AV 4th November 2017

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Vol 46 | Issue 26

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4th November to 10th November 2017

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

BASMATI RICE IMPORTS FROM INDIA TO FACE MAJOR SETBACK? regulation has likely been put forward to harm the Indian dominance on rice exports, handling it over to countries not using the pesticide.

Indian Ambassador in Belgium, as quoted in The Sunday Telegraph, said the Commission took its decision on the basis of a “precautionary principle” without knowing the carcinogenic effect of Tricyclazole, a fungicide.

This was confirmed by Waugh, who said that the

Charusmita

The Basmati rice producers have been ordered by the EU Commission to cut down levels of a chemical used in rice farming, pesticide Tricyclazole, to a hundredth of its current legal level, reducing the maximum residue level to the level of determination, 0.01ppm.

The chemical has been in use by the Indian rice farmers for decades, and they produce approximately 60 per cent of the world’s Basmati. The EU currently imports around 360,000 tonnes of basmati rice a year, of which 150,000 tonnes is directed to the UK. Current EU restrictions limiting traces to 1 mg/kg were already considered conservative compared to Japanese and US import limits of 3 mg/kg.

The regulation came into force for all products except basmati rice on 30th June 2017; for Basmati rice it will enter into force on 30th December 2017. The regulation specifically provides

that the old limit of 1.0ppm will continue to apply to rice on the market (i.e. harvested or imported) prior to the entry into force.

For the consumers, this means existing Basmati imports from India will remain on shelves as long as their best-before date.

Any Basmati imported before January 2018 will be allowed into the EU, implying that there will be no recall of products from the shops. As Alex Waugh, Director of the Rice Association, confirmed,

the preamble to the regulation clarifies that this is to allow for “the normal marketing, processing and consumption of rice.” It also refers to the long shelf life of rice, and makes clear that the new regulation is intended to apply to future production, not past harvests.

However, for the rice farmers, this news is not entirely a relief. As rice in India is harvested in the months of October and November, exporting on previously existing level to UK by January 2018 is

nearly impossible.

Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London, said, “This could have a disastrous effect on farmers’ livelihoods in India, and at the same time we in Britain will end up paying more for our favourite rice.” There is no confirmation as yet on the price fluctuation of basmati imports from India.

The Indian government earlier had said that it takes rice producers a minimum of three years to effectively modify their crops, and the abrupt EU

ban on imports was not because Tricyclazole was proven to be harmful, but because its effects in the long-term have not yet been studied. This is understandable, but it does raise questions on the timing of the ruling for raising the concerns over a chemical that has been in use for long and has not received medical complaints so far.

Continued on pag 13

Young Nairobi Business Heir Slain

Bunty Shah

Kenya is no stranger to police brutality. Despite a string of law changes and post-independence politicians, policing seems to one force that remains the same. The country has a rich history of classic human violations, unlawful killings, and police beatings. A similar incident that occurred last week hit a little too close to home as Bunty Shah, young heir of the vast Bobmill empire was reportedly shot dead in his own home, by policemen.

Continued on page 23

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Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

AsianVoiceNews

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Keith Vaz, MP

Talal Karim Talal Karim was born in Dhaka Bangladesh and came to Britain in 1971. After doing his A levels at Kilburn Polytechnic, he did his degree at Warwick University and studied Politics and International Studies. He was a Labour and Cooperative Councillor in Islington for 20 years and was Deputy Leader and Chair of Regeneration. He was involved with CLES and Labour Party's City 2020 Commission. He is considered to be a close associate of Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn.

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

Finsbury Park, North London 2) What are your proudest achievements - 1) To save the Queen's Crescent Market Gospel

Oak from being closed when I took over as the Business Development Regeneration Officer, Camden Council and 2) taking the lead initiative as a Cooperative councillor in setting up Islington's first Credit Union scheme.

3) What inspires you?

Talking to ordinary people at local Cafes and sharing ideas and thoughts on how to make this world a better place than it is now.

4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career - not being able to complete the professional examinations. I had set out to become a Solicitor after my first degree.But no regrets....

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

My late Uncle Jafar Kareem, who persuaded me to get involved in the Labour Party during the miners strike 1974

Thousands of Sikhs celebrate birthday of Guru Nanak at annual parade Thousands of people took to the streets during the annual Southall Nagar Kirtan on Sunday (October 29) to celebrate the birthday of Guru Nanak.

The event began at Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Havelock Road and included speeches by Ealing Southall MP Virendra Sharma and London Assembly member Dr Onkar Sahota.

Following this, the colourful procession set off along King Street at around 12.30pm and made its way along The Green, South Road, High Street and Green Drive towards Park Avenue Gurdwara.

Thousands attended or joined the parade through the town, which was led by young Sikhs showing off martial arts and other

An incredible amount of people turned up to celebrate the birthday of Guru Nanak (Image: Arif Hussain/@VisitSouthall)

skills accompanied by drummers.

The procession, which celebrates the Parkash Ustav (birthday) of the founder of Sikhism, was also fronted by the “Panj Pyare” - meaning five beloved ones – in their traditional attire. This was followed by the main float, which carried the Sri Guru

The main float carried the Sri Guru Granth Sahib - the Sikh holy book, (Image: Arif Hussain/@VisitSouthall)

Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book, as the crowds moved forward to pay their respects.

The procession route was covered with food stalls serving free food, fruit and drinks from 10am to everyone.

Arif Hussain, a spokesman for Visit Southall who attended the event on Sunday (October 29), said: “It's always a trouble-free event for all the family, all those attending are calm, considerate and in a happy mood.

“Pavements and roads from King Street to the Broadway are packed full of people – at the peak, it is impossible to move in any direction due to the sheer number of people for about four hours.”

Prisoners gain vote in human rights U-turn Prisoners are to be granted the vote in a move that will raise fresh questions about the government’s approach to law and order. Those sentenced to less than a year behind bars who are let out on day release will be allowed to go home to vote after the justice secretary, David Lidington, decided to tear up the existing ban.

Plans were circulated

to other ministers last week, after a 12-year dispute with the European Court of Human Rights, which ruled in 2005 that it was a breach of prisoners’ human rights to deny them the chance to vote.

The former prime minister David Cameron once said the thought of prisoners voting made him feel “physically ill”.

The decision comes as a leaked document warns

that cuts to the police are hampering the fight against crime and terrorism, putting safety at risk unless ministers find another £440 million in next month’s budget.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council told ministers the real-terms funding freeze “is exposing gaps in the protection of the public” from terrorism, paedophiles and failing 999 services.

6) What is the best aspect about your current role? Working closely with local businesses and community groups to influence the local Councils on issues that matter to them most 7) And the worst?

Bureaucratic red tape 8) What are your long term goals?

Living in an area where there is community cohesion with people of all backgrounds and culture in harmony, ensuring lasting change for the better and not at the expense of local community being driven out as a result of regeneration.

9) If you were Prime

Minister, what one aspect would you change? Change the taxation system. It is too biased to help the wealthiest.

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

Nelson Mandela. He sacrificed his entire life to challenge oppression and discrimination. Without

his charismatic and inspiring leadership, apartheid would not have ended in South Africa. If he was still around,he would have sorted out Trump and Kim Jong-un.

UK Parliament Disclaimer: This e-mail is confidential to the intended recipient. If you have received it in error, please notify the sender and delete it from your system. Any unauthorised use, disclosure, or copying is not permitted. This email has been checked for viruses, but no liability is accepted for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail. This e-mail address is not secure, is not encrypted and should not be used for sensitive data.

Court told couple plotted bomb attack in Britain after meeting on dating website

A couple who met on a single Muslims dating website have been accused of plotting an Islamic Stateinspired attack on Britain with a homemade bomb or deadly ricin poison.

Munir Mohammed, of Leopold Street, Derby, volunteered for a “new job in the UK” while communicating on Facebook with a man he believed was an IS commander, a court has heard.

He allegedly enlisted the help of 33-year-old pharmacist Rowaida ElHassan, of Kilburn, drawing on her knowledge of what chemicals were needed to make a bomb.

The Old Bailey heard on Monday (October 30) that, at the time of his arrest last December, Mohammed had two of the three components for TATP explosives, bombmaking instructions, mobile phone detonators and ricin.

The west London resident wrote: “I am looking for a simple, very simple, honest and straightforward man who fears Allah before anything else.

“I am looking for a man I can vibe with on a spiritual and intellectual level.

Munir Hassan Mohammed, 36, and Rowaida El-Hassan, 33, tried to create an improvised explosive device after bonding over their extremist beliefs

Someone who can teach me new things and inspire me.”

Jurors heard the pair had “rapidly formed an emotional attachment and a shared ideology” and by spring of 2016 were regularly contacting each other on WhatsApp. The pair shared extremist views and videos, as well as arguments, jokes and everyday concerns – such as Mohammed's “precarious” immigration status, the Old Bailey heard.

In August last year Mohammed was allegedly put in touch on Facebook with a man he believed was an IS commander, known as Abubakr Kurdi.

He pledged allegiance to Kurdi and offered to participate in "a new job in the UK", said to mean an

act of terrorism, jurors heard.

In November last year Mohammed got hold of a video containing information on how to manufacture ricin, the court heard.

Mohammed denied supporting IS or planning an attack and divorcee ElHassan said she advised him on the chemicals as he wanted to know how he could treat a wound and clean something.

According to defence barrister Charles Bott QC, Mohammed's possession of household items was "misunderstood" and he had no intention to make a bomb.

Tim Moloney QC said the whole picture would show El-Hassan was not a supporter of IS. The trial continues.

Newham murder victim named as police appeal for further information

Detectives are investigating the murder of a 20year-old man in an east London park named the victim as Moosakhan Nasiri.

At the scene, Moosakhan was found suffering from a stab wound to the chest. London Ambulance Service treated the him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 16-year-old male [A] was arrested on Monday, 16 October on suspicion of murder. He was subsequently charged on Tuesday, 17 October.

The Met's Homicide and Major Crime Command are leading the investigation and are continuing to appeal for witnesses and information.

Officers will be at the scene on Sunday, 22 October as part of this appeal.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information should call the Homicide and Major Crime Command on 0208 345 3715, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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COMMENTS

Shared interests of India and the US should be cultivated to maximum mutual benefit The merest smile, nod or routine cliché from a US president or secretary of state or Defence secretary on the Indo-American relationship is now strangely perceived as a mystical experience. Rex Tillerson, on the eve of his departure from Washington to the Middle East, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, pronounced that the US was closer to India than authoritarian China could ever be. A French proverb puts it well. Plus ca change, plus le meme chose (The more things change, the more they remain the same).

President Obama said much the same, then going into overdrive, he pronounced grandly that India and America would partner the most defining relationship of the 21st century. His first port of call on his iconic Pivot to As ia exercise was Beijing, where he announced special interest for Beijing in the Asian subcontinent - which didn’t go down well with the Indian government. When he did visit New Delhi, President Obama went to the Defence Ministry with the request that India buy the US F-18 and F-18 fighter aircraft. r Tillerson made a similar appeal this time round. President Trump is about to set off on his tour to Chin a, South Korea and South East Asia, treading in the footsteps of his predecessor, President Obama.

The latter never tired of appealing to Pakistan to rein in terror groups operating from the country; US Navy Seals even assassinated al Qaeda leader and fugitive Osama Bin Laden on Pakistani soil after Islamabad had strenuously denied his presence in the country. Under Obama’s watch, US drone attacks on Pa kistani-based targets intensified. US military and economic continued regardless; however, Pakistani vituperation against the US reached fever pitch, also regardless. Clearly, both sides need each other.

Secretary of State Tillerson told his interlocutors in New Delhi that jihadi terrorism was a threat to Pakistan’s stability, that it was in nobody’s interest to

see a collapsing Pakistan. Again, the sc ript was familiar. Possibly the language used to warn Pakistan of dire consequences of following the old path was stronger than was earlier the case. Tying the knot with the United States would be perilous, as it could involve India in American quarrels. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said as much when she announced that India’s close ties with Iran would not be jettisoned. India’s recent 10-day military exercise with Russia on Russian soil included all three branches of the services – the first time something as ambitious took place – surely a coda for all to consider.

India is reluctant to be drawn into a formal quadrilateral grouping of the US, Japan and Australia, without jeopardizing the naval exercises with all three powers based a shared anxiety about Chinese behavior. India is more comfortable with strategic autonomy.

Look at a map and you will understand the geographical pivot of history. Furthermore, American overstretch has put its diplomacy in a continuing quandary. The deaths of four US soldiers in Niger is currently has mounting concern among the American public on the direction their country’s foreign policy.

Policing the world is a delusion destined for an inevitable hard landing.

Global disorder is eroding traditional sanctities.

The European Union is a house divided. Catalonia seeks to break away from Spain. German writ is no longer sacrosanct. Austria, Czechoslovakia and Hungary have Euro-sceptic governments, while the UK is committed to Brexit.

The shared interests of India and the United States include trade, investment, education, science and technology, culture and much else. These should be cultivated to maximum mutual benefit.

Indian Navy comes of age An Indian-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is in the final stage of construction at the state-owned Cochin shipyard. It is 262 metres in length and 62 metres wide at its furthest point; its depth is 30 metres, it has 14 decks, weighs 40,000 tonnes and is designed to accommodate 20 Russian-made MiG29K superson ic aircraft and a force of Russian designed Kamov helicopters. Delivery is likely to be in 2018, says the Navy.

The Cochin shipyard’s previous warship project weighed 7000 tonnes, so the Vikrant represents a quantum leap forward in naval design and construction which includes special steel alloys.

The vessel involves public-private sector collaboration. Some 200 private sector companies are contributing their special products..

The expertise of mariners from India’s sole operational aircraft carrier the 45,000 tonne INS Vikramaditya built in Russia has proved invaluable. The Russian planes in both vessels are an aid to inter-operability between the respective carriers Sailors’ living quarters are work in progress on the sixth deck. An impressive state-of-the –art sanitation system, with modern showers, and

vacuum toilets are coming up. Twenty-five of these facilities, of the planned 92, are already in place.

On the fifth deck is the vessel’s 240 metre alleyway – the largest on board – which connects the forward compartments to the aft. The construction of INS Vikrant has been a learning curve, from design, administration, teething problems, integration of weapon systems, construction technologies and much else. There is more to come when the taxing aviation trials begin. This is the most challenging aspect of the whole chain.

Rather late in day – better late than never Indian policymakers have awoken to the reality that the country’s peninsula coastline includes seas on three sides.

Indian economic and strategic imperatives are best served by effective naval power.

A cursory look at a map illustrate s this truth. The choke point of the Strait of Hormuz in the west includes the energy rich Gulf states, while in the east, it is the Strait of Malacca linking the India Ocean via the South China Sea to the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean and Japan, China and South East Asia. There is enough to mull over for students of history and geopolitics.

Men and women are often the playthings of the gods; some rise to fame and fortune, others disappear into the shadows, half forgotten at best, totally forgotten at worst.

In the latter category belongs the British aviator Nevill Vincent. Vincent was a pilot who saw service in the First World War. In the 1920s, he moved to South East Asia, and thence to India, where he spotted a unique opportunity to meld his passion for flying with the colder demands of commerce. Fledging air companies were beginning to spread their wings: Britain’s Imperial Airways and Holland’s KLM and Air France had started mail and passengers services to Karachi, Bombay and the Dutch East Indies, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaya and Australia.

Vincent’s conceived the idea to start a similar service but confine it to destinations across India. Sir Dorabji Tata, then Chairman of the Tata Group was sceptical but his 24 year-old nephew J.R.D. Tata, an aviation buff, persuaded his uncle to support the venture. Which was how the Tata Air Mail took off with an investment of Rs 200,000, barely the price of a down market second hand

car today! The Tata airline started off with two single engine Tiger Moth aircraft with a speed of 50 miles per hour, and a solitary passenger atop the mail bags. JRD Tata piloted the maiden flight from Karachi to Bombay in 1932, with Vincent taking over for the next lap to Madras.

In due course the airline spread its wings to different corners of the country. Vincent was the airline’s chief pilot. The other employees consisted of one part-time engineer and two apprentice mechanics. Its motto, as related by JRD Tata read: ‘Mail may be lost but never delayed; passengers may be delayed but never lost.’

World War II was an opportunity for further expansion but Vincent was shot down over the English Channel, his tragic death a great blow to JRD. Vincent’s photograph adorned his desk with that of his father. It was Vincent’s vision, energy and experience that gave birth to this pioneer enterprise. According to JRD, Vincent was ‘the founder of Indian air transport.’ It would comfort Vincent’s shade to know that he hadn’t been forgotten by his close friend and partner. They were two of a type: Simply remarkable.

Forgotten man of Tata’s Air India

Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

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Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.

-Henry Ford

Alpesh Patel

Religion and The Politics of The Next Generation of Hindus This past week the City Hindu Network had their fantastic annual ball – sadly I was away.

Next week it will be Remembrance Sunday. The vast majority of the readers of this paper will be Hindus. But what I am about to write is relevant to us all, just as the teachings of the Holy Book the Guru Granth Sahib were very much relevant to me as when this week I was privileged to be an Honourary Sikh for an evening at the British Sikh Association Annual Dinner several years ago.

Dear City Hindu Network, Hindus are warriors. They are fighters. Whether it is in the Mahabharat, the Gita, or Ram, Krishna or Arjun – our stories and legends are of war. Pray and wish that your lives may be filled with troubles, as a soldier wishes in battle to prove his mettle. It is in such conflict you will keep the Lord close to your hearts. It is with troubles around you, you will always remember the Lord.

But ours is not a faith that is about war against other peoples. It is about fighting for ideas. For justice. For doing right.

Following Dharma.

But it is also about standing firm against all foes and injustices.

To show strength in the face of struggle. That is duty.

Editor: CB Patel

And to fulfil these duties you will follow as the children of Ram and Sita.

There will come in your lives three great battles. Three great wars.

So as you have left being a student, now in a great city, so dedicate to a great cause.

This is your first war.

A great war to right wrongs. They are all around you. Look for those conflicts. For this be political – in the best traditions of politics. Not petty, but to right great wrongs. Fight them with righteousness at your side and arise Arjun.

The second war you will fight: know you will time and again find foe dressed as friend as did Arjun.

You will be fighting to do right, to do duty. It may not be a great cause, but it will be your everyday life.

Fight these persons.

Fight those who will put you down, try to destroy you, make life difficult for you. Fight and arise Arjun.

The third war you will fight all your lives is against yourself. For where there is fear and worry, there can be no faith in God. God resides within, just as Krishna and Arjun were the same person – you. Overcome fear, and find the God within. With discipline and mind controlled – do you see Him now? Then show courage above and beyond the call of Hindu duty. Arise Arjun then.

Asian Voice is published by

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Footballers 'inspired' by brave Moin Younis named Teenage Child of Courage at Pride of Britain awards

n Moin Younis is the only youngster globally to suffer from a rare, agonising and life-limiting skin condition Jermain Defoe says he is “inspired” by a brave Birmingham boy who was named Teenage Child of Courage at the Pride of Britain awards on Monday night.

Moin Younis is the only youngster in the world to suffer from a rare, agonising and life-limiting skin condition.

The 17-year-old, an Aston Villa fan, was given his award

by England stars Jermain Defoe, Jamie Vardy and manager Gareth Southgate.

Jermain Defoe, whose friendship with brave cancer

Moin Younis pictured with David Beckham

sufferer Bradley Lowery captured hearts around the world, paid tribute to Moin and gave the teenager an England shirt and ball signed by players.

He said: “You are an inspiration and I am touched by your story. He is just so happy and a real inspiration.”

England manager Gareth Southgate said: “In football we talk about having courage but we have blown that out of the water. He speaks with such positivity and that is something I will be taking back to the England team.”

Moin was earlier told about his award

by David Beckham.

The former England captain said: “You are an amazing person, everything you have had to go through and are going

Moin Younis (front) pictured with parents and footballers, Jamie Vardy, Gareth Southgate and Jermain Defoe

through. You care about other people and are now an ambassador which is incredible.”

Moin told the audience: “I hope people are impressed by my story. People see my face and hands and that’s all they get to see and that looks fine.

What they don’t see is that.

That picture. I dream of get-

ting up in the morning and going for a walk and every single day I have got to get in the bath. It stings so much.

Every morning I am terrified.

Every night I sleep and I don’t want to get up because it’s really that hard.

Moin says he is grateful for the praise from footballers.

Abdi was the sixth man to be arrested and charged in connection with a series of assaults in the town on the night of October 20.

He appeared at York Magistrates' Court on Thursday where he was remanded in custody to appear at Crown Court.

Appearing at Leeds

Crown Court on Friday, Abdi entered no plea.

He is due to appear in court again on November 23 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

A preliminary trial date has been set for April at Leeds Crown Court.

Abdi has been remanded in custody.

Leicester man accused of attempted murder appears in court A Leicester man accused of attempted murder in Yorkshire has appeared in court.

Mohamed Abdi, 25, of Tower Street in the city centre was arrested on Tuesday following a series of incidents, including a knife attack, in Harrogate on Friday, October 20.

On Wednesday he was charged with attempted murder and two assaults on the same day.

The charges are attempted murder of a 37-year-old man, assault occasioning actual bodily harm against a 36-year-old man, and wounding with intent against a 53year-old man.

Nottingham mosque pork attack pair sentenced

Two men have admitted religiously aggravated offences after pork was smeared on the door of a mosque. Jamie Mullins, 28, admitted criminal damage to the Al-Quba Masjid mosque while he and Matthew Sarsfield both admitted causing alarm or distress.

Nottingham Magistrates' Court heard they had watched an English boxer and were "feeling patriotic".

Sarsfield was fined £115, and Mullins was given 40 hours of unpaid work and a 10-day rehabilitation requirement.

The court was shown CCTV from the early hours of

18 June, when Mullins, of Palmerston Gardens, Nottingham, approached the building on Valley Road, Nottingham.

He then smeared pork sausage meat on the lock of the prayer room door.

Mullins and Sarsfield, 31, of Sherbrook Road in Daybrook, Nottingham, then draped a St George's flag over a flower display nearby before taking selfies.

The court heard a statement from Dr Mughal, chair of the mosque's committee, who said he felt "very upset and insecure when I come to the centre".

A popular wedding, party and events venue could close unless a settlement is reached over its rent.

Birmingham's Tower Ballroom has been the subject of discussions for more than a year regarding "the non-payment of rent", the city council said.

The council said it had been issued a possession order which outlines the sum the tenant Peter Sangha needs to pay by Tuesday to remain at the site.

Mr Sangha said he offered to buy the Edgbaston venue's freehold for £1.5m.

He said weddings, boxing bouts and dancing competitions were among the events already booked at the venue for next year. "I want to find a settlement, this will affect a

lot of people. The venue is important - it's 100 years of history and if it closes it will be gone forever," he said.

He said the business had been hit by an annual rent increase of £30,000 to £137,000 and shorter trading hours following court action over street parking.

Mr Sangha said he wanted to buy the freehold to make the business viable. "I want to renovate the building because it is 100 years old and I am competing with much newer venues," he said.

Mr Sangha said he had been trying to find a settlement while dealing with the recent deaths of three close family members.

"I've offered them £1.5m to buy the freehold of the building and £250,000 in a

Jamie Mullins (left) and Matthew Sarsfield were told their actions were "far from civilised"

Sarsfield addressed the magistrates himself, saying he would never harass someone intentionally and that he was "deeply sorry".

Chairman of the bench

Paul Ensor branded them both "idiots" and told Mullins: "Your behaviour was stupid, reprehensible and not acceptable in a civilised society."

Birmingham's Tower Ballroom may close after rent row

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Gang brings £1.6million of cocaine into Leicester from Yorkshire

Six men have been convicted of drugs offences after high purity cocaine worth up to £1.6million was delivered into the county from Yorkshire.

Police started to uncover the conspiracy last November when Jonathon Lightbrown was stopped with 2kg of cocaine in his car.

They had previously spotted him meeting fellow conspirator Jason Gooch in the car park of a fast food restaurant at Meridian Leisure Park.

Police say money was exchanged for drugs at the meeting.

Another man, Rishi Karir, had been seen delivering the same bag exchanged at the car park to Lightbrown earlier that morning, containing £25,000.

When police searched the homes of the six conspirators they found drugs, drugs paraphernalia and items related to the preparation of drugs.

Man asks schoolgirl to get into his car in West Bridgford

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a man asked a schoolgirl to get into his car.

Officers believe the incident happened between 3.15pm and 3.35pm on Thursday (October 19) in Mellbreak Close, in West Bridgford.

The force says the man asked the young girl to get into his grey or silver Mercedes whilst she was walking home from school.

Now to help with on-going enquires, police have released a description of a man they would like to speak to.

He is described as in his late 40s to 50s, and had an Asian accent.

He was wearing a white shirt with a blue tie, and a dark-coloured coat.

No registration plate number from the car was taken.

Tired driver jailed for crash which killed partner on way home from father's funeral

A tired driver has been jailed for a crash which killed his partner while they were on their way home from his father's funeral.

Andrew Farndale had delivered the eulogy at his father's funeral before travelling home to Leicester with his partner Yashmita Thakerar, 63.

Mrs Thakerar who was a mother-of-two, and a grandmother, was in the passenger seat during the crash.

The lorry driver took evasive action but Mrs Thakerar suffered severe injuries and died in hospital.

The couple had been driving back from Harrogate where Farndale had delivered the eulogy at his dad's funeral.

They stayed in a hotel the night before and Farndale had felt unsettled. Shortly before the crash, the pair stopped briefly in a layby.

The court heard that the couple were keen cyclists who encouraged other Leicester people to join the sport. Mrs Thakerar had worked for British Gas for 35 years with never a day off through illness.

Man claims in court that gender crisis made him download vile images of children

full and final settlement of the rent and they haven't responded. I can't see how I can be any more fair."

Mr Sangha, who has run the ballroom for eight years, added: "The council is financially strapped themselves and I have offered £1.75m and they haven't even responded."

The council said it had been trying to come up with a formal payment plan with Mr Sangha and "avoid the necessity for legal action" and granted him extensions before legal proceedings started.

A final court date is scheduled for midNovember.

A man who stockpiled abuse images and videos of children as young as two has had his sentence cut after judges heard he was going through a "gender identity crisis" at the time.

London's Criminal Appeal Court was told it was Sarbjeet Jagdev's confusion over his sexuality the led him to view and store 1,400 sexual images of very young girls.

Because of his "strict upbringing", the 23year-old, of Ambassador Road, Goodwood, Leicester, had been "unable to confront" his belief that he was transgender.

Jagdev was jailed for three years at Leicester Crown Court in May after he admitted seven counts of possessing indecent images of children.

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Asian Voice |

4th November 2017

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Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

Priti Patel MP honoured at Golden Peacock Awards for strengthening UK-India relations The Secretary of State for I n t e r n a t i o n a l Development, Rt Hon Priti Patel MP, was recognised at this year’s Golden Peacock Awards for her efforts in strengthening UK-India relations. The Golden Peacock Awards were established in 1991 by the Institute of Directors. The prestigious award bagged by Ms. Priti Patel honours individuals who have made outstanding contributions to strengthen the relationship between the two countries in public, business, cultural and social spheres.

UK’s partnership with India has been longstanding and strong.

Currently, Indian investment in the UK is more than in the rest of the EU combined. More than 800 Indian companies operate in the UK, bringing in £47.5Billion in revenues and providing employment for 110,000 jobs. To promote young workforce through skills training and start-ups, the UK is working together with India, including extensive research collaborations between the scientists of the two countries intro new technologies such as low cost and low carbon energy.

Additionally, experts from the UK are working with India to plan new Smart Cities.

