Indian-Times by Paul McLane

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India successfully test-fires anti-ballistic missile

ndia successfully test-fired an anti-ballistic missile on Sunday capable of intercepting targets outside the earth’s atmosphere, a major step in development of a missile defence system that is available to only a handful of nations. Sharing borders with nuclear armed China and Pakistan, India is developing a two-tier missile defence system that aims to provide a multi-layered shield against ballistic missile attack.

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“This (test) is part of the ballistic missile defence system which we are developing...,” said Ravi Kumar Gupta, spokesman for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). “The mission has been completed and the interception parameter has been achieved.” The system is intended to destroy an incoming missile at a higher altitude in the exo-atmosphere, and if that fails in the endo-atmospheric

within the earth’s atmosphere. Currently, only a small club of nations including the United States, Russia and Israel possess an antiballistic missile system. India, China and Pakistan are all nuclear powers. India has fought three wars with Pakistan and came close to a fourth one in 2001. It lost a brief Himalayan border war with its larger neighbour China in 1962 and has ever since strived to improve its

defences. In recent years, New Delhi has accused China of making hundreds of intrusions along their disputed border. However, China denies crossing into Indian territory. Adding to its worries are China’s forays into the Indian Ocean and its involvement in building a string of ports stretching from Pakistan’s Gwadar to Chittagong in Bangladesh. In light of changes in geo-politi-

cal situation in its neighbourhood, many analysts have suggested revisiting India’s nuclear doctrine whose central principle is that New Delhi would not be first to use atomic weapons in a conflict. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is widely tipped to form the next government after ongoing national elections in May, has promised to revise the doctrine, but has ruled out the first use of nuclear weapons.

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The key candidates vying to be India’s next prime minister

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r Modi had been chief minister for five months when in February 2002 a train carrying Hindu pilgrims through Gujarat was set alight, killing about 60 people. Many Hindu’s Hindus suspected the arsonists were Muslim. A wave of violence followed which left between 1,000 and 2,000 mostly Muslim - people dead. A Supreme Court investigation team has cleared Mr Modi of any wrongdoing during the pogrom but his is often criticised for not doing more to stop the killings and for refusing to apologise for the violence. During his 13 years as chief minister of Gujarat, the state has had strong economic growth. His supporters credit much of this success to Mr Modi’s policies of privatisation and reducing red tape. His critics argue that Gujarat has long been more prosperous than other states and that Mr Modi only continued an existing trend. The state of the Indian economy is a major issue in this election and much of the BJP’s campaign revolves around Mr Modi’s economic credentials. His critics say he has an authoritarian style of governing and that, despite the state’s economic success, Mr Modi’s

administration has failed to make significant progress in reducing poverty and improving education and health. Mr Modi has no children. Despite being a public figure for more than a decade, it was only when he filed his nomination

papers for the 2014 election that he revealed he has a wife. The pair was married in a village ceremony in his home state when he was 18 but they have barely spent any time together since the wedding as Mr Modi left the village to pursue his political

career. The BJP is widely tipped to win the majority of seats in this election but the party could require the support of several minor parties to form government. There is a fear among his critics

that he will pursue the Hindu nationalist agenda if he comes to power, which is more likely if he has to rely on the support of minor parties such as the Shiv Sena which began as an antimigrant movement in the state of Maharashtra.

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Chennai blasts dry run for Pak terror strikes in southern India

akistan could be reviving cross-border terrorism in India. Indian security sources say smaller jihadi groups in different parts of India, particularly southern India, are being “ac-

tivated” with funds and material to work at short notice. In fact, the blasts in a train in Chennai last week were interpreted by many in the Indian system as a “dry run”. The intensity of the

blasts was not enough to cause great damage but it could be practice for a later event. In Pakistan, they point to the reappearance of Maulana Masood Azhar of Jaishe-Mohammed, a sign that groups

like his have official sanction to start operations again. “It appears to be a situation where Pakistan is keeping its powder dry, waiting to see how Indian politics turns out in the coming months,” said a

source. On the border, ceasefire violations are becoming routine as summer sets in, generally considered to be high terror activity time, especially in the months until September. With Pakistani home minister Nisar Ali Khan declaring that Narendra Modi would destabilize the region and army chief Gen Raheel Sharif appropriating Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein”, the Indian security establishment is interpreting these as signs that things could get hot again. What is clear is that Indians are being used to commit attacks, keeping the tag of “homegrown terror” alive, to maintain plausible deniability by Pakistan. Their real fear seems to be centred on what happens if a terror attack takes place in the immediate aftermath of the elections. If, as is widely expected, the new government is headed by Modi, it could become a difficult situation. As Sushant Sareen of IDSA said, “It could put Modi in a commitment trap.” It would be particularly difficult at a time when a new government has not yet had time to settle down, but there would be the euphoria of a victory, with a resultant pressure to retaliate.

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Battle for fort Rahul: Narendra Modi, Priyanka Gandhi duel on cards

he stage is set for the mother of all battles in Amethi, which is going

to the polls on Wednesday. With campaigning for the high-profile contest coming to an end at 5pm

on Monday, both the BJP and Congress have lined up their arsenal in full force for a fight to finish.

While BJP’s charge will be led by its PM candidate Narendra Modi, Congress will have Priyanka Gandhi leading from the forefront. While Modi is defying tradition to storm into the constituency of his chief rival, Congress insiders say that even party chief Sonia Gandhi might join her razing army on the front on Monday to give the prospects of her son one last push. The Aam Aadmi Party, too, will have its star campaigners bolstering the campaign of Kumar Vishwas which, of late, has got mired in the tangle of attacks and FIRs. Even BJP top brass in the state was taken unawares when word reached them on Friday evening about Modi’s rally right in Amethi. the rally ground on Saturday, top state BJP leaders were found running around to make arrangements. “It’s a big battle and neither side wants to yield even an inch,” was the feeling among party workers in both Congress and BJP camps. They admit that the fact that Modi chose to take the battle right into Rahul’s territory shows the intensity of the fight as it is an accepted norm that top leaders do not generally campaign in territories of their main rivals. With reports trickling in from Amethi — a Gandhi pocket bor-

ough since 1967 with only two occasions when the Congress lost it — that the bastion was showing signs of chinks, this could be BJP’s way to prise open the giant door. Modi’s rally in Amethi is slated around 3.30 pm, barely making it before the EC code puts a clamp on campaigning. Although the Congress camp is trying its best not to send out any signs of distress over the close battle, the valiant attempt that the family has put in this time in the constituency, which has mostly been a walkover in the past, is everybody to see. Rahul, after spending two days in the constituency, finished it off with two back to back road shows in Jayas and Salon to establish a one last-minute connect with his constituency. He will be in UP on Monday but hold rallies in Phulpur, Allahabad and Gonda for the candidates which are considered to be on stronger wickets. So, it will be left to Priyanka to singlehandedly rebut Modi’s attack. An unofficial chief poll manager for both her mother and brother in adjacent constituencies, she will remain in Amethi and handle both the front and back-end of poll preparedness. Incidentally, she will also the chief poll manager for Rahul on the polling day, marshalling booths across the constituency.

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Shop fined Rs 50 lakh for charging Rs 75 extra on drink

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hat October morning in 2009, a vendor at Chennai airport decided to make an extra Rs 75. Five years later, he may be poorer by Rs 50 lakh. Charging a customer double for an energy drink has attracted a strong censure from the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) and a fine of Rs50 lakh for the vendor- Snack Bar, a unit of Saptagiri Restaurant. NCDRC lambasted Snack Bar for having collected Rs150 for a can of Red Bull from Delhi resident D K Chopra, while the retail price was Rs75. It also came down heavily on airport authorities who it said were “working in cahoots” with stall owners to obtain higher rates for licences. The commission directed the stall owner also to pay Rs10,000 to Chopra. Chopra bought the drink at the airport in October 2009. Unhappy over being charged almost double, he issued a legal notice, but the stall-owner did not reply. Chopra then moved the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum (DCDRF) for a compensation of Rs2 lakh for “harassment and mental agony,” and Rs11,000 as “travel and legal expenses.” But the forum dismissed his complaint. Chopra then filed a first appeal in the State Consumer

Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC). This too was dismissed on the grounds that he had failed to prove the MRP of the product. He submitted two receipts for purchasing the drinks, which were not signed by the owner. He approached the NCDRC. Counsel for Snack Bar said they were entitled to collect twice the MRP and submitted a letter

from the deputy general manager, commercial at Chennai international airport. The letter mentioned the price of “imported juice/energy drink” as Rs140. Questioning the logic of its classification as a juice, it said “by no stretch of imagination Red Bull can be called an imported juice energy drink.” “Such a price list can be created any time and has exiguous value,”

said the commission. It also said the letter did not have endorsement from the Airports Authority of India. “Even if it is assumed that AAI had given permission, they are not empowered to do so. AAI cannot disturb MRP rates,” the commission said. Stating a snack joint was “like a tea/ beedi stall,” it said a person could not be forced to pay the prices which have been prescribed for restau-

rants. “The stall owner has no right to misappropriate public money. It should go back to the public.” said the commission, adding the vendor might have been charging above the MRP before 2009 and would have earned “crores of rupees.” It directed the vendor to deposit the fine in the consumer welfare fund under the ministry of consumer affairs.

Wyndham’s Most Prestigious Business Awards Launch for 2014

From Right David Parkin OAM(A powerful and compelling leader, David Parkin captained the Hawthorn Football Club to their second premiership in 1971 and then coached them to a flag in 1978. He later coached the Carlton Football Club to successive premierships in 1981-82 and again in 1995. ) May 2014 Edition

ntries are now open for one of Wyndham’s most prestigious awards, with the 20th annual Business Awards launched at a lunch last week. Wyndham Business Awards Launched for 2014 by Councillor Intaj khan, Cr Khan is Chairperson of Economical Development Committee. Business Awards are Launched at the Civil Centre, Wyndham city Council. The Wyndham Business Awards honour the best of our business community from small to large and in a wide range of categories including: • Business Person of the Year • Franchise • Home Based • Manufacture • Not for Profit • Retail • Service • Tourism • Transport and Storage. All applicants are considered for the Mayoral Award, and those that are eligible, for the New and Emerging Category. Harrison Ward Councillor, Intaj Khan said the Business Awards, which are now in their 20th year, are an annual highlight on the Wyndham Business Calendar. “The Awards provide all Wyndham businesses with the opportunity to reflect on their business successes, review their business

operations, acknowledge the effort and contribution of their staff, promote their business and network with other businesses,” Cr Khan said. “Wyndham is extremely fortunate to be home to such a large and diverse range of businesses from internationally renowned manufacturing to small retail businesses. These businesses provide thousands of jobs,invest in our local economy and provide many goods and services our community can be proud of.” “Over the past 20 years, Wyndham’s Business of the Year has been won by a number businesses from a variety of industries including Costa’s Mitre 10, Essence Food Studio, Agfab Engineering and Werribee Open Range Zoo.” “Those considering nominating their business in the awards are invited to attend an information breakfast in June.” “The Awards presentation evening is also a highlight, bringing together members of our business community to enjoy an evening of fun and meet other business owners within Wyndham.” Entries to the 2014 Wyndham Business Awards close at 5pm on Friday, 27th June. The Awards will be announced at a presentation evening on Friday, 29th August 2014. www.indian-times.com.au

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Sexual harassment at workplace law gets tepid response

t’s been a year since the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act was passed; one of Parliament’s several responses to increasing attacks on women. The act has been described by some as one of the most exacting in the world, especially with regard to the responsibilities it places on employers. To understand what has changed since the act came into being, source spoke to a number of people — HR heads, employees, and legal and workplace harassment experts. The findings are mixed. Many of the larger and more progressive companies have taken important steps, but even among them, most are yet to implement measures in the full spirit of the act. The vast majority of business establishments, however, are still trying to figure out what to do. Gaurang Kanth, a Supreme Court lawyer who specializes

in workplace harassment cases, provides a particularly harsh assessment. He says organizations have “completely failed” in their obligations. “I find more and more sexual harassment cases coming from workplaces.” He points to a teacher’s case against the principal and two other management committee members of Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Delhi, and one from a major technology company that he does not wish the name because the case is not yet public. On the contrary, Nirmala Menon, founder of Interweave Consulting, an organization focusing on diversity management and inclusion at the workplace, says there is some visible change. “Companies are far more proactive in addressing issues around workplace harassment. It’s more than putting a check in the box. It’s like fire insurance, and firms realize that there is too much to lose, including the

company’s brand equity, besides stringent penalties imposed by law. Companies have put in place stringent polices and set up committees to look at issues,” she says. Some have even asked Interweave to create policy documents and literature in regional languages for the benefit of their housekeeping and administrative staff who may not understand English. Experts agree that most companies have, at best, taken only partial steps in all of these areas. Many rushed to establish internal complaints committees soon after the act was passed. But not many of these committees have, as required by the law, a person from an NGO or association committed to the cause of women. “Companies are mechanically putting together three people from the legal team and one woman employee. They are treating it

in a legal mode, rather than in a resolution mode,” says Pankaj Sharma, chief trustee of the nonprofit Centre for Transforming India and an expert on workplace sexual harassment issues. He notes that the committee has been bestowed partial powers of a civil court — to take penal action, impose fines. “It’s the first time private entities have been offered such powers. But most companies are yet to define their sexual harassment policies and service rules, what would constitute, for instance, a sexually coloured remark. They have not defined their investigation process. So on what basis will these committees act?” Sharma asks. The biggest ground yet to be covered is in educating and sensitizing employees. Some have one-off workshops for department heads, but make no effort to ensure the message filters down. “Many organizations are not

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actively communicating the policy among its employees ... Merely having the policy as part of the induction does not suffice. They have to communicate it at regular intervals so that it comes alive through campaigns and creative platforms like theatre,” says Menon. Some do have regular programmes. Priti Kataria, chairperson of Wipro’s Prevention of Sexual Harassment Committee, says the company has put up its policy and redressal mechanism on the intranet, conducts regular awareness campaigns, and encourages all employees to take the company’s ‘Prevention of Sexual Harassment’ online training module to understand what behaviours constitute harassment. Infosys has classroom sessions, e-learning programmes, poster campaigns and mailers stressing on the importance of professional behaviour at the workplace. Mindtree has made an e-learning course on sexual harassment mandatory. But in most cases, such programmes are not mandatory and, therefore, have limited impact. Several employees in different companies that source spoke to confirmed this. “I know the policy exists because of the group mail and intranet. The company conducts quizzes once in three months, but it’s not mandatory, so most of us don’t take it. Many employees don’t really go through the policy document,” said an employee in a large Indian IT company. Sharma says companies are following a minimal approach fearing that if employees know more, they will raise more complaints. Menon has a different take. She says now when companies are focusing on being fun workplaces, they are concerned about impacting the camaraderie between employees. “They are working to see how the policy can be communicated in the right spirit.”

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Satirist Bhagwant adds zing to poet’s poll campaign

fter attracting crowds with his humour in Sangrur, satirist-turned-politician Bhagwant Mann is trying to woo over two lakh Punjabis settled in the hilly areas of Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar in Terai region of Uttarakhand. He has been campaigning for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Balli Singh Cheema, a poet, as Mann’s own fate has been sealed with polling in Punjab on April 30. The contest has many similarities with Mann’s own election as Balli is pitted against two sitting MPs - Lok Sabha member KC Singh Baba of Congress and Rajya Sabha member Bhagat Singh Koshiyari of BJP. Balli is already popular in the area with his poems full of revolutionary spirit. ‘Le Mashale chal pade hain log mere gaon ke’ (people of my village have set out with torches in their hand) is one of them. “Balli’s own work and Mann’s one liners are proving a potent campaign material for AAP,” said Balwant Singh, a resident of Rudrapur. Cheema was all praise for Bhagwant for adding colour to his campaign. “His canvassing for me has given a big boost to my drive to reach out to voters ahead of the polls,” he said. Mann said that the election issues are much the same in the hill state as in Punjab. “Unemployment, poverty and uncertainty over position of land belonging to Punjabi farmers settled there made me to campaign for Cheema in this Terai region. But now I’m reaching out to non-Punjabis as well and locals are interacting with me in Hindi, despite my soar throat,” he said. Bhagwant will head for Varanasi next where AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is contesting against BJP’s PM candidate Narendra Modi. Youth brigade of Mann’s group, ‘Natak Mandli’, are campaigning for Kargil hero Vikram Batra’s mother Kamal Kanta Batra at Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh. Batra is contesting on AAP ticket and polling is slated for May 7.

