FIJI SUN AUGUST 2011

USA

RAMAZAN

Vol-20 Issue-07

Inside

MUBARAK

Indian Police fake evidence in Muslim brutality case August-2011

www.fijisun-usa.com

510-677-4488

40 PAGES FREE

P-6 MANGAL’S new arrivals

P- 34 IAMC president MILPITAS, ICC CENTER-Chief guest advovate who litigated against Indian Police who brutlized and killed scores of Muslim woshipers in the MECCA case, told gathering here at the INDIAN AMERICAN MULIM COUNCIL fundraising dinner that Indian Police faked evidence in the case. (Cont. on page 34).

Baitul Maal USA steering team!

Fijian swimming champs

P- 34 Indian police fake ...

See report community news on page 5

P- 6

Check this 2005 Nissan Xterra out at Hayward Nissan dealer with Fiji Sun’s pick of the month Pravin "Rogger" Chand

See page 39 for more pictures.

Diversify

P- 39 Swimming Champ

Praveen Rogger Chand (left) is Fiji Sun’s top Salesman of the month. (See report on page 5 )

Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna, left and his Pakistan counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar pose for photographs before their talks in New Delhi, (See News on page 11) India.

FIJI SUN IS NOW ON FACEBOOK FOR ALL

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RAMAZAN MUBARAK

August, 2011

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RAMAZAN

MUBARAK

COMMUNITY NEWS

A historical piece from Fiji Sun archives

“Baitul Maal” steering team to take up a gigantic task -unafraid

(L-R Hajji Mohammed Aiyub, H. Koya (Fiji Sun Editor) Mohammad Kadar, M. Kadir (former police officer) and Hajji Sadiq Hussain) FREMONT, CA – At a Islamic Financial Systems meeting Saturday July 30, 2011 held at theCHANDNI RESTAURANT, the steering committee discussed ways and means tohelp in the fund raising efforts of Al Madinah Academy.

ACADEMY PROMISED SUPPORT FOR $1M FUNDRAISING

The secretary of Al Madinah Academy, Hajji Mohammed Aiyub gave an update of the finance campaign. The meeting was pleased to hear that the Academy has a strong plan in place and promised to promote their campaign. In addition to an ongoing fundraising effort, the Academy has an annual dinner event coming up in September. Islamic education is considered key for survival in a complicated US environment especially for Muslim kids. The Al Madinah Academy, like many of its counterparts in the Bay Area is proactively takes the challenge head-on.

THE GIGANTIC TASK – RESPONDING TO A CALL OF GOD

Addressing the meeting, the Fiji Sun directed attention of his invitees to what God says

to Muslims in the Quran: “Let there be … among you who invites people to do good, uphold equity and refrain from evil. It is they who shall prosper.” (3:105) Here Muslims are granted key to their prosperity. They must call people to do good things in life, enjoin justice and equality and help others from doing evil things. If Muslims do only these three things they are guaranteed they will be prosperous.

SPENDING IN THE CAUSE OF GOD IS “KARZANHASSANAN”

The editor impressed upon the members to be ready and willing to spend in the cause of God as their return is guaranteed. Spending in the cause of God for good of mankind from our one’s pocket is not a loss. It is in effect a AKRZAN HASSAN ” beautiful loan” that God takes from you and in return promises to multiply manifold for what one spends in His cause. “Spend without fear and spend with confidence that your return is granted. No other book gives you this assurance,” the impressed. For the benefit larger Muslim communities in USA, the team agreed to work as the steering committee for BAILTUL MAAL USA. Details coming soon!

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August, 2011

This snap shot of an old copy of the Fiji Management Institute Newsletter that I edited as founder-national secretary of FIM should provide “clear and convincing evidence” of a legacy in professional management spanning over more than two decades. FIM is now converted to AIM – American Institute of Management which is geared to celebrate its standing at the FIJI AWARDS NIGHT slated for October 15, 2011. Anyone with recollections of FIM events is welcome to contact editor for recognition.

Pravin “Rogger” Chand, Fiji Sun’s pick of the month as Best Salesperson HAYWARDPravin “Rogger” Chand (better known as Rogger) hails from Sigatoka, Fiji where he was a successful car salesperson with NISSAN. When Pravin immigrated to USA a few years ago he knew that he had surviving skills of a salesman.

Relying on his personal skills and trust in God Rogger took to sales profession and joined Hayward Nissan on Mission Blvd.

We met Rogger per chance and discovered that he is articulate, professional and very well-adjusted to American way selling where you put customer’s needs

and expectations first fitting a car that suits the customer best. Overcoming objections is one of the biggest hurdles for every salesperson. Rogger takes them like a professional

convincing his customers with “features and benefits” that appeal his clients most for making an intelligent choice. If you are looking for next car, Rogger ishere to help you. Call him at his cell 510-676-3154.

My tribute to late Gopal Krishna waited all these years, since the demise of the superstar of Fiji professional soccer who reigned as number one for more than two decades, to pay him my tribute. What kept me from it was his picture which I have not been able to get. And all these years I had longed to meet him at least once in my life time

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H S REDDY-THE MAN WHO GAVE ME GOPAL KRISHNA

I am indebted to Mr. H S. Reddy who was the head teacher of Lautoka Muslim elementary school then who impressed upon me to take over as the sports teacher and said, “We are going for a win. I know you can do it.”

This was after we had won first position in the annual garden competition that Mr. Reddy had entrusted me with for that year. Mr. Reddy was a passionate vegetable gardener. I only helped him water the school gardens. I was

only a licensed teacher amid a lot of well qualified teachers with many years of experience. With Mr. Reddy’s backing and firm conviction to place Muslim School back in lime light after years of failed performance, I took up the challenge. I picked up my team.

From day one, I noticed Gopal Krishna was a born soccer player and I told him that he was the key person I relied on for scores and victory in the school soccer competition that year.

Having watched an exciting match between a visiting German team and the Lautoka reps a year before and how they mesmerized the home buddies with low balls and their quick and fast footwork, I borrowed the style and laid a few grounds rules. No high balls.

Quick fast shots that the ball must be shared in the stride along the field. And no “one man show” from one end to another. We put the rules in action as Gopal captured the ball given him from all sides.

competition, that Gopal Krishna will be shining soccer star one day.

THE D DAY WE FEARED MOST

Gopal startled goalkeepers with his hard shots often with low balls.

Mr. Reddy and I were convinced, as we shared the progress of the team during a three month practice session ahead of the annual

What we dreaded most was facing the downtown St. Josephs team with Sylvester Joseph as a key figure. The team had the reputation for rough game and foul language both of which rated high on my card for immediate sanction.

Knowing the downtown boys, I did not want to referee any of their games. But as it turned out, Muslims and St. Josephs pitted for the final and from a draw, my name got picked up to referee the game.For the final there was an unprecedented crowd especially as the two downtown giants were headed for a strong battle at the Lautoka Church Park. Our entire staff and both the primary and secondary school studentswere excitedwith sheer pleasure as Muslims entered the finals.

St. Josephs made an early

move and slammed their opponents with the first score. Within minutes after taking center, the Muslims took control and seized the gamewith a fanatic zeal to the cheers of an up-roaring crowd around. As they mounted pressure forcingSt. Josephs on defense, a Gopal Krishna shot sent their goalkeeper diving to the ground as the ball went over goalkeeper’s shoulders into the net.

The crowd went crazy with shouts, cat calls and maddening cheers as Muslims kept control of the ball with short and quick passes that the opponents were not used to given their “high in the sky”kicks. Minutes before I was to blow my final whistle, Gopal Krishna headed a mid-air ball near goal mouth area. Gopal showed an amazing sense of timing as he captured a short pass and slammed the goal with a devastating mighty kick that rocked the keeper and secured the victory for the Muslims.

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BUSINESS NEWS

August, 2011

Fiji-US Business Council encourages fair business practice among Fiji American businesses • • • • •

As part of its broader professional goals, FUSBC (Fiji –US Business Council) encourages: Avoid sabotaging and manipulating market prices Keep business practices professional Compete without ill-will and intent to avenge others Keep prices competitive and affordable Provide customer satisfaction by meeting and exceeding

• • • •

their expectation for repeat service, growth and profitability Do not sell defective products Keep store clean, wellstocked and safe Comply with local and Federal Food & Drug regulations Strive for Diamond Award for Excellence in business

Price-war begins as competition heats up

Fiji store red-tagged for violations, ordered to comply As competition heats up with new stores coming into being, one Fiji store could not take the heat and reportedly slashed meat price to half despite paying the distributor a higher rate. This is seen as a temporary fix by other operators who are staying put to see what the store will next when it runs out of gas. “It’s so foolish -like burning your own house just to attract a crowd at your own peril,” said one market observer.

The store plagued by domestic issues is fighting to win back lost customers despite aggressive efforts at advertising in the largest newspaper claiming a circulation of 10000 copies.

FIJI CUSTOMERS SHY AWAY

CITY COUNCIL CLAMPS DOWN

Betraying an understanding with a competition, the store waged a price-war but got caught in a series of zoning violations and is alleged to have been “red-tagged” for refrigeration and meat chopping in the after-hours and weekends when the city inspectors are not around.

When contacted, a hesitant city official said,” The area is marked as light industrial zone for warehouses with “incidental” retail operation.”

Q. Do you allow substantial retail business in the zone?

A. It is incidental.

Q. We want to operate a business selling chopped meat from there. Is it permissible?

A. Not in the light industrial zone.

If the city turns a blind, it will be caught in unfair practice and end up being sued by other competitors and would be business operators trying to obtain license in the same zone.

KARNIM CAPSULE AND JAMUN GOTA POWER GURMEL SINGH

Diversification only way out

or business stalwarts like Gurmel who grew up learning the business skill in the family business in Labasa, Fiji, developing and choosing options when the going gets rough comes in naturally. Gurmel, who hails from famous Laab Singh family of Labasa, first started his Mable Trading Company in South Sacramento about 20 years ago. He moved out of the location when big buys came in town with major projects and offered him compensation deal. Over the years Gurmel and his wife learned that dealing with products that can expire and go to waste if shipment is waitlisted for customs clearance and other red tapes can be a pain and huge loss in money. They vowed never to deal with nickel and dime items and switched to saver products.

F “These products do wonders and our clients brag about their benefits,” explained Mrs. Singh.

The couple now travels around and shop themselves for overseas products to ensure, safe, durable and beneficial for all. However, they prefer whole distribution instead of retail stores.

Made from JAMUN seeds.( Read more on KARNIM log onto KARNIM) HIDDEN IN THE CAPSULE ON THE LEFT IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE DIABETES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. IF YOU ARE AFFECTED BY DIABETES MELLITUS AND ARE NON INSULIN DEPENDANT THEN

YOU TOO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS UNIQUE SUPPLEMENT. KARNIM HAS NO SIDE EFFECTS, IT CONTAINS ONLY PURE HERBS, PROCESSED AND PACKAGED IN A SOPHISTICATED PHARMA PLANT TO WHO-GMP STANDARDS.

MANGAL’S new arrivals here for your delight!

For all Islanders sought-after name brand canned fish are in great supply, FIJI OCEAN and "777" Brand Mackerel Fish In Natural Oil and Salt that makes your sandwiches and curries a real delight in minutes. Get yours share when the supply lasts!!!.

Foreclosures fall in most U.S. cities

Fiji customers shy away from businesses embroiled in unethical practices and as rumors rife of domestic issues that yield to questionable conducts.

NEW YORK - Foreclosures declined in more than 84% of U.S. metro areas during the first half of the year, according to the latest report from RealtyTrac, an online marketer of foreclosed properties.

But that doesn't mean these markets are staging a turnaround.

"These dramatic decreases indicate the foreclosure pipeline continues to be clogged in many local markets across the country," said RealtyTrac CEO, James Saccacio, whose firm reported earlier this month that the national foreclosure rate fell 29% over the past 12 months.

Much of that backlog, he explained, is due to a glut of already-foreclosed properties that the banks are having a hard time selling and to the slowdown in the processing of foreclosures following the "robo-signing scandal" of 2010.

As a result of the scandal, in which the banks were accused of mishandling paperwork and failing to follow proper protocols, banks are being much more careful and

many filings have been delayed.

The biggest decline in the number of foreclosures have come in judicial foreclosure states where defaults go through the courts and paperwork is scrutinized by judges.

The RealtyTrac metro area report, according to RealtyTrac spokesman Rick Sharga, shows -on a localized level -- just how significant the declines have been in some judicial states.

Obama's housing scorecard Before the scandal, Florida claimed nine of the top 20 metro areas with the highest foreclosure rates during the first half of 2010.

This year, there's only one, Cape Coral, which recorded 52% fewer foreclosures compared with the same period in 2010.

Las Vegas -- ground zero for mortgage defaults the past few years -- continues to get bombarded with the highest rate of foreclosure filings in the land.

One in every 19 homes in Sin City and the surrounding area got plastered with a foreclosure filing --

either a notice of default, a notice of sale or bank repossession -- during the first half of 2011. That was six times the national rate, according to RealtyTrac.

Foreclosures and home prices According to recent analysis by Standard and Poor's, the financial services company, which examined RealtyTrac's metro area foreclosure data against price changes for the

20 cities in the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index, trends in home prices and foreclosures are closely tied.

10 Dirt cheap housing markets "When compared to the peak-totrough price declines for each of the 20 cities, prices drops and foreclosure events are correlated at 87%," said David Blitzer, S&P's chairman of index committees.

Typically, that would mean a drop in foreclosures would have a positive impact on home prices, explained Sharga. But not this time.

"There is enough of a backlog of distressed inventory that there will be little or no short-term benefit," he said.

Even if the banks repossess fewer homes, they already own so many they're trying to sell, that supplies will not tighten appreciably.

The slowdown in foreclosure processing could help some borrowers buy extra time to regain their financial footing and coax a mortgage modification out of their bank.

Also, said Sharga, more short sales could be approved, which can help preserve home values better than foreclosures.

"In the long term, though," said Sharga, "delaying foreclosures will just prolong the problem."

If that happens, home values could bounce around the bottom for years, contributing little to the faltering national economic recovery

FIJI NEWS The Bachelorette Preview: Who Shows Up in Fiji?

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ast night's episode of The Bachelorette meant hometown heartbreak for poor Ames.

That guy rules, but from Ashley's point of view, there just wasn't a spark. That leaves just three men vying for her heart in Fiji ... or does it? The previews for next week show a familiar face appearing out of the blue in the island nation. The Bachelorette spoilers we've come across hint at who it is. Skip past the rose ceremony and see if you can venture a guess: The Bachelorette Rose Ceremony: Hometown Dates Is if Ashley didn't have enough on her plate, now she's got to deal with this. After the jump, we'll fill you in on what we know, or what we think we know ...

First off, relax, it's not Bentley Williams. Thank goodness, no.

Ryan Park, who Ashley eliminated before the hometown dates, returns in Fiji. One can assume he does this to ask Ashley to reconsider. But she does not. He is sent home again and is not part of the rose ceremony. The other interesting twist, which we won't get into here, is what happens before Ryan even shows up (see spoiler link above if you want the lowdown).For now, Ashley has three men Constantine, Ben and JP - left to choose from.

All Blacks team to face Fiji named

A vastly different team than the one who took on Wales in November last year has been named to take on Fiji in the first All Blacks test of the year.

The key features of the squad are the naming of 27-year-old Hoeata in the second row, alongside 61-Test All Blacks veteran Ali Williams, who returns to the All Blacks Test side for the first time since November 2008.

Williams will play his 62nd Test, becoming the joint third most capped All Blacks lock, alongside Robin Brooke.

It's also a return to the All Blacks for Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett and Highlanders wing Ben Smith who last played for the All Blacks on the 2009 Northern Hemisphere tour.

Crockett is alongside 50–Test hooker Andrew Hore and tighthead prop Ben Franks in what will be an All Blacks debut for the front row combination.

The team will be captained by Richie McCaw who, together with fullback teammate Mils Muliaina, will extend their records as the most capped All Blacks. Joining McCaw in the loose forward trio are Liam Messam at number eight and Adam Thomson at blindside flanker.

In the backs, Jimmy Cowan will start at halfback while Slade makes his first run–on start at first five–eighth in his second Test. All Blacks midfielders Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith will play their 27th Test together, just one Test behind

Fiji union leader rejects call to quit he general secretary of the Fiji Public Service Association, Rajeshwar Singh, has rejected calls for his resignation. The Ministry of Information earlier issued a media release saying disgruntled public servants want him to resign. Mr Singh told Pacific Beat the fact that none of the public servants have been identified shows the statement is worthless. "I am asking the names of those anonymous members," he said. "If there are any, then they should put their hand up."

Fiji's government says Mr Singh is in Australia arguing in favour of the international union movement taking action against Fiji to protect the rights of unionists. The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Information, Sharon Smith-Johns, told Pacific Beat Mr Singh has no right to speak for Fiji public servants. "Civil servants are disgruntled because there's been no mandate or no consultation with them for Rajeshwar Singh to be in Australia and calling on Australian unions to take strike action against Fiji," he said.

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Union campaign The latest developments follow threats by the Australian Transport Workers Union to place bans on aircraft flying tourists to Fiji.

The national secretary of the Fiji Trade Union Congress, Felix Anthony, has been visiting Australia and New Zealand seeking interna-

tional trade union support for a campaign opposing a proposed new decree that would limit union rights in Fiji. The ATWU claims Fiji's militaryled government is out to smash workers' rights to be effectively represented by a union. The proposed decree - a copy of which has been obtained

by Radio Australia - would prevent full-time union officials from representing anybody in a range of important industries. The ATWU says direct industrial action will be taken if Fiji union officials suffer further threats and terrorism. But Fiji's military commander and interim prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, has told Fiji's commercial radio station FM 96 the union action would not influence him.

"If this move is to try and get us to an early election date that is not going to happen," he said. "But it's nothing to do with support for people here. It's a political agenda. We are not going to budge. The Fiji Government is not going to budge with regards to an election."

the record held by the famous midfield partnership of Walter Little and Frank Bunce. The starting wings are Sitiveni Sivivatu and Zac Guildford.

Cory Jane, who dislocated a finger in Wellington’s ITM Cup match against Taranaki on the weekend, was ruled out of contention, while other injured players not considered include Richard Kahui (hamstring), Tony Woodcock (foot), Isaia Toeava (hip), Hosea Gear (hamstring) and Israel Dagg (thigh muscle).

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said: "This is an important Test for us as we kick off this year's Test season. We have got some real competition for places and it’s exciting for those players picked and they will keen to put their best foot forward."

While there are several new combinations in the All Blacks team, Henry said they would not be taking the Fijians lightly.

"They were competitive in the recent Pacific Nations Cup and will bring their unique style so we will have to be clinical in the way we play. You just need to look at how Fiji's Pacific neighbours Samoa played against Australia on the weekend to know that if we underestimate Fiji, we do so at our peril," Henry said.

The All Blacks squad has been out and about meeting fans ahead of Friday’s Test, which is a fundraising Test for Christchurch, with the squad taking Under 14 Otago club players for a coaching clinic on

CHINESE AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO FIJIAN PRESIDENT SUVA -- New Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Huang Yong on Monday presented his credentials to Fijian President Ratu Epeli Nailaticau.

During the meeting, Nailaticau expressed his warm welcome to Huang and asked the ambassador to convey his best regards to Chinese President Hu Jintao and the Chinese people.

Nailaticau spoke highly of the Fiji-China relations which have experienced robust development in recent years. He said China is the true friend of Fiji, who has been giving support and assistance to Fiji's development.

The Fijian president also happily recalled his personal involvement in the establishment of the diplomatic relations between Fiji and China in 1970s. Huang conveyed the greetings from President Hu Jintao to President Nailaticau and expressed his willingness to work with the Fijian side to promote the friendly relations between the two countries.

The ambassador expressed his appreciation of the cooperation and coordination between China and Fiji in regional and international affairs, while thanking the president himself for his contributions to the development of the Sino-Fijian ties.

Later in the day, Ambassador Huang also paid courtesy calls to Fiji's Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama and Acting Foreign Minister Filipe Bole.

Fans think twice about night game in July

August, 2011

Starting XV: 1. Wyatt Crockett (3) 2. Andrew Hore (50) 3. Ben Franks (7) 4. Jarrad Hoeata* 5. Ali Williams (61) 6. Adam Thomson (17) 7. Richie McCaw – captain (94) 8. Liam Messam (6) 9. Jimmy Cowan (44) 10. Colin Slade (1) 11. Sitiveni Sivivatu (43) 12. Ma’a Nonu (56) 13. Conrad Smith (45) 14. Zac Guildford (10) 15. Mils Muliaina (94) Reserves: 16. Corey Flynn (12) 17. John Afoa (30) 18. Samuel Whitelock (13) 19. Jerome Kaino (37) 20. Piri Weepu (44) 21. Daniel Carter (79)

Monday and signing autographs for an estimated two thousand fans at a public training at Carisbrook yesterday.