Ms Patel was appointed as the first ever UKIndia diaspora champion in 2013, ensuring that both countries optimise

Over 600 people aged 8 to 85 walked 10 kms on last Sunday to raise funds for Birmingham’s Laxmi Narayan Mandir and Shree Hindu Community Centre’s ‘Shikhar Project’.

Founded in 1981, the SHCC is the largest South Birmingham Hindu Temple and a hub for religious, cultural, educational and leisure activities for youth and elderly alike.

The Mandir and the community halls have been undergoing a process of renovation for various parts over the years. The Shikhar project seeks to transform the existing dilapidated Victorian church outer façade by putting a Dharmic symbol, a traditional Hindu Mandir. The Walkathon

Spriha Srivastava

A robot has taken over my kitchen

their opportunities and strengthen their relations.

On receiving the award, she expressed her gratitude and spoke of the current and future challenges that we all must be prepared to tackle and make appropriate efforts for.

She added, “I am honoured to receive the award. I have had the privilege throughout my career, in my role as an MP, as a Cabinet Minister and as International Development Secretary, to champion the UK Indian diaspora, and to champion the relationship between our two great nations.”

She further added, “In today’s world filled with uncertainties that we face, the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy unquestionably stand shoulder to shoulder.

Hundreds of thousands of relationships and interactions between individuals,

families, communities, cities, institutions and enterprises, continue to generate so much that is good for both countries, and the wider world.” On nominating Priti Patel for the award, Justice M. N. Venkatachaliah, former Chief Justice of India said, “Priti’s exemplary leadership has immensely benefited the growth and development of the relations between our two great nations. Her pathbreaking and visionary contributions, as a responsible leader, to national and international politics, strengthening UK-India relations, and for supporting the Indian diaspora in the UK, have set an example for other inspiring leaders to follow.”

Ms Patel said that she believes we have a unique opportunity for the UK and India to forge a deeper and stronger partnership.

with a target to raise £40,000 is just one fundraising drive towards an estimated cost of £300,000.

A small group of volunteers set off on the walk at the break of dawn, returning in time to organise the day’s logistics, marshals and refreshments for walkers.

Taking the fresh air as Birmingham awoke from the extra hour’s sleep, our reporter, Jay Jina, spoke to the Walkathon co-ordinator Ramesh Chauhan about the project. Semiretired Ramesh paid tribute to the team of over 100 volunteers taking responsibility for publicity, registration, administration of the sponsorship funds, coordination with public authorities, coaching safety marshals, manning watering points and catering for the post-walk

lunch.

The event was graced and flagged off by past Presidents of SHCC, Rasikbhai Thakrar, Prafulbhai Amin and Mahendrabhai Dabhi and Presidents of other organisations including Shri Dhirajbhai Shah of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Tarangbhai Shelat of Hindu Council of Birmingham, Vasantbhai Parikh of BAPS,

Walkathon in Birmingham to raise funds for Laxmi Narayan Mandir and SHCC Project

Jay Jina

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About three weeks ago, we received two bundles of joy. One that has been keeping us awake at nights with innumerable diaper changing and feeding sessions, while the other has made our lives easier by taking over our kitchen.

By now you must have guessed that the former is our twenty-day old son, while the latter is the much discussed Rotimatic machine that makes one roti per minute. Using artificial intelligence, this fully integrated machine, measures, kneads, mixes, flattens, cooks and puffs not just rotis but other breads like parathas, puris and more.

The Rotimatic arrived on a very interesting day.

I had just gone into labour and while I was busy squeezing the stress ball with every contraction, my husband kept reminding me that we have a baby and a Rotimatic to look forward to when we come home – a thought that makes me laugh in retrospect.

Now let’s get down to business. Ever since we got the machine, I have been inundated with review requests. So, here’s my take on it. The $999 worth robot takes over your roti making duties in the kitchen. An extremely smart machine, it uses its inbuilt artificial intelligence to make Indian style flatbreads. The machine can connect to WiFi and using the Rotimatic app on iOS, it connects to the internet

and upgrades itself with the latest software update.

To be honest, the first batch of rotis disappointed me a little bit but after about 8-10 chapatis, the in-built robot got active and the rotis started coming out much better. However, a note

has received from its customers. A number of Rotimatic owners have taken to Twitter to complain about the noise.

The company, when contacted, mentioned that they are aware of this feedback and are working on the next software upgrade that will take

of caution – there are only a few kinds of flour that the machine recognises.

Aashirwad, Pillsbury and Sujatha G are the main brands of flour that the machine recognises and hence the chapatis come out much better if you use any of these. For me, Aashirwad worked wonders.

The machine takes about five minutes to start after which it takes approximately one minute per roti. This gives you time to set the table, get the wine out and put some music while the machine does its job.

The only downside with the machine is that it is rather noisy when it makes rotis. This seems to be the general feedback that the company

care of the excessive noise.

The machine is ideal for a small home and does what it promises.

Staying far away from home, I have always missed the luxury of having hot rotis. For us, it has always been frozen chapatis that keep up with our busy schedules and while Rotimatic can never offer you the same rotis that your mom makes, it at least offers you the opportunity to have ready-made hot rotis while sitting with your family and enjoying a relaxed meal. It’s taken me a while to get the perfect rotis but now that this robot has taken over my kitchen, I can sit back and spend some more time with my little bundle of joy.

Let us know what you think.

Email Spriha at aveditorial@abplgroup.com

Hiteshbhai Kukadia of Shri Ram Mandir, Piyushbhai Mistry of Shree Prajapati Association, in a ceremony performed by the Mandir Shastri ji Shri Bhaishankar Joshi.

Puja Chandegra, a young volunteer was quoted as saying, “This fundraiser is not just about

the physical façade and beauty of a building; it is the sense of ownership and commitment to a community goal that volunteers have developed, and the Dharmic values that the project has fostered”.

There was a spirit of excitement among the vol-

unteers to be feeding a large group as “Sewa and Dharma” for an event at a Centre that has, over the past 35 years, built and led excellent community relations with local residents while keeping alive the culture of Hindus in South Birmingham.

President of SHCC, Mukesh Ladwa extolled the Walkathon management, participants and the volunteers for their support and enthusiasm to make the event a success and advised that by the flag-off time, the target figure of £40,000 had been reached.

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Senior appointment for Birketts’ Commercial Property Team Manish Patel has joined Birketts LLP as a Senior Associate in its highly regarded Commercial Property Team. Birketts LLP, with a track record spanning over 150 years, is a full service, top 100 UK law firm, operating in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, Norwich and the surrounding areas.

The move will see Manish working alongside more than a hundred property specialists in one of the largest property practices outside London.

Manish has over 10 years’ experience in both residential and commercial conveyancing with a particular interest in the purchase of care homes, new build developments, high net worth clients, and lease options. Manish will support colleagues across Birketts’ four offices.

Commenting on his appointment, Manish said: “I am delighted to be joining a brand name with an excellent reputation and in particular a team that is held in such high-esteem.

The strength in depth across the practice area is

Manish Patel

incredibly robust and the team are particularly experienced in dealing with development and investment, planning, secured lending, landlord and tenant, agricultural and residential property matters.”

Kath Herbert, Partner and Head of Birketts’ Commercial Property Team in Cambridge commented: “Manish is a great addition to the team and brings a wealth of expertise to our well-established team at Birketts. His knowledge and understanding of the property industry complements the team’s key offering superbly.”

Nadiya Hussain’s festive cookbook to bring families together for baking adventures This Sunday morning, 5th November will witness a celebration of the new and festive version of the best-selling Nadiya’s Bake Me A Story, that got published last month, containing more scrumptious stories and delicious bakes.

The event will bring families together for some baking adventures at The Bright Emporium, London. Go on an adventure to the Snow Queen’s palace, then make her treacle icecream, make and decorate cheesy-feet biscuits, then read the story about where all the odd socks go at

Christmas time, meet some very confused elves in The Elves and the Chouxmaker, then bake your own lemon choux buns, read Nadiya’s version of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, and then cook a scrumptious nut roast.

Combining playful photography of Nadiya and her children with vibrant illustrations by Clair Rossiter, this is a unique combination of storybook and cookbook. Each "Family Ticket" includes a signed copy of the Bake Off star Nadiya's Bake me a Christmas Story.

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Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

UK announces India-UK Future Tech Month, calls on UK SMES to export to India The Department for International Trade (DIT) India is all set to curate a monthlong series of technologyfocused business activities in India and the UK. The India-UK ‘Future TECH’ Month DIT India is taking over 60 Indian companies in 10 sectors on a tour of business hubs within the UK to inspire new partnerships, strengthen tech collaboration and landing business deals. The cities include Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Leicester, Coventry and London. The centrepiece of the activity will be an India Zone at Innovate 2017 in Birmingham on 89th November.

Showcasing the most advanced UK technologies and innovation, the ‘Future Tech’ Month is aimed to appeal to the Indian technologists and enthusiasts, such as buyers, investors, and central and state-level Government officials, spanning data analytics,

Internet of Things, ICT services, advanced manufacturing, electric vehicles, automotive, healthcare, life sciences, food and drink and creative industries.

British High Commissioner to India, Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG said, “We are already partners in core PM Modi priorities around ‘Make in India’, ‘Digital India’, ‘Invest India’, and we acknowledge the demand for British technology and innovation to meet India’s ambitions as the world’s fastest growing G7 economy.” At Innovate UK 2017,

the DIT brings together partners from the Indian Government, Invest India, the Indian High Commission in the UK, and the Indian Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, along with Indian State Governments of Karnataka and Kerala.

The programme is focussed on ‘India’s Innovation and Technology Needs – The UK’s offer’. A series of sessions will showcase market opportunities in India and launch the Birmingham element of Invest India’s ‘Access

India’ programme. The event will host thoughtleadership sessions on India’s ‘trillion dollar’ digital opportunity and a panel discussion on data analytics, internet of things and big data.

Amitabh Kant, CEO Niti Ayog, who was in the UK in last month, said, “India’s technology sector is set to triple in the next ten years. Our Prime Minister has listed “Digital India” among his top priorities. We have one of the largest digital skilled work forces globally, and are keen to partner with the UK on domestic digital skill development and technology exchange.”

Indian buyers and investors will also visit the creative hub at MediaCity in Manchester as part of Future TECH Month, and the DIT will facilitate oneto-one meetings with high-growth, innovative, UK exporters to match them with Indian buyers.

PROPERTY INVESTORS MEET TAX – A Perfect Storm or A Navigable Headwind DO NOT MISS THIS EVENT!!

Thursday 16th November, 2017 at 6pm - 9pm Harrow College, Lowlands Rd, London, Harrow HA1 3AQ

Property industry has been hit with radical, negative tax changes and reforms in the last few years. Stamp duty has become onerous and costly. Mortgage set off relief is being phased out. Taxes are designed to make it more costly to hold UK property offshore.

Changes in company ownership transparency is impacting business decisions.

Panel of Experts Simon Farrell QC, Three Raymond Buildings: Tax strategies to legally minimise leakage.

Ellis Sareen, Barrister, Foundry Chambers: How to avoid attractive but risky tax planning schemes.

Drew Hazel, Tax Specialist & Partner, Taylor Bradshaw: Outlook for taxation policies and property going forward.

David Galman, Sales Director, Galliard Homes: Overview of property investment and why it is still a solid, long-term investment.

Etiksha Patel, Private Banking Director, Metro Bank: Private banking services for property investors.

Dave Butler, Commercial Banking Director, Metro Bank: Commercial property investment lending.

Suresh Vagjiani, Event Moderator, Founder of property specialists Sow & Reap.

Drinks & canapés will be served

RSVP: sales@abplgroup.com Seats are limited so book early to avoid disappointment Important: Attendance strictly by invitation only.

An initiative by

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Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

Breast Cancer Care’s fashion show celebrates diversity

Diversity was celebrated at Breast Cancer Care’s recent fashion show, which took place on Thursday 28 September at the glamourous Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.

The afternoon and evening shows celebrated the 31 women and men who took to the catwalk, showing that you can still look and feel fabulous after a breast cancer diagnosis. The models were from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.

The Breast Cancer Care Show London in association with Comfort included celebrity guests including Denise Van Outen, Lisa Snowdon, Geri Horner (nee Halliwell), Cherie Blair, Vanessa Feltz, Chloe Lewis and Shirley Ballas. It raised vital funds for the charity.

Breast Cancer Care is the only specialist UK wide charity providing support for women, men, family and friends affected by breast cancer. The charity has been caring for them, supporting them and campaigning on their behalf since 1973. Today, the charity continues to offer a unique range of support including reliable information, one-to-one support over the phone and online from nurses and people who’ve been there.

Two of the models who were at the fashion show

Ambreen Nawaz-Deighton

Balwinder Nanray

were Ambreen NawazDeighton, from Acton, 43, and Balwinder Nanray, from Gants Hill, 54.

Ambreen was shocked when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at 42 in February 2016. Just six months into married life, instead of getting pregnant as she was planning, she got cancer instead. She says her husband was a great support through treatment, “I’m glad we had our wedding day when we did, before things went pear shaped!” She jokes.

Ambreen took the difficult decision to delay the start of chemotherapy to go through IVF, as it was her only chance of having children. She will be able to try IVF in September 2018, after being on the drug Tamoxifen for two years.

After the chemotherapy, Ambreen had a mastectomy with breast reconstruction.

Ambreen has attended Breast Cancer Care’s Moving Forward and

Younger Women Together courses and has also used the Someone Like Me service and the charity’s website forum and Vita magazine.

Balwinder was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 52 in August 2015 after a routine medical check-up. She says, “It was the start of the biggest storm that had entered my life.”

She had eight rounds of chemotherapy, 15 radiotherapy sessions and is now on Tamoxifen for 10 years, which has brought on the menopause.

Balwinder used five techniques based on her Sikhism beliefs to build her resilience and sustain her spirits and hopes through her battle with cancer. She calls her husband and son ‘her rocks’ who supported her throughout.

For more information visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk

Indian born engineer crowned Mrs India International 2017 Nilanjana Sinha, who is resident of London and originally from India, is crowned as Mrs India International 2017 and Beauty with purpose in the Mrs India Earth pageant held in Delhi on October 6. Nilanjana strikes a perfect balance as successful software engineer at world famous Department Store Harrods, London with her innate talent to walk the ramp.

Mrs India Earth is one of the most respected and popular platform and event celebrating the success of women of Indian origin attracting applicants from across the globe with a final shortlist of a total 48 finalists who were amongst the many thousand applicants.

The idea behind this pageant is to encourage women to focus on wholistic growth as well as work with the lesser privileged sections of our society with a purpose to serve humanity. Mrs India Earth organisation works in collaboration with HCWA to make this earth making the place we live in as a better place to for

all and every year look for an ambassador who has graciousness, empathy and motivation to give back to the society.

Nilanjana always wanted to do something different for the society and warmth of near & dear ones. All along Nilanjana has been supported and encouraged by her husband Pradyumna without his active support and positive encouragement all things would have been a distant dream for a young working mother of a 19 months old child.

Nilanjana has raised a total of $4174 in a span of less than a month having

90 supporters for her cause that is under privileged children in India which was above and beyond any targets. In future also she wants to work for betterment of underprivileged children and encourage and empower women in rural areas in India.

Under the beauty pageant, therewere eight rounds in the initial stage. Participants from all over India, Dubai, USA, UK and other countries had participated. During the eight rounds, each participant had to undergo general knowledge and fitness rounds in addition to the Feather Apparel Round, Catwalk, Fashion, Traditional and evening wear Rounds.

She says, participating in pageant has helped her to groom in a holistic approach and has reenergised herself and all her family and friends to be more positive about themselves. She is actively pursuing a journey to be better than herself from her yesterday, pageant has helped her a lot and winning the crown is the additional advantage.

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The New India Assurance (NIA), Annual Event

(L-R) Mr.K V Raman Dy. Chief Executive, NIA; Mr. Manish Singh, Minister Economic, Indian High Commission, London; Mr. Girish Radhakrishnan, Chief Executive NIA UK; Dr Anand Kumar, Deputy CEO, Union Bank of India; Mr. Paren Patel, Claims Manager, NIA UK

The New India Assurance annual cocktail and reception was held at the Washington Mayfair Hotel, London on 26th October. The gala event was very well attended and guests included directors, senior managers and leading brokers from the financial sector.

New India Assurance Co Ltd, founded by Sir Dorabji Tata in 1919, is a 100% government owned multinational general insurance company headquartered in Mumbai, India. Its global business crossed Rs. 22270 crores in March 2017. In 1920, within one

year of the incorporation of the company, New India opened an office in London in the United Kingdom. Today it operates in 28 countries through direct branches, agency operations, subsidiary companies, representative offices and associates.

Reading man who sexually assaulted woman on boat jailed A Reading man who sexually assaulted a woman on a boat has been jailed.

Harunrashid Patel, 39, of London Road, was jailed for 18 months on Thursday, October 26 after the incident in Caversham.

On April 18 this year, Patel was out with his two children when he went on to the narrowboat. He was confronted by the woman, who he then touched inappropriately over her clothes before leaving.

He was arrested the following day and charged with a count of sexual assault. He denied the charge but was found

guilty by a jury at Reading Crown Court earlier this month.

Designated case investigator, Lorna Underwood of the investigation hub based at Reading police station, said:“This was a particularly distressing incident for the victim as she was sexually assaulted in her own home.

“Thankfully this was an isolated incident and Patel was quickly identified as a suspect and arrested the following day.

“I am satisfied that the jury found Patel unanimously guilty of the offence and that the court

has passed a substantial custodial sentence for this terrifying offence.”

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.

Immigration raids across Reading find firms exploiting illegal workers Illegal workers have been apprehended at 16 Reading businesses in the last six months.

Immigration enforcement officers have carried out inspections at 32 restaurants and shops over the last six months and found 22 illegal workers, working in 16 different establishments.

During inspections they found illegal workers who were living in poor conditions and being paid far below the minimum wage. While the employers were failing to carry out right to work checks and making cash in hand payments.

The council is looking to review the licences of Bestfood Supermarket, in Oxford Road, Premier Store, in Whitley Street, and Supersave, in Northumberland Avenue, Whitley, after they were all

caught employing illegal workers. Himalaya Momo House, in Farnham Drive, Caversham lost its licence this week and received a £20,000 fine after it was caught employing two illegal workers.

The men, who are from Nepal and Bhutan, were working long shifts, six days a week, for around £200 a week.

China Palace, in Oxford Road, was also caught employing four illegal workers, who were all being paid less than the minimum wage, during a raid in July 2017. The popular restaurant was fined £28,000 and it could lose its licence in the coming weeks. The names of the

other 11 offending businesses are expected to be released in the coming months.

Sirop Chapel, who was the licence holder of Himalaya Momo House, did not show up to the hearing to defend his business. He told a member of the council he was “working in Beaconsfield”.

Mr Chapel, the premises licence holder, had left 10 days earlier and the restaurant had been operating without a designated premises supervisor for over two years, so all alcohol sales made since their departure had been illegal.

The owners were also unable to produce two parts of their premises licence on request, which they are legally required to do, recall any of the licensing objectives or produce any record of adequate staff training.

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Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

GP Laboratories Leads the way in Pharma and Freight Ashok Kumar and his team at GP Laboratories Ltd are a global force behind innovative and sustainable healthcare supply solutions that make pharmaceutical and freight transportation safer. Driven by the desire to add value for customers while making a positive contribution to society, GP Laboratories leads a march towards reliability and efficiency whilst maintaining Good Distribution Practice.

GP Laboratories Ltd describes itself as a results driven company that actions on its success, trust and loyalty towards its partners. “We are always ensuring that we comply with our customers’ wishes with responsibility and dependability, always with a personal approach leading to care and unity in our mutual collaboration as partners,� says Ashok Kumar.

its affiliate offices are licensed by all the local regulatory authorities in the territories’ we operate in, as well as internationally recognised regulatory authorities e.g. MHRA, Pharmaceutical Services, SAM and FDA. 6. GP Laboratories is an independent company and will continue to sustain partnerships with EU companies and institutions.

How has GP Laboratories contributed to the healthcare sector in the UK or globally?

Ashok Kumar says,

Ashok Kumar

How GP Laboratories was set up

What is Vegan Fox?

The idea behind GP Laboratories which was set up in conjunction with two business partners in 2006, was to supply medication to a group of patients who wanted control of their treatment plans.

Regulatory issues stopped this happening. “The industry is highly regulated and the challenges of setting up a business in the pharma sector is not only a challenge from a compliance point, but also the barriers of entry are very high,� says Ashok Kumar.

He, along with Arvindray Patel and the late Surykant Patel had a wealth of experience, going back 60 years, between them. The leadership of the project was passed to Ashok, who has experience in regulatory, international and domestic markets. The business took off and now spans over 30 countries, providing medication and healthcare goods.

Ashok Kumar says that they developed Vegan Fox, “an innovative cosmetic for the socially, environmentally and health conscious consumer who makes lifestyle choices out of preference to their ideals. This fits with the Asian Achievers Awards, where you inspire innovation and individuality.

Vegan Fox has been designed by passionate people to convert the seemingly unconvertable, this is our aim... hence we chose Vegan Fox as our name! We want to show people that you can look and feel fabulous without either the exploitation of/or cruelty to animals.

The ingredients are natural, the packaging recyclable and Vegan Fox is passionate about product quality. How often have you heard vegans say how hard it is to find cosmetics that are truly vegan?â€?Â

Why is GP Laboratories special?

The firm says; 1. GP Laboratories is a multilingual company. So it can work and promote in local languages, understand local customs, cultures and laws, especially those relating to regulatory requirements for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

2. It has comprehensive knowledge and an understanding of all the local markets it operates in.

3. GP Laboratories is an EU company with a vision to promote EU companies and EU institutions to markets in Asia, Far East, Middle East, Eastern Europe, Europe, parts of Africa, Caribbean, Central and South America.

4. GP Laboratories’ senior executives have over 60 years of experience within the Medical, Diagnostic, Laboratory, Healthcare, Sales and Marketing fields.

5. GP Laboratories and

Brexit no longer the foremost in UK Goans’ minds

Fear of uncertainty in the minds of India-born Portuguese citizens over Brexit have not dampened the migration statistics, witnessing a four-fold increase in their migration to Britain since 2012.

It is mostly the youngsters who are leaving the former Portuguese colony of Goa to come to Britain in search of a better future and opportunities. Most of them prefer to settle in London, Swindon and Leicester.

Being Portuguese citizens, they are counted in the 1.5 million EU citizens

in Britain. Post Brexit, their fate is linked to that of 3 million British Citizens in EU countries.

John Menezes, a structural engineer from Panaji who acquired Portuguese citizenship and migrated to the UK last year was quoted as saying, “Brexit is not really a worry because Goans as you know have migrated to various countries over the centuries, to Africa, Europe and elsewhere. We will see how Brexit plays out, but don’t think it will affect us adversely.� According to Rabi Martins, councillor in

Watford and a senior local leader of the Liberal Democrats, the more pressing concern is the overall economy and the pound’s fluctuations affecting decisions such as buying property.

Despite these optimistic perspectives, Panajiorigin civil servant Jaime Barreto raised a valid concern, “Many Goans with Portuguese citizenship have started applying for British passports just to be on the safe side�, showing that the people still fear the Brexit outcome to secure their future in Britain.

1. “As we create our logistical solutions, we draw on a command of the complex interplay between electronic and mechanical components that creates a new approach to safety and quality.

2. We stand for reliability and sustainability in our forward-looking strategy and our activities – and we spare no effort to keep our promises!

3. The innovative customer support we create is based on an in-depth understanding of market needs and customer

We believe in a healthier future. We believe in trust.

We believe that by doing our job we are helping you to do yours. requirements, applying a blend of local knowledge, responsible management and the expertise of a global high-tech player. 4. Our success is founded on motivated, dedicated and highly focused employees, which is why we also invest in their development.�

What’s next for GP Laboratories?

Ashok Kumar says that “every day we aim to get better.

Outstanding products and services depend on embracing a culture of innovation and perfection.

A vital component of this culture is the ability to identify new requirements at an early stage – responding to market and societal developments – and find intelligent solutions to meet these needs, advancing the supply of medicines, quality, safety and offering added value for our customers.

Continuous improvement in all our processes, procedures and across all Group locations is the group’s central thrust.

Striving for excellence is about establishing a shared understanding, an organisational framework and a management structure that make excellence achievable.

GPL aims to secure growth, profitability and financial robustness, consolidating GPL’s ‘best in class’ status.

We believe in a healthier future. We believe in trust. We believe that by doing our job we are helping you to do yours.�

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CARE FREE TO USE TOOL

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Comfortable, well-appointed homes Karuna Manor ¡ Christchurch Avenue ¡ Harrow ¡ HA3 5BD Tel: 020 8861 9600 ¡ www.karunamanorcarehome.co.uk

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READERS’ VOICE

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Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

It takes two to tango

The so called negotiations between the British government and the leaders of the European Union have reached a very confusing stage. On the one hand Prime Minister Theresa May is yet unable to form a really comprehensive and united negotition process and the EU leadership is aware that the UK is on very weak grounds.

There is no use in blaming entirely Prime Minister May. The rot began with the former Prime Minister David Cameron when he called the referendum as an easy means to come out of the mess within the Conservative party which had a large group of Eurosceptic M.P.s.

The campaign itself was based on fall propoganda.

At least four members of the then Cabinet at that time made unfounded accusations against the EU and totally misleading claims on saving £billions as the UK contribution to the EU coffers. Some of them shamlessly said that leaving the EU would save the UK £350 milion per week which could help the NHS or other government departments who are far short of their budgets.

Everyone assumed that the UK was one country alone which saved France, Germany and other EU nations from Facsist dictatorships - that was such a humbug claim.

UK alone did not fight the war. The biggest sacrifice was made by Russia on one hand and USA, Australia, New Zealand, India and other British colonies who lost more men than those who died from Britain.

If the British think that their valour and sacrifice in the Second World War is enough on its own it is a very incorrect and futile assumption. We all know that undivided India - under British rule - was forced to join the war and provided more that 2 million soldiers to fight on the foreign battle fields and the poor people of British India who contributed almost £1 billion from that era to help the British Exchequeror and the war effort.

Brexit negotiations are not controlled by Britain when its own components like Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own agenda and priorities.

The British government and the establishment have to accept, and if I may say so, even at the 11th hour revisit the whole project of leaving the EU. Ashwin Chawla Hounslow

Asian Voice is my voice

As a regular reader of Asian Voice let me put on record my appreciation to you all for providing us with almost a complete community newspaper. Your Diwali special was spectacular. The best part was all those young people and children from various Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities narrating their personal anecdotes about how they celebrate Diwali. Truly fantastic!

These will inspire thousands of your readers to know more about Diwali and such festivities and in a very subtle way encourage and educate the community about the adherence of traditions and culture of our age old faiths.

It’s no wonder that last month the British government released a report that revealed the head start of Indian communities in educational excellence, participation in professions, entreprising attitude in business and commerce, and especially their miniscule presence in criminial activities and prisons. In my opinion our outstanding behaviour pattern is due to our ancesteral values and standards which are at the core of our civilisation.

Naturally we cannot expect the state to provide encouragement and facilities to sustain our unique heritage and talents. We as a community and, in my humble opinion, our successful individuals and businesses have to take initiative to nurture, and help sustain what is worth preserving ie our age old sanskar.

Ramesh Shah Finchley

Back to the Roots

Your Back to the Root column is not only very informtative but useful as well for people like me who are children of those born and brought up in India or East Africa.

A wide range of topics from different backgrounds from various states of India keeps us, the readers, in touch with what happened over there and how India has come out in it’s present shape and form.

Are you planning to publish these beautiful articles to read and utilise as a source of record and research in the future as a book?

Gurpreet Singh Birmingham

Gandhiji

Mr Jubel’s letter about Mahatma Gandhi, teachings and after effects in India is good. Gandhiji was an ideal, and very difficult to understand and emulate.