Amethi one of the most backward Special courts to hear constituencies: Arun Jaitley child abuse cases

enior BJP leader Arun Jaitley said that the relationship of Rahul Gandhi with Amethi is “nominal” and it remains one of the most backward constituencies in the country. “Despite having been a family stronghold for decades, the relationship of Rahul Gandhi with Amethi is nominal and it remains one of the most backward constituencies,” Jaitley said in his blog. Expressing his views about Amethi, he said, “Infrastructure in Amethi is inadequate. It is a constituency where internal

May 2014 Edition

roads are not the object of envy. Many industrial units are sick. It is a constituency of people living in inadequate houses.” Jaitley said that his party is determined to put up a fight in Amethi. “The tragedy of Amethi is that the voters were never presented with an alternative option. The BJP is determined to put up a fight for Amethi.” On BJP’s nominee from Amethi Smriti Irani, he said, “Smriti Irani is a formidable candidate. Whenever her vehicle reaches any village it is greeted with loud cheers for her, the BJP and

Modi.” Saying that there was a strong anti-incumbency against sitting MP Rahul Gandhi, the BJP leader said that, “Tokenism is never a substitute for substantive performance in a constituency. Family ties are not the alternative to improvement in the quality of life of the electorate.” However, he did not deny that Aam Aadmi Party can divide the votes. “We must convince the electorate that a vote for AAP will only divide the anti-incumbency. Let Amethi be an electoral battle right till the last vote is cast,” he said.

pecial courts will soon be set up to hear cases related to protection of children from sexual offences (POCSO) in Uttarakhand. Such cases will be heard in district courts. “This move will prove to be a big milestone in dealing with POCSO related cases. Such cases will be heard quickly,” said Ajay Setia, chairman, Uttarakhand Child Rights Protection Commission (UCRPC). Owing to the past few cases which attracted attention towards children facing sexual harassment from teachers, the director general of police made changes in the police stations to remain updated on the issue. “We are planning to hold workshops on the same for

faculties and principals of various schools in Dehradun starting from June,” Ajay Setia said. “UCRPC has taken steps for the welfare of the children, including coming up with two new shelter homes for the destitute at Tehri and Pauri for Kumaon and Garhwal region,” Setia said. At present there are only three shelter homes in Dehradun, Haridwar and Almora. “The chief secretary has agreed to our demand of converting Nari Niketan at Tehri, which has remained closed for a long time, into a shelter home for the children. We have also asked the district magistrate of Haldwani and Pithoragarh to look for premises for similar homes. We expect all the four welfare homes to start running smoothly by the end of this year,” Setia added.

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Sandeepa Dhar plays parallel lead in Tiger Shroff’s HEROPANTI W

hile one may not easily recall Bollywood actress Sandeepa Dhar, she is the same girl who made her debut with Rajshri’s ISI LIFE MEIN four years ago. And later on was seen in Salman Khan starrer DABANGG 2. Now it has appeared that the pretty actress is playing the parallel lead in Tiger Shroff’s debut venture HEROPANTI, besides newbie Kriti Sanon. Sandeepa, however, is not featured in the film’s poster nor has she taken part in promoting the film. ‘Not many know this, but I have a fullfledged role in the film, where I play Kirti Sanon’s sister. I play the character of a strong-headed girl who then adds a twist to the tale. But the makers of the film are not keen to reveal much of my track,’ says Sandeepa. The actress adds that she had a time of her life while working on the film and is now in awe of lead actor Tiger Shroff. In one of my scenes I get to perform a stunt with Tiger. As part of my preparation for this scene, I learnt Parkour which borrows from military obstacle course training, from Tiger. I was also offered a commercial recently, thanks to my newly acquired skills,’ adds Sandeepa. Directed by Sabbir Khan with the backing of Sajid Nadiadwala, HEROPANTI is set to release on May 23, 2014.

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News Pakistan army chief calls Kashmir Fuel prices may shoot up after LS elections ‘jugular vein of Pakistan’ 12a

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licence of the channel. Sharif said Pakistan Army supports every effort for elimination of terrorism and restoration of peace in the country. He said armed forces of Pakistan are capable enough to foil the nefarious designs of the enemy and remain alert round the clock for defence of the motherland. Nobody should doubt the capabilities of Pakistan army as it will come to the expectations of the nation, he said. Sharif asked anti-state elements to unconditionally accept Pakistan’s Constitution and join the national mainstream otherwise the military “with the support of people will take them to task”. The ceremony was attended by a large number of dignitaries, including defence minister Khawaja Asif and former army chief Ashfaq Pervez Kayani.

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The resolution of the Kashmir issue is “indispensable” for lasting peace in the region, he said. “Pakistan Army is in favour of peace but is always ready to respond to any aggression in befitting manner,” he said. Pakistan has often described Kashmir as the “jugular vein” but this is the first time Gen Sharif has used the term or spoken about Kashmir since taking over late last year. Talking about domestic issues, he said that Pakistan Army believes in strengthening of democracy, supremacy of constitution and rule of law. The army chief lauded the media and said: “We believe in freedom of media and responsible journalism”. His comments came amid a controversy surrounding the attack on leading Geo TV anchor Hamid Mir and subsequent move by the defence ministry seeking cancellation of the broadcasting

May 2014 Edition

et ready for a steep hike in your fuel bills once the Lok Sabha elections get over. “Elections get over on May 12, and if the ongoing increase in global oil prices continues, a hike in petrol prices can be expected on May 15 or by the end of the month,” a senior oil company official said. With an eye on elections, the government directed oil companies to defer fuel price hikes nationwide on April 30, necessitated by high global oil prices and depreciation of the rupee against the dollar. It, however, allowed companies to increase prices of CNG for vehicles by Rs. 2.95 per kg and

piped natural gas by Rs. 1 last Friday in Delhi since elections are over the Capital and there is little chance of losing votes due to high fuel prices. A senior oil company official said that informal diktats to keep price hikes on hold are “nothing unusual” close to polls. “A hike of over Rs. 1 a litre should have been announced if elections across the country were over,” he said. Losses on diesel sales have also mounted to Rs. 6.80 a litre but the monthly increase in diesel prices by 50 paise has also been skipped by oil companies for the second consecutive month following a government diktat.

Drowsy driving can be dangerous, and SRWHQWLDOO\ GHDGO\ 7KH RQO\ ZD\ WR ÀJKW it is with sleep. So plan ahead, get a good night’s sleep.

erming Kashmir as the “jugular vein” of Pakistan, the country’s army chief Gen Raheel Sharif on Wednesday said the issue should be resolved in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiris and in line with UNSC resolutions for lasting peace in the region. Addressing the main ceremony to mark the ‘Youm-e-Shuhada’ (Martyrs’ Day) at GHQ Rawalpindi, Gen Sharif said Kashmir was an internationally recognized dispute. “Matchless sacrifices offered by Kashmiris will not go in vain,” he said. Sharif, who just returned from his official trip to Saudi Arabia, termed Kashmir as a “jugular vein” of Pakistan. He called for resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiris and in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

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Women, youth power push up turnout by 140 million over 2009

ropelled by the high octane poll campaign by leaders of all parties, women and youth have registered record turnouts in 438 Lok Sabha constituencies where polling was over by the seventh phase on Wednesday, Election Commission (EC) officials said. But there is only one Congress-ruled state — Maharashtra — in the list of top 10 states recording higher voter turnouts. About 140 million more people turned up at polling stations in these constituencies compared to the turnout in these 438 constituencies in the general elections in 2009. This is about 40 million more than the total number of voters -- 100 million -- added to the electoral rolls in the past five years. According to EC data, as many as 442 million people -- more than South America’s population -- of India’s 814 million voters have exercised their franchise so far. In 2009, the number of people who cast their votes was about 300 million in the same constituencies. “It is an impressive and phenomenal voter participation never seen before,” said Akshaya Rout, director general in charge of the

EC’s voter awareness programme. Rout said the EC’s efforts to simplify voter registration and cleaning of electoral rolls contributed in a big way to the higher turnout this time. The figures translate into 66.20 % voting this time compared to 57.61% in 2009. The highest ever polling was registered in Punjab, Chandigarh, Goa and Tripura. And if the present trend continues, the 2014 polls will break the record of 64.01% polling in 1984-85 when the elections were held in an emotionally surcharged atmosphere following the assassination of the then PM, Indira Gandhi. This election has also shown that voting has become fashionable among many young voters, with many of them posting selfies with the ink marks on the social media. BJP prime ministerial candidate Narenda Modi galvanising the campaign and Priyanka Gandhi dominating the media space over the past fortnight may have contributed to the high turnout, analysts said. Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP has also caught the imagination of the youth in many constituencies. This would not have been possible without women and youths,

Photo source: PTI

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who constitute about two-thirds of the country’s population of 1.2 billion. EC data shows that more women turned up at polling booths than men although the difference in voting numbers between the

two genders was marginal. Ranjana Kumari, director of the Center for Social Research, said the data gives two clear indications. “First, they (women) are now more aware about their rights and want to exercise it and second, they are

angry,” she said. Another interesting trend is the higher voter participation in states with sizeable numbers of youth in the electoral rolls. About one-fifth of the total voters in India are in the age group of 18-25.

Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung gave in-principle approval to the project in March. It is now with the UTTIPEC, the agency that gives final approval to transport and infrastructure projects in the Capital, which is looking at its technical feasibility. While the PWD already has a detailed project plan prepared by a private consultant, sources said the DMRC may also prepare its own detailed project report once it is officially roped in by Delhi government to execute the project. From 1908 to 1963, trams chugged amidst tongas, cyclerickshaws and bicycles in Old Delhi, but will the old charm be able to provide a safe commute and reduce vehicular population is something that experts need to look at. Thanks to the Delhi Metro, footfall at Chandni Chowk and other neighbouring markets has increased 60-70% in the past few years. With another metro station slated to open near Red Fort crossing by this yearend, traders fear there would no space left for people to move on streets. “There is an urgent need to convert Chandni Chowk into a pedestrian area and restrict the movement of vehicles by constructing multi-level parking lot in the north of Town Hall. Tram is a good proposal,” said Sanjay Bhar-

gava, general secretary, Chandni Chowk Sarvavyapar Mandal. While the bigger plan is to have the same network of about 20-kilometers as the Walled City had in the first half of the 20th century, it will connect Esplanade Road with Sadar Bazar. Trams connected Asaf Ali Marg, Paharganj, Old Delhi Railway Station and Chandni Chowk between 1908 and 1963. PWD sources said INTACH has worked out the tram route. The trams will run between 8am and 8pm. The project envisage a tram station every 300-350 metres. While the high court is hearing arguments on making Chandni Chowk a non-motorised vehicle (NMV) zone by different groups, PWD officials said they are going to file an affidavit on running trams and the NMV together in the area. “The project is on a very nascent stage right now,” said a senior PWD official. Once the Court gives its go-ahead the PWD may rope in Delhi Metro Rail Corporation for technical expertise and operations. Transpor t exper t Nalin Sinha said slow speed of trams along with the availability of non-motorised vehicles and space for pedestrians will just be perfect for an area as congested as the walled city.

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After 50 years, trams likely to make a comeback in Chandni Chowk

ore than half a century after they were phased out to make way for automobiles, trams are likely to make

May 2014 Edition

a comeback on the busy streets of the Walled City. This is part of the Shahjehanabad Redevelopment Project,

which seeks to restart trams along with non-motorised vehicles at Chandni Chowk and its neighbouring areas.

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Kedarnath shrine reopens for devotees

acred portals of the Kedarnath temple were reopened to devotees amid elaborate rituals early this morning, about a year after the Himalayan shrine was marred by flash floods that had left hun-

dreds of people dead and many others stranded. Chief priest of the shrine (Rawal) Bhima Shankar Ling presided over the rituals as its gates were opened amid chanting of vedic hymns, Badrinath-Kedarnath

temple committee CEO V D Singh said over phone. About 1,252 devotees including eight foreign nationals visited the shrine on the opening day, he said. It is the first ‘Char Dham’ yatra

after last year’s calamity. The annual pilgrimage was struck by the unprecedented flash floods last year causing largescale loss of lives and property. Over 5,000 people were dead or missing, including pilgrims from

ith e-commerce finding greater acceptability in India, US retailer Walmart is set to take its cash-andcarry stores to the virtual space to give its customers the convenience of online shopping and doorstep delivery. The company has chalked out plans to launch a pilot project for this initiative in two cities, which will be extended across the country. The company has 20 Best Price Modern Wholesale stores in the country at present, and plans to add 50 stores over five years. A Walmart spokesperson in India confirmed that the company is extending the B2B e-commerce platform to members of its Best Price Modern Whole stores. “As an exclusive virtual store for its members, the e-commerce platform will provide a similar assortment of products, as well as special items,” he said. “We are launching a pilot for B2B e-commerce this summer and we would expect to extend to all stores after we have successfully launched the pilot.” Best Price stores are located in cities such as Amritsar, Zirakpur, Agra, Meerut, Lucknow, Kota and Ludhiana. A cash-and-carry store is different from a retail store in that its customers constitute retailers such as kirana store owners, restaurants, offices and other small traders. An individual customer cannot walk-in and buy products from a cash-and-carry store. Customers have to be registered member at the store. The online initiative by the company is indicative of the fact that

the world’s largest retailer is willing to start afresh in India’s fast growing retail landscape after called off its six-year old joint venture with Bharti group due to differences over business operations. Even though India allowed for-

eign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, global retailers have been chary of making bigbang announcements fearing that the elections may throw up a new regime at the Centre, which may bring roadblocks for FDI in multi-

brand retail. The BJP, which is widely expected to come out trumps when election results are announced on May 16, has already made it clear that it is not in favour of FDI in multi-brand retail.

various parts of the country. Expressing happiness over the first day turnout, Singh said it was much more than their expectations. “The crowd was bigger than expected and there was much enthusiasm among the devotees. It is an indication that the fear psychosis gripping people outside the state in the wake of last years tragedy is subsiding gradually. The crowd of visitors is likely to swell as the snow begins to melt,” he said. Arrangements for a round-theclock langar have been made by the temple committee near the shrine to cater to visitors. Makeshift tents have been pitched at several places en route to the temple to accommodate more than a thousand people. There are enough food supplies available, he said. However, Pandit Jasraj, who was to perform live at the shrine on its opening day could not come, he said. Tourism and culture secretary Umakant Panwar said the Indian classical vocalist had to cancel his programme yesterday as it was unsafe for him to fly in a chopper to the high altitude shrine which is still clogged with snow.

May 2014 Edition

Photo source: PTI

Walmart India shopping cart will be online W

However, India does allow 100% FDI in cash-and-carry wholesales stores, both in the brick and mortar format and the online format, which appears to be the driving reasoning behind Walmart’s future strategy in the country.

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Bhagat Singh’s name not mentioned in FIR: Pakistan police

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ETS no longer providing TOEFL, TOEIC for UK visa

ealing a blow to many visa aspirants especially students, British authorities have said global testing giant ETS will no longer offer TOEFL and TOEIC tests for UK visa-granting purposes, in the wake of a recent controversy. Following allegations in a BBC programme in February this year that fraudulent measures were adopted by candidates to obtain Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) accreditation, the British Home Office has announced that its contract with the global testing giant -- Education Testing Service (ETS) -- will not be extended. As per the UK Council for International Student Affairs’

May 2014 Edition

official website, “ETS is no longer providing TOEIC and TOEFL tests for people who want to use them in support of UK immigration applications. This is because of allegations of fraud.” “The Home Office has been investigating the allegations of fraud and decided that in future it will change the list of English language test certificates that are acceptable in support of UK immigration applications. So that ETS tests are not included,” it sUKays. The ETS has confirmed this news on its Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) website. “Following the broadcast of a BBC Panorama programme in

February 2014 which highlighted an organised element seeking to circumvent the UK’s visagranting process, ETS has made the decision not to extend our Secure English-language Testing (SELT) licence with the Home Office. As a result, TOEIC and TOEFL iBT testing will no longer be offered for UK visagranting purposes,” ETS said in a statement on its website. However, the organisation said, “The fraud uncovered by the BBC programme was limited to TOEIC testing”, and the security of TOEFL was not questioned. “The fraud uncovered by the BBC programme was limited to TOEIC testing. Security measures around the TOEFL test were never under question,” the statement said. The UK Council for International Student Affairs has advised students who use ETS tests in their immigration applications to take other English proficiency tests approved by the Home Office, or to contact the advisors at their education institutions for assistance. The TOEFL test remains the most widely respected Englishlanguage test in the world recognised by more than 9,000 institutions in more than 130 countries.

hagat Singh’s name was not mentioned in the FIR for the murder of a British police officer here in 1928, the Lahore police have found, in a major boost to prove the legendary freedom fighter’s innocence in the case 83 years after his execution. Petitioner Imtiaz Rashid Qureshi, chairman of the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation, had filed a petition seeking an attested copy of the First Information Report (FIR) registered against Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru for allegedly killing then SSP John P Saunders. Bhagat Singh was awarded the death sentence for killing Saunders and he was subsequently hanged at Shadman Chowk in Lahore in 1931, aged just 23. Over eight decades after his hanging, the Lahore police searched through the record of the Anarkali police station on the court’s order and managed to find the FIR of the murder of Saunders. Written in Urdu the FIR was registered with the Anarkali police station on December 17, 1928 at 4.30 pm against two ‘unknown gunmen’. A police official of Anarkali police was the complainant of the case. The complainant-cum-eyewitness said the man he followed was

“five feet 5 inch, had Hindu face, small moustache, having slim and strong body, wearing white trouser (pyjama) and grey shirt (kurta) and also wearing small black christilike hat”. The case was registered under sections 302, 1201 and 109 of Indian Penal Code. An inspector of Lahore police’s legal branch yesterday handed over the attested copy of the FIR in a sealed envelope to additional district and sessions judge (Lahore) Tariq Mahmood Zargham. A copy of the FIR is also available with PTI. The court handed Qureshi a copy of the FIR. Qureshi said special judges of tribunal handling Bhagat Singh’s case awarded death sentence to him without hearing 450 witnesses of the case. Bhagat Singh’s lawyers were not given the opportunity of crossquestioning them, he said. Qureshi has also filed a petition in the Lahore High Court seeking reopening of Bhagat Singh’s case. “I want to establish Bhagat Singh’s innocence in the Saunders case,” he said. The Lahore High Court has referred the case to the chief justice for constitution of a larger bench to hear the case.

