SAT Dec 17 Jan 18 issue

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southSouth asia times 1 Asia Times

CELEBRATING 15TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION

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South Asia Times

Vol.15 I No. 5-6 I DEC 2017-JAN 2018 I FREE

READ INSIDE EDIT PAGE PG 3 COMMUNITY PG 4 South Asia PG 16 Musings PG 24 Heritage PG 27 Finance PG 29 Cinema PG 34 Comm. Round up PG 38

s o u t hasiatim es.com .au Editor: Neeraj Nanda

I

See page 2

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Add: PO Box 465, Brentford Square, Victoria 3131

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SAT

South Asia Times

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Neeraj Nanda M: 0421 677 082 satimes@gmail.com

EDITOR (Hindi Pushp) Dr. Dinesh Srivastava dsrivastava@optusnet.com.au

SAT NEWS BUREAU/Australia (Melbourne) Neeraj Nanda satimes@gmail.com

SAT NEWS BUREAU/South Asia (New Delhi, India) RAJIV SHARMA rajeev.anchor@gmail.com PRASHAT TANDON news.prashant@gmail.com

SAT ADVERTISING (Melbourne) M: 0421 677 082 & E: satimes@gmail.com PHOTO SECTION (Melbourne) AP Guruswamy apgfoto@yahoo.com M: 0431 482 258 Kulbir Photographer creativeartmedia.au@gmail.com M: 0430 306 255

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DISCLAIMER South Asia Times (SAT) is a monthly newspaper published in English (2 pages in Hindi) from Melbourne, Australia. Contributors supply material to SAT at their own risk and any errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. SAT does not accept responsibility for the authenticity of any advertisement, text content or a picture in the publication. No material, including text or advertisements designed by the SAT or pictures may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the editor/publisher. Opinions/stories/ reports or any text content are those of the writers/contributors and not necessarily endorsed by the SAT.

EDITORIAL

southSouth asia times 3 Asia Times

SAT wishes you

a happy 2018!

By Neeraj Nanda

O

ne more year is over and 2018 is with us. For South Asia Times (SAT) this is the 15th year and we have been holding the fort firmly despite the online onslaught with the social media becoming stronger and stronger.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that there were around 13.5 million internet subscribers at the beginning of 2017 – a 4.7% increase on the previous year. In addition, Sensis finds that 87% of Australians access the internet daily with averages showing that each spends 10 hours a day on an internet connected device.

“17 million Australians are active Facebook users out of a total population of 24.4 million; a staggering

statistic that shows just how much the changes in the way in which we receive information continue to accelerate.

Facebook is therefore leading the way, but other popular social platforms are putting up similarly impressive numbers with 5 million Aussies using Instagram, 4 million signed up to LinkedIn, the same number using Snapchat, 3 million on Twitter and a

total of 15 million unique Australian visitors to YouTube,” says ROICOMAU. So, I am presuming the communities which read SAT are also part of these stats and we can no more ignore them. More and more people are getting the news online and more so through the mobile phone.

That is why SAT is now a media group giving out local, sports, cinema, South Asia and other news through a hard copy, website and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, G+, Instagram and You Tube).

SAT was the first Indian/ South Asian monthly to have a E-paper, digital replica of the hard copy. You can access the E-paper through our site, social media on your Desktop, Laptop, Mobile etc.

In fact, SAT will in 2018 continue with the hard copy

and its digital presence. Our presence after Melbourne (hard copy and digital) is now all over Australia via our digital presence. We will have more stories on our site from different regions and cities of Australia.

Interestingly, stats show our site is accessed all over the world.

SAT has always been serious about content.

Professionalism is our badge. All our contributors, writers and reporters are doing a professional job.

Without them we have no existence.

The community is our blood stream. In 2018, we will do our best to link further with the community and report and raise issues that concern you.

Your suggestions are welcome and you can email me at – satimes@gmail.com.

I wish you a happy 2018!

GUJARAT POLL ANALYSIS

BJP's Hindutva sway on Gujarat urban voters main reason for Congress defeat, despite "impressive" rural gain

A

HMEDABAD: The Gujarat state assembly polls, which saw the BJP's tally come down to 99 from 115 in 2012, has shown that, / while the Congress has been able to "catch" the wrath of the rural voters, it failed to impress the urban citizens.

According to one estimate, out of 55 urban seats, Congress won just 12, while BJP won 43. On the other hand, in the rural areas, out of 127 seats, BJP won 57 seats, while the Congress won 71.

In fact, during the campaign, Congress was virtually not visible in most of the state's urban areas, whose middle class voters, especially those belonging to the majority community, appeared pretty "impressed"

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking to placate his predecessor Manmohan Singh and former vice president Mohd Hamid Ansari for the dinnermeeting held at Congress MP ManishankarAiyar's

residence in honour of exPakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri.

In fact, there was a sense of shock and disbelief among these sections, especially when Modi talked of Pakistani hand in Gujarat elections, and the denials issued by Singh, Kasuri -long known as a dove -- and

another participant, former army chief General Deepak Kapoor, did not seem to impress them.

The middle classes seemed to care little even after it was revealed by an insider that the dinner was held because Kasuri was in town to attend a wedding, that Kasuri and Aiyar were

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friends and colleagues in Cambridge in 1960s, and that Gujarat did not figure during the discussions.

Said a senior BJP leader, this one remark on Pakistani connection with Gujarat polls, also picked up other BJP leaders, including finance minister ArunJaitley, Contd. on pg 5

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Andrews govt. Council to chart road map to identify and address key South Asian issues

By Neeraj Nanda

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ELBOURNE, 28 November: In a major initiative to boost its connectivity to the South Asian communities in Victoria the Andrews Labour government has decided to setup a South Asian Ministerial Advisory Council. The announcement was today made by the Multicultural Minister Hon. Robin Scott at a media conference at the Parliament House.

The proposed Council will include Multicultural Minister Hon. Robin Scott, the chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission Helen Kapalos and 25 South Asian community members.

“The community members will include representative’s from Victoria’s Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, Nepalese, Bhutanese and the Republic of Maldives communities,” Minister Robin Scott said.

The question if Afghans should also be included in the Council will be examined, he said.

Addressing the media Minister Hon. Robin Scott said, “We want all South Asian Victorians to have a say in their future and be empowered to speak out about the challenges they face. South Asian Victorians

know the challenges they face and how to best solve them.”

“We want to engage directly with South Asian communities and work together to enrich Victoria’s dynamic multiculturalism,” he said.

This initiative comes in the background of the Victorian Premier Hon. Daniel Andrews recent announcement that the state is developing it’s ‘India Strategy’ to enhance business and trade relations.

The Premier is to lead a

business delegation to India in January next year.

The rising strength of the South Asian communities in Victoria is being seen as the driving force for the Andrews government’s array of decisions to interact with them and solve issues social and economic facing these communities.

The decision to setup Indian cultural precents in Dandenong and the West and continue to fund the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) were earlier welcomed by the

South Asian communities.

VMC Chairperson Helen Kapalos in a media statement says, “Victoria’s diverse South Asian communities contribute to our identity as a vibrant and cohesive society. The VMC is determined to ensure their voices are heard as they build an even stronger future in Victoria.”

It needs to be mentioned here Mr. Manoj Kumar was recently pre-selected to be the ALP candidate for the prestigious and marginal seat of Forest Hill for the

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2018 state elections. Manoj is the first India born South Asian migrant to contest the seat as a Labour candidate.

Earlier, Vasan Srinivasan had unsuccessfully contested the seat as a Liberal candidate in 2002.

Talking to SAT, Manoj Kumar said, “I welcome the initiative as this will help the South Asian communities to directly engage with the Victorian government to identify their issues and plan to effectively deal with them.”

“A key objective for the Council will be to develop a South Asian Communities Action Plan – roadmap for the future by identifying and addressing key issues,” says the media release from the office of the multicultural Minister.

Key issues for the South Asian communities include employment, parent’s migration, domestic violence and assimilation in mainstream Australian society. Though another key issues remains the almost no political representation for South Asian’s in elected bodies including the State and federal Parliament.

Victorians interested in nominating for avoluntary Council position can submit an expression of interestand CV to communit. participation@dpc.vic.gov. auby 22 December 2017.

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BJP's Hindutva sway on Gujarat urban voters main reason for Congress....

Contd. from pg 3

who sought an explanation from Congress on the meeting, helped Modi regain fringe urban voters, who appeared to be moving away from the party because of the double whammy of demonetization and Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The only sections that were not impressed were Muslims, and to some extent Dalits. Says MujahidNafees, a minority rights activist, "Muslims came out in huge numbers to vote for the Congress, unlike earlier when they would remain indifferent towards Congress, alleging that the party has done precious little for them." Not without reason, Congress' victory in three out four seats in Ahmedabad happened because of the crucial role of Muslim voters.

Yet, Hindutva seemed to rule top Gujarat cities. A voter, who happens to be a shopkeeper in Ahmedabad's Vejalpur constituency, which has a sizeable Muslim and Dalit population, told Counterview, "I remember the days when curfew would be imposed in our area on

the drop of a hat. Though GST has hit me, things are peaceful under BJP, and I trust Modi."

Holding a similar view, textile traders in Surat have been quoted as saying that, despite being affected by GST, they would repose their faith in Mod because of his "ability to control riots", adding, after he took over in 2001, they could do business without any hurdle; in fact, they could bargain only with Modi and not with Congress, which seemed to only address "rural concerns."

A BJP leader admitted,

“There was resentment over demonetization and GST among small traders.

But the Centre moved swiftly two months ago, announcing relief measures GST structure. Also, the urban and semi-urban voter in Gujarat is by and large happy with the BJP governance in Gujarat."

At the same time, BJP leaders privately agreed that the party's victory in Gujarat is not worth celebrating. One of them has been quoted as saying that the BJP's victory is "as good as defeat", and had the

Prime Minister not "carpet bombed" with his campaign starting with after November last week, and had "the last minute Congress faux pas not happened, they would have actually lost Gujarat."

Political commentator Sagarika Ghosh says, it is time when the Congress begins introspecting on "why it is losing urban India", adding, "That's because, unlike Modi, it fights shy of speaking an aspirational, businessfriendly, growth-friendly language for fear of appearing pro-rich. Cong should instead adopt Manmohanomics!"

The view is strong, Modi’s "systematic infrastructural push in urban areas by constructing airports, roads and other public facilities still has a great appeal among voters". Says another commentator, "These are the people who have been the biggest beneficiaries of the so-called Gujarat model and have felt empowered with the new consumerist power they acquired because of the economic growth during Modi’s tenure as the chief minister."

Source: Counterview

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The middle classes seemed to care little even after it was revealed by an insider that the dinner was held because Kasuri was in town to attend a wedding, that Kasuri and Aiyar were friends and colleagues in Cambridge in 1960s, and that Gujarat did not figure during the discussions.

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Wyndham Councillor Intaj Khan cleared of allegations

BY SAT NEWS DESK

candidates in total nominating themselves for the prestigious opportunity to represent the city of Wyndham; a thriving city of more than 200,000 residents.

No wonder so many residents nominated themselves to represent the community for eleven council positions to become a councillor in the 2016 Wyndham city council election,” the media release said.

Cr. Khan was elected in 2012, holding the Portfolio of Economic Development until 2016. Currently he holds the Portfolio of Urban Future; holding the responsibility of the growth, further planning and prospective future development and plans of Wyndham.

Cr. Khan attracted the media spotlight once he announced his grand plans to build a mansion in the heart of Tarneit, including sixteen bedrooms, a tennis court and a helipad on a 10acre block.

Cr. Khan said “I am glad

M

ELBOURNE: Well known Wyndham Councillor Intaj Khan was last month absolved of allegations in a Fairfax media story linking him to other candidates for his victory.

After an intense and thorough investigation Cr. Intaj Khan’s name stands cleared by the Local Government Inspectorate.

In a media release Cr. Khan says, “I was accused of numerous and utterly false misleading allegations by the Fairfax Media. Justice has now been served by the Local Government Inspectorate.”

“Cr. Khan is in the clear. Throughout the process Cr. Khan was extremely cooperative.

The investigation took place early this year and was drawn out until almost Christmas. It was a historical election for Victoria State, 95

Fifty Indian prisoners in Australian jails

BY SAT NEWS DESK

M

ELBOURNE, 18 December: There are 50 Indian prisoners in Australian prisons, according to the Indian government. This information was disclosed

by India’s External Affairs Minister while answering to a question in Lok Sabha (Parliament’s main House) on July 19, 2017.

The figure of 50 cannot

be confirmed in Australia because the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not provide ethnic/ community details of prisoners. In its latest media release on prison numbers (8 December, 2017) in Australia, the ABS discloses that there were 41,202 prisoners on the night of 30 June 2017, representing a 6 per cent increase from 30 June 2016 and a 51 per cent increase from 30 June 2007.