Though being a staunch Jain, he was ambivalent about Islam and Christianity. Thus his judgements/ opinions were hard to understand by followers of different religions prevalent in India. Therefore one cannot expect countryful of Gandhis, but a lone activist.

Jesus defied Roman Empire, Gandhiji defied British Empire. But, after death of Jesus, followers had to hide and go underground from suppression by Romans; after Gandhi’s struggle, followers were liberated from British suppression.

Evils like corruption, crimes, killings, man-made draughts etc are not unique to pre Gandhi or post Gandhi India. They are global vide saying “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. After assassination of Gandhiji, many scandals have rocked/ are still rocking India and the world. Public is now fed up with money scandals. New and horrendous categories of vices are emerging viz paedophilia, and sex aberration/harassment practices by prominent public role models. If 2017 years old Christianity is not able to curb all sorts of corruption, how can you expect 100 years old Gandhism to curb various vices.

Holiday to commemorate Gandhiji’s birth anniversary is a solid reminder about savior of India, and such a feat is possible by any resolute citizen of India. The holiday is as useful as celebrating Christmas and erecting churches in present sinful world. Holidays to remember Gandhiji and Jesus are meant to make sinners aware that redemption is possible via such luminary models.

Ramesh Jhalla By email

Going Down Memory Lane

Reading Dineshbhai’s letter commenting on popular, widely read CB’s column “Jivan Panth” indeed takes us back to good, old days in Dar, reawakening fleeting nostalgic memories in a very beautiful seaside town on the shores of romantic Indian Ocean. As we, CB, Dinesh and myself originate from Dar where we spent our youth, gathered our most enjoyable memories, it is always a pleasure to go down memory lane, read about those carefree distant days, in the aftermath of WW2 that almost destroyed Europe but hardly touched East Africa.

T. B. Sheth library (TBSL) was indeed an iconic landmark for most of us but especially for me, the most devoted disciple, as it was my regular haunt regularly, where I gathered inspiration to write so many short stories, poems and articles for my column in popular Gujarati weekly Africa Samachar and Nutan Africa, as well as many magazines published from Gujarat. But the oldest Gujarati library was Habib Punja Library. (HPL) I remember it well, as it was next to my house but it had very limited reading material and once TBSL was established, HPL faded into insignificance.

Like Sheth family, ours was also pioneering family.

My father opened “Sunrise Stores” a mini supermarket, way back in 1947, introducing bread, butter, cheese and tined food into Indian family kitchens, giving interlude, Sunday evenings off to our luminary ladies to visit beautiful seaside, wearing their best saris. The atmosphere was indeed akin to “Mini Chopati”.

If bread was not available for some reasons, like electricity failure or machinery breakdown, there would be gusto commotion, myriad disappointment clearly visible on faces of our ladies! Both TBSL and Sunrise stores were unforgettable landmarks for those who lived in Dar in pre-independence carefree days.

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Entertainment is important

Of all the various contents of Asian Voice my first read are the Bollywood and Kollywood pages.

I know may friends and our children who also like to read about the films, fashion, music and varous matters about Bollywood.

Why can’t you give us more pages rather than the two which you currently have?

Savitri Ranganathan Dagenham, Essex

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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Modern Day Slavery in UK

United Kingdom is currently facing multiple crisis of Brexit, Housing, Crime (guns, knives, & drugs) Terrorism, NHS, Environment (pollution), Sexual Harassment and Education, but one important crisis which has been ignored is Modern Slavery which is taking place right under our noses. Although in 1833 Britain had passed a law banning slavery in its colonies but the final emancipation did not happen until 1840. So how come it happening in the 21st century, when there should have been no trace of it.

Modern slavery encompasses slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking.

Traffickers and slave drivers coerce, deceive and force individuals against their will into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment. Any consent victims of modern slavery given to their treatment will be irrelevant where they have been coerced, deceived or provided with payment or benefit to achieve that consent.

Organised crime is involved in this lucrative trade of human trafficking to United Kingdom. Steps have to taken to stop this hidden modern slavery and the supply chain of peopole from Albania, Romania, Vietnam, Lithunia, Vietnam, Nigeria, Poland and even Britain.

Unfortunately, the Police force are having a problem in seriously tackling modern slavery because of shortage of officers due to under funding. The situation is getting worse by the day, the Government has to tackle this issue now, before it goes out of control.

Baldev Sharma Rayners Lane, Harrow

Sardar’s birthday

31st October, 2017 is the 142nd Birth Anniversary of our Shri Sardar Vallabhabhai Patel. How can we forget him who fought and sacrificed his life for India Independence and later undertook the Spartan and Practically Impossible Task of negotiating with more than 550 States of Hindu and Muslim Kings and Shahenshahs to create a Unique Democracy of United India! To do this he must have extremely toiled, boiled and strained his Health and Family Life and succumbed to death on the 15th December 1950 after making India also a Republic! May God Bless his Soul with Eternal Peace! Same year on the 17th September Narendra Modi was born and we Hope that now he as a Prime Minister of India with his Great Vision will accomplish the Post-Independence Dreams of Advanced, Progressive and Prosperous India for All in the World of the 21st Century!

Besides, a Tallest Statue of Unity in Gujarat will be erected in Memory and as a Homage to Sardar Patel for his Undaunted Spirit and Sacrifice before and after India Independence.

Upendra Kapadia By email

Spare Room Patient

Bed-blocking by patients in NHS hospitals who are ready to go home but could not be discharged due to lack of home care is so acute that government has come up with ingenuity novel plan to pay home owners with spare bedrooms up to £50 a day.

There are ten million suitable homes, especially occupied by OAPs with one or two spare bedrooms that could be put to such use. They can take in patients who need post-operative care, especially after hip and knee replacement operations who are not mobile but otherwise fit to be discharged and need clean, safe environment with three microwave meals a day and civil conversation.

This could be linked to popular website Airbnb scheme where public can rent-out rooms to holidaymakers. The scheme could be managed by NHS and overseen by local Health Area Authority. This scheme is the brainchild of “CareRooms” who believes that patients would recover much quicker in such homely environment than in hospitals and less likely to catch antibiotic immune superbugs that is the main danger in hospitals. The firm is ready and willing to provide inhibition landlords with meals and ancillary services to make these homes patients friendly. The total care cost of £100 per patient per day is much cheaper than hospital stay.

Hospitals are eager to clear blocked beds before onset of winter flu epidemic that is expected to be one of the worse in recent times. The first such scheme will be overseen by Southland University Hospital Trust and if successful, it will be tried in all areas where bed-blocking is endemic. As with any scheme, there will be teething trouble that will have to be iron out, as patients’ lives are involved. If successful, it could be a bonus to NHS. Kumudini Valambia By email

UK

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Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

Major overhaul needed in House of Lords A committee set up in December last year by the Speaker of the Lords, Norman Fowler, recommended that in order to maintain the confidence in the chamber, it is crucial for it to be given a maximum size.

With no more than 600 peers, it will be smaller than the House of Commons, although this would not materialise before 2027, finds report.

Further, if the Bishops are excluded, the number may drop to 574.

Ahead of the key reform report, two thirds of Britain believed the Lords should be elected after a recent series of unfortunate scandals have rocked the upper house.

Darren Hughes, Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society, had said, “After years of scandals, voters want real reform of our second chamber – not tinkering around the edges. Slightly reducing the size of the Lords over a decade will do little to

Lord Bhikhu Parekh

Lord Navnit Dholakia

placate the public’s rightful anger. That support for an elected upper house has soared by a third in just two years shows the scale of public discontent.

Britain is tired of couch potato peers taking our democracy for granted.”

Lord Bhikhu Parekh’s comment to Asian Voice read, "The House of Lords is too large and needs to reduce its size to about three hundred peers. It's entirely unelected and that is wrong. Some eminent citizens will not contest elections and should be appointed to the House of Lords.

“About twenty percent should fall within this category. The new

report makes many valuable recommendations on the size and I hope that they will eventually get endorsed by the whole House and also the Commons."

Ahead of the final recommendation by the report, Lord Dholakia, in his quote to Asian Voice newspaper, said, “The Liberal Democrats are at the forefront of the House of Lords reforms. We Support a predominantly elected House with a small proportion of independent appointments.

The reforms have been in discussions over the last seventy years. To date we have been tinkering with minor changes. We need a

fundamental review of the powers of the Executive in Downing Street and the role of MPs and Lords in the legislative structure.

“Let us determine the functions first and determine the appropriate structure to implement this. In the meantime, retirements and fixed term appointments would help but we have to go much further than what is likely to be recommended when the report is published later today.”

House of Lords is right now the second-biggest legislative chamber in the world, behind China.

Former prime minister David Cameron faced most flak for appointing peers at the fastest rate than anyone else in history. 295 new peerages have been created since 2010.

Peers have been able to retire since 2014, however, when the House of Lords Reform Act was passed into law. Only 70 members have however, stood down since then.

Launch of Rahul Gajjar’s ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ exhibition The launch of Rahul Gajjar’s ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ exhibition took place on Monday 30th October at The Nehru Centre by chief guest CB Patel, Publisher/Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar.

Also present were guests of honour Mrs

Mr Rahul Gajjar

woven and printed silk sarees, stoles and scarves.

The exhibition, which is being held at the Nehru Centre, 8 South Audley Street, London, will be on view every day till Friday 3rd November from 10am till 6pm.

L to R: Mrs Dayaben Vadgama, C.B. Patel, Dr Kusumben Vadgama and Vinoo Sachania

Dayaben Vadgama and Mr Lalubhai Parekh.

The exhibition which showcases fine art photographys on archival paper with pigment inks of Two Citites in India - Baroda and Champaner, former capitals of strong kingdoms, dotted with archi-

tectural marvels, replete with fantastical stories, popular with travellers even today!

Inspired by the intricate carvings on the monuments of Champaner, Rahul Gajjar has created a fabulous range of fine art jewellery, traditionally

Windsor murder investigation: Images of possible witnesses released by police

Police have released CCTV images of a group of six potential witnesses as part of a murder investigation in Windsor.

The two women and four men in the images may have crucial information about the assault on Mohammed Rasheed which took place between 1.50am and 2.10am near Goswell Hill on Sunday, September 10. Mr Rasheed subsequently died of his injuries in hospital.

Investigating officers would like to speak to all of those in the group in the photograph as they believe they may have information to help the investigation.

If you have any information relating to this case, please call 101 quoting reference '929 10/9', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.

11

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The workshop is open to all and will take place on Saturday 11th November from 3pm till 6pm and will be held at: Sangat Advice Centre, 28 Sancroft Rd, Harrow HA3 7NS. For more information and to register your interest please contact Mr Vinoo Sachania on 07811 963109

Council bans schools from serving pupils non-stunned halal meat Thousands of Lancashire schoolchildren will no longer be served unstunned halal meat for school meals after it was banned by the county council - a move branded "unnecessary and divisive"

by Muslim leaders.

The resolution agreed by the council states that it "recognises and respects the Muslim community's requirements for their food to comply with their religious beliefs", but that it was "concerned that slaughtering animals without stunning them beforehand causes them unnecessary stress and suffering".

The proposal was brought by the Conservative council leader Geoff Driver, who said it is "abhorrent" and "really cruel" to slaughter animals without stunning them

first. As part of the resolution, animals will have to be stunned before they are slaughtered in order for the meat to be served in 27 schools in the county which cater for 12,000 children. For the time being the ban will not affect chicken meat but the council said further investigation will be carried out into the stunning of poultry before slaughter.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said the vote came as the contract to provide nonstunned halal meat was due for renewal.

However, Abdul Hamid Qureshi, acting CEO of the Lancashire Council of Mosques, told The Independent that the vote was "disappointing" and warned the ban was "unnecessary and will be divisive".

Teenager made frantic telephone plea for help as attacker struck, court told

A teenage girl screamed for help as her boyfriend listened helplessly at the end of the line while she was attacked, a court was told.

Prosecuting, Alan Blake told the jury that the 18-year-old waitress had got off the train at Datchet at about 10.15pm on Wednesday, April 12 and walked along London Road in Datchet on her way to meet her boyfriend in Colnbrook.

Mr Blake told Reading Crown Court on Monday that 34-year-old Kapil Dogra had followed the teenager from the station all the way along London Road.

The jury heard that she gradually became aware of him, as he walked along a parallel access road and ended up in front of her.

Mr Blake said the alleged victim had been talking to her boyfriend through headphones and screamed for him to get

the police.

The jury was told he had been walking from Colnbrook to meet her ‘halfway’ and frantically dialled 999 while running in the direction he knew she was coming from.

Mr Blake said that Dogra pulled her into a wooded area and forced her to perform a sex act, before telling her to wait while he got away.

Mr Blake said the alleged victim had been talking to her boyfriend through headphones and screamed for him to get the police.

The jury was told he had been walking from Colnbrook to meet her ‘halfway’ and frantically dialled 999 while running in the direction he knew she was coming from.

Mr Blake said that Dogra pulled her into a wooded area and forced her to perform a sex act, before telling her to wait while he got away.

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MEDIA WATCH

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India was shamed; as local louts in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, subjected a touring Swiss couple sightseeing at Fatepur Sikri, to a horrific attack with sticks and stones, leaving the young woman with a broken arm, and her male companion with serious head injuries. The pair were rushed to New Delhi and admitted to the Apollo Hospital, where they are being treated. It will take awhile before they recover from their traumatic ordeal. There was shock and dismay among ministers and officials in the department responsible for tourism.

Fatehpur Sikri in Agra

Yogi Adityanath

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj expressed concern, as did the Tourism Minister K.J. Alphons, who immediately wrote to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath about the distressing incident. The Chief Minister assured him that the attackers would not be spared. Five arrests were made.

The youths confessed to the crime during the interrogation.

That said, remedial measures must be put in place urgently. A special police taskforce at Agra’s tourist sites is under consideration. (Times of India (October 27).The Taj Mahal is the stellar attraction in these parts, drawing huge crowds, domestic and foreign, to Agra’s architectural wonder of wonders.

Gorkha leader held by police Absconding Gorkha Janam Mukti (GJM) leader Manoj Shankar was run to ground in Delhi by the West Bengal CID and arrested and brought to Kolkata, where he was brought before a court.

Shankar is believed to be the linchpin in an extensive money laundering racket which funds the party’s agitation in the Darjeeling hill area. The money collected was also put to promoting the Gorkhaland cause in the Dinajpur and Malda plains of the State among their large Muslim communities. A number of NGOs are also believed to be involved in the clandestine hawala exercise. Meanwhile GJM head Bimal Guring remains on the run, a fugitive from justice.

(Times of India October 27).

Arms middleman On the prowl Former Samata Party, Jaya Jaitley revealed that she had been approached by Christian Michel, an arms middleman for a French defence company. Michel approached

Jaitley on the eve of the Kargil war with Pakistan in 1999. He hoped to persuade her partner George Fernandes, then Defence Minister in the BJP-led coalition government of Atal Behari Vajpayee to place orders for arms acquisitions by the Indian military. ‘A pile of money for her party’s coffers was promised if deals came through. Jaitley says she had turned down Michel’s offer.

Conclusion Truth is that Delhi crawls with Western arms dealers out to make a fast buck. Newspapers bulge with glossy supplements of US and European aircraft and weapon systems. A bad smell permeates the air. Grand larceny is afoot. The Westland scam is still fresh in the public’s memory. More than a decade ago, a Committee, headed by Naresh Chandra recommend that India adhere to best practice and appoint a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. India still waits implementation.

The Defence Ministry moves with speed of a snail, even as the country’s Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa complains that his force is 12 squadrons short of full strength.

Kashmir: carrot and stick The appointment of former Intelligence Bureau chief Dineshwar Sharma set the cat among the media pigeons. A sellout was underway, screamed the opposition. The Army chief General Bipin Rawat put the move in its proper perspective.

‘The government’s Kashmir strategy has worked and we are negotiating from a point of strength.’ Apropos of Sharma’s appointment, Rawat said: ‘Let him work. His appointment is not going to affect army operations. The situation in Kashmir has improved with infiltration on the decline. We have killed terrorists on the Line of Control because of which the situation has improved.’

(Business Line October 26).

Maruti powers ahead Maruti Suzuki’s Dzire sales have crossed the 100,000 mark, the fastest of any car in India to

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achieve that feat, despite its high price that exceeds the company’s standard Alto. The surge in demand for the Dzire appears to have been felled by customer perception that it is a compact sedan as opposed to the earlier model (Times of India October 27, Hindu 28).

PSU banks’ recap in Sensex surge Buoyed by the recapitalization of public sector banks, the stock market indices hit a fresh high with the Sensex breaching the 33,000 mark for the first time in its history. Public sector bank scrips were the biggest gainers with Punjab National Bank shares shooting up to 49 per cent, followed by Canara Bank’s 39 per cent jump. Overall it was an astonishing performance triggered by a smart move by the government (Times of India October 26).

FDI $83.5 billion and counting Invest India, the foreign investment arm of the government, crossed a milestone when it received its 100,000th investment related enquiry from a Japanese auto component company.

Foreign direct investments worth $83.5 billion have flowed into India, of which 90 per cent came in during the last year. ‘Most of these investments are for Greenfield projects, which show foreign investors’ confidence in India’s long-term prospects,’ says Deepak Bagla, CEO & MD Invest India, a public-private partnership company. The government’s stimulus package including national highways is a lure for foreign investors.

(Business Line October 28).

Skills development Skills development to make more Indians employable, particularly in manufacturing is the next big thing in India’s projected industrial leap forward.

Countries from Japan, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland are partnering India to their mutual benefit. Under a deal with Japan, 3000,000 young Indians will be sent to the country to improve their skills. on factory floors.

The World Bank is pitching in with Rs 6,500 crore for skills development in India. So is the Asian Development Bank. By 2027, India will have the world’s largest workforce between 15 to 64 years crossing the billion mark.

The problem for a transitional society like India is to instill skills and upgrade skills for the job market in a credible timeline with rising expectations of a better life. (Economic Times Magazine,(October 22-28).

Dassault-Ambani joint venture French company Dassault Aviation is to partner Anil Ambani Reliance Group with a 100 million euro investment in a joint venture. It is the largest commitment by a foreign company in India’s defence

Anil Ambani of Reliance Group with French Defence Minister Florence Parly and Dassault Aviation Chairman Eric Trappier

sector so far. The foundation stone was laid for the construction of the new facility at Nagpur, Maharashtra, by Dassasult Chairman Eric Trappier in the presence of French Defence Minister Florence Parly. Production of Rafale and Falcon aircraft will commence in 2018. Anil Ambani said: ‘The Reliance Dassault partnership will bring high levels of technology transfer… and make India a major supplier into the global supply chain.’

Iran were a crucial national interest, and India would maintain its present links with North Korea in the interests of maintaining a dialogue with Pyonyang. Tillerson said the US had no objection to ’legitimate business with Iran.’

US opposition was to Tehran’s ‘destabilizing activities.’ (Hindu October 26). However, who is to decide what is legitimate and what is not?

IIT team in shin cancer cure

Escalating India Swiss escalator firm Schindler has invested Rs 100 crore in an escalator plant near Pune, and hence is gearing up to manufacture escalators in India to cater to increasing demand from metros, airports, shopping malls and railway stations, making Schindler the first multinational company to manufacture these machines in India. ‘Our plant will be ready by December and we have started a vendor development programme. We will start production in April and the first batch of escalators will roll out in May or June,’ said Uday Kulkarni, President Schindler India and South East Asia (Hindu October 28).

Tillerson in Delhi

Nano particle extracts from an Indian plant combined with a near infrared dye has been found to selectively kill skin cancer cells. The results were published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. Two teams from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad and IIT Bombay working together have achieved promising results using skin cancer liunes (Hindu October 22).

AIIMS separate twins’ heads In landmark operation at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) surgeons separated twins joined at the head since birth.

Their condition, though critical, had stabilized, said AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria, but the next few days would be critical. A team of 20 surgeons and 10 anesthetists began the operation around 6 pm; after three hours and more, they were replaced by neurosurgeons who separated the brains and blood vessels, completing the process at 8.45 am the next day (Times of India October 27).

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj

US Secretary of State Rex Tillererson ended his tour of the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan with a final stop in New Delhi, where held wide-ranging talks with his counterpart Sushma Swaraj, India’s Minister of External Affairs. Addressing a joint press conference, Minister Swaraj said that India’s ties with

Sunderbans tiger count up

Conservationists have expressed satisfaction that the Sunderbans, the mangrove forests along the coastline of West Bengal has registered a rise in the tiger population. The State forest department placed 120 pairs of high-tech cameras across the area have discovered 84 adult tigers (Telegraph October 14).

UK

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We want peace, but we want peace with honour: Maj Gaurav Arya at the UK Parliament Running in its third year, the Jammu and Kashmir Day was celebrated on 26th October in the UK Parliament to mark the 70th year of the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India.

Originally known as Accession Day, this date marks the union of the Kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir with India which was later ratified in the State Assembly. To commemorate the occasion Major Gaurav Arya, a war veteran and former member of the XVII Battalion, The Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army was invited all the way from India to deliver the keynote address. The programme was hosted jointly by Jammu Kashmir Festival team led by Lakshmi Kaul, Curator & Director, Jammu Kashmir Festival and Bob Blackman MP. Ms. Madhu Sethi, Counsellor (Political and I n t e r n a t i o n a l Organisation), also delivered a speech congratulating the J&K Festival team for organising Jammu and Kashmir Day, delineating the importance of this date. Mr. Blackman, to mark the immense contribution of the Indian Armed Forces, presented Maj Arya with the Indian symbol of remembrance, the Marigold Pin Badge as a token of love and respect to the Indian Armed Forces.

Lakshmi Kaul, Curator

He further adds, manufacturers and the EU Commission are commissioning studies to prove or disprove the effect of this compound. There may be a chance for the ruling to be revoked in 2019, if the compounds is found to be safe. However, uncertainty over the revocation prevails.

Leading rice brands in the UK are processing this ruling and taking precautionary measures. In a comment to Asian Voice, Kohinoor said, “Due to the nature of our integrated supply chain Kohinoor (Indo European Foods)

Brutal robbers hurt young mum and terrorise children in their own home

Brutal robbers threatened a young mother with a screwdriver and told her children they would hurt her if they did not get under the table.

The terrifying attack happened in Severn Crescent, Brands Hill near Colnbrook last Monday at 7.15pm.

The woman, who is in her 20s, was putting out rubbish in a bin on her driveway when she was violently pushed from behind into her house.

She was manhandled into the living room where she fell and hit her head on a wall, injuring her foot on a baby gate in the doorway.

Four men entered her

house and one of them told the three children to get under the living room table, telling them their mother would get hurt and threatening her victim with a screwdriver.

The remaining three men searched the victim's bedroom.

They stole Asian gold, wedding jewellery and a quantity of cash.

As they left they locked the family inside the house using the mother's keys.

The three are described as white and were carrying screwdrivers.

The first offender is aged about 20 to 22 years and thin.

He was wearing a black

mask, a white shirt with a collar which had black dots on it and dark coloured trousers.

The second offender is also thin and about the same age.

He was also wearing a black mask.

The third and fourth offenders are approximately 30 and were wearing black masks.

The victim was treated at Slough's Wexham Park Hospital and has since been discharged.

If you have any information relating to this case, please call 101 quoting reference '43170307771', or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police release image of man they want to talk to about crash

Maj Gaurav Arya addressing the audience and Bob Blackman MP seated on the left

& Director, Jammu Kashmir Festival welcomed Maj Arya to the UK, “It is a pleasure and a privilege to have a soldier who not only fought on the line of action on ground zero defending the Indian borders but someone who despite a severe injury has continued to defend the honour of Mother India via his contributions in the media.”

Acknowledging the gross human rights violations by Indian Army in Kashmir, Maj Arya was quoted saying, “Yes, there have been human rights violations by the Indian Army and it was wrong.

Every one of the soldiers responsible for these violations have been punished; many of who are currently in the Tihar Jail in India. However, there

are gross human rights violations of the Indian Army personnel posted in Jammu and Kashmir, where they are abused and attacked, and that needs to be taken into account.” He added that prior to the insurgency in 1989-90, there was no need for the Indian army to be present in the valley which was largely peaceful.

A 25 minutes long keynote speech by Maj Arya was followed by an hour-long intense Q&A session with the audience asking him questions ranging from the plebiscite and UN resolution, to the role of army on the Siachen glacier.

Upholding peace and harmony, Maj Arya said, “We want peace with Pakistan but we want peace with honour.”

Basmati rice imports from India to face major setback?

Continued from page 1

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have a stock building and testing programme in place to ensure the continued supply of compliant Basmati Rice throughout 2018 to maintain our Brand Presence and Volumes”. Another statement issued to Asian Voice by UK's leading rice brand Tilda read, "Tilda is committed to ensuring all its products comply with the standards of the countries where they are sold. Tilda has a long-standing commitment to working with farmers to promote more sustainable farming practices and to minimising the use the use of crop protection products. Tilda

has a no compromise approach to achieving the highest consumer safety standards."

What does this situation mean for British businessmen and retailers? It is Business as usual for Indian Basmati rice in the markets for the next six months at least.

Statements from regulators and leading Asian rice brands, it is clear that much of what is being written about Indian Basmati rice in the media has not had an impact on UK consumers. Asian Voice understands that there is no immediate threat to Indian basmati rice.

Police have released an image of a man who may have information about a traffic collision in Belgrave Road, Slough.

It happened on Monday, August 28 at 8.45pm when a green Volvo car was in collision with a parked Volkswagen Polo. The driver left the scene on foot. No-one was injured.

Investigating officer PC Marcus Audoin of the

Joint Operations Unit for Roads Policing, said: “I

would like to speak to the man in this photo as he could have vital information about this investigation.

“If you recognise him, or have any details as to his whereabouts, please call the Thames Valley Police non-emergency number on 101 quoting reference '43170278982'."

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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UK

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Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

Anita Bhalla OBE honoured at Carnatic Concert Four personalities each iconic in their respective fields of work honoured at the annual concert of the British Carnatic Choir

Julian Lloyd Webber

Dhiren Katwa Awards were bestowed upon Julian Lloyd Webber, the world renowned British cellist, the BBC’s former Head of Political and Community Affairs, and founder of BBC Asian Network Anita Bhalla OBE, Ramesh Verma OBE, founder and Chief Executive of Ekta Project, a charity that supports elderly Asian people and Jatinder Verma MBE, Artistic Director of Tara Arts, the UK’s first Asian theatre group. Held at The Bhavan Centre in London last Saturday, the event brought together people from all ages, backgrounds and abilities. The concert also featured fellows of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain.

Now in its third year, the BCC aims to promote and increase visibility of Carnatic music, a system of classical music associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent. It aims to connect diverse communities across England and promote British Values through the unique tunes and lyrics of this South

Anita Bhalla

Asian music.

Speaking ahead of the concert, London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan said: “London’s greatest strength is its diversity, and nowhere is this clearer than in the amazing range of music showcased here every day. The South Asian community in London contribute so much to the life of our city, including through culture, and I know Londoners from all backgrounds will enjoy the British Carnatic Choir’s wide repertoire of classic, contemporary and folk pieces.”

BCC, a pioneering concept, is the brainchild of Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan FRSA, an established Carnatic vocalist and Artistic Director of Shruthi UK, a not-for-profit South Asian arts and culture organisation based in Solihull, West Midlands.

Dr Ramakrishnan FRSA describes Carnatic music as "a jigsaw piece of the rich diversity which we share and celebrate in our great nation, the UK".

Also honoured on the night were Guru Vid Neyveli Santhanagopalan,

Ramesh Verma

an iconic figure in the field of Carnatic music, who flew in especially from India to be part of this prestigious concert.

Other awards presented included Best Vocalist, Best Young Singer and Best Performer.