"It's always fantastic to come to Dunedin for Test rugby and the All Blacks always get a great reception here so we hope that we get a good crowd along on Friday night to support the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal," Henry added.

The All Blacks have played Fiji four times since 1987. The last Test was at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland in 2005.

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OPINION: What a difference a day (game) makes. Chance would be a fine thing. The Otago rugby public is slow to warm to the prospect of watching the All Blacks put plenty of points on Fiji in the Carisbrook chill on Friday night. The Otago Rugby Union reported yesterday that 11,500 tickets had been sold for the final international at the hallowed Dunedin ground with a capacity of about 28,000. Chief executive Richard Reid is still hopeful of matching the 20,000 attendance for the Highlanders' southern Super 15 derby against the Crusaders.

Otago and Highlanders wing Ben Smith – a contender for the All Blacks' bench on Friday – was also upbeat yesterday. "People down here love footy and I'm sure they'll pack out this place, because I know how passionate people are who're from down these ways," Smith said."I'm sure the support will come." The New Zealand Rugby Union is spruiking the Fiji fixture as the South Island's only opportunity to see the All Blacks in World Cup year – and as a fundraiser for the Canterbury earthquake relief fund.

Good on them. It's the least they can do with 13 of the current squad – and at least five of the management team – Christchurch-based.

Otago-ites are generous.

Frank Bainimarama’s people pitting against one another

The inevitable where self-serving opportunists always end up pitting against each other happened in team Frank’s camp right from the word go. Frank was never meant to be the illegal Prime Minister, so says his former senior military coup instigator, Ului Mara.

Ului’s revelation was another evidential proof that Frank’s initial supporters are mere selfcentered opportunists who were all hoping to get a piece of power, fame and free living from Frank’s 2006 coup.

Names like Mahendra Pal Chaudhry, Epeli Ganilau, Ului Mara, Pita Driti, Vayeshnoi, Felix Anthony, Daniel Urai, Rajeshwar Singh, Ben Padarath and many crooked others are all too familiar.

They, like the names Frank Bainimarama and Aiyaz Khaiyum immediately conjure up deceitfulness, wickedness, vindictiveness, corruption, evil conduct and everything unrighteous. Many of Frank’s supporters have since crossed the floor and are again queing up to take center stage on any platform

where they can further their narcissistic agenda. It’s the Fiji Democracy and Freedom Movement (FDFM) platform that was conceived and built by some hard working Fijian patriots living overseas that is now the most sort after stage for these coup co-conspirators.

Unfortunately for these die hard Fijians who started FDFM, their hard work is now tainted after yolking their honorable cause with these unscrupulous and morally bankrupt trailblazers.

They are playing right into the dirtypolitical game these egotistical individuals have been playing all these years that helped crumble their homeland Fiji to its knees as it is today.

Frank must be laughing now seeing that the very key people who helped give credence to his coup have now absconded after realising that he will not listen to their whims but only to Nazhat Shameem, Aiyaz Khaiyum, NurBano and Zarin Ali and a few other trusted members of his inner circle who are able to run his junta’s back office while he trots around Fiji on his vote-buying mission.

Runaway colonel in NZ amid torture claims Fiji still progressing toward democracy 8

FIJI NEWS

August, 2011

A former senior official in Fiji's military government has arrived in New Zealand as a complaint is laid against him for alleged torture.

Lieutenant Colonel Tevita Mara arrived in Auckland last night after the Government temporarily lifted a travel ban placed on all members of Fiji's military to allow him into the country. He has been given a five day visa and will spend his time in the country promoting democracy for Fiji and addressing the newly formed Fiji Democracy and Freedom movement. "I'm here to meet the pro-democracy groups here in New Zealand to discuss with them the way things are going and the movement and their plans in New Zealand," he told ONE News But his arrival comes as accusations are levelled at Mara that he played a role in the torture of hundreds of Fijian citizens.

Coalition for Democracy in Fiji spokesperson Nik Naidu said there

are "reasonable grounds" to believe Mara allegedly committed an act of torture in Fiji, and is calling on the New Zealand police to investigate.

"We didn't want people like this to be allowed to enter New Zealand, it's an insult to the victims of crimes against humanity and victims of torture," he said.

But when questioned by ONE News about specific allegations Mara said he was not involved and claimed the allegations against him were part of a strategy by the Fijian military regime to derail his demo-

The All Blacks are expected to ring the changes for Friday's Test match against Fiji in Dunedin.

Only four of the starting team that last year overcame Wales 3725 took part in what looked like a shadow test 15 at Carisbrook on Tuesday: fullback Mils Muiliaina, centre Conrad Smith, half-back Jimmy Cowan and captain Richie McCaw. It was the final training run before the team is named on Wednesday. The All Blacks selectors are keen to rest key players after an arduous Super Rugby campaign for the Crusaders and the Blues, and the Fiji game will allow them to do that ahead of the TriNations. But they will take note of Samoa's historic 32-23 win over Australia on Sunday and use that game as motivation to prevent a similar outcome. Those not included in the 22 for Friday's fundraiser

for Canterbury earthquake victims are returning home to spend time with their families, with the bulk of those players expected to be Crusaders. The squad reassembles in Wellington to prepare for the test against the Springboks on July 30.

Jarrad Hoeata looks certain to make his test debut after he partnered Ali Williams in the second row, while the loose forward trio featured McCaw, Adam Thomson and Liam Messam. Hurricanes discard Andrew Hore was joined by Crusaders props Ben Franks and Wyatt Crockett in the front row while Colin Slade ran at first five-eighth.

Ma'a Nonu was outside Slade with Zac Guildford and Sitiveni Sivivatu on the wings. All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen said yesterday that player workloads would need to be managed and highlighted the stresses Crusaders players had

cratic campaign. "There should be an inquiry into this and anyone who has taken part should be answerable to that," he said. Mara escaped Fiji in May, after he was accused of sedition, and has been staying with the Tongan royal family. Since his escape he has been attacking the Fijian government through Youtube videos and meetings with prodemocracy groups. He arrived in New Zealand from Australia where he had been talking to supporters.

"It was very successful in Australia," he said. "People did not really know what was happening in Fiji, that's my main aim is to really let them know what's happening on the ground in Fiji."

Fiji has asked New Zealand and Tonga to extradite Mara back to Suva but the requests have been declined. Mara will tonight head down to Wellington to meet with the Fijian community there as well as foreign affairs officials.

A

s auditions for the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony finally got underway, Fiji hinted it will take part in the competition, but is still accusing the New Zealand Government of stopping its national side from pulling out its best moves. “Fiji will be denied the right to field the best team if the New Zealand government continues with this ban,” says Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. New Zealand won't allow players associated with Fiji's military regime. “What is the objective of the travel ban? It goes back to the whole purpose behind it. But banning a few rugby players who might be crucial to the rugby team, what is the New Zealand government getting out of it. What is the objective of it,” asks Mr Khaiyum. He is the man fugitive Colonel Tevita Mara claims really runs the country. On The Nation, he wouldn't be drawn on allegations made by Mara, alleging torture by the military and corruption within the govern-

Kiwis set to experiment against Fiji

endured during a season which fell at the last hurdle with defeat in the Super Rugby final against the Reds. "Super Rugby this year has been tremendously physical, more

than anyone expected," Hansen said. "Throw in the emotional toll of not having a fixed home and having to travel all the time, and the emotional effect of having earthquakes regularly up there. Those guys have been through a lot. "To allow them to just take a step back and take a breath and re-gather themselves is going to be hugely important if we want them to be in good form going into the World Cup." All Blacks first five-eighth Dan Carter said he would be eager to take to field to face the Fijians. "I'd be pretty keen to get some game time, whether it's starting or off the bench," Carter said. Carter had taken a week off after the Super Rugby final loss and said the mental strain of the Crusaders' campaign took its toll."I was really up for those playoff games, but at the end of it mentally I was pretty tired."

he Fijian government has saved on average $4.5 million in operational costs due to civil servants adapting smart working procedures. Public Service Commission (PSC) Permanent Secretary Parmesh Chand in a statement said the consistent accrual of such savings could result in pay increases by the end of the year. “The civil service wages and expenditure is quite high so the onus is really on each civil servant and the civil service as a whole to cut down that level of expenditure to improve the rate of savings,” he said. He said the factors that contributed towards the huge government savings include staffing control measures, staff more vigilant about overhead costs and smart time management have resulted in reduced overtime hours. Chand said reforms that have been implemented are targeted to cut down on these costs through improved efficiency, removal of duplication of services and right sizing of the civil service.

WELLINGTON — The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) has shied away from including an army officer in its team to play the All Blacks this Friday, avoiding a confrontation with New Zealand authorities.

The FRU last week named Leone Nakarawa, a 23-year-old soldier, in its 35-member squad for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand starting in September, despite Wellington's long-standing ban on Fijian soldiers entering the country.

New Zealand barred Fijians with military or government ties as part of sanctions imposed following the 2006 coup when military strongman Voreqe Bainimarama seized control of the Pacific nation. The issue threatened to overshadow Friday's one-off friendly between Fiji and the All Blacks in Dunedin, with New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully making it clear Nakarawa would be refused entry if he was named in the team. The FRU heeded the warning and did not include

Lawyers make final submissions T

Lawyers gave their final submissions on the final day of trial for disbarred lawyer Dr. Samshud Dean Sahu Khan before Independent Legal Service Commissioner John Connors in Suva today. Dr. Sahu Khan’s lawyer, Natasha Khan gave her submissions relating to the nine charges against her client. In her submissions, Khan said one of the allegations against Dr. Sahu Khan in which he is said to have tried to convince his former client, Krishna Dutt to withdraw his complaint from the office of the Chief of Registrar, had no physical proof from the prosecution. She said even Dr. Sahu Khan acknowledged during his cross examination that “no one in their right mind would do that as the matter was before the Chief of Registrar”.

Khan asked

Commissioner Connors to dismiss the aforementioned allegation.

However, state lawyer Virisila Lidise said the professional misconduct charge against Dr. Sahu Khan demonstrated an alleged conduct that has perpetuated more than once. Lidise also made final submissions before Commissioner Connors.

She also reiterated all legal practitioners in the country should not represent former clients which Dr. Sahu Khan is said to have done during a series of transfer of a mortgage on a house in Labasa to several different people. After receiving both parties’ submissions this afternoon, Commissioner Connors adjourned the matter to September 27, by which time he is expected to deliver his judgement.

Fijian govt saves $4.5M: PSC

ment. “You have one person who has come out and made all these comments.

It fits in very neatly with your government's foreign policy position. It fits in very neatly with some of the main stream media perceptions. So suddenly you've all jumped on the bandwagon,” he says.

His media has restrictions, our media has no finesse, apparently. “I would argue that at the moment the way your journalism is taking place in your country lacks sophistication. In fact it’s very rudimentary,” he says. He insisted Fiji would hold elections by September 2014.

Anyone would be able to stand.

Police delegates arrive for conference

Three Police Commissioners from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea have confirmed their participation to attend the Police Commissioners Conference on March 23 in Suva, Fiji. Police Commissioner Brigadier General IowaneNaivalurua told FijiLive that the first delegates to the conference would be arriving today. Brigadier General Naivalurua also said that there are nine items on the agenda but did not reveal further.

“After the Commissioners Conference reports will be tabled to the senior officials at the MSG,” said Naivalurua.

The Police Commissioners will be held in conjunction with the Melanesian Spearhead Group summit and will take place at the Holiday Inn.

Fiji to omit soldier for All Blacks game

the 198 centimetre (6ft 5in) 117 kilogramme (258 pound) lock in the team unveiled late Monday for the Dunedin Test. Wellington has repeatedly said the ban will remain until there is evidence of substantial progress toward the return of democracy in Fiji and it applies to the World Cup, which New Zealand hosts from September 9-October 23. Fiji team to play New Zealand in a one-off international in Dunedin on Friday: Fiji (15-1) Iliesa Keresoni, Vereniki Goneva, Albert Vulivuli, Ravai Fatiaki, Napolioni Nalaga; Seremaia Bai, Vitori Buatava; Sakiusa Matadigo, Akapusi Qera, Dominiko Waqaniburotu (captain); Sekonaia Kalou, Ifereimi Rawaqa; Deacon Manu, Sunia Koto, Campese Ma?afu Replacements: Netani Talei, Timoci Nagusa, Metuisela Talebula, Taniela Rawaqa, Nemia Ranuku, Malakai Ravulo, Rupeni Nasiga, Viliame Veikoso, Setefano Samoca.

WORLD NEWS

BBC reporter killed in Afghan suicide strikes

Police officers walk past a street scattered with debris as they head for restoration work, after a river burst its banks following heavy rains in Gwangju, about 40 km (25 miles) southeast of Seoul, July 28, 2011.

16 Indians face deportation from UK LONDON: Forty-one Asians, including 16 Indian nationals, have been arrested in raids by Britain's immigration officials for working illegally in the country, official sources here said.

The 16 Indian nationals were arrested in July during raids at two factories, a restaurant and shop in the West Midlands and two restaurants in Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Action is now being taken to deport them to India. Also, 25 Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in July for working illegally in restaurants in West London, Warwickshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire

and Herefordshire.

Action is underway to return all of them to Bangladesh.

"We are cracking down on companies that employ illegal workers and fail to carry out proper checks on passports and other identity documents," a UK Border Agency spokesperson said.

"Any business that takes on a foreign national without permission to work is breaking the law and faces a heavy fine and possible prosecution," the spokesperson said.

A fine of up to 10,000 pounds will be imposed on employers for every illegal worker found in their

Ex-Tunisian President Ben Ali given 16 years for corruption

TUNIS: A court sentenced Tunisia's exiled former leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to 16 years in prison on Thursday for corruption and property fraud, in the latest sentence handed to the ex-president.

Ben Ali, who fled to Saudi Arabia last January after a popular revolt against his 23-year rule, has already been sentenced in his absence to a total of more than 50 years in two separate trials.

The court also handed down an eight-year prison sentence to Ben Ali's daughter and 16 years to his son-in-law Sakhr al-Materi over two separate cases.

One involved the fraudulent acquisition of a plot of land in an upscale Tunis district following the "personal intervention" of the former president. The other concerned the acquisition of a plot in the same neighbourhood initially intended to be a park but subsequently reclassified as building land, considerably boosting its value.

According to the indictment, the plots were acquired for 23 dinars (11.50 euros) per square metre,

well below their real value of 350 dinars and then resold for 1,500 dinars per square metre.

"The evidence shows that the ex-president committed violations and abuses of power in the two transactions," the prosecution said.

The three were also ordered to pay millions of euros in damages.

Hosni Beji, the lawyer for Nesrine and al-Materi, said the prosecution had "cooked up" its case.

On July 4, a Tunis court sentenced Ben Ali to 15-and-a-half years in jail for possession of arms, drugs and archaeological artefacts -- and fined him 54,000 euros.

And in June, Ben Ali and his wife Leila Trabelsi were sentenced to 35 years in prison and fined 45 million euros for misappropriating public funds after police found large sums of cash and jewellery in their palace.

Ben Ali denounced his first conviction as a "parody of justice" and a "political liquidation" in a statement.

He and his entourage face possible legal proceedings in around 180 other cases.

business, unless the employers can prove that they carried out the correct right-to-work checks on the employees.

The UK border agency has also been working with local Sikh community leaders and Gurudwaras in the West Midlands to provide advice to migrants, some of whom are destitute, and wish to return to India.

The monthly advice centres are being held at the Gurdwaras in Smethwick; Sedgley Street, Wolverhampton; High Street, West Bromwich; Soho Road, Handsworth, Birmingham and Foleshill Road, Coventry.

Gaddafi criticises Egyptian, Tunisian revolutions

TRIPOLI: Muammar Gaddafi criticised on Saturday the popular uprising in neighbouring Egypt that forced Hosni Mubarak from power this year as the Libyan leader battles rebels who have claimed swathes of the country. Gaddafi, who has stayed in power despite four months of Nato-led air strikes and a rebel campaign against his 41-year rule, questioned the value of the popular movements in Egypt, and in Libya's western neighbour, Tunisia. "Why did you undertake the revolution? Answer me, why did you undertake the revolution?" Gaddafi said in an audio address to Egyptians on the anniversary of the 1952 coup that ended Egypt's monarchy and paved the way for the late Gamal Abdel Nasser to take power. "Tunisia and Egypt, what did you accomplish with these revolutions? Substitution of one government regime for another?" asked Gaddafi, who came to power in a 1969 coup inspired by Nasser's pan-Arab ideals. "After you looted, destroyed and damaged the country, you want a new president?" Gaddafi defended Mubarak, hospitalised since April and due to stand trial on charges of abuse of power and killing protestors, and suggested Egyptians had been hasty in pushing him from power without a clear alternative.

August, 2011

KANDAHAR: Triple suicide blasts and shootings killed 19 people including a local BBC reporter in an ongoing attack Thursday that was the deadliest to hit Afghanistan in more than a month.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the coordinated assault in Uruzgan province, that began with suicide bombings on official buildings in the local capital Trinkot and the base of a militia commander who provides security to NATO convoys heading towards the country's besieged south.

The latest unrest comes at a critical juncture in the nearly 10year war on Taliban-led insurgents, as thousands of US surge troops prepare to go home and other Western nations announce limited withdrawals of soldiers.

All foreign combat forces are due to leave Afghanistan by the end of 2014 and last week a first tranche of handovers from NATO to Afghan forces took place in seven parts of the country.

"The fighting is still continuing, 19 people have been killed so far," said provincial governor spokesman Milad Modaser, warning that the toll may rise.

Provincial health director Khan Agha Miakhail said 37 people had been wounded and that there were children among the dead.

The BBC said that one of its Afghan reporters, Omid Khpalwak, was among those killed, apparently while he was inside radio and television offices next to the militia commander's compound.

Khpalwak also worked for Afghan news agency Pajhwok and

9

its regional editor Javid Hamim Kakar confirmed his death.

"His brother confirmed that he died and his body is in the Uruzgan central hospital," said Kakar.

The deadly attacks began at noon with one explosion just outside the gates of the deputy governor's office, which is next to the main hospital for Trinkot.

"There were two blasts at the deputy governor's office. One was detonated by a suicide bomber and the other was caused by an ANA (Afghan army) soldier shooting another suicide attacker," said army spokesman Hekmatullah Kuchi.

"The second suicide blast took place at Matiullah Khan's base, who is not wounded," said Kuchi, referring to a well-known militia commander in the area whose duties include protecting NATO convoys along the highway that runs from Uruzgan to Kandahar city further south.

Britain's 2nd Royal marriage of the year to be a simple affair LONDON: Three months after the fairytale wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Britain is all set for the second Royal marriage of the year, but in contrast to the April ceremony, Saturday's wedding will be much more down-to-earth.

Zara Phillips, the eldest grand daughter of Queen Elizabeth is to marry Mike Tindall, a member of Britain's Rugby team on Saturday in a private ceremony in Scotland's capital Edinburgh.

The pair, both world-level sports stars, have planned a wedding away from the glare, unlike WilliamKate whose exchange of marriage vows was watched by billions around the world.

Though the marriage would be a low-key affair, yet it will have the right dose of Royal's splendour, with all the key senior Royals expected to attend including William and Catherine. Zara, 30, is the younger child of the Queen's only daughter Princess Anne and is a former eventing world champion who is 13th in the line to the throne.

Her husband-to-be Tindall, 32, played in England's 2003 World Cupping Rugby Team and later captained the side.

Boy, 15, kills exgirlfriend for bet — free breakfast

LONDON: A schoolboy in Britain faces a life term in jail for murdering his exgirlfriend after a friend promised him free breakfast if he did away with her.

The brutality of the crime moved the Judge, who in an unprecedented step allowed Joshua Davies, 16, to be named despite being a juvenile, saying it was in public interest to expose the brute. The jury at Swansea Crown Court heard how Davies, a year ago lured Rebecca Aylward, 15, to a secluded wood and then used a rock, the size of a rugby ball to smash her skull with at least six brutal blows. The schoolboy, just 15 when he turned killer, wept as he was remanded in custody by Justice Lloyd Jones to be sentenced later but was told to expect an "indefinite" term. The jury convicted him of murder by a majority verdict after hearing that Davies texted a friend to ask, "What would you do if I actually did kill her?"