The Indian Consulate

(Melbourne) was contacted

by SAT for latest statistics of Indian prisoners in Australia. Its reply was: “In response to your query, the most relevant department who can provide you with all the correct information is Australian federal government. I believe Auditor General office deals with all these records and therefore they should be the right one for you to contact.

Hope it helps.”

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I was accused of numerous and utterly false misleading allegations by the Fairfax Media.

Justice has now been served by the Local Government Inspectorate." this saga is finally over, so I can get on with my job” -The report is based on the media release supplied by Cr. Intaj Khan.

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ONCE A YEAR NOT TO BE MISSED

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south asia 8 South Asia Timestimes

community

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Australia acts against ‘money mules’ helping money launderers

By SAT News Desk

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ELBOURNE, 30 November: Australia has decisively taken steps to curb ‘money mules’ helping criminals and criminal organisations transferring money to illegal money holders taking a commission on it.

In support of the European Money Mule week of action, the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Border Force (ABF), Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and Australian Transaction Reports Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) conducted intelligence gathering and analysis activities recently (20-24 November).

Money mules are the middlemen for criminals who have obtained funds by online banking fraud through phishing or hacking. The criminals need a mule to launder the funds obtained as a result of illegal activities. After being recruited by the fraudsters, money mules receive funds into their bank accounts and then they withdraw the money and send it to a designated account (domestic or offshore), using a wire transfer service, minus a commission payment.

Across Australia, police gathered valuable information from around 60 door-knocking interviews

with persons at risk of being targeted by criminals for money mule activities. This activity occurred in Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania, coinciding with operational activity around Europe with 26 countries participating in the simultaneous week-ofaction.

Internationally, the European Money Mule week of action saw more than 1700 fraudulent transactions reported, 766 money mules identified and 59 money mule recruiters identified.

AFP National Manager Neil Gaughan said criminals may use online chat rooms, social networking sites,

post hoax websites, fake advertisements and fake profiles to recruit mules and try to persuade people to take part in illegal activity.

“The funds the criminals need transferred are often the proceeds of fraud and the persons who participate in these scams as the money mules are effectively laundering the proceeds of crime.

“Criminals target members of the community to carry out their laundering activities, sometimes unwittingly. Along with intelligence gathering, the 60 door-knocking interviews provided police the opportunity to raise

awareness of the types of tricks and scams criminals will use to recruit money mules.

“We rely on the support from the community and our law enforcement partners to help bring to justice these criminals preying on vulnerable members of our community,” Assistant Commissioner Gaughan said.

Acting Assistant Commissioner, Strategic Border Command, James Watson said the ABF continues to target money mules and the syndicates they may work for.

“Currency over $10,000 including cash, stored value cards or cheques must be declared at the border on both arrival and departure. Our officers have sophisticated means of detecting currency including using x-ray, detector dogs and physical inspections,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Watson said.

Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission Cybercrime Intelligence Hub Manager Charlotte Wood said the ACIC provided intelligence to support the AFP on over 30 persons of interest during the week of action.

“The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission is concerned about individuals in Australia cashing out the proceeds of cybercrime, with money mules being one of the main methods for laundering criminal proceeds.

“Cybercrime disruption remains a major focus

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for Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, and with ongoing collaboration with our domestic and international law enforcement partners, we will continue to frustrate cybercriminals’ ability to launder money out of the country, making Australia a less attractive target.”

AUSTRAC National Manager Intelligence Dr John Moss said, “AUSTRAC is working closely with law enforcement and international partners by providing financial intelligence, including working with industry via our Fintel Alliance partnerships, to help identify and track down entities that are directly controlling mule networks”.

An AFP media release says, following the tips below can prevent involvement in criminal activity: Be cautious about unsolicited offers or opportunities offering you the chance of making easy money; Be wary of offers from people or companies overseas as it makes it harder to check if they are legitimate; Take steps to verify any company which makes you a job offer, for example, address, phone number, email address and website.

You could check if it is a registered company in Australia; Never give your confidential banking details to anyone; Always guard your personal information and be suspicious if someone asks for personal details soon after contact; Be wary of a person asking for financial assistance – never send money, particularly by wire transfer as these funds cannot be recovered by banks; and Be cautious of someone asking for details of your financial status – do not provide the information.

If you have received money in your bank account, transferred or attempted to transfer money overseas, please immediately contact your bank or financial institution.

You could be at risk of having your identity stolen by these criminals and your bank account drained of savings.

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Anupam, Neena & Rakesh Bedi walk down memory lane in Mera Who Matlab Nahin Tha

By SAT News Desk

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MELBOURNE, 12 December: Theatre enthusiasts enjoyed a rare treat in Melbourne's Kingston Art Hall and theSir John Clancy Auditorium, UNSW in Sydney where legends of Bollywood - AnupamKher, Neena Gupta and Rakesh Bedi were seen on stage performing the popular play ‘'MERA WOH MATLAB NAHI THA.” (MWMNT). The play was also staged in Auckland, New Zealand.

The play revolves around Preetam Kumar Chopra (AnupamKher) and Hema Roy (NeenaGupta) who were high-school sweethearts from Chandni Chowk and their reunion after 35 long years in the Lodhi Garden to discuss why they drifted apart.

This most talked about production directed by Bedi, is a beautifully worded

emotional drama and flawless performances by the two versatile actors received standing ovation from the crowd who were taken through a journey of first love, nostalgia and longing.

Both Pritam and Hema go

into the flashback and try to figure out what actually caused their separation.

Rakesh as Raj Kapoor intermittently finds time to share his story with Hema.

His famous lines “he can write Urdu but not read and can read Hindi but not

write”, showed his sense of comic timing. But his parting dialogue was a gem.

“You don’t wait so much to find your destination that your destination keeps looking for you”.

The second half is more emotional when both the exlovers share the incidents of their respective married life. But does their passion reignite the old flame? Bedi leaves it for the audience to decide.

Thanking the jam packed hall in Melbourne while wrapping up the play, Kher said he was happy to perform in Australia where he later met members of the Kashmiri Pandit community over breakfast.

AnupamKher after performing stellar roles in movies and stage, right from his first movie “Saraansh” has honed his skilful handling of the project and gives a flawless performance in MWMNT. Neena Gupta has been away

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from stage and movies for so long but is not lacking in performance as Hema and Nigar. Her change of accent while switching from Hema to Nigar is natural.

Only a natural actor can bring out that. Credit goes to Anupam Sharma and ManeeeshSundarjee for bringing this play to Australia.

Kher spent an hour with the Melbourne Kashmiri Pandit community members and discussed the importance of keeping the Kashmiri culture alive by teaching Kashmiri language to kids.

Early this month, Kher also attended the Seventh AACTA (Australian Academy of Television, Cinema & Arts) awards ceremony in Sydney, an event that recognises screen talent from Australia and abroad.

-With inputs from Natasha Chaku in Melbourne & Ashok Kumar in Sydney.

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Illegally Imported Amul Ghee in Melbourne Market

By SAT News Desk

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ELBOURNE,29th November: Amul is India’s and the world’s leading dairy products brand since 1950.Worldwide Consumers have confidence in it and it is available in Indian and South Asian shops. Its Ghee (also known as desi Ghee), clarified butter made from the milk of a buffalo or cow and known as ‘Amul Ghee’ is the pride of any Indian/ South Asian kitchen. It’s market acceptability and strength is the envy of competitors.

But a disturbing phenomenon is that illegally imported ‘Amul Ghee’ is freely available here. Said to be dangerous for health with the importers having no regard for people’s health.

This not for export product is imported from India with forged documentation and

Australian quarantine being hoodwinked as it is at times not declared as ‘Ghee’.

‘Ghee’ ordered online and delivered at home has a fair chance of being not for export.

Talking to SAT, Murphy Singh who’s company isthe authorized importer of Amul products by Amul India says, “Be careful of your health by only buying genuine export Amul products, produced and brought into Australia as per Australian government guidelines”.

The price of the fake ‘Amul Ghee’ is quite low as compared to the genuine one giving a bigger margin to the importer and the retailer. For the buyer it’s difficult to distinguish between the fake and the genuine product. Printed technical details on the Ghee tins are complicated which confuse the customer.

The end result is a fake ‘Amul Ghee’ is sold as a genuine one.

For distinguished marks to identify Amul export ghee 1. Red plastic lid on top of the tin

2. Look for sales@ indiasfinest.com.au at the bottom of the tin Under current Australianbio security guidelines,the Ghee should have a manufacturing declaration from the company on their letterhead signed by the authorized person that manufactured/ produced the goods (either the specific site or head office within the country of export).This particular document is either not given or is forged and supplied to Australian authorities.

Not for export ghee (not authorized for Australia) normally will not have Red Plastic Lid on top of tin.

There will be no importer details, since the importer doesn’t want to be detected.

It will also say ‘not for sale outside India’ as these tins can be copied and manufactured by people who make counterfeit products.

Most of the time, the date of expiry on not for export tins are also tampered with.

Even after the normal expiry dates, new dates are printed in Australia by people with

a vested interest as they have no regard for consumer health.It’s very hard for Australian authorities to detect and test every tin though they are trying to do their best, more needs to be done.

The Indian market is full of fake ‘Ghee’ of all leading brands including ‘Amul’.

A Google and You Tube search explains the extent of fake ‘Ghee’ manufacturing factories being busted by cops in India. It is these factories which are the supply centres of fake ‘Ghee’ in India and export overseas including Australia.

One news item in Hans India (Hyderabad) says, “The makers of adulterated ghee use Palmolein and Vanaspati to prepare it. The mix also contains about 15 per cent original ghee to impress the customer.”

Another recent report in OneIndia quotes UP government officials as saying that they suspect the Ghee being sold in UP government canteens was a combination of refined oil, Vanaspati oil and desi

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ghee scent and hazardous chemicals.

A Facebook post from Amul Export says, “Please ensure you are only buying genuine Amul export products, which comply by Australian food laws and guidelines. By purchasing non-genuine export products, they can serve as a serious health hazard to you and your family. Amul products are available at all good shops in Victoria. Only buy Amul Products with the following email address at the bottom of tin "sales@ indiasfinest.com.au".

The above message relates to all Amul products.

Manager Sales, Amul Export.”

The question is, market analysts say, is not just of illegally importedAmul products but that of many other leading Indian brands also whose sale and consumption can be dangerous to a buyer’s health because they are illegal imports. It’s high time Australia takes a strict action to stop this business in spurious food products.

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COMMUNITY

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Victoria developing India business strategy

By Neeraj Nanda

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ELBOURNE, 21 November: The Victorian Premier Hon.Daniel Andrews today announced the state is developing it’s ‘India Strategy’ to enhance business and trade relations at the Investment Centre Victoria. Addressing a

large gathering of business people, community leaders, and the media, the Victorian Premier said, “much has to be learned from both sides of the partnership.”

The Premier detailed the challenges and opportunities to secure mutual benefits for both Victoria and India. He felt proud that 200,000 Indians

have made Victoria their home and expressed his happiness over the success of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne supported by the Victorian government.

On a question by SAT on the lack of a free trade agreement between Australia and India impacting business, Daniel Andrews said,” We have

a clear strategy on India and we will update any development related to free trade issue in our strategy” “The hard you work, the better you do,” he said.

“Meaningful engagement, use of personal relationships and creating long-term connections were key to the state’s proposed India strategy”, he said. The

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Premier will lead a big trade mission to India in January next year.

In his speech, Multicultural Minister Robin Scott said,” The consolidation of Indian culture in Victoria is critical to its relationship with India.”

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A dangerous bill on banks: Where depositors are made to pay for corporate defaulters

By Prabhat Patnaik*

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EW DELHI: The BJP government, it appears, cannot remain content without inflicting irreparable damage on the institutions of the Indian economy. Its latest move in this direction is the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance (FRDI) Bill which was introduced in Parliament on the last day of the winter session and is now with a Select Committee.

What this Bill proposes is the setting up of a Resolution Corporation, consisting largely of central government officials, which, in the case of stressed banks whose condition is considered “critical”, will use creditors’ money, including that of depositors, to overcome the default by borrowers.

Until now it was the budget of the central government, the owner of the nationalized banks, which was supposed to be used for their “bail out”; now, however, the idea is not to have a “bail out” but a “bail in”, i.e. not to have central government help for supporting distressed financial institutions but creditors’ funds, including those of depositors.

Currently all deposits up to Rs.1 lakh are insured by banks themselves, so that there is no risk of loss to these depositors in the event of a bank failure.

The Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation, a subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India, which covers such depositors is proposed henceforth to be wound up; and no other institution has been suggested in its place in the Bill.

More importantly, however, it is not just the existence of this Corporation that instilled confidence among depositors about the safety of their deposits with the nationalized banks; it was the fact that the banks were government-owned, the conviction that the government would never let these banks fail.