These awards, sponsored by the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, recognise outstanding talent and ability across various categories and were introduced last year.

Dhiren Katwa, representing Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar, said, 'investing in assets is important, but investing time in nurturing the talents of young people was more important and that he was proud to be part of a media group which strived to identify and recognise just this.'

Next week, the BCC in partnership with a series of public and private sector organisations is organising the first-ever World Music Conference 2017.

Hosted by the University of Wolverhampton, the three-day Conference will officially open with a prestigious dinner on 9th November.

Darbar Festival at Sadler’s Wells: An immersive experience for Indian classical music and dance creative organisation dedicombined, firmly rooted in The finale repertoire of cated to dance in all its tradition yet in constant Darbar Festival 2017 forms. Curating the best of reinvention. The visionary comes to Sadler’s Wells for current classical Indian Akram Khan MBE has put the first time from 9-12th music, this year Darbar together the dance eleNovember after immenseengages its sister art form ment and is expected to ly successful programmes make a rare appearat Barbican, Royal ance onstage before Albert Hall, and his imminent retireSouthbank Centre. ment from full-length The Darbar Festival pieces. was started in 2006 by Darbar Festival Sandeep Virdee – the this year unites both Founder of Darbar Arts Culture Heritage revered musical masTrust. It presents conters and new talents of the Subcontinent, for certs across the UK Seeta Patel, dance performer Photo courtesy: Arnhel de Serra which the festival has bringing Indian music by showcasing both classibeen synonymous since its to a wider audience. cal dance and music. The inception. Co-curated by Darbar’s mission is to Sandeep Virdee OBE and bring to the UK the most collaboration of these two master dancer, choreograseasoned and rising talart forms will offer a rare pher and Sadler’s Wells ents in Indian music and chance to experience live Associate Artist Akram performance arts. Sadler’s the vibrancy and emotionKhan MBE, the fest will Wells is a world-leading al power of these medium

Inter-faith

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Insights

Zaki Cooper is on the Advisory Council of the Indian Jewish Association.

What Israel and India have in common

In the fourth article of my series, I'd like to say something about Zionism and Israel. As with all my columns, I want to touch on the relevance for the British Indian community.

Israel and India have a lot in common, not least in their history. As Israel's Ambassador to the UK, Mark Regev, pointed out at a reception in July this year, both had to fight for their independence and freedom against the same British colonial power.

Furthermore, both went through a difficult process of partition with refugees and displacement of peoples and both received their independence in same historical period, in the late 1940s.

Talking about Zionism is particularly topical now. On 2nd November, the centenary of the Balfour Declaration will be marked. In 1917 the British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour wrote to Lord Rothschild, a leader in the British Jewish community, saying "His Majesty’s Government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people." The letter also stated that "nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of the existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine." The Balfour Deceleration is seen as a significant historical event in the path that led to the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. The then Lord Rothschild described it as “the most important moment in Jewish history in the last 1,800 years.”

Remember that Jews had been exiled from Israel since the Romans invaded in 70 CE. They had therefore lived outside Israel for almost 2,000 years but had always yearned to return, for historic and spiritual reasons.

As Jews faced increasing persecution around the world in the late nineteenth century, the case for returning to Israel gathered pace. The Zionist movement was born. Whilst it has wrongly become a pejorative term in some circles, Zionism is simply the belief that Jews should have the right to their own homeland.

The inspiration of the Zionist movement at the time was Theodore Herzl (1860-1904), who lived in Bu dapest and then Vienna. Herzl was alarmed at the case of Alfred Dreyfus, a captain in the French army who was wrongly accused of spying for Germany. His conclusion was that the rampant anti-Semitism across Europe meant that Jews needed a homeland for themselves to be safe. He set out his vision in a famous pamphlet entitled "The Jewish State" and convened the First Zionist Congress in 1897 in Basel in Swit zerland to mobilise support. Interestingly at one point Herzl toyed with the idea of a Jewish state in Uganda but this did not have widespread appeal, as most other offer an immersive experience for audiences of the finest Indian classical music and dance.

Over a period of four days the festival will witness performances from one of the finest classical vocalists, musicians and dancers. The programme will open with a

Jewish leaders considered Israel as the only place it could be.

The Zionist baton was then taken up

by Chaim Weizmann (1874-1952). A Russian-born Jew, he was a talented scientist who came to the UK as a young academic to take up a post at Manchester University. During his time in England, he met the British PM at the time Arthur Balfour. About ten years later, the two were in touch again, this time Balfour was Foreign Secretary.

Through Weizmann's persuasiveness both Balfour and his PM Lloyd George were convinced of the idea of a national homeland for the Jewish people.

Whilst Balfour had made some antiSemitics statements symptomatic of parts of the English upper classes at the time, he was a committed Christian and believed that the Jews needed their own state in Israel. Lloyd George was also what one may describe as a Christian Zionist. In a speech given some in 1925, he reminisced about his upbringing: “I was brought up in a school where I was taught far more about the history of the Jews than about the history of my own land. I could tell you all the kings of Israel. But I doubt whether I could have named half a dozen of the kings of England, and not more of the kings of Wales.”

Through his determination and persuasiveness, it is clear that Weizmann, the impoverished immigrant academic, played a key role in persuading the British government to issue the landmark letter in 1917 that became known as the Balfour Declaration. He proudly described it as “the Magna Carta of Jewish liberation” (he was later to become Israel’s first President). But it took another three decades before the creation of Israel in 1948, by which time European Jewry had endured the tragedy of the Holocaust, when six million Jews were killed. If anything reinforced the need for Jews to have their own homeland, the ravages of the Holocaust did.

Just as with India, Israel’s creation and independence has a long history with its champions and heroes. For the likes of Herzl and Weizmann for Israel, there was Gandhi and Nehru for India.

In Israel’s case, as well as the trauma for Jews, it is important to acknowledge the Arabs who were displaced. The latter population numbered about 700,000, but on the other hand it is not often appreciated that 900,000 Jews fled Arab lands in the 1940s and 1950s as a result of state-sponsored antiJewish policies.

Like India, Israel’s creation was a remarkable historical event, worthy of huge celebration.

The Balfour Deceleration reminds us of the role Britain played in this compelling drama.

UK Premiere, Akram Khan, Tala and Raga Experience, a triple bill concert taking place at Sadler’s Wells on Thursday 9 November. The show line-up includes Ragas, Sarod and Fiery Dance, Secret of Midnight Ragas, Escape Through Morning Ragas, Afternoon

Raga Effect, Indian Adventures of Sitar and Dance, Benares Rhythm Essentials, Spirit of Morning Ragas, Rhythm Unleashed, Nishat Khan and the Soul of Khayal, Something Then, Something Now, Dance Masterclasses with Aditi Mangaldas and Mavin Khoo.

UK

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Sex offender on the run for five years found managing curry house

n Hussain signed the sex offenders register after being convicted of an offence involving a child in 2010 at Birmingham Crown Court A Birmingham sex offender who was on the run for five years was found managing a curry house in the Midlands.

Zahir Hussain has been wanted by the police for almost half a decade after going missing from two addresses he told them he would be living at - including one in Birmingham.

Derby Crown Court was told how Hussain was found managing a curry house in Matlock, Derbyshire, when he was arrested for an unrelated offence. His status as a wanted man came to light after his arrest.

Now he been jailed for ten years after pleading guilty to a charge of failing to comply with a sex offender’s notification requirement, reports the

Derby Telegraph.

Julia King, prosecuting, said Hussain signed the register after being convicted of an offence involving a child in 2010 at Birmingham Crown Court.

Under its terms, he was ordered to tell the police of his address and to notify them if he moved.

Lauren Fisher, for Hussain, said her client had been the manager at the Moja Indian Restaurant, in Dale Road, Matlock, for just over two years and lived above it.

She said he is the father of a seven-month-old child who he sees two-to-three times a week and that the owner of the restaurant would keep his accommodation and employment open should he not be jailed immediately.

Sex offender Zahir Hussain found working in curry house

Jailing the 39-year-old, Judge Jonathan Bennett said: “Back in Birmingham in 2010 you were convicted of a sex offence involving a child and as part of that you were to notify the police if you changed addresses.

“The reason why they are in place is so the police are able to monitor sex offenders for the protec-

tion of the public. The police came to check on you in November 2012 at address in Birmingham and Essex and you weren’t there.

“In fact, your whereabouts remained unknown for more than four years and that long period of non-compliance is why it must be immediate custody today.”

Relax immigration rules plea to ease balti chef shortage Strict immigration rules need to be urgently relaxed to tackle a chronic shortage of curry house chefs in Birmingham, it has been claimed.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street is urging the Government to cut red tape to allow more restaurants - including in the world-famous Balti Triangle - to import new chefs from abroad.

The industry nationally is in crisis, with the Bangladeshi Caterer’s Association warning of two restaurants closing a week and many more at risk because of a recruitment crisis.

Chinese restaurants also face the same pressures.

Under current regulations a skilled chef must earn at least £29,570 a year after deductions to be allowed to work in the UK, meaning only-high end Michelin Star level restaurants can afford to import

staff.

The rules are tougher for restaurants offering a takeaway service.

The shortage is particularly acute in Birmingham and the West Midlands where the curry industry is worth around £25 million a year with 600 restaurants employing 5,400 people.

The Government is consulting over changes to its list of shortage occupations to be granted special immigration status as it negotiates our exit from the EU - a list which includes doctors, nurses, engineers and even ballet dancers.

In his submission he points out that the income cut off is far too high for a career where the average pay is about £22,000.

He said that immigration is not the only solution and that more work needs to be done with colleges and businesses to

Curry houses struggling to stay open without chefs from abroad

encourage more homegrown youngsters to go into the kitchens.

Andy Munro, of the Birmingham Balti Association, backed the mayor’s call, saying that the city’s curry trade is facing a staffing crisis.

He said fewer children are going into the family business and instead are moving into more lucra-

tive careers.

“It is a big problem for our businesses. The standard curry and balti houses are struggling to get staff. Young people don’t want to work in a hot kitchen over a high flame, unless it is a place with the kudos of a Michelin star. I can’t see the issue being solved unless there is more flexibility,” he said.

Husband-and-wife wanted to launch terror strike on wedding day

A couple turned their Birmingham home into a terror training ground and talked of launching an attack on their wedding day.

Ummariyat Mirza researched terror acts and bought a steel hunting blade and a rubber training knife, which he used to practise on a dummy at their home in Alum Rock .

His wife, Madihah Taheer, handed over her bank details so he could buy a knife and fantasised about beheading outspoken newspaper columnist and radio presenter Katie Hopkins.

Police said the pair planned to carry out an

Mirza’s sister Zainub

attack in the UK and had looked at potential targets, including military sites in the Midlands.

Mirza’s sister, Zainub Mirza, backed up their warped ideology by sending him extremist material, including footage of a man holding two severed heads.

The brother-and-sister were arrested by armed counter-terror police who stopped their Ford Fiesta

15

Husband and wife Ummariyat Mirza and Madihah Taheer

in Alum Rock Road during the evening rush-hour on March 29 amid fears their plans were “escalating quickly”.

Taheer was arrested on April 24. A huge stash of pro-Islamic State material and social media exchanges between the three was found when police raided a number of addresses. They also

shared and praised numerous extremist propaganda videos, some of which contained graphic images of prisoners being tortured and executed.

During searches, police also recovered a steel hunting knife with a paracord rope attached so it could be concealed under clothing and a body armour jacket.

Canary Wharf bank manager arranged to meet 'schoolgirl' in hotel for sex A bank manager has been jailed after sending explicit messages to a ‘14-year-old girl’ and arranging to meet her at Birmingham hotel for sex.

Indian-born Balachandran Kavungal was arrested after he travelled to the city with condoms and Viagra where he was confronted by paedophile hunters .

They had set up a fake online account posing as the schoolgirl, who the Canary Wharf bank manager later arranged to meet despite being told she was just 14.

The confrontation at the Britannia Hotel was streamed live on the internet.

Kavungal, 37, has now been jailed for 15 months after admitting grooming.

Birmingham Crown Court heard he had been using ann internet chat site on August 26 when he contacted the purported young girl, called Cassie.

In fact, he was messaging a fake account set up by a group calling themselves Internet Interceptors, who had used a profile picture of a young female.

During subsequent conversations Cassie revealed she was 14 but Kavungal continued to chat and asked for her mobile number to speak with her on WhatsApp and one was provided.

She said the conver-

Balachandran Kavungal

sations became sexually explicit with Kavangul saying he wanted to have sex with her and subsequently arranged a meeting at the Britannia Hotel in Birmingham.

When he arrived on September 9 he instead was met by members of Internet Interceptors and the confrontation was streamed live on a Facebook page.

The police were called and Kavungal, of Adventures Court, Canary Wharf, was found to have a condom and Viagra tablet.

A l e x a n d e r Macmillan, defending, said: “He led a very successful life a business manager for a large London bank.

“He has a wife and child back in Mumbai.

Because of the distance and nature of his work he sees them rather infrequently. He had gone on to these chat services because he was lonely.”

Mr Macmillan said he had come to the UK on a five year visa but had lost his job and was likely to be deported.

Teacher has six kids with two wives - but admits he loves one partner more than the other A Birmingham teacher is taking lessons in love – after marrying two wives.

The primary school employee has three children with each partner and they all live together under the same roof.

The husband spends alternate nights with each wife – but admitted he loved one more than the other. The teacher, who would not be named, admitted his first wife was upset when he revealed he wanted a second spouse, and asked “Why? What’s wrong with me?”

But he insisted he had done nothing wrong in the eyes of Islam. He spoke after Birmingham Labour MP Jess Phillips criticised a dating website which helps Muslim men find second wives.

Secondwife.com describes itself as a “Muslim polygamy matchmaking service” for “practising Muslims who are

Azad Chaiwala says his websites promote family values

seeking marriage and accept polygamy as a lifestyle”.

Bigamy is illegal in UK law but founder, Azad Chaiwala, defended the site, saying it was better than men having affairs or using prostitutes.

The website has been criticised by Yardley Ms Phillips, a Labour member of the Commons women and equalities committee, said the site should be outlawed and treated women as “commodities”.

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Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

Top businesses and politicians join KPMG in celebrating Eid and Diwali at Asian Festival Dinner

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Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

Milapfest hosts a successful National Indian Arts Awards third year in a row

CHN Diwali Ball celebrates importance of 'networking' and 'Hindu values' in today's City life

All of the award winners on stage with CB Patel, Lord Dholakia and Kenneth Baird, MD European Opera Centre

Nina Amin and guests at the Asian Festival KPMG’s annual Asian Festival Dinner was attended by over 250 leading ambassadors from the Asian business community who gathered in London last week to celebrate the festivals of Eid and Diwali.

Top Asian business and political figures from across the capital, including GP Hinduja, Lord Paul, Lord Waheed Alli, the cofounders of Waymade Bhikhu and Vijay Patel, Nadeem Ahmed and Shailesh Vara MP came together to attend the celebration, held at the Intercontinental London Park Lane.

The annual event was organised by Nina Amin, partner with KPMG Enterprise who was awarded an MBE for her services to the Asian Business Community in 2013. This event is part of a suite of programmes supporting Asian Businesses and next generation successors in the UK. Addressing guests on the night, Nina Amin MBE said, "Asian businesses play such an important

The awards acknowledge the hard work and dedication shown by recipients in promoting and nurturing Indian Arts in Britain. They also honoured the rising stars in this field who are keeping such rich art forms flourishing in the UK. The awardees this year were selected by a national jury from a plethora of exceptional applications. In the end, 10 very special awards were presented to a range of artists, educators and pio-

teaching and performances.

Over the decades many dedicated teachers and professionals have worked tirelessly to make that possible.

Up and down the country, there are schools and organisations that make this possible. However, unlike the numerous ways in which sterling contributions of people in business, finance, public service and other professionals are recognised, there has never been any national award system that recognises and celebrates such services to Arts. Hence Milapfest established this annual awards in 2015 to fill that gap.

Milapfest also recognises the importance of supporting the talented young people of Britain.

Prashant Nayak, Executive Director of Milapfest, said, “We believe thats the establishment of these awards will create a better understanding of how such selfless work empowers and enriches the

Lawson Muncaster, Baroness Margaret McDonagh, Lord Waheed Alli, Nina Amin and Bill Michael

part in our economy providing jobs for thousands of people across the UK, and creating wealth, so as a firm, we feel it is important to celebrate their successes with them. I am so very grateful to the Asian businesses that continue to give us the opportunity to work with such innovative and forward-thinking enterprises."

The guest speakers for the evening were Lord Waheed Alli, CEO of Silvergate Media, and Lawson Muncaster, cofounder and managing director of City A.M, who both entertained and inspired the guests with stories of their career highlights.

Newly elected KPMG UK Chairman and Senior

Partner Bill Michael also addressed the guests, and spoke about an open and vibrant Britain. He said he is looking forward to lead the firm and to help shape Britain's future in an increasingly uncertain world where the phenomenal disruption of technology and geo-politics is impacting all businesses around the world.

Retailers missing out on Diwali and Eid says City A.M.

London’s leading daily for professionals, City A.M., in its issue dated 31st October has pointed out that UK retailers are missing a trick by ignoring the most important Asian festivals of Diwali and Eid which are akin to Christmas for the community.

During Diwali around 1.3 million Hindus and

Milapfest presented the 3rd National Indian Arts Awards ceremony with support of Arts Council England on 25th October 2017 at the Bhavan, London. The ceremony was presided over by Guest of Honour Baron Navnit Dholakia, OBE (Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords) and Chief Guest Kenneth Baird (Managing Director of European Opera Centre.

Sikhs in the UK look for ways to spend generously on a diverse range of goods including clothes, food, white goods, cars, jewellery, home furnishing, hampers and gift items, just as the country's 3Million Muslims do during Eid. Spends on eating out and travel destinations too see a spurt during these festivities.

Quoting research by confectioner Ferrero, the publication stated that more than 70 per cent of retailers sold more chocolate boxes near Diwali and Eid but failed to actively engage with them during that period.

As researched by Asian Voice, the Asian community does not hold back during the Christmas season

either, and the retailers may well bear that in mind while drawing up plans during the November and December months.

“In a competitive sector, finding an edge is essential and the UK’s diverse population and proliferation of events could provide plenty of opportunities”, states City A.M.

Lifetime Achievement winner Nahid Siddiqui receiving her award from Lord Dholakia

neers in the field of Indian Arts.

South Asians who migrated to England over the past 70 years, have always aspired to ensure that their children as well as their local communities have good opportunities to learn about their arts and heritage through structured

younger generation and how it helps build bridges between the communities and professionals. We hope that in future years these awards will contribute significantly towards providing more focus on the impact of these exceptional professionals working in the field of Indian arts and provide

opportunities for their work to expand in the years ahead.”

This year's awardees included: Ashnaa Sasikaran, a Carnatic vocalist who won

M Balachandar, a highly respected Mridangam artist and teacher who won the same award but for services to Carnatic music. Noted classical and contemporary

17

Photo courtesy: Raj D Bakrania, PrMediapix

16

mances, education and artist development opportunities across the UK. A British Art Organisation specialising in Indian Arts, Milapfest has a strong track

Members of Tarang receiving their Yuva Sangeet Ratna Awards

record of creating and delivartist, choreographer and the Samyo Musician of the ering ground breaking artisart critic, as well as the Year Award for her work in tic projects nationally. It is Founder Director of Milapfest’s National Youth Milapfest’s aim to bring Arangham Trust and Orchestra for South Asian people together by providNarthaki.com, Dr Anita Music (Samyo); Dr Elena ing audiences, aspiring Ratnam received the Vishwa Catalano, an acclaimed artists and teachers with Kala Ratna Award. The Odissi dancer who won the memorable and inspiraLifetime Achievement Yuva Nritya Ratna Award tional experiences of Indian Award was awarded to (Young Dancer of the Year); arts through a dynamic prorenowned Kathak dancer the emerging artists of gramme of performances, and choreographer Nahid Tarang (National Ensemble tours, commissions, for Indian Music) festivals and innovawho won the Yuva tive educational proSangeet Ratna jects. In the exciting Award (Young and challenging task Musician of the of building and Year); Milapfest strengthening Ensembles Award today’s multicultural for Excellence winBritain, their comner Jainee-Khushali mitted endeavour is Patel, a Sitarist who to unite the hearts brough Jazz saxoand minds of all phone to communities Milapfest’s youth through an exhilaorchestra Samyo rating celebration of Too; acclaimed arts and culture.

Bharatnatyam dancer, Dr Swati Nahid Siddiqui (Lifetime Achievement Winner) & Dr Asian Voice and Raut, and Kathak Elena Catalano (Yuva Nritya Ratna Award Winner) Gujarat Samachar Editor CB Patel is a dancer, Sonia Sabri, long-standing Patron of the Siddiqui. both won the Nritya organisation.

The National Indian Acharya Ratna Awards in The ABPL Group was Arts Awards were estabtheir respective dance proud to be the Media lished by Milapfest, forms; Hindustani Classical Partner for Milapfest and Britain’s leading Indian arts singer Chandrima Misra, sponsored two awards to development trust, producwho received the Sangeet honour the achievers. ing world class perforAcharya Ratna Award, and

Neel Patani, Sindhu Vee, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Dipti Patani, Manoj Ladwa, Dina Ladwa, Nishma Gosrani and Pranali Joshi

Rupanjana Dutta London's fortnight long Diwali celebrations concluded with a gala at the prestigious Waldorf hotel, hosted by the City Hindus Network, which is also celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

The new Chairman Neel Patani along with his team organised an exciting evening that included some special speakers, inspiring and discussing importance of values, that affects our everyday life.

Chief Guest Lord Jitesh Gadhia speaking about how faith instills value- a recipe for success, touched upon some very crucial aspects of Hinduism in today's City life and how the increasing number of Hindu networks are example of growing importance of diversity in City life.

Gadhia who was a part of the Network's inception in 2007, spoke about how values have affected the ups and down of the financial world. In a tantalising speech, he said, “I was honoured to be present at the official launch back in 2007 and was a keynote speaker alongside Mayor Ken Livingston at City Hall.

Looking back at what I said a decade ago - I am struck by how much of its content has stood the test of time and still strikes a chord – and resonates – today.

“I might go as far as saying that the sentiments proved prescient in light of subsequent events. My first premise – perhaps counterintuitively – was that faith is a personal matter and I don’t believe religious beliefs should have a prominent role in business or professional life.

“What faith does bring, however, is a set of values.

Hindu culture is firmly

anchored in a set of time honoured human values.

“So whilst I don’t believe we should bring our faith in its narrow sense into the workplace we can and should bring our values into everything we do.

“I also argued that these values could create a competitive advantage for those trying to build a successful career in the City.

“I was speaking a year before the financial crisis, at a time of peak hubris for the global financial community. Faith is a personal matter and I don’t believe religious beliefs should have a prominent role in business or professional life. What faith does bring, however, is a set of values.

Hindu culture is firmly anchored in a set of time honoured human values.

“Subsequent history has demonstrated what happens when organisational cultures becomes detached from values and purpose. We have painfully spent the last several years reconnecting with and rediscovering the original ethos on which the financial services sector was actually built – trust, transparency and integrity – dating back to those 17th Century coffee houses in the square mile.

“So the City Hindus Network was in many ways ahead of events, as were numerous other Hindu Professional Networks which have now been in existence for over 15 years –starting originally with the PwC Hindu Network, which celebrated its 15th Anniversary this year, through to Schroders which has just become the latest significant City institution to establish a Hindu Society in the past year...”

Talking about the importance of the key word 'network' Neel Patani, the

new Chairman of CHN raised some very interesting points. He said, “Diwali is a time for reflection, and this year, given that I am new to the seat of Chairman, I have come to think about what it really means to ‘network’, and the pitfalls associated with it. In my view, networking is effective when considered in three dimensions.

“First, it is networking with those people who inspire you, those people you can look up to, and those people who have ‘been there and done it’...Second, it is about networking with your peers, as they will be the leaders of tomorrow.

“This evening, we have representatives from Barclays, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, PwC, as well as the medical and legal professions. And I urge you to engage them informally, as you never know who you might meet, or what ideas you can share.

“Finally, and in some respects, most importantly, we must network with those who did not have the same privileges as us, and need a helping hand to elevate them from whatever struggle they face...”

Other speakers included, Dia Chakravarty, a Bangladeshi-born British political activist and journalist. She is Brexit Editor of the Daily Telegraph, a former Political Director of the TaxPayers' Alliance and a singer, Sindhu Vee, an investment banker turned stand-up comedian, Manoj Ladwa & Sina Patel who discussed the importance of organ and blood donation. A panel discussion hosted by Nishma Gosrani, with a singing performance from Dia and stand-up comedy from Sindhu Vee added to the grand evening of the celebration.

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Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

Top businesses and politicians join KPMG in celebrating Eid and Diwali at Asian Festival Dinner

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AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

Milapfest hosts a successful National Indian Arts Awards third year in a row

CHN Diwali Ball celebrates importance of 'networking' and 'Hindu values' in today's City life

All of the award winners on stage with CB Patel, Lord Dholakia and Kenneth Baird, MD European Opera Centre

Nina Amin and guests at the Asian Festival KPMG’s annual Asian Festival Dinner was attended by over 250 leading ambassadors from the Asian business community who gathered in London last week to celebrate the festivals of Eid and Diwali.

Top Asian business and political figures from across the capital, including GP Hinduja, Lord Paul, Lord Waheed Alli, the cofounders of Waymade Bhikhu and Vijay Patel, Nadeem Ahmed and Shailesh Vara MP came together to attend the celebration, held at the Intercontinental London Park Lane.

The annual event was organised by Nina Amin, partner with KPMG Enterprise who was awarded an MBE for her services to the Asian Business Community in 2013. This event is part of a suite of programmes supporting Asian Businesses and next generation successors in the UK. Addressing guests on the night, Nina Amin MBE said, "Asian businesses play such an important

The awards acknowledge the hard work and dedication shown by recipients in promoting and nurturing Indian Arts in Britain. They also honoured the rising stars in this field who are keeping such rich art forms flourishing in the UK. The awardees this year were selected by a national jury from a plethora of exceptional applications. In the end, 10 very special awards were presented to a range of artists, educators and pio-

teaching and performances.

Over the decades many dedicated teachers and professionals have worked tirelessly to make that possible.

Up and down the country, there are schools and organisations that make this possible. However, unlike the numerous ways in which sterling contributions of people in business, finance, public service and other professionals are recognised, there has never been any national award system that recognises and celebrates such services to Arts. Hence Milapfest established this annual awards in 2015 to fill that gap.

Milapfest also recognises the importance of supporting the talented young people of Britain.

Prashant Nayak, Executive Director of Milapfest, said, “We believe thats the establishment of these awards will create a better understanding of how such selfless work empowers and enriches the

Lawson Muncaster, Baroness Margaret McDonagh, Lord Waheed Alli, Nina Amin and Bill Michael

part in our economy providing jobs for thousands of people across the UK, and creating wealth, so as a firm, we feel it is important to celebrate their successes with them. I am so very grateful to the Asian businesses that continue to give us the opportunity to work with such innovative and forward-thinking enterprises."

The guest speakers for the evening were Lord Waheed Alli, CEO of Silvergate Media, and Lawson Muncaster, cofounder and managing director of City A.M, who both entertained and inspired the guests with stories of their career highlights.

Newly elected KPMG UK Chairman and Senior

Partner Bill Michael also addressed the guests, and spoke about an open and vibrant Britain. He said he is looking forward to lead the firm and to help shape Britain's future in an increasingly uncertain world where the phenomenal disruption of technology and geo-politics is impacting all businesses around the world.

Retailers missing out on Diwali and Eid says City A.M.