WORLD NEWS

Norway killings: Suspect hints he did not act alone 10

August, 2011

OSLO: The 32-year-old man accused of Norway's worst massacre since World War II now says that two cells of extremists collaborated with him, a court here said Monday, ordering him to be held in complete isolation to prevent him from interfering in police investigations into potential accomplices. The defendant had previously said he had acted alone. The defendant, Anders Behring Breivik, appeared at a closed arraignment hearing here as Norwegians paused in grief and self-examination for a minute's silence to mark the deaths of at least 93 people in last Friday's attacks. While acknowledging that he carried out the attacks, Breivik "has not pleaded guilty," Judge Kim Heger told a televised news conference, in remarks translated by an official of the court. The judge said Breivik had been charged under criminal law with "acts of terrorism," including an attempt to "disturb or destroy

Brief News

UN BEGINS FOOD AIRLIFTS TO HUNGER-STRICKEN SOMALIA

NAIROBI: The World Food Programme on Wednesday airlifted 10 tonnes of emergency supplies to the Somali capital Mogadishu to feed thousands of malnourished children due to a severe drought.The delivery from the Kenyan capital was the first in a series of airlifts aiming to supply 100 tonnes to feed 35,000 children every month, a spokesman said. Tens of thousands of Somalis have fled to war-torn Mogadishu from elsewhere in the country in search of food.

MILITARY AIRCRAFT CRASHES IN MOROCCO, 78 KILLED

RABAT: At least 78 people were killed when a Moroccan military aircraft crashed in the south of the country on Tuesday, the army said. In a news alert carried by the official news agency MAP, the army said three other people were severely wounded in the crash, Morocco's deadliest air disaster in several decades.

UN CHIEF WELCOMES TALKS BETWEEN SUU KYI AND MYANMAR GOVERNMENT

UNITED NATIONS: UN chief Ban Ki-moon has welcome the meeting between Myanmar's Nobel Laureate and pro-democracy activist Aung Suu Kyi and Minister for Social Welfare U Aung Kyi. "He (Ban) notes that the parties have expressed satisfaction at their positive talks and their intention to cooperate further on matters beneficial to the people of Myanmar," a statement from his office said.

the functions of society, such as the government" and to spread "serious fear" among the population.

Breivik was ordered to be held for the next eight weeks, the first four in solitary confinement. He told police what there were "two further cells in our organization," reporters were told. Breivik is the only person accused so far in the twin attacks last Friday when a huge bomb in central Oslo killed seven people and was followed soon afterwards by a shooting rampage against a camp run by the ruling Labor Party on the nearby island of Utoya.

In testimony, Heger said, Breivik had said he "believes that he needed to carry out these acts to save Norway" and western Europe from "cultural Marxism and Muslim domination." The court appearance was Breivik's first since he was captured last Friday. Through his lawyer, he had indicated that he wanted to use the hearing as a platform and had wished to appear wearing some kind of uniform. But the court rejected those requests. The judge said Breivik had wished to "give a sharp

Clinton foundation offers $1 million for Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE: Former US president Bill Clinton said on Thursday that his foundation would provide more than $1 million to help thousands of Haitian students with their schooling. "My foundation is going to make a grant of $1.25 million to the Haitian Ministry of Education to insure that 10,000 more children will be able to attend primary school, and get a big meal every day while they are there," Clinton said at a ceremony in which he was decorated by Haitian President Michel Martelly. "This assures that the money will increase the capacity of the ministry of education and support the work of the president's back-toschool campaign both in the private and public schools." Clinton, who attended the inauguration of new model homes in Portau-Prince on Thursday, also announced a $500,000 gift to the government to help its reconstruction effort. A massive earthquake devastated Haiti in January 2010, leaving an estimated 225,000 people dead and destroying much of the country's already impoverished infrastructure.

signal" and inflict "the worst possible loss" on the Labor Party, accusing it of failing to prevent a "mass importing of Muslims" into Norway.

Shortly before Breivik's arrival, the court said in a statement, "Based on information in the case, the court finds that today's detention hearing should be held behind closed doors." "It is clear that there is concrete information that a public hearing with the suspect present could quickly lead to an extraordinary and very difficult situation in terms of the investigation and security," the court said. Minutes earlier, as noon approached, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg stood before crowds of people and urged them "to remember the victims. I hereby declare one minute's silence across our country."

All that could be heard in some places was the cry of gulls as trams stopped, cars pulled over and Norwegians bowed their heads, standing to attention with their hands clasped in prayer. Even after the formal 60 seconds, many seemed reluctant to move on, locked in private thoughts.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (R) is welcomed by Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang (L) at Government House during her visit to Hong Kong on.

Venezuela President Hugo Chavez declares himself 'largely recovered'

CARACAS: Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez said on Wednesday he has "largely recovered" from cancer but would still undergo as many as two more rounds of chemotherapy, and could soon lose his hair.

"I have decided to continue living," he told his cabinet in a session carried on radio and television. "I am being reborn, beginning a new life to continue serving the fatherland of (Simon) Bolivar," said Chavez, whose surprise operation in Cuba to remove a cancerous tumor last month sent shockwaves through Venezuela. The flamboyant leftist has provided no details about his cancer type, but has sought to quash speculation it could end his leadership after more than a decade in office. On Tuesday, he said he planned to run

for another six-year term as president next year despite his battle with cancer. Chavez underwent an initial round of chemotherapy in Cuba last week, and said tests found no more cancer cells.

"I have largely recovered," he told his ministers.

"Fortunately, of all the scenarios, it has been the best of the bad -- the best scenario for recovery," he said. On camera, Chavez pounded his chest and stomach to show his health, but in a telephone call to state television later appeared to be preparing Venezuelans for changes in his appearance as he undergoes tough chemotherapy. "Surely in a few days you'll see Chavez bald," he said. "Remember Yul Brynner?

I'll be Yul Chavez. In a little bit, the hair will begin to fall out."

South Korea to use 'chemical castration', first in Asia: Report SEOUL: A South Korean law allowing the use of "chemical castration" on sex offenders will take effect on Sunday, making it the first Asian country to use such punishment, news reports said. Passed by parliament a year earlier, the law will allow court judges to sentence sex offenders, who victimise minors under 16 and have been diagnosed as sexual deviants, to chemical castration for up to 15 years. Offenders would receive behavioral and psychological therapies in addition to drugs which suppress their libido. The number of offenders to be sentenced to chemical castration is expected to be about 100 every year, an unidentified justice ministry official was quoted as saying by the Chosun Ilbo daily.

The law bill was first introduced in 2008 after a spate of sexual attacks on minors sparked widespread public anger.

'Belgium UFO that puzzled Nasa for 20 yrs made of foam'

BRUSSELS: An unidentified flying object photographed high in the Belgian sky that puzzled even Nasa scientists turns out to have been a fake made out of foam, the man behind the hoax said on Tuesday.

Though scientists pored over the picture of a triangular-shaped flying saucer with four lights, allegedly photographed in April 1990 by a young worker, the mystery remained intact until the man's revelation.

Made of polystyrene in a matter of hours and photographed that night, the picture was released after several sightings of UFOs over Belgium in 1989 and 1990.

Then aged 18, the man identified only as Patrick said he and a few friends "made it, painted it, hung it up and then photographed it".

The photo was the sharpest available to experts in a two-year period in which thousands of people across Belgium reported UFO sightings. Several days after its release , a Belgian airforce plane was ordered to hunt down the UFOs across the country, but to no avail. Some believed the UFOs were new stealth fighters being tested by Nato. "It's too easy to fool people, even with a cheap model," said Patrick, adding he had decided it was time to come clean.

India, Pakistan officials claim new era in relations

INDIA NEWS

NEW DELHI — The foreign ministers of India and Pakistan spoke of entering a new era in relations between their nuclear-armed nations, after meeting Wednesday for the first time since bilateral peace talks resumed this year. While no major breakthroughs on their thorny disputes had been expected, the two agreed to work more closely in fighting terrorism and to ease commerce and travel across the UN-drawn Line of Control dividing their nations.

The Himalayan territory of Kashmir -- a major source of tension that fueled two of three wars fought by the rivals since 1947 -will continue to be discussed "with a view to finding a peaceful solution," Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna said. Both nations claim the whole territory now split between them and maintain heavy deployments along the border.

Pakistan's newly installed foreign minister, Hina Rabbani Khar, had raised eyebrows in India by meeting Tuesday with Kashmiri separatists, who openly oppose India's heavyhanded rule and argue Kashmiris should vote to decide the territory's final status. India has refused any such referendum, accusing Pakistan of fomenting conflict by arming and training rebels. Pakistan denies this and says it provides only moral and diplomatic support in backing the call for self-determination.

Nevertheless, the two sides described their talks Wednesday as constructive and cordial, agreeing on several measures toward improving life for Kashmiris, increasing the number of cross-border trading days from two to four and expediting travel permits, including for tourism and religious pilgrimage. They discussed security co-operation, and reiterated their commitment to fighting terrorism with the aim of stabilizing the region. They also agreed their countries' should explore dialogue on nuclear issues

Pakistan's foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar arrives at the AFS Palam, in New Delhi. (Right) Hina Rabbani Khar prays during a visit to the shrine of Muslim Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia in New Delhi. beginning in September -- marking the first time they might share nuclear information since the late 1990s when both were conducting nuclear tests.

"This is indeed a new era of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, and it is our desire ... to make it an uninterrupted and an uninterruptible process," the Pakistani minister said after the talks. "There has been a mindset change in the people of the two

Karnataka CM Yeddyurappa sends resignation to BJP chief

BANGALORE : Tainted Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa tendered his resignation on Thursday, following his indictment by the Lokayukta over illegal mining in the state.

The chief minister, however, has sent his resignation letter to the BJP national president Nitin Gadkari instead of the governor. According to sources close to him, Yeddyurappa would officially resign on July 31.

A strong believer of astrology, Yeddyurappa has been advised by a known astrologer to resign on July 31 as it could "bring him bright chances to return to power some time later." Earlier, briefing mediapersons, BJP spokesperson Ravishankar Prasad said that the party decided that it was time for a change in the Karnataka BJP leadership. He also said that Arun Jaitley and Rajnath Singh will go to Bangalore on Friday to choose an alternative leader. The BJP top leadership LK Advani, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Rajnath Singh and Venkaiah Naidu who met in New Delhi rushed its troubleshooter and party's general secretary Dharmendra Pradhan to convince Yeddyurappa to step down gracefully. His interven-

tion succeeded, however, the chief minister is expected to put forth his demands before the party observers Arun Jaitley and Rajnath Singh when they arrive here on Friday.

Though the news of CM's resignation spread like wild fire, excise minister M P Renukacharya, a close aide of Yeddyurappa, maintained that the CM had not resigned and would not do so.

Since he returned from Delhi this morning, Yeddyurappa was busy meeting his close associates and garnering support. He had also announced he would go ahead with scheduled plans of his cabinet meeting. Therefore, submitting his resignation to Gadkari is seen as his ploy to buy some more time before tendering it to the governor. The party still has not finalized an alternative name to succeed Yeddyurappa. State BJP president KS Eshwarappa, rural development and panchayat raj (RDPR) minister Jagadish Shettar and party's national general secretary Ananth Kumar are the front-runners for the post. Former president D V Sadananada Gowda, Yeddyurappa's favourite, is seen as a dark horse.

countries that we must acknowledge."

The meeting was a major milestone in the new round of peace talks that began in February. India suspended an earlier round of talks after 10 Pakistani-based gunmen laid siege to the city of Mumbai in 2008, killing 166 people. India has argued that Pakistani intelligence helped plan that attack and that Pakistan has not done enough to crack down on those behind it. Despite a July 13 triple

Adopt if wife cannot conceive, says SC NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday reduced a wife-beater's sentence by two years and advised childless couples to opt for adoption saying adopted children gave as much happiness as natural ones. Inability to conceive could not be fastened only on the wife, said a bench of Justices Markandey Katju and C K Prasad while upholding conviction of a husband who regularly assaulted his wife, forcing her to commit suicide. "It is natural that everyone wants children, but if a woman does not have a child, that does not mean that she should be insulted or harassed. In such a situation, the best course would be to take medical help, and if that fails, to adopt a child," the bench said.

"Experience has shown that an adopted child gives as much happiness to the adoptive parents as any natural child does," it said while reducing the sentence of the husband from seven years to five years, a period which he had already undergone.

August, 2011

11

bombing in Mumbai that killed 20 people, neither side backed away from the new round of talks. India's investigation into that attack has focused on a shadowy domestic terror group reportedly linked to Pakistani militants, but top government officials have been reluctant to point fingers, calling for patience as the investigation proceeds.

Krishna said after Wednesday's meeting that, though challenges lie ahead, "I can confidently say that relations are on the right track." They agreed to hold new talks in the first half of next year, with expert groups meeting first in September. In the meantime, India's minister for industry and commerce has invited his Pakistani counterpart to visit.

The two countries' foreign ministers last met a year ago in Islamabad in a tense meeting that erupted into accusations that both sides were fomenting terror attacks on each other. Since February, however, the two sides have discussed a range of issues including terrorism threats, co-operation on the Mumbai investigation and Kashmir. Their prime minister even watched an IndianPakistan cricket match together in March.

Security analyst C. Uday Bhaskar expressed cautious optimism about Wednesday's meeting, suggesting the foreign ministers had likely left the toughest issues for later, though "for the local people in Kashmir, this has improved the situation in a significant way."

The ministers "have gone for the lowesthanging fruit, improving cross-border travel, setting up committees. They are baby steps," Bhaskar said. "Against the backdrop of Mumbai 2008, what has been achieved by the two foreign ministers is as much as possible, even if modest." Khar was also meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the leader of the opposition before flying back to Lahore, Pakistan.

Cabinet okays fund for unorganized sector NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Thursday cleared setting up a national level social security fund for unorganized workers. The proposed National Social Security Fund will have an initial corpus of Rs 1,000 crore and will benefit 43.3 crore workers in the unorganized sector.

Unorganized workers form the most significant part of total workers in the country and suffer from cycles of employment and absence of social security protection. I&B minister Ambika Soni said, "The fund will support social security schemes for various segments of unorganised workers as most of these workers do not have any social security cover in the form of life and disability insurance, health care and pensions." The fund was announced in the budget by finance minister Pranab Mukherjee and is expected to support schemes for weavers, toddy tappers, rickshaw pullers and bidi workers.

Mukherjee had said the decision recognized the need for providing social security to workers in the unorganized sector, and as a follow-up to the unorganized Sector Workers Social Security Act,

2008. The fund will be administered by the National Social Security Board which is authorized to recommend social security schemes including life and disability cover, health and maternity benefits, old age protection and any other benefit as may be determined by the government for unorganized workers. The National Sample Survey Organization had recorded total employment in both organized and unorganized sector as 45.9 crore workers (2004-2005), of which unorganized workers formed 94%.

Out of the 43.3 crore unorganized workers, 26.9 crore workers were employed in the agriculture sector, 2.6 crore in construction and the remaining in manufacturing activities, trade and transport, communication and services. A large number of unorganized workers were home based and were engaged in occupations like bidi-making, agarbattimaking, papad making, tailoring and embroidery work.

Incidentally, women workers in unorganized sector were rapidly increasing and studies had shown that this segment continued to suffer from unequal wages and poor working conditions.

INDIA NEWS

Cabinet okays fund for unorganized sector 12

August, 2011

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Thursday cleared setting up a national level social security fund for unorganized workers. The proposed National Social Security Fund will have an initial corpus of Rs 1,000 crore and will benefit 43.3 crore workers in the unorganized sector.

Unorganized workers form the most significant part of total workers in the country and suffer from cycles of employment and absence of social security protection.

I&B minister Ambika Soni said, "The fund will support social security schemes for various segments of unorganised workers as most of these workers do not have any social security cover in the form of life and disability insurance, health care and pensions."

The fund was announced in the budget by finance minister Pranab Mukherjee and is expected to support schemes for weavers, toddy tappers, rickshaw pullers and bidi workers. Mukherjee had said the decision recognized the need for providing social security to workers in the unor-

ganized sector, and as a follow-up to the unorganized Sector Workers Social Security Act, 2008.

The fund will be administered by the National Social Security Board which is authorized to recommend social security schemes including life and disability cover, health and maternity benefits, old age protection and any other benefit as may be determined by the government for unorganized workers. The National Sample Survey Organization had recorded total employment in both organized and unorganized sector as 45.9 crore workers (2004-2005), of which unorganized workers formed 94%. Out of the 43.3 crore unorganized workers, 26.9 crore workers were employed in the agriculture sector, 2.6 crore in construction and the remaining in manufacturing activities, trade and transport, communication and services. A large number of unorganized workers were home based and were engaged in occupations like bidi-making, agarbatti-making, papad making, tailoring and embroidery work.

Boy spends one year in jail for stealing Rs 200

General Officer Command 14 Corps Ravi Dastane(C) salutes after laying wreath at the Kargil war memorial during a function on the occasion of 'Vijay Diwas' in Drass, Jammu and Kashmir.

NEW DELHI: On Thursday, a metropolitan magistrate convicted Shamsuddin Fakruddin of theft, making it the happiest day of his life. As his lawyer explained to him that the court had just declared him guilty, Shamsuddin's boyish face broke into a smile. He was finally free.

For 12 months now, Shamsuddin (19) has been lodged in Tihar Jail despite the fact that his alleged crime, that of stealing Rs 200, would usually carry a sentence of three months' imprisonment. After being denied bail once, he was granted bail three months ago, but did not have the Rs 10,000 in property needed for a bail bond.

Shamsuddin changed his initial not-guilty plea to a guilty plea when he learnt that his father had passed

away two days ago. "I'll say I am guilty. I just want to get out. I just want to go home to my village," he whispered to his lawyer.

After migrating to Delhi four years ago from his village in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district on the border with Nepal, Shamsuddin sold vegetables at a street corner near Okhla mandi. On August 5 last year, Shamsuddin was picked up by the Amar Colony police on charges of taking a wallet containing Rs 200 and an ATM card from the pocket of a complainant.

Shamsuddin maintains that he did not commit any theft, and that the wallet in his pocket was his own. He was arrested and charged under sections 379 (theft) and 411 (dishonestly keeping stolen property) of the IPC,

KOLKATA: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday declared Aug 8 a holiday to mark the death anniversary of poet Rabindranath Tagore. Banerjee also appealed to the central government to declare a national holiday to mark the occasion, and said she would write to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in this regard. "We have decided to declare a holiday on this day in all schools, colleges, other educational institutions and offices so that everyone can take part in programmes to mark the occasion. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation will also be a part of the programme," Banerjee said. With the state government facing an acute financial crisis, all agencies and departments have been asked to pitch in with funds.

Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik creates a sand sculpture on World Hepatitis day at Puri beach.

Mamata declares holiday on Rabindranath Tagore's death anniversary

and sent to Tihar Jail for judicial custody. Boy jailed for a yr for .

Despite his alleged crime typically carrying a sentence of three months, Shamsuddin was first denied bail on February 26, 2011, because of the "seriousness" of his crime. He had by then already completed six months in judicial custody.

Then two months later, he was granted bail by metropolitan magistrate Mona Tardi Kerketta, provided he furnished a bail bond of Rs 10,000 and that someone could stand surety for him. By this time, lawyers of the Human Rights Law Network, an NGO that fights human rights cases and represents the poor pro bono, had met Shamsuddin in Tihar Jail, and started representing him. However, Shamsuddin's family could not be

located, and he did not have property or savings that he could show as collateral against the Rs 10,000 bail bond. So, he was forced to remain in judicial custody.

On Thursday morning, police officers brought Shamsuddin to the magistrate's court. Just over five feet tall, he wore a cream-coloured shirt and black trousers and looked holloweyed, casting nervous glances at his lawyer. He had hurt his leg, he said, and asked if he could sit as he awaited his turn, a request that was turned down. Half an hour after he was produced in court, metropolitan magistrate Kerketta heard Shamsuddin's lawyer's plea. They had decided to plead guilty as the surest way of getting released.

Reds' urban fronts under lens NEW DELHI: Central security agencies have identified 20-odd organizations - based in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Nagpur and Gurgaon - suspected to be working as fronts of Maoists with an aim to expand their bases in urban areas. These agencies have shared the list of such organizations with all the states, asking them to closely monitor their activities and inform the home ministry if they find anything incriminating against them.

Sources said while some of these outfits are functioning as women, youth or students' organizations, while some others are working as labour outfits.

"These organizations are keeping regular contacts with some of the senior CPI (Maoist) leaders and working as per their advice. Their main objective is to set up bases in urban areas," a source said. The office-bearers of these organizations include teachers and even Ph.D scholars from two prominent universities in the national capital, certain journalists, artists, lawyers, doctors and others based in these cities, the source said.

They said that the organizations are suspected to be holding indoctrination camps, raising finances, procuring electronic equipment, and giving safe havens to naxalites whenever necessary. The laptop, belonging to Kobad Ghandy, a politburo member of the CPI-ML, arrested in 2009 in Delhi, had given enough indication about the existence of sleeper cells of naxalites in urban areas.

'Enforced disappearances in Balochistan tied to ISI, army'

PAKISTAN NEWS

NEW YORK: Pakistan's military and intelligence agencies are indulging in "enforced disappearances" of individuals in the restive Balochistan, which the civilian government has not been able to stop, Human Rights Watch has said in a scathing attack.