Blaming Rhea, Paes seeks daughter’s custody

ce tennis player Leander Paes has filed ‘a guardianship petition’ in the family court in Mumbai seeking permanent custody of his eight-year-old daughter from her mother and his estranged live-in partner Rhea Pillai. In his 30-page petition, filed yesterday in the Bandra court, Paes alleges that Rhea’s “escapades, indiscreet and irresponsible behaviour, lack of personal maternal supervision, volatile temper and self-indulgence created insecurity in the child and was detrimental to a healthy upbringing”. As per the law, custody of a child born to a couple in a live-in relationship generally goes to the mother, unless the father establishes that child’s upbringing would suffer in the mother’s care. Paes’s petition claims that he would be a better parent than Rhea. It says that since the child’s birth, Paes attended to her and took care of the chores such as changing diapers, giving her a bath, packing her school bag and reading her bedtime

stories before putting her to sleep. Meanwhile, Paes has also approached the city police alleging that his daughter was in danger and she may be forcibly taken out of the country by Rhea. Paes submitted an application to Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria, who forwarded it to Additional Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe to look into the matter, police sources said. Paes has also urged the family court to restrain Rhea from taking the child out of the country. His petition said his relationship with Rhea started in 2003 when they met on a flight, however, they never married “because Rhea did not believe in the institution of marriage due to a failed relationship experienced by her earlier”. It alleges that Rhea told him wrongly in 2005 that she had divorced actor Sanjay Dutt, while the couple’s divorce by mutual consent came only in 2008 and Paes learnt about it only in 2013.

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Assam govt mulls arming Muslims in Bodo areas T

he Assam government on Sunday was thinking of arming Bengalispeaking Muslims in Bodo areas with licensed guns and asked for applications from villagers even as the situation in Kokrajhar and Baksa returned to normal with no reports of fresh violence. However, security forces intensified their operations against National Democratic Front of Boroland militants with three guerrillas killed in two encounters in northern Assam’s Sonitpur and Udalguri districts on Sunday. Police recovered three pistols, two grenades and some incriminating documents from the slain militants. DIG (NR) Subhrajyoti Hazarika confirmed this, saying, “The Sonitpur encounter took place in the morning while the Udalguri incident occurred around 1.15pm on Sunday.” The death toll in the current killings by NDFB(Songbijit) group rose to 34 after two more bodies of Bengali-speaking Muslims were recovered from Beki river in Baksa district. Cops also fired in the air to disperse crowds in Narayanguri in Baksa district as they gathered in protest and refused to bury 18 of those killed on Friday, demanding a visit by chief minister Tarun Gogoi. Hours later, the last rites were performed after the border development minister assured them Gogoi would visit the village once the code of conduct was lifted on May 16. Bengali-speaking Muslims have clashed with Bodos four times in the past, the earliest being in 1952 and the most recent being in 2012

when 105 people from both communities were killed in five days. Assam Police additional director general A P Raut said, “The situation is fast improving. We’ve relaxed curfew in some places today. Tomorrow, we will relax it in Baksa. We have handed over the investigation into the killings to the special task force till NIA probe is cleared by the Centre.” State forest minister Rockybul Hussain said Bengali-speaking Muslim villagers should be given licensed arms by the state government for self defence. “Since the home department in Bodoland Territorial Council area is under the state government, the government can provide licensed arms if anyone applies for it.” National Highway 37, which wore a deserted look over the last four days, saw traffic once again. But Jamiat-e-Ulema (Hind) leader Mahmood Madani, in Guwahati, demanded the Congress government break its links to the Bodoland People’s Front. “People suspect BPF’s hand in these killings and in that case, the Congress should not run the government with them,” Madani said. The police have arrested 26 people so far and five cases have been registered in connection with the violent incidents in BTAD. A relief camp has been established by the Baksa district administration where 498 people from the violence-affected areas under Gobardhana have taken shelter. Protests continued in Barak Valley of Assam. A dawn-to-dusk bandh in Hailakandi district on Sunday disrupted life.

Meanwhile, NIA sources said they will discuss the Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD) violence with the Assam government on Monday. NIA is likely to sit for a detailed discussion with the state home department in Dispur and draw up a strategy to probe the recent violence in BTAD. On Saturday, Gogoi had said the state government was going to

hand over the probe into the killing of 32 civilians to the NIA. “We are sending the official letter to the Union home ministry this evening. An NIA team will be discussing the matter with the state government on Monday. The NIA is going to look into the various FIRs registered in the BTAD areas regarding the violence,” said state home commissioner and secretary G D

Tripathi. Amnesty International, India, strongly condemned the killing of 32 people in Assam’s Kokrajhar and Baksa districts and termed the act as shameful and displaying contempt for human lives. “Authorities in Assam must take action to protect the rights of all communities and bring those responsible for the attacks to justice,” it demanded.

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Indian IT looks at eastern Europe for talent, captives

Eastern Europe is fast becoming a go-to location for Indian IT players both for talent and for the captives that dot the former Soviet Union territories, as they look to boost growth in that continent. Countries like Poland, Hungary, Romania and the Czech Republic already have centres of multinational outsourcing companies such as IBM, HP and Accenture. India’s largest IT outsourcing

firm TCS also has a centre in Hungary. Other Indian IT firms are exploring the region as a base for talent, as engineering skills are strong in the region. In fact, Wipro board member Jagdish Sheth had warned that India could lose its edge in BPO to countries in Eastern Europe in a recent interview with ET. “While our primary focus continues to be Continental Europe, we are seeing

opportunities in Hungary and Poland. These are currently small in scale but hold future potential,” said Ulrich Meister, senior vice president, Continental Europe, Wipro. Wipro has delivery centres in Romania and Poland for IT and BPO as well as a presence in Hungary. About 90% of the Europe opportunity comes from Western Europe, while Eastern Europe accounts for the rest. But Indian IT players are using Eastern Europe

Curiosity rover set for third drilling on Mars: NASA

May 2014 Edition

portions of the rock are harder than others, creating the interesting bumpy textures,” Curiosity science team member Melissa Rice of the California Institute of Technology said in a NASA statement. “All of these traits reinforce our interest in drilling here in order to understand the chemistry of the fluids that bound these grains together to form the rock,” Rice said. Before Curiosity drills deeply enough for collection of rockpowder sample, there will be a preparatory “mini-drill” operation on the target, as a further check

shows a marked acceleration, as the Soviet Union collapsed and the Eastern European economies began regaining lost ground. Between 2006 and 2010, there were 36 captives set up in India and 25 in Eastern Europe. “While Indian IT players are focusing on acquisition activity in Continental Europe and the United States, there is some interest in Eastern Europe as well,” Sandeep Ladda, executive director, at consultancy PwC said. Aegis and Wipro were looking at acquisition opportunities in Eastern Europe, an investment banker, who declined to be identified, told ET. Wipro’s Meister brushed of any immediate investment but said the company would consider it if there was a good business opportunity. Aegis did not respond to a request for comment. “There has been talk about Indian IT companies looking at acquisitions in Eastern Europe, but most of them are currently trying to understand this market, its capabilities and size,” said Christophe Chalons, chief analyst at Pierre Audoin Consultants, a French consultancy and market research firm.

Amazon launches wearable-tech store

Photo source: PTI

S space agency NASA said Tuesday its Curiosity rover will carry out its third drilling on Mars in the coming days. Curiosity used several tools to examine a Martian sandstone slab dubbed “Windjana” over the weekend, including a wire-bristle brush known as the Dust Removal Tool to clear away dust from a 6- centimeter-across patch on the rock, Xinhua quoted NASA as saying. “In the brushed spot, we can see that the rock is fine-grained, its true colour is much grayer than the surface dust, and some

as a delivery location to cater to Western European countries because of the favourable timezone. Also, as some of the Eastern European countries are part of the European Union, data protection rules are not an issue. “Most of the work Infosys BPO does in Eastern Europe is related to SAP consulting and cost arbitrage. European multinationals are open to outsourcing although it’s becoming more of a trend now. We also advise on how they can set up shared service centres in these markets,” Abraham Mathews, chief financial officer, Infosys BPO, said. Infosys has around 2,000 employees in Poland and about 500 in the Czech Republic. While IT firms are looking to expand organically, acquisitions of captive centres in Eastern Europe could also be on the cards. Eastern Europe is growing as destination for captives, according to research by the Loughborough Business School. In the 12-year period between 1985 and 1997, two captives were set up in Europe and 13 in India. Fast forward 10 years and the data

for readiness, NASA said. Curiosity’s drill collects powered sample material from the interior of a target rock for analysis. The only two rocks previously drilled by Curiosity are even finer-grained mudstone in Yellowknife Bay, about 4 kilometers northeast of the rover’s current location at a waypoint called “ The Kimberley.” Those two targets, examined in 2013, provided evidence of an ancient lakebed environment from billions of years ago with conditions favourable for microbial life

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hopping for a smartwatch or other wearable gadget? You may want to head over to Amazon. Unveiled on Tuesday, the retail giant has opened a new store dedicated to wearable tech products. The Wearable Technology store sells smartwatches, activity trackers, healthcare devices, wearable cameras, and even wearable trackers for the family cat or dog. The store is set up just like other Amazon stores. You can browse the virtual shelves to discover new products or search for a specific item. You’ll find wearable products from well-known vendors such the Samsung Gear 2 smartwatch and Jawbone Up24 fitness tracker as well as items from lesser-known sellers. You can also research any product by checking out the descrip-

tion, details, customer reviews, and Q&As. An online Learning Center provides buying guides for each type of product, while an Editor’s Corner features columns and commentaries on wearable gear. “Wearable technology is an exciting category with rapid innovation and our customers are increasingly coming to Amazon to shop and learn about these devices,” John Nemeth, Amazon’s director of Wireless and Mobile Electronics, said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to bring our customers a store with the largest selection and great prices that helps eliminate the guesswork when deciding which wearable devices best fit their needs -- whether that is tracking activity, staying connected through smart watches, or capturing their next adventure with wearable cameras.”

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Blood from the young may hold a key to reversing aging

wo teams of scientists published studies on Sunday showing that blood from young mice reverses aging in old mice, rejuvenating their muscles and brains. As ghoulish as the research may sound, experts said that it could lead to treatments for disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease. “I am extremely excited,” said Rudolph Tanzi, a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, who was not involved in the research. “These findings could be a game changer.” The research builds on centuries of speculation that the blood of young people contains substances that might rejuvenate older adults. In the 1950s, Clive M McCay of Cornell University and his colleagues tested the notion by delivering the blood of young rats into old ones. To do so, they joined rats in pairs by stitching together the skin on their flanks. After this pro-

cedure, called parabiosis, blood vessels grew and joined the rats’ circulatory systems. The blood from the young rat flowed into the old one, and vice versa. Later, McCay and his colleagues performed necropsies and found that the cartilage of the old rats looked more youthful than it would have otherwise. But the scientists could not say how the transformations happened. There was not enough known at the time about how the body rejuvenates itself. It later became clear that stem cells are essential for keeping tissues vital. When tissues are damaged, stem cells move in and produce new cells to replace the dying ones. As people get older, their stem cells gradually falter. In the early 2000s, scientists realized that stem cells were not dying off in aging tissues. “There were plenty of stem cells there,” recalled Thomas A Rando, a professor of neurology at Stanford University School of Medi-

cine. “They just don’t get the right signals.” Rando and his colleagues wondered what signals the old stem cells would receive if they were bathed in young blood. To find out, they revived McCay’s experiments. The scientists joined old and young mice for five weeks and then examined them. The muscles of the old mice had healed about as quickly as those of the young mice, the scientists reported in 2005. In addition, the old mice had grown new liver cells at a youthful rate. The young mice, on the other hand, had effectively grown prematurely old. Their muscles had healed more slowly, and their stem cells had not turned into new cells as quickly as they had before the procedure. The experiment indicated that there were compounds in the blood of the young mice that could awaken old stem cells and rejuve-

nate aging tissue. Likewise, the blood of the old mice had compounds that dampened the resilience of the young mice. Amy J Wagers, a member of Rando’s team, continued to study the blood of young mice after she moved in 2004 to Harvard, where she is an associate professor. Last year, she and her colleagues demonstrated that it could rejuvenate the hearts of old mice. To pinpoint the molecules responsible for the change, Wagers and her colleagues screened the animals’ blood and found that a protein called GDF11 was abundant in young mice and scarce in old ones. To see if GDF11 was crucial to the parabiosis effect, the scientists produced a supply of the protein and injected it into old mice. Even on its own, GDF11 rejuvenated their hearts. Wagers and her colleagues wondered whether GDF11 was responsible for the rejuvenation of other tissues. In the current issue of the journal Science, they report an experiment on skeletal muscle in mice. They found that GDF11 revived stem cells in old muscles, making old mice stronger and increasing their endurance. At Stanford, researchers were investigating whether the blood of young mice altered the brains of old mice. In 2011, Saul Villeda, then a graduate student, and his colleagues reported that it did. When old mice received young blood, they had a burst of new neurons in the hippocampus, a region of the brain that is crucial for forming memories. In a study published Sunday in the journal Nature Medicine, Villeda, now a faculty fellow at the University of California, San Francisco, and his colleagues unveiled more details of what young blood does to the brains of old mice. After parabiosis, Villeda and his colleagues found that the neurons in the hippocampus of the old mice sprouted new connections. They then moved beyond parabiosis by removing the cells and platelets from the blood of young mice and injecting the plasma that remained into old mice. That injection caused the old mice to perform far better on memory tests.

Wagers’ team has been investigating a specific region of the brain involved in perceiving smells. In a second study in Science, the team reported that parabiosis spurred the growth of blood vessels in the brain. The new blood supply led to the growth of neurons and gave older mice a sharper sense of smell. After linking the GDF11 protein to the rejuvenation of skeletal muscle and the heart, Wagers and her colleagues studied whether the protein was also responsible for the changes in the brain. They injected GDF11 alone into the mice and found that it spurred the growth of blood vessels and neurons in the brain, although the change was not as large as that from parabiosis. “There’s no conflict between the two groups, which is heartening,” said Richard M Ransohoff, director of the Neuroinflammation Research Center at the Cleveland Clinic. Ransohoff and others hope the experiments on mice will lead to studies on people to see if the human version of GDF11, or other molecules in the blood of young people, has a similar effect on older adults. “We can turn back the clock instead of slowing the clock down,” said Toren Finkel, director of the Center for Molecular Medicine at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. “That’s a nice thought if it pans out.” This reversal could occur throughout the body, the new research suggests. “Instead of taking a drug for your heart and a drug for your muscles and a drug for your brain, maybe you could come up with something that affected them all,” Wagers said. But scientists would need to take care in rejuvenating old body parts. Waking up stem cells might lead to their multiplying uncontrollably. “It is quite possible that it will dramatically increase the incidence of cancer,” said Irina M. Conboy, a professor of bioengineering at the University of California, Berkeley. “You have to be careful about overselling it.”

Sikh American Chamber inks MoU with UP Global

n order to promote entrepreneurship in the northern region, the India Centre of Sikh American Chamber of Commerce (SACC) partnered with Seattle based UP Global known for its ‘Startup Weekend’ programmes. UP Global CEO Marc Nager and COO Adam Stelle, along with SACC India president Manipal Dhariwal signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) here on to use the synergy of both the organisations with a similar mission of reaching out to more and more aspiring entrepreneurs in Chandigarh and Punjab.

May 2014 Edition

“UP Global is a not-forprofit organisation dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship which is critical to driving a strong global economy and creating a better world,” Marc said. SACC India president Manipal Dhariwal said Punjab had always remained a hub of innovative enterprise and this partnership would help SACC India to provide them a structured pathway of converting their ideas into workable profitable enterprises. “Punjabis have succeeded all over the world and it would be an exciting opportunity

to help inspire the new generation of entrepreneurs from this region,” Marc added. “We are looking at developing the next rung of entrepreneurial champions to develop socially-relevant products, improve the lives of people, and drive economic growth,” Stelle added. Sikh American Chamber of Commerce (SACC) is a community-based organisation which was found three years ago in New Jersey, US, with a mission to network the successful Punjabi community settled in US with their roots in Punjab.

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News

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Maoists draw up plans to strike back

Photo source: PTI

fter taking stock of the party and its activities over the last three years (2009-2012), the CPI (Maoist) has concluded that it has suffered huge losses in terms of leadership, cadres, arms and ammunition and the central committee has drawn up strategies to recover and fight back. “Between 2009 and 2012, the enemy damaged our central weapon manufacturing and supply departments, political and military people’s intelligence departments, the central magazine department, and the international department. The country wide urban movement weakened to a large extent,” the party’s resolution, said. “After the last central committee meeting (in 2009), four central committee members (Rupesh, Amber, Sukant and Jaspal) were arrested. Comrade Kishenji was caught by the enemy and was martyred,” the resolution said. Admitting that the movement is facing “critical situation for not having formulated appropriate tactics keeping in view the changing social, economic and political conditions”, the party said, “We must formulate a strategic plan to overcome the critical situation and bring it into progression.” The Maoists have identified the first job as protecting their top leadership from being killed or arrested. “Priority should be given to preservation of top level leadership... ensure that the party, PLGA and local organizations

do not get isolated from people... develop the political level of the party to formulate new strategies in keeping with changing social condition,” the resolution said. The party wants to relate with over-ground movements and intensify struggle based on agrarian programmes. “We should not confine to secret and illegal activities and utilize united front activities, open and legal struggle and

to rally students, youth, employees and other sections,” it said. Apart from this, Maoists plan to take up issues of unrest that have to do with “land and displacement” as a priority. “In order to utilize people’s struggles erupting spontaneously in favour of revolution, we should participate in those struggles and lead them,” the party said. The Maoists plan to intensify

and spread their guerrilla warfare tactics to more areas. “The guerrillas should utilize every opportunity present for damaging enemy forces and to seize weapons from them,” the resolution said, hinting at strikes on security forces. The Maoists also plan to go for “intensified mine warfare”. On getting their imprisoned leaders freed, the Maoists plan to bargain with the government.