It is this confidence which made millions of depositors, especially pensioners and

senior citizens, hold their wealth in the form of bank deposits, even though such deposits offered comparatively lower rates of return than shares, mutual funds and many other assets. This confidence will now disappear.

In the old day’s people used to hold cash in boxes, since they had little confidence in the banking system which was controlled in their perception by a set of unknown private operators with no scruples.

Bank nationalization changed all that, and an enormous amount of deposits got mobilized across the country because of the confidence it generated among people that these banks, being owned by the government, would never let depositors down, that depositors’ money was totally safe in these banks.

While this confidence is now set to be undermined, demonetization, with Modi’s explicit promise that the experiment will be repeated from time to time, has served ironically to undermine people’s confidence in currency as well at the same time. (Though demonetization does not necessarily involve an actual monetary loss, it means standing in long queues and going through a lot of

hassles, even if we ignore the inconvenience it causes by the temporary relinquishing of purchasing power).

Hence money in both its forms, currency and bank deposits, is now no longer going to be considered a safe asset to hold. Since the FRDI Bill also covers Stateowned insurance and other financial companies, their liabilities too, like bank deposits, would lose their attractiveness for numerous small wealth-holders.

In an economy in which people’s confidence in money and these other financial assets is sapped, assets like gold or land or physical commodities become the favoured forms of wealth-holding, because they are considered comparatively “safe”. A shift from money to these latter assets constitutes a retrogression in economic terms; this is what the BJP government is bringing about.

To be sure, the FRDI Bill is not a brainchild of the BJP government. It is based on the recommendations of a Financial Stability Board which was set up in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis to ensure that financial systems caught in such crises in future did not need rescuing through budgetary resources, as the U.S. financial system

had done at that time.

India was one of the G-20 countries that accepted the Financial Stability Board’s recommendations, and the FRDI Bill is the outcome of this acceptance.

But there is a fundamental difference between taxpayers’ money being used for rescuing a privatelyowned financial system and its being used for rescuing a government-owned financial system; the former lacks legitimacy but not the latter.

In fact, the government can come into the picture much earlier to prevent the banks it owns from getting saddled with “toxic” assets, so that the very question of banks needing to be rescued through tax-payers’ money should not arise at all, and certainly not on the scale of the banks in the advanced countries at that time. It is not surprising that even at that time the exposure of nationalized banks in India to the “toxic” assets was so minuscule that hardcore private-sector-enthusiasts too had to concede that bank nationalization had stood India in good stead.

Hence the very idea of adopting in India measures devised in the advanced capitalist countries, despite our having a very different financial system, whether these measures are the Basel “capital adequacy norms” (for meeting which

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Hence money in both its forms, currency and bank deposits, is now no longer going to be considered a safe asset to hold. the nationalized banks are supposed to dilute the share of government equity), or the institution of a “bail-in” programme in the place of a “bail-out”, is quite absurd.

But the BJP government, lacking any imagination of its own in economic matters and blindly pursuing whatever course the neoliberal “pundits” hand down to it, fails to see this.

Finance Minister ArunJaitley has assured the public that depositors’ interest will be protected; but it is not clear how.

Contd. on pg 17

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Contd. from pg 16 The FRDI Bill lists those to be protected, in the event of a bank being in a critical condition, in order of priority; and uninsured depositors come fifth in this list. Even in their case, no doubt, the government claims that they would not lose their deposit value; rather their deposits would be converted into equity.

In other words, bank is supposed to recapitalize themselves, when they are in a critical condition, by using depositors’ funds under this Bill, rather than by using budgetary resources as now. But this, apart from being of little consolation to depositors, provides a surreptitious route to privatization of public sector banks.

It is of little consolation to depositors, because the value of such equity will fall precisely when the bank is in such a critical state that deposits have to be

converted into equity; the depositors therefore will lose much of their wealth anyway. Additionally, they are likely to sell off this equity to private corporate entities to get back at least a part of their money, and this will mean a privatization of public sector banks.

A bunch of government nominees on the Resolution Corporation in other words can so orchestrate a public sector bank’s financial credibility that it can pass into private hands, and even into private corporate hands at throwaway prices, without Parliament coming into the picture at all, and entirely at the whim of the executive.

But then, it may be asked, is it “fair” to use “tax-payers’ money” for rescuing banks?

The principled answer to this is “yes”, provided banks are playing their assigned social role.

It is not “fair” if banks are financing speculative bubbles and come to grief

for that reason; but this is not what public sector banks are supposed to be doing anyway.

In other words, “taxpayers’ money” should in principle be available for rescuing public sector banks, but there must be democratic control over the activities of such banks.

Being State-owned alone is not enough; they must be subject to democratic control in order to be deserving of “tax-payers’ assistance”.

Besides, this entire wedge that is sought to be driven between “tax payers” and “depositors” is a red herring being used for pushing through the FRDI Bill.

Notwithstanding all the hullaballoo over nonperforming assets of the banks, these assets are no more than about 12 percent of total bank assets. Almost 90 percent of such NPAs belong to the nationalized banks; but given the large share of such banks in

southSouth asia times 17 Asia Times total banking business, the weight of the NPAs even in their case is not so large as to be alarming.

In addition, the government has just announced a Rs. 2.11 lakh crore recapitalization programme. So there is no question of such banks being in any critical condition now, or even in the foreseeable future.

To present a Bill in Parliament that is sought to be justified by a presumed conflict of interest between the “tax payer” and the “depositor” which can only arise in an eventuality that is nowhere on the horizon, and that can be prevented from arising anyway if we are careful, is not just absurd; it is actually quite mischievous.

It is ironical that the government, instead of measures whereby the corporate defaulters on bank loans, who reportedly account for 75 percent of total NPAs, are made to pay

Currently all deposits up to Rs.1 lakh are insured by banks themselves, so that there is no risk of loss to these depositors in the event of a bank failure. for their misappropriation of depositors’ resources, is announcing measures whereby the depositors would be made to pay for such corporate misappropriation! *India’s leading economist.

Source: The Citizen

Refusal to allow probe into allegations of corruption has brought down the esteem of the judiciary

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he Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms statement on the Supreme Court order dismissing the CJAR petition and imposing unprecedented costs: New Delhi: The Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms (CJAR) strongly disagrees with the order of the Supreme Court dismissing the Writ Petition filed by the Campaign to ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the allegations of

bribery of judges of the higher judiciary, to obtain favourable orders for medical colleges.

To briefly recap the facts: The CBI registered a FIR in the case of Prasad Education Trust based on evidence gathered, of a criminal conspiracy including preparation and planning to pay large sums as bribes to procure a judgement in favour of the medical college, from the Allahabad High Court and the Supreme Court. As is widely known, the process

for granting permission to private medical colleges has been steeped in corruption.

In this particular case, the Prasad Education Trust was seeking relief against the decision of the MCI to deny their medical college permission to operate and the decision of the MCI to confiscate the caution money of the trust in view of the flagrant violations of the terms and conditions for operating a medical college.

The college was able to secure partial relief in the case.

An investigation by a government controlled agency like the CBI into a case concerning the Judges of the Supreme Court could seriously compromise the independence of the judiciary. In this case, there was particular concern as the matter of the medical college was being heard by a bench headed by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India himself. Therefore, CJAR filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking

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that such a sensitive investigation should not be left in the hands of a government controlled agency and should be undertaken by a Special Investigative Team headed by a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and monitored by the Supreme Court itself.

CJAR prayed before the court that the petition should be heard by judges other than those who had served on the bench hearing the matter of the medical college.

Contd on pg 19

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Refusal to allow probe into allegations of corruption has brought down the esteem of the judiciary Contd from pg 17

CJAR requested that the petition be dealt with by the five senior most judges of the Supreme Court, excluding the CJI, so that the monitoring of this investigation would be robust and fair, and to ensure that there was no compromise in the integrity of the investigation. This would be also be in keeping with the fundamental principle that no one should be a judge in their own case.

A related matter was filed by Kamini Jaiswal which was referred by the second senior most Judge of the Supreme Court, to a Constitution Bench comprising the 5 senior most judges of the Court. However, the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India intervened and dealt with the petitions on the administrative side as well as the judicial side.

The Code of Conduct formulated in a Conference of all the Chief Justices in the country in 1997 which has been laid down in the ‘Restatement of Values of Judicial Life’, says in the very first code that: “1. Justice must not merely be done but it must also be seen to be done.

The behaviour and conduct of members of the higher judiciary must reaffirm the people’s faith in the impartiality of the judiciary.

Accordingly, any act of the judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court, whether in official or personal capacity, which erodes the credibility of this perception has to be avoided.”

The actions of the Hon’ble Chief Justice in this case clearly violate this salutary Code of Conduct.

The bench comprising of Justice R.K. Agarwal, Justice A. Mishra and Justice A.M. Khanwilkar has now passed the order dismissing the CJAR petition by holding it to be mala fide and intended to defame the Supreme Court and the Judiciary and has imposed costs of Rs. 25 lakhs on the Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms.

As Justice Khanwilkar was also on the bench which heard the medical college case, we believe that he should have recused himself from this bench.

The Campaign for Judicial Accountability And Reforms

was set up more than a decade ago and comprises of representatives of many national campaigns and social movements and citizens from all walks of life who have come together to campaign for the accountability of the higher Judiciary and reforms in the judiciary. Contrary to the charge against the campaign that this was a mala fide petition intended to defame the Judiciary, CJAR had approached the court with the intention to protect the independence, integrity and reputation of the Supreme Court and the judiciary in general. CJAR was not making any allegations. It was only seeking a court monitored independent investigation into the issues recorded in the FIR filed by the CBI. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court has held that approaching the court to seek a court monitored investigation into serious charges of conspiracy, preparation and planning to bribe the Judges of the Supreme Court in a case before the court, is an attempt to defame the court.

The court has also said that this FIR does not involve any judges. We believe that such a statement cannot be made when the FIR clearly states that there was a conspiracy to procure a favourable judgement from the Supreme Court by paying large bribes.

Obviously bribes to procure a favourable judgement from the Supreme Court, cannot be paid to any other officials except to the judges themselves. Only an independent investigation could have cleared this allegation.

It has also come to light that the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India has reportedly denied permission to CBI to register an FIR against a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court allegedly involved in this matter. The reported denial by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and the judgement of the Supreme Court in the matter, has in effect ensured that there will be no investigation of sitting judges in this matter.

The Campaign has taken up many cases of judicial corruption and has made several complaints to various Chief Justices under the in-house mechanism,

for investigating charges of misconduct against judges. We believe that the unprecedented order imposing costs of Rs. 25 lakh on CJAR is a case of “costs in terrorem” in an attempt to intimidate the Campaign into not taking up cases of judicial misconduct and corruption and deter it from demanding accountability of the judiciary. Further, the order is in violation of the principles of natural justice, as CJAR was not given any notice of the court’s intention to impose costs and further, it was not given an opportunity to contest the decision to impose costs.

The refusal of the court to allow an independent probe into the allegations of corruption (as recorded in the CBI’s FIR) and through its conduct in this case, the Supreme Court has itself

brought down the esteem of the judiciary in the public’s eyes – especially those who look up on it as the most important constitutional guardian of the rights of the people against executive and legislative excesses.

However, this order of the Supreme Court and its decision to impose costs of Rs. 25 lakh will not deter CJAR. We will challenge the order and fight it tooth and nail through every legal channel and remedy. In the coming few days, we will be filing a review petition. This judgement is only going to strengthen the Campaign and energise us to carry forward our efforts and campaigns.

We will also put forth our demand for an independent probe into the allegations of conspiracy and corruption through all available forums.

Since the pronouncement

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of the judgement, several groups and citizens from all across India have sent in messages of support urging CJAR to carry forward its work.

We believe that the people of this country are the real stakeholders in the institution of the Judiciary and in the judicial system. They are groaning under a system which has enormous problems and requires serious reforms of all kinds including a robust and credible system for investigating complaints against judges and holding them accountable for their misconduct and corruption.

The actions of the Supreme Court in this case will now be judged by the people’s court which is the ultimate court in the country.

Source: Counterview, 5 December 2017.

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Myanmar and Bangladesh strike a shameful deal on Rohingya refugees

By Rosa Freedman

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eturning Rohingya people to the hands of their persecutors not only violates international law, but raises fundamental questions about how the world protects those fleeing the most heinous crimes and abuses.

Many Rohingya people who have fled the ethnic cleansing in Myanmar are now living as refugees in Bangladesh. And now, the two countries have reportedly struck a deal to return them home.

Returning Rohingya people to the hands of their persecutors not only violates international law, but raises fundamental questions about how the world protects those fleeing the most heinous crimes and abuses.

This deal comes just days after Ratko Mladic was sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the Srebrenica massacre, which took place in Bosnia even as news cameras broadcast footage around the world – in much the same way as they have documented this latest crisis of ethnic cleansing.

