassed by pro-Hindu organisations at Mangalore airport, with protesters raising slogans against her, and some even throwing eggs at her car. In the city to attend a Krishna Janmashtami programme, Ramya, however, was unfazed with the welcome. "I love Mangalore. I keep visiting this place. For election, this was the place I began my campaign. I won't get upset by what happened. Just because of this, I won't call Mangalore as hell. I didn't speak for or against Pakistan. I believe in peace and harmony. I request media to exercise responsibility. I am now slapped with a sedition charge. I will anyway deal with that case legally." The former Congress MP has been slapped with a case of sedition by a Karnataka
Ramya
lawyer who moved the court. Trouble brewed when she rejected Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's statement comparing Pakistan with hell. Ramya said, "Pakistan is a good country, not hell. People are just like us. They treated us very well while attending the SAARC meet. Manohar Parrikar's comment is not true." Ramya aka Divya Spandana said, "Everybody is entitled to their views and that is what democracy is about, you can't force your ideology on anyone. Politicians want to polarise and spread hatred. Just because borders separate us we shouldn't hate others."
HYDERABAD: South India's first Children's Court was inaugurated in Hyderabad, making Telangana the third state to have a child-friendly court, sixth in the country with features, including separate waiting rooms for children and a video camera trial for the accused, all mandated under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act – 2012. The courtroom was jointly inaugurated at the Nampally Criminal Courts Complex by Acting Chief Justice Ramesh Ranganathan of High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad, and Director General of Telangana Police Anurag Sharma. Metropolitan Sessions Judge T Rajani said there were over 1,640 cases under
the POSCO Act that were pending at different stages in different district courts of Telangana till 2015. He added that the court will not handle any other cases other than those relating to children, making the volume of case work much less. "The child will be allowed direct interaction with the judge, while the accused will be able to view and hear the proceedings via two-way video conferencing in the courtroom," the judge said. Unlike a conventional court set-up, the judge and police personnel will be in plain clothes in the court and, the child will not be allowed to come face to face with the alleged offenders to make sure he/she is not intimidated while the proceedings are on.
Pakistan patronising terrorism: British MP
AAP’s Punjab convener sacked over bribe charges CHANDIGARH: Sucha Singh Chhotepur was sacked as the Aam Aadmi Party's Punjab convener after allegations of seeking bribe for allotting party tickets were made against him. Highest decision-making body of the party, the Political Affairs Committee took the decision during a meeting at AAP convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence. They, however, did not sack Chhotepur from the party. MP Bhagwant Mann said the decision on Chhotepur was taken in a specially convened meeting regarding 10 emails that were received by the leadership saying Chhotepur had promised party tickets in lieu of money. Chhotepur had earlier "accepted the money to run party affairs" as he had not received a single penny from the party. He was exposed through a sting operation. Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh described the 65 year old as an "honorable and respectful" man. "The sting operation has
Sucha Singh Chhotepur
clearly been conceived, planned and executed as part of an internal coup engineered by AAP leaders from outside who want to control Punjab through remote by using their local stooges and inconsequential wannabe leaders." "Kejriwal has a history and character of using and throwing away people. He did it with his mentor Anna Hazare, Kiran Bedi, Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan and Chhotepur is only the next and not the last in line," Amarinder said. He added that two AAP MPs from Punjab, Dharamvira Gandhi and Harinder Khalsa, were also suspended from the AAP for questioning the AAP leadership style.
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Attempt to break Guinness ironing record
CHENNAI: In an attempt to break the world record held by United Kingdom’s Gareth Sanders, Daniel Sundar from Chennai ironed 2,100 garments in 101 hours continuously. Sanders holds a record of ironing for 100 hours and 2,000 garments. "I am going to break the 100 hours as well as the garments," Sundar said earlier. He added, "I am proud to do this for blind children. There are more blind children in India. We have to give them sight. The responsibility goes to each and every Indian."
Kerala to be declared open-defecation free state
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM-led LDF government will declare Kerala as an open defecation-free state on November 1, its formation day. The state Cabinet decided to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the function to be held in Thiruvananthapuram. A total of more than 190,000 toilets are being constructed across the 941 village panchayats in the state, including individual houses. State nodal agency for sanitation, Suchitwa Mission is implementing the plan and work on 23 per cent of the toilets has already been completed.
Kidnapped son of top executive rescued
BENGALURU: Kidnapped son of a top executive of a prominent company, was rescued by police in Bengaluru. The 19 year old was kidnapped while on his way home from college, in the evening. Over 100 policemen in 10 teams were put on the case, and he was rescued, unharmed. Police said they are close to making arrests in the case and did not want to share more details yet.
Amarinder makes fresh bid to woo Sidhu
CHANDIGARH: Following BJP leader Navjot Singh Sidhu's fall off with the Aam Aadmi Party, Congress has opened its doors for him. While Sidhu dwindles, considering his options, Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh said his party would always welcome him. He had said, "Sidhu has the Congress in his DNA. His father was a general secretary of the party and remains a member. I know him since he was a boy." Talks with AAP faltered after Sidhu made a few demands. However, Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "He met me last week. Didn't put any pre-condition. He needs time to think. Let's respect that."
Haryana honours 'daughter' Sakshi Malik
Folklore Academy head Ramesh Yadav (2nd to left) hands over a memorandum to British MP David Hanson in Amritsar
AMRITSAR: British MP David Hanson said curbing terrorism could be the key to establish proper relations between India and Pakistan. Speaking at a session with activists of Folklore Academy, Hanson went to Amritsar as part of a delegation, including colleagues from the British Parliament. Criticising Pakistan for instigating acts of terrorism, he said, "It is clear that terrorism in India is supported from the Pakistani side. It is the liability of the Pakistan Government and their Army to stop infiltration. The security of India is paramount. The Pakistani authorities have to come down heavily on terrorists. It is not Britain's policy to interfere in matters of other nations. But we will
not hesitate to bring the two countries together, as both are members of the Commonwealth." The delegation included Bob Blackman (Conservative Party), Baroness Barker (Liberal Democratic Party, House of Lords), and Robert Harper, Asia Pacific Programme Manager, UK. The Folklore Academy expressed its resentment against the British Government for the partition of the country, to which Hanson said, "It you look at history, Britain gave freedom to India and Pakistan. The decision to partition the country was influenced by then Indian politicians. It could be a consequence of political situation arising then. Britain never forced it."
BAHADURGARH (HARYANA): Following wrestler Sakshi Malik's bronze victory at the Rio Games, she was received with grandeur in Bahadurgarh, Haryana, where Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar presented her with a cheque of £2.5 million. A victory procession was lead, with a truck blaring songs about "Haryana ki Beti" Sakshi Malik, and the teenager waving at the crowds. Khattar announced several measures to improve sports education in the state, including the recruitment of 1,000 coaches. He also announced that Malik would be the brand ambassador of the 'Beti Padhao Beti Bachao' campaign.