“When we want to get important leaders released, we must choose the target that would get the government to surrender. We must not give lot of time to the government to fulfil the demand. When we understand the government is taking an adamant stand, we must annihilate the people’s enemy in our custody and withdraw from this arena of struggle,” the party said.

For Ayali and Bittu, the LS fight is between two of them

Photo source: PTI

Both Bittu and Ayali claim that Independent candidate Simarjit Singh Bains and AAP candidate H S Phoolka may garner some support but cannot win the seat. May 2014 Edition

hile it may be a fourcornered contest for the Ludhiana Lok Sabha seat, Congress candidate Ravneet Singh Bittu and SAD candidate Manpreet Singh Ayali feel the fight is between the two of them Both claim that Independent candidate Simarjit Singh Bains and AAP candidate H S Phoolka may garner some support but cannot win the seat. Talking to Newsline, SAD candidate Ayali claimed that “he will get around 4 lakh votes and his closest rival will be Congress’s Bittu”. Ayali said, “Even if I give complete vote share to Bains and Phoolka, they are not in a position to win the seat. I am expecting around 4 lakh votes, minimum 3.80 lakh, and also I feel that Bittu is going to be the closest rival.” On Bains and Phoolka, he said, “The point is that all my rival votes are going to get divided between the three, mainly Phoolka and Bains. No doubt we cannot underestimate anyone but this is what I am expecting. AAP is going to be a divisive force but for the Congress, not for us.”

Bittu too claimed that “it is all between him and Ayali”. “I would like to wait for results to say anything but the fact is Akalis will be our closest rival. He will get second highest votes after us.” Bittu said that “AAP and Bains are going to harm Akalis as people are fed up with their anti-people policies and some may vote for AAP or Bains”. However, Bains said that the results were going to give a nightmare to both the Akalis and Congress. “These people have eaten Punjab like termites for years and this time people are going to eat them. It’s all a waitand-watch game, and I know that results are going to stun them both,” he said. Phoolka who was out of the city was not available for comment. However, Avtar Singh Dhindsa, his close friend and an AAP member, said,” We have already made it clear that we are not here to win or lose. We wanted to move the people and that we have already done. People will give their mandate which will be acceptable to us, and Phoolka will be working for Ludhiana even if he wins or loses.”

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TELEVISION

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Photo source: PTI

TV actors who met their soulmates at dance class

uslaan met his longtime girlfriend (and now, wife) Nirali at a dance class nine years ago. He says, “I was training to be a Bollywood actor and was paired with Nirali. We shared an intense

chemistry and passion. Later on, we got to know each other and I realised there was a great connect. Dance got me instantly attracted to her and after that, I fell in love.” Actor Nakuul Mehta met his wife

Jankee at a dance academy. She was in the senior batch and he’d watch her dance. He eventually broke the ice and started dancing with her. They participated in several dance classes together before they finally got married.

Will Ajab Debe be able to save Pratap in Maharana Pratap

Nakuul says, “Dancing helps start conversations faster with an individual you’re attracted to. When you are so passionate about dancing, you feel happy when you find someone who is an equally passionate dancer.”

Smilie joined fiance Vineet’s dance class during a break and realised that she had never found a person so dedicated to his art. She says, “I love this whole technique of ‘lead and follow’ where the boy leads and you follow. It gives you a sense of security, protection and belonging as you dance together. I loved the way he led me through each dance move and that brought me closer to him.” Reality show artist Vinod owns a dance academy and it is here that Raksha fell in love with him. She used to come to learn dancing at the academy. She was attracted to Vinod after she saw him dance inspite of being physically challenged. They ran away from home and tied the knot in 2012. Saurabh feels that dance helps you connect with your own self, leading to a realisation that you are in a great state of mind and more open to the ways of the world. Saurabh met his wife Riddhima at a dance class seven years back, where they used to learn jazz dancing. Saurabh says, “I really liked the way she moved to the music. I looked forward to seeing her everyday and one day, I got the chance to dance with her. Her rhythm and her sense of style got me interested in the first place.” They tied the knot in 2010.

Photo source: PTI

Diya Aur Baati Hum star Deepika is being treated like her alter ego

rama quotient to be doubled in Sony Entertainment Television’s Bharat Ka Veer Putra Maharana Pratap. The popular historical saga will entertain its viewers like never before with the exciting twists and turns. We have seen that the Pratap has been bitten by the snake and his condition is very critical. After repetitive efforts Pratap conditions remain crucial. Rajvaidya says that only Jaggiri maharaj’s medicine whose relations with Bijoliya are bitter can save Pratap. Ajab De who is fond of Pratap decides that no matter what she

May 2014 Edition

will visit Jaggiri maharaj’s and will get the medicine for Pratap. Ajab De promises that she will fights against all the odds to get medicine. Ajab De will be seen passing through the many difficulties and hitches to reach Jaggiri maharaj’s. Will Ajab De be able to convince Jaggiri maharaj’s? Will Ajab De succeed in getting the medicine for Pratap? To find out tune into Bharat Ka Veer Putra Maharana Pratap from Monday to Thursday at 10:00 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television.

ollowing her show’s success, TV actor Deepika Singh is actually being treated like a police officer in real life. “I now have a huge responsibility on my shoulders,” says the actor when asked if she was going to vote. Deepika became popular among her fans for portraying Sandhya on a TV show. This character has brought her a lot of love from her fans. Interestingly, she is now greeted with salutes. “Wherever I go, my fans come and salute me. It is flattering and gives me immense pride,” she says. All the saluting is happening be-

cause Deepika plays the role of a married woman who conquers all challenges to become an IPS officer. “Reel life has a great influence on real life,” she says. And this has not only influenced her fans, but even Deepika herself. “Perhaps it’s influenced my real life. Now, I feel that I have a huge responsibility on my shoulders of living up to my onscreen image and doing my part in building the nation’s life,” she says. The actor shared that after finishing a night-long shoot, the first thing she did was hitting the polling booth to cast her vote. “Like every responsible citizen, I, too, wanted to contribute to the development of our nation,” she says.

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Food & Wine

indiantimes

Paneer Capsicum pilaf Sabji Curry roasted chicken with coconut • • • • • • • •

Ingredients

12 (about 1.5kg) chicken thigh fillets 125ml (1/2 cup) curry paste, thawed Bought tzatziki, to serve Lime wedges, to serve Coconut pilaf 20g ghee or butter 1 brown onion, halved, finely chopped 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh

• • • • • •

ginger 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 long fresh green chilli, halved, deseeded, finely chopped 300g (1 1/2 cups) basmati rice 45g (1/2 cup) desiccated coconut 500ml (2 cups) chicken stock 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh coriander

Method:

Place the chicken in a glass bowl. Add the curry paste and gently rub over the chicken to coat. Cover and place in the fridge for 2 hours to develop flavours. Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Place chicken on the tray. Season with salt and pepper. Bake, turning occasionally, for 25-30 minutes or until cooked. Meanwhile, to make the coconut pilaf, melt the ghee or butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, ginger, garlic and chilli and cook, stirring, for 3 miinutes or until onion is soft. Add the rice and coconut and stir to coat in onion mixture. Add the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Remove from heat. Stir in the coriander. Spoon the pilaf among serving plates. Top with chicken and serve immediately with tzatziki and lime wedges.

Photo source: PTI

Red wine and resveratrol: Good for your heart?

ed wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart healthy. The alcohol and certain substances in red wine called antioxidants may help prevent heart disease by increasing levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) and protecting against artery damage. While the news about red wine might sound great if you enjoy a glass of red wine with your evening meal, doctors are wary of encouraging anyone to start drinking alcohol. That’s because too much alcohol can have many harmful effects on your body.

May 2014 Edition

Still, many doctors agree that something in red wine appears to help your heart. It’s possible that antioxidants, such as flavonoids or a substance called resveratrol, have heart-healthy benefits. How is red wine heart healthy? Red wine seems to have even more heart-healthy benefits than do other types of alcohol, but it’s possible that red wine isn’t any better than beer, white wine or liquor for heart health. There’s still no clear evidence that red wine is better than other forms of alcohol when it comes to possible heart-healthy benefits.

Antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols may help protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. A polyphenol called resveratrol is one substance in red wine that’s gotten attention. Resveratrol in red wine Resveratrol might be a key ingredient in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and prevents blood clots. Most research on resveratrol has been done on animals, not people. Research in mice given resveratrol suggests that

the antioxidant might also help protect them from obesity and diabetes, both of which are strong risk factors for heart disease. However, those findings were reported only in mice, not in people. In addition, to get the same dose of resveratrol used in the mice studies, a person would have to drink more than 1,000 liters of red wine every day. Research in pigs has shown that resveratrol may improve heart function and increase the body’s ability to use insulin. Again, however, these benefits have not been tested in people. Some research shows that

resveratrol could be linked to a reduced risk of inflammation and blood clotting, both of which can lead to heart disease. More research is needed before it’s known whether resveratrol was the cause for the reduced risk. However, one study showed that resveratrol may actually reduce the positive effect of exercise on the heart in older men. It’s also important to know that resveratrol’s effects only last a short time after drinking red wine, so its effects may not last in the long term. Resveratrol in grapes, supplements and other foods The resveratrol in red wine comes from the skin of grapes used to make wine. Because red wine is fermented with grape skins longer than is white wine, red wine contains more resveratrol. Simply eating grapes, or drinking grape juice, has been suggested as one way to get resveratrol without drinking alcohol. Red and purple grape juices may have some of the same heart-healthy benefits of red wine. Other foods that contain some resveratrol include peanuts, blueberries and cranberries. It’s not yet known how beneficial eating grapes or other foods might be compared with drinking red wine when it comes to promoting heart health. The amount of resveratrol in food and red wine can vary widely. Resveratrol supplements also are available. While researchers haven’t found any harm in taking resveratrol supplements, most of the resveratrol in the supplements can’t be absorbed by your body.

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travel

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Nanded Photo source: PTI

The Holy City

Nanded located on the Godawari river bank is a flourishing district in the State of Maharashtra. Nanded is a famous seat of the Sikh history. The holy city is the second most auspicious city of Sikhism after Amritsar. One of the Five Sikh Takhtas known as Hazur Sahib is located here. There are several other religious landmarks in the city. Renuka Devi Mandir is another prime attraction of the place.The ancient Nandigram village has covered a long distance, and today flooded with industries. Nanded is certainly not a place for the travelers to enjoy the sensuous dance of the stars in a moonlit sky or the freshness of snow-covered peaks. Nanded is deeply religious, and gradually evolving as a promising commercial hub of Maharashtra.

Photo source: PTI

History

Nanded is one of the historical places in Marathwada region of Maharashtra State. It is situated on the north bank of Godavari River. It is famous for Sikh Gurudwaras. Nanded is a town of great antiquity. It is said that during the Puranic days, Pandavas traveled through Nanded district. Nandas ruled over Nanded through generations. In 1708, Guru Govind Singh the tenth spiritual leader of the Sikhs came over to Nanded, his permanent abode. It was he who preached amongst the Sikhs that there need not be any spiritual leader for them and they should take Granth Sahib as their leader. A monument has been constructed at the place where he breathed his last. A Gurudwara has also been constructed there. It is known as Shri Huzur Abchalnagar Sachkhand Gurudwara.

Events / Festivals in Nanded

There are a number of festivals which are celebrated here including Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi and Guru Nanak Jayanti. But, the following festival tops the list of festivals in Nanded: Malegaon Yatra: This famous fair is celebrated near Nanded. It is the most popular among all Nanded Festivals. The festival is a grand fair which is organized every year in the honor of Lord Khandoba. The fair is famous for its huge animal market which attracts a large number of tourists from major parts of country.

Photo source: PTI

Tourist Attractions Of Nanded

Gurudwara : The Gurudwara of Nanded is the Gurudwara of Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib. Built by Maharaja Ranjit Singhji, the ruler of Punjab from 1830 to 1839 A.D. it is one of the four High seats of Authority of the Sikhs. Since Shri Guru Gobind Singhji took his last breath in this place. Mahur : -It being one of the Shaktipith of Maharashtra is famous as the important pilgrim Centre. It is located at a distance of about 2.415 km from the village of Mahur. There is a temple of Goddess Renuka Devi perched on a hillock. The Yadava king of Devgiri built the temple about eight to nine hundred years ago. Masjid Of Biloli : -The Hazrat Nawab Sarfaraz Khan Sahid Masjid was built 330 years ago. Situated in Biloli Town, the Masjid carved out out of stone, was built in honour of Sarfaraz Khan who was an officer in the army of Aurangzeb. Kandhar Fort : -The town is indebted to the Kandhar fort as its fame rests on it. The fort is situated in the heart of town. The fort was built by the Rashtrakuta King Krishna III of Malkhed. There is an old Idgah built by the muslims at some distance from the fort. The fort was carved during Nizamshahi period. The domes of the fort are carved out in Ahmednagar style.

Accommodation in Nanded

People who are planning to visit the town can easily get good accommodation facilities as there are a number of hotels in Nanded. Here in the city, you will find three types of hotels which are categorized under luxury, 3 star and budget hotels. Some of these hotels include Hotel Chandralok (3 Star), Hotel Ramakrishna International (3 Star), Hotelwale Sushmakaur Khadaksin, Hotel Raj, Hotel City Pride, Hotel Guru Inn, Hotel Ashiana Park and Hotel Anuradha Palace (Budget). These hotels ensure quality services to its travelers and provide the best accommodation in Nanded.

Photo source: PTI

Nanded Weather

Summer Season in Nanded This season starts from the month of April and lasts till May in Nanded. The city experiences very high temperatures during the summer season. Monsoon Season in Nanded This season spans from June to September and heavy rains lash during this season affecting life in the region. Most of the rainfall occurs in the monsoon season with the average annual rainfall of 725 mm. Winter Season in Nanded This season is characterized by cold and frosty weather and spans from November to February. It is considered as the best season to visit Nanded.

Photo source: PTI

How To Reach Nanded

May 2014 Edition

By Air: The nearest international airport to Nanded is the Hyderabad airport which is about 250 kms away from Nanded. Aurangabad airport is situated at a distance of 275 kms away. There are three weekly flights to Nanded from Mumbai. Nanded also has an airport which caters to the domestic flights. The Nanded airport is named as Shri Gobind Singhji Airport after the popular Guru. By Rail : Travelers can easily get direct trains from cities like Patna, Pune, Mumbai, Aurangabad, Amritsar, Srinagar to Nanded. Being the divisional Headquarter of the Southern Central Railway, it is easily accessible.Devgiri Express, Sachkhand Express, Punjab mail, Goa Express, Jehlam Express are some of the popular trains that running to and from Nanded. By Road : TMumbai is about 650 kms from Nanded. It takes about 11 hours drive from Pune and 4-5 hours from Aurangabad. There are a plenty of passenger buses running regulary to and from Nanded. There are several private deluxe buses and state travel buses plying from Nanded to all the major cities in the state.

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other’s Day is a celebration honoring mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in March or May. It complements Father’s Day, a similar celebration honoring fathers. Mother’s Day is an American invention. It is not directly descended from the many celebrations of mothers and motherhood that have occurred throughout the world over thousands of years, such as the Greek cult to Cybele, the Roman festival of Hilaria, or the Christian Mothering Sunday celebration. Despite this, in some countries Mother’s Day has become synonymous with these older traditions. Mother’s Day is celebrated on different dates in different countries. Most countries celebrate the special occasion of Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in the month of May. The particular day was declared as the official day for Mother’s Day celebrations by US President Woodrow Wilson by signing a Joint Resolution on May 8, 1914. This tradition of honoring mothers and paying them tribute on the second Sunday in the month of May spread to many countries across the globe. Various countries adopted this date to celebrate Mothers Day. At present, besides US Mothers Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May in several countries including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Turkey and India.

Significance of Mother’s Day When we speak of mothers, we are talking about an entity perhaps far greater than God itself. Mothers are the most reverend of humans who make us what we are, help us visualize things in a broader way and, above all, understand us like no one else can! It is but to thank them that we celebrate Mother’s Day. With cakes, cards, chocolates, flowers, photo-framed memories and even jewellery, we try to thank our mothers for the innumerable sacrifices they did, sleeping very little at nights, being by our bedside when we were sick, giving us their best at all times and for instilling in us the belief that we are capable of achieving whatever we want. “Thank you” seems like a very small word in front of Mothers who not just help us dream, but help us realize them step by step. Life wouldn’t be so beautiful if it

was without our angels, our mothers! For a man, or even a father, it is not possible to understand the feeling of carrying a part of your own life in your womb. Motherhood begins there and continues until the death of the mother. That is a period longer than any person’s job. However, so selfless is a mother that she asks for nothing in return. Our happiness, contentment and success are what she relishes as her rewards. Every woman in the world likes to be a mother. The feeling of giving birth is nothing less than heavenly. For to-be-mothers, the world revolves around that tiny bump which carries their hopes, aspirations and wishes for the future. Mother’s Day is a token of the entire humanity’s gratitude to all mothers because of whom we have a planet worth living.