The 132-page report, 'We Can Torture, Kill, or Keep You for Years: Enforced Disappearances by Pakistan Security Forces in Balochistan", documents dozens of enforced disappearances, in which the authorities take people into custody and then deny all responsibility or knowledge of their fate or whereabouts. The report details 45 alleged

August, 2011

cases of enforced disappearances, the majority in 2009 and 2010. While hundreds of people have been forcibly disappeared in Balochistan since 2005, dozens of new enforced disappearances have occurred since Pakistan returned to civilian rule in 2008. "Pakistan's government should immediately end widespread disappearances of suspected militants and activists by the military, intelligence agencies, and the paramilitary Frontier Corps in the southwestern province of Balochistan ," Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in the report released on Thursday.

"Pakistan's security forces are engag-

Clinton, Zardari discuss bilateral ties

A Pakistani Ranger stands alert ahead of a meeting between Indian Deputy Inspector General of Border Security Force (BSF) C.Vasudevan and Pakistani Deputy Director General Pakistani Rangers' Brigadier Wali Muhammad at The Wagah Border Post, which marks the border between and India and Pakistan .

Pak govt, judiciary on collision course

ISLAMABAD: US Secretary of State Ms Hillary Clinton telephoned President Asif Zardari on Thursday night. The two leaders discussed bilateral ties, regional situation and fight against militancy, Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said.

Secretary Clinton said that the United States valued its partnership with Pakistan and that it supported democracy in the country.

President Zardari said that Pakistan looked forward to con-

tinued partnership and productive engagement with the US on the basis of mutual interest, mutual respect and sovereign equality.

Hindustani classical to jazz: Pak band rules US charts

LAHORE: A showdown between Pakistani judiciary and the civilian government appears imminent as Supreme Court chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry has made it clear that the Gilani government will have to submit to its orders or be ready to "face the music".

Chaudhry today extended the deadline by 24 hours to reinstate establishment secretary, Sohail Ahmed, who notified posting of inspector general police Husain Asghar in the FIA to probe the Haj scam also involving the Prime Minister Gilani's elder son Abdul Qadir Gilani.

ISLAMABAD: A group of ageing musicians from Lahore has pulled off the unlikely feat of racing up jazz charts in the US, thanks to an album of standards and bossa nova classics blended with Hindustani music recorded by a Pakistani philanthropist. "Sachal Jazz: Interpretations of Jazz Standards & Bossa Nova" features musicians trained in classical Hindustani music who once worked for Lahore's bustling film industry , popularly known as Lollywood. As the number of Pakistani films dwindled, many musicians hung up their instruments and took up other professions like running tea stalls. Businessman

Izzat Majeed and Mushtaq Soofi, the director of Majeed's Sachal Studio, took on the task of tracking down these musicians and putting together an orchestra that could work on projects at their state-of-theart studio built with advice from engineers at London's famed Abbey Road Studios, the home of the Beatles.

The album of jazz and bossa nova standards, which features unique reinterpretations of classics like Dave Brubeck's 'Take Five' , Antonio Carlos Jobim's 'Girl From Ipanema' and Errol Garner's 'Misty' , was released in May with little fanfare. Following word of mouth and a report by the BBC, the

ensemble's version of 'Take Five' topped the iTunes jazz singles chart last week while the album was at No 1 on the iTunes jazz album charts for the US and Britain this weekend .

Majeed, an Oxford-educated businessman whose father was a film producer who worked with the likes of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and music director Jaidev, and Soofi, a poet and writer, are basking in the glow of the Sachal Studio Orchestra's unexpected success.

"This was not a commercial venture. If we had kept market constraints in mind, we would never have been able to experiment.

The visit of most Pakistani leaders to shrines has customary significance which continues unabated despite Saudi Arabia's investment in propagating their strict version of Wahabi Islam across the country.

The construction of mosques and recruiting their preachers as "Imams" in these mosques on handsome salaries, the Saudis have so far not succeeded to overpower the traditional followers of Sufism which emerged in the seventh century as a reactionary force against the worldliness of the early Ummayad Caliphs.

In the sub-continent, according to historians, Sufis (Islamic mystics) played an important role in the spread of Islam. Hence, the Sufi saints have

special reverence among its followers.

Several Pakistani leaders, including former Pakistani PM Benazi Bhutto, had strong inclination towards the saints and shrines but for others visiting shrines could be merely symbolic.

At Makkah, observers say, they will follow the Saudi line of Islam rather than what they practice at the shrines in Delhi, Ajmer or Lahore. Pakistan's foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar who visited and offered prayers at Nizamuddin Auliya's shrine in Delhi and Khwaja Moiunuddin Chisti's at Ajmer, did not come from a family having any spiritual connection with the saints and shrines. A thorough account of her family has been narrated by her aunt Tehmina Durrani in her

book "My Feudal Lord". Durrani who was married to Hina's uncle Ghulam Mustafa Khar and now happens to be the wife of Punjab's chief minister Shahbaz Sharif explained at length the politics of the family, its values, mentalities and views on women and religion. She wrote that Khar ruled the house like a tyrant and his fists did the talking.

"Khar was the breed of the feudal system where women are no more then mere material objects. There are many reasons for that school of thought. The important ones are lack of education, the cultural values, and finally, one's family upbringing and personality." "Khar was a man obsessed with power; that power had

to be practiced to confirm its existence. The 'safest' domain was his own home, where no one dared to question his authority.

He would beat up the servants if the food was not hot enough, me (Tehmina Durrani) if I was late after his first call and his children if they threw a tantrum," she wrote. Luckily, Hina Rabbani Khar is exceptional to the ordeal of the womenfolk of Khar family as narrated by her aunt.

To link her association or leaning towards saints and shrines, unlike PM Yusuf Raza Gilani or former FM Shah Mehmud Qureshi, would be an exaggerated narrative. Gilani and Qureshi claim to be the direct descendants and heirs of saints.

13

ing in an abusive free-for-all in Balochistan as Baloch nationalists and suspected militants disappear , and in many cases are executed ," Brad Adams, Asia director at HRW said. Victims told Human Rights Watch that they had been picked up from their homes at night by gangs of armed men, questioned and beaten without being told who was holding them or why. The government in Islamabad has cracked down on dissent in Balochistan since rebels rose up in 2004 demanding autonomy and a greater share of profits from the region's oil, gas and mineral resources.

Don't need a 'chaudhry' in the region: Gilani on India ISLAMABAD: In a clear rebuff to US secretary of state Hillary Clinton's stand that India should take a lead in Asia, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan does not want a "chaudhry" in the region. Gilani initially refused to comment when journalists asked him about Clinton's remarks on the sidelines of an official function here on Saturday. "That's her point of view.

You can't impose restrictions on anyone's thoughts," he said.

When reporters kept pressing him on the issue, Gilani remarked: "Pakistan doesn't want any chaudhry (headman)". The word "chaudhry" is usually used in both India and Pakistan to refer to a local leader or influential person.

During her recent visit to India, Clinton had told a gathering in Chennai that the time had come for India to "seize the emerging opportunities of the 21st century" and "to lead". Clinton's remarks created a flutter in Pakistan as they came at a time when relations between Washington and Islamabad have plunged to a new low in the wake of a series of incidents, including the covert American raid that killed Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad on May 2.

'Rabbani is an exception to womenfolk of Khar family'

14

ISI knew about Baitullah-Zawahiri meet

PAKISTAN NEWS

August, 2011

never targeted by US drones till 2008 because the Americans did not consider the Pakistani Taliban a "serious" enemy before Mehsud's interaction with al-Zawahiri. "It was only after (this meeting) that the Americans started taking Pakistani Taliban as a potent threat," an official said. "We were 100 per cent sure from the start about collusion between al-Qaida and TTP...the

Pakistan not complicit on Osama bin Laden : Musharraf

LARKANA: A vendor arranging vegetable to attract customers at his roadside setup.

Man sentenced to death for raping daughter in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani intelligence officials knew about a meeting between al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and slain Tehrik-eTaliban Pakistan head Baitullah Mehsud in 2008 but then "lost" track of the terror mastermind, according to a media report on Monday. The meeting, which reportedly took place during the first half of 2008, might have been a precursor to the CIA's drone attacks against Mehsud, which ultimately killed him in August 2009.

Officials looking after domestic counter-terrorism efforts said ISI had informed CIA about the interaction between the two terrorist leaders. It was not precisely known whether the meeting took place in South Waziristan tribal region, which was completely controlled by the Pakistani Taliban in 2008, or somewhere in Afghanistan.

To substantiate the claim, the unnamed officials said Mehsud was

London but plans return to Pakistan next year and participate in 2013 elections, outlined steps Islamabad and Washington needed to take to restore trust in relations he said were "at their lowest in a decade".

In addition to dispelling the bin Laden suspicions, Pakistan had to address U.S. anxiety that it is not actively pursuing the Haqqani group and other extremists living along its border with Afghanistan, he said. "The United States must show consideration to our sensitivities" about sovereignty, nuclear weapons and India, including the divided and disputed territory of Kashmir, said Musharraf.

Pakistanis resented US drone attacks on militant targets that often killed innocent civilians, he said.

The country also sought from Washington "a more balanced treatment of Pakistan and India and understanding that Pakistan's nuclear capability is because of an existential threat," said Musharraf.

Americans came to the same conclusion later," said a former military official who had served as security secretary for the tribal areas under former President Pervez Musharraf.

Brigadier (retired) Mahmood Shah, a noted defence analyst, said though he retired two years before the meeting, he got hold of information that the meeting between the two terrorists took place. The CIA started a relentless drone campaign against Mehsud from 2008 and he was ultimately killed in the eighth Predator strike that targeted him. ISI chief Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha has reportedly assured top US officials during his trip to Washington last week that Pakistani forces would take action if the CIA came up with actionable intelligence on the whereabouts of al-Zawahiri, who was made the head of the al-Qaida after the killing of Osama bin Laden in a covert American raid on May 2.

Al Qaida commander Ilyas Kashmiri is alive: Dawn

LAHORE: A Pakistani court has awarded the death sentence to a man for raping his 15-year-old daughter. Additional sessions judge Tahir Khan Niazi handed down the capital punishment on Friday after the charge against Khalid Amin was proved. Khan's ex-wife Parveen Bibi filed a first information report at Kahna police station in Lahore, accusing her former husband of raping their daughter for a month in 2009. Amin divorced Parveen in 2008 and the couple's two daughters and four sons were living with the father. The girl testified in court that her father raped her for at least a month."My father threatened he would kill my brothers if I disclosed his act to anyone," the girl told the judge.The girl told her cousin about the assault, and the cousin later informed Parveen.

Perveen quizzed her daughter, who confirmed that she was raped by her father.

WASHINGTON: Pakistan's exiled former President Pervez Musharraf said on Thursday that "absolute negligence and not complicity" was behind his country's Osama bin Laden fiasco and Washington and Islamabad must put that episode behind them and rebuild trust.

"We must convince the world and the United States that the issue of Osama bin Laden was not complicity; it was negligence of a very monumental order," he said in a speech in Washington.

US special forces' killing of the al Qaeda leader in Pakistan on May 2 soured relations between the two countries over US suspicion its ally knew he was living in a town not far from the Pakistani capital for about five years. "Two years of that five years was during my time. I confidently and surely say that there was not complicity because I am very sure of one thing: that I didn't know, whether one believes it or not," said Musharraf. The 67-year-old former

general ruled the nuclear-armed Islamic country from 1999-2008 and allied Pakistan with the United States after the Sept. 11 attacks, forging close ties with thenPresident George W Bush.

Dispelling suspicions over bin Laden would be "the starting point of reestablishing some kind of trust and confidence in each other," he said. Musharraf, who lives in

KARACHI: Aamir Shah, the former security guard of assassinated Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and a senior leader of the ruling PPP, was gunned down, triggering a fresh wave of violence in Pakistan's financial capital.42-yearold Shah, who headed the Peoples Unity Union of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), was killed by attackers on motorcycles who opened fire at his white Toyota Corolla near Kamran Chowrangi in the troubled Gulistan-e- Jauhar area yesterday. Shah, who started his political career with the Peoples' Youth Wing (of the PPP), was Bhutto's security guard when she returned to Pakistan in October 2007 to contest the general elections in the country. The killing of the senior PPP activist sparked a fresh wave of violence in Pakistan's biggest city, claiming as many as 11

lives over the last 24 hours and leaving scores wounded. The domestic and international operations of Pakistan's national carrier were also badly hit after employees went on a snap strike to protest and mourn the killing of Shah. Shah, who succumbed to his injuries in a private hospital, was among the party's senior activists and he had served at many different posts in his 18 years with the party.

Witnesses said the gunmen intercepted Shah's car before shooting the PPP leader and his friend Mairaj Khalid Jagirani. Karachi chief of police Saud Mirza said the assailants probably targeted the men shortly after they finished filling up fuel near Kamran Chowrangi.He said it was too early to say anything about the motive behind the attack as the investigation was underway and details were being gathered.

Three-year-old Zeenat, displaced by heavy floods for nearly a year, stands outside her family tent at a camp for flood victims in Charsadda, in north west Pakistan July 27, 2011. Pakistan remains woefully unprepared for floods this year which a U.N. official said could affect up to 5 million people in a worse-case scenario. The 2010 Pakistan floods left some 2,000 people dead, 11 million homeless and another 7 million were affected. At its height, one-fifth of Pakistan was submerged.

Benazir's former security guard killed, violence erupts

ISLAMABAD: Mohammad Ilyas Kashmiri, the al Qaida commander who was believed to have been killed last month in a US drone attack in Pakistan, is alive, a media report said on Saturday. Kashmiri is still active in the border areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan, Dawn said on its website quoting unnamed sources. Media reports had earlier said that Kashmiri was killed in a US drone attack in Pakistan's South Waziristan tribal region. The US and the Pakistani government however could not confirm his death. Anti-terrorism experts describe Kashmiri as one of al Qaida's main commanders.

He was held responsible for a number of attacks in Pakistan, including the May 22 attack on a navy airbase in Karachi and the 2009 attack on the army headquarters in Rawalpindi.

INTERFAITH

August, 2011

15

MUSLIM FAMILY DAY SAVE THE DATE - SEPTEMBER 3, 2011

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Win Umrah Ticket and many cash prizes!

Saturday, October 29, 2011 10:00am - 4:00pm Muslim Community Association (MCA) 3003 Scott Blvd, Santa Clara CA 95054 The purpose of organizing the Young Muslims Islamic Quiz is to impart a basic understanding and knowledge of Islamic fundamentals to our youth, provide a platform for healthy competition among them and to encourage them to acquire Islamic knowledge by providing them with an incentive. We ask Allah SWT to grant us success in this endeavor.

In This Issue Muslim Family Day 2011

We hope to provide the whole family with a complete fun and learning experience. For more questions, we can be reached by email at

Islamic Quiz

quiz@icnabay.us

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If so, let us know!

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Benefits of Ramazan Ramazan Mubarak

Ramadan is a period of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity and sacrifice observed by Muslims around the world. While major holidays of other faiths have largely become commercialized events, Ramadan retains its intense spiritual meaning.

The word "Ramadan" comes from the Arabic root word for "parched thirst" and "sun-baked ground." It is expressive of the hunger and thirst felt by those who spend the month in fasting. As opposed to other holidays, when people often indulge, Ramadan is by nature a time of sacrifice.

Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat every day.

Through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer to their Creator,

and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him. Through increased charity, Muslims develop feelings of generosity and good-will toward others.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, "A man's wealth is never diminished by charity."

Through self-control, a Muslim practices good manners, good speech, and good habits.

Through changing routines, Muslims have a chance to establish more healthy lifestyle habits -- particularly with regards to diet and smoking.

Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the

Editorials endorsing HAF’s report were seen in some of India’s major newspapers and was covered widely in the media overseas as well. Guidance, offers of assistance, and constructive criticism came in from some of Hinduism’s respected, high-profile leaders whose messages were not included in the original report, including the internationally renowned Baba Ramdev, emphasizing the high profile the report carried.

“While the initial report was also extensively reviewed, with the inclusion of over three dozen additional expert reviewers representing a broad swath of Hindu communities in India, Europe, and the Americas, this updated report is truly a representative voice of the diaspora,” said Mihir Meghani, M.D., cofounder and member of the HAF Board of Directors. “It is a privilege to be able to carry the words of some of today’s greatest Hindu spiritual leaders within this report that eloquently condemn the social evils of discrimination and persecution based on the status of

one’s birth in Indian society, and unequivocally distance Hinduism from any such practice.”

The updated report includes messages fromfourteen Hindu saints and spiritual leaders ( http://www.hafsite.org/media/pr/stat ements-caste-hindu-leaders ) and also a revisedexecutive summary ( http://www.hafsite.org/media/pr/notcast-caste-big-picture-and-executive-summary )and extensive historical survey of the devolution of a system of societal organization into a birth-based hierarchy. The report presents a review of ameliorative measures taken by the Government of India and Hindu organizations to combat the discrimination, and also explores the intersection of politics and foreign-funded, coercive missionary tactics that polarize and fossilize community relationships along caste lines.

“HAF’s report is one voice, albeit a well-heard voice, that denies the conflation of Hinduism with castebased discrimination, and this document begins our conversation with the millions of Hindus long con-

( AMC will celebrate Eid-ulFitr August 30, 2011)

bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world.

Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims, but the feelings and lessons we experience should stay with us throughout the year. In the Qur'an, Muslims are commanded to fast so that they may "learn selfrestraint" (Qur'an 2:183). This restraint and devotion is especially felt during Ramadan, but we all must strive to make the feelings and attitudes stay with us during our "normal" lives. That is the true goal and test of Ramadan.

May Allah accept our fasting, forgive our sins, and guide us all to the Straight Path. May Allah bless us all during Ramadan, and throughout the year, with His forgiveness, mercy, and peace, and bring us all closer to Him and to each other.

Hindu Advocacy Group Updates Landmark Report on Caste-Based Discrimination in India

Washington, D.C. (July 21, 2011)-- Just over six months ago, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) initiated a global conversation about Hinduism’s response to castebased discrimination in India with the release of its landmark report on the issue. Today, HAF released an updated edition of the report,Hinduism: Not Cast in Caste - Seeking an End to Caste-based Discrimination ( http://www.hafsite.org/media/pr/notcast-caste-big-picture-and-executive-summary ), after an unprecedented second review process that included some of the most prominent contemporary Hindu spiritual, community, and academic leaders.

The report highlights HAF’s perspective that discrimination based on the caste of one’s birth is against Hinduism’s core teaching of the divinity inherent in all beings; that caste-based discrimination is an unfortunate reality for many, especially the so-called Scheduled Castes -- also known as “Harijans” or “Dalits”--in many parts

of India today; untouchability has absolutely no sanction in any of Hinduism’s sacred texts; Hindu spiritual leaders are actively engaged in ending this practice in Indian society; and that political leaders and missionary organizations routinely exploit the issue for vote-bank advantages and throughpredatory proselytization ( http://www.hafsite.org/?q=media /pr/predatory-proselytization-andpluralism ), respectively.

“Our initial report was meant to serve as an introductory advocacy document coming from a human rights organization,” said Swaminathan Venkataraman, editor of the report and member of the HAF Board of Directors. “But after its release, the report was met with massive outpourings of support, suggestions, and even harsh critiques from around the world. We realized the truly international scope of the report, and the burden we carried as a prominent voice in the Hindu diaspora to tackle a subject as complex, yet urgently relevant."

signed to the coldly bureaucratic categorizations of Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe,” added Pawan Deshpande, member of the HAF Executive Council and co-editor of the report.

“The great joy in preparing this report has been to seek blessings from countless Hindu saints actively fostering unity and equality regardless of caste, social standing, or religion, and those SC’s dedicated to their Hindu traditions despite the discrimination they have encountered. We bow our heads in humble admiration.”

The Hindu American Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, non-partisan organization promoting the Hindu and American ideals of understanding, tolerance and pluralism.

For media inquiries, please contact: HAF Managing Director/Legal Counsel - Ms. Suhag A. Shukla, Esq. at suhag@hafsite.org or 651.248.3883

16

PACIFIC NEWS

August, 2011

Injured fisherman plucked from North Niko loses spot in team Head cliff by Coast Guard helicopter The man, 34 from Selah, was with a group of about six others who were fishing off the rocks when he fell. Doug Knutzen with South Pacific County Technical Rescue climbed down the cliff face, about 50 feet from the water’s edge, to the individual. Knutzen secured him to his rope and assessed his medical situation. “From that point we have to figure out how we’re going to get him out of there,” he said.

The rescue team decided they had three options: wait out the tide, haul him up the cliff in a basket, or call the Coast Guard for assistance.