Punjab seeks CBI probe in shooting of RSS leader
CHANDIGARH: With the Punjab police failing to nab the attackers of RSS leader Brigadier Jagdish Gagneja , the state government has approached the Central Bureau of Investigation to probe the attack. A government spokesperson said, "The Punjab government wanted to entrust the investigation to the CBI to nab the perpetrators and their anti-national co-conspirators residing abroad. A decision to this effect was taken in view of the need for a strong interagency approach to bring the accused to book." Senior vice president of the Punjab unit of the RSS, Gagneja was shot thrice in the abdomen from a close range by two young men on a motorcycle.
INDIA Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
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India, US discuss ways to improve relations India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and US Secretary of State John Kerry lead the 2nd India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue in New Delhi, where both the sides discussed ways to boost cooperation in key areas of energy, trade, and business. Kerry promised to "look into" India's concerns regarding the hike in fees of H1B and L1 visas. The visa fee hike Sushma Swaraj with John Kerry has "affected our peois terror no matter where it ple-to-people exchanges. I comes from, who carried it would urge you to find a out." just and non-discriminatoHe said, "It is vital that ry solution to these issues," Pakistan join with other Swaraj told Kerry. US nations in fighting this Commerce Secretary challenge. My hope is that Penny Pritzker said, Pakistan as a country is not "When (Indian) industry isolated by this, but is expresses concerns about encouraged by this." their feeling of being tarBoth the sides decided geted (through a visa fee to create a platform for hike)... it is imperative that sharing best practices and we look into their issue." technology, and also Kerry later addressed a agreed on a programme news conference, where he called 'Silicon Valley comes denounced terrorism and to India', where experts said perpetrators of attacks from the US coming to on the Indian soil should India to interact with start be brought to justice. "We ups and provide the cannot and will not make required momentum to distinctions between good Indian entrepreneurial and bad terrorists. Terror eco-system.
A family of prodigies
A year after teenager Sushma Verma made national headlines for being the youngest PhD in Lucknow, her youngest sister Ananya has been enrolled in Class 9 at the age of four. With preparations being made to appear for the UP board exams in two years, the young one just might break her sister's record. A local report said it was a school teacher who recognised Ananya's competence when he met her father at a market. Tej Bahadur Verma, a supervisor in Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, met a teacher from St Meera's International College, when the latter saw the girl casually pick up one of his books and start reading it fluently. The teacher immediately called both, the father and the daughter to school, where Ananya cleared the test and was cleared fit for the ninth
grade. School manager Vinod Ratra said, "Ananya is even more talented than her siblings. We have sought permission for her admission to class nine from the district inspector of schools and have cited the cases of her siblings. We are confident of getting the permission and we will also ensure that Ananya gets free education in our institution." The girl's siblings are already well known for excellent academic performance. While her brother Shailendra completed his BCA when he was 14, her sister Sushma got into a PhD programme at BBAU when she was 15. She was even recognised as the "youngest student" to clear class X by the Limca Book of Records. The youngest of the three, Ananya is all set to make a record herself if she clears her board exams before the age of seven.
Modi opens irrigation scheme SAUNI in Saurashtra
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited poll-bound Gujarat state and inaugurated the first phase of the Saurashtra Narmada Avataran for Irrigation project (SAUNI), under which nearly 10 dams and reservoirs of Rajkot, Jamnagar and Morbi would receive water from Narmada. Phase 1 of SAUNI, situated at the Aji-3 dam near Rajkot, was developed at a cost of £156.2 million with a 58 km pipeline. Over 10 dams are said to be benefited with 6,475 MCFT of water from the canal network. The project will be most beneficial to the 'drought-prone' Saurashtra region, which will get a dedicated water supply through four link pipelines. The state government will use the additional 43,500 million cubic feet of flood water from the river to supplement 115
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Modi inauguratiing of SAUNI project
existing dams in the region through the Narmada canal network. The area has 138 dams, most of which dry up after the rainy season, prompting severe water crisis. After the inauguration, Modi addressed a massive crowd of farmers and locals. Also present at the occasion was former chief minister Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, and state party chief Jitubhai
Vaghai, and several other MPs and MLAs. Having laid the foundation stone of the project in 2014, Modi said that even as the CM of the state, it had always been his firm belief that water was most important for the farmer. He said that the water table in the state had begun to rise, and check dams have also been built in large numbers. "I still remember when I met lawmakers of Saurashtra and talked about SAUNI
Yojana. This is an initiative that will make every Gujarati proud." "Gujarat has adopted the mantra of Vikas. This mantra is going to transform Gujarat. We took up the issue of better road connectivity across India, and particularly in the villages. Do you remember how tough it was to get a gas connection? Through the Ujjwala Yojana, we want to give every Indian a gas connection," Modi said.
Liam Fox for greater Pope Francis to canonize cooperation with India Mother Teresa on Sept 4 UK's Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam Fox was on a two day visit to New Delhi and Mumbai. Aimed at boosting UKIndia bilateral commercial ties, and stress on the importance of India as a key strategic partner across trade, investment and defence, this was the Secretary of State's first visit to India in his current role. Fox met with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi where they both discussed furthering economic cooperation. He also called upon Minister for Commerce Nirmala Sitharaman and spoke at length about forging deeper trade and investment arrangements between the two countries. Later, he announced his participation and the UK's commitment to the Joint Economic and Trade Committee to be held on November 7, alongside the 'India-UK TECH Summit'. The summit is set to demonstrate the depth of India-UK partnerships in business, innovation, research, education, and entrepreneurship. Addressing a group of business leaders, Fox said, " A more open economy means a greater two-way flow of investment, both fuelling an increased capacity in the industrial base and opening the way to greater export potential. Do you think that the UK would be one of the top three car exporters in Europe without Indian investment?..Of course not." He added, "It’s fundamental that we do all we can to strengthen these ties and create a future built on
Liam Fox with Arun Jaitley
increased trading and economic prosperity for all our citizens." The India-UK TECH Summit (7-9 November) is a flagship event in the 2016 India-UK Calendar. Speaking to a group of Confederation of Indian Industries members, Fox said, "The UK-India partnership lies at the very heart of the strategic relationship between our two nations, a relationship that has never been more important than it is today. The India-UK Tech Summit in November will be a further celebration of this partnership, where sector experts ranging from smart cities, healthcare, agri-tech and others will come together to boost trade, R&D as well as academic ties between the UK and India." CII CEO Naushad Forbes said, "Technical capability is the source of prosperity for business. The India-UK Tech Summit promises to be a platform which will unleash new possibilities and add new dimensions to our long relationship."
The Vatican is making preparations to celebrate the canonisation of Blessed Mother Teresa on September 4. The array of events, scheduled to begin on September 1, will open with an 'Exposition of the Life, Spirit, and Message of Mother Teresa' at the LUMSA university in Rome. The theme of the canonization is mercy, and the sacrament of reconciliation will be available during the masses. The Missionaries of Charity will provide a "family feast" for the poor under their care at the Santa Cecelia auditorium on the Via della
Conciliazione. Three consecutive masses to honor Mother, will follow in three languages, English, Spanish and Italian. The canonization Mass will begin at 10 am, followed by the Angelus at noon. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims are expected, including many bishops from both India and Albania, where Mother Teresa was born. A Mass of thanksgiving will be held after the canonization. For the newly canonized St. Teresa, a Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state in St. Peter’s Square.