Mother’s Day Celebration in India are slowly catching The concept of celebrating Mothers Day on the second Sunday of May is very new in India and it can be said that in a time span of less than a decade, Mothers Day has been a great success. In the presence of umpteenth number of existing festivals, it is a remarkable achievement for a foreign festival to make its presence felt in the vast and culturally diverse country like India. Globalisation, to a great extent has helped to make this Western, or mainly American festival to make its presence felt in India. Besides interaction of Indians with the West is at an all time high. A lot many people have been in US or have their relatives staying there. Internet and satellite revolution has made information about other cultures more accessible than ever. But the reason behind the success of Mothers Day in India can be attributed to the emotions which are attached to the festival. Mothers are mothers everywhere, they are as much loved and respected in India as in any other part of the world. Perhaps Indians have always felt the need of such a day which is devoted solely to mothers. Mothers Day gives them all the opportunity to celebrate such a day. Time to Reflect and Rejoice Just as in the West, Indians too take Mothers Day as a time too reflect on the importance of mothers in their life. They take it is time to think about all the pains their mother took while they were sick, the hardships she went

M-O-T

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Mother’s Day in Austra Many Australians celebra their appreciation for the mothers and mother figure Australia on the second Su What do people do? Many people appreciate th which include stepmothers ter mothers), and close fa tions have Mother’s Day pa the media and general com Mother’s Day events that a or non-profit causes.

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T-H-E-R

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up and all the sacrifices she better life. Mothers Day is the u to mother for all this and for orce in our lives. ards to their mamas on MothMothers so that she can have en. Tradition of giving gifts on pant. The whole idea of celehank mother, to make her feel be happy about mothering caruld be pampered on the day hole should be given a happy

alia ate Mother’s Day by showing achievements and efforts of es. It is annually observed in unday of May.

heir mothers or mother figures, s, relatives, guardians (eg. fosamily friends. Some organizaatrons who work together with mmunity to raise awareness on aim to raise funds for charitable

nd activities may include: s to raise money for causes earch. or botanical gardens, or other

places of interest. Breakfasts, brunches, lunches, afternoon teas or dinners at restaurants, cafes, or at home. Handmade gifts or cards being presented to mothers or mother figures. Flowers, chocolates, clothing, gift vouchers and other gifts that are given to mothers or mother figures. Mother’s Day poems being printed, broadcast, or presented to mothers and mother figures. Mother’s Day stories being publicized in magazines, newspapers, radio, television or the internet. Many families may also spend the day having a picnic in the park or the beach on Mother’s Day, if the weather allows it. Father’s Day is also celebrated in Australia on the first Sunday of September to honor fathers and father figures.

Public life Mother’s Day is not a federal holiday but it is on a Sunday, when many organizations, schools, and government offices are closed. Public transport systems run to their normal Sunday schedules and restaurants or cafes may be busier than usual as some people take their mothers out for a treat. Shops and department stores may also be busy in areas where there is Sunday trading. Background Many Australians follow the Mother’s Day traditions that stem from observances in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. The Mother’s Day date in Australia is the same as the date observed in the United States, which is the second Sunday of May each year. However, it is an Australian who is credited with having started the tradition of giving gifts on Mother’s Day: Janet Heyden, a resident of Leichhardt Sydney, started a campaign in 1924 to collect gifts for lonely aged mothers. Symbols Flowers, chocolates, and cards are popular gifts to symbolize one’s love and appreciation for their mother or mother figure. The carnation is a type of flower that is particularly symbolic of Mother’s Day for some people. Its importance as a Mother’s Day symbol is linked to Anna Jarvis, who is believed to have sent white carnations for a Mother’s Day service in West Virginia, in the United States, on May 10, 1908.

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time discovers truth

May 2014

Happy Mother’s Day

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The Xpose

HIMESH RESHAMMIYA RETURNS TO FORM WITH THE XPOSE

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Too many awards affect credibility, says Abhay

ctor-producer Abhay Deol, who graced the Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend and Awards here, says it’s good to celebrate cinema but when there are excessive number of awards, one tends to lose credibility. “I think to celebrate cinema is great but sometimes when there are too many then you tend to lose credibility and I don’t think as an artist you can attend each and every award ceremony. I think as

long as there is transparency and award function is pure in awarding an artist then it’s fine. “Sometimes a deserving person gets an award and sometimes a non-deserving person gets an award. Well, I could never attend awards and like I said there are some deserving people who get awards so here I am for IIFA,” Abhay told reporters here. The “Socha Na Tha” star, who was miffed with reports that claim

he is under huge financial crisis after the debacle of his production venture “One By Two’, says it’s a complete lie. “That was a complete lie and I was very upset they manipulated me by getting a quote from me they were like ‘Oh, you taking a loan’ and they put a story out there in a wrong way and said that I am broke and all. I was extremely disappointed ... It was a complete lie,” he said.

Picture source: lightscamerabollywood

Akshay Kumar plays a Sikh again for Singh is Bling

he first poster of Akshay Kumar-starrer Singh is Bling is out. The movie, helmed by Prabhudheva, is slated to hit theatres on July 21, 2015. The poster, with Akshay Kumar posing as a Sardar, is all bling with a golden turban, ‘blingy’ gun. The female lead of the movie

is yet to be finalised. Reports suggest that Prabhdheva approached Katrina Kaif, who, however, could not adjust her dates for this film which goes on floors this October. Grazing Goat Pictures will produce Singh is Bling. Akshay Kumar and Prabhudheva earlier teamed up for the superhit Rowdy Rathore.

Picture source: lightscamerabollywood

We didn’t expect Bewakoofiyaan to be a hit: Sonam

fter hits like Raanjhanaa and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (both 2013), actor Sonam Kapoor’s last film, Bewakoofiyaan, didn’t perform too well at the box office. The actor, however, remains unper-

May 2014 Edition

turbed with the market figures. “It was an average performer. We didn’t expect it to perform better than it did,” says the 28year-old. “It was a small budget film and was appreciated. It did do the business it was supposed

to do. Everybody made money out of it,” she adds. Sonam is confident about her upcoming films. “I will only do those films that add a new joy to my life and to my job,” says Sonam, who has recently fin-

ished shooting for the remake of Khubsoorat (1980). Meanwhile, she is keeping her fingers crossed for her brother, Harshvardhan’s, Bollywood debut with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s next.

“I’m very excited. He (Rakeysh) is a brilliant director. If there’s one man who can make him (Harshvardhan) give his maiden performance, it’s Rakeysh,” says the actor.

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Riteish Deshmukh dedicates his first National Award to dad

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May 2014 Edition

ctor-producer Riteish Deshmukh is elated about receiving his first National Award for his second production venture Yellow and he has dedicated it to his late father Vilasrao Deshmukh. Riteish’s second Marathi venture Yellow won the Special Jury and Special Mention awards at the 61st National Film Awards. He received the honour from President Pranab Mukherjee May 3 at the 61st National Film Awards ceremony here. “My first National Award. This one is for my father. He would have been proud and said with a smile, ‘Well done beta’,” tweeted the son of the late minister. The Grand Masti star made his Bollywood acting debut with Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003. It also helped him find his soul mate in his co-star Genelia D’Souza, with whom he tied the knot in 2012. Riteish turned a producer with Balak Palak in 2013.

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astrology

indiantimes Readers please note that the below predictions are given according to North Indian tradition of Hindu Vedic Astrological methods, using your Lagna as the base.

Monthly Astrology - MAY 2014 Aries – Mesha

You must excercise care and caution as your enemies could otherwise ferment troubles for you and make you a victim of slander or disrepute. Time is not propitious for romantic liaisons and extravagant tendencies if not curbed could give rise to financial problem. Your health also needs more care as you may suffer from minor ailments. You may feel irritated but you should try to diffuse your tensions which will smoothen things for you. By adopting a compromising attitude and dealing in a tactful manner you could be able to tide over domestic conflicts. Taurus – Vrushabha Your popularity will be at it’s peak and you will wield much influence and in social circles too you will turn heads and become a centre of attraction. You will form many new friendships or relationships and win admirers. Your family-life will be very peaceful and happy. Your sweetheart will be very affectionate and loving. Some of your achievements could become a source of pride. There might be some auspicious celebrations in the family. Gemini – Mithuna

You will win the appreciation of your superiors and will be favoured with a lucrative promotion. Your name and fame will be widespread and your social popularity will considerably increase. You will form new relationships and have many admirers in your friends’ circle . You may

have new acquisitions which will improve your life-style. Your family-life will be a little problematic as you may become unhappy and may remain anxious on account of your children. Cancer – Kataka You will have all round success and prosperity in all areas of life. You will gain favours from your superiors and have betterment in career; your earnings will increase and you will have gains from various other sources. A distant journey may prove to be fruitful. Your family-life will be peaceful and comfortable with all it’s members very cordially disposed to one another and remaining in the pink of their health. Time is favourable for forming new relationships, improve the existing ones and also for socializing. Your name and fame will be widespread and popularity will also increase considerably.

Leo – Simha

You should remain alert and careful as problems may appear in any or many areas of your life. Your state of health may deteriorate and you could also become emotionally disturbed. You should try to retain your cool otherwise you have difficulties in professional sphere . You may face financial problems owing to blockage of funds. This time-period is not good for gaining favours or forming new relationships. You should let the time-period pass over by lying low and by handling people and things more tactfully. Familylife will be ordinary and uneventful; if you take care and do not spoil the mood of your spouse.

Virgo – Kanya

You will have success in all your endeavours and receive favours from your superiors. You will form new relation -ships and make new deals. You may have fruitful journeys and pleasure-trips. Some of your cherished desires will be fulfilled and ambitions realised. You will be fortunate in respect of romantic liaisons. In family-life too you will have a pleasant and enjoyable time-period as your spouse will become very loving and caring. For socializing too the period will be favourable as your relations will be improved and your popularity will also increase.

Libra – Tula

You should take proper care of your health as you will be prone to suffer from minor ailments. Your enemies could ferment some trouble and try to tarnish your image. You should remain alert, avoid all temptations and overcome irritations. You must avoid all conflicts and disputes; being diplomatic and tactful you should handle the situations. The period is not propitious for gaining favours at workplace. In family-life too you should try to avoid disputes and quarrels by retaining your cool. This is not a favourable time for socializing or for forming new relationships. You should take care for avoiding the possibility of separation from your dearest.

Scorpio – Vruschika

You will have success in all your endeavours and may have gains from various

sources. You may have good gains from a new venture and also from prudent investments. Some of your ambitions will be realised and you may secure a lucrative promotion that offers liberal perquisites as well. In academic persuits also you would gain distinction. You will be fortunate in respect of romantic liaisons. Your familylife will be joyful and happy; some of your children could be a source of pride. You may have journeys in connection with your profession which will be fruitful.

Sagittarius – Dhanu

You will have a pleasant time to enjoy the luxury and comforts of life. You may have some costly acquisitions which will increase your satisfaction and raise your social status. All your efforts during the period will bear fruit and contribute to your progress. You will receive favours from your superiors and secure betterment in career. Your family-life will be joyous and comfortable with all it’s members becoming very loving and caring. There could be a happy celebration in the family. You may spend money for renovating the interiors of your house by decorations and procuring attractive furnitures while the exteriors may have a face-lift too.

Capricorn – Makara

Your popularity will reach an all-time high and you will form newrelationships. The relationships with your co-borns and neighbours will become very cordial. You may have pleasant short-trips and excursions. Your interest in art and music will increase and you may acquire an object of art or a music system. Your family-life will be joyful and happy. In professional

sphere the goings-on will be smooth and progressing. You may receive favours from a person of aristocratic background. Your earnings will increase as you may have gains from newer avenues as well. Aquarius – Kumbha

You will find improvements in all areas of life and you will have smooth progress. You will have betterment in career and your financial position will considerably improve. You will receive favours from your superiors and you will lead a joyous carefree life. You will be in good health and enjoy a good time with all your family-members who will be very loving and caring. You may have new acquisitions which will make your life more comfortable. You may have some celebrations in the family.

Pisces - Meena

You will be happy and cheerful. You will have many opportunities and will receive favours from superiors. Your career- prospect and your financial position will also be considerably improved. You will have a pleasant and enjoyable time in company of the people of opposite sex. You will socialize more and form new friendships with joyous people. Your family-life will be happy and enjoyable. You will be in good health and so will be the other members of your family. Your relationship with the people in general will improve and your popularity will increase. The period is now ripe for investing endeavours that will lead to betterment in career.

If you wish to know the difference between Eastern & Western Astrology you are invited to visit http://jyotisha.00it.com/Difference.htm

Monthly Predictions for MAY 2014 By Lakshman Abeykoon - Noble Park, VIC 3174 - Phone (03) 9548 1613 - http://jyotisha.00it.com

Why We Love To Be Conformists

e have to find a way of action that will not bring more conflict, misery, strife, and destruction. We see that whatever experts, political leaders and religious authorities assert only leads to further misery, chaos and confusion. So, the problem of action -- not only individual but

May 2014 Edition

also collective action -- is very important, and to find out how to live is much more significant than merely to follow a certain pattern of action. Now, to act, obviously there must be true individuality, but though we have separate bodies, we are actually not individuals at all. We are made

up of many layers of memory, of tradition, conflict, and patterns, both conscious and otherwise, and that is the whole structure of our being. In actuality there is no individuality at all, there is no uniqueness. After all, by individuality we mean the quality of uniqueness, of creativeness, of aloneness that is creative.

Action which does not contribute to further misery, chaos and destruction is possible only when there is true individuality, possible only when we understand this whole process of conformity and imitation. For most of us, living is merely the pursuit of a pattern that has been, or the pattern that will be. Our life is based on imitation, so we are not individuals at all… When we use the experience of another, however true, as the pattern for our action it is founded on imitation, and that action is a lie…. Why do we conform, imitate, copy, quote authorities, cling to the sanction of what has been or what will be? Why can’t we discover how to live, directly, for ourselves, instead of copying somebody? Is it not because most of us are afraid to be without security? Most of us want a certain state which we call “peace,” but which is really a state in which one does not want to be disturbed. Most of us are not adventurous, and that is why we are satisfied with imitation. It is only when we break through, when we understand the process of imitation, that there is a possibility of individual action, which is creation... When there are so many authorities, gurus and leaders

-- each asserting and denying, each giving a new pattern of action -- is it not important to find out what is action independent of the pattern? And you can find that out only when you understand the process and the significance of imitation- - not only the imitation of an external example but the imitation and the conformity brought about by the authority of your own experience. Authority comes into being when you want to be secure and the more you desire security, the less you will have it… Only when the mind is without any conformity and therefore free to discover, there is creation. … Anybody will tell how you to act, any politician, any clever system will tell you what to do, but in doing it, you will create more confusion and strife because your action is not the outcome of creation. To be free from conformity as a true individual you must know what you are at every moment; and in the understanding of what you are, there is a possibility of bringing about a society which is not based on conflict, destruction, and misery. Such an individual is a happy individual, and happiness does not demand the imitation of virtue; on the contrary, happiness creates virtue.

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Bollywood

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Picture source: lightscamerabollywood

Sai Kabir To Team Up With Kangna Again

he startling female hero of Revolver Rani(RR) has been warmly received by critics. And Kangna Ranaut is all set to do another film with the RR director Sai Kabir. Says Sai Kabir, `Yes I’m doing a film called Divine Lovers with

Kangna and Irrfan in the lead. It would be a complete contrast to Revolver Rani. It won’t be loud aggressive violent and splashy like RR. But again Divine Lovers would be about the Great Indian Dream. Divine Lovers would be set in

a e d a . I m istake m

Mumbai and Aligarh. Reveals Sai, `It’d be set in the lower middleclass and it would be also about the moral corruption of the middleclass. Also on the anvil is the sequel to Revolver Rani. `I want to build my hero Alka Singh as a fran-

I’m rea I don’lly WORRIEd what t know . to do.

chise. She’ll be my toy to tell many stories.I want her to do many things in the future including fight America and revive the Soviet Union. But before that there is a short film he’s directing this monsoon. `Again it’s about the Great Indian

Change will come when people stop voting for criminals: Aamir

Get the right information.

Do something about your situation now. Contact the Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s Community Status Resolution Service (CSRS). We will give you correct information about your options, answer your questions and connect you with other organisations for further assistance if needed.

Visit immi.gov.au/csrs or call anonymously on 1300 853 773 Authorised by the Australian Government, Capital Hill, Canberra. May 2014 Edition

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My visa has expired... Talk to Immigration’s CSRS

Dream. This obsession with the middleclass comes from the fact that I was an assistant to Saeed Mirza and Kundan Shah for nine years. I am highly influenced by them. But I feel my cinema needs to make money, so I can continue making the films that I want to.`

ollywood actor-filmmer and host of socially-relevant TV show “Satyamev Jayate”, Aamir Khan says he is “sad like every Indian” due to the state of the country’s political system, but stressed that change will only come when people stop voting for criminals contesting elections. “I wish and hope that political parties rise above this and stop giving tickets to criminals. Ultimately, the change will come when people stop voting for criminals,” Aamir said here during the NDTV Indian of the Year Awards. He does not like the way people end up voting, but he said that he does understand why they end up casting a vote for the people they do. ”What I don’t understand is that

why political parties give a ticket to criminals,” he said. The election season is currently on, and Aamir, who took up the matter of criminalisation of politics on “Satyamev Jayate 2”, said “that this election, political parties have not risen above it”. “I am sad, like every Indian,” he added. On the stage for the Public Service session, Aamir was joined by social activist Aruna Roy and S.Y. Quraishi, former the chief election commissioner. Aamir also gave away the NDTV Indian of the Year award for Public Service to two organisations Association for Democratic Reforms and PRS Legislative Research.