London’s leading daily for professionals, City A.M., in its issue dated 31st October has pointed out that UK retailers are missing a trick by ignoring the most important Asian festivals of Diwali and Eid which are akin to Christmas for the community.

During Diwali around 1.3 million Hindus and

Milapfest presented the 3rd National Indian Arts Awards ceremony with support of Arts Council England on 25th October 2017 at the Bhavan, London. The ceremony was presided over by Guest of Honour Baron Navnit Dholakia, OBE (Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords) and Chief Guest Kenneth Baird (Managing Director of European Opera Centre.

Sikhs in the UK look for ways to spend generously on a diverse range of goods including clothes, food, white goods, cars, jewellery, home furnishing, hampers and gift items, just as the country's 3Million Muslims do during Eid. Spends on eating out and travel destinations too see a spurt during these festivities.

Quoting research by confectioner Ferrero, the publication stated that more than 70 per cent of retailers sold more chocolate boxes near Diwali and Eid but failed to actively engage with them during that period.

As researched by Asian Voice, the Asian community does not hold back during the Christmas season

either, and the retailers may well bear that in mind while drawing up plans during the November and December months.

“In a competitive sector, finding an edge is essential and the UK’s diverse population and proliferation of events could provide plenty of opportunities”, states City A.M.

Lifetime Achievement winner Nahid Siddiqui receiving her award from Lord Dholakia

neers in the field of Indian Arts.

South Asians who migrated to England over the past 70 years, have always aspired to ensure that their children as well as their local communities have good opportunities to learn about their arts and heritage through structured

younger generation and how it helps build bridges between the communities and professionals. We hope that in future years these awards will contribute significantly towards providing more focus on the impact of these exceptional professionals working in the field of Indian arts and provide

opportunities for their work to expand in the years ahead.”

This year's awardees included: Ashnaa Sasikaran, a Carnatic vocalist who won

M Balachandar, a highly respected Mridangam artist and teacher who won the same award but for services to Carnatic music. Noted classical and contemporary

17

Photo courtesy: Raj D Bakrania, PrMediapix

16

mances, education and artist development opportunities across the UK. A British Art Organisation specialising in Indian Arts, Milapfest has a strong track

Members of Tarang receiving their Yuva Sangeet Ratna Awards

record of creating and delivartist, choreographer and the Samyo Musician of the ering ground breaking artisart critic, as well as the Year Award for her work in tic projects nationally. It is Founder Director of Milapfest’s National Youth Milapfest’s aim to bring Arangham Trust and Orchestra for South Asian people together by providNarthaki.com, Dr Anita Music (Samyo); Dr Elena ing audiences, aspiring Ratnam received the Vishwa Catalano, an acclaimed artists and teachers with Kala Ratna Award. The Odissi dancer who won the memorable and inspiraLifetime Achievement Yuva Nritya Ratna Award tional experiences of Indian Award was awarded to (Young Dancer of the Year); arts through a dynamic prorenowned Kathak dancer the emerging artists of gramme of performances, and choreographer Nahid Tarang (National Ensemble tours, commissions, for Indian Music) festivals and innovawho won the Yuva tive educational proSangeet Ratna jects. In the exciting Award (Young and challenging task Musician of the of building and Year); Milapfest strengthening Ensembles Award today’s multicultural for Excellence winBritain, their comner Jainee-Khushali mitted endeavour is Patel, a Sitarist who to unite the hearts brough Jazz saxoand minds of all phone to communities Milapfest’s youth through an exhilaorchestra Samyo rating celebration of Too; acclaimed arts and culture.

Bharatnatyam dancer, Dr Swati Nahid Siddiqui (Lifetime Achievement Winner) & Dr Asian Voice and Raut, and Kathak Elena Catalano (Yuva Nritya Ratna Award Winner) Gujarat Samachar Editor CB Patel is a dancer, Sonia Sabri, long-standing Patron of the Siddiqui. both won the Nritya organisation.

The National Indian Acharya Ratna Awards in The ABPL Group was Arts Awards were estabtheir respective dance proud to be the Media lished by Milapfest, forms; Hindustani Classical Partner for Milapfest and Britain’s leading Indian arts singer Chandrima Misra, sponsored two awards to development trust, producwho received the Sangeet honour the achievers. ing world class perforAcharya Ratna Award, and

Neel Patani, Sindhu Vee, Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Dipti Patani, Manoj Ladwa, Dina Ladwa, Nishma Gosrani and Pranali Joshi

Rupanjana Dutta London's fortnight long Diwali celebrations concluded with a gala at the prestigious Waldorf hotel, hosted by the City Hindus Network, which is also celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

The new Chairman Neel Patani along with his team organised an exciting evening that included some special speakers, inspiring and discussing importance of values, that affects our everyday life.

Chief Guest Lord Jitesh Gadhia speaking about how faith instills value- a recipe for success, touched upon some very crucial aspects of Hinduism in today's City life and how the increasing number of Hindu networks are example of growing importance of diversity in City life.

Gadhia who was a part of the Network's inception in 2007, spoke about how values have affected the ups and down of the financial world. In a tantalising speech, he said, “I was honoured to be present at the official launch back in 2007 and was a keynote speaker alongside Mayor Ken Livingston at City Hall.

Looking back at what I said a decade ago - I am struck by how much of its content has stood the test of time and still strikes a chord – and resonates – today.

“I might go as far as saying that the sentiments proved prescient in light of subsequent events. My first premise – perhaps counterintuitively – was that faith is a personal matter and I don’t believe religious beliefs should have a prominent role in business or professional life.

“What faith does bring, however, is a set of values.

Hindu culture is firmly

anchored in a set of time honoured human values.

“So whilst I don’t believe we should bring our faith in its narrow sense into the workplace we can and should bring our values into everything we do.

“I also argued that these values could create a competitive advantage for those trying to build a successful career in the City.

“I was speaking a year before the financial crisis, at a time of peak hubris for the global financial community. Faith is a personal matter and I don’t believe religious beliefs should have a prominent role in business or professional life. What faith does bring, however, is a set of values.

Hindu culture is firmly anchored in a set of time honoured human values.

“Subsequent history has demonstrated what happens when organisational cultures becomes detached from values and purpose. We have painfully spent the last several years reconnecting with and rediscovering the original ethos on which the financial services sector was actually built – trust, transparency and integrity – dating back to those 17th Century coffee houses in the square mile.

“So the City Hindus Network was in many ways ahead of events, as were numerous other Hindu Professional Networks which have now been in existence for over 15 years –starting originally with the PwC Hindu Network, which celebrated its 15th Anniversary this year, through to Schroders which has just become the latest significant City institution to establish a Hindu Society in the past year...”

Talking about the importance of the key word 'network' Neel Patani, the

new Chairman of CHN raised some very interesting points. He said, “Diwali is a time for reflection, and this year, given that I am new to the seat of Chairman, I have come to think about what it really means to ‘network’, and the pitfalls associated with it. In my view, networking is effective when considered in three dimensions.

“First, it is networking with those people who inspire you, those people you can look up to, and those people who have ‘been there and done it’...Second, it is about networking with your peers, as they will be the leaders of tomorrow.

“This evening, we have representatives from Barclays, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, PwC, as well as the medical and legal professions. And I urge you to engage them informally, as you never know who you might meet, or what ideas you can share.

“Finally, and in some respects, most importantly, we must network with those who did not have the same privileges as us, and need a helping hand to elevate them from whatever struggle they face...”

Other speakers included, Dia Chakravarty, a Bangladeshi-born British political activist and journalist. She is Brexit Editor of the Daily Telegraph, a former Political Director of the TaxPayers' Alliance and a singer, Sindhu Vee, an investment banker turned stand-up comedian, Manoj Ladwa & Sina Patel who discussed the importance of organ and blood donation. A panel discussion hosted by Nishma Gosrani, with a singing performance from Dia and stand-up comedy from Sindhu Vee added to the grand evening of the celebration.

18

FINANCIAL VOICE

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

Close to a year after demonetisation, RBI still verifying returned notes The Reserve Bank of India said the Rs 500 and Rs 1000 bills returned to banks following November 8 demonetisation move last year, are still being “processed in all earnest”. In reply to an RTI query, the central bank said it has processed about 1134 Crore pieces of Rs 500 notes and 524.90 Crore pieces of Rs 1000 junked notes, as on September 30.

It added that the combined value of the processed notes is Rs 10.91 Lakh Crore approximately. The RBI said that specified bank notes are being processed in “all earnest in double shift on all available machines.”

When asked the dead-

RCom to close 2G, 3G voice mobile business

Anil Ambani

Struggling telecom giant Reliance Communications has inched closer to ending its 2G and 3G voice-heavy mobile business. The closure comes at a time when the group is shutting down its DTH business once its license expires next month.

The move by Anil Ambani's venture does not come as a surprise as it currently groans under a massive debt of Rs 46,700 Crore.

Rcom said that while “optimising” the loss-making 2G and 3G business, it will focus on 4G operations which is assisted by revenues from data usage.

“RCom has decided to adopt a 4G-focused strategy for profitable growth of its wireless business.

Accordingly, RCom will be optimising its 2G and 3G footprint, and related infrastructure and human resources, with effect from November 30. The company's 4G-led strategy will be executed, as at present, on the back of capital light access to India's most extensive 4G mobile network, through already operational spectrumsharing and ICR arrangements with Reliance Jio,” the company said.

Executive director Gurdeep Singh reportedly informed employees about the development and the closure of a part of the business.

line for completion of the counting exercise, the bank said, “The verification of notes withdrawn from the circulation is an ongoing process.” It said that minimum 66 Sophisticated Currency Verification and Processing (CVPS)

machines are currently under use for counting of the notes. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes in circulation, calling it a step to curb the menace of corruption and

black money. The government allowed holders of the currency bills to deposit them with banks or use them at certain notified utilities.

In its annual report for 2016-17, released in August 30, the RBI had said Rs 15.28 Lakh Crore, or 99 per cent of the cancelled currency notes were returned to the banking system. It added that only Rs 16,050 Crore out of the Rs 15.44 Lakh Crore were not returned. The RBI had said, “Subject to future corrections based on verification process when completed, the estimated value of specified bank notes received as on June 30, 2017, is Rs 15.28 trillion.”

Petroleum ministry launches Rs 320 crore startup fund for entrepreneurs The Petroleum University, along with 10 oil and gas companies have launched a startup programme for entrepreneurs with a fund corpus of Rs 320 Crore. The initiative was launched with a memorandum of understanding signed by 36 startups for partnering with various state-run firms like Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum, and GAIL India. Speaking at the launch event, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, “The people we are partnering will establish new benchmarks for India. We have to go for out of the box thinking and

Dharmendra Pradhan

disruptive frameworks.”

Pradhan said India could not afford to miss out on the ongoing Industrial Revolution 4.1 that signifies the changes being wrought by information technology.

Being the third-largest

energy consumer in the world with an annual oil import bill of Rs 7 Lakh Crore, Pradhan said India urgently needed to act on import substitution. “Oil import substitution can best come through alternate fuels, which can only be developed through innovation and new business models.” He said the programme is based on the premise that “oil and gas companies have the required technical acumen and financial strength to act as venture capitalists to talented entrepreneurs who wish to build businesses.”

Tatas, Essar bid on Essar Steel Multi-national players including Tata Steel, Essar Group, and ArcelorMittal have reportedly submitted bids to acquire debt-laden Essar Steel which is under a insolvency resolution process. Integrated steel producer with an installed capacity of 10 million tonne per annum, the company is undergoing Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) under the provisions of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

An Essar Group spokesperson said, “Essar Group has submitted EoI (Expression of Interest) for Essar Steel. A resolution plan will be submitted to IRP within the scheduled time frame.” When asked about the rationale for bidding, they said IBC allows promoters to bid for their company at the NLCT. The spokesperson added that the entire process is on purely commercial basis and the final selection is done based on the highest bid offered for the NCLT company. “This practice of

promoters being permitted to bid in bankruptcy/insolvency cases is prevalent in the US, UK, and many developed and developing countries.”

Meanwhile, a source said, “Essar Group, participating in the bid has submitted EoI for Essar Steel along with a letter of comfort from Russia's VTB capital which is a financial services company. It is the investment arm of the VTB group.” A global financial services provider, the group operates a large international network and the majority shareholder of the VTB Bank is Russia, with 60.9 per cent voting shares.

A Tata Steel spokesperson neither confirmed nor denied the report, saying,

“We keel looking at these options, these are all stressed assets in the country. And as a process... we keep looking at these assets.”

While ArcelorMittal refrained from making any comments, a Vedanta spokesperson said the company has not shown any expression of interest.

Among the largest single location steel producers, Essar Steel has a 10 MTPA liquid steel capacity.

It also has beneficiation and pellet making capacity of 20 MTPA spread across Vizag and Paradeep. The company said it has made gross investment of over Rs 5000 Crore to set up the facilities. Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh, when asked about plans for PSUs acquiring stressed assets of companies in the sector recommended for insolvency, said, “As far as stressed assets are concerned, only a few companies are from the steel sector... One of the PSUs made request to the Finance Ministry in this regard.”

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Cut GST for restaurants, small businesses: Panel

A group of state finance ministers have suggested fresh changes to the Goods and Services Tax, proposing a cut in the levy at restaurants and a flat 1 per cent for small traders, manufacturers, and eateries that opt for less onerous composition scheme.

Sources said a panel five state finance ministers has suggested a flat 12 per cent GST for standalone restaurants, air-conditioned or not, and an 18 per cent levy at joints located inside hotels. The current GST in all restaurants is 18 per cent.

The respite on composition scheme will lower the burden for smaller eateries, which currently attract 5 per cent tax. The scheme, that also applies to traders and manufacturers with annual turnover of Rs 20 Lakh to Rs 1 Crore, comes with a flat rate of tax and a much lower compliance burden where only the sales details have to be disclosed with no requirement to file detailed returns with invoices.

Also, the returns have to

be filed on a quarterly basis. The group of ministers comprising finance ministers Hemanta Biswa Sarma (Assam), Sushil Modi (Bihar), Haseeb Drabu (J&K), Manpreet Badal (Punjab) and Amar Aggarwal (Chattisgarh) has also suggested that the composition scheme be extended to inter-state sale of goods and services but no input tax credit will be available as was suggested by some states.

The tax burden on traders and manufacturers is lower with 1 per cent, and 2 per cent. There will be two options for traders.

Those willing to pay tax on their total turnover, which includes revenue from the sale of exempted goods and non-exempted items, will pay 0.5 per cent. But those who take the pain to segregate income from non-exempted products will have to pay 1 per cent tax on the sale of these goods.

A final decision will be taken by the GST Council, comprising union and state finance ministers, in November.

PPF account to close if holder status changes to NRI

Following changes in investment rules for select small savings schemes, the government has said such accounts will be closed before their maturity in case status of the holder changes from resident to non-resident Indians. NRI holders will earn only post office savings account rate of 4 per cent and not the higher rate on those instruments when the status was one of a resident.

Where public provident fund (PPF) is concerned, the account is deemed to be closed the day the status of the account holder changes to NRI. The amendment to the Public Provident Fund

Act, 1968 reads, “If a resident who opened an account under this scheme subsequently becomes a non-resident during the currency of the maturity period, the account shall be deemed to be closed with effect from the day he becomes a non-resident.”

With regard to NSC, a separate notification said it is deemed to be encashed on the day the holder becomes an NRI. “Interest shall be paid at the rate applicable to the post office savings account, from time to time, from such day and up to the last day of the month preceding the month in which it is actually encashed.”

REAL ESTATE VOICE

www.asian-voice.com

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER AsianVoiceNews

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

We are in the process of closing a deal in Wanstead. It is a site which has been vacant for decades, its positioning is right on the High Street, in the midst of a residential development. It’s a few minutes from a Central Line station, and from there only 30 mins from Marble Arch station, and only 8 minutes to the new Crossrail.

Suresh Vagjiani

Sow & Reap London Property Investment

The location is very good, as it’s close enough to central London, but far enough away to be affordable. The developed units will qualify for the Help To Buy scheme, which applies if the properties are less than £600k, and are in London. Buyers only need a 5% deposit to get on the ladder. There is no wonder most Help To Buy schemes get sold out very quickly.

Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

There was a fixed price for the development, however, the incoming investors requested if the deal can be done using part payments. This is understandable, as the less money you use in a deal the more deals you can do. We managed to persuade the seller to postpone part of the payment until planning comes through. In effect, this last tranche will never have to be paid, as the moment planning comes through there will be no shortage of banks who will be happy to lend on the project. Therefore, the only required injection into the deal will be the first tranche.

Aside from the commercials and the location, there is the essential point of whether the land will get planning in the

AGONY AGENT IS HERE TO HELP! One last little horror story to end this Halloween season!!

A seemingly nice couple took a property, for the full asking rent, and passed the references with flying colours.

All set and ready for the move date, I informed the landlord of the cost of an inventory and check in at the property. "How much?

There's nothing in there, it is unfurnished" was the landlord’s response; despite me informing him of the importance of having such a document for deductions at the end of the tenancy, his attitude was "I’ll do it myself, it

can`t be that hard".

Now, this landlord kept his word, and conducted an inventory and check in on half of an A4 paper! I would imagine that the other half of this piece of paper had been used for his other property. The tenants moved in as planned and things went swimmingly. The rent came in on time and in full, apart from the landlord informing me that the tenants seemed to be reporting every little issue they found to him and making a mountain out of a mole hill. This was getting to him a little, yet despite this the tenancy continued for a further

BUY TO LET OPPORTUNITY

Alfred Road, London W2 Purchase Price: £310,000

Specialists in Central London Property Sourcing

19

few months until the tenants gave notice to leave in one months' time.

After notice was given, the relationship between the landlord and tenant soured somewhat due to the tenants need to over dramatise every dripping tap or missing light bulb, and the landlord being pestered all times of the day and night by them, it came to the point that I had to relay messages between them as neither would take each other's calls (not a standard part of the service but I'm always happy to help).

The landlord advised that the tenants should leave the property on the

first place. In assessing this, there are four main criteria within which the land must fit, in order to qualify to get planning.

The first is it should be situated in a settlement area, meaning the area surrounding the development must be residential led. The second criteria is there should be no restorations on the land, i.e. it should not be in a conservation area, have any trees with preservation orders on them etc.

Thirdly, any proposed development must be in line with the council’s planning policies.

Fourthly, consideration must be given to what surrounds the development.

The first two points are factual, and black and white, the latter two come down to the details in the agreed date and hand the keys back to me at the office, and also asked if I could conduct a free of charge informal check out once the tenants had left (again not part of the standard service but it would only take me about 30 seconds considering I only had the half A4 page to go by. The day soon arrived when the tenants dropped the keys off to me, I grabbed my "indepth inventory" and headed to the property. I then phoned the landlord to inform him that the tenants had left the property clean and tidy, and that everything that was listed on the inventory was in fact still there, however, he had forgotten to list a few keys areas of the property, which were

development itself. Our land passes the first two points. You need the help of a planning officer in order to ensure any proposed planning is in line with council policy. At times an architect might fulfil this function, however, it is better to have a planner’s opinion to ease the application. With regards to the fourth point, we have researched this very deeply and have even analysed and profiled the characters who

will be the decision makers for this application.

In short, we have conducted all the due diligence we possibly could have regarding this site and are confident planning will be forthcoming on this site in due course.

We are expecting some very interesting and lucrative land to be maturing very shortly.

Get in touch with our office if you want to know more.

now no longer at the property!

The tenants had removed the: Toilet, sink, bathtub, cooker, fridge, washing machine, and the kitchen itself work tops, units, draws and the frame!

The landlord could not even make any claim from the deposit, as he left out these areas on the inventory (I resisted reminding him that I had advised him to get a professional inventory done).

This situation may not have been completely avoided, however, the landlord would have been

able to make a claim to the deposit, and who knows the tenants may not have even done this, if there was a professional inventory and check in and out completed at the property.

Richard Bond Lettings Manager Sow & Reap

l Remarkable duplex apartment l Massive reception room, two bedrooms, one bathroom, separate kitchen l Large balcony offering stunning views of Little Venice canal l Long lease l Reasonable service charges l Expected rental yield is 9.5% l Expected resale is £425,000.

Call us now for more information!

0207 993 0103

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

Sowandreapuk

Turning land into cash Get in touch about our land opportunities

20

FINANCIAL VOICE

www.asian-voice.com AsianVoiceNews

Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

Consultant Editor Financial Voice Alpesh Patel Dear Financial Voice Reader, Knowing how to communicate to get what you want, will make you rich beyond your wildest dreams. In the age of computers, public speaking is not what I mean. Email. It shocks me how many people do not know how to approach someone over email to open the cold door.

Yet access is meant to be easier than ever. You do not need to stalk someone outside their office anymore (remember Bud Fox in Wall Street), you can get their email. But what kinds of email work for someone.

Most people will ask me to introduce them to some person or other. But then, they f*ck it up. Sorry but they do. They ramble on and one to the person I have introduced. Never getting to the point. Or suddenly they become arrogant. Or they do not get to the point.

Want to get rich? Work out how to email. We use AI and psychometrics on VIPs. There is free software which analyses the personalities of the people you are targeting on social media (even Trump leaves a social media trail) and then works out their personality type in detail and tells you how to communicate with them.

A business person recently complained to me that a Government official did not get back to him. I ask the Government official what was wrong? They said ‘other than the mile long email, we couldn’t work out what the hell he wanted’. Fair enough. I end up sending forms to people to narrow down their poor emails.

But that free software: www.crystalknows.com It’s the kind of tool I use when working with key companies such as 24Option.com for whom I am a brand ambassador. Ie not every company – but ones which matter to me.

And here is what is says about asking me things: It comes naturally for Alpesh to...

Pay close attention to all the details Make decisions based purely on logic Review all of the facts before making a big decision

Communication

SKEPTICAL Alpesh may be skeptical of overeager, high energy people who reveal too much of themselves. Be clear, confident, and deliberate when approaching them.

When speaking to Alpesh...

Trust that they will follow specific verbal instructions Emphasize past results Keep sarcastic remarks to yourself

Motivation

DILIGENT Alpesh will not rush their process. Working better in situations that allow them to work independently, without interruption.

Alpesh is most motivated by...

Accuracy & precision Being correct Competence & skill

Email

Tips for sending effective emails to Alpesh: Alpesh is a straight-shooter in conversation and tries to eliminate uncertainty wherever possible at work, so giving them direct, event blunt feedback will be more appreciated than subjective analysis.

When writing an email to Alpesh...

Use data to prove a point Provide lots of detailed information and instructions Ask them something that will require a long and thoughtful response.

Alpesh.patel@tradermind.com

No real slowdown in consumption, SBI chief Newly-appointed chairman of the country's largest bank, the State Bank of India, Rajnish Kumar said the bank may reduce interest rates in some basket given the low credit demand. When asked what his fund requirement was over the government's major recapitalisation plan, Kumar said, “We will work out numbers and estimate the capital requirement. But we are better than the Basel III estimate. Given that we account for one-fourth of the banking system, I am sure the government will prioritise our requirement.”

About the country's economic situation, Kumar said, “India story remains intact, which is a view that is shared

by everyone. There is no real slowdown in consumption.

In manufacturing sector, things can be better. But the government's announcements for the infrastructure sector will give a major boost to employment and given the linkages with other sectors, higher government spending will help a lot of industries. I see major gains for cement and steel. Higher manufacturing activity may not see as much increase in jobs as in the past due to automation, which has reduced the employment potential. But more construction will mean more employment and the sector will have a cascading effect on other sectors.”

AsianVoiceNewsweekly

Govt announces Rs 2.11 trillion PSU bank recapitalisation plan The Finance Ministry has announced a Rs 2.11 trillion bank recapitalisation plan for state-owned lenders weighed down by bad loans, in a bid to stimulate the flow of credit to spur private investment. Secretary in the department of financial services, Rajiv Kumar said recapitalisation will ensure genuine borrowers get adequate funding.

The government seeks to kickstart the private sector investment cycle to boost the Indian economy that grew 5.7 per cent in the quarter ended June, slowest in three years. Details of issuance of recapitalisation bonds are yet to be revealed.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the government will stick to the “glide path” for the fiscal deficit and that the impact of the recapitalisation bonds on the fiscal position will depend on its legal nature and issuing agency.

Chief Economic adviser Arvind Subramanian said that under the accounting practice of International Monetary Fund, such recapitalisation is treated below the line, meaning it is not part of the fiscal deficit. He said, “But under our own accounting practices, it is above the line and part of the deficit. The reason it is below the line is because when you recapitalise, you don't directly add to the demand for goods and services, which is what the deficit measures. So in that sense it is not going to be inflationary, et cetera et cetera.”

From the total amount, Rs 1.35 trillion will be received from the

Arun Jaitley

sale of so-called recapitalisation bonds. The remaining Rs 76,000 Crore will be through budgetary allocation and fundraising from the markets. The package depicts a visible increase over the current budgetary allocation. Indian banks have a massive stressed asset pile that touches close to Rs 10 trillion, crimping their ability to give fresh loans. Some experts believe, this method of capital infusion is the best option considering the government's current fiscal position, and because not all PSU

banks are in a position to tap markets given the asset quality issue.

A treasury official with a Mumbai-based state-owned bank said, “Another way is to allow banks to sell these bonds, where the government will give explicit guarantee on principal and interest service.

Alternatively, they can issue recap bonds, on the lines of oil bonds, where it will sell these bonds to banks, who will then down sell such securities.” Chief Economist at IndusInd Bank, Gaurav Kapur said whatever route the government uses to sell these bonds, it will be seen as increasing the debt burden of the government. “This is something which will be seen as cautionary by rating agencies even though there will be limited impact on the fiscal deficit since this is an off-budget item,” he said.

Fitch Ratings said the capital infusion may make the 3.2 per cent fis-

Rupee to get boost from bank recap A report has said that the rupee is likely to get a boost from the government’s PSU bank recapitalisation programme which is expected to support private capex recovery and increase foreign investor interest in domestic equity markets.

Economists at Morgan Stanley said “stronger growth and INR correlations with equities are supportive of further currency gains.” They believe the announcement is not expected to

impact fiscal deficit position of the county and inflation number, but is likely to have a positive impact on the economic growth parameter. “INR (rupee) should receive support from India's push to growth via a USD 32.5 billion recapitalisation of its public sector banks,” the report said. It added, “We think that INR remains a high-quality emerging market story showing low sensitivity to rising US yields.”

cal deficit target for 2017-18 difficult to achieve, if two-thirds of the planned recapitalisation bonds are issued by the government. It said the announcement “is a significant change from the drip-feed approach pursued over the last few years and should help address the capital shortages that are a major negative influence on the viability ratings of the banks.” The agency said, “The recapitalisation plans could make this target more difficult to achieve if recapitalisation bonds are to be issued by the central government, which might mean expenditure cuts e l s e w h e r e .

Recapitalisation bonds would still imply contingent liabilities for the government if they are instead issued by quasigovernment institutions.

The $21 billion of planned issuance is equivalent to 0.9 per cent of GDP.” “The latest planned injections will go a long way in plugging the total capital gap. They also exceed the $6-7 billion that we estimated the government would need to pump in on a bare minimum basis (excluding buffers) to address weak provision cover and aid in effective NPA resolution,” Fitch said.

“However, the size of capital allocations is to be determined by performance, which suggests the largest share will go to stronger banks, while some banks — particularly smaller, struggling ones- could still be swept up into the government’s consolidation agenda.”

Infosys cuts revenue guidance, chairman finds no wrong in Panaya deal Indian multinational Infosys Ltd slashed the revenue guidance for the current year and reported a net profit of Rs 3726 Crore for the quarter ended September 2017.

The net profit was higher by seven per cent from the June 2017 quarter.