He is offering his apologies to the Dalits who’ve suffered from atrocities
INDIA
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Government's New Hit and Miss AsianVoiceNews
Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
and the kid. All these things are not probable in commercial surrogacy. One of the points states that the approaching couple needs to be married for at least five years. Why? What about NRI couples who plan their family with utmost precision? This bill does not work in their favour at all. Surrogates, are usually women from the lower strata. Surrogacy helps them run their families. The government stated the bill aims to promote adoption, but how can a democracy dictate people how to avail children? Every person has to have the right to conceive children who genetically belong to them. Ironically, the bill which is framed to help the poor, is in fact, affecting them the most. The rich, they can still go to other countries for the procedure, the government needed to think what the economically backward couples would do now, that the doors have been closed for them.
The Modi government's Surrogacy Bill 2016 has sent the country into a frenzy. Received with mixed reactions, the bill has been welcomed by some, and accused of several shortcomings by others. Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar talked to a few experts and took their two cents on the issue.
"RIGID AND INFEASIBLE" Dr Nayana Patel, Gynaecologist: Despite the
entire idea behind being a surrogate mother carrying such positive notion, the government has managed to draft a bill that implies they are extremely unfit and exploited. The bill calls for altruistic surrogacy, where only a close relative can be approached by couples to make their surrogate. Can one imagine the kind of pressure this puts on the women of a family? Also, imagine the child coming in constant contact with the relative, leading to negative psychological effect on both, the mother
after the women and their future and their economic safety. I have also seen the joy of desperate parents. The government needs to crack down on those exploiting women. This bill is unjust and homophobic, anti singles and much else. It will help launch a black market. "BAN ON COMMERCIAL SURROGACY, NOT RIGHT" Dr Gitesh Shah, Gynaecologist: The proposed bill needed to bring transparency to the legali-
ties of commercial surrogacy, and not ban it. If the aim is to stop exploitation of the women, what the bill should have included was economic justice to the surrogates. There are several cases where under-educat-
"I AM TOTALLY AGAINST IT" Mallika Sarabhai, Activist: Like everything else surrogacy has been wonderful for many and exploitative for many. I have seen the way Dr Nayana Patel looks
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ed women are taken advantage of by their agents, who pick a massive chunk of their commission. This exploitation should have been addressed, and put to rest. Foreign couples come to our country as the procedure is illegal in theirs. This is where the government should have acted and provided considerable economic compensation to the surrogates. If the health of the women in commercial surrogacy is the problem, all we needed to do was make proper provisions to make sure a woman does not rent her womb for more than 23 times. Regarding the clause of single parents, I would say that a single father resorting to kid via surrogacy, should be banned because it compromises the overall development of the child. "THE BILL IS AGREEABLE" Ela Bhatt, Founder, SEWA: I personally feel what the government has to say is more or less correct. I feel what the would-be parents and the surrogate mother
have, is personal. A new life comes into being and the doctor, in all this is just the helper, the facilitator. However, the whole arrangement is misused and abused, which is why it needs a law. We all know how social laws are ineffective and very difficult to impose. Our society is the kind where everything is commoditified. We do not
value our cultural, social, moral, and ethical values. The only value we are concerned with is economic. One of the issues to address in this whole charade is the issue of growing infertility worldwide. "LUKEWARM BILL" Dr Sujal Munshi, Gynaecologist: The Surrogacy Bill 2016, is neither too negative nor too
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positive. The bill however, certainly needs a few cuts and stitches. In the current time, looking for a surrogate mother in one's own family is very difficult. The government says it wants to promote adoption, but in reality, people are more keen on kids who share their DNA, and there is nothing wrong with the thought. Practically, the procedure that ensues adoption is very tedious in India. I do support the clause that says a couple should be married for at least five years before they seek surrogacy, because the youth in our country are married off at a very young age, and this bill will help them plan their children well. The bill should be such, it provides economic, social, and psychological help to the mother.
Surrogacy Bill:Fight between Rights and Morality Continued from page 1 slammed celebrities for opting for the procedure out of "fashion", saying, "Celebrities who not only have one but two children, a son and a daughter, have gone ahead with surrogacy." The bill also gives the surrogate child just as much right as any other biological or adopted child over property, Swaraj clarified. Only altruistic surrogacy will be allowed and the age limit stated in the bill is 23-50 years for a woman, and 25-55 for men. A national surrogacy board will also be set up as well as in states and Union territories. The approved bill will be discussed during the winter session in the Parliament, and be thoroughly scrutinised by a Standing Committee of the Parliament. Surrogacy is an estimated £90 million business in the country. Officials have cited at least 3,000 surrogacy clinics in India, and over 2,000 annual surrogate births. Once the bill is passed, the clinics will have to be registered under the new law. The government has made it abundantly clear that surrogacy will only be available for people who really need it and will not be permitted for reasons such as avoiding labour pain. British couples and single people pay an average of £25,000 a time. A British woman who came to India earlier this year,
and had a daughter via surrogacy, cited why she preferred treatment in this country than her own. "We had been trying IVF treatments for 17 years. We could have had our surrogacy in the UK, but we did our research and found that there’s just too much red tape." She stated that British law allows surrogates to change their mind at any point and decide to
10 points
1) It puts a stop on commercial surrogacy 2) Foreign citizens can no longer avail Indian surrogates 3) No surrogacy rights for homosexuals 4) Length of a couple's marriage is a weighing factor 5) Surrogate mothers will no longer be paid 6) Only close relatives can be approached for surrogacy 7) Couples who already have a child, cannot opt for surrogacy 8) Surrogacy is allowed just once 9) Surrogacy legalised for infertile Indian couples 10) Establishing of surrogacy regulatory bodies
keep the child they are carrying. "We thought it was unfair, especially if we were going to pay for the whole procedure. And we just didn’t want to go through the whole process thinking ‘What if?’. In India, you know what you’ll get."
For a clearer picture on the impact of the law (proposed), surrogates currently, sign a contract with commissioning parents. They earn as much as Rs 500,000, more if they have twins. Houses where they stay are usually warm towards them; feed them, house them, even arrange baby showers for the women. Their medical bills are unquestionably, taken care of. Reports also say that foreign couples are known to give women heavy extra tips and maybe "rehire" them to breast feed. For women who do this for the sole purpose of finances, this is a big deal. The government, in its bid to help the exploited, over looked the unrecognised. Homosexuality is illegal as per the Indian constitution, and while single women do enjoy their rights, they are largely frowned upon by the society. What provisions do we have to accommodate their maternal instincts?Aren't there other major issues to look upon, the criminal records of commissioning parents, for example. What about the women who are dependent on surrogacy to earn their livelihood? Once passed, India will join countries including Switzerland, Sweden, South Africa, Canada, Spain, France and Germany, all who have banned commercial surrogacy. IVF doctors said the bill has already killed three quarters of the industry.