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Bollywood

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D Gangs Of Mumbai Director: Wilfred Lobo, Rajiv Ranjan Das, Producer: Chandrashekar Shetty Cast: Sanjay Kapoor, Aarya Babbar, Mahima Choudhary, Om Puri, Sushil Singh

Picture source: lightscamerabollywood

wo young men Avi (Sanjay Kapoor) and Shiva (Aarya Babbar) are on a mission to establish their name in the city Mumbai as dreaded Criminals (Gangsters). A series of killing done by both makes them cynosure of the police department who wants them Dead or Alive. ACP Hemant Jog (Sushil Singh) is an officer whose thinking is that Eye for an Eye is not a solution to control the criminals. Criminals Should be given a chance to REFORM, he wants to apply this thought on Avi and Shiva and gets the necessary permissions from higher authority and Release both of them. Both Avi and Shiva Leaves the city to lead a new life where there is no running, no violence, no escape. Avi’s wife Maya (Mahima Chaudhary) and his son is happy to lead a simple life. Time moves on and one day they receive the unfortunate news about the death of their protector ACP Hemant Jog. Fears crops up in their mind, what will happen now. ACP’s father excommissioner Ramakant Jog (Om Puri ) wades through the dairy of his son and comes to know about his sons thought and mission. He personally meets them and assures them that no matter whatever happenes don’t return to your past, they are overjoyed by the reassurance. Three years of exile from Mumbai is about to pass, Soutya (Jagganath Nivangune) who is desperate to average his brother Pakya’s murder by Avi and Shiva with the help of a bad cop (Vinay Apte) comes to know about their hide out. Does Avi & Shiva fall prey to Sautya’s trap? Does Sautya succeed to provoke them to return into the past? Does excommissioner dream is fulfilled to see them reformed? These are the queries which leads to the climax.

Arrest warrant issued against director, actors of Ram Leela

court in Muzaffarpur on issued arrest warrants against Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram Leela director-producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali, actors Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh in connection with a case alleging that a few scenes in the movie hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus. Warrants were also issued against another producer, Kishore Lulla, as well as the musicians and lyricists of the movie. Issuing the arrest warrants, Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) S P Singh directed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to arrest the persons concerned and produce

Your dream lifestyle is waiting for you in regional Victoria.

them at his court on June 4. These warrants were issued based on a complaint case under various sections of the IPC filed by advocate Sudhir Kumar Ojha in November last year alleging the movie hurt religious sentiments of Hindus. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had stopped the release of the movie till November 22, 2013 but it was released here on November 12 itself. The CJM took cognisance of the case on February 14 this year and summoned the actors and the director, who did not turn up following which today the warrants were issued.

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May 2014 Edition

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Bollywood

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Sunny Leone will be Laila Lele in her next

Beats and Kaante, I wanted a hattrick with PNC. Also, after penning adult comedies like Masti and Grand Masti, I wanted to write a script that has loads of laughter and sex.” Rangita Pritish Nandy, producer, adds, “We’ve had a successful run at the box office with comedies. We are now ready with a cheeky, wicked look at the mating game. Mastizaade is our tribute to Judd Apatow’s brand of massively successful cinema that has an instant connect with the youth.” Sunny agrees, saying, “Pritish, Milap and I want this to be my biggest outing. I’m happy about my character, who is racy, sexy and sharp.”

Kareena Kapoor replaces Kajal Aggarwal in Singham 2 A

ctor Kajal Agarwal , who had a fairytale start to her Bollywood career as a lead actor in Singham, which crossed the Rs. 100 crore mark, is not sad that she is not there in Singham 2. Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan has replaced her in the much-

May 2014 Edition

anticipated sequel that is scheduled to release in August this year. “I have no regrets that I am not in the sequel. The first part was beautiful and I am happy to be a part of it. I have no complains,” says the 28-year-old actor, who shares that she won’t be seen in

Bollywood films this year. “I am looking for quality work, and right now, I am finding work I like down South. I have received a lot of offers from Bollywood, but I didn’t like them. I am busy shooting for some South projects right now,” she says. Kajal further adds that she believes Bol-

lywood is also evolving. “It’s two sides of a coin. The audience will see and appreciate what you show them, and cinema and Bollywood is now coming up with some really good films. The film industry is evolving right now,” she says. The actor, who has also joined

Picture source: lightscamerabollywood

fter Ragini MMS 2 in which she played herself, Sunny Leone’s next outing will be a mad, naughty and sexy comedy titled Mastizaade. The actress will play Laila Lele in the film that will be produced by Pritish Nandy Communications. The movie is being directed by Milap Zaveri, a name associated with hits like Grand Masti, Main Tera Hero and Shootout At Wadala. Co-written by Milap and Mushtaq Shiekh (Om Shanti Om), it will go on floors this August. Shooting is expected to happen in India and overseas. Says Milap, “After writing Jhankaar

hands with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to raise awareness against c ruelty of animals, says, “I have always seen how horses in South Mumbai have been treated just to attract tourists. They are not given proper food, no one takes care of them. It’s just really sad to see”.

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Bollywood

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10b

ilmmaker Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra’s Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, which has already garnered several awards, claimed nine technical awards at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2014 being held here. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag bagged the awards for best cinematography (Binod Pradhan), best screenplay (Prasoon Joshi), best dialogue (Prasoon Joshi), best editing (P.S. Bharti), best sound design (Nakul Kamte), best sound mixing (Pranav Shukla), best background score (Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy), best costume designing (Dolly Ahluwalia) and best make-up (Vikram Gaikwad). Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra dedicated the prize to the now 84-year-old Singh, who took the stage and said: “This goes to the boys and girls of India, who deserve to win the gold.” Singh was born in what is now Pakistan and watched as his family, including both of his parents, were slaughtered in the communal bloodbath that engulfed India as it was partitioned along religious lines at independence in 1947. He discovered running while in the army and was recruited to race for India at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. The turbaned Singh took on the nickname “the Flying Sikh” after a remark by Pakistan’s then leader

Ayub Khan. Singh had been a favorite in the 400-meter final but slipped behind after a promising start, ending fourth. Still, he is considered an athletic legend in India, which rarely performs well in international competitions other than cricket. “He lost the most important race of his life, but he won in life,” director Mehra said. Farhan Akhtar, one of the hosts of the awards ceremony, won best actor for the role. Singh said that watching the movie -- which translates as “Run, Milkha, Run” -- marked one of the three times in life that he cried along with his parents’ death and his Olympic failure. Best leading actress went to Deepika Padukone, who was nominated for three films. She won for Chennai Express, an action film in which she stars opposite superstar Shah Rukh Khan who skipped the Tampa awards to concentrate on a movie shoot. The romantic musical sequel Aashiqui 2 swept all four prizes for music. Milkha Singh grabbed the limelight during the award show, as Farhan Akhtar sang Zinda from the movie and Senorita from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and later got down from the stage and hugged the Olympian. Singer Mika Singh sang some of his hit songs, and also got

Picture source: lightscamerabollywood

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag wins nine technical awards at IIFA 2014

Hrithik Roshan on stage who grooved to his Agal Bagal song from Phata Poster Nikla Hero. Sonakshi Sinha and Bipasha Basu also performed to a few dance numbers.

Rakesh Roshan’s Krrish 3 won two awards - best action (Sham Kaushal and Tony Ching Siu Tung) and best special effects-visuals (Keitan Yadav and Haresh Hingorani - Red Chillies VFX).

Rohit Shetty’s blockbuster hit Chennai Express won for best song recording (Vinod Verma for Lungi Dance) and best sound mixing (Anup Dev) along with Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.

Hindi films are very original, full of life: John Trovolta

Picture source: lightscamerabollywood

May 2014 Edition

mrican actor John Trovolta said he is a big fan of Hindi films and feels they are “very originl and full of life”. “I liked ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ which wasn’t a bollywood film but somewhat reflects India. I recently saw ‘Ram Leela’... I find Hindi films very original and full of life, they capture your attention and have universal themes, so yes I am a big fan of Hindi films,” Travolta said at the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) 2014 here. He said that Bollywood’s influence was felt more widely and that musicals in Hollywood were rare. “Anil Kapoor and Aamir Khan are among few actors I’ve interacted with. I think Bollywood actors have an amazing script sense. I’m confident that they can help develop the connection between the two industries,” he added. “I think Bollywood has no inhibitions and that reflets in their movies. It’ll be great to watch the same in Hollywood films. “The video ‘Exotic’ was beautiful. Priyanka and Pitbull were amazing and that exemplified what should be. I’ve always felt acting, song and dance should go in sync. I’ve always been more satisfied doing both. I wish people get more excited about musicals.” When asked whom would he like to work with in Bollywood, he said, “I liked the girl in ‘Ram Leela’. She is amazing. She is great... I’ve also watched ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Lagaan’ and ‘Krishh’.” Explaining the difference between award ceremonies in the West and in India, he said: “I think an award like IIFA has a lot of credibility. In the West we have several award ceremonies, and each claims to be bigger than the other. But this ceremony of Bollywood is recognised internationally. I’m happy to be a part of the grand celebration this year and hope we continue to build good connections and keep making good movies.”

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> 250 LOTS

VI C

T O RI A

VI C

T O RI A

EXCELLENCE

AWARD < 250 LOTS

VI C

T O RI A

PROJECT OF THE YEAR VI C

T O RI A

2012

AWARD

2012

EXCELLENCE

2012

AWARD

2012

LANDSCAPING

2011

HI A APARTMENT

2012

HI A APARTMENT

2010

UDI A DEVELOPMENT

2010

UDI A DEVELOPMENT

PROJECT OF THE YEAR VI C

T O RI A

2012

UDI A JUDGES’

12b

Bollywood

indiantimes

Eventograph photographs from latest B-Town Events

Rajeev Khandelwal at Samrat and Co Press Conference

Mishti at Kaanchi Music Concert

Madalsa Sharma at Samrat and Co Press Conference

Mika Singh, Tanuj Virwani and Rati Agnihotri at Purani Jeans Music Launch

May 2014 Edition

Kangana Ranaut at Revolver Rani Special Screening at Lightbox

Subhash Ghai at Kaanchi Music Concert

Sonu Nigam at Kaanchi Music Concert

Kartik Tiwari at Kaanchi Music Concert

Anurag Kashyap at Revolver Rani Special Screening at Lightbox

Izabelle Leite at Purani Jeans Music Launch

Sridevi at Bol Baby Bol Music Launch

Boney Kapoor Bol Baby Bol Music Launch

Sai Kabir Shrivastav at Revolver Rani Special Screening at Lightbox

Sona Mohapatra and Ram Sampat at Purani Jeans Music Launch

Aruna Irani and Prabhu Deva at Bol Baby Bol Music Launch

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13b

Eventograph photographs from latest B-Town Events

Amitabh Bachchan, Prem Chopra and Anil Kapoor at Prem Naam Hai Mera Biography Launch

Sharman Joshi at Prem Naam Hai Mera Biography Launch

Mohit Marwah at Fugly Trailer Launch

Akshay Kumar at Fugly Trailer Launch

Kiara Advani at Fugly Trailer Launch

Tia Bajpai at Identity Card Film Trailer Launch

May 2014 Edition

Vijender Singh at Fugly Trailer Launch

Arjun Kapoor at Launch of New Cover of Book 2 States

Rishi Kapoor at Prem Naam Hai Mera Biography Launch

Jimmy Shergill at Fugly Trailer Launch

Alia Bhatt at Launch of New Cover of Book 2 States

Sourab Shukla and Raghubir Yadav at Identity Card Film Trailer Launch

Shibani Kashyap at Identity Card Film Trailer Launch

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There’s no competition with Sonam Kapoor: Pernia Qureshi

Picture source: lightscamerabollywood

ernia Qureshi, best known for styling Sonam Kapoor in the Rajshree Ojha directed ‘Aisha’, has made a stirring transition from being a fashion designer to a Bollywood actress. She will be making her acting debut in director Muzzafar Ali’s comeback film, ‘Raqs’, which is being shot in the interiors of Uttar Pradesh. She plays a tawaif (nautch girl) while her Pakistani co-star Imran Abbas Naqvi is the nawab. Pernia calls the process of facing the camera an exciting extension of her creative personality. “I’m trained in the classical Indian dance, Kuchipudi, and I have been performing on stage since I was five years old. I’ve always had the confidence of a performer despite being occupied with behindthe-scene activities on a film set,” she reasons. And how did her best friend react to the news of her becoming an actress too? “Sonam was not surprised as she always knew about my interest in the performing arts.

You could say she saw it coming. But please, there’s no competition with her or anyone else,” Pernia laughs. She insists that she has not taken any acting tips from her fashionista BFF. “Muzzafar sir has completely taken me under his wings. He’s the best training school anybody can attend. I’m learning the finer nuances of acting from a veteran, who has given a legend like Rekha one of her best roles in Umrao Jaan,” asserts the debutante, all praise for her mentor. Elaborating on the film, she says that it is a love story set in pre-Independent India, with all the elements of a classic Bollywood film, including extravagantlypicturised songs and the inspired use of language. Does this mean that her passion for fashion will now take a backseat? “It has,” Pernia admits. “For the last two years, I’ve not got as much involved with the styling unless it is a major project. Even on my movie set, I switch off as a designer, my focus is on giving my best shot.”

Speeding slows you down. Stick to the speed limit. May 2014 Edition

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bollywood music The Xpose

Music Review :

Ice cream reminds you of the ’60s music when Shankar-Jaikishan ruled. Himesh Reshammiya, Yo Yo Honey Singh and Palak Muchhal sing it with a lot of verve but the lyrics totally kill the mood. A classic routine requires classy lyrics as well. Lyricist Shabbir Ahmed’s gets plain wonky with words which go Ice cream khaungi, Kashmir jaoongi... whatever! Mohammad Irfan has sung the melodious Dard dilo ke. Which is a song picturised on Himesh but not sung by him. What’s inexplicable is that Mohammad Irfan sounds much like Himesh. The composer could have done a much better rendition himself. Lyricist Sameer Anjaan has kept the retro mood intact (it’s supposed to be a period film). So the song is kind of enjoyable. Hai apna dil to awara from Solva Saal (1958) is an evergreen song sung by golden voiced Hemant Kumar. Himesh and Yo Yo Honey Singh offer their own take on the classic. And this is another example of the adage that classics should be left alone. It has a Blues Mix too. Experimentation is good but would’ve worked better at a gig or a concert. It’s definitely out of place in this album. Himesh Reshammiya, Mika Singh, Mohit Chauhan, Neeti Mohan, Shalmali Kholgade and Shubhangi Tiwari (phew!) sing Catch me if you can. Too many voices make a potpourri of this fast-paced song. The same is true of its remixed version too. Himesh comes into his own with Surroor. It’s his favorite word and he latches onto it with the passion of an old lover for his yesteryears’ flame. Shalmali

Kholgade gives him ample company. Its two remixed versions don’t disappoint as well. Now we come to the two best songs of the album. Sheeshe ka samundar, sung by Ankit Ti-

wari and its reprise version sung by Rekha Bhardwaj show why Himesh was the king of melody at one point and still is a force to reckon with. This is vintage Himesh and we wish he had

“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”

Mahatma Gandhi

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stuck with the same template all through the album. Himesh is a better composer than actor. Unfortunately, his obsession with being seen and not heard on the big screen means

he now only composes for films that he acts in or produces. His fans sure would like to see him take up outside projects as well, as it’s a criminal waste of his talent to do so few films.

