Asian Voice 13th December 2014

Sunetra Senior

Judge Jeanette Traverso's decision to throw out the case against British billionaire Dewani, accused of arranging the killing of his then wife Anni Dewani , wrought an earthquake in the news and all those who were following it. With his name cleared on the 8th December, Dewani was set to return to the UK as early on as the 9th. However, with revelations of a deceptive marriage that shone-literally-gold on the outside, potential

plea bargains being made with the South African justice system, and the shocking image of a bloodstained Anni Dewani lying dead in the back of a discarded car, there is still much to be answered for beyond one man's culpability in a murder.

Footage on site at the Cape Town High Court showed Anni's family, the Hindochas , distraught with disbelief: “We've heard that Shrien led a double life and Anni wasn't aware of it,”

SHRIEN DEWANI:

A CHAPTER UNFINISHED

Kamlesh Padhra, Director of Infinity Property Solutions

Kamlesh Padhra founded and became the director of Infinity Property Solutions at the age of 27. Graduated in Business Information Technology with a BSc (Hons) at London South Bank University in 2001 and was certified by NFOPP in 2013. Worked in corporate environment for five years, where he gained his experience and knowledge in business and residential properties. He is also a local and nation media commentator on property matters. Married to Sangita and has a 6 month old son Ayan. Long term support of Arsenal FC

1) What is your current position?

I am the director of Infinity Property Solutions and I take care of the day to day running of the business. Infinity Property Solutions is an estate agency based in Harrow North West London and currently manages residential assets worth in a region of £150 million for our clients. Our client base range from working class people to professionals such as doctors, lectures and accountants.

2) What are your proudest achievements?

My proudest achievement has been establishing my estate agency from a young age and creating the brand awareness of the company. I am also asso-

ciated with fund raising for the British Heart Foundation and it gives me huge joy when carrying out successful events for the charity.

3) What inspires you?

Going into work every day and learning something new. I also get inspired with helping landlords overcome their problems due to incorrect advice given by other professionals.

4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?

Setting up a small business at the start of the recession in 2008 and people trusting young entrepreneur with their hard earned property portfolio. I overcame this problem by sharing my experience and knowledge with the clients for

them to achieve their goals.

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

It has to be my business partner Satish Patel and my staff. The motivation they give me to expand and improve the business on a daily bases pushes me to work harder to achieve my personal goals in life.

6) What is the best aspect about your current role?

Being able to help and pass my knowledge and experience to the younger generation who want to become home owners or property investors in this current climate of high property prices. I also enjoy problem solving with landlord and tenant disputes.

7) And the worst?

Not knowing when to stop working and spending time with my family and friends. I am also hate managing people but enjoy managing their properties.

8) What are your long term goals?

To expand the business, so it becomes the market leader in estate agency and continue our business goal in giving excellent client experience and hav-

Lord Bilimoria warns government regarding its 'immigration mess'

A senior German MP recently advised PM David Cameron to start praising the economic gains of immigration rather than trying to beat UKIP at its own game by bashing migrants.

Speaking on the same lines, Lord Karan Bilimoria , founder and Chairman of Cobra beer, during an interview with London Live said the current government “has made an absolute mess of immigration.” He emphasised that he would like international students taken out of immigration figures.

“On the one hand they (this government) have lost control of the borders, they had to disband the border agency. The government don’t have a clue how many illegal immigrants are in this country. I have been saying for years, bring in exit checks,

scan everyone’s passports when they come in, scan everyone’s passports when they leave – EU and non-EU, then you know who is here that shouldn’t be here. Now the government said before the election ‘we’ll bring in exit checks’, I’ll believe that when I see it – if it’s there then that’s great. Illegal immigration, everyone agrees we need to clamp down on.

“On the other hand,

the government has brought in a target of reducing immigration to the tens of thousands. The home secretary tried to deny that the other day – saying ‘we didn’t make a promise’ … now they realise they are not going to hit that target. In fact it’s not tens of thousands, it’s 240,000 –250,000, that’s the wrong signal to send out. What the government should have been saying is ‘we want to curb bad immigration of people taking advantage of this country,” he said.