As far as Myanmar is concerned, the deal will ease the increasing pressure it faces from both the United Nations and its Asian neighbours. The Myanmar government has no interest in welcoming Rohingya refugees home with open arms; those Rohingya who remain in Myanmar are treated as an alien people, denied citizenship and basic rights, and systematically persecuted. The Myanmar government maintains that the recent spike in violence did not amount to ethnic cleansing, that it was not state-sponsored, sanctioned or condoned, and that the Rohingya are safe to return.

A deal done: the foreign minister of Bangladesh, Abul Hassan Mahmud Ali, visits Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. EPA/Myanmar Ministry of Information But those words are empty. first-hand reports and documentary footage all point to the same thing: ethnic cleansing conducted by state actors. Top UN officials have been using the term “ethnic cleansing” for some time, and the US secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, is now using it too.

Given that Myanmar is refusing to take responsibility for the atrocities, let alone to provide guarantees of protection and justice for the Rohingya, it beggars belief not just that the country is asking those refugees to return, but that Bangladesh would provide its support.

Under international law, refugees who flee atrocities are afforded fundamental protections. Above all, they are protected by the principles of offering asylum and of non-refoulement – protection against return to a country where a person has reason to fear persecution.

Bangladesh will of course insist that Myanmar wants these people to return, and that only those choosing

to do so voluntarily will be returned. But that ignores the facts on the ground.

Rohingya refugees’ options are bleak: remain in the squalid camps, somehow escape into Bangladeshi society with no formal documentation or status, or return home and face persecution.

Bleak future Bangladesh has not acceded to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol. The country has no law to regulate the administration of refugee affairs or guarantee refugees’ rights. And despite many decades of persecution and abuses in Myanmar, Bangladesh has never allowed the Rohingya to claim asylum. Those who make it to Bangladesh are placed in overcrowded camps without basic provisions, and there they remain unless they choose to return to Myanmar.

The idea of voluntary return stems from a 1993 agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar,

under which those Rohingya who can prove their identity must fill in forms with the names of family members, their previous address in Myanmar, their date of birth, and a disclaimer that they are returning voluntarily.

But those who do choose to return will face extortion, arbitrary taxation, and restrictions on freedom of movement. Many will be required to undertake forced labour, and some will face state-sponsored violence and extrajudicial killings.

Those who remain in Bangladesh, on the other hand, face a lifetime in camps where human rights abuses are rife, with insufficient and inadequate food, water, housing or healthcare.

Fleeing these camps leaves them undocumented and vulnerable to trafficking, exploitation and abuse.

Whatever individual Rohingya people in Bangladesh might decide to do, their future is bleak. And that’s not good enough. The international community has long known

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Many Rohingya people who have fled the ethnic cleansing in Myanmar are now living as refugees in Bangladesh. about the systematic persecution of this people.

The international community has long ignored the atrocities perpetrated against them. And the international community has long tolerated the coverups and excuses from the government of Myanmar.

This time it needs to be different.

Bangladesh should step up and provide refuge to those who have been seeking it for 25 years. Myanmar’s neighbouring states and allies should help properly resettle the hundreds of thousands of undocumented Rohingya who have fled Myanmar, and Myanmar itself should be held to account for the atrocities it commits. There’s no point saying “never again” unless action is taken.

Rosa Freedman is Professor of Law, Conflict and Global Development, University of Reading This story was first published on The Conversation.

Source: Sabrang

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Why the red swept Nepal, and what now?

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By Vijay Prashad*

EW DELHI: You might as well imagine a large red flag fluttering from the summit of Mount Everest. That’s what the outcome of the parliamentary and provincial elections in Nepal suggests.

The Communists have won both decisively. In the parliament, the Communist alliance will hold close to a two-thirds majority.

The government that this majority forms will not only be able to last the full fiveyear term—the first time this would have happened since Nepal adopted parliamentary democracy in 1990—but it will be able to revise the 2015 Constitution.

Both the parliamentary and provincial results show that the Communists won across the country from the countryside to the cities.

Even though they have a strong mandate to govern according to their agenda, the likely Prime Minister K. P. Oli said carefully, ‘We have seen in the past that victory often tends to make parties arrogant.

There is apprehension that the state will become oppressive. Winners tend to become indifferent to their responsibility.’ This is not something the Communist government will do, said Oli. What allowed the Communists to win so conclusively? The incumbent, the Nepali Congress, was wracked by corruption scandals, infighting, and the lack of any vision for the country.

In 2015-16, when the Indian government closed its border to landlocked Nepal, the Congress could not find the words to condemn India.

The Communists, particularly Oli, did not hold back. Nationalist sensibility drained from the Congress towards the Communists.

But further, the Congress came to the people for this election with an incoherent alliance, cobbling together a coalition that included the Madhesi parties and the monarchist parties—parties of minority populations and the king. There was no way that this haphazard alliance could appeal to the people.

The Communists, on the other hand, went to the people with a very simple slogan: "Prosperity Through Stability." Since Nepal emerged from the monarchy in 1990, it has been racked

by troubles. Failure to create a democratic process sent one section of the Communists to open up a decade-long armed insurgency that ran from 1996 to 2006. About 17,000 people died in this war, which ended with a new democratic process through a Constituent Assembly.

The monarchy was abolished in 2008 and the Constituent Assembly drafted the Constitution of 2015. Nonetheless, there have been 10 prime ministers in the decade since the armed insurgency ended and there has been precious little in the way of social development for the people.

It was time for something other than corruption and despondency.

Two of the main flanks of Nepali Communism – the Maoists and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) – decided to go to the polls together and to pledge that they would form a newly united party after the elections.

This second call – for the creation of a newly unified party – promised even more stability than the electoral alliance. It showed that the Communists – who had previously been at each other’s throats – could come together on a joint program.

If they could hold that unity, then perhaps they would be able to deliver stable government for five years. This perhaps was most appealing about their campaign. It paid off at the ballot box.

While Communism came to China and India in the 1920s, it missed Nepal, which is sandwiched between the two countries.

Harsh repression by the monarchy prevented any

progressive movements from taking root in the country. It was not till the 1940s that Communism made any impact inside Nepal. A brave strike by the workers of the Biratnagar jute and cloth mills in 1947 drew in communist activists, such as Man Mohan Adhikari. Adhikari was exiled to India. He, along with Nepali students in India, worried that the Nepali elite – the Ranas – were ready to join with the imperialist powers to set up a military base in Nepal.

This would draw Nepal into the orbit of the West and surrender its independence.

These students and activists were influenced by the Communist Party of India. One of them, Pushpa Lal Shrestha, translated the Communist Manifesto into Nepali in 1949. Later that year in Calcutta (India), Pushpa Lal Shrestha, Adhikari and others founded the Communist Party of Nepal.

In the first decade of its existence, the Communist Party called for the end of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic.

It also called for the creation of a Constituent Assembly.

Deep divides inside the party over the question of the monarchy and elections tore it apart. Splits were inevitable. Armed struggle came on the table at the Fourth Convention in 1965. The question of armed struggle divided the movement till 2006.

After 2006, armed struggle fell off the table. It had cost the country far too much.

The bulk of the Nepali left, however, had not taken up the gun. It had built popular struggles against the monarchy, feudal authority and capitalist

property relations. The United Left Front, which was formed in 1990 to fight for a democratic system in the Jan Andolan, was guided by what would become the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist), one of the main pillars in the current Communist alliance.

They were the backbone of the fight to restore democracy.

The other pillar of the current alliance is the Maoists, who have now accepted parliamentary democracy. It is these two parties that will likely merge in the new year into one of the most formidable political forces in Nepal.

The Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal (also known as Prachanda) arrived in his constituency of Chitwan to celebrate the victory. ‘Both the processes of government formation and party unity would move ahead simultaneously,’ he said.

Prachanda – from the Maoists – will take over as leader of the party, while Oli – from the UML – will be the prime minister. The broad currents of Nepali communism, which emerged out of the formation of the party in 1949, will now come together.

What will be the agenda of the new government? K. P. Oli, who will be prime minister of the Communist government, has said that he wants to put stability of the government at the front. But stability itself is not enough. Nepal suffers from great poverty and from great weakness in its infrastructure. Oli has said that he will welcome investment to build Nepal’s basic infrastructure, including a Chinese railroad from Tibet into Nepal.

This is not a tilt towards

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China, as some suggest. It is more likely a carefully calibrated position by the Nepali communists to stand mid-point between India and China – the regional behemoths. Pragmatism is the name of the game, not fealty to China on ideological grounds.

All parties in Nepal – including the monarchists – want their country to graduate from the Least Developed Country status by 2022. What differentiates them is the path towards that goal. The Communist alliance pledges that pre capita income will rise to the equivalent of $5,000 per year from a meager $862 per year at present. To raise the per capita income would require investment in education and health as well as to dramatically increase jobs for young people (currently two million out of twentyeight million Nepalis find work outside the country).

Where will the government raise resources for all this? An end to corruption will save the treasury a great deal of money. But more than that, more efficient use of tax money will provide the means for development.

Fiscal federalism is major part of the Left’s agenda. It hopes to devolve 50% of the resources to provincial and municipal governments.

It is hoped that they will better use the money towards local development.

The bet is that a stable government will draw in money and tourists to Nepal – and that the money can be used to develop organic agriculture and clean energy (including hydropower) that will lighten the burden of importing energy.

Oli has asked all parties to join the Communist alliance in trying to raise the living standards of the Nepali people. This is clever politics. It would mean that the Communist agenda would become the national agenda. It would put pressure on the dominant classes and the dominant castes to accede to a policy of social development. That would be one small step forward for Nepal. *Vijay Prashad is a scholar and writer, currently the George and Martha Kellner Chair in South Asian History and Professor of International Studies at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, United States.

Source: The Citizen, 17 December, 2017.

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Bangladesh aims at middleIncome status by 2021

By Thalif Deen

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NITED NATIONS, Dec 13 2017 (IPS) The environmental challenges facing Bangladesh, described by the United Nations as one of the world’s “least developed countries” (LDCs), are monumental, including recurrent cyclones, perennial floods, widespread riverbank erosion and a potential sea level rise predicted to put about 27 million people at risk over the next two decades.

But the first National Country Investment Plan for Environment, Forestry and Climate Change (CIPEFCC), released December 13, provides a detailed road map for sustainable development that encompasses reduction in poverty, improving environmental and human health benefits and increasing resilience to climate change, among others.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, herself with strong environmental credentials, has endorsed the plan ratified at the highest levels of the National Environmental Council, pointing the way for other developing countries to emulate and follow in the footsteps on Bangladesh.

Described as a “strategic tool,” the plan is anchored to, and aligned with, the vision of transforming Bangladesh from a LDC to a middle income country by 2021, nine years ahead of the UN’s targeted date of 2030 to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The plan, which will enable Bangladesh to monitor and assess the state of the environment, as well as investments in the context of climate change, also provides an avenue for multi sector policy dialogue and coordination for investment

in CIP-EFCC – where state agencies, private sector, and civil society are able to advance areas of common interest, including in the forestry and timber sector.

Marco Boscolo, Forestry Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organzation of the United Nations, and former Chief Technical Advisor of the project, told IPS that it was hard to underestimate the size of environmental challenges of Bangladesh.

“Every year, only due to riverbank erosion, tens of thousands of people lose their land and livelihoods, spurring a lot of internal migration, mostly towards cities.

Landslides, cyclones and floods make headlines every year during the monsoon season,” he said.

The reasons are complex.

Flooding is not a new phenomenon in Bangladesh.

Because the country is a flat delta, the monsoon season has always brought some level of flooding. However, climate change (more severe storms and cyclones) and transboundary water issues have exacerbated the problem, said Boscolo.

“The pressure on the land is huge. To get a sense of the level of population pressure in Bangladesh one can imagine that, if the whole population of the earth (about 7.6 billion) would be put all in the USA, the population density would be less than what is now in Bangladesh,” he declared.

Asked what Bangladesh needs to implement the SDGs, and also battle natural disasters, Boscolo said that with the adoption of SDGs, countries have sanctioned that most development challenges are cross-sectoral in nature.

Addressing the threat of climate change, tackling poverty and food security,

addressing environmental degradation are not and cannot be the exclusive mandate of individual ministries and agencies, he pointed out.

“Unfortunately, in Bangladesh (as in many other countries), there is still a strong sectoral divide in terms of both structure, planning and budgeting which deters coordination and learning.

Cross sectoral investment frameworks are essential to implement the SDGs.” He said the Country Investment Plan (CIP) on the environment, forestry and climate change includes about 30 SDG indicators in its results framework.

Meanwhile, facts and figures on the state of the country’s environment are staggering: about 15 million people in Bangladesh alone could be on the move by 2050 because of climate change induced sea level increases and increases in areas under standing flood water.