The tide wouldn’t be out until about 11:30 p.m. and according to Knutzen, it would have been very difficult to haul him up the steep cliff

in the basket. “After we did get him up the face, we’ve got probably 300 yards of salal, grass, trees and puckerbrush to haul him through,” he said. The team decided to call the Coast Guard who had the resources available to send a helicopter to assist. A Coast Guard helicopter arrived several minutes later, lowered a rescue swimmer and successfully hoisted the patient from the cliff. “We were really happy to see the Coast Guard come get him,” Knutzen said. The helicopter then transported the patient to the Cape Disappointment Coast Guard Station, where, according to Chief Brundage, he was turned over to Fire District No. 1 medical personnel for treatment and transport to

Give Pacific Islands grants, not soft loans: McCully National Party could govern alone ACC faces $2m tab for 15 years' misery Christchurch temp housing package 'botched' No Labour deal with Greens to oust Dunne, says Goff Government to spend $36b on roads, rail Today in Politics - Wednesday Voters seem to have taken vow with Key Goff steering Labour to knacker's yard Voters undeterred by PM's stumbles National supporters stay loyal to Key-fronted party As Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully makes his way around the South Pacific this week he is urging other governments, particularly the Chinese, to donate grants rather than

Fiji and Australia discuss garment trade deal Representatives of Fiji and Australia have started discussions on the issue of renewal of the South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement (SPARTECA) Textiles, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) scheme, which is due to expire on December 31, 2011. The negotiations have begun after an Australian delegation on a fact finding mission visited Fiji a week earlier. Mr. Shaheen Ali, Deputy Secretary (Economics & Trade) is heading the Fiji representatives participating in the deliberations. Mr. Ali thanked Australia for providing it the market access under the S-TCF scheme as it has led to sustenance of Fiji’s garment industry.

Ocean Beach Hospital.

The Coast Guard, State Parks, Fire District No. 1, South Pacific County Technical Rescue, Ilwaco Fire and Long Beach Fire all responded and assisted in the rescue. “We call all of the agencies because we know we have a lot of work to do and we need people,” Knutzen said. Besides Knutzen, there were about seven other people on the top of the cliff working the ropes and assisting. “It takes a lot of people to put one person over the edge,” he said. A video of the rescue can be viewed at Pacific County Fire District No. 1’s Facebook page. “Everything went very well,” said Knutzen, “and I was really pleased with it.”

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dole out so-called 'soft loans' in the region. The loans, such as the $54 million that Tonga owes China, are given with a grace period during which no interest is due. However, once that period ends many smaller Pacific nations will struggle to meet repayments. The Lowy Institute for International Policy recently estimated China had lent $600m to the Pacific since 2005. Loans to Tonga were at about 32 percent of the kingdom's GDP. The Chinese presence in Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa, is evident in the building work underway, products available in stores and several signs proclaiming 'China Aid'.

Starting Tristin Lowe’s “Mocha Dick”; a 52 feet long re-creation of the real life albino sperm whale, will come to Richmond for its first appearance.The creature is infamously known for terrifying ships in the early 19th century near Mocha Island in the South Pacific. The whale went on to be the inspiration for Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick”.

The animal was said to have attacked nearly 20 whaling vessels, and terrified many due to its unusual coloring . Lowe created the trueto-size sculpture of a sperm whale during a six month collaboration with the Fabric Workshop and Museum in Philadelphia, involving a team of technicians and apprentices.

A Superior man who served his country in the South Pacific Theater during World War II is honored with a flag-raising ceremony at 9 p.m. Friday in front of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center.

A Superior man who served his country in the South Pacific Theater during World War II is honored with a flag-raising ceremony at 9 p.m. Friday in front of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center.

Emil J. Bratek was born on Sept. 9, 1917. He joined the U.S. Army on March 3, 1941, and served until July 2, 1945. He was a member of the 127th Infantry, Anti-Tank Company also known as the “Red Arrow.” He held the

rank of staff sergeant.

He fought in the South Pacific Theater, including campaigns in New Guinea, Southern Philippines, Papau and Luzon.

During his enlistment he was decorated with the Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal and Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star. He was also a squad leader, which included his Combat Infantryman Badge.

Bratek contracted malaria while in the military, thus causing him to leave the army with an honorable discharge.

He spoke highly of the soldiers he served with and mourned the passing of each one. Bratek died on Dec. 12, 2010.

about six others who were fishing off the rocks when he fell. Doug Knutzen with South Pacific County Technical Rescue climbed down the cliff face, about 50 feet from the water’s edge, to the individual.

Knutzen secured him to his rope and assessed his medical situation. “From that point we have to figure out how we’re going to get him out of there,” he said.

who assaulted newspaper publisher

SOUTH Pacific sprint champion Niko Verekauta has been named as a non-travelling reserve for Team Fiji to the upcoming Pacific Games in New Caledonia.

Vekerauta who stamped his mark as a South Pacific star has represented the country at top athletics competition including the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

The Kadavu man lost his spot in the team after strong competition by secondary school athletes in recent national trials.

Marist Brothers' High School 400 meters champion Ratutira Narara is Fiji's hopeful to fill Verekauta's big shoes.

Athletics Fiji president Albert Miller said athletes selection were based on their current performances.

"We have named the team and it is based on performance and not on reputation. This is a very young team but we have confident in them to perform."

Miller said a lot of those young athletes were exposed in previous international championships.

"Most of the athletes competed at the Coke games which is bigger than the Pacific Games.

About two or three are yet to make their international debut so international experience is not a worry for us," Miller said confidently.

He added Verekauta could force his way into the squad as a replacement to any injured athlete. Fiji Secondary School sprint

American Legion honors veteran of South Pacific

ATHLETICS:

Ratu Banuve Tabakaucoro, Sisilia Seavula, Lepani Naivalu, Elenoa Sailosi, Niko Radiva, Litiana Miller, Ratutira Narara, Paulini Korowaqa, Beniamino Maravu, Danni Alakija, Sikeli Rokowaqa, Suliana Gusuivalu, Varasiko Toge, Miriama Senokonoko, Isireli Nakelikelivesi, Sereima Liku, Roy Ravana, Mereseini Naidau, Eugene Vollmer, Ana Koloucava, Sikeli Waqa, Milika Tuivanuavou, Leslie Copeland, Soko Salaniqiqi

RESERVES:

Waisele Ledua, Sera Tuinalase, Niko Verekauta, Maketalena Lokolokobuka, Emosi Bure, Anameli Navukitu, Jone Wainiqolo, Wilma Cawi, Solomoni Qisavola, Bulou Leslie.

champion Banuve Tabakaucoro, Suliana Gusuivalu, Elenoa Sailosi, Sisilia Seavula and Lepani Naivalu will be Fiji's top bets in the sprint events.

Javelin sensation Leslie Copeland has also booked his spot in the team. Isireli Naikelekelevesi, Danni Alakija, Eugene Volmer and Milika Tuivanuavou are the overseas based athletes in the team.

Extreme Racers Head to Vanuatu for South Pacific Event in August 2011

PHUKET, THAILAND- The event has grown in popularity year on year and thanks to the race taking place in Vanuatu, cheap Port Vila hotels are expected to be at a premium - so says online hotel comparator DirectRooms.com. The Vanuatu Adventure Race 2011 is a competition which tests the fitness of participants in events covering mountain biking, hiking, snorkelling over the local reefs and more - a true test of fitness on challenging terrains. This year's Vanuatu Adventure Race 2011 will be held between the 13th and 15th of August and the Vanuatu capital of Port Vila is the perfect place to stay if participating or spectating at the event.

INJURED FISHERMAN PLUCKED FROM NORTH HEAD CLIFF BY COAST GUARD HELICOPTER

NORTH HEAD — Shortly after 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Washington State Parks requested South Pacific County Technical Rescue and Pacific County Fire District #1 to respond to the cliffs below North Head Lighthouse for an individual who had slipped on the rocks, fallen and injured his ankle, according to a press release from Chief Jacob Brundage from Pacific County Fire District #1. The man, 34 from Selah, was with a group of

Risible fine for minister

Reporters Without Borders deplores the risible fine of 15,000 vatu (120 euros) that a court in Port Vila, the capital of the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, imposed on infrastructure and public utilities minister Harry Iauko on 8 July for a physical attack on Daily Post publisher Marc NeilJones in March.

“It is unacceptable that a gov-

ernment minister should get off with such a small fine for assaulting a journalist who criticized him,” Reporters Without Borders said.

“The fine is not commensurate with the gravity of the crime and sends the wrong signal to all of Vanuatu’s journalists. We call on the courts to review this sentence in order to protect the media.

Failure to do so would encourage journalists to censor themselves.”

Neil-Jones was attacked in his

office on 4 March by a total of eight men including Iauko. According to Neil-Jones, the minister accused him of writing “bad things” about him, alluding to articles criticising the minister’s handling of various issues and alleged embezzlement

by Airports Vanuatu Ltd, an aviation company that works closely with the government. The seven other men involved in the attack were given fines of up to 1,000 dollars.

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BOLLYWOOD

August, 2011

You once said that you have a superiority complex. Are you happy with that?

Don’t you think women are superior to men? Then what did I say wrong!

You have got an honorary citizenship from LA — the mayor is going gaga over you…?

Now Obama is also going gaga over me!

So, who’s the Osama in your life?

Right now, nobody. There’s no Osama in mylife.

Now that you spend so much of your time in LA, have you forgotten India?

Impossible. I can never forget India. I am who I am because of India. When I go to LA, I really say it so proudly that ‘billion Indians are behind me’. Whether it’s the truth or not.In fact I have always used this line — I know it may sound corny —that you can take me out of India but you can never take India out of me. And it’s really the truth.

You’re doing one more film in Hollywood?

I just finished shooting Love Barack. And yes there’s one more. Can’t reveal much though…contractually bound.

Heard there are big names?

What bigger name than Obama now! By the way, he said give my love to Bollywood!

What’s the most outrageous thing you have ever done?

Ran away from home. Came to Mumbai. Stole my grandma’s jewellery to finance my trip.What could be more outrageous than that?

Was it easy to let it go?

It was tough. I still remember it was a pair of beautiful earrings I had got from my naani.

Because I come from such a traditional family you know, my father thinks I’m like a big black spot on the family’s name. You know traditional Jat families believe that women should sit at home.

How old were you ran away from home?

Never ask an actor her age.

So would you call yourself a rebel?

For sure, yes Are you a feminist?

No not a hardcore feminist. I do believe that people should have a certain dignity for women. It’s very close to my heart because I come from a state which has the highest number of female foeticides.

And I am outraged by that. I picked up the phone and I called the CM. I spoke to him personally and told him that I want you to do something about it. This was the last time I was here. They don’t give a damn! I mean I repeated calls

Mallika Sherawat dropped by at the DNA office in Mumbai and chatted up on a variety of topics from Bollywood, Hollywood to Obama going gaga over her. You do so many item numbers…They gave me so much money! A girl has to make a living no!!

MALLIKA SHARES HER

PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL LIFE but I had no response. In fact I even took this matter up when I met the UN head Ban Ki-moon. The UN doesn’t even know that this kind of a problem exists in Haryana.

What do you eat?

I’m a vegan. So I eat what a cow eats. Ghaas phoos...

What prompted you to go Vegan?

I’ve always been a vegetarian. I went a step further with the vegan thing because dairy products are not healthy.

The whole image that you throw a lot of tantrums...

None of my producers or directors have ever had problems with me. Most of them have made money on my films. No producer has ever had a loss because of me reporting late on the sets or the shoot being delayed because of me. Even my American producers — none of them have had a problem with me. So I don’t know where does this come from. I have always been on time. In fact Mani Ratnam (director) commended me on my punctuality while we were shooting for Maiya Maiya in Guru.

How does Bollywood treat its women?

How do you think Bollywood treats its women, tell me honestly. How many good parts are written for women in Bollywood? That should answer your question.

So many women are now turning producers. Your brother is also a producer…

For Hisss, Itne Joote pade uspe (laughs).

It was your brother’s production?

Yeah, it’s true. I don’t understand it had the highest TRPS on TV. None of my movies have

lost money, according to the producers.

You think it could have been marketed in a better way?

I felt it was a great amalgamation.

Bollywood is a great subject for the Hollywood guys. I thought it was a great set up.

I don’t know why was there so much outrage about the movie. I dunno… what did you guys think? Has anyone seen it? Jennifer Lynch (director) was suffering from chronic back pain. And yeah when you say ‘different’ we all know it means ‘shit’ (laughs). These two words ‘different’ and ‘interesting’, we always use them to escape. But see, it was an experiment. Now sometimes experiments go right, sometimes they go wrong. But the idea is to go on experimenting.

Heard that the make up took hours...

Yeah, I couldn’t even pee. It was 14 hours.

How badly does it take a toll on you when you put in so much and it doesn’t have the impact that you were expecting?

Maybe in India it did not have a strong impact, but abroad it was much appreciated. So I was happy. And I guess everything has its own destiny. The West loved the Indian mythology. And when we educated them about the sea-snake and ichhadhaari nagin… they did not even know something like this exists. You know it’s like a love affair — some days it’s good, some days bad.

You have done a lot of bold scenes. How do you handle sleazy co stars?

What is your definition of bold scenes? (laughs).

Maybe the scene in Hisss,

where actor Irrfan Khan is shown rescuing you from the net and seems to be actually touching you...

Oh that was done by a body double.

You have been associated with some of the hottest men…

Dukhti rag pe haat mat lagao (laughs).

a tour of his boat (I have a video of it, which I will putup on Twitter) and he invited my whole entourage on to the submarine. He has a submarine in his yacht! Can you believe that?! And then I said I’d want to tour the submarine.

He said ‘we’re not allowed to take the submarine out in France, but I’ll be taking it to Italy and you’re most welcome’. So yeah, he really made an impression on me.

Another one who left an impression on me was Emir Kusturica, the Serbian director. He has won the Palme d’Or two times. He made that movie Underground, which is one of my favourites. Sean Penn was also there.

Did you feel any special connection with any of them?

Now I dunno in what form this will go into the newspaper (laughs). I have met some very interesting guys. This time in Cannes, I met Paul Allen, the Microsoft guy. He invited us to party on his yacht. He personally gave me

Heard you had a really good time with him in LA? Yeah, they are all very curious about Bollywood. Now don’t say that Mallika is showing off or something, but they were all there at the party. In fact the Prince of Monaco, Prince Albert, he was asking me so much about Bollywood.

Are there co-stars who really act sleazy?

I have never had any so far. And I think Indian men are really chivalrous and real gentlemen. They go out of their way to make you feel comfortable Jackie Chan?

Yeah, even he was like that.

BOLLYWOOD ctress Sonakshi Sinha wants to prove that she is truly Dabangg when it comes to her professional career. Brushing aside the rumours that she wants to refrain from doing item numbers, the actress came out saying that she is not scared of doing them.

The 23-year-old, who has shown her dancing expertise on stage at various award shows earlier this year, revealed that she has no problems in joining the lines of Katrina Kaif, Malaika Arora Khan and Mallika Sherawat by doing an item number, but she has to be comfortable in doing so.

"I’m not scared of doing item numbers.

For me, when I did stage shows, I was wearing what I was comfortable in and the moves that I was doing were also what I was comfortable doing. So all depends on comfort.

If what is offered to me, I’m comfortable doing that, then I might Sonakshijust take it up.

I’m not averse to it," Sonakshi told reporters here. Sonakshi, the daughter of veteran

A

ABHISHEK BACHCHAN HITS THE GYM!

ot one given much to body building or indeed any kind of heavy duty exercising, Abhishek Bachchan is now doing the lunges and lifting up weights.

Apparently, the inspiration comes from none other than the Singham supercop Ajay Devgn, who's the reason behind Abhishek hitting the gym. The two, Abhishek and Ajay will be seen together on Bol Bachan, and the latter has been instrumental in persuading the former to get into the fitness routine for this movie. And, hopefully, Abhishek might get addicted to the fitness rigour after this.

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I'm not Averse to

actor Shatrughan Sinha, has laid down various rules for herself.

She has been maintaining that she won’t be doing any kissing scenes in films and also won’t sport a bikini on screen ever.

Yet the budding actress has been getting plump Bollywood offers. After her debut film Dabangg with Salman Khan, the actress will be seen in Joker with Akshay Kumar and is also a part of Race 2.

At an event Tuesday, she was also named as the brand ambassador of fashion brand Provogue, that has had

ANUSHKA

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August, 2011

ITEM NUMBERS

I DON’T MIND GETTING TYPECAST eacting to reports that say A n u s h k a Sharma can only play Punjabi roles; the UPborn, Bengaluru-bred actor says, “I am proud that my acting is so good that people actually confuse me for a Punjabi.” Sharma says she is not bothered by reports that stereotype her, adding, “I will not try to break an image that is working for me. I give myself credit to be able to get out of my comfort zone. I am not a Punjabi. “I have lived in South India all my life and had a southern accent. I have changed my diction and have played these characters with such conviction that people think I am Punjabi.”

Sharma insists that each of her three characters so far is different from the other. She says, “In Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008), I played

Tani who was a very meek character, whereas in Badmaash Company, I played part of a smuggling gang.

“In Band Baaja Baarat (2010), I was seen as a vivacious, enterprising girl. You can be a Bengali living in four different parts of the world but each one is distinctly different.”

Solution seeker : Sharma plays Southallbred NRI, Simran, in Nikhil Advani’s forthcoming father-son con-

SONAKSHI

actors like Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Fardeen Khan and Katrina Kaif endorsing it in the past.

"I’m very happy to be associated with Provogue. I think they’ve seen how my career is shaping up and they think that I’m able to contribute to their brand in some way as a brand ambassador.

So very happy about this association and hopefully it will be a long and fruitful one for both of us," said Sonakshi.

flict, Patiala House.

When asked about the significance of her role in the film, given that it revolves around the frustration of a son who gives up on his dream of fulfilling his father’s wishes, she says, “Simran, who is the nosy neighbour, helps resolve the family’s issues. Before she enters the scene, things are very mundane and slow-paced.

She stirs up the household, brings change, happiness and excitement by inspiring Akshay Kumar’s character to follow his dreams.”

Upbeat about working with Kumar, Sharma says, “Despite having been in the industry for so long Akshay is never late nor does he go back to his vanity van after his shot is done. He is completely involved. I learnt a lot from him.”

uper sexy Karisma Kapoor is all set to make a comeback. As we all know she has signed Vikram Bhatt's 3D horror film Dangerous Ishq.

Now the actress has also been approached

by Sajid Nadiadwala for his forthcoming film Housefull 2.

According to a unit hand, Karisma wasn't the first choice for the item number. Rani Mukherji was approached for it earlier. But it seems things did not work out so the makers of Housefull 2 approached Karisma who is a

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close friend of producer Sajid Nadiadwala.

"Lolo's association with Sajid is very old.

The duo has worked together for films like Jeet and Judwaa . Sajid and Lolo are still in touch. So after Rani refused, Sajid thought of Karisma who looks as sexy as she was earlier", informs a source close to H2 unit.

It can be recalled that Raveena who recently made her comeback with an item number in Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap received an outstanding welcome by her fans.

Let's hope Lolo's item number creates the same magic for her.

KARISMA KAPOOR'S

ITEM NUMBER IN HOUSEFULL 2!

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REFRESHING PRAWN & LETTUCE SALAD August, 2011

BANANA IN COCONUT MILK THAI NAME: KAUY BOUD CHEE

8ml Lemon juice 2gms Salt 2gms crushed black peppercorns

Ingredients 150gms prawns (25 count) 100gms mixed lettuce leaves 50gms cherry tomatoes 10ml olive oil

Method Marinate the prawns with salt and pepper and cook over a grill.

Toss all the ingredients along with the prawns and serve.

Note: You may use different lettuce leaves for this salad and can add beansprouts to it for a healthy bite.

Ingredients 1 cup banana (cut in halves) 2 cups coconut milk ½ cup palm sugar Salt to taste

Method 1) Boil coconut milk.

2) Add palm sugar and salt.

3) Add banana and serve warm.

Stir-Fried Straw Mushroom

with Chilli Paste

GREEN CURRY WITH MIXED VEGETABLE (THAI NAME: GAENG KHEAW WAN PUK RUAM)

Ingredients 1 cup mixed vegetable ½ cup green curry paste (available at supermarkets) 2 cup coconut milk 2 tbsp soy sauce 2 tbsp sugar ¼ sliced green chillies 2 to 3 pcs kaffir lime leaf ¼ cup eggplant ¼ cup sweet basil Method 1) Cut Vegetable into pieces.

2) Heat the coconut milk, stir fry together with green curry paste until fragrant.

3) Add the vegetables and coconut milk and bring it to a boil.

4) Add eggplants and let it simmer for a while.

5) Season with soy sauce and sugar.

6) Add kaffir lime leaves, sweet basil, and chillies. Remove from heat.

7) Serve with steamed jasmine rice

Ingredients Lamb boneless cut into 1 to 1½" cubes: 1/2 kg Lamb meat on bones (shank) cut about 2" long: 1/2 kg Ghee: ¼ cup Cumin seeds: ½ teaspoon Chopped onions: 1 cup Garlic, peeled cloves: 4 Fresh ginger peeled: 1" Cinnamon 3" long ¼" wide: 2 broken in half Black Cardamom (crack open the pods): 4 Cloves: 7 I Black peppercorn: 8 Dahi (yogurt): 1½ cup Degi Mirch (paprika): 3 tea-

Ingredients : 2 cups straw mushrooms (available at supermarkets) ¼ cup diced onion ¼ cup sliced red chillis ¼ cup sweet basil 2 tbsp sweet chilli paste 1 tbso soy sauce Sugar Method : 1) In a saucepan, heat oil

2) 3)

over medium heat.