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HEALTH&WELLNESS
AsianVoiceNewsweekly | Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
Incredible health benefits of guava leaf tea FOOD
FITNESS
LIFESTYLE
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uava (amrood in Hindi) has been hailed as one of the super fruits as it provides several health benefits, but guava leaves are also great for our well-being too. The young leaves of the guava tree can be brewed to make a magical tea, that has in fact been part of traditional medicine for centuries in Mexico and parts of South America. "These leaves are a powerhouse of antioxidants like Vitamin C, and flavonoids such as quercetin", says Delhibased Nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat. To make guava leaf tea, all you need to do is soak guava leaves in a cup of hot water and drink up! The 15 benefits of guava leaves, and reasons you need to start drinking guava leaf tea immediately are 1. Diarrhoea: According to a study, guava-leaf extracts inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, a common cause of diarrhea. People suffering from diarrhoea who drink guava leaf tea may experience less abdominal pain, fewer and less watery stools, and a quicker recovery. Add the leaves and root of guava to a cup of boiling water, strain the water and consume it on an empty stomach for quick relief. 2. Lowers Cholesterol: According to a study, the participants who drank guava leaf tea had lower cholesterol levels after eight weeks. 3. Manages Diabetes: Japan has approved guava leaf tea as one of the foods
for specified health uses to help with the prevention and treatment of diabetes. The compounds in the tea help regulate blood sugar levels after meals, by inhibiting the absorption of two types of sugars sucrose and maltose. According to an article, guava leaf tea inhibits several different enzymes that convert carbohydrate in the digestive tract into glucose, potentially slowing its uptake into your blood. 4. Promotes Weight Loss: Guava leaves help prevent complex carbs from turning into sugars, promoting rapid weight loss. Drink guava leaf tea or juice regularly to reap the benefits. 5. Fights Cancer: Guava leaves can lower the risk of cancer - especially breast, prostate, and oral cancers - due to high quantities of the antioxidant lycopene. Various studies have revealed that lycopene plays a significant role in lowering the risk of cancer. 6. Heals Cold and Cough: Guava leaves contain high levels of Vitamin C and iron, and a decoction of guava leaves is very help-
ful in relieving cough and cold as it helps get rid of mucus. It also disinfects the respiratory tract, throat and lungs. 7. Reduces Acne: Due to their high percentage of Vitamin C, guava leaves can help get rid of acne when crushed and applied to trouble spots. 8. Improves Skin Texture: Guavas have high astringent properties, and guava leaves rank even higher. Apply a decoction of the leaves on your skin to help tone and tighten facial muscles. 9 Prevents Hair Loss: Suffering from hair loss? Guava leaves can be boiled and massaged onto the scalp. Note: Make sure the water is cool before applying it to the scalp. 10. Beats Toothache: Guava leaves are anti inflammatory in nature and help in maintaining good oral health. Guava leaf tea works as a fantastic home remedy for toothache, swollen gums and oral ulcers due to the powerful antibacterial agents. You can also grind the leaves into a paste and apply it to your gums and
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teeth to cure these problems. 11. Improves Quality of Sleep: Drinking guava leaf tea regularly helps improve quality of sleep. It calms your nerves and quietens your mind, making it easier to slip into slumber. 12. Boosts Immunity: Guava leaf tea helps boost the immune system, thereby reducing the risk of various illnesses. 13. Soothes Gastrointestinal Issues: Guava leaves are useful in treating gastrointestinal issues because they reduce the production of extra mucus that can irritate the digestive system, and prevent further microbial growth in the intestines due to anti-bacterial properties. 14. Promotes Heart Health: Guava leaf tea may also benefit your heart and circulatory system. 15. Good for Your Brain: Guava leaves contain vitamin B3 (niacin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which help in improving blood circulation to the brain, stimulating cognitive function and relaxing the nerves.
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Heavy drinking may lead to breathing problems
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new study has revealed that drinking too much alcohol may disrupt the healthy balance in the lungs and impact your breathing. In the study, adults who drink excessively were found to have less nitric oxide in their exhaled breath than adults who do not drink. The finding is significant because nitric oxide helps protect against certain harmful bacteria that can cause respiratory infections. “Alcohol appears to disrupt the healthy balance in the lung,” said lead author Majid Afshar, Assistant Professor at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in the US. Nitric oxide is a colourless gas produced by the body during respiration. The researchers examined data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES). NHANES conducts interviews and physical examinations to assess the health and nutritional status of Americans. The researchers examined data from 12,059
adults who participated in NHANES between 2007 and 2012. Excessive drinkers were defined as heavy drinkers (more than one drink per day on average for women and more than two drinks per day for men) and people who binge drink at least once per month (four or more drinks per occasion for women and five or more drinks for men). In the sample population researchers examined, 26.9 per cent of the participants were excessive drinkers. The researchers found that exhaled nitric oxide levels were lower in excessive drinkers than in adults who never drink, and the more alcohol an excessive drinker consumed, the lower the level of nitric oxide. In an asthma patient, the amount of exhaled nitric oxide in a breath test provides a good indication of how well the patient’s medication is working. Excessive alcohol consumption might complicate the results of such tests. “Lung doctors may need to take this into consideration,” Afshar said.
How to motivate yourself when life gets tough
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tress and anxiety happen when you are least expecting. You may feel that someone has pulled the rug from under your feat. Once that rug goes, we switch to survival mode, which means that making through the day without collapsing into a puddle of tears, or even just keeping it together enough to function so that the overwhelming load of responsibilities in our lives are taken care of, becomes a priority. What quickly falls off the agenda? Whether we should have pizza or quinoa and pumpkin salad
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for lunch, or if we can squeeze a 6 pm workout on the way home. Most other times, things aren’t quite as dramatic, but the outcome’s pretty much the same: Life gets in the way and somehow, we get knocked off track with our healthy habits. We end up eating whatever, whenever, and we don’t do anything to get back on track until something happens that forces us to confront our reality. So what do we have to do to get and keep that motivation going? You have to recognise that motivation will come and go. Think that motivation was this bright, powerful flame of desire to do what’s good for me that would always be with me no matter what I did because well, if it’s important enough, you should want to do it all the time... right? Not really.