With the highest population density of any non-city state globally, Bangladesh will have limited ability to absorb the internal movement of people, which will then lead to the external movement of Bangladeshis.

At the same time, saline intrusion (up to 8 km by 2030) resulting from sea level rise will create a significant reduction in agriculture productivity. Temperature increases are already having a negative effect on yield of rice and other vegetable crops.

By 2050 pulse yields under climate change are 8.8% lower than the projected value if climate change did not occur.

“This is followed by wheat and oilseed-rapeseed with 6.4% and 6.3%, respectively, as the greatest reductions in yield. By 2050 rice, yields of vegetables (as a group), and

other crop11 (including jute) are 5.3%, 5.7%, and 3.3% less than the NoCC value in 2050, respectively.”

Additionally, extreme weather conditions (floods and cyclones) are expected to increase in frequency and intensity in Bangladesh.

Losses related to the 2007 and 2009 cyclones were estimated at around two million metric tons of rice, enough to feed 10 million people.

The south, southwest, and southeast coastal regions of Bangladesh are increasingly susceptible to severe tropical cyclones and associated saltwater intrusion.

Pollution can account for as many as one in four deaths.

Extremely poor air quality, polluted food and water systems and industrial toxins all contribute to this scenario.

Asked about the importance of the CIP, Boscolo told IPS the five year CIP, which took two years to develop, responds to a growing need for an investment framework that allows for resources to be more targeted for environmental improvements, better coordination among agencies, and regular monitoring of the impacts of these investments.

He said the CIP had been designed to help the Government realize its policy objectives by guiding investment choices in their Annual Development Programs.

The plan has identified at least 46 agencies that implement 170 projects directly related to the environment, forestry and climate change. While those projects are worth some $5.0 billion, an additional $7.0 billion are needed by 2021 to meet development targets, such as those set in the Government’s seventh Five

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Year Plan.

Areas such as environmental governance, pollution control, and the management of natural resources were found to be particularly underfinanced, he noted.

“These additional investments are needed to ensure that the country’s economic development, which has progressed at a rate of over six percent per year, will continue and to ensure the health and wellbeing of the general public while safeguarding the environment,” Boscolo added.

Asked what is urgently needed to help implement the SDGs, Boscolo said improved targeting of climate change (CC) and environmental funds to activities that will have the greatest effect in mitigating the effects of CC and improving the environment.

Additionally, there has to be improved coordination and synchronization of CC and environment funding; increases in internal and external CC funds, such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) etc; increased knowledge of the effect of CC and environmental pollution and the potential impact that targeted investments could have and improved governance structures to lead better CC and environmental investment in Bangladesh.

In particular, he said, there is a need for capacity enhancement within relevant organizations (e.g., General Economics Division, Planning Commission, Prime Minister’s Office’s relevant directorate and ministries like agriculture, disaster management, water resources etc.) which might be helpful.

The writer can be contacted at thalifdeen@aol.com

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southSouth asia times 23 Asia Times

With launching of JV to run Hambantota Port, Lanka joins China’s OBOR

By P. K. Balachandaran

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OLOMBO: With the launching of a SinoSri Lankan Joint Venture (JV) to run the China-funded Hambantota port here on Saturday, Sri Lanka has joined China’s One Belt One Road (OBOR) and 21st Century Maritime Silk Route projects, Prime Minister RanilWickremesinghe has said.

Speaking at the launching ceremony here on Saturday, Wickremesinghe described the occasion as “historic”, as it will help make the Hambantota port part of Sri Lanka’s grand scheme to turn the island nation into the maritime hub of the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka will have three ports – one in the West (Colombo), one in the South (Hambantota), and one in the East (Trincomalee) - to make it an ideal maritime hub of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), he said.

Wickremesinghe stated that Sri Lanka is now part of China’s One Belt One Road Initiative (OBOR), which,

along with its 21st.Century Maritime Silk Route, is an international connectivity project.

Through the OBOR and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Route, Sri Lanka will become a maritime hub as indeed it was in pre-colonial times when the Chinese had a maritime silk route girdling the globe, the Lankan Prime Minister said.

Sri Lanka lost its place in the maritime route because of the disruption of the system by the colonial powers, he explained.

Wickremesinghe further said that the Hambantota port will be part of a larger scheme to make the area around it a hub of industrial activity with a cement plant and an oil refinery coming up in the proposed Economic Zone.

Joint Venture Partners The Joint Venture is between the public sector Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA)/Government of Sri Lanka and the China Merchant Port Holdings (CMPH).

As result of the Concession Agreement dated July 29, 2017, two companies have been formed to run the Hambantota port – the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) and the Hambantota International Port Services Co. Pvt. Ltd. With US$ 292 million handed in on Saturday the CMPH has given, as down payment so far, 40% of the total of US$ 1.2 billion pledged to the port as per the Concession Agreement.

Ten percent had been paid earlier.

Hambantota port will be the largest multi-purpose port in Sri Lanka and also the island’s single largest private investment. The aim is to make the Hambantota port a “total logistics solution provider,” the CMPH said in a statement.

Total Logistics Hub The aim of the government of Sri Lanka and the China Merchant Port Holdings (CMPH) is to transform Hambantota port from a “transshipment hub”

to a “total logistics hub” of the Indian Ocean region, the statement said.

For the CMPH, Hambantota is the second investment in Sri Lanka, the first being the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT). The CICT, which is the first phase of the Colombo South Harbor project, has been in existence for the past five years. The island nation’s only deep water terminal to date, the CICT has already notched 2 million TEUs. The CMPH completed the CICT 32 months ahead of schedule.

Dr. Hu Jianhua, Executive Vice Chairman of CMPH said that the new Joint Venture to run Hambantota port will provide training and employment to Sri Lankans, especially the people of Hambantota district.

Already, many local youth have gone for training in other projects run by the CMPH , he said.

Dr. Hu said that the 145-year-old CMPH has seven years of experience of working in Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka will have three ports – one in the West (Colombo), one in the South (Hambantota), and one in the East (Trincomalee) - to make it an ideal maritime hub of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and has learnt about the country’s thinking and demands. The success of the Colombo International Container Terminal has given the CMPH “immense confidence” in itself and Sri Lanka, he added.

Source: The Citizen, 9 December, 2017

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UNITED NATIONS: Important force for peace and human Development Or Ineffective, corrupt and biased? Or A white Elephant?

By Rashid Sultan

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o find the answers to some or all of the above we need to go in the past to enable us find the truth.

We all know that the United Nations took birth in 1945 after the disastrous failure of its predecessor, the League of Nations, which could not prevent deaths of 60 to 80 million people in the greatest war (what an ironyafter 80 million deaths we still call it the greatest war).

The primary mandate of the UN was peacekeeping which extended, as time went by, to include maintaining international peace and security, social and economic development, protecting human rights and the environment etc. and providing aid in natural calamities like famine and earthquakes and floods.

But its structure was flawed since its inception – with 51 founding members and special veto rights given to super powersthe US, the USSR, the UK, France and China (not the mainland China but the puppet sitting in exile in what we now know as Taiwan). The membership has now increased to193 countries- thanks to decolonisation- but veto powers have remained with the superpowers.

One veto by one of these five countries and out goes the bill which may have taken a year of negotiations among the member states.

The naked display of power, as usual – might is always right. It was only in 1971 when mainland China took over its seat in the UN and replaced Taiwan in the Security Council, despite US’ opposition. How more ridiculous could you be to prevent the largest populated country to occupy a seat in the UN for 25 years? Why? Because,it did not suit the US’ perspective of the globe.

Let us see some of the milestones in the life of the UN: 1947- Partition of Palestine and creation of Israel resulting in displacing hundreds of thousands of refugees who are still living in camps in Jordan, Syria and other countries in the Arab world. Israel refuses to accept them back- a

breach of the UN resolution.

Israel attacks Jordan in 1967 (known as 6 day war) and occupies the whole of Palestine (whatever had remained after 1947).

The whole world has been condemning Israel for its continuous expansion into the occupied territories except USA. Reason? It suits the US’ domestic policy. Just 3 days ago the US decides to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem- the occupied territory.

A total failure!

Again, 1947- the UN intervenes in the Kahsmir conflict. Manages to hold ceasefire between India and Pakistan with proviso that a plebiscite would be held in near future to decide the ultimate fate of the valley.

The problem has been festering since then and has resulted in 3 wars between the two nations.

Ineffectual!

1950- authorises USled coalition to enter into Korea to repel the North (read,to stall advance of the Communism). The approval isgained in the absence of the USSR. The stage has now reached to the point that the North is almost a nuclear powerand the whole peninsula is on the cusp of an explosion with both Trump and Kim Jong Un trading insults and threats regularly keeping the world on tenterhooks.

Failed once again!

1956- peacekeeping force is sent to Suez area to stop

fighting between Egypt and the Anglo-French combine.

Mission is successful as the European powers realise that they cannotwin.

1960-64- launches military operations in the Congo to stop further bloodshed.

A long and arduous campaign successful in its aim, finally.

1965-75- Vietnam conflict (though seeds were planted in the 50s by US advisors). The toll? 3 million Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian soldiers and civilians and 58,000 US soldiers. The end confirms once again that the US has not won a war since World War II. 1991- plays a positive role against Iraqi invasion against Kuwait where there was no veto in the Security Council(why? Its oil you stupid, with apologies to Bill Clinton). Kuwait is liberated.

Mission successful.

In the ensuing years, the UN failed miserably in Somalia, Haiti, Mozambique, former Yugoslavia and most of all Bosnia and Rwanda where genocide and ethnic cleansing reached their deplorable heights not seen since world War 2 2001: Invasion of Afghanistan under NATO, where it had no role toplay and was a mute spectator.

The result? 200,000 deaths and millions of displaced refugees. And the misery? It still goes on.

2003: Unilateral attack on Iraq by the US and the ‘Coalition of the Willing’

with no input of the UN, on the false premise of Iraq harbouring ‘weapons of mass destruction’. When the truth comes that the premise was false, it is too late. A million people have been killed and tens of millions displaced. So much suffering!

And the UN is helplessly wringing its hands.

It, finally, brings us to a blunt and cruel truth. The United Nations has been a puppet in the hands of super powers. These are the powers which dictate with military or fiscal mightand are able to overrule the mandate of the organisation they formed in 1945.

It is nothing less than a façade, a mockery of civilised behaviour.

The only positive things we may associate with this organisation is the work being done by its agencies like, UNICEF, UNESCO, World Health Organisation, World Food Aid, World Bank, International Court of Justice, Human rights and Refugees councils. But, if you look deeply these agencies are powerless in making governments to answer when they are in breach. (remember the Nauru and Manus Island’s refugees and asylum seekers). Not many remember when Ronald Reagan withdrew funding to UNESCO. The threat of stopping contributions, from time to time still hangs over the UN like a sword.

Under these threats the UN carries on regular

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internal reviews which always result in decrease of its workforce.

Yes, in terms of human catastrophes, the UN has performed thankless jobs around the world whether it is natural or man- made.

But, even at times of these emergencies the UN has to beg the donor members (read, the veto- empowered members of the Security Council).

There was a time, during the Cold War era when the UN was hibernating as in a world of statis due to demands of the US and USSR. But, it was also a time (in the 60s) when idealists and dreamers started talking of ‘One World One Government’. How stupid a human being can be!

Even after 70 years of its existence, the UN is not yet a genuine representative of the Globe. India, Brazil and South Africa are yet to be appointed in the Security Council after years of negotiations.

It reminds me of a short story of Krishan Chander. A passenger is trying to board a 3rd class unreserved compartment and begging to Passengers, inside, to open the door while he himself is dangerously dangling on the footboard. Finally a kind soul feels pity on him and allows him to come in. This same person is now at the door and is having deaf ears to all the beseechings and beggings of passengers at the next stations.

These are author’s personal views.

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south asia 26 letter from sydney South Asia Timestimes

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Is IACF an opaque or nontransparent organisation?

By Ashok Kumar*

Is it to hide facts from the public who invested in the welcome of Mr Modi in one or the other way or is there something more sinister in all this? There are rumours that Adani funded this event too.

S

YDNEY, 12 December, 2017: Three years ago, in November 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Australia amid great fanfare. Mr. Ram Madhav from the RSS reportedly established Indian Australian Community Foundation (IACF) to host Mr. Modi.

The IACF was formed with active and exclusive role for the members of Hindu Council of Australia (HCA).

Hindu Council of Australia president, Dr Nihal Agar, was made IACF President.

From what people saw, Mr Yateender Gupta (from the inner circle of HCA), Mr RahulJethi (from the inner circle of HCA and then convenor of OFBJP), Mr Ramyavaram (Hindu SwamsevakSangh HSS), Mr Sanjeev Bhakri (HCA secretary) and Mr BaleshDhankar (HCA and OFBJP) were the key members of this group and were involved in various activities including funds collections. Indian Australian community leaders and groups had hardly any role and there was no consultation with them.