Latest Latest TopTen Ten Top Music Music #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10

Mast Magan Locha-E-Ulfat Baby Doll Palat Offo London Thumakda Chaar Botal Vodka Party With The Bhoothnath Chaandaniyan Suno Na Sangemarmar

2 States 2 States Ragini MMS 2 Main Tera Hero 2 States Queen Ragini MMS 2 Bhoothnath Returns 2 States Youngistaan

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16b LOCAL News

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he largest peacetime operation in world history is underway, with 815 million Indian voters heading to the polls between 7 April and 12 May in a nine-phase general election. Opinion polls are overwhelmingly tipping the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to return to power after ten years in opposition. Global media coverage of the race has centered on the BJP’s candidate for prime minister, Narendra Modi, and his controversial association with Hindu nationalism. As the campaign rhetoric flies, international commentators have increasingly branded the election a verdict on the future of Indian secularism. But what impact, if any, will the BJP’s predicted return to power have on India’s relationship with Australia? While the world’s media focuses on the colour and controversy of the race, officials in Canberra will be asking more prosaic questions. One particular concern, especially taking a shorter term outlook, is whether the next Indian government can address India’s sluggish rate of economic growth and other nagging economic issues. In the economic context, Canberra will probably welcome the BJP’s strong showing in the polls. The BJP’s first stint in office saw the start of a booming trade relationship between India and Australia, with the value of two-way trade increasing from $3.3 billion in 2000 to $17.4 billion in 2012. India’s high

energy demands, driven by the expansion of manufacturing, meant that bilateral trade also progressed on very favorable terms of trade for Australia. While much of this Indian economic expansion came as a result of an extensive economic reform process that began in 1991 under a Congress-led government (and engineered to a large degree by the future Congress prime minister Manmohan Singh) the BJP is currently seen as the more reformminded of the two parties. The need for further liberalising reforms to the Indian economy has been at the centre of international reporting on India’s economy in the last two years, as the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) has struggled to keep India’s economic rise on track. The UPA has been criticised repeatedly during the campaign for having falles back on socialist-style measures such as subsidies and handouts to cope with rising prices. Food prices, in particular, have been a significant issue for Indian voters, and, along with slow employment growth, are responsible for much of the swing toward the BJP. Officials in Canberra and Washington alike will be hoping that in the event of a change of government, the economic reform process will gain some much needed political momentum. The Obama Administration, for example, has indicated that whoever wins the election this year must

be proactive on the economic front to restore India’s attractiveness as a site for international investment. Nisha Biswal, the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, recently highlighted excessive regulations, the slowing of India’s economic growth and ongoing infrastructure problems as a deterrent to investors . This maintains Washington’s line on the need for India to cut back on investment regulations, reduce trade protection, and improve transparency. Notwithstanding the fact that there has been a growing amount of Australian investment in India of late (a major deal was signed just last month between the Aditya Burla Group and Australian investment fund Hastings) Canberra’s sentiments are most likely in line with Washington’s: hoping for less regulation and more transparency. The slow rate of Indian economic growth is also vexing issue for Canberra, since this reduces demand for Australian exports. India’s annual growth has fallen by half in the last two years and is predicted hit a decade low of 4.9% in 2013-14. While international agencies are playing up India’s chances of improved growth, most analysts agree that a return to 9% or more is unlikely, with around 6% a more realistic goal in the near term. Inflation has been a significant problem, hovering between 9% and 11%. This is despite the economic slowdown, which should have seen inflation fall as well. Canberra will he hoping that whoever gets into power

Photo source: PTI

Australia and the Indian elections: Economic considerations

can bring inflation under control and restore Indian growth, a complex task that may require the Indian government to do some deft politicking with India’s powerful states and make some difficult trade offs between its economic objectives. Australia will also be watching for signs that whoever forms the next Indian government makes a firm commitment to infrastructure development, both as a spur to demand for Australian exports and in terms of potentially lucrative contracts for Australian firms. Two years ago, the Indian government estimated that India’s infrastructure required around US$1 trillion of investment to keep India competitive. International observers will be looking at the pace of infrastructure investment, and the

soundness of Modi’s infrastructure planning, as a guide to India’s prospects for improving growth over a longer term. Finally, officials in Canberra may be casting a thought towards the negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement with India, which began three years ago and will not doubt take some years yet to conclude. Here, the BJP might not be so favourable. While high profile members of the party have endorsed the idea of exposing sectors like agriculture to more market forces, and even international investment, the BJP has historically been a vocal opponent of free tract pacts. Political issues, as always, add further uncertainty to India’s economic trajectory.

Indian tourists inflow to Australia rose by 13 per cent

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Office-bearers of the Executive Committee (For one year on a rotational basis) President: Raj Dudeja Vice-President: Dinesh Malhotra

Secretary: Srinath Nadador Treasurer: Tonee Sethi

Member: Paul McLane Member: Taswinder Singh Member: Bharat Shah

All correspondence to be addressed to: The Secretary, IMOAA - contact@imoaa.com.au PO BOX 1009 | Blackburn North | VIC 3130

May 2014 Edition

ndian tourists inflow to Australia has increased by over 13 per cent for the first two months of 2014 as compared to the same period last year. The total number of tourists this year for the period stood at 27,800, an increase of 13.9 per cent from previous year, according to the data released by the Tourism Australia. There were 16,200 visitors from India during February in Australia this year alone. However, the figures when compared with Chinese tourists visiting the country, are extremely low. Chinese tourists inflow was recorded at 103,100 during February this year bringing the total for the first two months to 198,500. There were 168,800 visitors from India for 2013, an increase of nine per cent over last year. According to the data, visitors from India

generated USD 0.8 billion expenditure in 2012 for the Australian economy. In a bid to maximise the potential of huge Indian foreign tourism industry, Tourism Australia had released India 2020 strategic plan in 2012, which identified India with the second fastest rate of growth. It estimated that India has the potential to grow and could touch between USD 1.9 billion and USD 2.3 billion in total expenditure by 2020. The target Indian customers contributing to tourism growth include .. It estimated that India has the potential to grow and could touch between USD 1.9 billion and USD 2.3 billion in total expenditure by 2020. The target Indian customers contributing to tourism growth include affluent, mid-life travellers who are self- employed or entrepreneurs, highly qualified professionals and senior executives at multinational companies.

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17b

Landmark Melbourne Tower Will Begin Construction Soon

MEDIA RELEASE

fter a successful presales campaign, leading Melbourne developer Central Equity’s major 2014 project MelbourneONE, will commence construction soon. Featuring a bold architectural design rising 47 levels above Lonsdale Street, MelbourneONE exemplifies the best of city living. The modern glass apartment tower is respectfully and stylishly integrated with an existing heritage façade at street level. Behind this historic façade residents will find a grand entry lobby and waiting area and a variety of commercial and retail outlets. MelbourneONE combines one of the city’s best locations with some of its best apartment designs. The building is walking distance from Southern Cross Station, the city’s prestigious legal precinct and major businesses, parks and gardens, major universities and the best the city has to offer. Spacious living areas with doubleglazed floor-to-ceiling windows open to a balcony or terrace and provide abundant light and air, as well as cityscape vistas. Exclusive resident facilities include an indoor heated pool, gymnasium and 24-hour concierge services. With construction due to start an excellent opportunity is available to become a part of this landmark project. A great variety of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, skyhomes and penthouses are available with prices ranging from $399,000 to $2.6 million. To maximize stamp duty savings

when buying off the plan in Victoria purchasers should seek to buy before construction commences as savings decrease in increments as construction progresses. Interested parties should not worry; there is still time to save up to $47,000 in government Stamp Duty payments. You can secure your choice of apartment by visiting the new temporary display located a short walk from the MelbourneONE site. Inspect floor plans, an architectural model and apartment finishes and speak to a friendly Central Equity consultant. Central Equity has been a major developer in the Melbourne property industry for over 25 years and has developed in excess of 10,500 apartments. Widely regarded as the pioneer of inner city living in Melbourne, the company recently received the Housing Industry Association’s “Victorian Apartment Project of the Year Award” in both 2011 and 2012. MelbourneONE is the culmination of 25 years experience delivering quality residential properties in Melbourne. The company can also provide the full range of property services including property management, leasing and owners corporation management. The brand new MelbourneONE Apartments display is open at 601 Little Lonsdale Street.  Open every day - Mon to Sat, 10am 5pm. Sun 12pm - 5pm.

Call 1800 445 520 or visit www.melbourneone.com.au for more info.

Ranbir, Deepika break into an impromptu jig at an event

Picture source: lightscamerabollywood

May 2014 Edition

hey are Bollywood’s once popular lovebirds, but Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor neither seemed nervous nor uncomfortable in each other’s presence and proximity at an event here Tuesday. In fact, the two ended up doing an impromptu jig! Ranbir was asked to fulfill a popular request -- to dance on one of his numbers impromptu. Before the request came his way, he was on stage with Aamir Khan, Kangana Ranaut, Soundarya R. Ashwin and Deepika, but as the song played on, Deepika was left alone on stage, while Ranbir vanished only to drag journalist Prannoy Roy. Of course, Roy ran back to take his seat, but Deepika and Ranbir’s chemistry worked up to create a picture-perfect moment as they she tried to give him cues of their signature steps. They smiled, laughed, danced and seemed to have a jolly good time. They even pulled off some signature steps from the chartbuster, and Deepika seemed to know them better than Ranbir. The duo’s off-screen chemistry got a new direction when they played on screen lovers for the first time in Bachna Ae Haseeno, but eventually the two parted ways after a much-publicised affair. However, ever since their breakup, they have maintained that they are still good friends. And from what it seemed at the event Tuesday, they mean it. They last featured on the big screen in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and will soon share the frame in a new project.

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Female Saif, Reteish and Ram Kapoor to romance their male look alikes through multiple look tests, taking an inordinate interest in their clothes, wigs, make-up and accessories. Saif and Riteish’s costumes were readymade, Ram’s was tailored to his measurements. They even prepped for the sequence with hair removal cream. Riteish who has played a woman before, was the experienced one. Ram and Saif were blissfully unaware of what was expected of them. “Saif and Ritesh’s wives, Kareena and Genelia, were present on the first day of shoot and almost fell over laughing. It was amusing to watch Kareena adjust Saif’s skirt and Genelia pat a curl into place,” laughs Sajid. The three-and-a-half minute song was shot over eight days at a hotel and beach in Mauritius. “Normally it takes no more than four days but in this case the boys had to transform into girls and then back every time the shot changed and that made it exhausting for all of us. By the end of the week, Saif was completely confused. He’ll admit that Humshakals is his most difficult film as an actor,” says Sajid. He’d promised his actors he’d direct in drag too but then backed out with the the lame excuse that he couldn’t find a costume his size.

Picture source: lightscamerabollywood

uring his stint as the anchor of ‘Ikke Pe Ikka’, one of the longest running countdown shows on TV, Sajid Khan dressed as his female alter-ego Sajida once a month and had the audience in splits. The director is now pulling the drag trick in his fifth film, ‘Humshakals’. But this time it is his three lead actors—Saif Ali Khan, Riteish Deshmukh and Ram Kapoor— who are dressed as women and have their male lookalikes romance them in a song. “For me, the two most memorable performances in Hollywood films was Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie and Robin Williams in Mrs Doubtfire. Back home, it was Kamal Haasan in Chachi 420 with the actor becoming a woman to save the day,” Sajid says, admitting that the crossdressing act is an essential part of his screenplay. ”Such sequences are good, clean fun not only for the actors but also for those watching them,” he explains. “Humshakals is my biggest and hopefully my best comedy. I want to give the audience a laugh-a-minute not only over this picture but the big picture too,” he says. All three actors shared his excitement and happily went

Picture source: lightscamerabollywood

Taapsee Pannu trains for Krav Maga with Akshay Kumar

aapsee Pannu and Akshay Kumar are all set to play undercover agents in Neeraj Pandey’s next, which is an action-thriller. Now we have got to know that Tapsee

May 2014 Edition

is getting trained in Krav Maga, an Israeli martial arts form, since the last few weeks. “Since they are playing secret agents, there will be a lot of physical combat. So Neeraj thought that

Taapsee should undergo an intense training regimen. That’s when Akshay arranged for a Krav Maga expert to train her,” says an insider. For those who may not be aware, Krav Maga

was originally developed for the military in Israel. It consists of a wide combination of techniques sourced from boxing, savate, Muay Thai, wing chun, judo, jiujitsu, wrestling and grappling,

along with realistic fight training. Since Akshay is trained in martial arts (he has seventhdegree black belt), Neeraj and Taapsee were confident that he would get the best trainer for her. “Akshay is keeping a close eye on her training regimen. Plus, he has also been talking to the trainer from time to time to stay updated with her progress. He wants all the action sequences with her to look real,” adds the insider. While Akshay couldn’t be reached for a comment, Taapsee refused to reveal any details. She says, “I am not allowed to talk about the film, my role or what preparations I am undergoing for it.” By now, most are aware that Akshay Kumar is set to star in Prabhudheva’s next, which has an unusual title. Not many know, though, that Karan Johar unwittingly came up with it. On Karan’s chat show, Akshay wore a blingy jacket. On seeing this, the film-maker said, “Oh, today the Singh is bling (a pun on Akshay’s 2008 hit, Singh Is Kinng).” An insider says, “That line stayed with the actor. The next day, he decided to get the title registered, and he has now pulled it out for his next film, which fits the title perfectly,” says an insider. Neither Akshay nor Karan could be reached for comment.

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19b

Too many cooks spoiling the broth for MI

day after the loss to the Delhi Daredevils on Sunday, Anil Kumble was engaged in a conversation with Ricky Ponting in the coffee lounge of the hotel where the Mumbai Indians are lodged. A little later, Ricky Ponting took captain Rohit Sharma aside for a pep talk even as MI members started to troop in to leave for practice. One wonders if MI are lucky to have an enviable line-up of support staff, but the four straight defeats this season raise questions on their actual contribution. The players get dwarfed in the presence of a line-up that boasts of Sachin Tendulkar, Ponting, Kumble, John Wright and Jonty Rhodes. Add Robin Singh and Paras Mhambrey, and that’s one awe-inspiring list for the youngsters in the team. Anwar, a security guard at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, said he was not interested in the team practice, rather it was the support staff that interested him. Unmatchable Put together the 85,000 international runs and 1238 wickets, and not one team in the IPL can match their credentials. Yet, a debate rages if a star-studded support staff can whip up a winning formula. No doubt the players gush

over the time spent with the legends, who help in spotting chinks and fine-tuning them, but pitted against the unsung bunch at the Kings XI Punjab --- Sanjay Bangar (head coach), R Sridhar (fielding coach) and Joe Dawes (bowling coach), their five straight wins tell another tale. “It could be a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth. No doubt, their credentials are phenomenal but coaching goes beyond that. It is a skill that is acquired through understanding individuals, their game and thinking. It requires a focused approach rather than temporary presence,” said Lalchand Rajput, a former MI coach. “Also, these players set a high benchmark when they speak to the boys. They expect them to raise their game to the level they achieved, but the problem is that a particular player may not be skilled enough to meet their expectations. So, the advice loses its purpose. This is where a longterm coach becomes important, in terms of realistic expectations,” he said. Defending the move to have specialised support staff, another former coach, Praveen Amre, felt it is enough if they are engaged at the start of the season. “It is good to have a big support staff because the squad size is big unlike

a Ranji or India squad, so it helps if you can compartmentalise the training under different heads. “But it only helps at the start of the season where you can focus on a particular group,” said Amre. Experience pays Kings XI skipper George Bailey, who has no superstars in the

backroom staff, said, “We have a legend in Virender Sehwag, so we can learn from him. The guys (support staff) may not have been star players, but they understand hard work and the battles players go through to have good games. “There isn’t a great deal of difference between the cricket

Mumbai and we play, it’s the little things that go a certain way in getting the confidence up. Our coaching staff hasn’t made us step too far ahead of ourselves. Our focus hasn’t been on the results but it’s about how we want to play and what sort of team we want to build,” said Bailey.

erable expectation on his shoulders. A lot will depend on how well he copes with the pressure and with his shrugs off an out-of-character indifferent spell towards the end of the Spanish season. At Barcelona he was a carefree youngster who came through the youth ranks earning plenty of praise but it never went to his head. He enjoyed playing foot-

ball, that was his outlet to express himself and his confidence on the pitch was in marked contrast to his generally shy personality. Whether there were millions watching around the world, it didn’t seem to matter to him as he was self-absorbed in outwitting the opposition with his trickery. Now in his mid-twenties and a father to an infant son, he carries the responsibility of being the talisman for Barcelona and he is at a club where the fans worship him for what he has already delivered. It is different story for the Albiceleste. During a fruitful qualifying campaign, when he netted 10 goals, Argentines warmed to him but still Messi has to measure up to Maradona. The former Argentina captain and coach is an idol in his native country as many identify with him, the boy who emerged from the slums and restored national pride, notably with the two goals that knocked out England in the quarterfinals in Mexico in 1986. Messi will never have that connection with the fans, having been brought up in Spain after clubs back home allowed him to slip through their fingers. It was the Catalan side that put their faith in him as a 13-yearold and paid for him to have the growth hormone treatment that he needed to realise his full potential. Coach Alejandro Sabella has built his side around Messi to a

far greater extent than his predecessors and now at the peak of his career this could well be his best chance to emulate Maradona and bring the World Cup home. An attack-minded Argentina generally play with Messi alongside close friend Sergio Aguero in attack and Barca team mate Javier Mascherano controlling play in the middle. “The team is looking good and we are getting on well together but in a World Cup anything can happen, it is very difficult,” Messi said in the bulld-up to the finals. “The games at the World Cup are totally different. First of all the atmosphere is not like anything else. While the Champions League is great, the World Cup is special.” Messi is hoping to be 100 percent fit in Brazil having had a difficult 2013 due to a series of hamstring injuries. He spent a couple of months on the sidelines before returning in January and this could work in Argentina’s favour as he may arrive fresher than other players. “Apart from the obvious down side, it was good for me physically to have a two month break,” Messi said. “I was very relaxed working at the Argentine FA facilities. Then after that I went home to Rosario and worked hard there as well, so everything was good. “To be home with friends and family, just to be there after so much time, is good for me.”