Add sweet chilli paste and onion and fry until you can smell the aroma.

Add Straw Mushroom and sliced red chillies and fry well together.

Season with soy sauce and sugar and add sweet basil.

ASIAN GLASS NOODLE SALAD

Ingredients 120 gms Asian glass noodles 80 gms green cucumber 50gms bean curd

ROGAN GOSHT

10ml soy sauce (light) 2 cloves garlic 2gms salt 2gms sugar Method Soak the glass noodles in cold water.

Now slice the cucumber and chill it for a while.

On a cutting board, cut the bean curd carefully into juliennes, i.e., scrape it nicely.

Toss together all these ingredients and some soy sauce.

Add the chopped garlic, salt and sugar.

Serve the salad chilled.

Don't miss these wholesome salad recipes that fill you up!

spoons, Ratan Jot: 2 teaspoons (you may substitute it with 4 drops of red food colour), Ground Lal Mirch (cayenne pepper): 1tablespoon I Salt: 1½ teaspoon, Water: 2 cups.

Method Make a paste of onions, garlic and ginger. Set aside. In a heavy

FOOD

bottomed pan, heat ghee. Add lamb, fry till all sides are seared, and the meat is brown. Remove lamb and set aside. Add cumin

seeds and shahi jeera, fry till brown for about 2 minutes. Add onion/garlic/ginger paste from step 1. Fry till most of the mois-

MOUTH WATERING BRAISED LAMB SHANK Ingredients: Clean and trimmed New Zealand lamb shank - 1 no Coconut Milk - 300 ml Chopped Lemongrass - 1 stalk Chopped kafir lime leaves - 2 gms Fish sauce - 20 ml Chopped Tomato - 15 gms Fresh basil - 5 gms Chopped Coriander - 2 gms Red Curry Paste - 20 gms Curry Powder - 2 gms Chopped Spring Onion - 10 gms Fine Sugar - 20 gms Salt - 3 gms Chopped Garlic - 10 gms Chopped Onion - 10 gms Refined Oil - 15 ml Method: 1. Place lamb shank in water along with chopped lemongrass, Kafir lime leaves, salt and sugar.

2. Put the lamb shank in oven at 150 centigrade for 1 hour or till the lamb is tender.

3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a pan.

Saute onion, garlic and red curry paste.

4. Add chopped tomato and curry powder. Saute well.

5. Add coconut milk powder and allow it to simmer.

6. Season with fish sauce and sugar.

7. Add cooked lamb shank in the curry and simmer again.

8. Add fresh basil, chopped spring onion and coriander.

9. Place lamb shank on the platter and pour curry on it.

10. Garnish with coconut cream and serve.

ture is gone. It will start turning greenish brown due to the chemical reactions between raw onions and raw garlic. Add cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and peppercorn. Fry about 2 minutes. Add lamb from step 2. Add dahi ¼ cup. Cook till yogurt is consumed about 2 minutes.

Repeat till all the yogurt is consumed. Add remaining ingredients except water. Fry for about 2 minutes. Add ¼ cup water.

Simmer on low heat till the water is absorbed (about 4 mins).

Repeat till the water is absorbed and lamb is tender.

FASHION

hile you may be making the utmost effort to eat healthy for the majority of your day, it is possible that there are the small daily mistakes you maybe making in your diet, which make weight loss, or weight management more difficult and a slower process than it should be. Sometimes it is these innocuous morsels of food that make a big difference when it comes to proper weight management. So what are these foods in your daily diet that you should avoid?

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1

Glass of milk – While milk is a healthy addition to your meals, it could possibly be the one food that is hindering your progress. If you are used to having a glass of milk before you sleep, at breakfast, or even for a snack in the evening, take a break from drinking milk for a month. If you feel that its making a difference – making you less sluggish, helping you lose weight, clearing up your skin etc – this maybe the solution to your problems. Give it a go.

Something sweet after meals – Many people have this habit of wanting just a little something sweet after every meal.

This is absolutely unnecessary and you probably know it. Just that addition of sugar after your meals is worth cutting down on if you have it on a daily basis. Let dessert be a treat you save for the weekends and you will probably savour it more.

2

Heavy carbs for your evening snack – How often have you felt so

3

ou're throwing a party at home. The invitees — your co-workers.

You needn't obsessively follow workplace protocol yet you can't completely let your hair down. Here's how to mix business and pleasure.

And how and why it'll help you.

Get the booze right: The last thing you want happening at the party-that'sgoing-to-make-you-shineat-work — co-workers getting smashed, puking their guts out, hitting on each other and happily bitching about someone at work (or worse, in the very same room). Keep a mix of options — wine and beer for those who aren't used to downing peg after peg of hard liquor. Or, you could simple serve pre-mixed cocktails, sangria or fruit punch.

Food mood: If you'd rather not slave over a hot

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LUNCH BOX IDEAS FOR SCHOOL

ITION OF JUST THAT ADDOUR MEALS IS SUGAR AFTER Y G DOWN ON IF WORTH CUTTIN N A DAILY YOU HAVE IT O ERT BE A TREAT BASIS. LET DESS THE WEEKENDS YOU SAVE FOR PROBABLY AND YOU WILL RE. SAVOUR IT MO

August, 2011

How do you ensure that your kids eat what you have so carefully and lovingly packed for them? How do you ensure that it's not wasted, and they’ve eaten it with as much relish as you have made it with? And how do you ensure that it is healthy? Of course it has to have variety, it has to have ingredients that your child loves, and more the ideas, the merrier for you, we know.

Therefore here are some ideas for your kids’ lunch boxes that we know they will love.

STRAWBERRY & CREAM CHEESE SANDWICH

FOODS YOU SHOULDN'T

EAT DAILY hungry in the time between your lunch and dinner, that you can eat anything without giving a thought as to whether it is right for you or not?

You may land up knocking off a sandwich or a samosa. This may be the only unhealthy addition to your diet in the entire day, but consumed daily, this evening snack could be hindering your efforts.

Therefore, carry some-

thing that has healthy proteins and fats like nuts, with you so that you don’t succumb to hunger.

4

Potatoes – Recently dubbed by a study conducted by Harvard, as one of the foods that definitely makes you gain weight over time, potatoes have a way of turning up in our daily food unannounced.

You maybe eating a healthy

HOW TO THROW

5

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon reduced-fat cream cheese, 1/4 teaspoon honey, 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest, 2 slices very thin whole-wheat sandwich bread, 2 medium strawberries, sliced Method: Combine cream cheese, honey and orange zest in a bowl.

Spread bread with the cheese mixture.

Place sliced strawberries on 1 piece of bread, top with the other.

PEANUT TOFU WRAP

sabzi but a whole potato may have been added in there to improve the flavour. Fresh veggies taste good on their own if you try, so give it a shot.

Ingredients: 1 tablespoon store-bought Thai peanut sauce, 1 big whole wheat paratha, 2 ounces thinly sliced seasoned baked tofu, 1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper, 8 thinly sliced snow peas Method: Spread peanut sauce on the paratha. Place tofu, peppers & snow peas in the center; fold the sides over the filling & roll up. Cut into pieces.

So called 'healthy snacks' – Baked chakris and chips, all of these so called healthy snacks, should be substituted with real nutritious food.

Many people eat these unaccounted, thinking they are healthy and will not make a big difference to their health and weight. This is a misconception and you are better off without these highly processed snacks.

Ingredients :1 8-inch whole-wheat flour tortilla2 tablespoons prepared pizza sauce, 12 leaves baby spinach, 3 tablespoons shredded part-skim mozzarella, 1/2 cup cucumber spears, 1/2 cup cauliflower florets, 2 tablespoons low-fat creamy dressing, such as ranch, 1 cup small watermelon pieces, 6 chocolate wafer cookies Method: Place tortilla on a plate and spread pizza sauce over it. Top with an even layer of spinach & sprinkle cheese on top. Microwave on High until the cheese is just melted, about 45 seconds. Carefully roll the tortilla up.

PIZZA ROLL UP BENTO BOX

An Office Party

stove to whip up some dish (or many dishes) that you know will turn out less than perfect, don't. KISS — Keep it Simple Sweetheart.

Stick to homemade steamed rice or a simple pea pulao. You can order the rest from a nearby tried-tested-and-trusted restaurant. Or better still, have it known in advance that you'd appreciate a potluck lunch/dinner (you can let your boss in on this, depending on your comfort level and equation with him/her).

Top 10 ways to throw an extravagant house party on a budget!

Musically yours: What party is complete without some song and dance?

That's why it helps to put together a song list that your guests will be comfy shaking a leg to. Steer clear of niche genres; you may enjoy head-banging to death metal, nodding off to soppy ghazals, or tripping on trance, but pick music that's by and large enjoyed by most — peppy tracks from recent Hindi films, international pop hits, classic rock and even hip-hop.

Dhinchak item numbers that beg for raunchy steps — strictly avoid.

Game for games: What

usually follows after the aforementioned three — regression by about a decade. People get into the mood for some fun and games. Now, options like

Truth or Dare?, Never Ever Have I Ever and Spin the Bottle may be fun when you don't have to face fellow participants at work, sober, in formal clothes for

God knows how many days of your life. Don't even think of venturing down that road; think up simple, fun alternatives in advance instead.

28

FIJI SPORTS

Flying Fijians centre signs with Worcester

August, 2011

Ba boss hits back at critics

Ba Football President Rishi Kumar has strongly hit back at critics who are making statements about the team’s Canadian tour in the media and on social networking sites.

According to Kumar, there are people who are coming up with all sorts of statements about the games in Canada. “It is really disappointing to hear and read comments from people who seem to have nothing constructive in mind,” he said. “People are saying we are participating in a bazaar type of tournaments and so on but let me tell everyone that football here is

far much competitive and the teams are well organised.” “We have been playing solid 90 minutes games everyday and this is far much better than the tournaments in Fiji whereby only 60 minutes football is played yet people enjoy and do not complain.”

“Here the tournaments are played on a 90 minute basis and we have been playing games one after the other on a daily basis. This is a good buildup for us.” “This is the first time we are playing 90 minutes tournament and the players are adapting pretty well despite

We will triumph where Suva failed: Lautoka

Lautoka are out to prove a point against Nadroga after many pundits had written them off as a contender when the two teams clash in the fifth BSP Farebrother-Sullivan trophy challenge match on Saturday.

Team official Saimoni Naivalu said many ruled out Lautoka’s chances after Suva failed to overcome Nadroga in the fourth challenge match at the weekend.

“They think that if Suva can’t defeat Nadroga, no other team can.

So this Saturday, we will go out there and prove that we are as capable as any other team.

“Not only Suva can do the damage. In fact Lautoka will triumph where Suva had failed, to win the trophy from Nadroga,” Naivalu said.

Lautoka have played four warmup matches - two against Vatukoula, a game against Nadi and the fourth against Army - as part of its build-up to Saturday’s encounter.

The Maroons will be boosted by the services of Fiji 7s duo Metuisela Talebula and Watisoni Votu.

Lautoka last held the coveted

trophy in 2003. In last year’s challenge, Lautoka lost to Naitasiri 1830. The side received a timely boost of $2000 from competition sponsors, BSP yesterday as preparation grant.

playing in cold conditions.” “As far as competition is concerned, all teams we have faced have given us good competition and some teams are far better than the districts in Fiji.” “We are proud to represent Fiji on Canadian soil and will try to return back with an unbeaten record.”

“The reception we have been receiving from the local people as well as our own former Fiji residents in here is overwhelming and the team is really having a great time on tour,” he added. The Ba contingent returns next week.

Rewa duo release under dispute

The Fiji Football Association are still to finalise player-movement which occurred in the recently closed transfer window.

This is to resolve some disputes which have come to light. Among them is the transfer of Rewa duo Archie Watkins and Joshua Wilson to Suva.

Fiji FA chief executive officer Bob Kumar said Suva have made a claim on the two players. “But apparently there are some delay from Rewa.

Rewa has not responded to the claims.” Kumar said if Rewa fail to respond to the claims and justify their reasons for the delay, Fiji FA would have to give notice for a dispute resolution. In a dispute resolution, the affected players and representatives from the two districts will meet with the Fiji FA to establish the reasons for the delay. Football House will hand out their ruling after hearing submissions from all parties.

“This is the only dispute at this stage.

Until we have solved all queries and settle other disputes that may arise, we cannot release the confirmed listing of player-movement,” Kumar said.

Flying Fijians centre Ravai Fatiaki will join England-based Worcester Warriors at the completion of September-October Rugby World Cup. The club which only last year got promoted to the Aviva Premiership from the RFU Championship announced his signing following the one-off Test against the All Black at Carisbrook last night. "I have spoken at length to national coach Greg Mumm about him," Worcester boss Richard Hill told espnscrum.com.

"Ravai is a powerful ball carrier who is very coachable and eager and keen to learn. "Ravai is similar in many ways to a number of the Fijians who have been playing in France, like Gabriele Lovobalavu at Toulon and Seru Rabeni at La Rochelle. I also recently watched him play for Fiji

as they beat Samoa where he really came into his own in the second half and capped a fine display with a try. Fatiaki said, "My focus at the moment is making the Fijian team to play in the Rugby World Cup. We had a big game this Friday against the All Blacks, which was a real challenge, and we've had some strong preparation including the Pacific Nations Cup, so hopefully we'll do well." Twenty four year old Fatiaki, who is 6ft and weighs 16st 1lb recently featured in the Pacific Nations Cup and scored his first-ever try for Fiji earlier this month against Samoa in Suva.

Fatiaki made his debut for Fiji off the bench against Japan in 2009, also started at inside centre in the Flying Fijian’ 14-60 loss to the All Blacks last night.

Fiji 7s team to assemble for second camp

The Fiji 7s team will be return for their second camp in two weeks’ time as part of their preparations for the 2011 Pacific Games in Noumea, New Caledonia. Team Manager Sale Sorovaki said some players had been unavailable to the first camp last week because of commitments. He said there would be no inclusion to the extended squad, out of which 12 will be selected for the New Caledonia Games. “We have an extra pool of four players we will use as replace-

ments if there are any injuries to the first twelve,” Sorovaki said. The Pacific Games will begin on August 27. Games 12-member team: Mitieli Nacagilevu, Joeli Lutumailagi , Leone Nakarawa, Metui Talebula, Dale Tonawai, Setefano Cakau, Livai Ikanikoda, Watisoni Votu, Lepani Botia (Sakenasa Aca), Nikola Matawalu, Aporosa Tabulawaki (David Batiratu), Sevuloni Lutu (Peni Gaunimeke) Reserve: Joji Ragamate

Gagan Narang set to get Khel Ratna, Arjuna for Zaheer, Somdev, Sunil Chettri

INDIA CRICKET/SPORTS

NEW DELHI: Ace Indian shooter Gagan Narang, who notched up four gold medals at last year's Commonwealth Games, is all set to be conferred with the country's highest sporting honour – the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna – after being recommended for the honour by the awards selection committee on Friday. The 28-yearold rifle shooter, who was the first Indian marksman to qualify for next year's London Olympics with a bronze in the World Championships last year, had been disgruntled at being "ignored" for the award last year.

"Gagan Narang has been recommended for the Khel Ratna this year," a source in the awards selection committee said. "The recommended names for the Khel Ratna and Arjuna awardees have been sent to the

Sports Ministry and it will be oficially announced after being approved by the Ministry," the source said. Indian pace spearhead Zaheer Khan has been picked for the Arjuna award. The 32-year-old fast bowler, who is currently in England for the ongoing Test series, has taken 271 wickets in crick-

Genk players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Supercup soccer match between KRC Genk and Standard de Liege at the Crystal Arena in Genk. The supercup is a yearly duel between the winner of the last Belgian first division competition and the winner of the last Belgian cup. Genk won 1-0.

Serena enters US Open with injury-protected ranking

NEW YORK: Serena Williams, who has dropped to 172nd in the world after being sidelined for almost a year with injury and illness, has opted to use an injuryprotected ranking to gain entry into the US Open, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) said on Wednesday.

Champion Kim Clijsters will also be back to defend her title in New York after being sidelined during Wimbledon with a foot injury. Williams, who won the last of her 13 Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon in 2010, can use her injury-protected number one

ranking to enter eight tournaments, including one Grand Slam, since she was sidelined over six months with health issues, according to the USTA. The American lost in the fourth round at Wimbledon last month after being out of action for nearly a year - during which she suffered a foot injury and life-threatening blood clots.

Clijsters, who will be seeking a third-successive US Open crown, has had her season disrupted by injury since beating China's Li Na to win the Australian Open in January.

et's longer format at an average of 31.94. Zaheer has 273 ODI wickets at an average of 28.84. The last time a male cricketer got the Arjuna award was in 2009 when Gautam Gambhir was picked for the honour. The other Arjuna awardees this year include Indian football captain and striker Sunil

29

August, 2011

Chettri, rising tennis star Somdev Devvarman and ace badminton player Jwala Gutta. Somdev had struck a golden double last year by finishing on top in both the Commonwealth and Asian Games singles events. Fly weight boxer Suranjoy Singh, who clinched an astonishing seven backto-back gold medals last year including the Commonwealth Games gold, is also in the list of athletes recommended for the Arjuna. Discus thrower Vikas Gowda, who won a bronze medal in the Asian Games last year, and longdistance runner Preeja Sreedharan, an Asian Games gold-medallist, were the track and field athletes who made the cut, according to the source.

Among shooters, India's first woman world champion Tejaswini Sawant, who clinched the top honours in the

50m rifle prone event, has been recommended for the Arjuna award.

Ashish Kumar, the first Indian gymnast to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games, also made the list. Ashish had clinched a silver in the men's vault and bronze in the men's floor events of the Delhi Games. Wushu player Sandhya Rani is set to feted for her Asian Games silver with the Arjuna award.

Archer Rahul Banerjee, who clinched the men's recurve gold in the Commonwealth Games last year, has also made the cut in the recommended list. The selection panel for the awards was headed by sprint legend P T Usha and comprised, among others, tennis ace Leander Paes, hockey icon Ashok Kumar, ace woman boxer M C Mary Kom, shooter Anjali Bhagwat & national squash coach Cyrus Poncha.

India lose the 2nd test match & face

It's not just about accumulating points and moving your way up the rankings list. Champions are more sensitive about the pride in performance. The Indian team's reputation as the world's best Test side lay in tatters after being outplayed in the second Test as well, crushed by 319 runs with a day to spare, thus giving England a 2-0 lead in the four-Test series. England need to draw the next two Tests now to snatch the No 1 Test ranking from MS Dhoni's team. After conceding a lead of 68 runs in the first innings, England amassed 544 in their second essay to take control of the game. Chasing 478, India were routed for 158. It is the sixth worst defeat in the history of Indian cricket.

even in defeat. And that's what has been the cause of much anguish for the Indian supporters. The last two days would easily be the most forgettable since the Indian team attained top rank at the fag end of 2009.

England bowled with aggression, accuracy and hostility. The key for them was to get rid of Rahul Dravid and the damage was done before lunch. Left to play five overs before the break, the Asian giants were already staring down the barrel at 8 for one. Their batting mainstay, Dravid, was already back in the hut.

IT'S BROAD AGAIN

INDIA TO BLAME

India have themselves to blame.

They had their chances in the first innings when they had England at 124 for eight in the first innings.

They allowed them to make 221.

While batting, India were in a position of strength at 267 for four before collapsing to 288 all out.

Already facing a lot of flak, India have a lot to play for in the remaining two Tests. It is not about the rankings anymore. Their pride is at stake. Critics here are looking for signs of disintegration in this ageing side and the knives are already sharpening. "I know everyone has a bad day but India's effort at the moment lacks pride - way to many

misfields / heinous bowling. Eng will go 2-0 up," Shane Warne tweeted.

NO FIGHTBACK

It's not only about the result. It's also about the way a team fights

England got the big breakthrough when Stuart Broad produced a perfect outswinger to get rid of the Indian great. It was a dream start for England as Dravid has been a thorn in their flesh, scoring tons in the first innings of both Tests. It was a procession after lunch. The most disappointing part was the way the Indian batsmen were bounced out. Tim Bresnan picked four wickets off bouncers. The success of Bresnan in this Test showed the difference in depths between the two sides. India looked toothless after the injury to their spearhead Zaheer Khan, while Bresnan didn't allow England to feel the absence of the injured Chris Tremlett. He was the star of the show on the fourth day. He first made 90 and then capped it with a five-wicket haul.