With more experience, I’ve come to recognize that this desire tends to ebb and flow over time. There will be highs and there will be slumps where I’ll feel like jumping off the moving train because it feels like too much work to stay on it. What matters more is that I get back on that train after I’ve jumped off it, that I get back up every time I fall down. Nothing emphasizes this point more than the Japanese proverb “fall seven times, get up eight.” I re-connect with my “why.” When I’m struggling with moving forward or start to slide backwards with my healthy eating habits or workouts, what gets me going again is to re-connect with my purpose, my big “why.” For example, if my late-night cravings for pasta resurface (a habit that helped me pack on an extra 22 pounds and led my self-
esteem to take a nosedive in the past) and I find myself giving in to them more and more frequently, I go back to the process of digging deep for the reasons that got me to stop this destructive behavior in the first place. Digging deep and re-focusing my attention on why I’m doing what I set out to do get my feet moving even though they feel like lead, and keep me going even when I don’t feel like it, because it’s not just something I have to do - it’s who I want to be. I focus on “doing.” This one’s not the easiest thing to do, especially when your heart’s not in it, but I find that once I get going, my heart follows, I always end up feeling glad that I did. The big lesson here? The worst thing you can do when you’re feeling unmotivated but know what you should be doing is to spend
your time over-thinking and over-analyzing things. The best thing for you to do in situations like this is to just get up and start taking action. Chances are high that just the simple act of “doing” will help you re-gain the motivation and momentum you’re looking for. I give myself a break. When I feel like I’m not able to function beyond 50 per cent or that putting one foot in front of the other feels near impossible, I give myself permission to take a step back and take a break from certain things, like my intense workouts or putting pressure on myself to eat clean all the time. I just let go of all the tough expectations that I tend to put on myself. Giving up on myself is never an option, but taking time out when I need it, is. These “mental health”
breaks can range from a few days to a week or a couple of months, and to me, they’re crucial for dealing with life’s ups and downs, as well as giving my body and mind the space it needs to re-group, recover and re-gain the strength I need to feel “ok” again, and function well above the 50 per cent mark. I establish a self-care ritual. When taking care of yourself feels hard, it helps to have some structure in place to guide you through each and every day so you don’t end up falling apart. This is why I have a dedicated self-care ritual that I follow when things get rough and I’m running low on the willpower I need to keep moving forward. My ritual is a list that I check off throughout the day so that I don’t have to think about it. Remember, you’re not in this alone and this pain will pass.
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More excited about 'Baahubali 2': Tamannaah Bhatia
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French honour for Kamal Haasan
Maddy in a never before role in his next
AsianVoiceNews
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ctress Tamannaah Bhatia said the 'Baahubali 2' team was not stressed by the audiences' expectations, but was in fact, excited about the second part. SS R a j a m o u l i ' s 'Baahubali:The Beginning' was a major box office hit, also grabbing the best feature film honour at the National Awards. "We were more stressed out that time. We did not know how people in the South would react and whether the Hindi audience will accept it or not. Today everyone is excited to watch the film. We have got very good response commercially not only in India but abroad as well. So we are excited more than being scared for
ne of the most sought after actress in K o l l y w o o d , Nayanthara has been doing quite a few heroine-oriented films recently. Adding another to her kitty, reports the 'Dora' star is most likely to do
'Baahubali 2'. If you look at the first part all women had strong roles. It's an action-war film. It's a rarity that in a war film which is ideally men-centric that it had lot to do for me in the film," Tamannaah said. Talking about her role, the 26 year old said she learnt horse riding and sword fighting. "My role in part one of 'Baahubali' was feminine, had song and dance. This time I have a very unconventional part. In part two I will be doing action, horse riding and sword fighting. I had trained for this film." The much awaited part 2 will hit the screens on April 28, 2017.
the actor, is in recognition of his high level of artistic excellence and his distinguished career achievements. The awards will be conferred on Kamal Haasan at a special ceremony." The actor received the Henri Langloi Award for his contribution to cinema in France, in March this year. The n e w Order has
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he French government will soon bestow France's premeire award, the Chevalier de L'Ordre Arts et Letters to South Indian actor Kamal Haasan. The award will be presented "to recognise eminent artists and writers, as well as people who have contributed significantly to furthering the arts in France and throughout the world." In a statement, Haasan said, "The distinction, which is yet another laurel for
three r a n k s , Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), and two high offices.
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fter a long sabbatical, actor Madhavan made a grand comeback with his superhit
A college student (Sonakshi Sinha) fights cor r u p ti o n to prove her innocence.
another women-centric move titled 'Pombala', directed by newbie Balakumar. The movie also stars Namitha, who plays another important character. Official confirmation is awaited.
'Irudhu Suttru'. Word is, Maddy has signed several projects, including 'Charlie' remake to be directed by Vijay. Sources said his next film is reportedly titled 'Gramaphone' and directed by Karu Pazhaniappan. He will play a villager in the movie co-starring Rajkiran.
It is Suriya's time to rock Malaysia!
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'Akira'
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Nayanthara and Namitha together after 'Billa'?
Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
he crew of Suriya-starrer Tamil action film 'S3' is headed towards Malaysia to shoot the climax. A source from the unit said, “it will be a twoweek schedule and they will shoot some important sequences apart from a major action block. Apart from this schedule, the team has one more song to shoot." Bankrolled by KE Gnanavel Raja of Studio Green and Suriya, the source said Suriya would return in his police avatar. Tamil Nadu theatrical rights of the film have been sold for a whopping amount of ÂŁ 4.10 million.
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Shahid Kapoor welcomes baby girl
Asian Voice | 3rd September 2016
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ctor Shahid Kapoor and wife Mira Rajput are proud parents of a baby girl! The actor shared the news on Twitter. He wrote, "She has arrived and words fall short to express our happiness. Thank you for all your wishes." The news was soon followed by an outpour of congratulations from dif-
Why Nargis Fakhri leave India?
T
he media made all kinds of stories when actress Nargis Fakhri left India in the middle of the promotions of 'Housefull 3'. In a recent interview, Nargis rubbished them, saying, "When I came here, I had arsenic and lead poisoning and no one knew what was wrong with me. It can happen in many ways, it could be in the water, food, rusted leads pipes in an old building... The doctor tested me, but he was so scared because it was at a very high level." The actress said she cured herself with naturopathy, and different kinds of herbs. She also spoke about marriage, making it clear that she was single and enjoyed her freedom. "I am not into marriage. You look at all the marriages breaking down and all the people cheating on their marriages and you become cynical. Marriage is nothing but a label, or when someone wants to have half of the assets of one's spouse, but I have my own assets. I am an independent, educated woman, I make my own money, take care of my mom, and I am single so I can do whatever I want, taking no one's permission, and that is the best part."
Dwayne Bravo to make his Bollywood debut
'C
hampion' Dwanye Bravo has been roped in by director Anubhav Sinha for a song in his upcoming sequel to 'Tum Bin'. Jointly composed by the cricketer and Ankit Tiwari, the song is scheduled to be shot in the first week of September in Mumbai. Sources say Bravo will also be seen in the music video in an Indowestern attire. Talking about his Bollywood debut, Bravo said, "I love Bollywood and it's been my dream to act and sing in a Bollywood film. I heard that the movie 'Tum Bin' was a lucky mascot for many in the industry, so I hope the sequel does the same for
my innings in entertainment. I'm looking forward to shooting with Anubhav Sinha." The all-rounder made India dance to his tunes during the ICC World T20, and later even shared the stage with Ranveer Singh, Katrina Kaif and Jacqueline Fernandes.
ferent celebrities. Actress Jacqueline Fernandez said, "I am really happy for them and will like to congratulate Shahid and Mira for the new addition in their family." Karan Johar, director, tweeted, "Huge Huge congratulations to @shahidkapoor and Mira... Nothing more precious than a
baby girl... Lots of love...". Shahid's co-star Alia Bhatt could barely contain her happiness as she tweeted ,"Congratulationssssssss to the most amazing couple @ s h a h i d k a p o o r @MiraRajput !!!!! Can't wait to see this beautiful baby girl!!!!" Fellow parents welcomed him to the "club".