Messi seeks ultimate prize with World Cup win

fter a spectacular haul of trophies with Barcelona, Lionel Messi has a chance to lead Argentina to glory on the World Cup stage and build on his reputation as one of the all-time greats. The four-times World Player of the Year has won a glittering array of club silverware and has established himself as one of the finest footballers to grace the

May 2014 Edition

game, but some believe he must win the World Cup before he can be hailed as a true great. Many others believe, at the age of 26 - he turns 27 during the tournament on June 24 - he already has. Messi is inevitably compared with Diego Maradona, who inspired the nation to victory at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, and will travel to Brazil with consid-

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Photo source: PTI

Ayrton Senna: A man who really cared

yrton Senna da Silva: is his legacy to be recalled in statistics or memories? Numbers on a page or emotions stirred? Sporting supremacy -- or rare humanity? The stories of his on-track talent, the utter determination and all-consuming passion are well chronicled. Indeed, 161 Grands Prix, 64 pole positions and 87 front row starts reflect all

that. To cap it all off 42 Grands Prix victories and three world titles - in 1988, 1990 and 1991. His fierce rivalry with McLarenHonda team-mate Alain Prost, concern for drivers’ safety and the humility that was so visible with children and ordinary motor racing fans confirm the passion and personality of a man whose death 20 years ago, in 1994, will be remembered again, and so

vividly, on May 1. That afternoon, at Imola, capped a tragic, black weekend at the San Marino Grand Prix, where he started his final race from pole position. Saturday’s qualifying had brought the brutal death of Austrian Roland Ratzenberger, a shock that sent a shudder of apprehension and misery through an overcrowded paddock. Friday had seen Senna rush to the bedside of his protege Rubens Barrichello, then only 21 and in his second season of Formula One, after he had survived a massive airborne crash during afternoon practice. It was the first huge shock. And Sunday delivered more. But in this anniversary year, as Honda prepare their comeback, it is Senna the man that many, including this correspondent, will remember: the smiles, jokes and kindnesses that were a part of his unique charisma along with the intensity and single-minded passion. Memory can play tricks on us, but not when so many remember the same things at the same place. In a rush at the Hungaroring in 1987, he stopped to answer a question with a serious frown. In Lotus overalls, he smiled and then ran on to catch lost time. Later that year, at Monza,

he shuffled shyly in slanting late-summer sunshine as he stood with Prost at a McLaren announcement to confirm the formation of a dream team Prost and Senna, McLaren and Honda. In Paris, where the sport’s ruling body celebrated 500 Grands Prix, he agreed to sign, for my son, a menu printed for the occasion. ‘Joshua? How do you spell that?’ he asked after mistaking the name for George, more common in English at the time. He duly signed and remembered. And then after another championship season was over, passions spent, in Adelaide. Inside the David Jones department store, descending by floors, I walked into a scene to behold - Senna, who had been at the centre of a stormy season, contemplating a pile of stacked trunks in the luggage area. “Hey, you again!’ he grinned. “I don’t always agree with you. But I respect what you write and your opinion, your view.” A warm handshake and even warmer smile followed. “So, how is J-os-h-u-a?” The memory endorsed the warmth of this man’s heart. “What are you doing? What do you want all these trunks for?’ he was asked. To answer, he produced a piece of paper on which was a

list of names and shoe sizes. It was a very long list, including the identity of at least 75 people who worked for him, in his organisation to help the poor and underprivileged people of Sao Paulo. “I need these big cases,’ he explained. “To pack the shoes for my people, I come here myself and choose the shoes. They are put in them and then we send them back to Brazil. Everyone has a pair chosen by me.” He smiled again. Not at his own satisfaction, but at the prospect of delighting a compatriot on the other side of the world. It was a simple story of Senna’s way of living, an insight into the man and a memory that has helped construct a lasting legacy of his individuality. He cared. And that is why at other times and other places, he was seen to boil with rage, pour forth with profanities, take risks that others could not understand or drive with such sublime sensitivity and speed that he appeared untouchable and unequalled. Consumed by passion in racing, he embodied that spirit which the greatest champions have always articulated for motor sport. Consumed by compassion, in other parts of his life, he is still remembered by some of us for that most important quality. Senna cared.

hree-time Olympian and 1975 World Cup-winning player Ashok Kumar urged the Hockey India (HI) to develop a strong bench strength to revive the glory days of hockey in the country. Ashok Kumar, son of legendary Major Dhyanchand, was in the city to distribute the prizes of the 1st All India Gold Cup Hockey tournament which concluded at the VHA ground. “We must have at least 60 quality players with us all the time. To meet the heavy demand of the international hockey schedule, the HI should concentrate on forming an equally good second and third string teams to replace the seniors in case of injuries. Having a big pool of talented youngsters is the need of the hour,” said Ashok Kumar, who has played three World Cups (1971, 1973, 1975) and two Olympics at Munich and Montreal in the golden era of Indian hockey. Talking to the media, Kumar said the professional leagues like Hockey India League (HIL) is good for the game and will change the scenario of the game in the country in few years’ time. “I am happy with HIL but I have seen several players giving more importance to HIL rather than donning the national colours. Playing for India should be the ultimate target for any budding player. On the contrary, I have seen the youngsters putting more efforts for the preparations of the HIL because he has to justify his contract amount,” said Kumar, who was the recipient of Arjuna Award in 1974 and is presently working as the director of Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy, Bhopal.

May 2014 Edition

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Hockey India should develop strong bench strength: Ashok Kumar T

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AYURVEDIC PROSTRATE CARE ...

WHAT IS PROSTRATE: FACTS ABOUT “BPH” Dr. C.R.S. Kumar he prostate is a walnut sized gland that is present in men just below the bladder and top of the penis. This gland surrounds the urethra (the tube through which urine flows from the bladder and out through the penis. Enlargement of this gland is called as Benign prostatic hyperplasia or (Hypertophy), which is common in elderly men. It is a very astonishing fact to know that the condition BPH has been explained in Ayurvedic Medicine long back. Acharya Susrutha explained in detail about the anatomical position of the prostate gland, symptoms of BPH and its remedies. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common ailment affecting one third of men over fifty, half of all men over sixty and ninety percent of all men over the age of eighty five. As the contemporary medical system has no significant treatment for this condition, moreover, the incidence of BPH is increasing and so is awareness of the value of CAM (complementary and alternative medical systems such as Ayurveda, naturopathy and yoga etc) disciplines in its management is equally increasing. According to Ayurveda this con-

dition is consider as “Gulma”. The enlargement of prostate gland will cause pressure symptoms on the urinary tract, which will we be consider as obstruction to “mutrvah srotas” (Channels which is carrying urine) and leading to significant symptoms related to urinary tract. AYURVEDIC TYPES: SIGNS & SYMPTOMS Although BPH can occur in men of all prakruti (Constitution: Vata, Pitta and Kapha) types, Kapha individuals have a special tendency to develop benign swellings. Perhaps this is why the number of men over fifty with BPH is exactly one third of the number of men in that age group, potentially corresponding to the kapha segment of that population. A kapha provoked man over fifty is likely to complain of abdominal obesity, hypertension, sluggishness, low grade depression, nocturnal urination and low libido. Usually, medical tests may also show elevated blood sugar, raised cholesterol and hypothyroid as well as an enlarged prostate. Ultimately, BPH must be seen in the context of generalized kapha syndrome. Symptoms that specifically indicate enlargement

of the prostate include nocturnal urination, sensation of incomplete emptying, frequency of urination, slow or interrupted stream, dribbling, and straining to pass urine. Although the benign swelling is a predominantly kapha condition, there is a secondary pitta effect of inflammation and irritation of the bladder, giving rise to symptoms such as urgency of urination.

Benefits of almond oil

Due to incomplete emptying of the bladder, additional symptoms of bladder infection may arise, including burning sensations and a greater increase in frequency. People with vata predominance will mainly shows symptoms mainly predominant in Vata such as, intermittent urination, often associated with pain, frothy urine and foul smelling urination.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT Ayurvedic management of BPH includes herbal therapies as well as dietary changes, yoga and specific prostate care practices. All men over fifty can benefit from the yoga and prostate care practices on a preventative basis. Supportive herbs can also be used on a preventative basis

AYURVEDA Melbourne CBD, Surrey Hills & Canberra

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Live life...Naturally

enefits of almond are not lost on us. A nut that we all have grown up chewing on, has many properties that benefit the overall body. We list a few... Works as an anti-ageing oil: Almond oil, when applied regularly, delays the signs of ageing. It tightens the skin and closes pores that delays the appearance of wrinkles. Removes scars: Regular almond oil application on any scar makes it lighter over time. The older the scar, the more time it

May 2014 Edition

takes to remove it. But religious application lightens it. Hair growth: The oil is extremely good ! for hair. Not only does it soften and adds shine to the hair, regular massage makes the growth faster. Drink it: If you want all the benefits of the oil, it’s best to drink one teaspoon of sweet almond oil every morning. One teaspoon provides a plethora of benefits including boosting digestion and strengthening the nervous system.

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Dr. Kumar CRS BAMS (Gold Medallist), MPH(Deakin), MHP(Deakin). Principal Ayurvedic Physician and Panchakarma Specialist Jeeva Health

Other Services:

Homeopathy Consultations Remedial Massage

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Ph: 03 9939 9474, 0402 282 745 Email: info@jeevahealth.com.au www.jeevahealth.com.au www.indian-times.com.au

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Hypnosis to overcome smoking addiction

he broken-hearted and hardcore smokers on trying hypnosis to overcome addiction Dr Reema Shah doesn’t exactly arrive at her Khar and Dadar clinics spinning a pocket watch, ready to nudge patients into a zombie state. She busts quite a few myths surrounding hypnotherapy, even while helping Mumbaikars wrangle out of the grip of addictions that range from smoking to drug abuse.

“Hypnotherapy is essentially a therapeutic tool,” she explains. “It works on the principle of reprogramming the mind to accept healthy, positive suggestions and weed out negative messages.” The practice that dates back to ancient Greece and Egypt, and gets its name from the Greek term (hypnos) for `sleep’ is said to alter a person’s mental state, heightening his level of focus and awareness. Through it, we

are able to access deeper layers of our memory bank or what we call the subconscious. “Every action is impacted by stored subconscious experiences, and conscious perceptions. At most times, we aren’t aware of subconscious associations,” explains consultant hypnotherapist at Masina Hospital, Kirti Bakshi. “For instance, smoking is associated with pleasure or stressrelief. Through hypnotherapy,

we help smokers figure the root cause of stress.” Unlearn the negatives To access the sub-conscious mind, the hypnotherapist helps your conscious mind relax. In this deeply relaxed state, a communication channel is opened with the subconscious mind. It’s here that positive messages are programmed into the patient’s mind using verbal affirmations and suggestions. “These new messages form the foundation of new behavioural patterns,” explains Shah. Fresh neural pathways are created in the brain, and these are then strengthened by post-hypnotherapy structures (eg. posthypnotic recordings which the patient can hear during leisure). “To put it simply, hypnotherapy helps in unlearning addictive patterns and re-learn healthy alternative behaviours.” An addiction is born out of dependency. By examining the genesis of this dependency and helping the patient understand it, the therapist works at restructuring aspects of his life that revolve around the addiction, offering healthy, sustainable alternatives. 3-pronged approach A few years ago, Shah worked with a 24-year-old smoker who held a high-pressure job. He had smoked his first cigarette at 16 on a whim. “At 24, when he came to me, he

had experienced his first health scare. He was finding it tough to breathe. So, his motivation to quit was quite high. The motivation always has to come from within, otherwise hypnotherapy doesn’t work,” shares Shah, who opted for a three-pronged approach. The first, involved hypnotherapy to unlearn the smoking behaviour. The second was based on cognitive behaviour therapy to identify, address and change peripheral behaviours that were encouraging the addiction. The third step involved sticking to post-hypnosis structures to support himself after therapy concluded. “Therapy analysis,” says Shah, made him realise he used smoking as a time-filler and a way of bonding with peers and friends. “In therapy, we worked on his social skills and motivated him to take up exercising connecting with friends over the phone to fill out empty hours.” Bakshi, who has handled several cases of drug addiction, says, smoking is usually the first link, and could easily lead to drug abuse. “When compared to alcohol addiction, smoking is slightly easier to give up. But because of its social acceptability, motivation levels to stay off need to be high. Alcohol and drugs, on the other hand, are seen as potentially damaging, so the addiction is taken more seriously,” she says.

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Pelvic Exercises May Help His Sex Life

elvic exercises can benefit men with chronic premature ejaculation, according to a new study. Premature ejaculation -- defined as occurring within one minute -affects many men at some point in their lives. Although different

May 2014 Edition

treatments exist, some men don’t respond to any of them. This study included 40 men, aged 19 to 46, with lifelong premature ejaculation who had tried different treatments -- including creams, antidepressants and behavioral therapy -- without suc-

cess. They were trained to exercise their pelvic floor muscles and did this for 12 weeks. At the start of the study, the men’s average time to ejaculation was about 32 seconds. That improved to almost 2.5 minutes -- a more than fourfold increase -- by

the end of the three-month pelvic exercise program. Only five men in the study had no significant improvement, according to the findings that were to be presented Sunday at the European Congress of Urology in Stockholm.

“This is a small study, so the effects need to be verified in a bigger trial. Nevertheless, the results are very positive,” study leader Dr. Antonio Pastore, of Sapienza University of Rome, said in a news release from the European Association of Urology. “The rehabilitation exercises are easy to perform, with no reported adverse effects.” Pelvic floor exercises are often used to help treat incontinence in men, especially after prostate cancer surgery. The exercises had previously been tested in men with temporary premature ejaculation, but not in those who’ve had the problem for a long time, the researchers said. “We also found that the fact that the men were able to improve their sex lives through their own efforts helped their self-confidence,” Pastore said. Advantages of pelvic floor exercises over other treatments include lack of side effects and cost savings, he said. Carlo Bettocchi, a professor and a spokesman for the association, agreed. “Premature ejaculation is a real problem for many men, and any way which we can find to help this condition is welcome,” he said. “This method is particularly welcome because it is the sufferers themselves who overcome the problem through their own efforts -- which will have additional psychological benefits,” he said in the news release.

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Are you vitamin D deficient?

lack of vitamin D does not just affect your bones, but poses more serious problems when neglected. The human body can make its own vitamin D when exposed to sunlight unlike other vitamins. This vitamin is essential for overall good health and strong bones and also plays an important role in the functioning of your muscles, brain, lungs and heart and ensures that your body fights infection. Which is why the results of a recent study are particularly alarming for health experts. The study revealed that a whopping 69 per cent of Indians suffer from vitamin D deficiency, while a further 15 per cent were found to be vitamin D insufficient. Healthcare professionals blame fast-paced, stressed-out lifestyles. With long working hours and little or no time for outdoor activities, more and more people are suffering from vitamin D deficiency. While staying in the sun for long hours is not recommended especially without the use of sunscreen, many people are taking the advice far too seriously. In an attempt to avoid sun exposure, they completely deprive their body of sunlight — which is so essential for the human body to make vitamin D. Dr Parul R Sheth, a health consultant specializing in reproductive biology, says, “The most accurate way to determine this deficiency is through a blood test — measuring the 25-hydroxy vitamin

D levels. Blood tests for calcium and phosphate levels and liver function may also show changes linked to a low level of vitamin D,” she says. “When your body has ample vitamin D levels, it helps reduce bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol. It also helps in the essential repair and maintenance activities of the body,” says Dr BR Das, an expert in molecular pathology and clinical research. WHO’S AT RISK? Pregnant and breastfeeding women are more at risk of vitamin D deficiency, which is also prevalent in children between the ages of six months and five years, elderly people and those who aren’t exposed to adequate sunlight. Men between the ages of 30 and 60, adolescent girls and women between the ages of 15 and 30 are also likely to develop vitamin D deficiency. CAUSES HEALTH PROBLEMS “It can make your bones weak, and make you susceptible to fractures. It also causes osteomalacia, resulting in muscle weakness, and contributes to osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Typical problems include bowed legs, rickets and deformed spine. Recent research suggests that vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for heart disease, too. KEEP DEFICIENCY AT BAY It isn’t difficult to avoid this deficiency, though. Your body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to the ultraviolet rays of

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the sun. Fifteen minutes of daily sun exposure (without sunscreen) in the morning is recommended. This will help your body make vitamin D. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, fish oils, egg yolks, fortified milk and other fortified foods such as cereals etc. are also good sources of vitamin D,” says Dr Sheth. WATCH OUT IF YOU HAVE THESE SIGNS Most of the natural sources of vitamin D are animal-based, including fish and fish oils, egg yolks, cheese, milk and liver. If

your diet does not include these items, you are prone to vitamin D deficiency. After a hectic day at work, most people prefer spending time indoors, thus reducing their exposure to sunlight. The body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. When your kidneys are unable to convert vitamin D to its active form,the risk of deficiency also increases. This holds true for older people as their kidneys’ ability to convert the vitamin to its active form reduces with age. Age is not always the reason. If your digestive tract has problems

like Crohn’s Disease and cystic fibrosis, it can affect the intestine’s ability to absorb vitamin D from the food you eat. Last, but not the least, if you are obese, you are bound to have low blood levels of vitamin D. People with a body mass index of 30 or greater often have low blood levels of vitamin D. TOO MUCH VITAMIN D IS BAD While being vitamin D deficient is a problem, there disadvantages of too much vitamin D as well. An excess may cause health problems such as dehydration, vomiting, kidney damage and kidney stones.

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When a Migraine Could Be More Serious

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Indian Times time discovers truth

Contact: 13000 22225, 0433 676 636

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May 2014 Edition

ecause you suffer from migraines, getting a bad headache is not new to you. If your migraine pattern changes or your headaches suddenly feel different, it could be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following: A severe headache that comes out of the blue, sometimes described as a “thunderclap.” Migraine headaches can be severe at times, but if you have a headache that comes on suddenly in a different way than your usual migraines and feels like the “worst of your life,” it is worth a call to your doctor. >A headache accompanied by fever, neck stiffness, skin rash, confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking >A headache associated with seizures

>A headache after a recent sore throat or respiratory illness. During cold and flu season, when sore throats are common, migraines sometimes become more frequent. The warning sign of something more serious is usually when the sore throat goes away, but then fever, stiff neck, or really severe headaches, which are unusual for you, develop. >A headache that follows a head injury, especially if it it keeps worsening in intensity >A chronic headache that is triggered by exertion or gets worse if you cough, exert yourself, or move suddenly >Unfamiliar headache pain after age 50 Headache pain that requires daily use of medications, which your doctor did not prescribe as preventative (also called “prophylactic”) medication