Meanwhile, the company board led by chairman Nandan Nilekani, gave a virtual clean chit to former CEO Vishal Sikka, saying it has found no wrongdoing in the acquisition of Israeli company Panaya.

The company lowered its revenues guideline for the current fiscal year and attributed it to the reading of the IT market by its manage-

ment leadership. The company projected revenues to grow at the rate of 5.5 per cent to 6.5 per cent in constant currency which is lowering of projection from the 6.5 per cent to 8.5 per cent that was put out at the end of June. Nilekani also ruled out any possibility of putting entire report of the probe into the Panaya deal in the public domain, although this was one of the key demands made earlier by the founder shareholder group led by NR Narayana Murthy. The acquisition had created a rift between the company management and the group of founder shareholders, resulting in

Sikka and former chairman R Seshasayee's exit in August.

“The review reaffirmed the conclusion of the independent investigation that there was no merit to the allegations of wrongdoing with respect to the acquisition of Panaya. I believe that all stakeholders acted out of a strong passion for Infosys. We have brought stability.

Our goal was to make ourselves boring. We have got out of the headlines and the 'Bigg Boss' kind of stuff. It is no longer reality TV. We are doing good old fashioned business,” Nilekani said.

Meanwhile, co-

founder Murthy released an issue saying he stands by every question he raised on governance issues in the company.

“The fact remains that none of these questions have been answered by the Infosys board with the transparency it deserves. I am disappointed,” he said. “the core question still is how and why the Infosys board approved an unusual and unprecedented severance payment agreement of 1000 per cent to the former CFO, and why the board did not disclose this information proactively and much earlier. Sadly, it appears we will no longer know the truth.”

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Indian-American teen wins award at Broadcom MASTERS WASHINGTON: Teenaged Indian-American Meghna Behari is among the four grand prize winners at the 2017 Broadcom MASTERs competition, as announced by the Broadcom Foundation and Society for Science and the Public. The 14 year old from Sewickley won a $10,000 Marconi/Samueli Award for Innovation, the thirdlargest prize of the event.

Behari's Aquabot, an automated testing device that can wirelessly collect and transmit data on water quality, has earned her not only a grand money prize, but also collective praise.

Around 30 finalists convened to Washington for the national round of subjects including math, applied science, technology, and engineering for rising stars competition.

Finalists included at least seven Indian-American and

would be simpler for both scientists and concerned citizens.

Her initiative led to “Aquabot”.

The Broadcom MASTERS awarded participants a total of $100,000 of prizes. Along with the four top awards, first and secondplace winners were announced in each of the STEM categories, a team award and two rising stars who (L-R) Paula Golden, president of Broadcom Foundation, Emily Tianshi, will serve as US deleMeghna Behari, Faris Wald, Helen Lyons, and SSP President Maya Ajmera gates at the Broadcom and Helen Lyons from New South Asian American midMASTERS International York who won $7500 dle school students. Grand and official observers to the Lemelson Award for prize winners apart from Intel International Science Invention.

Behari include Faris Wald and Engineering Fair.

“I often hear about high from New Mexico who won Founded and produced levels of contamination in $25,000 for his overall masby the Society for Science waterways very close to my tery of science and engiand the Public, Broadcom home. Globally, the lack of neering, Emily Tianshi MASTERS seeks to inspire clean water poses a signififrom San Diego who won young scientists, engineers cant problem,” Behari said. $20,000 Robert Wood and innovators who will Which is why, she set out to Johnson Foundation Award solve the grand challenges develop a method that for Health Advancement, of the future.

Singapore Passport “Most Powerful” in the world SINGAPORE: Singapore has the world's “most powerful” passport as per a global ranking topped for the first time by an Asian country. Drawn by global financial advisory firm Arton Capital, the 'Global Passport Power Rank 2017' has Germany ranked second, and Sweden and South Korea sharing third place.

Traditionally, the top most powerful passports in the world were mostly European, with Germany leading for the past two years.

Philippe May, managing director of Arton Capital's Singapore office, said, “For the first time ever and Asian country has the most powerful passport in the world. It is a testament of Singapore's inclusive diplomatic relations and effective foreign policy.”

Paraguay removed visa requirements for Singaporeans, pushing their passport to the top. India has improved its ranking at 75, with a visa-free score of 51.

Founder and president of Arton Capital Armand Arton

said, “Visa-free global mobility has become an important factor in today's world. More and more people every year invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in a second passport to offer better opportunity and security for their fami-

lies.” While Singapore made its way to the top, the US passport has seen a steady fall ever since Donald Trump took office.

Most recently, Turkey and the Central Aftican Republic revoked their visafree status to US passport holders.

The list saw Afghanistan last, with a rank 94 and score of 22, followed by Pakistan and Iraq at 93 and score 26. The Passport Index ranks national passports by the cross-border access they bring, assigning a “visa-free score” according to number of countries a passport holder can visit visa-free or with visa on arrival.

Reform push in Saudi Arabia sees sports stadiums for women RIYADH: Authorities in Saudi Arabia have said that the country will allow women into sports stadiums for the first time from next year, in a landmark move of opening up three previously maleonly venues to families.

Known for some of the tightest restrictions on women, Saudi has for long barred women from sports arenas by strict rules on segregation of the sexes in public. The announcement is part of crown prince Mohammed bin Salman's ambitious reforms of shaking up the ultra-conservative kingdom.

General Sports Authority said on Twitter, “Starting the preparation of three stadi-

ums in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam to be ready to accommodate families from early 2018.” It added that restaurants, cafes, and video screens would be set up inside the venues. The announcement implies that

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women in the nation would be allowed for the first time to attend sporting events inside stadiums alongside men. Rules in the country are rigid to the point that its guardianship system demands a male family mem-

ber, normally the father, husband or brother, must grant permission for a woman's study, travel, and other activities.

However, the kingdom is seemingly relaxing some norms as part of its sweeping “Vision 2030” plan for economic and social reforms as it prepares for a post-oil era.

Just last month, a royal decree said women should be allowed to drive. Last week, in a rare public appearance, prince Mohammed pledged a “moderate” Saudi Arabia. He promised his kingdom will return to “what we were before- a country of moderate Islam that is tolerant of all religions and to the world.”

Two ex-Trump aides charged in Russia probe, White House distances itself

Paul Manafort (left) and Rick Gates, a Trump aide associated with Manafort, were charged with 12 counts of conspiracy and tax evasion. Former Trump advisor George Papadopoulos (right)

WA S H I N G T O N : Former Trump campaign Paul Manafort and associate Rick Gates have been indicted by investigators probing Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential elections.

Campaign adviser George Papadapoulos pleaded guilty in early October to lying to Donald Trump the FBI. The revelation is a sharp escalation of US Justice Department Special Counsel Robert Mueller's five-month-old inquiry into the alleged Russian efforts to lean the US presidential polls in the billionaire's favour.

Longtime Republican operative, Manafort, 58, and Gates were called at a federal courthouse in the capital, where both pleaded not guilty to charges in a 12-count indictment, ranging from money laundering to acting as unregistered agents of Ukraine's former proRussian government. The judge has ordered house arrest for both of them, and a $10 million unsecured bond for Manafort, and a $5 million unsecured bond for Gates. While they were released without having to pay, they will owe money if they fail to appear in court due on Thursday this week. Mueller's investigation along with others by congressional committees into alleged Russian efforts to influence the election, have dampened President Donald Trump's nine months in office.

US intelligence agencies reveal that Russia interfered in the polls by hacking and releasing embarrassing emails and spreading an online propaganda to discredit Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, who was strongly in the lead. While Russia has denied all allegations, Trump has denied any collusion.

The President remain unnamed in the indictment against Manafort and Gates. Most of the charges, some going back over a decade, focus on Manafort's work for Ukraine.

The indictment includes accusations of conspiracy against the United States, failure to report foreign bank accounts to the US government and conspiracy to launder money, a count that carries a 20-year maximum prison sentence. A White House spokeswoman has said that the indictment had no relation whatsoever, with Trump or his campaign.

Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said, “We've been saying from Day One, there's no evidence of Trump-Russia collusion, and nothing in the indictment today changes that at all.” Trump, meanwhile, has responded in classic Trump style, venting his frustration of the “witch hunt” on Twitter.

“Sorry, but this is years ago, before Paul Manafort was part of the Trump campaign.

But why aren’t Crooked Hillary & the Dems the focus?????,” Trump wrote on Twitter, referring to Clinton.

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China to UNSC plea for sanctioning of Pak terrorist Masood Azhar BEIJING: China has indicated that it will block a pending United Nations Security Council application to sanction Pakistani terrorist Masood Azhar, saying there was “no consensus” in the matter. After Beijing blocked a plea made

by India last year, it had placed a six-month “technical hold” earlier this year on an application backed by the United States, United Kingdom, and France. This is the second time in two years that Beijing has blocked attempts to list the Jaish-eMohammad leader.

On Monday it said it would block the application when the hold expires on November 2.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said, “So far, consensus has yet to be reached by members of the committee and actions taken by China are meant

to safeguard the authority and effectiveness of the committee.” She added, “ We have made our position clear many times. The relevant resolutions of the UNSC have clear stipulations as to the mandate of the 1267 committees and clear stipulations when it comes to the listing of relevant organisations and individuals. We believe the

committee should follow principles of objectivity, professionalism and fairness and reach decisions by consensus based on solid proof.”

“As for the listing by the relevant country, there are disagreements", Hua said.

“China raised the technical hold so as to allow more time for parties to deliberate on the matter. To our

US Secretary of State asks Pak to increase efforts against terrorists ISLAMABAD: In a muchneeded blunt statement, the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told Pakistan's top leadership to increase efforts to eradicate terrorists operating within the country. The statement came after he arrived in Islamabad on a visit to reset bilateral ties that remain strained following President Donald Trump's accusation of Pak providing safe havens to terrorist groups. Topics like bilateral cooperation and partnership, expanding economic ties

between the countries, and Pak's critical role in the region, were discussed in a meeting held between Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and Tillerson.

An inter-agency meeting chaired by the PM was also arranged, and saw different officials including Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Defence Khurram Dastigir Khan, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa,

and ISI Chief Lieutenant General Naveed Mukhtar.

Tillerson outlined the US' new South Asia strategy and the vital role played by Pak to facilitate a peace process in Afghanistan.

A statement released by the US Embassy said, “The Secretary noted that Pakistan and the United States share common interests in establishing a stable, peaceful Afghanistan, defeating ISIS in South Asia, and eliminating terrorist groups that threaten both Pakistan and

regret, the committee is yet to reach consensus.” Hua denied all reports of China favouring ally Pakistan. “I can understand why you raise this question but I cannot agree with what you said [about China supporting Pakistan]. China always upholds the principle of objectivity and fairness and we judge the matter on its own merit. Pakistan is also a victim of terrorism and we support Pakistan in countering terrorism, in accordance with its own national conditions.”

“China will continue to follow the stipulations and rules of regulations, and will remain in touch with relevant parties. China's actions are meant to ensure the authority and efficacy of this committee. It is in accordance with resolution and rules of procedure of committee. It shows our responsibility," Hua said. the United States.” In the meeting, Abbasi assured the Secretary that his country is committed to the war against terrorism. “The US can rest assured that we are strategic partners in the war against terror and that today, Pakistan is fighting the largest war in the world against terror,” Abbasi said.

The statement said, “Talks covered in detail all aspects of bilateral relations, the regional situation, as well as the evolving international environment. Pakistan delegation outlined the government's policy of a peaceful neighbourhood and steps taken to promote cooperation and stability in Afghanistan and the region.”

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70 Indian Words added to Oxford Dictionary

LONDON: The latest list of Indian inclusions in the Oxford English Dictionary show 70 words from Telugu, Urdu, Tamil, Hindi, and Gujarati languages. OED revealed a statement saying the most-commonly used words in India are jugaad, dadagiri, achcha, bapu, and surya namaskar- all of which are now part of the dictionary. OED World English Editor, Danica Salazar said, “Indian speech etiquette features a complex system of kinship terms and terms of address, in which age, gender, status, and family relationships are marked by a highly specific vocabulary with no direct equivalents in English.” The words were added as Indians have “a highly specific vocabulary with no direct equivalents in English” OED said.

Community wants proper burial for dead Indian girl

HOUSTON: Dallas County medical examiners office released the body of three year old Indian girl who disappeared from her Indian-American foster parents home in Richardson. Sherin Mathews who went missing on October 7, was found dead in a culvert under a road, about a half-mile from her home on October 22. The Richardson community mourned the tragic loss and have asked to handle her funeral. The girl's death became an international subject and realised several questions on the process of the adoption. The site where her body was found has become a memorial site. People have been visiting the places, and putting stuffed toys and flowers.

An online petition has also been created by 23 year old Omair Siddiqi, requesting authorities to allow the people to give her a proper burial that she deserves.

Taliban say their US hostage in Afghanistan in poor health

KABUL: The Taliban said conditions of one of their captives in Afghanistan has deteriorated and the man is in poor health. Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid released a statement that US national Kevin King suffers from heart and kidney problems and often loses consciousness. He stated that the group will hold the US government responsible if anything happens to him. King, along with an Australian identified as Timothy Weekes were abducted outside the American University of Afghanistan, in Kabul, where they worked as teachers. Two videos of the captives have been released since then, with the first one showing the captives asking President Donald Trump to offer a prisoner exchange to secure their freedom.

North Korea tackles UK for Mixed dancing and lipstick at Raqqa's first wedding since ISIS NHS hack attack blame PYONGYANG: North Korea has slammed Britain for accusations of it being responsible for a global ransomware attack that hit the National Health Service. It called the allegation a “wicked attempt” to tighten international sanctions against Pyongyang. A spokesperson for the North Korea-Europe Association denied all accusations, even warning Britain against “groundless speculation”.

“This is an act beyond the limit of our tolerance and it makes us question the real purpose behind the UK's move,” he said. “The moves of the UK government to doggedly associate the DPRK with the cyber attack cannot be interpreted in any other way than a wicked attempt to lure the international community into harbouring greater mistrust of the DPRK.” The

statement comes in response to Home Office Minister Ben Wallace's statement on BBC last week that London was “as sure as possible” that North Korea was responsible for the cyber attack.

A third of Britain's public hospitals were affected by the WannaCry worm in May. Up to 300,000 computers in 150 countries were hit by the virus which seized systems and demanded payment in Bitcoin to return control to

users. Some researchers pointed fingers at Pyongyang, saying the code used was similar to past hacks blamed on Kim Jongun's regime. South Korean government said the North has a 6800-strong unit of trained cyberwarfare specialists. Kim has stepped up cyber attacks in recent years, in a bid to earn hard foreign currency in the face of tougher United Nations sanctions imposed over its nuclear and missile programmes.

RAQQA: Men and women danced together in celebration at a wedding in Syria's Raqqa, a region that was once ruled by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Residents said Ahmad and Heba's wedding was the first in the city since US-backed forces seized it on October 17.

Ahmad's family are one of the selected few who were able to return to their

neighbourhood and celebrate.

His father Uthman Ibrahim said, “We are very happy, it's the first wedding since the jihadists left.” Another man said, “Before ISIS, there was dabke, songs and the traditional rituals of the region at our marriages, but ISIS banned everything, there was not a single celebration. Today it's a return of

joy.” It was a colourful sight as women who were forced to wear all-enveloping black including gloves and face veils under the previous rule, delighted in sporting patterned robes and bright red lipstick.

While some covered their hair with matching patterned scarves, others, including the bride, had their locks styled for the occasion.

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Young Nairobi Business Heir Slain Continued from page 1 Shah's body was cremated at the Hindu Shamshan Bhumi crematorium in Kariorkor, Nairobi County, after he was killed by suspected officers.

He was shot at his family's home on the Junction of Pepnio and General Mathenge roads in Westlands, and later pronounced dead on arrival at MP Shah hospital. The crematorium was full of relatives and staff members of the mattress giant. As many as 100 vehicles were reported parked in the vast compound.

The body arrived amid tight security similar to a Presidential escort complete with motorcycle leading the vehicle carrying the body.

Security was also enhanced at the venue with police officers strategically placed within precincts. The press was strictly restricted from taking any pictures of the cremation process and family of the victim declined to speak to journalists. Former Bidco Africa boss, Vimal Shah said, “This is a solemn moment where the

family is still in mourning and I do not think they can talk to the media. Let them be given space to pray and mourn in peace.”

Bunty was shot in cold blood by alleged police officers. Witnesses said they heard a loud bang before an unknown number of hooded people stormed Shah's compound in three vehicles after damaging the main gate.

Bunty's uncle Kiru Shah said the 32 year old woke up to find out the cause of the commotion and as shot in the chest at close range through his bedroom window. Several reports suggest police involvement in the killing. While the police earlier denied any role, it eventually issued a statement regretting the killing in what they now acknowledge was a botched operation.

Police spokesman George Kinoti said, “We regret the unfortunate death and wish to assure the public that a thorough inquiry into the circumstances of the shooting has been instituted.” He said as per information obtained by the police, some unidenti-

fied individuals were plotting to stage multiple attacks in Nairobi using weapons that were kept in unoccupied house along Peponi Road, Nairobi. “Having evaluated the information, a quick check confirmed that there was indeed such a building along that physical address that was adjacent to other properties. In view of the real and imminent danger to public security, a further and thorough check at that unoccupied property became necessary and had to be done immediately.”

“Unfortunately, during the operation, officers involved came under fire from a balcony of a building cross by. The unidentified person continued firing even after being cautioned, forcing the officers to respond.

In the ensuing exchange of fire, the individual, who has been identified as Bunty Shah, was fatally injured,” Kinoti said. He added that while police always endeavour to verify information obtained from the public before responding, in this particular event, and in the

view of the magnitude of the threat, and the fact that the building was unoccupied, there was no room for further delay.

However, the claimed “unoccupied room” they were hiding acted as a store and servant quarter for the family house, and it is within the compound of the main house. Bunty, was shot while standing at his bedroom window, where he shot twice to the air to scare officers who broke into the compound.

Kiru Shah said the victim was at home with his wife, his six-month old boy, his mother and grandmother. Police said he is a licensed gun holder. Without knowledge of who the invaders were, he stood at window of the first floor of his bedroom and fired twice to the air. Kiru said, “He had heard the commotion and noise in the compound and so he woke up and stood at the window and shot twice in the air perhaps to scare the intruders.”

The shooting ended the operation as the officers jumped back to their cars and sped off.

Protests in Kenya as Kenyatta clinches yet another term

NAIROBI: Renew protests spurted in different parts of Kenya overnight, after Uhuru Kenyatta claimed yet another term of presidency with a whopping 98 per cent votes in an election boycotted by his rival Raila Odinga. Claiming a resounding mandate to serve a second five-year term, the announcement did nothing to resolve the country's deepest political crisis in almost a decade, as the opposition rejected the legitimacy of the result and calling for new elections.

When the Electoral Commission announced Kenyatta the winner, protests in opposition strongholds, including Nairobi’s slum neighborhoods of Kibera and Mathare, were triggered, sparking fears of more violence. Officials said lesser than 39 per cent of eligible voters participated in an election marred by intimidation against Supreme Court judges, death threats to electoral commissioners, and dozens of deaths of opposition protesters. The election was a repeat vote after the SC nullified the August 8 presidential election on the basis of irregularities. Political fights in the country are often based on ethnic lines, merged with winner-takes-all tendencies.

Odinga's ethnic group Luo often feels excluded from jobs and opportunities as the presidency has been dominated by the Kikuyu and Kalenjin groups since independence. At least nine people have died in violence since the election. Ethnic violence flared in Kawangware,

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China blocks assassination plot against Kim Jong-un's nephew

BEIJING: Two members of a North Korean assassination team have reportedly been arrested in Beijing while plotting to kill Kim Han-sol, son of Kim Jong-nam, who was poisoned in a Malaysia airport. A source said, “Special operatives belonging to the North's reconnaissance team penetrated (China) to remove Kim Han-sol, but some of them were arrested last week by the Chinese Ministry of National Security and are currently under investigation at facilities outside Beijing.” The plot was reportedly detected during heightened security measures introduced around the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party, which went on for seven days. Jong-nam died in Kuala Lumpur airport in February after two women smeared VX nerve gas on his face.

Arrest warrant issued against Nawaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani court has issued an arrest warrant against ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif in two cases of corruption spiralling from the Panama Papers leak. “The accountability court issued bailable warrants for the former Prime Minister in two cases of alleged corruption and adjourned hearing until November 3,” Zafir Khan, one of his defence lawyers said. Sharif who is currently in London with wife Kalsum, has not returned to the country ever since he was indicted in corruption allegations earlier this month. The Pakistan Supreme Court sacked Sharif in late July, following an investigation into corruption allegations against his family.

In bid to kill husband, Pak bride accidentally kills 13 family members

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani woman has been arrested after a plot to kill her husband by poisoning him with a glass of milk failed. Asiya, who wanted her husband to drink the milk, was prepared for what was to happen next. The beverage ended up in 27 family members' systems, 13 of who fatally affected. The drastic step was taken by the woman as he was forced to marry Amjad by her parents. She had even tried to flee from her parent's home earlier, but had failed to do so. Though it was initially claimed that a lizard had fallen into the drink, Muzaffargarh police later confirmed that Asiya had confessed to the crime. The poison was said to have allegedly given by her lover.

Nine headless bodies found in Tokyo home

Uhuru Kenyatta

west of Nairobi, where houses were burned and at lease one man killed.

Expressing concerns over the violence, US Ambassador Robert F Godec released a statement saying, “We appeal for calm in the coming days.

We call on all Kenyans to come together at this critical moment to reject the politics of hatred and division. We again urge that there be an

immediate, sustained, open, and transparent national dialogue involving all Kenyans to resolve the deep divisions that the electoral process has exacerbated. Leaders and politicians should clearly and publicly reject violence and work to keep the peace, and make every effort to ensure their supporters do so as well.”

Kenyatta meanwhile said there was no doubt that he had won overwhelmingly in the August election.

“Today I as a Kenyan celebrate our resilience as a nation but I also celebrate the resilience of our democracy, the resilience of our people and also the resilience of our constitution. Any other country experiencing the twists and turns of our electoral

process would have burst asunder but our Kenyan resilience will not tire. It will not give in to obvious provocation and base invitation to the politics of darkness.”

Criticising Odinga for challenging the August election, and failing to contest the October poll, he said, “Despite the fact that my major contender went to court demanding that the presidential election be nullified and was actually granted his pleading and an annulment, he chose to ignore the rest of the ruling, which ordered a fresh election in 60 days conducted by none other than the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission as constituted.

Therefore he ultimately chose to abandon the fresh poll. I say this: You cannot choose the opportunity to exercise a right and thereafter abscond from the consequences of that choice.”

TOKYO: Japanese police found nine mutilated bodies hidden in containers in a suburban Tokyo flat. Authorities have arrested 27 year old Takahiro Shiraishi who reportedly confessed to hacking the flesh off the bodies and throwing it out with the trash, later sprinkling cat litter over the remains to cover up the evidence. The suspect reportedly told investigators that he had “dumped cut flesh and organs in the trash” prompting fears he was a serial killer. A neighbour said, “It's really cruel. He used a saw to dismember the bodies or something. He must be abnormal to have done such things.” Another said he had smelled an odour he had “never smelled before”.

Robot 'Sophia' granted citizenship in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has announced that it has granted citizenship to a humanoid robot, in a groundbreaking decision that has garnered mixed reviews. Sophia, a robot developed by Hanson Robotics, a Hong Kong-based corporation is the kingdom's newest citizen. The update came out during the Future Investment Initiative held in the capital this week. Brainchild of David Hanson, who built her in 2015, she has been instilled with artificial intelligence, and can recognise faces and copy 62 facial expressions.

On receiving the citizenship, she thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the historic distinction and said she was honoured to be recognised. She also gave some interesting answers to questions about consciousness, selfawareness and her long-term goals.

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Bank asks which is the real AIADMK

MADURAI: The glaring division within Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK party has once again proved to be troublesome as party members prepare for the coming Thevar Jayanthi celebrations.

Raising questions about the “real” AIADMK, Madurai branch of the Bank of India declined to hand over the traditional golden armour donated by late chief minister J Jayalalithaa to commemorate iconic thevar leader Pasumpon Muthuramalingam.

The armour will be the toast of the guru pooja that is scheduled to begin on October 28 and end on October 31.

Sources said considering the ongoing dispute over the party and its symbol, the BoI branch in Anna Nagar in Madurai raised queries about who will represent the party.

A senior party leader in the ruling camp said, “After clarifications are provided to the bank, the armour would be handed over to the true custodians in a day or two.” The armour has been kept in the bank's vault and is traditionally handed over to the descendants of the thevar party and AIADMK treasurer during the event. Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam (OPS) was removed and replaced from

Jayalalithaa handing over the 13kg golden armour to use on the Muthuramalinga Thevar statute, in 2014

the post of party treasurer with Dindigul C Sreenivasan, after he revolted against Sasikala in February this

year.

OPS has reportedly written to the chief managers of Karur Vysya Bank and Bank of India, asking them not to allow anyone to operate them.

Donated by Jayalalithaa to the thevar memorial, the golden armour weighs 13kg and is estimated to cost 4.5 Crore. Each year, after Thevar Jayanthi, it is placed back in a safe in the BoI branch of Madurai. The treasurer of the AIADMK, a post held by OPS for nearly a decade now, and the person in charge of the Thevar memorial in Pasumpon, are joint signatories to this safe deposit.

Kerala Education Minister CBI books KJ George and others in DySP Ganapathy suicide case had RSS background

KOCHI: A Congress MLA has kicked off a fresh new row by claiming that the Kerala State Education Minister and CPM leader C Raveendranath has a history in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak dal. In a Facebook post, Congress MLA from Wadakkancherry, Anil Akkara even submitted a nomination for the post of chairman of the students union at a college ass a RSS-student wing ABVP candidate.

“During his childhood, he was a member of the Cheranallur RSS shakha.

During his student years at the St Thomas College in Thrissur, where former CM EMS Namboodiripad also studied, he submitted nomination for the chairman post as a candidate of the ABVP. If all this is true, what's left to see?” he wrote. The allegations come at a time when there are several assertions that the education wing of the RSS distributed several books in schools, with incorrect historical facts.

C Raveendranath

Another controversy also grew when a circular was sent from the Centre asking schools in the state to celebrate the birth centenary of Jan Sangh leader Deen Dayal Upadhyay.

Three-time MLA from Pudukkad, Thrissur, Raveendranath is a first-timer in the cabinet headed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The government website describes him as a retired chemistry professor at the St Thomas College. The minister has meanwhile, rejected the allegations as baseless and factually incorrect. He also said that he was at no point connected with ABVP.

Supreme Court upholds women's right to abort

NEW DELHI: A Supreme Court bench comprising of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, AM Khanwilkar, and DY Chandrachud, has dismissed a civil appeal seeking to recognise husband's consent to terminate a pregnancy.

Upholding the Punjab and Haryana high court's decision, the bench said, “ Keeping in view the strained relations between the husband and wife, the wife's decision to terminate the unwanted fetus was right. The termination of pregnancy had not soured the relations between the two. So, keeping in view the legal position, it is held that no express or implied consent of the husband is required for getting pregnancy terminated under the (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) Act.” A dispute between a husband and wife led to their separation, with the wife living with her minor son and parents. She filed an application under section 125 CrPC claiming maintenance from the husband. She later agreed to

accompany the husband with efforts of the Lok Adalat, and during this period, the wife conceived.

Differences between her and the husband however, persisted. While the wife wanted to abort, the husband refused to sign the papers giving his consent to terminate the pregnancy. He filed a suit for mandatory injunction restraining the wife from getting the foetus aborted. That suit was withdrawn after she underwent Medical Termination of Pregnancy.