The IACF collected funds and sponsorships from various businesses and reportedly also collected funds from various community organisations

in the name of PM Modi and the PMO ostensibly for hosting the event in the All Phones Arena, the site for the Modi speech.

The Stadium reportedly finally did not charge for the venue. Apparently, that money should have been with the IACF but no one is responding to the repeated queries put forward by The IST. It was also announced by the IACF chief Dr.Nihal Agar at a community meeting at that time that once PM Modi returns to India, the IACF will be disbanded. But in March 2015, four months later, the Facebook page of Prime Minister Modi revealed that Dr. Agar along with OFBJP Australia head Balesh Singh Dhankar met Mr. Modi in New Delhi in the capacity of IACF chief and office bearer. Still, there is no clear indication if the IACF has been

disbanded or not. The information about IACF is opaque, if not non-existent.

The questionnaire was sent to several IACF members. None except Mr. Yateender Gupta responded. Mr. Gupta advised that he was just an accountant and under Australian rules, he is not supposed to reveal any details of the account except to the clients. However, we were not enquiring about any individual in private capacity rather in interest of the community that has paid to the public fund. In order to maintain the principle of probity in public life we had demanded transparency in usage of community funds in the best interest of Indian Australians.

The mystery deepens with the absence of any information forthcoming.

To inform the community, The IST asked following questions from members of IACF, including President Dr.Nihal Agar, then OFBJP convenor Mr Rahul Jethi, who was involved in collection of funds, Accountant Mr. Yateender Gupta, OFBJP President and Media coordinator Mr. Balesh Singh Dhankar, members of the inner core group Mr. Ramyavaran and Mr Sanjeev Bhakri: Is IACF still in operation or has it been disbanded/ closed?

How much funds were collected for the purpose of hosting PM Modi’s Sydney meeting?

How much of those funds were spent for PM Modi’s meeting?

How much money was left and what happened to that money?

Who were the signatories and authorised persons to operate IACF funds?

Since IACF was formed on behalf of community organisations, that had to join IACF to enable their members to get the tickets for the PM Modi’s meeting, have you/your

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team informed community/ community organisations about these details?

Do you accept that it is essential for groups like IACF to follow principles of transparency and proper governance?

None of the above queries has been answered. It is a matter of serious concern that an organisation involved in arranging the public meeting of Prime Minister of India in Sydney would avoid answering reasonable and valid queries. Community people and groups are concerned about lack of transparency and proper governance

by IACF, which collected funds from people, but would not be prepared to be accountable to Indian Australians.

This is a serious disservice to Indian Australians and is bringing the name of Prime Minister of India in bad light. Community deserves answers to these questions. If these answers are not forthcoming soon, then the next option might be to seek them through Right to Information Act (RTI Act) and Freedom of Information (FOI) mechanisms. *Ashok Kumar is a senior journalist and Editor of the Indian Sub-continent Times, Sydney.

—Source: The Indian Sub-continent Times

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southSouth asia times 27 Asia Times

Taj Mahal second most popular UNESCO World Heritage site

By SAT News Desk

N

EW DELHI: The Taj Mahal, is the second best UNESCO world heritage site in theworld, according to a new survey by a travel portal. The'monument of love' is rated after Cambodia's Angkor Wat. Other popularheritage sites on the survey include the Great Wall of China built

by Xu Daof Northern Qi Dynasty in 1368 AD and South America's Incan citadelMachu Picchu in Peru.

The survey, conducted by online travel portal TripAdvisor, lists the UNESCO Cultural and Natural heritage sites which are best rated by travellers aroundthe globe.

"You can find hundreds of tours and experiences to visit this mesmerizingsite, from a private tour with guide and visit at sunset or sunrise, to a visitincluding a home-cooked meal at a local home in Agra," the travel portalwas quoted as saying by news agency PTI. The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in

1983. It is described as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of theuniversally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage". The monumentreceives 8 million visitors per year.

Taj Mahal, an immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.

Outstanding Universal Value: The Taj Mahal is located on the right bank of the Yamuna River in a vast Mughal garden that encompasses nearly 17 hectares, in the Agra District in Uttar Pradesh. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal with construction starting in 1632 AD and completed in 1648 AD, with the mosque, the guest house and the main gateway on the south, the outer courtyard and its cloisters were added subsequently and completed in 1653 AD. The existence of several historical and Quaranic

inscriptions in Arabic script have facilitated setting the chronology of Taj Mahal.

For its construction, masons, stone-cutters, inlayers, carvers, painters, calligraphers, dome builders and other artisans were requisitioned from the whole of the empire and also from the Central Asia and Iran. Ustad-Ahmad Lahori was the main architect of the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is considered to be the greatest architectural achievement in the whole range of Indo-Islamic architecture. Its recognised architectonic beauty has a rhythmic combination of solids and voids, concave and convex and light shadow; such as arches and domes further increases the aesthetic aspect. The colour combination of lush green scape reddish pathway and blue sky over it show cases the monument in ever changing tints and moods.

The relief work in marble and inlay with precious and semi-precious stones make it a monument apart.

The uniqueness of Taj Mahal lies in some truly remarkable innovations carried out by the

horticulture planners and architects of Shah Jahan.

One such genius planning is the placing of tomb at one end of the quadripartite garden rather than in the exact centre, which added rich depth and perspective to the distant view of the monument. It is also, one of the best examples of raised tomb variety. The tomb is further raised on a square platform with the four sides of the octagonal base of the minarets extended beyond the square at the corners.

The top of the platform is reached through a lateral flight of steps provided in the centre of the southern side. The ground plan of the Taj Mahal is in perfect balance of composition, the octagonal tomb chamber in the centre, encompassed by the portal halls and the four corner rooms. The plan is repeated on the upper floor.

The exterior of the tomb is square in plan, with chamfered corners. The large double storied domed chamber, which houses the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan, is a perfect octagon in plan. The exquisite octagonal marble lattice screen encircling both cenotaphs is a piece of

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superb workmanship. It is highly polished and richly decorated with inlay work.

The borders of the frames are inlaid with precious stones representing flowers executed with wonderful perfection.

The hues and the shades of the stones used to make the leaves and the flowers appear almost real. The cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal is in perfect centre of the tomb chamber, placed on a rectangular platform decorated with inlaid flower plant motifs. The cenotaph of Shah Jahan is greater than Mumtaz Mahal and installed more than thirty years later by the side of the latter on its west. The upper cenotaphs are only illusory and the real graves are in the lower tomb chamber (crypt), a practice adopted in the imperial Mughal tombs.

The four free-standing minarets at the corners of the platform added a hitherto unknown dimension to the Mughal architecture. The four minarets provide not only a kind of spatial reference to the monument but also give a three dimensional effect to the edifice.

Contd. on pg 28

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Contd. from pg 27

The most impressive in the Taj Mahal complex next to the tomb, is the main gate which stands majestically in the centre of the southern wall of the forecourt. The gate is flanked on the north front by double arcade galleries. The garden in front of the galleries is subdivided into four quarters by two main walk-ways and each quarters in turn subdivided by the narrower crossaxial walkways, on the Timurid-Persian scheme of the walled in garden. The enclosure walls on the east and west have a pavilion at the centre.

The Taj Mahal is a perfect symmetrical planned building, with an emphasis of bilateral symmetry along a central axis on which the main features are placed. The building material used is brick-inlime mortar veneered with red sandstone and marble and inlay work of precious/ semi-precious stones. The mosque and the guest house in the Taj Mahal complex are built of red sandstone in contrast to the marble tomb in the centre. Both the buildings have a large platform over the terrace at

their front. Both the mosque and the guest house are the identical structures. They have an oblong massive prayer hall consist of three vaulted bays arranged in a row with central dominant portal. The frame of the portal arches and the spandrels are veneered in white marble. The spandrels are filled with flowery arabesques of stone intarsia and the arches bordered with rope molding.

Criterion (i): Taj Mahal represents the finest architectural and artistic achievement through perfect harmony and excellent craftsmanship in a whole range of Indo-Islamic sepulchral architecture.

It is a masterpiece of architectural style in conception, treatment and execution and has unique aesthetic qualities in balance, symmetry and harmonious blending of various elements.

Integrity: Integrity is maintained in the intactness of tomb, mosque, guest house, main gate and the whole Taj Mahal complex.

The physical fabric is in good condition and structural stability, nature of foundation, verticality of the minarets and other

constructional aspects of Taj Mahal have been studied and continue to be monitored. To control the impact of deterioration due for atmospheric pollutants, an air control monitoring station is installed to constantly monitor air quality and control decay factors as they arise. To ensure the protection of the setting, the adequate management and enforcement of regulations in the extended buffer zone is needed. In addition, future development for tourist facilities will need to ensure that the functional and visual integrity of the property is maintained, particularly in the relationship with the Agra Fort.

Authenticity: The tomb, mosque, guest house, main gate and the overall Taj Mahal complex have maintained the conditions of authenticity at the time of inscription. Although an important amount of repairs and conservation works have been carried out right from the British period in India these have not compromised to the original qualities of the buildings.

Future conservation work will need to follow

guidelines that ensure that qualities such as form and design continue to be preserved.

Protection and management requirements: The management of the Taj Mahal complex is carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India and the legal protection of the monument and the control over the regulated area around the monument is through the various legislative and regulatory frameworks that have been established, including the Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 and Rules 1959 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment and Validation); which is adequate to the overall administration of the property and buffer areas.

Additional supplementary laws ensure the protection of the property in terms of development in the surroundings.

An area of 10,400 sq km around the Taj Mahal is defined to protect the monument from pollution.

The Supreme Court of India in December, 1996, delivered a ruling banning use of coal/ coke in industries located

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in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) and switching over to natural gas or relocating them outside the TTZ. The TTZ comprises of 40 protected monuments including three World Heritage Sites - Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and FatehpurSikri.

The fund provided by the federal government is adequate for the buffer areas. The fund provided by the federal government is adequate for the overall conservation, preservation and maintenance of the complex to supervise activities at the site under the guidance of the Superintending Archaeologist of the Agra Circle. The implementation of an Integrated Management plan is necessary to ensure that the property maintains the existing conditions, particularly in the light of significant pressures derived from visitation that will need to be adequately managed. The Management plan should also prescribe adequate guidelines for proposed infrastructure development and establish a comprehensive Public Use plan.

Sources: UNESCO, NDTV & PTI.

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southSouth asia times 29 Asia Times

Estate Planning Matters – Part 2

BY Balki Balakrishnan

I

In the last article in this newspaper we explored the different types of nominations available to a member of a superannuation fund in distributing member’s super money upon the death of the member.

In this article we will describe briefly the person(s) eligible to receive this money.

Superannuation Death Benefit (SDB) is a benefit received by an individual as a result of the death of a person. The persons eligible to receive a SDB are restricted by legislation and the trust deed of the superannuation fund.

The Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SIS Act) limits the beneficiaries to a “dependant” or the member’s Legal Personal Representative.

The SIA Act defines a dependant to include, a spouse (includes de-facto partner), child (includes an adopted child, step child or an ex nuptial child of the member), and any person with whom the member has an interdependency relationship.

Financial dependants, that is persons rather than a spouse, child or interdependent, who are financially dependant on the deceased (i.e. potentially parents, grandchildren, friends) are also regarded as dependants under the SIS Act. There are strict definitions in the Act as to who is an interdependent and financial dependant.

The member can also nominate a legal personal representative as the beneficiary and instruct the representative how to distribute the super money. The trustee of the deceased’s superannuation fund makes a decision as to which dependant or the deceased’s legal personal representative (either or both) receives the member’s superannuation balance. The trustees of the fund have the obligation to exercise their discretion in distributing the

proceeds properly. However, this discretion can be overridden by the deceased by having made, prior to his/her death, a Binding Death Benefit Nomination (BDBN).

You should be mindful that superannuation death benefit do not automatically form part of the deceased’s estate. The member of the fund can nominate his/ her estate as the beneficiary. If the deceased does not have any dependants, then his/her estate will receive the death benefit. The Will of the deceased, if there is one, will determine how the proceeds are dealt with by wayof statutory formulae as set out in the relevant Act for jurisdiction involved. If the there is no Will or the Will is defective, the member is said to have died “in intestacy”. In this case, a court appointed executor will distribute the assets after paying off any liabilities to those parties deemed as beneficiaries. Note that the trustees of the fund can pay the member’s benefit to an

individual who is not a dependant or legal personal representative if the trustees of the fund cannot find, after making reasonable enquiries, any dependant or the legal personal representative.

The member’s superannuation death benefit are to be cashed out as soon as practicable in some form or other after the death of the member. The death benefit can be paid either in the form of a lump sum or a pension. A pension can only be paid to a “dependant” of the deceased at the time.