Need to educate players about efficacy of DRS: ICC LONDON: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is determined about implementing the Decision Review System (DRS) at the earliest. It has already initiated the process to reaffirm its accuracy so that even the skeptics get comfortable with it and embrace it. A senior official of the ICC agreed that there was a need to educate the players about its efficacy and relevance to the game. The DRS has become the talking point here with India refusing to accept it, claiming that it is neither reli-

able nor foolproof. The ICC which seemed to be on a good wicket buckled down at its recent meeting in Hong Kong, allowing every team the leeway to veto the system in bilateral series.

It got everybody's approval for infrared technology and stump microphones (which detect edges) but had to put ball-tracking devices on the backburner. In effect, it meant that reviews can be asked for catches but not for LBWs. It is learnt that the powers that be in

the ICC are keen to infuse technology into the game to get rid of obvious but unintentional errors by the umpire. The moot

point, of course, has always been its use in predicting how the ball would have travelled if it had not struck the pad. Many believed that it was impossible to get it right, especially if landed on a rough patch or on its seam or indeed too close to the pad. It is, however, learnt that the technology has been finetuned to 40cms. In other words, if there is a gap of 40cms between the landing spot and the point of impact, it is completely reliable. If the gap is lesser there is a chance for

errors to creep in. Interestingly, the ICC seems to have sorted out the other contentious issue: its relationship with WADA, the anti doping agency. Apparently, all boards, including the BCCI, have agreed to the whereabouts clause which was unacceptable to India's top players. Eighty top players now have to disclose their movements on a regular basis, making themselves available for surprise drug-testing.

The boards are also required to carry out random testing of their other players on a regular basis.

30

US NEWS

North Korea calls nuclear talks with US 'constructive'

August, 2011

US tries 'mango diplomacy' with Pak as ties sour

US President Barack Obama speaks with US Speaker of the House John Boehner during a meeting in the Cabinet Room at the White House in Washington, DC, on July 23, 2011. Obama summoned top lawmakers for crisis talks Saturday on averting an August debt default that could send shockwaves through the fragile global economy.

Obama administration accuses Iran of 'secret deal' with al-Qaida

WASHINGTON: The Obama administration is accusing the Iranian government of entering into a "secret deal" with al-Qaida to funnel money and insurgents from the Middle East to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The treasury says Iran has allowed al-Qaida operatives to build a "core pipeline" to funnel cash and extremists to the front lines. It says Iran had become a "critical transit point" for money and recruits, and slapped sanctions on six alleged al-Qaida agents.

They include an Iran-based member allegedly operating with the permission of authorities in Tehran. The sanctions freeze any assets the six may have in the US and ban Americans from commercial or financial transactions with them. Treasury said its exposure of the deal and the sanctions would further set back Iran and al-Qaida's extremist agenda.

WASHINGTON: At a time when the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the US is at its "lowest ebb", the Obama administration hopes to sweeten the ties with its mango diplomacy.

The first consignment of mangoes from Pakistan, that too the mouthwatering 'Chaunsa' variety, is all set to land in the US this week, thus ending the decades old ban on import of any variety of mango from Pakistan.

Incidentally the mangoes are flown from Pakistan to Chicago, the home town of President Barack Obama which also has a significant Pakistani community.

The Pakistani Consulate in Chicago has organized a "grand mango arrival ceremony" on

Daredevil plans tightrope walk across Niagara

NEW YORK: It takes a cool head, impeccable balance, and plenty of self-confidence to walk unaided across Niagara Falls on a tightrope.

Unfortunately, for daredevil Nik Wallenda, it also requires formal permission from local bureaucrats.

The 32-year-old circus performer is bidding to become the first person in more than a century to perform the highwire stunt. He says he wants to revive a noble tradition of derring-do which stretches back to the tourist destination's Victorian golden era. But first, he needs one very important rubber stamp.

Lawmakers in New York State voted earlier this month to endorse Wallenda's stunt, hoping it will restore the fortunes of a once-glam-

UNITED NATIONS: The United States tested North Korea's willingness to negotiate giving up its nuclear rsenal on Thursday in talks that a top North Korean official said had been "constructive." US special envoy on North Korea Stephen Bosworth and North Korea's first vice foreign minister Kim Kye-Gwan held about four-andhalf hours of talks on the first day on Thursday. "The atmosphere was good, the meeting was constructive and interesting. We exchanged views on general issues," Kim said during the lunch break on the first day in New York. Neither side commented as they left at the end of the day however. And the United States has insisted the discussions are just "exploratory."

Washington has stressed the Pyongyang regime must show it is serious about living up to past commit-

orous attraction which has fallen upon hard times. Legislation allowing him to make the first tightrope crossing there since 1910 is also supported by the Mayor of Niagara Falls, Ontario, on the Canadian side. That counts for nothing, however, unless Canada's Niagara Parks Commission agrees to the project, which will be bankrolled by a film crew from the Discovery Channel. It controls the land where one end of Wallenda's 2,200ftlong tightrope will have to be secured.

And at present, it wants nothing to do with him. There's an existing policy that we don't permit stunting, and tightrope walking," said Janice Thompson, the chairman of the organisationt Ltd.

Friday, a Pakistani embassy official said.

Administration officials said Pakistan started calling for lifting ban on its mangoes soon after the US gave permission for import of Alphonso mango from India; the first consignment of which arrived in US in 2007.

The process was accelerated when secretary of state Hillary Clinton during her visit to Pakistan last year announced to lift import restrictions on Chaunsa variety of mango from Pakistan.

However, it could not make to the US last year because of the floods.

The first consignment of Chaunsa mangoes, said an official of the Pakistan Consulate in

US soldier with 'bomb-making ' materials held

WASHINGTON: A US Army soldier was arrested after police found him in a motel near Fort Hood, Texas, with possible "bomb-making materials," authorities said on Thursday.

FBI Special Agent Eric Vasys said the soldier, who was absent without leave from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was being held in a jail in Kileen, Texas on an unrelated child pornography charge. He was identified as Naser Jason Abdo, 21.

He disappeared from Fort Campbell over the July 4 weekend, the spokesman there said.

"Whatever threat Nassar posed until yesterday has been eliminated and mitigated, and there was nothing to indicate he was acting with anyone else," said Vasys.

Chicago, would land in Chicago on July 27. Following which the mangoes would be treated at a radiation facility. The consulate has organized the mango arrival ceremony on July 29.

Even though import of Chaunsa - which is also grown in parts of Uttar Pradesh in India gives a sense of accomplishment to the Pakistani officials, mango traders in the US argue that it is likely to meet the same fate as that of the Alphonso vareity from India.

Because of the high cost factor involved due to its importation by flight, both Chaunsa and Alphonso would remain beyond the reach of the common man here.

ments on nuclear weapons if six decades of hostility is to come to an end.US secretary of state Hillary Clinton invited the North Korean official to New York after a meeting between nuclear envoys from North and South Korea at an Asian security forum in Bali, Indonesia last week. The international community is anxious to see North Korea return to six-nation nuclear disarmament talks, which broke down in late 2008. North Korea agreed in principle in 2005 to scrap its weapons program, but staged nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009. The North's disclosure in November that it had a uranium enrichment plant, adding a new means to produce atomic weapons, has become a complicating factor in the talks the North has held with the United States, China, South Korea, Japan and Russia.

Dominique StraussKahn maid to file civil suit if no trial: Lawyer NEW YORK: The hotel maid accusing Dominique Strauss-Kahn of attempted rape will file a civil suit seeking damages if prosecutors do not press criminal charges, her lawyer said on Thursday.

"What she wants is justice and if the prosecutors are not going to bring this case to trial then we have to look for justice and what I look forward to is putting this case before a jury," attorney Kenneth Thompson told a press conference. Thompson, who met for several hours with prosecutors and Diallo on Wednesday, said he was still unsure whether the DA's office would drop the case or go to trial. "I don't know what the district attorney is going to do," he said.

Prosecutors have expressed doubts about the credibility of the maid. However, Thompson said that a key problem -- a taped phone conversation where she supposedly discussed pursuing Strauss-Kahn's wealth -- was shown Wednesday to be a mistranslation from the Guinean immigrant's native Fulani language.

US special ops chief warns of Qaida 2.0 ASPEN: The top commander of US special operations forces said on Wednesday that Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida is bloodied and "nearing its end," but he warned the next generation of militants could keep special operations fighting for a decade to come.

Navy Seal Adm Eric T Olson described the killing of bin Laden 2 as a near-killing blow for what he called "al-Qaida 1.0," as created by bin Laden and led from his hideout in Pakistan.

Olson said the group had already lost steam because of the revolts of the Arab Spring, which proved the Muslim world did not need al-Qaida to bring down governments, from Tunisia to Egypt. "I think the death of

bin Laden was an uppercut to the jaw," Olson told a packed crowd, opening the Aspen Security Forum.

"It just knocked them on their heels."

Olson echoed other administration officials who are predicting alQaida's demise if a few more key leaders can be eliminated. But the admiral warned of the fight to come against what he called al-Qaida 2.0, with new leaders like American-born radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki in Yemen, who Olson said understands America better than Americans understand him.

"It will morph, it will disperse," he said of the movement. "It will become more westernized, (with) dual passport holders" and "fewer cave dwellers," he said.

Ghulam Nabi Fai released on bond

US NEWS

August, 2011

31

Remanded to house arrest with electronic tagging

WASHINGTON: Kashmiri separatist-activist and alleged ISI agent Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai was remanded to house arrest with electronic monitoring by a Virginia district court on Tuesday after posting a $ 100,000 bond at a contentious detention hearing in which U.S prosecutors strenuously objected to his being freed.

Judge John Anderson however ruled that Fai could be detained at home with electronic tags and restricted movement, including ordering the impounding of his passport and that of his wife, a federal government worker who was accepted as his guarantor. He also warned Fai against any contact with his co-defendant Zaheer Ahmed (who is in Pakistan), or with representatives of any foreign government or agency.

Some two dozen Fai supporters, including his oriental-origin wife, Chang Ning Ying, and collegiate son, received the ruling with mixed emotions. While Fai was technically

freed from custody, he was not released immediately, and even later, would remain incarcerated at home pending a trial.

Wearing a green prison suit, Fai waved feebly and smiled at his supporters as he was led back to custody till bond and other formalities are completed. His wife, wearing a headscarf, raised her hands in sup-

UNITED NATIONS: Asking the United Nations to put pressure on India to not carry out death sentence on Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar, hundreds of Sikhs gathered near the UN headquarters and protested against his death penalty.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, legal adviser of Sikhs for Justice said that the group had written to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reminding him that the UN General Assembly had passed a resolution that called on nations to put a moratorium on the death penalty.

"We are asking the UN to save Professor Bhullar," said Pannun, noting that no response from the UN had been received. spokesperson Martin UN Nesirky said, so far, no communication on Bhullar had been

received by Ban's office. Bhullar was convicted for carrying out a bomb blast in New Delhi outside the All India Youth Congress headquarters in 1993, which claimed nine lives.

His mercy plea was rejected in May 2011. Germany, the country that deported him in 1995, have also raised objections to him being on death row. The protesters included many women and children. "Wake up and save religious minorities in India." "We want justice," they chanted.

They held placards saying "Stop India from Judicial Murder" and "American woman's son is on death row." Bhullar's family are American citizens. "I want the UN to intervene and save my brother's life," Tejinder Singh Bhullar said.

plication and thanked supporters for turning up. The detention hearing itself lasted half-an-hour at the tailend of the day and was keenly contested in a court that went through some half-dozen drug bust and immigration fraud cases before taking up this unusual litigation that involves, at the very least, lobbying misrepresentation. Fai, 62, and

Zaheer Ahmad, 63, are charged with taking part in a conspiracy to act as Pakistani agents in America without registering as foreign agents, but the case has larger diplomatic and political ramifications for ties between Pakistan and the United States, including their relations with India, and the future of the Kashmir issue.

Courtroom skirmishes between

Fai brigade says Kashmir will burn if he is sidelined

WASHINGTON: Animated sub-continental political discourse outside a Washington DC area courtroom accompanied legal wrangles inside in the case involving Kashmiri propagandist Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai, who was remanded to house arrest on Tuesday pending trial on charges of being an unregistered Pakistani agent. Undeterred by courtroom submission that Fai was largely funded by the Pakistan's quasi-terrorist spy agency ISI and toed the Pakistani line on the Kashmir issue, his supporters maintained he was the ''voice'' of the Kashmiri people and had acted independently. U.S government cables have referred to ISI as a terrorist-supporting entity. Khurran Walid, an attorney retained by the Fai family, went so far as to compare Fai to Nelson Mandela, raising snick-

Sikhs protest Bhullar's death penalty near UN headquarters

he earth provides a background for this view of the space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay as it orbits the earth in this image from NASA TV .

ers among a large media contingent. Glossing over specific charges in the FBI affidavit, including the money trail from Pakistan, the Fai brigade said the activist's arrest was part of a larger political conspiracy by the U.S to corner Pakistan and undermine the Kashmir issue. ''This is really a political case,'' the Florida-based Walid said, who made the first defense presentation in court ahead of the Washington DC-based Nina Goldberg, said. One supporter, who gave his name as Sardar Zubair Khan from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, warned that Fai's incarceration would not be good for the region because he had taken the movement towards a non-violent path, implicitly suggesting that hard-line militants would gain ascendancy if Fai is sidelined.

Hundreds of gay couples get married in New York

NEW YORK: From Manhattan to Niagara Falls, hundreds of gay couples got married across New York on Sunday, one month after it was legalised in the state.

Besides couples from New York, partners from other states also came to New York to get married, particularly from neighbouring New Jersey. Many of them were in relationships that went back 40-50 years. Cody Naganuma and Siu Yuen Ng made it all the way from Hawaii. The young students had been dating for a year. "I really wanted to be with him and I know he is the one,' Siu, who is originally from Hong Kong, said about his partner.

"I just love him," he added, smiling.

Judges solemnized marriages in the five boroughs of New York through the day. Couples were accompanied by their family and friends. The marriage centers were filled with cheering, laughter and tears, as couples read their vows to each other. New York joins Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Iowa and Washington D C in recognising gay marriages.

Gay married couples can now qualify for the same marriage benefits as straight couples. Gay marriages were legalised on June 24, after a long campaign in New York. "New York has always been a leader in movements to extend freedom and equality to people who had been denied full membership in the American family," said NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg, after the vote.

Couples from New Jersey, where civil unions are allowed, expressed hope that their state would be influenced New York.

the two sides involved the defense attempting to portray Fai as a wellmeaning champion of Kashmiri selfdetermination rights and the prosecution suggesting he is a collaborator with a foreign spy agency viz ISI in the U.S. FBI special agent Sarah Webb Linden briefly took the stand and maintained that Fai typically did the ISI and Pakistan's bidding and lied to her about it, even as the defense counsel tried to establish that he was an independent operator who only had Kashmiri interests at heart and often went against the ISI script on Kashmir, in an ostensible attempt to get him off the charge that he was a Pakistani frontman.

Fai's counsels also pressed the court to free him pending trial arguing that he was a U.S citizen who was well-integrated into American society and who had returned from a trip abroad shortly before his arrest despite being aware that he was on the FBI radar after they had questioned him before his departure.

Somalia's al Shabaab recruited dozens of Americans

WASHINGTON: An al-Qaida-affiliated group in Somalia, al Shabaab, has recruited more than 40 Muslim Americans to its battle in the war-ravaged country and at least 15 have been killed, a congressional report said on Wednesday.

US officials have become increasingly worried about the group, particularly after capturing an al Shabaab commander who had allegedly been a liaison with al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, an active Yemeni group that has tried to strike the United States.

So far, al Shabaab has conducted only limited attacks outside of Somalia, notably the twin bombings in Uganda that killed 79 people watching the World Cup final last year. The group has waged a long, violent battle to control Somalia.

Republican Peter King of New York, chairman of the House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee, has been holding a series of hearings to probe concerns about Muslim Americans becoming radicalized and joining militant groups.

A report by his staff found that more than 40 Muslim Americans and 20 Canadians have been recruited to al Shabaab and at least 15 Americans were killed in fighting, including three suicide bombers. "Senior US counterterror officials have told the committee they are very concerned about individuals they have not identified who have fallen in with al-

How serious a threat?

Anders Folk, a former federal prosecutor from Minnesota who handled some of those cases, said that while there are doubts about the ability of al Shabaab to strike the United States, it is hard to predict whether they might do so one day. "The difficulty is we don't know when they are going to cross the line from aspiration to operation and the reality is ... that cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty," he told the committee.

Some Democrats on the panel raised questions about how serious a threat al Shabaab was to the US homeland. "While I acknowledge that the intelligence community sees a need to monitor al Shabaab's activities, I also know that vigilance must be in direct proportion to the probability and likelihood of the threat," said Bennie Thompson, the top Democrat on the panel.

Shabaab during trips to Somalia, who could return to the US undetected," King said during a hearing he convened on al Shabaab.

Of the more than 40 Americans who have joined the cause, as many as 21 are believed to still be at large and unaccounted for, according to the staff report.

32

FIJI AWARDS NIGHT

August, 2011

Among many nominees are: Best student Best radio host Best Business Best media Best professionals Doctors, lawyers, teachers, writers, pharmacists etc.,

Best artist Painters, graphic designers, photographers, dancers, musicians, singers, performers and poets.

SPECIAL CATEGORY Associates! Members!

Fellows!in the field of professional management.

Nominations are still open.

You can email your nominations at:

fijisun@gmail.com

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WORLD NEWS

August, 2011

33

US Muslims optimistic, but face discrimination: Poll WASHINGTON: US Muslims are more optimistic about the future than other faith groups, but while they overwhelmingly reject terrorism, nearly half report discrimination, a poll found on Tuesday.

The survey was carried out ahead of the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and looked at how well integrated the 2.6 million Muslims living in the United States are in the wake of the "war on terror" launched by former president George W Bush after the deadly plane hijackings.

It found that Muslims tend to be more optimistic about both the economy and politics following the election of President Barack Obama, who enjoys 80 percent approval among Muslims, higher than from any other major faith group.

Sixty percent of Muslims said they were "thriving" in the United States, compared to 61 percent of Jews, 54 percent of Catholics and

52 percent of Protestants, according to the poll. Only 37 percent of Muslims said they were "struggling," less than both Christian groups but a single percentage point higher than Jews, while just three percent of Muslims said they were "suffering." Fifty-four percent of Muslims said the US economy was "getting better," a far higher percentage than any other religious group. "Muslim Americans are satisfied with their current lives and more optimistic than other faith groups that things are getting better," said the report, which did not distinguish between different Muslim groups.

However, 48 percent of Muslims surveyed said they had "personally experienced racial or religious discrimination" in the past year, compared to 31 percent of Mormons, 21 percent of Jews and 20 percent of Catholics.

Muslims tend to have more negative views of the US military and

Hosni Mubarak, sons plead not guilty to murder and graft CAIRO: Egypt's ousted President Hosni Mubarak and his two sons pleaded "not guilty" to charges of murder and corruption, in the historic trial on Wednesday of the former strongman that has gripped the nation. "All these charges, I deny them completely," Mubarak said from his stretcher in the dock, denying charges of premeditated murder of anti-regime protesters that toppled the regime and fraud. His sons Alaa and Gamal also pleaded not guilty to fraud charges. The sons appeared to take turns to shield their father from the television cameras, and leaned down regularly to talk to him. The Mubaraks are being tried along with ex-interior minister Habib al-Adly and six former security chiefs. The trial was a key demand of protesters who took to the streets on January 25 to

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is seen in the courtroom for his trial at the Police Academy in Cairo in this still image taken from video. demand the downfall of the Mubarak regime.

The resignation of Mubarak -who ruled for 30 years with an iron fist -- sent shockwaves across the region.

the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the report said, attributing such feelings to the "war on terror" seen by some as focusing heavily on Muslims.

Muslim Americans are also far more likely than other groups to blame unfavorable views of the United States in the Muslim world on the US government's actions, rather than "misinformation," the report found. However, Muslim Americans also led all other groups in opposing attacks on civilians by individuals or groups, with 89 percent opposing such actions.

The poll by the Abu Dhabi Gallup Center -- a Gallup research hub in the United Arab Emirates -- used data from interviews conducted between January 2008 and April 2011 with 868,264 adults, including 3,883 Muslims.

The other faith groups examined in the poll were Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Mormons and "no religion/atheist/agnostic."

Pak army's focus on countering India self-destructive: NYT

NEW YORK: Lauding the Indian leadership's willingness to engage Pakistan despite its failure to bring perpetrators of the 26/11 attacks to justice, a leading US daily has said that the Pakistani army's use of militants to counter Indian influence in Kashmir is "self-destructive."

In the editorial titled 'India and Pakistan, Talking: Even modest progress is to be celebrated and urged forward,' the New York Times said that homegrown extremism and not India is the real threat to Pakistan's survival. "Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India deserves huge credit for staying engaged despite Pakistan's failure to prosecute those responsible for the 2008 horrors. And he deserves credit for not shooting first and asking questions later after the recent attacks.