The husband filed a civil suit for the recovery of Rs.30 lacs towards damages on account of mental pain, agony, and harassment against his estranged wife, her parents, brother and the doctors who got her pregnancy terminated.

In its judgement, the Punjab and Haryana High court, had held that under Section 3(4)(b) of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, only the consent of the pregnant woman undergoing termination of pregnancy is required.

BENGALURU: The CBI has re-registered a case of abetment of suicide against state minister KJ George in connection with the death of Deputy Superintendent of Police MK Ganapathy in Kodagu district, Karnataka. The case has also been registered against senior police officers AM Prasad, state intelligence chief and Pranav Mohanty, who is on central deputation. The move came after the Supreme Court issued an order on September 5, directing an agency probe into the death.

Ganapathy's father and brother had plead for reopening of investigations after the case was closed by the Criminal Investigation Department of the state police. A closure report was filed in the case on September 17, 2016, however, it was not accepted by a magistrate’s court after the deceased's family informed the court about a case being filed for a CBI probe in the Supreme Court. The CID probe had found that the DSP committed suicide by hanging himself in a lodge in

MK Ganapathy

Madikeri after the television interview. Factors like distress in his professional and personal life, suicide of a colleague and mental health problems that the officer were being treated for were cited for his suicide.

Ganapathy, 51, who faced investigation over an encounter death and for corruption in the course of his career, committed suicide at a lodge in Kodagu. Shortly before his death, he had told a local television channel that former home minister and then Bengaluru development minister KJ George and two senior police officers – Prasad and Mohanty, would be to blame if anything untoward were to happen to him.

Punjab CM feels Opp leader involved in drug trade

JALANDHAR: Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh said he “personally feels” Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia and some other Akalis “may have been involved” in the drug trade, but “can't act against them without any evidence.”

Responding to a reporter’s query about 40 Congress MLAs writing to him to act against Majithia, Singh said the government will not spare him or anyone else proved to be guilty in drug trading in the state.

The CM said at present four central agencies- ED, income tax department, directorate of revenue intelligence and the narcotics bureau, are conducting a probe into the drug racket that was busted after the arrest of former policeman Jagdish Bhola. He said he has ordered the state police chief

to help the agencies whenever they need any kind of assistance. Singh also castigated Indian-origin Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, and newly-elected leader of the country's New Democratic Party Jagmeet Singh for “trying to whip up communal passions in India with their irresponsible and inflammatory statements.”

Singh said that if both the leaders consider themselves Indians, “They should not make such statements which can destabilise Punjab and in fact, the whole of India.” On another question, he denied having overruled recommendations of the advocate general in deciding to set up a regulator for private universities in the state. He said the move is in line wit legal advice given by the AG, and is aimed at strengthening the higher education system in the state to create jobs.

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Kerala woman pleads for help, husband asks CM to intervene

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Akhila Ashojan who was put in protective custody of her parents, after the Kerala High Court annulled her marriage with Muslim man Shafin Jahan has released a second video pleading for help. “You need to get me out... I will be killed anytime,” she can be heard saying. The 25 year old homeopathic doctor had converted to Islam last year after her marriage with Jahan. On her father's claim, the Kerala High Court had accepted that he has links with terror-outfits. Release by social activist Rahul Eashwar, the video shows Akhila narrating her woes of being brutalised by her father. Jahan, meanwhile has requested Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to intervene. He has also requested the Home Department to take suo moto action based on the video.

Prez calls Tipu Sultan a “hero”, leaves BJP red-faced

BENGALURU: A little less than a week after BJP's Anant Kumar Hegde described Tipu Sultan as “a brutal killer, wretched fanatic and mass rapist”, refusing to attend functions related to the historical figure, President Ram Nath Kovind hailed the Mysore ruler. Speaking at the 60th anniversary of the Vidhana Soudha, Kovind said, “Tipu Sultan died a heroic death fighting the British. He was also a pioneer in the development and use of Mysore rockets in warfare. This technology was later adopted by the Europeans.” The statement comes in direct opposition to the ruling BJP, which has been vehemently protesting against Karnataka's plan to celebrate Tipu's birth anniversary. It has blamed Congress of being insensitive to Hindu sentiments in the light of the ruler's alleged record of forcible conversions.

Zero waste Kozhikode to be launched on November 1

KOZHIKODE: The much-publicised Zero Waste Kozhikode project will be launched on November 1, in a decision taken at a meeting chaired by district collector UV Jose. Second phase of the project to convert the district to zero waste has reportedly been completed.

“During the first phase, the government offices were targeted and through various selected wings we implemented zero waste management projects in these institutions. Project clinics were introduced in every panchayat and 12 block panchayats were allotted super Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and mini MRF was installed in 70 grama panchayats. MRF has already been prepared for seven municipalities and corporation. A total of Rs 70.43 crore has been spent for the project,” Jose said.

State announced Rs 363.42 Crore to Jalandhar

JALANDHAR: Fulfilling promises made to people in the Congress manifesto, the ruling party in Punjab has announced a grant of Rs 363.43 Crore for the development of Jalandhar city. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, during his first visit to the city, said a project worth Rs 1000 Crore supported by Asian Development Bank for “canal water” for drinking purpose will begin soon. Singh said he had sanctioned Rs 50 Crore for expediting the smart city project, along with new development works and Rs 42.43 Crore for installation of street lights. The government also plans to create special economic zones to bring the city's sports and leather industry on track. Punjab Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu said online transcripts of layout plans of residential properties will also be made available on the internet.

DNA collection a bust as families grieve over missing Indian workers

PANIPAT: AMRITSAR: Family members of nine of the 39 missing Indian workers from Iraq reached Amritsar's Government Medical College to give their DNA samples, only for the process to be put on hold due to the college forensic department's lack of requisite test kits. Sources said the DNA collection process had to be deferred as officials needed the kits in bulk.

However, the delay has caused major inconvenience to the victims' families, several of whom had reached the city from far parts of the state. The samples were requested by the external affairs ministry on an urgent basis to restart efforts to trace the workers missing from Iraq’s Mosul since June, 2014.

HERITAGE HISTORY

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Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

Dr. Hari Desai

Agony of the Nobel Laureate Sir CV Raman

Raman was the first Asian and non-white individual to win a Nobel Prize in science. He was not only an expert on light, he also experimented with acoustics.

First Asian and Non-white to win the recognition in Science in 1930 Sir Ashutosh extended invitation, his son, Syamababu, gave a kick

N

Sir Raman and Lady Raman

ot many Indians born in India could become Nobel Laureate in pre-independence India. Even till date only five Indians are listed as the Nobel Prize winners: Rabindranath Tagore-1913 (Literature), Sir C.V.Raman-1930 (Physics), Mother Teresa1979 (Peace), Amartya Sen-1998 (Economics) and Kailas Satyarthi-2014 (Peace). Sir Raman was unique in many respects as the winner of Nobel for his discovery. He never studied abroad since his health did not permit him even when he had an opportunity to go for a master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Even when he was invited to join the Calcutta University as a Professor endowed the Palit Chair of Physics, he refused to fulfill the condition to carry out research in other countries to increase Indian expertise.

Instead, he said the scientists should come from other countries to learn from him! Raman was the first Asian and non-white individual to win a Nobel Prize in science. He was not only an expert on light, he also experimented with acoustics. Raman was the first person to investigate the harmonic nature of the sound of Indian drums such as tabla and mridangam. Raman, on 28 February 1928, made a path-breaking discovery which later was named the

to do his BA. His elder brother, Subrahmanya (CS), had already moved to Madras(now Chennai) the previous year. Focused on research from the very beginning, Raman completed his master’s degree in physics from the Presidency College. After passing the Indian Financial Service exam in 1907, he took up a government job as an Assistant Accountant –General at Calcutta, the seat of Raj, now known as Kolkata.

Raman got two of his research papers published in the Philosophical Magazine and received a letter from Lord Rayleigh, the eminent scientist, addressing him as “Professor Raman”, not knowing that a boy of eighteen was the author of the papers. Even when he took up the government job at Kolkata, he continued his scientific research at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science(IACS) as his parttime passion. Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, the Vice Chancellor of the Calcutta University, had his eyes set on Raman who had made the IACS his second home.

Mookerjee made the offer to appoint Raman for the post of Sir Taraknath Palit Professor of Physics.

Raman accepted the University offer since it was to fulfill his dream; despite some administra-

Raman Effect. The day is celebrated in India as National Science Day. While on a voyage to England, Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (7 November 1888-21 November 1970) was amazed by the spectacular blue of the Mediterranean sea. Seven years of research lead to the Raman Effect, an explanation of the molecular diffraction of light that won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. His biographer, Uma Parameswaran, notes : “Raman had long been attracted to the phenomenon of light scattering. During his short stint in astronomy, in the 1910s, he had talked about light scattering from Jupiter. His 1921 voyage had made him realized that this was one of nature’s secrets that he had to unravel…Between 1921 and 1927, Raman pursued the phenomenon of light scattering in gases and liquids.”

Born with “a copper spoon in his mouth” at Tiruchirappalli, in a Brahmin family when his father, Chandrasekhara Ayyar, was earning the princely sum of ten rupees per month as a teacher, Raman matriculated at the age of twelve at the end of 1900. He completed his intermediate courses in December 1902 and left for Madras in January 1903

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Sir C. V. Raman, the scientist discovered the Raman Effect

politics of rivalry was to follow Raman to Bangalore, affecting his progress in more ways than one.” On 24 April 1934, Raman registered the Indian Academy of Science in Bangalore and started inviting scientists to join, leading many in Calcutta to be upset. It increased opposition to his position within the IACS. At the next annual general meeting of IACS, towards the end of 1934, Raman was “democratically” stripped off his secretaryship with the help of the new life members admitted by Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

The combined forces of Bangla nationalism and individual rivalries exiled Raman from the city he had thought of as his own.

There would be no coming home for him, now or ever.

Even after that the Calcutta Group headed by Mookerjee managed to remove Raman from the Directorship of IISc. “ Rajinder Singh has documented proof that Dr. Mookerjee, who was on the council of IISc, had a hand in promoting antagonism

against Raman…He cites a letter from Syama Prasad to Meghnad Saha where he wrote he had cancelled his trip to England so he could attend the special council meeting that was to look into Raman’s directorship tenure.” During his difficult years as Director, Raman had found great support from the ruler of Mysore, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and his Dewan, Sir Mirza Ismail. The Maharaja saw in Raman a man worth honouring and supporting. He donated eleven acres of land for Raman’s vision of the Indian Academy of Sciences where the Raman Research Institute(RRI) was opened after Raman’s retirement from IISc in 1948. He nourished the institute till his death in 1970. Even today it continues to be a living research monument of Sir Raman.

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tive hassles.

His scientific research did not slow down, even though his teaching and administrative duties increased.

Raman groomed his students in research and accepted many assignments to deliver talks on his research. He was becoming popular and his research was getting recognition world over. His trips abroad and the award of knighthood in June 1929 made some people jealous of him. When his name for the Nobel Prize was announced in 1930 for the Raman Effect and his contribution in other scientific research, the rivalry between Meghnad Saha and Raman became visible. Ten Nobel Laureate scientists proposed Raman’s name for the Nobel Prize. Even Saha was aspiring to get the world renowned prize. From here the moves were initiated in the name of Bangla Nationalism to get rid of Raman. “Towards the end of 1932 there were letters to the editor in the local newspapers against Raman’s management of the IACS and the Palit Professorship. The accusations were that he had only south Indians around himself as scholars, and that physics was given too much prominence, to the exclusion of other sciences. The main grouse was that Bengalis were being sidelined in their own province”, records his b i o g r a p h e r , Parameswaran.

Once Sir Raman decided to settle down at Kolkata forever but was considered an outsider, even after twenty-five years of service. With heavy heart, he left for Bangalore (now Bengaluru ) to take over his position at Indian Institute of Science(IISc). “But the

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Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

Dates for Gujarat elections announced

Dates for Gujarat Assembly elections have been declared by the Election Commission. The state will witness a twophase poll on December 9 and 14, counting will take place on December 18.

Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Joti said the model code of conduct comes into effect from now onwards.

The sate has 182 seats, spread across 33 districts.

19 districts will go to polls in phase 1. They include Kutch, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Kota, Valsad, and others. Last date for nomination of candidates is November 21 and last date for withdrawal of candidature is November 24. 14 districts will go to polls on December 14, Ahmedabad will be one of them. For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the election in his home state is an important battle for prestige. Development as always, will be his slogan.

Chief election commissioner AK Joti

The BJP's new campaign 'Hun Chu Vikas, Hun Chu Gujarat' (I am Development, I am Gujarat) is vaguely similar to Modi's 2012 campaign slogan, 'Hun Modi no Manas Chu' (I am Modi's man).

Mumbai-based analyst Jai Mrug said, “If the 2012 Gujarat elections where the BJP won for the third successive time under Modi as its CM was a personal battle for the race for the prime ministerial post, the 2017

Gujarat elections are now of national significance both for Modi and the BJP. A reduction in its numbers could mean that the Modi juggernaut can be challenged and will galvanize opposition forces for the 2019 elections.”

The 150 seats target by the BJP is aimed at breaking the record of 149 seats that the Congress won back in 1985 under the leadership of Madhavsinh Solanki.

“This time, the main

election issue is of development. The opposition party is criticising GST and demonetisation, and BJP’s thumping victory will give a befitting reply to all such critics. This election will be a verdict on PM Modi’s leadership and his vision and will clear the way for the party’s victory for 2019 elections as well,” a BJP official said.

For Rahul Gandhi and his Congress party, the poll is yet another chance to revive its position in the run-up to 2019. He has also increased the frequency of his visits to Gujarat in the past few months, in anticipation of the announcement of the election dates, and has been trying to forge an alliance with dynamic young leaders Alpesh Thakor of other backward classes (OBC), Hardik Patel of the Patidar community, and Dalit leader Jignesh Patel to defeat the BJP.

Indian students assaulted in Italy

With a series of attacks on Indian students in Milan, the External Affairs Ministry has urged Indian citizens in Italy to refrain from panicking. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said she has received a detailed report on the situation and that Indian diplomats are reaching out to the students. Assuring Indian students of their safety, she said she was overseeing the situation. “I have got the detailed report.

Please do not worry. I am monitoring the situation personally,” Swaraj said on Twitter.

The Indian Students Association for Polimi said two incidents took place over the past few days in which a group of people

Sushma Swaraj

beat up a student and snatched his mobile phone. Another student was assaulted by a gang.

The Consulate General of India in Milan issued an advisory following the incidents, urging Indian nationals and students to not panic. It read, “The

Consulate has received reports of the unfortunate incidents of attacks on Indian students in Milan.

All Indian students are urged not to panic. The Consulate is taking up this matter with the highest level of law and order authorities in Milan.”

GV Sandeep of the students' association however said the investigation needs to be completed. “Following the attacks, locals have reached out to us offering to help. Our community is widely appreciated in Milan; even the media in the city has enquired and

extended all sorts of help to create awareness, so I want to state clearly that Italy remains safe for Indians and Indian students,” he said. Sandeep pointed out that the identity of the attackers was yet to be determined and they could also be outsiders or migrants.

“Therefore we should not term the attacks as 'racist' as yet.”

Italy is home to a 18,000-strong Indian community, the third-largest in the European Union after the UK and the Netherlands. The attacks coma as Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni visited India. He was the first Italian premier to travel to the country in over a decade.

Jet Airways flight diverted after hoax bomb letter in toilet

A frequent flyer on a Jet Airways Mumbai-Delhi flight has confessed to planting a threatening note in a toilet that set off a hijack alarm. A Mumbaibased jeweller from Gujarat's Amreli district, the passenger is believed to be obsessed with an airhostess and attempted to gain her attention. Sources said the last time he flew, he carried a cockroach and pretended to find it in his meal.

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju has identified the offender as Salla Birju.

He has been detained after it was established that

he was the only one to visit the toilet before the note was found by an air hostess. Raju said, “A man Salla Birju has confessed that he had kept the threatening note to destabilise operations in the Jet Aiways flight.” He added that he has advised the airline to “put him on the no-fly list immediately apart from other criminal action.” If the move is taken, Birju could be the first passenger to make it to the no-fly list after new rules were enforced in September to allow banning of unruly passengers from periods ranging from three months

to over two years.

Jet Airways flight 9W339 took off a little before 3 pm, from Mumbai, on Monday, and was soon diverted to Ahmedabad where it landed 45 minutes later. The airline issued a statement saying the diversion was made after the “declaration of an emergency as per established security procedures, due to the detection of an onboard security threat.”

The printed letter in the bathroom in Urdu and English, suggested that there was a bomb in the cargo hold of the plane. It read that the flight “is cov-

ered by hijackers and aircraft should not be land and flown straight to POK”. The air hostess who found the note took it to the the pilot who reportedly pressed the hijack button, alerting the Ahmedabad airport to a threat.

All 122 passengers of the plane, including seven crew members, were screened and their bags checked once they touched Ahmedabad. All were questioned for hours and photographed. The flight took off for Delhi six hours later, with Air marshals on board.

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Bollywood actor gives Diwali gift to families of martyrs Action superstar Akshay Kumar is known for a slight inclination towards defence personnel. However, it was his recent-most gesture that touched 103 families of our brave jawaans. The actor presented families of slain soldiers from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, with a cheque of Rs 25,000, along with a box of sweets. The gifts were sent along with a personally signed letter for each family.

In the heartfelt letter, he talked about the sacrifice made by the martyrs of India. He wrote, “We all are proud of your family member for his Sacrifice to the nation. I know you are missing your loved ones on this Diwali Festival.

But I request you to start the new year with courage. Sending a small gift of sweets and books for children. Please accept with love.” This isn't the first time the actor has shown his philanthropic side. He had donated Rs 5 Lakh to each family of those martyred in the Uri terror attacks.

A socio-economic rehabilitation function for patients cured of leprosy was held at Rashtriya Shala, Rajkot. A total of 21 patients were socioeconomically successfully rehabilitated in to the society. The event was attended by Tushar Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.

Speaking at the inauguration, he said, “Leprosy

work was more near to my grandfather than the political freedom of India.” In his last days, Bapu had expressed that service to leprosy patients remained an incomplete work of his life. Gandhi congratulated Dr Kirit Acharya for his pious and Gandhian work of leprosy, conveying good wishes to continue the work.

Akshay Kumar

Socio-economic rehabilitation of Leprosy cured patient in Rajkot

Swiss couple beaten up in UP, Offered free stay in 5-Star hotel

A Swiss couple who were attacked at Fatehpur Sikri earlier this month, have been offered a free twonight stay at a five-star hotel in New Delhi, as a “token of concern” by Tourism Minister KJ Alphons. In a letter to the couple, the minister offered to put them up at the government ITDC hotel, The Ashok, after they recovered from their injuries. “Trust you are recovering fast and would be on your way home soon.

As a token of our concern, we would like to offer you a room at our luxury hotel, The Ashok, at Chanakyapuri, New Delhi for two nights on the dates of your choice. All expenses at the hotel, including

food and beverages, would be covered,” he said in the letter.

Marie Droze and Quentin Jeremy Clerc were ruthlessly attacked by a mob on October 25. They were stalked, harassed, and then attacked with sticks and stones. The attack was so brutal that it left 24 year old Clerc with a fractured skull, a brain clot, and hearing impairment. Droz nursed a broken arm and multiple bruises. The Swiss embassy said it was providing the couple “support” within the framework of consular protection services. The duo said they found no help from bystanders, who instead chose to record videos of them on their phones.

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health lifestyle

Go Green! 7 incredible health benefits of green beans You may have hated seeing them in your lunchbox, but the fact is that green beans are some of the most nutritional vegetables children can eat. And your parents knew that well.

One of the oldest cultivated vegetables, green beans have many varieties you could pick from String beans, French beans or Snap beans are all rich in vitamins A, C, and K, they are a good source of folic acid and heart protective calcium and fiber.

Harvesting green beans is an interesting process.

The book ‘Healing Foods’ writes, “fresh green beans are edible pods picked early in the plant’s growth cycle. As they mature, the pods become tough, fibrous and inedible”.

Here are 7 Health benefits of green beans you should know before scoffing at this 1. Green Beans for Energy: Green beans contains about twice the amount of iron as compared to spinach. Iron is a component of red blood cells which is essential to transport oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body.

If you are struggling with anemia, dripping energies or low metabolism - then green beans is the magical food you need.

2. Green Beans are great for Skin, hair and nails: This nutritional powerhouse can do wonders for your skin, hair and nails.

Green beans are loaded with an easily absorbed type of silicon, which are important for the formation of healthy connective tissues and strengthening nails and boosting skin health.

3. Bone Health: According to the book ‘Healing Foods’ green beans are abundant in Vitamin K, which activates osteocalcin which is the main non-collagen protein found in bones. This compound locks calcium molecules together inside bone, strengthening them from within.

4. Green Beans protects Good for bone health

My two-year-old cousin scared us one summer by disappearing during our lakeside vacation. More than a dozen relatives searched the forest and shoreline, and everyone was relieved when we found Matthew playing calmly in the woods.

“Listen to me, Matthew,” his mother said sharply.

“From now on when you want to go someplace, you tell Mommy first, okay?”

Matthew thought about that for a moment and said, “Okay. Disney World.” *** The summer after college graduation, I was living at home, fishing in the daytime, spending nights with my friends—generally just hanging out. One afternoon my grandfather, who never went to college, stopped by. Concerned with how I was spending my time, he asked about my future plans. I told him I was in no hurry to tie myself down to a career.

“Well,” he replied, “you better start thinking about it.

You’ll be thirty before you know it.”

“But I’m closer to twenty than to thirty,” I protested.

“I won’t be thirty for eight more years.”

“I see,” he said, smiling. “And when will you be twenty again?” *** Vacationing in Hawaii, two priests decide to wear casual clothes so they won’t be identified as clergy.

They buy Hawaiian shirts and sandals, and soon hit the beach. They notice a gorgeous blonde in a tiny bikini. “Good afternoon, Fathers,” she says as she strolls by.

The men are stunned. How does she know they’re clergy? Later they buy even wilder attire: surfer shorts, tie-dyed T-shirts, and dark glasses. The next day, they return to the beach. The same fabulous blonde, now wearing a string bikini, passes by, nods politely at them, and says, “Good morning, Fathers.”

“Just a minute, young lady,” says one of the priests.

“We are priests and proud of it, but how in the world did you know?”

“Don’t you recognize me? I’m Sister Kathryn from the convent.”

Green beans

against free radical damage: Green beans are loaded with antioxidants pre-

calcium and heart protective flavonoids. Flavonoids are polyphenolic antioxidants that are comStrong monly found in diuretic fruits and vegetaproperties bles.

The high amounts of flavonoids have immense antiinflammatory properties, which regulate thrombotic activity in the cells and prevent blot clots in the arteries.

7. Good for eyesight: Rich venting the free radical in carotenoids, green damage activity. beans could play an effecFree radicals are atoms tive role in preventing or groups of atoms with an macular degeneration (a odd (unpaired) number of condition that causes electrons and can be decrease in vision and eye formed when oxygen function). They are also interacts with certain rich in lutein and molecules.

These Zeaxanthin which help molecules can bind maintain good eyesight together and form chains and night vision. which can affect imporHave them alone or tant cellular components add them to your salads, making them function soups or stews or serve as poorly and causing them to die. a side dish. You can also pair them with your meat In worse cases it can and poultry. also trigger heart ailments It is better to have and cancers. To prevent them whole and not cut free radical damage the them to preserve their body has a defense system nutritional contents. So of antioxidants. Green what are you waiting for? beans with their high Load up on these healthy quantum of antioxidants greens already! can prevent the activity.

The book ‘Healing Food’ notes, “ Levels of antioxidants lutein, beta-carotene, violaxanthin and neoxanthin are comparable to those in carotenoid –rich vegetables, such as carrots” 5. Detox effects: Green beans with its strong diuretic properties can serve as a great detox and help rid your body from unwanted toxins.

6. Boosts Heart Health: Green beans pack abundant amounts of

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To Our Readers

We are publishing these items in good faith, kindly consult your Doctor before you try to implement any advice. We do not hold any responsibility for its efficacy...

Study shows low calcium intake could trigger sudden cardiac arrest

According to a latest study, those with deficiency in calcium in their blood are on a higher risk of experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) than those with optimal levels.

Calcium plays an important role in maintaining healthy bones and joints, strong teeth and healthy blood vessels. It also helps regulate blood pressure and prevent diabetes.

The researchers revealed that Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is fatal for over 90 percent of patients, and more than half of men and close to 70 percent of women who die of SCA have shown to have no clinical history of heart disease prior to the cardiac mishap. SCA is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. It is also reported that it kills more people than any single cancer.

Lead investigator Sumeet S. Chugh, MD, Pauline and Harold Price Chair in CardiacElectrophysiolog y, Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, Los Angeles, CA, said, noted that

serum calcium levels were lower in individuals who had a sudden cardiac arrest than in a control group.

The findings revealed that patients with serum calcium in the lowest quartile (<8.95 mg/dL) had twice the odds of sudden cardiac arrest compared to those in the highest quartile (>9.55 mg/dL), even after controlling for multiple patient characteristics which included demographics, cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities, and medication use.

The researchers noted that further study and research were required to explain the mechanisms underlying the adverse associations with lower calcium levels and to determine whether controlling calcium levels improves the effect in the general population or in highrisk patients.

The lower serum calcium levels,even within the normal range of values, was found to trigger the risk for sudden cardiac death, the researchers said.

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The position requires excellent communication skills in a number of languages, along with a compassionate nature and a high level of professionalism.

Full training will be given along with a competitive salary and non-financial benefits. There are also opportunities for career progression.

If you think you have the qualities we are looking for, then please email a CV to: manuel.hermida@dignityuk.co.uk

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Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

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Tamannaah to copy Rajini on 'Lip Sing Battle' 'B ‘Ittefaq’

An acclaimed writer and a young homemaker become prime suspects in a double murder. A police officer must figure out the truth. However, things take a turn for the worse when both offer conflicting stories about the events of that fateful night.

aahubali' actress Tamannaah Bhatia who will soon feature on television show 'Lip Sing Battle', will copy none other than Rajinikanth with a dance performance on 'Lungi Dance'.

“This is my tribute to a person who has been my childhood inspiration. It was one of the most challenging roles I've ever played so far,” the actress said in a statement.

“In fact, this reality show brought out the craziest side to me and I guess host Farah Khan was also taken aback when she saw this side to me.

I have never felt so much pressure to perform, but I'd do anything for Farah Khan.”

On the work front, Tamannaah is currently gearing up to essay the protagonist of the Telugu version of “Queen”.

Priya Bhavnani Shankar to star with Vijay Sethupathi?

T

V actress Priya Bhavnani Shankar, who recently made her Kollywood debut with Rathna Kumar's 'Meyaadha Maan', is reportedly all set to work with Makkal Selvan Vijay Sethupathi's costliest film yet. If reports are to be believed, she has been roped in for 'Junga', a black comedy featuring Sayyesha in the female lead. Her debut performance has been well received by critics and audiences.

Media reports suggest she has signed three films opposite Vijay, Karthi, and Arulnithi Tamilarasu.

Directed by Gokul, she will shoot for 'Junga' first. Currently being shot in France and Austria, it is the most expensive project in Vijay's career. Priya will join the team once they return to India.

‘Ribbon’

Join the journey of a young couple living the great Indian urban dream as they discover that it takes a lot more than love and commitment to stick together through all of life’s knotty turns and loose ends.

'2.0' is not a Tamil film, but an Indian film: Shankar

'2

.0' director Shankar had an extravagant meet in Dubai ahead of the audio launch of the film.

Main lead Rajinikanth, Bollywood action hero Akshay Kumar who plays the vilain, AR Rahman, and female lead Amy Jackson along with Lyca Productions' Chairman Subaskaran and Raju Mahalingam, made a grand entry flying to the venue on a helicopter.