Deepika among world’s highest paid actresses
D
eepika Padukone is not just India’s top-paid actress, she is also among the top 10 highest-paid actresses in the world, according to Forbes. The actress is the only Indian on the list with earnings of $10 million. The list is headlined by Jennifer Lawrence, with total earnings of $46 million. The one Bollywood star who was expected to be on the list was Priyanka Chopra. She is the lead star of ABC’s Quantico and will be soon making her Hollywood debut with Dwayne Johnson-starrer 'Baywatch.' However, Priyanka failed to make it to the top 10. Media has been abuzz with a rivalry between Priyanka and Deepika given the fact that both the actresses will be seen making their Hollywood debuts soon. Deepika will be seen in 'xXx: The Return of Xander Cage' with Vin Diesel. Meanwhile, Deepika is in august company, other than Jennifer, Julia Roberts, Charlize Theron and Friends star Jennifer Anniston are also on the top 10 list. The 30-year-old 'Bajirao Mastani' actress is described by Forbes as having “scored box office gold.” The magazine also mentions her Bollywood movies such as 'Bajirao Mastani' and 'Piku.' While she earns less than her Hollywood counterparts for roles, Deepika “compensates it with over a dozen lucrative endorsements,” which “have helped her hedge against a deep pay gap in Bollywood.” Forbes said the Bangalore-bred Deepika, who made her Bollywood debut in 2007 with Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'Om Shanti Om,' has “since starred in several films that have crossed the $150 million mark “a barometer for box office success in India.” Deepika “has also become something of a style icon” launching her own label for an Indian online shopping site.
Sunny Leone turns a gypsy for Emraan Hashmi
F
irst leg of Ajay Devgn and Emraan H a s h m i ' s 'Baadshaho' has begun with a song featuring Emraan and Sunny Leone. The shoot is expected to last for four-five days and Sunny will be seen in a special banjara look for the number. Director Milan Luthria said, "The song
recreates a part of Rajasthan but I want to shoot on a set for ease of lighting and choreography. I met Sunny last year and was instantly surprised with the aura she has about her. She and Emraan are a unique combination and I'm sure it will
generate a lot of interest." A source said, "While Emraan had been rehearsing for weeks at a studio near his Pali Hill home, choreographers were sent to practice with Sunny who is shooting in Hyderabad for another film and rehearsed for the 'Baadshaho' song in between takes."
"Congratulations @shahidkapoor and Mira on birth of an angel... Welcome to the club my friend. Love and blessings to the little one." read Riteish Deshmukh's tweet. On the professional front, Shahid will soon be seen in Vishal Bharadwaj's 'Rangoon', along side Saif Ali Khan and Kangana Ranaut.
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Hunt for man who exposed himself at Bolton bus stop then sexually assaulted woman Police have issued a warning after a ‘babyfaced’ pervert flashed a bus passenger and then sexually assaulted a woman in Bolton. A man, thought to be in his 20s, exposed himself to a 52-year-old man at a bus stop before crossing the road and inappropriately touching a young woman. He approached the man, who was sat waiting for a bus on Great Moor Street, at around 1.05am on Saturday, August 6. After exposing himself, he was told to ‘get lost’ and walked away. The man struck again seconds later after crossing the road and approaching a woman from behind. The incidents happened on Great Moor Street He sexually assaulted her before running back up Great Moor Street and turned left onto Newport Street. Both victims are said to have been extremely distressed. The man was
Cousin of 'terror twins' jailed for running ISIS WhatsApp communications centre
ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 The next three weeks may
bring confusion and misunderstandings at work and troubles with your health as Mercury turns retrograde in your sixth house. You'll need to pay more attention to detail and double check everything before finalising important matters. Close relationships will prove to be very successful.
TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Mercury goes retrograde in
your fifth house of romance for the next three weeks. This is a good time reflect and analyse current situations. Pressure begins to build as there will be a lot of demands in your daily work. Some of you will prefer to get away and seek solitude and avoid social events. Police have released an efit of a man they want to speak to
Asian, in his early 20s with short, dark hair. He was around 5ft 6ins and of slim build, with a ‘young-looking’, smooth-shaven face. Detectives say the man was wearing a black zip-up jacket, a grey sports-style sweatshirt and black tracksuit bottoms with double white stripes down both legs. Anybody with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident number 280 of 06/08/16 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Coming Events
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GEMINI May 22 - June 22 As Mercury turns retro-
The cousin of self-styled teenage terror twins has been jailed for setting up an ISIS communications hub using WhatsApp in his bedroom in Longsight. From his mother’s home in Manchester, Abdullahi Ahmed Jama Farah, now 20, created the “hub of communication” for his “Mandem” group of like-minded extremists in 2013. Following a trial at the Old Bailey, the defendant was found guilty of preparing for terrorist acts by attempting to facilitate Nur Hassan, 19, from Manchester, to travel to Syria to fight. Michael Judge Topolski sentenced him to seven years’ detention and a further three years on extended licence. The judge told him that the extent of his radicalisation
was “considerable”, saying: “Your support for jihad was global and offensive in nature and not defensive and limited to Syria.” He highlighted messages in which the defendant referred to beheadings as “lick some heads off” and asking his friends if they were “smacking (killing) guys”. Jama Farah is the cousin of the so-called “teenager terror twins”, Zhara and Salma Halane, who at the age of 16 left their home in Chorlton in Manchester in June 2014 and are believed to have married ISIS fighters. Jama Farah, who is Danish and of Somali origin, was in communication with four other friends abroad, two of whom are believed to have been killed and another badly injured in fighting.
grade in your fourth house, you need to watch out for extreme changes in peoples attitude and behaviour at home. Strong emotions may spill out with your loved ones, but it is alright to reveal your fears and insecurities sometimes. It's a cosmically testing time, so try not to tread on each other's toes.
CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22
Mercury turns retrograde in your third house of communication, making it difficult to express yourself clearly for the next three weeks. Misunderstandings and confusion could waste a lot of your time. This is also a good time to read into the unspoken rather than what is being said to make any sense.
LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23 You may need to take care as Mercury turns retrograde in your second house of finances. This is a good time to re-assess your money matters. In spite of that, all sorts of things could go wrong especially if people owe you money. Have patience as business matters move slowly or get delayed.
VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 Mercury, your ruling planet turns retrograde in your sign for the next three weeks. Normally we expect matters to be dealt with smoothly, but not while the planet Mercury in your sign, is moving backwards. Confusion and frustration reign, so put your plans on hold. Curb your expenditure as you will spend unnecessarily.
LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 It's a lovely week for a romantic encounter, as Venus and Jupiter embrace your 12th house. Bear in mind that Mercury turns retrograde in the same house. This is a period of reassessment and finishing off projects which have been left on the shelf. The next three weeks would serve you well if you spend more time listening than speaking.
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SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22 It's a lovely week for meeting romantic encounters, as Venus and Jupiter embrace your 11th house. Bear in mind that Mercury turns retrograde in the same house which also rules friends and associates. The next three weeks would serve you well if you spend more time listening than speaking.
SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Mercury turns retrograde in your tenth house of career and status, slowing down your progress at work. It is important for you to be steadfast and focused as misunderstandings and confusion reign. Stay as organized as possible while Mercury, the planet of communications does its best to trip you up. CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 Mercury turns retrograde in your ninth house of travel and adventure, slowing down your pace for the next three weeks. Your mental focus could be anywhere other than your normal routine - find a way to break up the monotony. Don't be afraid to take on extra responsibilities as it could lead to better prospects. AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 The planet Mercury turns retrograde in your eighth house of joint resources, taxes, wills, legacies and alimony, creating confusion and complications for you during the next three weeks. Mars and Saturn are in your 11th house of gains, so this could also prove to be a difficult. Seek professional help.
Your closest relationships come under scrutiny as Mercury, the planet of communications goes retrograde in your seventh house of marriage and partnerships. There can be a lot of misunderstandings and confused signals. You'll need to listen carefully to what your partner is saying during the next three weeks.
PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20
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England set record ODI total of 444/3 against Pakistan England set a world record for an innings in one-day international cricket on Tuesday, scoring 444/3 against Pakistan. Sri Lanka had set the previous record at 443/9 against the Netherlands in 2006. England won the toss and elected to bat first in the third ODI of a five-match series, which England lead 2-0. It was also the highest ODI total in a match between two Test nations, topping South Africa's 439 for two against the West
Indies at Johannesburg last year. Alex Hales made an England ODI record 171. Hales struck 22 fours and four sixes in a 122-ball blitz, beating Robin Smith's 23year-old England record of an unbeaten 167 against Australia. Jos Buttler (90 not out) also punished Pakistan's bowlers by notching England's fastest ever ODI half-century in just 22 balls. Captain Eoin Morgan profited from a dropped catch to remain
unbeaten on 57. Together with Joe Root (85), who hit his third successive half century of the series, Hales added 248 runs off 190 balls. Pakistan left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who twice took 'wickets' with no-balls, finished with figures of none for 110 in his maximum 10 overs. That was the second-most expensive return in an ODI, behind Australian Mick Lewis's none for 113 against South Africa at Johannesburg in 2006.
Modi announces task force to prepare for next three Olympics England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that the national team's tour of Bangladesh would go on as per schedule. An ECB delegation, led by security adviser Reg Dickason, accompanied by director of cricket operations John Carr and David Leatherdale of the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) recently visited both Bangladesh and India to make their own security assessment. Following their return, the ECB said that the three One Day Internationals and two Tests which England are due to play in Bangladesh in October and November, before heading to India, were set to go ahead as scheduled. England players including Test captain
Alastair Cook and OneDay captain Eoin Morgan were briefed on arrangements and the risk assessment by Reg Dickason, alongside Andrew Strauss, David Leatherdale, John Carr and ECB Chief Executive Tom Harrison. Strauss, England's director of cricket, said the green signal was given after a thorough risk assessment. "England's Tour of Bangladesh will continue as planned. Safety and security of players and management are always paramount. We've received a thorough risk assessment, had excellent insight into the current situation and been fully briefed on security commitments. ECB and PCA have the utmost confidence in the advice and support we've been given.
Eoin Morgan, England's limited-overs captain, had recently stated that no player will be forced to go on any particular tour and had expressed his confidence that ECB would take the right decision. Safety concerns in Bangladesh were raised after a terror attack that took place in a Dhaka cafe on July 1 which had left 20 dead. In July, the ECB had noted that it would consider government's guidelines about the proposed tour following the terror attack. Earlier in October 2015, Australia had decided against sending their senior side for two Tests after a terror threat while the Under-19 team also didn't participate in the World Cup in JanuaryFebruary 2016.
After India's rather drab performance at the recently held Rio Games, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 'task force' which will come up with a comprehensive action plan for effective participation of Indian athletes. The aim of the task force would be to prepare a strategy for improvement of facilities, spell out selection norms, and better training facilities, and would comprise of both in-house and foreign experts. The next three quadrennial Games, to be
Gujarat to host 2016 Kabaddi World Cup in October The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) on Monday announced that the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup will be hosted in Gujarat's leading city, Ahmedabad. The tournament is set to take place from October 7th to 22nd. Twelve teams from around the world, including India, USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Iran, Poland, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Korea, Japan and Kenya will be participating in the tournament. The IKF's decision to conduct the Kabaddi World Cup has received strong encouragement from the Gujarat government. In a statement, Gujarat Chief Minister Viay Rupani has said, "We are delighted that the city of Ahmedabad will host the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup.
Our state extends enthusiastic support for showcasing this World Cup as a truly world class sports event, and draws inspiration from our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's call to take our nation ahead in every sport. As the world is witnessing the year of Olympics, Gujarat will like to lead this way for India in this objective."
held in 2020, 2024, and 2028. Modi made the announcement at a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers at which, he also reviewed the performance of various ministries. Meanwhile, the PMO has asked the Sports Ministry to submit a detailed report on India's disappointing performance at the Rio Games, which is to be submitted by the end of September. The announcement comes at a time when sports federations are
reviewing what happened in Rio. The National Rifle Association of India constituted a four-member committee with Abhinav Bindra as its chairman to examine in a "cold and ruthless manner" the reasons behind the shameful performance. The Athletics Federation of India has also decided to weight the results, while the Wrestling Federation of India has suggested it will focus on young wrestlers for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
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Varun Chopra, Jamie Porter warned England's Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) has penalised Varun Chopra and Jamie Porter following directions from England and Wales Cricket Board. Chopra was reported by umpires Neil Bainton and Peter Hartley during Warwickshire’s Specsavers County Championship match against Durham on 23rd – 26th August 2016, for a Level One breach of the code (showing dissent at an umpire’s decision by word or action). Porter was reported for the same Level One offence by umpires Billy
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Khel Ratna conferred on Sindhu, Sakshi and Dipa
The prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award was on Monday conferred on four Indian Olympians by President Pranab Mukherjee in the nation's capital. Shuttler PV Sindhu, wrestler Sakshi Malik, gymnast Dipa Karmakar and shooter Jitu Rai were awarded the highest sporting honour of the country for their contribution in their respective fields during a beaming ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. This was the first time in the history of National Sports Awards that four athletes were chosen for the Khel Ratna honour, owing to the three girls' exquisite show in Rio. In 2009, boxers Vijender Singh and MC Mary Kom and wrestler Sushil Kumar were given the award together. Sindhu scripted history by winning the silver in women's singles badminton in the recently-concluded Rio Olympics, while Sakshi took bronze in the women's 58kg freestyle category at the Games. Dipa
P V Sindhu receives the Khel Ratna from President Pranab Mukherjee
Dipa Karmakar, Shooter Jitu Rai, Sakshi Malik get Khel Ratna from the President
on the other hand, came perilously close to a podi-
um finish, finishing fourth in the vault event in
Gymnastics at the Rio Olympics 2016.