Pakistan relying too much on China against US ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's quick response to charges by China that militants involved in attacks in Xinjiang had trained on its soil shows the importance of its ties with Beijing, but it could be a mistake for Islamabad if it relies too much on China.

Pakistan immediately dispatched Lieutenant-General Ahmed Shuja Pasha, director general of Pakistan's powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) spy agency, to Beijing after Islamic militants mounted a weekend attack that left 11 people dead in the western region of Xinjiang, according to media reports.

While the ISI declined to confirm the trip, Western diplomats and Pakistani analysts agreed that the attacks would likely be at the top of any agenda.

"We cannot allow Pakistani territory to be used for any activities

against any neighbour, especially a close ally like China," said Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute.

"There are strong ties between Pakistan and China, and we are cooperating closely on this issue."

Pasha's speedy trip was a clear sign of Pakistan's priorities.

The United States rarely gets that level of cooperation when it presses Pakistan on militants operating in its border regions.

American officials for years said al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, killed in a US raid in Pakistan in May, was hiding in the country.

Pakistan often responded with demands for specific, actionable intelligence before it would consider investigating. Islamabad makes no secret of its preference for China over the United States as a military patron, calling Beijing an "all-weath-

Muslims listen a sermon before breaking their fast on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan in Jakarta August 1, 2011.

er" ally in contrast to Washington's supposedly fickle friendship.

The Pakistani foreign ministry issued a statement on Monday extending "full support" to China.

China is a major investor in predominantly Muslim Pakistan in areas such as telecommunications, ports and infrastructure. The countries are linked by a Chinese-built road pushed through Pakistan's northern mountains.

Trade with Pakistan is worth almost $9 billion a year for Pakistan, and China is its top arms supplier. But all that matters only up to a point. "Pakistan wants to play its own game by creating a front against the United States," said Hasan Askari-Rizvi, an independent political analyst.

"That will not happen. ... Now China has the same complaint which the United States has with Pakistan."

We wish we could say the same of Pakistan's leaders," the editorial said. Pakistani army's focus on countering India's influence in Kashmir and Afghanistan is selfdestructive for the country, it said.

"Before there can be a true reconciliation, and stability in the region, Pakistan's army must realise that using militants to try to counter Indian influence in Kashmir and Afghanistan is self-destructive -and that homegrown extremism, not India, is the real threat to Pakistan's survival." Describing the relationship between the two neighbours as "combustible", the editorial said "it is progress just to get the two sides in a room," in a reference to the recently concluded talks between the foreign ministers of the two countries.

'Coco Chanel used drugs, loved Nazi spy' LONDON: A new biography of fashion icon Coco Chanel claims that she used drugs, had lesbian affairs and was in love with a Nazi spy.

Chanel, one of the most famous fashion icon's of the 20th century, is known for her enduring designs which contributed to her rags-toriches story. Lisa Chaney's forthcoming biography 'Coco Chanel: An Intimate Life' delves into her use of opiates, as well as new insights into her bisexuality, multiple affairs and love with a Nazi spy, the Daily Mail reported. "Drawing on newly discovered love letters and other records , Chaney's book reveals the truth about Chanel's drug habit and lesbian affairs. And the question about Chanel's German lover during World War II is definitively answered," Penguin said.

US is 'parasite' on global economy: Russian PM Putin LAKE SELIGER (RUSSIA): Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin accused the United States on Monday of living beyond its means "like a parasite" on the global economy and said dollar dominance was a threat to the financial markets.

"They are living beyond their means and shifting a part of the weight of their problems to the world economy," Putin told the pro-Kremlin youth group Nashi while touring its lakeside summer camp some five hours drive north of Moscow. "They are living like parasites off the global economy and their monopoly of the dollar," Putin said at the openair meeting with admiring young Russians in what looked like early campaigning before parliamentary and presidential polls. US President Barack Obama earlier announced a last-ditch deal to cut about $2.4 trillion from the US deficit over a

decade, avoid a crushing debt default and stave off the risk that the nation's AAA credit rating would be downgraded. The deal initially soothed anxieties and led Russian stocks to jump to three-month highs, but jitters remained over the possibility of a credit downgrade.

"Thank god," Putin said, "that they had enough common sense and responsibility to make a balanced decision." But Putin, who has often criticised the United States' foreign exchange policy, noted that Russia holds a large amount of US bonds and treasuries. "If over there (in America) there is a systemic malfunction, this will affect everyone," Putin told the young Russians.

"Countries like Russia and China hold a significant part of their reserves in American securities ...

There should be other reserve currencies."

LEGAL FORUM

Judges’ Rule: right to remain silent 34

August, 2011

By H. Koya (Phd), former police college lecturer in criminology There is a debate whether the application of what is called JudgesRules in the British legal system is a matter of law or practice andthe effect thereof with regards to suspects and people taken intopolice custody.

There does not appear to be any Act or constitutional provision in theBritish law that expressly talks about the Judges Rules or cautionarywords that law enforcement officers are required to administer whenquestioning a suspect or a person taken into custody.

However, over years the since 1813 British judges develop as set of guidelines called Judges’ Rule to protect innocent people from making statements to law enforcement authority that may be used against them as admission of guilt or a confession crime. Since then all persons either detained as suspects or taken into customer must be properly cautioned that if they choose to make a statement such statement will be written down in writing and given evidence. This caution or warning gives a suspect the right to remain silent and guard against making any incriminating statement that might be used against him to obtain a conviction.

IT’S CONSTITUTIONAL IN USUNDER THE 5TH AMENDMENT

Like many things, US despite borrowing concepts from Britain does things differently. In this regard the rights are embedded in the US constitution and since the Miranda V. Arizona case, the obligation on the part of law enforcement agencies has come to be known as MIRANDIZING. “ The Miranda warning (also referred to as Miranda rights) is a warning that is required to be given by police in the United States to criminal suspects in police custody (or in a custodial interrogation) before they are interrogated to inform them about their constitutional rights. In Miranda v.

Arizona, the Supreme Court of the United States held that an elicited incriminating statement by a suspect will not constitute admissible evidence unless the suspect was

informed of the right to decline to make self-incriminatory statements and the right to legal counsel (hence the so-called "Miranda rights"), and makes a knowing, intelligent and voluntary waiver of those rights.[Note 1] The Miranda warning is not a condition of detention, but rather a safeguard against self-incrimination; as a result, if law enforcement officials decline to offer a Miranda warning to an individual in their custody, they may still interrogate that person and act upon the knowledge gained, but may not use that person's statements to incriminate him or her in a criminal trial.

Under the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Berghuis v. Thompkins suspects retain their 5th Amendment right to remain silent, however, if a suspect waives this right and interrogation.”begins, the right to halt further interrogation by the police must be exercised explicitly, by revoking the prior waiver of this 5th Amendment right.

ADMISSIBILITY OF STATEMENT

The primary aim of this provision is to ensure that any statement to police is “free and voluntary”. While the courts are likely to hear all such evidence, in most cases the admissibility of such evidence requires further corroboration. If a case is largely or solely dependent on statements made after the admonitions were given and lacks corroboration, it is likely to fail in a trial. As an investigator, I dependent on independent evidence circumstantial or direct for successful prosecution.

FREE LEGAL FORUM FOR ALL

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Indian police fake evidence in Muslim brutality case IAMC fundraising dinner told MISUSING SSI AND SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

BY FAMILY MEMBERS! WATCH FOR OUR INVESTIGATIVE REPORT NEXT ISSUE!

MILPITAS (ICC) -It was very disheartening to hear several accounts of police fabrications of evidence in the mass murder of Muslims in the Mecca Masjid case in India presented at the Indian American Muslim Council fund raising dinner. IAMC – Indian American Muslim Council deserves full credit for mounting a full scale inquiry into the case and successfully brining some of the top police officers to justice. It is an honorable cause for justice for mankind that FIJI SUN USA and THE MUSLIM NEWS would give 100% support.

INDIAN AMERICAN MUSLIM COUNCIL fundraising dinner told here Sat July 22, 2011 how Indian Police faked evidence against Muslims in the MECCA Masjid blast case to cover up their firing from the back in which scores of Muslims were murdered. When the police consistently denied the IAMC launched an investigation of its own with the backing of a local attorney and produced a series of documentaries revealing the cover up and police concoction of evidence. The IAMC

has dozens of volunteers working round the clock on cases of discrimination and brutality against Indian Muslims including full time journalist. Speaking of the efforts the local president explained the audience that IAMC was needed to raise more than $363,000 to meet their 2011 objectives.

THE BEST MUSLIM COURSE!

This is the best Muslim course we think that all Muslims should get involved in right across the board and stem the police brutality and criminal behavior from its very root.

Mantra and its meaning in short

By Ben Venktash It is highly recommended to understand the meaning of the mantra before chanting.

Shastras suggest there are four ways of chanting mantras and the first one is Vaikhari Japa. In

the Vaikhari japa mode, chanting is done loudly; the second one is Upamsu japa. In the Upamsu japa mode, chanting is more humming of the mantra; the third one is Manasika japa. In the Manasika

japa mode, the chanting is done mentally, and the forth one is Likhita japa.

Likhita japa is writing down the mantra and chanting at the same time. The science of mantra is worth understanding, because it

teaches the cultivation of proper mood, attitude and direction to concentrate on God. Strive for the highest with the right thought.

Loka smastha sukhinu bhavantu. Ben Venktash, Advaitin.

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STAR AGE ARIES

March-21 to April-20

CANCER

June-22 to July-23

LIBRA

September-24 to October-22

CAPRICON

December-23 to Januar-20

Try not to get hypersensitive or over react to other people’s comments. Sometimes you can just get yourself worked up about things that are not important. Try to give yourself some space to just wind down and be a bit more at peace if you possibly can. You may not have a practical plan of what your next move or should be.

TAURUS

Today you may be too possessive about material things. Don't hang on too tightly. You do need to stand firm until you find the answers you are looking for, but then let go and roll with the flow. You may be thinking of moving home. Life may not be that exciting at the moment, but patience will help you build solid foundations for the future.

LEO

Don’t lose your sense of humour today. Sometimes, a joke can break the tension and lift everyone’s spirits in tricky situations.

You may feel cut off from certain important people in your life, as if you are not getting all the support and encouragement that you expected.

Your need for security may be pushing you one way while your desire for extravagance pulls you the other. Blame it on the Moon which makes you point in opposite directions at once. You want to be solidly protected, but you're also tempted to feed your body things that feel, smell and taste good, and they never come cheap.

April-21 to May-20

July-24 to August-23

SCORPIO

October-23 to November-22

AQUARIES

January-21 to February-19

Today, you will be much more emotional in public than usual, which does let other people see your vulnerable side. So you will attract more sympathy, and at the same time be more sensitive to what is going on around you at work. If you do overwork to excess at the moment you will find your body complaining.

GEMINI

Today, if there are tensions in relationships you need to find a way out of differences without making your actions too obvious. There is always a trick in finding a middle way. Not being too submissive and letting other people steamroller over you, nor being too pushy yourself.

VIRGO

There will be a few restrictions or setbacks today. You may feel a bit discouraged but the best tactic is to face up to duty and be conscientious. This is the time to make room for creative changes in your life. Try to let go of old patterns of behaviour that have been holding you back.

There could be a point today where you get yourself all stewed up about something that isn't as important as you're making it out to be. Your moods tend to chop and change fairly quickly with the Moon around in your own sign, one moment you are outgoing and the next in fast retreat. Highly sensitive to slights, you may over-react as well.

May-21 to June-21

August-24 to September-23

SAGITTARIUS

November-23 to December-22

PISCES

February-20 to March-20

August, 2011

35

A real attack of wandering feet will make it tricky to settle down to anything requiring concentration today.

You really want to be flying round the world in your hot-air balloon, so just let your imagination soar. But perhaps you need to learn about self-control and setting limits in romance. Be not spontaneous, but practical and straightforward.

It's a rather self-sacrificing kind of day, which means that you have to put aside your own needs and make sure that everyone else is getting what they want. Just polish your halo and console yourself with the thought that you'll soon get your reward. You will be in a much more secure position.

You want to be flamboyant and exuberant, to be in the spotlight.

Clearly not a day to be keeping your feelings to yourself. So go flirt, have fun, play games with loved ones. Forget routine chores and duck out if you feel an order coming your way. This may be a difficult time to keep secrets since they seem to slide out into the open.

You won't feel much like socialising today. Anything mystical or spiritual will hold your attention since you are tuned into deeper levels of awareness. You will also be very helpful and compassionate as far as other people are concerned. You may have to be more supportive, both financially and emotionally.

A magical plant that can add love to your married life Planting flowers and plants around the house adds to the beauty of the house and also purifies the air around it. The delicate fragrance of these flowers keeps the air in house scented. Even vaastu gives tips about growing trees around the house. Implementing vaastu tips enhances the flow of positive energy and reduces negative energy. According to vaastu, planting money plant would ensure that the family never suffers due to lack of money. This plants also ensures peace and harmony among family members. Relationship among couples depends upon Venus and money plant is associated with Venus. Hence, money plant brings harmony and love among couples.

36

Indian BPO employees accused of selling UK bank data

August, 2011

LONDON: Thousands of Brits' 'confidential' bank and credit card details held by Indian call centres are being peddled to crooks by corrupt staff, according to a report by The Sun. The British tabloid's undercover investigators revealed that dealers claim they can provide details of 80,000 British customers every week. They tracked down a dealer through a website where Indian traders with access to the data seek black market buyers.

"The Sun's team bought the details of 1,000 British customers from the dealer for 250 pounds.

That's just 25 pence a head for information that would let criminals plunder unsuspecting victims' accounts and steal their identities," the report said. "We were given bank account details, personal data and credit card numbers with the three-digit CVV security code needed for use on the phone or web. There were even online account passwords," it added.

The investigators said that one of the sellers, Deepak Chuphal, a former call centre worker, had emailed them a "sample" spreadsheet containing details of 21 Barclays and Lloyds TSB customers. "It's taken from broadband when they do a direct debit. For the name, number, address, bank name, sort code, account number - that's 25 pence. It's easy, it's big business," the report quoted Chuphal, as saying.

INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Tata Motors to rejig dealerships to counter declining sales

NEW DELHI: Tata Motors on Tuesday said it is rejigging its dealerships with plans to open product category-specific outlets as it looks to increase sales volumes of passenger vehicles.

The company, which currently has 250 full-range dealerships, will open 300 Nano-specific and 100 utility vehicle-specific showrooms by the end of this fiscal.

"There are few corrections needed to be done in few areas...

There is a need for rethinking and rejigging of the product portfolio.

We are also looking at some alternative dealership route," Tata Motors Managing Director India Operations P M Telang told reporters here. He was responding to query on why the company's passenger vehicles sales have been dropping, although the commercial vehicles segment is doing well. Explaining the "alternative dealership" route, company VicePresident (Commercial) Passenger Car Business Unit R Ramakrishnan said: "We are moving away from full range of dealerships to product specific dealerships."

There will be three kinds of dealerships - Nano-specific, utility vehicle (UV)-specific and passenger car-specific -- although some could remain full-range dealerships.

"At the starting of this fiscal, we had 250 full-range dealerships. By

No large-scale job cuts in India, says HSBC MUMBAI: A day after announcing trimming its global workforce by 30,000, banking major HSBC on Tuesday ruled out any significant job cuts in India, a strategic market where it is fighting high attrition rate.

Responding to a question on whether job cuts announced by the global management on Monday would apply to India, HSBC India chief executive Stuart A Davis told reporters, "I think India already has a very high attrition rate. We are hard-pressed to even catch up on the replacements."

"There is a war for talent out there, (however) as I said, there will be reallocation of resources."

He said re-allocation of resources is not going to be a job cuts. "I hate the word cut heads.

What we are trying to do is to eliminate bureaucracies at the backend," he added.

Davis further said that reallocation of resources means that if there are too much of bureaucracies at the back-end, what is needed is streamlining the backend and use the resources in the front-end.

"All countries in the APAC will follow the same principle as the rest of the world, but I think as far as India is concerned, being clas-

sified as a strategic market, the treatment will be different," Davis said.

HSBC has 50 branches across the country employing about 6,000 people.

"As far as India is concerned, I won't be overly concerned. The important thing is that both India and China are classified as strategic markets. So we will continue to feel for India and China," he said.

"But generally speaking, we will eliminate as much bureaucracies at the back end as possible by streamlining operations and our IT systems. But we will continue to grow at the front-line," Davis added.

He also hinted at more hiring if the economy economy continues to grow the way it is. "If GDP is going to grow at 7.5 per cent, I think India is probably to be at that range also, then I have to say the head-count will probably go up.

But I cannot guarantee that every single part of India operations is going to grow," Davis concluded.

The bank had on Monday said it had already cut 5,000 jobs following restructuring of operations in Latin America, the US, Britain, France and the Middle East and that it would cut another 25,000 between now and 2013, according to media reports.

the end of this fiscal, we will have 300 Nano-specific, 100 UV-specific (dealerships)," he said.

Passenger car-specific dealerships will also be started this year, Ramakrishnan said, but did not provide the exact numbers. "In the course of this fiscal, we will transform some UV-specific dealerships to passenger car dealerships and also some full-scale dealerships will also become passenger car dealerships. No numbers have been finalised," he added. The homegrown firm's total passenger vehicles sales in the domestic market

Car sales fall by 15 per cent in July: Crisil MUMBAI: Car sales in India fell by around 15 per cent in July compared to a growth of 38 per cent in the same month last year, according to a report released by Crisil Research here on Monday.

"Increase in fuel prices and interest rates affected consumer sentiment. The seven per cent increase in diesel prices announced in June 2011 further impacted cars sales, given that diesel models now account for over a third of car sales," the report said. A 31 per cent fall in domestic car sales of Maruti, which accounts for 49 per cent of domestic car sales, led the decline. Maruti's car sales fell mainly because it discontinued production of its old 'Swift' series and volumes of Swift Dzire declined, with a shift in the model's production facility.

Maruti's 'Swift Dzire' and its old 'Swift' series, together account for around 25 per cent of the company's total domestic car sales.

Maruti will make the new 'Swift' series available to consumers in mid-August. Notably, though the top three car manufacturers reported a 29 per cent fall in sales with rising dealer inventories, the rest of the manufacturers reported a 45 per cent growth in volumes driven by more than five model launches.

fell by 38.30% in July to 17,192 units from 27,865 units in the same month last year. Nano sales also crashed by 64% to 3,260 units in July. Tata Motors, however, posted a 14.30% increase in commercial vehicle sales to 40,798 units in the domestic market during the month.

Commenting on the poor Nano sales, Ramakrishnan said: "We are still at the early stages of understanding the market. We are going through a learning curve and are trying a lot of different things in marketing activities, like selling the car through Big Bazaar outlets."

Dabur enters fruit-based fizzy drinks mart NEW DELHI: The competition in the carbonated fruit-based drinks market is getting more intense.

FMCG company Dabur has introduced its Burrst Fizz brand to tap the potential in this segment. Burrst Fizz is available in two flavours apple and lemon. Dabur has launched the drink in South India and has plans to introduce it in North India next summer. "The response there (in South India) has been good," said Sunil Duggal, CEO, Dabur India. Both the drinks are fruit-based and not made of synthetic products. Though Dabur had plan to get the product into North India this year itself and did a soft-launch, it later postponed the plan. "Since monsoon set in early, summer was not at its peak this year. It is too early to comment on the product performance. We will find out the actual response in north next year," Duggal said. The fruit-based carbonated drink segment has a market size of Rs 200 crore at present with products like Parle Agro's Appy Fizz, Pepsi's Nimbooz and Coca-Cola's Minute Maid Nimbu Fresh having a strong presence. After Burrst Fizz, Dabur doesn't want to get into any more new segment and want to focus on the existing products. "We have enough diversity as far as products are concerned. Right now, we will only focus on the existing products as we do not wish to add further complexity," Duggal added.

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Premium Movie Package offer ends 9/30/11. Offer value is up to $126; after 3 months then-current price applies unless you downgrade. HBO速, Cinemax速 and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. Starz速 and related channels and service marks are the property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. SHOWTIME and related marks are registered trademarks of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS Company.

Digital Home Advantage plan requires 24-month agreement and credit qualification. Cancellation fee of $17.50/month remaining applies if service is terminated before end of agreement. After 12 months of programming credits, then-current price will apply. $10/mo HD add-on fee waived for life of current account; requires 24-month agreement, continuous enrollment in AutoPay with Paperless Billing. DISH Platinum offer requires qualifying HD programming, AutoPay with Paperless Billing; after 3 months you must opt to continue subscription. All equipment is leased and must be returned to DISH Network upon cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Limit 6 leased tuners per account; upfront and monthly fees may apply based on type and number of receivers. HD programming requires HD television. Prices, packages and programming subject to change without notice. Offer available for new and qualified former customers, and subject to terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer agreements. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer ends 1/31/12.