A thorough Estate Planning involves putting in place strategies that address all your assets including money in super.

A common misconception is that Estate Planning is only for wealthy or the elderly. However, you should be aware that Estate Planning enables you to provide for your loved ones while minimizing tax payable by your nominated beneficiaries and thus become important irrespective

of your wealth and your age.

A properly constructed and implemented Estate Plan also ensures that your assets get to the right people at the right time.

Estate Planning is something you should address now. Don’t wait until it is too late. Estate Planning is not always about how your assets are distributed after your death. What happens if you are badly injured in an accident or lose mental capacity? Have you thought about who will manage your affairs while you are still alive but unable to make your own decisions?

We will address in the next few articles the mechanisms you can put in place to make sure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Estate Planning or Personal Succession plan as it is also called, is a complex and sensitive subject and requires professional advice at the time of preparation and at the time of review.

Opes Financial Solutions Pty Ltd trading as Opes Financial Planning ACN618 122 795 is an Authorised Representative of Merit Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL 409361.

Balki Balakrishnan

Director | Financial Advisor Authorised Representative Number: 409415 Merit Wealth Pty Ltd. AFSL No: 409361 M: 0419 506 560

This article contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. Please contact us at 0419 506 560if you want more information or need to review your insurance covers.

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quick community guide Radio GUIDE

www.ekantipur.com/en THE RISING NEPAL: www.nepalnews.com.np

SBS Radio's South Asian

SUNDAY Language Programs Hindi..................................9 am to 10 am – 93.1 FM BANGLA Urdu................................10 am to 11 am – 93.1 FM Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 Tamil...............................11 am to 12 pm – 93.1 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SBS Radio 2 Hindi.................................8 pm to 10 pm – 88.3 FM Monday & Saturday Singhalese.......................8 pm to 11 pm –97.7 FM 6-7 PM GUJARATI MONDA Y Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 Hindi....................................3 to 4 pm – 93.1 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SBSPm Radio Bengali...............................4 pm to 5 pm – 93.1 FM Wednesday & Friday 4-5 PM Hindi...................................6 pm to 8 pm – 88.3 FM Indian (Fiji)..................................6 pm to 8 pm 88.3 HINDI Punjabi........................1 1 am to 12 Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 noon 92.3 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SBS Radio 2

Daily TUESDAY 5 PM Hindi.....................................

6 am to 8 am – 97.7 FM Hindi....................................

2 pm to 4 pm – 97.7 FM kannada Sydney SBS Radio 3

Melbourne SBS Radio 3 WEDNESDAY Tuesday 3-4 PM Hindi.................................... .6 am to 8 am – 97.7 FM Hindi.........................................

12 to 1 pm – 93.1 FM Nepali Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS1Radio 2 12 pm - 92.3 FM Punjabi............................

1 am to Melbourne 93.1 FM & SBS Radio Hindi................................... .8 pm to 92pm – 97.7 FM Saturday & Sunday 4-5 PM

THURSDAY PUNJABI Hindi...............................

5.30 am to 7 am – 97.7 FM Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 9 pm – 92.3 FM Tamil....................................

8 pm to Melbourne 93.1 FM & SBS Radio 2 Sinhalese..........................

Monday & Saturday 1 1 pm to 3 am –92.3 FM Punjabi.............................

9 pm to 10 pm – 93.1 FM 9-10 PM SINHALESE FRIDAY Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 Indian.................................. .8 am to 92am – 88.3 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SBS Radio Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri

11AM-12 PM SATURDAY Sinhalese............................ 7 am to 8 am – 92.3 FM TAMIL TSydney amil.....................................

12-12.30 97.7 FM & SBS Radio 2 pm – 88.3 FM Indian....................................

5 am to 62am - 92.3 FM Melbourne 93.1 FM & SBS Radio Sun, Mon, Wed, Sat Punjabi..........................................

12-2 am – 92.3 FM 8-9 PM Indian................................

9 pm to 10 pm – 92.3 FM Punjabi..................................................

11 pm to 1 am urdu Sydney 97.7 FM & SBS Radio24/7 2 Radio stations Melbourne FM & SBS Radio (Subscription) 2 Indian Link93.1 Radio Wednesday & Sunday 18000 15 8 47 6-7 PM Radio Santa Banta (Internet) Santabanta.com.au WORLD NEWS AUSTRALIA RADIO SydneyJhankar 1107AM88.6 & SBSFM; Radio 1 Thursday; 8 to Radio Every Melbourne 1224AM & SBS Radio 1 10 pm; Contact: 94668900 or 0411247320 or Monday & Friday 9404 2111 6-7 am & 6-7 PM

South Asian websiteS India TEHELKA – www.tehelka.com OUTLOOK – www.outlookindia.com FRONTLINE- www.flonnet.com THE HINDU: www.hinduonnet.com TIMES OF INDIA: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com HINDUSTAN TIMES: www.hindustantimes.com Pakistan DAWN: www.dawn.com THE FRIDAY TIMES: www.thefridaytimes.com THE NEWS INTERENATIONAL: www.thenews.com.pk Sri Lanka DAILY MIRROR: www.dailymirror.lk DAILY NEWS: www.dailynews.lk THE ISLAND: www.island.lk Nepal THE HIMALAYAN TIMES: www.thehimalayantimes.com KANTIPUR NATIONAL DAILY:

PLACES OF WORSHIP HINDU Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple 57 Boundary Rd, Carrum Downs, Melbourne, Vic 3201, Ph: 03 9782 0878; Fax: 03 9782 0001 Website: www.hsvshivavishnu.org.au Sri Vakratunda Vinayaka Temple 1292 - 1294, The Mountain Highway, The Basin, Vic 3154, Ph: 03 9792 1835 Melbourne Murugan Temple 17-19 Knight Ave., Sunshine VIC 3020 Ph: 03 9310 9026 Durga Temple (Durga Bhajan Mandali) Neales Road, Rockbank, Vic 3335 Ph: 03 9747 1628 or Mobile: 0401 333 738 Hare Krishna (ISKCON) Temple 197 Danks Street, Middle Park Vic 3206 Ph: (03) 9699 5122 Email: 100237.354@compuserve.com Hare Krishna New Nandagram Rural Community Oak Hill, Dean’s Marsh Rd., Bambra VIC 3241, Ph: (052) 887383 Fax: (052) 887309 Kundrathu Kumaran Temple 139 Gray Court, ROCKBANK Victoria 3335 Ph: 03-9747 1135 or M: 0450 979 023 http://www.kumarantemple.org.au/

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SHEPPARTON Gurdwara Sahib Shepparton 240 Doyles Road, Shepparton VICTORIA 3603 PH: (03) 5821 9309

JAIN Melbourne Shwetambar Jain Sangh Inc 3 Rice Street, Moorabbin, Vic - 3189, Australia. Phone: +61 3 9555 2439 info@melbournejainsangh.org http://www.melbournejainsangh.org

Melbourne West Mosque 66-68 Jeffcott Street, Melbourne Ph: 03 9328 2067 Broadmeadows Mosque 45-55 King Street, Broadmeadows Ph 03 9359 0054 Islamic Call Society 19 Michael Street, Brunswick Ph: 03 9387 7100 Islamic Centre of Australia 660 Sydney Road, Brunswick Ph 03 9385 8423 Australian Islamic Cultural Centre 46-48 Mason Street, Campbellfield Ph: 03 9309 7605 Coburg ISNA Mosque 995 Sydney Road, Coburg North

HOPPERS CROSSING Sri Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha 417 Sayers Road, Hoppers Crossing VICTORIA 3029, Ph: (03) 9749 2639 WERRIBEE Gurdwara Sahib Werribee 560 Davis Road, Tarneit VICTORIA 3029 PH: (03) 8015 4707

Gas escape...........................................

132 771 Poisons information........................

13 11 26 Maternal and Child Line................

13 22 29 Parentline...........................................

13 22 89 Kids Help Line.........................

1800 551 800 Lifeline (provides confidential telephone counselling).................

13 11 14 Suicide Help Line....................

1300 651 251 Animal Emergencies..................

9224 2222

Services handled by Indian Consulate Melbourne itself: OCI Misc. services, Registration of Birth, Birth Certificate, Renunciation of Indian Citizenship, Surrender of Indian Passport, New Passport Details on PIO, Transfer of Valid Visas, Marriage Certificate, Affidavit for Applying Child’s Passport in India, Documents Attestation.)

Coburg Mosque (Fatih Mosque) 31 Nicholson Street, Coburg Ph 03 9386 5324 Deer Park Mosque 283 Station Road, Deer Park Ph 03 9310 8811

Heidelberg Mosque Corner Lloyd & Elloits Streets, West Heidelberg

LYNBROOK Nanaksar Taath, 430 Evans Road, Lynbrook VICTORIA 3975, (03) 9799 1081

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Indian Consulate Consular services are handled by VFS Global Visa / Passport / PCC / IDLV / PIO / OCI services contact VFS +61 2 8223 9909.

Address: Part 4 Suite, Level 12, 55 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Site : www.vfsglobal.com/india/australia/

SIKH

KEYSBOROUGH Gurdwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib 198 -206 Perry Road, Keysborough VICTORIA 3073 (see map)

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Indian Consulate Address: 344, St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia P.O. Box No: 33247 Domain LPO Vic 3004 Consular Enquiries: +61-3-9682 5800 (9.30am-12.30noon only) General Enquiries (other than Consular): +61-3- 9682 7836 Fax No:+ 61-3- 9696 8251 Email: consular@cgimelb.org Web site: www.cgimelb.org

United Migrant Muslim Assn.

72 George Road, Doncaster Ph 03 9842 6491, Footscray West Mosque 294 Essex Street, Footscray

CRAIGIEBURN Sri Guru Singh Sabha 344 Hume Highway, Craigieburn VICTORIA 3164 (see map), Ph: (03) 9305 6511

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INDIAN CONSULATE

MUSLIM

Sankat Mochan Temple 1289 A North Road. Huntingdale Morning: 10.30 am – 12.30 pm daily Evening: 4:30 pm – 8.00 pm daily Site: http: www.sankatmochan.org.au Contact: 0427 274 462

BLACKBURN Sri Guru Nanak Satsang Sabha 127 Whitehorse Road, Blackburn VICTORIA 3130, Ph: (03) 9894 1800

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Glenroy Musala 1st Floor, 92 Wheatsheaf Road, Glenroy

Islamic College of Victoria (Mosque) 201 Sayers Road, Hoppers Crossing Ph 03 9369 6010 Huntingdale Mosque 320-324 Huntingdale Road, Huntingdale Ph 03 9543 8037

HIGH COMMISSION FOR PAKISTAN,CANBERRA

Al Nur Mosque 34-36 Studley Street, Maidstone Meadow Heights Mosque Hudson Circuit, Meadow Heights

4 Timbarra Crescent, O’Malley ACT 2606 (Australia), Tel: 61-2-62901676, 61-2-62901676, 62902769, 62901879 & 62901031, Fax: 61-262901073 Email: parepcanberra@internode. on.net, Postal Address: PO Box 684, Mawson ACT 2607 (Australia)

Springvale Mosque 68 Garnworthy Street, Springvale

EMERGENCY CONTACTS EMERGENCY CONTACTS Police, Fire & Abulance ........................

Victoria State Emergency Service (SES).......................................

Traffic hazards and freeway conditions..........................

Student Welfare Officer in the Indian Consulate Melbourne Consulate General of India, Melbourne Address: 344, St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC – 3000 Phone: 03-96826203 Fax: 03-96968251 Email: cgo@cgimelb.org Website: www.cgimelb.orgExternal website that opens in a new window Contact person for Students welfare: Mr. Nirmal K. Chawdhary Designation: Deputy Consul General Mobile: 0430020828

Sri Lanka Consulate 000

132 500 13 11 70

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Suite 536, No 1 Queens Road, Melbourne VIC 3004 Telephone: +61 3 9290 4200 Fax: +61 3 9867 4873 Email:mail@slcgmel.org Web: http://www.slcgmel.org

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quick community guide

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VIEW POINT

South Asia Times

contd from previous page Bangladesh High Commission, Canberra 43, Culgoa Circuit, O’Malley, ACT-2606 Canberra, Australia, Ph: (61-2) 6290-0511, (61-2) 6290-0522, (61-2)6290-0533 (Auto hunting).

Fax : (61-2) 6290-0544 E-Mail :hoc@bhcanberra.com

Consulate of Nepal, Melbourne Email: cyonzon@nepalconsulate.net.au Level 7, 28-32 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Ph: (03) 9650 8338 Email: info@nepalconsulate.net.au

TV GUIDE SBS1 – Daily NDTV News - 11:05 am - Monday to Saturday. (From New Delhi, India).