Addressing the meet, Shankar said, “The premise is new, the message is new, format is new and doesn't look like an Indian movie, but is more like a Hollywood film.”

He added 3D makes

the watching experience of the movie a more exciting one. It makes you feel you are there where the story is happening and you are able to see your stars so close.

This film demands the 3D technology and once you see the film you will understand the importance of 3D in the film.

The most interesting part of the launch was when Akshay was asked about his experience working in a Tamil movie, and Shankar jumped in to clarify, “'2.0' is not a Tamil film, it's an Indian film.”

Well, when Thalaivar is the protagonist, the film is bound to be national.

T

Amid 'Mersal' row, “Christian” Vijay thanks fans

amil star Thalapathy Vijay thanked his fans and supporters in the film industry last week for defending his controversial movie 'Mersal'.

The film has come under fire from BJP leaders who vehemently oppose its mockery of GST and demonetisation.

Vijay's statements follows a week's silence. He issued a note on a letter pad with his name in red and bold. “Jesus Saves,” he wrote. “My colleagues in the film industry, actors, directors, producers, organisations representing actors, directors, some of the renowned national leaders, media houses and my friends have given them a befitting reply. I thank all of them who supported 'Mersal'.”

While we admire the actor's humility, what's worth noticing is that the actor signed his message with his full Christian name, C. Joseph Vijay. This appears to be a befitting reply to BJP national secretary H Raja who targeted and pointed out that the actor was Christian.

Sources close to Vijay said it was for the first time he introduced himself as C. Joseph Vijay before his fans.

“He was always Vijay to everyone. Who bothers about the surname of an actor? He has rarely issued similar public statements for his fans as most such communications were

video messages. I do not remember him using his official name in a public statement addressing fans.

When politicians try to put him in bad light for having a Christian identity, this is a strong reply,” a source said.

Vijay's father, S A Chandrasekhar, a known face in the Tamil film industry, said he left the columns of religion and caste vacant when he admitted his son to school.

“Why is a national leader worrying about my son's Christian surname? Why is that significant in the life of an artiste? What is the problem even if he is a practising Christian? We see cinema as a medium, but they see it as a weapon and get scared of dialogues,” he said.

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Web actor Sumeet Vyas intimidated by Kareena

M

ikesh of popular web series ' Pe r m a n e n t Roommates', Sumeet Vyas who will soon be seen romancing the one and only Kareena 'Bebo' Kapoor Khan in upcoming film 'Veere Di Wedding', reveals that he was “slightly intimidated” when he was told he was paired with her. “She is such a big star in Bollywood, and has so many fans,” Vyas said. “It was a big intimidating to see six bodyguards around her every time we were shooting.”

Kareena however, brought him at ease with her friendly behaviour. “To give credit where it's due, I must share that there were absolutely no starry tantrums from (Kareena). She is such a big star but she was a thorough professional throughout the shoot, and I had a really great time shooting with her.”

Speaking about the kind of roles he wants to play, Vyas said it's important for him to avoid characters he has already played before. “I have turned down a lot of scripts, though I know I'm not in a position to reject many offers, because things might end up getting scary. But I feel it's important for me to do that, to avoid getting stereotyped.”

Arjun Kapoor wants to be an underdog

A

rjun Kapoor would love to do a biopic of a person with an underdog story. With the film industry cashing in on the biopic trend right now, the actor who recently joined an Indian football league bandwagon as co-owner of a franchise, was asked if he would like to work in any of them.

“So many biopics are in the making right now and so many are already made. I would like to do an underdog story. I think those are the most exciting biopics. I really can't name anyone off hand like this, but I hope we have some footballer coming through our teams in ISL, which I would love to emulate at some point and maybe play a footballer star or such a character,” the actor replied. Kapoor said a biopic of a sportsperson will be exciting if it brings out a different facet of the person.

“I think biopic should bring out a different facet of someone's life. Then only it becomes interesting.

Yuvraj Singh is a very extraordinary man, the way his journey has been, the ups and downs of his life, then there is Sourav Ganguly, the man who defied all odds,” Arjun added. “I am not saying I want to play anyone of them, all I am saying is that if there is a journey, it would be fun to do a biopic.”

Vidya Balan

29 Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

protected herself against “sleazy predators” in the industry

W

ith dozens of sexual harassment case involving top Hollywood personalities, seeing the light lately, Bollywood actress Vidya Balan opened up about the clamour in a recent interview. Out to promote her upcoming comedy 'Tumhari Sulu', Balan said, “You can't judge when women should speak about it or why they didn't speak about it earlier.” She also addressed the “culture of silence” and whether it existed in the Indian film fraternity.

“I am a living example of the fact that not everyone is a predator. I come from a privileged background, so I always gave the vibe that I don't need this, I'm only doing this as a passion, I'm very serious about this... But I won't react with people in a way that was personal. Almost err on the side of

caution. Maybe it's also a middle-class thing. If you smelt a rat, you'd rather keep away.

That was my way of protecting myself,” she said. Balan said, “But I have heard of people who had been absolutely fine with me, going and threatening, propositioning other women and I would tell some of them you shouldn't keep quiet about it and they would say, 'I don't want to be known for this controversy'. And there's also fear that other producers won't give you work. It seems like if you speak about it, people won't want to work with you.”

Balan said she has not faced casting couch herself, but said it is because she deliberately walked away before anyone could say anything.

'Tiger Zinda Hai': Anushka Sharma Sallu, Kat wrap up rubbishes shoot in Greece wedding rumours

T

he team of 'Tiger Zinda Hai' has made sure they make fans a part of the filming of the movie, by constantly updating their social media, from Austria and Morocco where the action thriller is currently being shot. Female protagonist Katrina Kaif, a lateentrant in the social media game, is now known to be extremely active on the internet, and her profile is the go to place for all updates on the film.

The actress recently shared a photo with coactor and former beau Salman Khan, along with other photos of beautiful locales of Greece. While the sunlight darkened the photo, we can still see the silhouettes of both the actors along with director and choreographer

Vaibhavi Merchant. Kat captioned the pic, “There's always a story...... #tigerzindahai @aliabbaszafar @vaibhavi. merchant @beingsalmankhan.” Another photo had her posing with Merchant, with a caption that read, “And that's a song wrap …....love u @vaibhavi.merchant...... your passion dedication and respect for your craft is always a good reminder of how it should be ….”

Not just the actress, even Bhaijaan occasionally treats his fans with online goodies. Last week, he shared a new poster of the Ali Abbas Zafar directorial where he plays a RAW agent Tiger. Sequel to Kabir Khan's 'Ek Tha Tiger', the movie is scheduled to release on December 1.

W

e all have been really excited with rumours of 'When Harry Met Sejal' star Anushka Sharma's wedding with cricketer Virat Kohli began to do the rounds lately. The grapevine began when Kohli asked for a break from international cricket in December, a time when India would be playing Sri Lanka. Reports immediately got abuzz saying he intends to marry the Bollywood bombshell during the break.

To pour fuel over fire, the couple even appeared together in a wedding ad

for a brand. While everybody drooled over the prospects of their favourite jodi marrying, Anushka's agency released a statement saying that marriage is definitely not on the cards for the actress. “There are just rumours doing the rounds. No truth to it,” the agency said. Sigh.

Guess us fans just can't catch a break. On the work front, while the actress will be soon be seen in psychological drama 'Pari', Kohli is currently spearheading the Indian team in a series against New Zealand.

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Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

North west London leading the way in diabetes prevention as health group wins national award North West London Diabetes Prevention has been recognised for its leading preventative work on diabetes.

The group, which runs support programmes across Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Ealing and Hounslow, has won the national Quality in Care (QiC) award for its high commitment to ensuring residents at high risk of diabetes are detected at an early stage and offering a lifestyle service to prevent the onset of diabetes.

Leading the roll-out of the National Diabetes Prevention Programme across the five west London boroughs in 2016

was Hounslow's Public Health service, involving collaborative work between a number of groups including local authorities and clinical commissioning groups.

It's the largest initiative of its kind in England,

This Autumn, the BFI will embark on a suspensefilled, UK-wide season BFI THRILLER: WHO CAN YOU TRUST?, running from Friday 20 October – Sunday 31 December at BFI Southbank, online on BFI Player and at selected venues across the UK. Through October and November, BFI’s INDIA ON FILM season will joins forces with BFI THRILLER, screening four, contemporary Indian thrillers which

offer powerful social critique and richly diverse insights into criminal worlds.

As part the British Council’s UK-India Year of Culture, the BFI has been celebrating Indian film throughout 2017. Cocurated by BFI Head Curator Robin Baker, and writer and programmer Meenakshi Shedde, the BFI’s INDIA ON FILM programme runs at BFI Southbank until December

The award recognises good practice in patient care

(Image: Hounslow Council)

with around 5,000 people already receiving support which ranges from information around minimising the chance of developing diabetes to support in learning how to live with the condition.

Type 2 diabetes is a

leading cause of preventable sight loss in people of a working age and contributes to heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure, and according to the NHS, around 22,000 people with diabetes die early every year.

2017. Season highlights have included the Special Gala Screening of Baahubali 2 and the theatrical release of Hotel Salvation (Mukti Bhavan) among other key events and screenings.

Other highlights of the forthcoming BFI

THRILLER season will include UK-wide rereleases of North by Northwest (Alfred Hitchcock, 1959) and The Silence of the Lambs (Jonathan Demme, 1991) and a special day-long event at BFI Southbank on Saturday 11 November – THE BIG THRILL – during, which audiences will be able to dissect the craft that goes into creating cinematic suspense, explore the nasty women of film and television, and hear from special guests from in front of and behind the camera.

For further information about BFI India on film programmes, visit: www.bfi.org.uk/whatson

BFI India on Film presents Death and Deception as part of THRILLER season

Coming Events

l Chinmaya Mission UK presents, The RamayanaTruth, Love, Dharma, on November 4, 3.30 pm, at Leicester Peepul Centre. On November 10, 7 pm, Central London Logan Hall, and November 19, 3.30 pm, Harrow Elliot Hall.

Sneh Joshi

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20 Don't take short-cuts in legal

or official matters. It will be only too easy to feel exasperated by bureaucracy but you won't be doing yourself any favours if you lose your cool. This is a fine time for you to get away from the mundane realities of life and relax. Some of you will probably go abroad.

TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 Jupiter is transiting your

opposite sign and this is particularly beneficial and significant for you. This transit heightens your optimism and confidence. You are greeting life with a fresh and positive attitude. You have an altogether different perspective on life now, and are not fazed by anything. Furthering yourself comes easily during this transit.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 Although all kinds of oppor-

tunities are coming your way, there are many obstacles between you and the fulfillment of any of these. As you clear your path you will get closer to achieving your dreams. Relationships and romance are both under scrutiny by the presence of Saturn in your 7th house this will teach you to be patient and re-assess your position.

Cancer

A blast of personal energy comes your way, and showing your leadership skills works for you now. Romance and pleasure are highlighted this week. The flowing, expressive, and spontaneous energy surrounding you attracts likeminded people. Be sure to take time to enjoy yourself, preferably around others!

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 22

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020 8518 5500

The UK’s leading Vedic writer and TV personality

Give yourself plenty of physical outlets to drain off some of the excess mental stimulation. This will have a beneficial effect on your physical and psychological well-being. Try to strike a balance between material and emotional affairs !This is a good time to get away from usual routines and seek a retreat for a few days.

LEO Jul 23 - Aug 23

There will be increased scope for varying your activities, widening your network of contacts and getting out and about.

It is an excellent time for exercising your mental energies, clarifying your and other people's ideas and getting involved in discussion. Exercise caution when it comes to making financial decisions as being hasty will cost you !

VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23

The fiery planet Mars, continues to occupy your sign for some time to come. Its influence will help you to maintain a high energy level and achieve positive results in anything that requires drive and initiative. However, you will need to focus on what is most important in your life, otherwise mistakes will be made.

LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23

The prevailing cosmic pattern packs a powerful punch early this week. Having such potent energies, make you feel positive and confident in whatever you do. This is not the time to hold back or underestimate your potential if you wish to further an important aim. Some of you will try to get away from the routine chores.

SCORPIO Oct 24- Nov 22

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 There are subtle transformations taking shape in you life and a feeling of helpful influences in the background. There is much to suggest that you are in tune with your inner self and in touch with those hidden forces which often seem to take a guiding hand in one's life. Focus on essentials and establish a solid foundation.

There is an element of disruption or stress which may be hard to avoid, but it appears that there is a strong sense of purpose in the background. A certain amount of sheer hard graft will be necessary for a short while, but the final result will be extremely pleasing. An exchange of opinions ought to prove very enlivening at this time.

CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20

Your communications are at their peak and any initiatives you take now will be well received by people in authority. An exchange of opinions ought to prove very enlivening at this time. Although the very practical affairs of life continue to be highlighted, you will still be very much in demand socially.

AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19

Don' t get over- anxious if you feel that you're being kept in the dark. You will probably find that worries have been unfounded. Although you may be faced with a difficult decision concerning your career or employment, this is not the time to hide. Don't waste time if you can improve matters. n

PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20

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YOUNG ENGLAND WINS FIFA UNDER-17 WORLD CUP

AsianVoiceNews

England won its first FIFA Under-17 World Cup crown in spectacular style by defeating old Spanish rival 5-2 in the final with a commending turnaround in the second half. While Spain enjoyed initial exchanges, securing 2-0 lead before the first 30 minutes with Sergio Gomes scoring a brace. A capacity crowd of 66,684 watched as England pulled off a comeback, scoring four goals in the second session. Just like Spain dominated the first to lead, their enthusiasm soon weaned away when the English raised their game.

Spain bettered England on pace and precision in the opening half where the English defence searched unsuccessfully for the right tactics. They gave a fantastic counter-attack in the 10th minute, a goal which was the result of the leftback Juan Miranda who created the opening playing one-two with captain Abel Ruiz before Gomes did the finishing. Ruiz showed an eye for the gaps in the English defence and set up Cesar Gelabert on the edge of the box. Gomes, meanwhile. Had moved up the left and as Gelabert turned

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England footballers celebrate with the trophy after winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup title

the ball towards him, fired it in.

England shrugged its sluggishness away with a Hudson-Odio effort that came off the upright in the 43rd minute. It continued to push for a breakthrough which came in the next minute when Steven Sessegnon collected a Spanish clearance near the goalmouth and floated it as Brewster nodded home.

England doubled its effort after the break, drawing level in the 58th minute as Spain looked to preserve the lead. Foden showed his talent in setting up Sessegnon with a pass

through a heavily fortified Spanish defence.

Sessegnon fired a low cross that Gibbs-White had no difficulty in tapping home to make it 2-2.

England put one hand on the crown as Foden got in the scoring act himself in the 69th minute to make it 3-2. While the Spaniards tried hard for a comeback in the 73rd minute, Victor Chust's header off a Ruiz chip was saved on the line

by Sessegnon. Foden completed the scoring process receiving another cross from Hudson-Odoi in the 88th minute making

England the best youth team in the world.

The result (final): England 5 (Rhian Brewster 44, Morgan Gibbs-White 58, Philip Foden 69, 88, Marc Guehi 84) bt Spain (Sergio Gomes 10, 31).

Individual awards: Golden Ball: 1. Philip Foden (England), 2. Sergio Gomez (Spain), 3. Rhian Brewster (England).

Golden Boot: 1. Rhian Brewster (England) 8 (penalty 1); 2. Lassana Ndiaye (Mali) 6; 3. Abel Ruiz (Spain) 6 (penalty 2).

Golden Glove: Gabriel Brazao (Brazil).

Fair play award: Brazil.

Federer pulls out of Paris Masters, reserves spot for Nadal Roger Federer has pulled out of next week's Paris Masters citing that his body needs a break. The 19-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from the final event of the regular season after battling past Juan Martin del Potro 6-7, 6-4, 63 to win his eighth Swiss Indoors title in Basel.

Federer had said all week that he would make a late decision depending on his post-BAsel fitness.

“My body is asking for a break. Basel takes a lot out of me emotionally. I had five matches in six days. I feel sorry and sad for Paris.

I love to play at Bercy, it's a few times now that I've not played there. It's a tough one but they have to understand that it's for the cause of staying injury-free and healthy. I'd like to be fully fit for London (World Tour Finals) and for 2018.” As per ATP calculations now, Nadal can claim the yearend number one status by winning his opening second-round match in Paris.

He will open his campaign at Bercy against either German serve-and-volleyer Mischa Zverev or Hyeon Chung. Federer had last

Roger Federer

played Paris in 2015 and won the title in 2011.

“I did think about the ranking, but I’m so far back in the points race that it was almost out of the question,” added Federer. “I asked myself what I would do if the ranking (issue) was not there. I want to stay injury-free, not push it and maybe get hurt next week and then miss London. “It would be a snowball. It was not really about the ranking to be quite honest. If I was closer in the points race (to

Nadal) it might have been.”

He claimed his first success against del Potro in a Basel final on Sunday, after the South American beat him in both 2012 and 2013. He now has a Tour-leading seven titles this season after beating Nadal in the Shanghai Masters final.

Del Potro will be playing for a fourth successive week in Paris after coming back earlier in the season from wrist problems, as he looks to snatch a late place for the eight-man event in

London. The 29-year-old reached the Shanghai semifinals and won in Stockholm earlier this month before his run in Basel. Federer lost only two sets during the week as he improved his head-to-head record to 17-6 over del Potro, with a third win in four matches against the former US Open champion in 2017. “It’s unbelievable how well Roger is playing,” said del Potro. “I hope to be in such shape when I’m his age. But I doubt I will be.”

SPORT

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Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

Farah splits with controversial coach amid drug allegations

Four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah has parted ways with his coach Alberto Salazar, as the latter faces a US antidoping investigation. He will relocate to London with his wife Tania and their four children, and begin training under the guidance of Gary Lough, husband and coach of Paula Radcliffe. “I'm not Mo Farah leaving the Nike Oregon Project and Alberto Salazar because of the doping allegations,” Farah said. “This situation has been going on for over two years. If I was going to leave because of that I would have done.”

“As I’ve always said, I’m a firm believer in clean sport and I strongly believe that anyone who breaks the rules should be punished. If Alberto had crossed the line, I would be out the door but Usada has not charged him with anything. If I had ever had any reason to doubt Alberto, I would not have stood by him all this time.” Farah retired from the track after winning gold and silver medals at the London world championships this summer, and will now put his energy on the marathon. A Usada investigation was launched after several former Nike Oregon Project athletes and coaches alleged Salazar had flunked anti-doping rules. It has also been reportedly said that he gave Farah's training partner Galen Rupp, testosterone when he was 16. Salazar has denied all allegations and Farah has always shown him his support.

“I’m leaving simply because my family and I are moving back to London,” Farah said. “We want the kids to grow up in the UK. My decision to move back has nothing to do with UK Athletics. I’ve let them know of my change in coach but they don’t have a role in deciding who that is. I chose to work with Gary over others because I’ve known him for a very long time, since I was 16, and we get on well.”

Hamilton wins fourth world title in Mexico After winning his fourth world title on Sunday, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton said he is already determined to come back better than ever in 2018. “I have to sit down and figure out the pros and cons from this year and see how I can improve. I want to be better next year. The Lewis Hamilton challenge is going to be even bigger from Ferrari and Red Bull. F1 doesn't sleep. It doesn't stand still. There is always someone waiting to take my position,” he said.

Singling out Red Bull's Max Verstappen who dominated the Mexican Grand Prix, he said, “Max is just sitting there waiting to take it. So I have to raise the game another level in order to stay ahead of him and that motivates me, so there is my motivation already for next year.” He said he had worked hard to be at his best level possible in the current year and that he would work out how best to approach next season.

“My consistency has been a major factor,” Hamilton said. “Qualifying has been great. I have generally always felt races have gone well but qualifying has been a good step forward in consistency. The starts were very strong. Across the board there was not one particular subject I was trying to work on this year; it's everywhere and how you divide that energy on the things that are not perfect, trying to be the best all-round driver you can be. I have trained differently this year, I have enjoyed the challenge of not having a trainer. Trying to motivate yourself.”

He added, “I have gone for runs and got a few metres down the road and thought 'friggin' forget that and gone home. Whereas with a trainer you would go all the way. Having to find that within yourself I have really enjoyed, so the reward is even sweeter with the success, that I have taken certain things on and it has gone well.”

Sport 32

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Asian Voice | 4th November 2017

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INDIA CLINCH ODI SERIES AGAINST NEW ZEALAND

India trumped with a massive victory in a battle of nerves against a gutsy New Zealand, winning the allimportant third ODI by six runs. They claimed their seventh successive bilateral series by 2-1 margin on Sunday. Indian bowlers dished out an ordinary bowling performance for the better part of the match, however, bouncing back when it mattered the most. Rohit Sharma (147 off 138) and Virat Kohli (113 off 106) conjured up classy hundreds to fire India to a record 337 for six after being put into bat.

The target was imposing but New Zealand fought gamely through Colin Munro (75 off 62), Kane Williamson (64 off 84) and Tom Latham (65 off 52) before being restricted to 331 for 7 in the wake of some fine death bowling by Jasprit Bumrah.

Required to defend 15 runs in the final over, Bumrah delivered spectacularly and conceded only eight runs in the 50th over.

He bowled an astounding 32 dot balls in his 10-over spell.

Three more fours including the one from overthrow was to follow in the first over of the innings that went for 19 runs. In-form Kumar had an off day as he leaked 92 runs from his 10 overs. While opening partner Martin Guptill fell hard, Munro and Kane Williamson (64) kept visitors very much in the hunt with a 109-stand off 105 balls. The pair batted with supreme confidence on a flat surface, especially Munro who was not afraid to switch hit and charge down against the spinners.

The two had taken New

Zealand to 152 for one in 24 overs before under pressure India bounced back in the match with Yuzvendra Chahal removing the set batsmen. Their fall stopped the run flow and the required run rate per over went beyond eight, leaving the heroes of Mumbai Ross Taylor and Latham a lot to do. They batted well, completing a 79-run partnership

off 69 balls with their team needing 91 off the last 10 overs. Latham carried on and played flawless to take his team on the brink of victory alongside Henry Nicholls before nerves got the better of them during the business end of the innings.

Earlier, Sharma and Kohli, who became the first ever pairing to complete four double hundred part-

Virat Kohli becomes fastest batsman to score 9000 ODI runs

Virat Kohli has become the sixth Indian and the fastest to complete 9000 ODI runs during the seriesdeciding third game against New Zealand on Sunday.

Kohli got to the landmark in the 37th over when he guided one off Grandhomme towards the third man for a four.

He went on to score his 32nd ODI century off 96 balls and eventually got out on 113. His 106-ball knock was studded with nine fours and a six.

The milestone was reached by Mahendra Singh Dhone last years, and other Indians to score the same so far are Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and Mohammad Azharuddin. Kohli has become the 19th batsman to breach the 9000-run mark. Earlier in the series, he had surpassed Australian Ricky Ponting in the list of most ODI hundreds with his 31st ton.

nerships in ODIs, were simply unstoppable against a New Zealand bowling attack that looked pretty ordinary on the day. Their showing also helped India comfortably beat the previous highest score at Green Park, 303 for five that South Africa had made against them two years back. The duo was in complete control ever since Shikhar Dhawan departed in the seventh over and ended up with a record breaking 230run stand off 211 balls.

Sharma found the fence more frequently than Kohli, hammering 18 fours to go with two maximums. The two batsmen changed gears in the 36th over and the bowler at the receiving end this time, Trent Boult, who leaked 17 runs in that over including four fours. After Sharma fell to a tired shot in the 42nd over, Kohli breezed to his 32nd hundred and his second in the series, with a single off Santner.

India Beat Malaysia in Women's Hockey Asia Cup

India's winning form continued as they beat Malaysia 2-0 in their last Pool in a match held at Kakamigahara Kawasaki stadium. While the first quarter saw both teams play cautiously, with Malaysia laying defensive hockey and India threaded patiently without making any unforced errors that would bring advantage to Malaysia.

Vandana Katariya (54th minute) and Gurjit Kaur (55th) scored for India's third successive win in the pool stage. The win ensured a quarter-final berth as India head the points table with nine points.

Malaysia put India on the back foot after ended the first quarter in a stalemate, when

they won the first penalty corner of the match in the initial minutes of the second quarter. An alert Rajani Etimarpu however, made a brilliant save. The next few minutes were crucial where

both teams traded penalty corners. While India earned one penalty corner, Malaysia were awarded two but they didn't lead to goals. Both sides played out evenly in the third quarter too. Another

penalty corner won by Malaysia was not capitalised by them, ending the third quarter too in another stalemate.

India turned the match around in the fourth quarter, coming up with a strong finish.

Forward Vandana Katariya scored a sensational field goal in the 54th minute to give India a 1-0 lead. In the following minute dragflicker Gurjit Kaur converted a penalty corner taking India's lead to 2-0. Though Malaysia won a penalty corner at the start of the fourth quarter, their poor conversion dented their hopes. Malaysians' desperate attempts were fought off valiantly by the Indian defence.

Ashish Nehra bids good bye to cricket Ashish Nehra will be playing his last for India, or even his final game if he is selected in the playing XI for the opening T20 against New Zealand this week. The match which will be played at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi, his home ground, where he Ashish Nehra made his debut in Ranji Trophy, will be the most befitting exit for the left arm seamer. “It's always good to retire when people are asking 'Why' rather than 'Why Not?' I always wanted to retire on a high. Can't get bigger than playing in Delhi and retiring there. It is a way forward and there is no bigger tournament coming,” he said.

Nehra also made sure that he will quit entirely and not even stick around to play the IPL as most retired players do. “I was always mentally strong. Whenever I was training, I was training to play for India. I am that sort of a person that I train day in, day out just to play for India. I know that I am retiring in November, there are five months and I can easily play the IPL or I could have played another year of international cricket also. But that's my decision, once I leave, I will leave. I won't even play the IPL.” Nehra made his international debut in 1999 when he played Sri Lanka in a Test match. His ODI debut came in 2001 against Zimbabwe, where he made an impact, later performing exceptionally at the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. There, he gave his best ODI figures of 6/23 against England in an exhibition of fine swing bowling. In the tournament, he delivered a 149.7 km/hour deliveri, the fastest an Indian bowler had ever bowled at that time. A nother noteworthy moment in his career was in the 2011 World Cup when he produced a remarkable spell to lead India to the final.

Srikanth wins French Open Super Series India's Kidambi Srikanth's dream season came to a close as he brushed aside the challenge of Japan's Kenta Nishimoto to win the French Open Super Series Men's singles title in Paris. After already completing a hat-trick of Super Series titles, he won Kidambi Srikanth his fourth title of the season this month. Seeded eight in the tournament, Srikant took just 34 minutes to get the better of his Japanese opponent 21-14 21-13 in the summit clash. The victory ensured he bags his second consecutive title in two weeks, after winning the Denmark Open in Odense last week.

He has now become the only fourth men's singles player to win four or more Super Series titles in a calendar year. Going by his current form, it was expected to be a one-sided summit clash and it turned out to be one, except for the first few points of the opening game which was a neck-and-neck fight between the two shuttlers. It was Nishimoto whos started off brightly to race to a 9-5 lead before Srikanth fought back to draw level at 9-9.

There onwards it was no looking back as the Indian used his court coverage and superior technique to take a 14-10 lead. Nishimoto did manage to take some points to reduce the margin to 15-14 before Srikanth used his experience at the highest level to pocket six straight points and win the first game. The Indian player continued his good form in the second game and won five straight points to take a commanding 10-2 lead. While the Japanese side tried to force a comeback and even managed to reduce the margin to 13-8, Srikanth showed class and superiority in crunch situations to keep his lead intact and win the game 21-13 and claim his second consecutive title.