Rain denies India chance to level series Chasing 144 to level the two-match bilateral series against West Indies, India were 15 for no loss in two overs when play was called off due to rain here on Sunday at Lauderhill (US). The match started 40 minutes late due to `technical' problems and the lost minutes proved crucial in the end. An improved bowling performance saw India bundle out West Indies in the 20th over, with Amit Mishra's spell of 3 for 24 the standout performance. After Mishra had provided the opening breakthrough by dismissing Johnson Charles (43), R Ashwin combined well with paceman Jasprit Bumrah to tighten the noose around the West Indies with regular strikes. West Indies batsmen, who had scouraged the Indian bowlers in the first match, found the going tough and were bowled out in 19.4 overs. Mishra, who replaced Stuart Binny, gave away only 24 runs and dismissed three batsmen and his bowling made a good impact along with Ashwin (2-11), who conceded very few runs in his three overs. Bumrah (2-26) was consistent with his line and length while Mohammed Shami also chipped in with two scalps. The Indian pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shami (2-31) bowled at a good length but were punished when they strayed as
the pitch had nothing to offer for the pacers. Charles hoisted Bhuvneshwar, who dug one short, for a massive six over mid-wicket to begin the fireworks even as Shami removed the first match centurion Evin Lewis (7). An unfazed Charles though flicked Shami for another six with the strength of his wrist and followed it up with consecutive boundaries. Charles had no problem whether he was facing a short ball or a length delivery. The strapping Windies batsman dispatched those balls to the boundary ropes with consummate ease. Mishra struck with his first ball as he saw the back of Charles, who attempted a maximum but found Rahane at long on. Mishra put the brakes on the scoring rate, giving away only four runs
in that over. With spinners looking like making an impact, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni introduced left-armer Ravindra Jadeja, who bowled five dots and conceded only one run in the next over. While the first five overs fetched West Indies 50 runs, India conceded only 26 in the next five, bowled by spinners, and also took two wickets. Ashwin foxed a charging Lendl Simmons (19) with a wide ball and had him stumped. Bumrah had Marlon Samuels (5) caught behind with his first ball while Ashwin had his second wicket when he trapped Kieron Pollard (13) in the next over. West Indies were now struggling. Bumrah cleaned up Andre Fletcher (3) and Mishra returned to get the better of Dwayne
Bravo (3) and the very dangerous Carlos Brathaaite (18). Rahul's ton in vain: Promising Indian batsman Lokesh Rahul's 110 not out went in vain as West Indies managed to defeat India by one run in the nail-biting first T20 International at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground on Saturday. With India needing 2 runs from the final ball, West Indian allrounder Dwayne Bravo kept his nerves to dismiss Mahendra Singh Dhoni (43) with a slower one to take the Caribbean side home. Chasing a mammoth 246, Rahul struck the second fastest century in T20 Internationals to guide India to an almost improbable win before the last ball twist changed the fortunes of the men in blue. With the century, the Karnataka batsman has now become the third Indian to score a century in all three formats of the game. The 24-year-old Rahul, who was preferred over regular opener Shikhar Dhawan for the match, made the most of the opportunity, bringing up 89 runs for the third wicket with Rohit Sharma (62) before almost guiding the team to victory with a 107run stand with Dhoni.
Rai raised Indian hopes of a medal on day 1 of the Games but was way off mark the next day in the men's 10m Air Pistol final, finishing a lowly eighth to bow out of the competition. The disappointment of Rio Games however, doesn't mask the fact that the shooter has won half a dozen medals in the past two years, including a gold medal finish in the 50m pistol event during the 2014 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games the same year, to go with a bronze in the 10m event. All four received a medal, certificate and cash prize of Rs 750,000 each. The Dronacharya Award was handed to six coaches which include Dipa's mentor Bisweshwar Nandi, along with the Indian cricket Test skipper Virat Kohli's coach Raj Kumar Sharma, athletics coach Nagapuri Ramesh, boxing coach Sagar Mal Dhayal, Pradeep Kumar (Swimming, lifetime) and Mahabir Singh (wrestling, lifetime). They all took away certificates and
award money of Rs 500,000 each. The Ministry also granted the Arjuna Award to 15 athletes. The notable names include that of boxer Shiva Thapa, longdistance runner Lalita Babar and shooter Apurvi Chandela - all of whom endured disappointments in Rio - along with hockey players VR Raghunath and Rani Rampal. Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was stretchered out after dislocating her right knee halfway into the first period of her 48kg quarterfinal fight against China's Sun. Ajinkya Rahane missed out of the ceremony as he is in the USA following the conclusion of a T20 assignment against West Indies. Goalkeeper Subrata Paul was the lone footballer in the list of Arjuna awardees On India's National Sports Day, the Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon former sprinter Satti Geetha, along with Sylvanus Dung Dung (hockey) and Rajendra Pralhad Shelke (rowing).
Indian wrestler's bronze medal to be upgraded to silver Indian wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt's bronze medal that he won in the 2012 London Olympics is set to be upgraded to silver. The unexpected upgrade was possible following a positive dope test of the silver winner in the 60-kg freestyle event in London – Russia’s Besik Kudukhov. Kudukhov died in a car accident at the age of 27 in Russia in 2013. However, ahead of the Rio Games this month, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) re-tested the four-time world champion’s sample, which was collected during the London Games. The re-test was part of standard practice, with samples now stored for up to 10 years to allow the use of advanced testing methods to weed out dope cheats. “The samples of five wrestlers, including Russia’s Besik Kudukhov (60 kg) and Uzbekistan’s Artur Taymazov’s (120 kg), have tested positive for banned substances. Kudukhov failed a dope test in re-tests of samples collected during the London Games. In Taymazov’s case, the retests date back to samples collected from the Beijing Games (2008). Kudukhov is a silver medallist and
Yogeshwar Dutt
Taymazon a gold-medal winner. They will lose their medals. With Kudukhov testing positive, Yogeshwar Dutt of India will get the silver,” sources in United World Wrestling (UWW), the governing body, said. Once the upgrade is officially announced, Yogeshwar will join wrestler Sushil Kumar and shooter Vijay Kumar as silver-medallists for India from the London Games. In London, Yogeshwar had lost his pre-quarterfinal bout to Kudukhov. When the Russian wrestler reached the final, Yogeshwar got another opportunity for a podium finish in the repechage round – he defeated Franklin Gomez of Puerto Rico, Masoud Esmaeilpour of Iran and Ri Jong-myong of North Korea to claim bronze.