Urdu news SBS1 - PTV News – 9.30 am - Every Sunday – (From Pakistan).

SOUTH ASIAN Garments Roshan’s Fashions 68-71 Foster Street, Dandenong, Vic 3175 Ph: (03) 9792 5688

Travel Agents Gaura Travels 1300 FLY INDIA or 1300 359 463 info@gauratravel.com.au Travel House 284 Clayton Road, Clayton 3168 Ph: (03) 95435123, Mobile: 0425803071 mail@travelhouse.com.au

lAWYERS

MLG Lawyers Ronny Randhawa 144 Sydney Road, Coburg Vic Ph 9386 0204 & 138 Walker Street, Dandenong Vic Ph: 9793 9917 Mobile : 0402 256 712 Vera Lawyers Kusum Vaghela Level 1, Suite 2, 373 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong Vic, Mobile: 0433 827 124

Jewellery Bhadra Laxman Jewellers 22ct Gold Jewellery / Silver Pooja (03) 9846 7661

Raj Rani Creations 83-A Foster Street, Dandenong, Vic 3175 Ph: (03) 9794 9398 desi estyle 76 Foster St., Dandenong 3175 (03) 87744853; 0413707685 Heritage India 54-56 Foster Street, Dandenong, Vic 3175, Ph: (03) 9791 9227 Site: heritageindia.net.au

DVDs, Music CDs & Film Stuff Baba Home Entertainment 52C Foster St., Dandenong 3175, (03) 97067252

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CINEMA

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Victorian screen leader awards highlight industry achievers

By SAT News Desk

M

ELBOURNE, 7 Dec 2017: Film Victoria hosted its annual Screen Leader Awards with representatives from across Victoria’s screen sector gathering to honour four Victorian industry leaders on their outstanding achievements and contribution.

The high achieving allrounder Robert Connolly received the 2017 John Howie Award in recognition of the many projects he has written, directed, produced and executive produced along with the outstanding leadership, mentorship and service he has given to the industry.

As one of Victoria’s most prolific content creators variously and collectively in his roles, Robert’s influence has also been demonstrated through his innovative business practices leading Arenamedia and CinemaPlus to become impressive screen brands in the Australian and international markets.

Festival Director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, MituBhowmick Lange was recognised with the 2017 Jill Robb Award.

Under Ms Bhowmick Lange’s

leadership, the festival has fostered and encouraged cultural collaboration and understanding between Victoria’s multicultural communities and also enriched Victoria’s screen industry and Melbourne’s annual event calendar.

Additionally, her highly successful distribution businesses Mind Blowing Films and Mind Blowing World have brought a diverse and entertaining range of Indian films to Australian audiences and provided an alternative distribution platform for the films of local independent filmmakers.

The 2017 Fred Schepisi Award was presented to acclaimed Victorian Director Kate Dennis.

With intelligence, vision and a collaborative spirit Kate’s directing skills has influenced the success of many iconic Australian television shows including The Alice, The Secret Life of Us, Love My Way, Offspring, Rush, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Time of Our Lives, Rake, Party Tricks and Secrets and Lies. Her contribution to US dramas such as Glow, I’m Dying Up Here, Preacher and The Mindy Project saw her invited to direct two episodes of the

highly acclaimed drama The Handmaid’s Tale, for which she received a Prime Time nomination for her episode ‘The Bridge.’ Imogen Banks accepted the award on Kate’s behalf.

Kris Mrksa received the 2017 Jan Sardi Award for his significant achievements as a screenwriter. As one of Australia’s most sought after drama writers, Kris’ talent as a screenwriter and script editor has seen him create an outstanding body of work reflected in some of Australia’s most loved television dramas including The Secret Life of Us, Underbelly, The Slap, Glitch, Time of Our Lives, Devil’s Dust, Nowhere Boys, Janet King and the acclaimed telemovie The King, which became the highest rating drama ever screened on subscription television in Australia at its time. Kris recently created, wrote and Executive Produced Requiem, a six-part drama commissioned by the BBC and Netflix which will screen in 2018.

CEO Jenni Tosi congratulated the award recipients saying ‘these awards are our way of acknowledging four highly talented creatives who have all played a significant role in enhancing Victoria’s

reputation as a vibrant creative and cultural hub, where great content is made.”

“We’re incredibly lucky to have such a huge pool of talent working here in Victoria and we look forward to them continuing to lead, inspire and achieve success in 2018.”

The event also recognised Film Victoria’s outgoing CEO Jenni Tosi who departs Film Victoria on 15 December after 10 years with the agency.

Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley and Film Victoria President Ian Robertson paid tribute to Ms Tosi’s achievements as CEO and acknowledged the enthusiasm and commitment she has shown to the organisation and the Victorian screen industry since she joined Film Victoria in October 2007.

Reflecting on her time at the organisation, Ms Tosi said “It has been an honour and a privilege to work at Film Victoria and see the Victorian screen industry strengthen its position over the past 10 years. In particular my time as CEO role has been immensely rewarding.

My sincere thanks to the Board and fantastic team at Film Victoria and to the

www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082

We’re incredibly lucky to have such a huge pool of talent working here in Victoria and we look forward to them continuing to lead, inspire and achieve success in 2018. many production partners, collaborators, writers, directors, producers, technicians, businesses, state and federal government colleagues who have helped contribute to Victoria’s success. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with all of you and I look forward to continue serving the industry in other ways in the future.”

Source: Screen Australia

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Awards for Mitu Bhowmick Lange and IFFM

By SAT News Desk

M

ELBOURNE, Dec 2017: Running the Bollywood dream machine Down Under, Mitu Bhowmick Lange is no stranger to being in the news. She and the IFFM team have weaved a strong presence for the world’s biggest film industry where Hollywood stuff is staple diet. Mitu now becomes the first Indian to receive the Jill Robb Screen Leadership Award for Outstanding leadership, mentorship and service to the screen industry in Australia.

Mitu Bhowmick Lange is one of the most renowned names contributing to the global outreach of Indian cinema in the past decade. She is the Founder of Mind Blowing Films, a Melbourne based film company specialising in the distribution of Indian films throughout Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

Festival Director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne(IFFM), Mitu was recognised with the 2017 Jill Robb Award from Film Victoria on behalf of the government. This award recognises Victorian female

screen practitioners who have shown leadership through their achievements and involvement in the industry, including the mentoring of other women from the field. Under Mitu’s leadership, the festival has fostered and encouraged cultural collaboration and understanding between Victoria’s multicultural community and also enriched screen industry and Melbourne’s annual event calendar.

IFFM is one of the biggest and most successful Indian film festivals held outside of the Indian soil and has over the years had a close association with

megastars like Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor with VidyaBalan who is the effervescent ambassador of IFFM. The past recipients of the prestigious Jill Robb Award include Film, TV and drama producer Fiona Eagger (Ms. Fisher’s Murder Mysteries) Oscar-nominated editor and Golden Globe Winner Jill Bilcock (Moulin Rouge, Elizabeth), renowned producer Sue Maslin (The Dressmaker) amongst many other successful names in the industry.

IFFM wins the title of Most Popular Indian Film Festival Abroad

In 2016, IFFM was honoured with Melbourne Award for its contribution in Multiculturalism and recognised the popularity and diversity of the Indian cinema and its celebration in Australia by the Australian government.

This year, the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne has won the “Most Popular Indian Film Festival Abroad” award at International Film Business Awards (IFBA) 2017. This award acknowledges and celebrates the best in the film trade business across various film industry related platforms and is supported by the Government of

www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082

Telangana.

Speaking of these landmark achievements, an elated Mitu told SAT, “I feel humbled and honoured at receiving this amazing recognitions... cinema and art are the biggest cultural bridges between countries, communities and people, we feel very blessed to be able to contribute in a small way and are very encouraged to do more” MituBhowmick Lange is today indisputably one of the significant names in the international entertainment business, taking Indian film industry to a global platform.

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GC 2018 in good shape heading into 2018

By SAT News Desk

M

ELBOURNE, 8 December, 2017: The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Coordination Commission (CoCom) handed down its final review of planning for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

Held bi-annually since 2014, the Coordination Commission is established by the CGF to ensure compliance with the commitments and undertakings made in the bid for the Games and outlined in the Host City Contract.

Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC)

Chairman, Peter Beattie AC said that he was grateful for the guidance provided by CoCom during his time as GOLDOC Chair.

“We have had an extremely successful year fulfilling many obligations as a host city for the Commonwealth Games," Mr Beattie said.

"Amongst a number of achievements, we have delivered an outstanding volunteer recruitment program, an ongoing but very successful Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) and a ticketing program where we have sold almost one million tickets.

“We are very confident that together with our Games Delivery partners, in every aspect of our planning and readiness testing, we

are going to deliver a great Games with confirmation from the CGF that we are on time and on budget.

“Ably led by the CEO Mark Peters, GOLDOC has been true to its vision and mission in all the years of preparing for this event, to stage a great Games in a great city with a focus on the athletes and excellent competition and importantly a commitment to great memories and long lasting legacies."

CoCom Chair, Bruce Robertson AC wrapped up the final review of GC2018 by complimenting GOLDOC and its Games delivery partners on the implementation of ‘a global first’ in the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), progress with ticket sales, the volunteer program

and a commitment to gender equality with equal medals for men and women at GC2018.

GOLDOC CEO Mark Peters, who has led the Games since the bid in 2011, said he was pleased CoCom was satisfied with the progress towards a rapidly approaching GC2018.

“The past year has seen the launch of the number of key milestones including the launch of the QBR, the Transport Operations Plan (TOP), the final announcements of GC2018 Ambassadors, casting for ceremonies and the uniform unveil, however there is significant work continuing behind the scenes," Mr Peters said.

“We have delivered a procurement program where

84% of contracts have been awarded to Gold Coast and Queensland businesses, the overlay at venues including the Games Village has commenced and is well on track and our financial management means we are well and truly on budget.

“I am proud of the work GOLDOC and our talented team of more than 1,000 staff have delivered this year and commend our Games delivery partners on their continued support and contribution.

“With just 117 days to go I am confident as we head into 2018 that we are in a very positive position in terms of readiness for the Games."

Source: Medianet

GC2018 hockey tournament schedule announced

India & Pakistan in same men’s pool in GC2018 Commonwealth Games

By SAT News Desk

Hockey Competition.

Hockey was first included in the Commonwealth Games sports program at the 1998 Games in Kuala Lumpur and is classified as a core sport that must be included on the program of each Games.

M

ELBOURNE, 28 November: South Asian neighbours India and Pakistan are in the same Pool B of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) Hockey competition announced today following the unveiling of the competition poolsat the Gold Coast Hockey Centre. India had won Silver medals in the 2010 and the 2014 men’s tournaments. Pakistan won Silver in 2006 and Bronze in the 2010 men’s tournaments.

Sanctioned by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), today’s announcement saw the 10 competing nations for both men’s and women’s Hockey competitions divided into two pools of five based on their FIH World Rankings.

Teams have been divided into pools in a snaking pattern from the top-seeded nation down to the 10th-

sedded nation in order to evenly spread competing nations across both pools.

Each team will play every other team within their pool during the preliminary round matches from 5-11 April 2018 before the top two teams in each pool advance to the semi-final and medal matches from 12-14 April 2018 (see attached graphics for GC2018 Hockey Schedule 5-14 April 2018).

International Hockey

Federation (FIH) CEO Jason McCracken says, “We would like to congratulate all of the teams on their qualification for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Today’s announcement will undoubtedly boost excitement for both teams and fans who now know who they will battle to qualify for the knock-out stages of the competition.

“The Commonwealth Games is a key event in the

Hockey calendar for many of these nations. With so many world-class teams involved, plus an exceptional venue for our sport, hockey will be showcased at its best in the Gold Coast next April.

“The sport and its fans are certainly looking forward to what is set to be an outstanding event.”

Each team will comprise a maximum of 18 athletes, with a total of 360 athletes participating in the GC2018

www.southasiatimes.com.au - (03) 9884 8096, 0421 677 082

Medallists: Medal Tally - Men Australia: Gold – 5 (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014) India: Silver – 2 (2010, 2014) Malaysia: Silver – 1 (1998), Bronze - 1 (2006) Pakistan: Silver – 1 (2006), Bronze – 1 (2002) New Zealand: Silver – 1 (2002), Bronze – 1 (2010) England: Bronze – 2 (1998, 2014) Medal Tally - Women Australia: Gold – 4 (1998, 2006, 2010, 2014), Bronze – 1 (2002) India: Gold – 1 (2002) England: Silver – 3 (1998, 2002, 2014), Bronze – 2 (2006, 2010) New Zealand: Bronze – 2 (1998, 2014) Source: Medianet

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Manika Jain Bye Bye

Premier announces India Strategy

AFL Essendon event

Mind Blowing year-end/ Xmas party

Hon. Robin Scott’s Xmas party

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