“We want to encourage good immigration that will benefit this country for example, foreign students. International students

bring in up to fifteen billion pounds to this economy, as well as all the cultural benefits, and generation long benefits and links with their countries – yet we include the international student figures with immigration figures and it has sent out negative message to places like India, where the number of international students has actually fallen by 25%.

“Not only is international students one of our top exports, foreign students – for our economy… There are 27 world leaders who have been educated at British universities… Britain has the best higher education in the world along with the United States, we need to be saying that ‘we want to increase the number international students every year, and setting a target to increase them’. The first thing we need to do is to

ing good business ethics. I would also like to give more of my time in commentating for the media in regards to property matters and sharing my knowledge in this matter that can help other people.

9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?

Make it easier for young people to open their own businesses, by reducing business rates and cooperation tax. This will in return reduce unemployment rates and help local town centres energise again.

10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why? It will have to be Swami Vivekananda, I have a strong believe in his ideology of empowering the youth which has encourage me in my life to stand up and be counted for. His words of wisdoms are meaning full such as ‘My faith is in the younger generation, the modern generation, out of them will become my workers. They will work out the whole problem, like lions’.

Indian origin man dies in Manchester

An Indian origin man in the UK who was stabbed in Manchester city last week died on his 63rd birthday. Ujjal Singh died after being attacked in the city's Crumpsall area on December 1. He was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary after the knife attack but he died at the hospital, the Manchester Evening News reported.

Singh's family said in a statement, "Ujjal Singh sadly passed away on December 1, the day of his 63rd Birthday."

He is survived by his

take international students of out of immigration figures,” he further added.

Speaking about racism, Lord Bilimoria said, “When I came here as a 19 year old in the early 80s, Britain was a very different country, Britain was a sick man of Europe, entrepreneurship

wife, four children, nine grandchildren and a great-grandson.

A 37-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has now been bailed until February next year, pending further enquiries. Another man arrested on suspicion of the murder remains in police custody for questioning.

The Police said, "We have now made two arrests, but the investigation will still continue until we fully understand exactly what happened."

was looked down upon... There was a glass ceiling, I was told by my family and friends if you decide to stay on after your studies and work in Britain you will never get to the top because you will not be allowed to get to the top as a foreigner.. I can say that glass ceiling has been shattered.”

COMMENT

Bhopal remembered

The Bhopal tragedy appears to have receded in the public memory. The worst industrial disaster ever to have taken place on planet earth has been consigned to a near forgotten past. Yet it is a mere 30 years when the leak from the US-owned Union Carbide plant in a teeming metropolis claimed the lives of thousands of innocent lives on a fateful night. Men, women and children died breathing the toxic air. Many thousands were condemned to a frightful, lingering death from myriad affliction too complex and deadly too recount. People still keep dying drinking contaminated water, breathing poisoned air. The earth, rivers and ground water have been so badly poisoned that it might take decades, if not centuries, before the land is made whole again. The tales emanating from Bhopal tell of death, illness and a multitude of disabilities. The present management of Union Carbide, when informed of the current situation in the city and its environs, issued a curt statement that the company had paid a lump sum of $2 million, including $475,000 as compensation to the bereaved and the injured. The company slate was thus clean. Period. But this can never be so as long as the suffering of Bhopal’s citizens continues. NGOs and numerous welfare organizations, Indian and foreign, minister to the sick and dying in varying ways. The US and western media have devoted too few words on the lax standards of many multinational companies operating in the Third World, let alone remorse, on the subject; the Indian media, shamefully, has been tepid at best in its coverage of that dark event, and its terrible consequences, particularly for

India and Bangladesh are closer now than they have been since the days when Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was at the helm in Dhaka. Bangabandhu’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina Wajed, has been instrumental in turning things around in her country’s relationship with India. Where there was once suspicion there is now cordiality and trust. Prime Minister Hasina has faced down the challenge of Islamist forces within her country – no easy task, this – and put Bangladesh on a new track of democratic governance and the rule of law. Apart from burgeoning trade with India, Bangladesh has been exceedingly cooperative in confronting cross-border jihadi groups, aware that they are as much a threat to the security of her own government as they are to India’s well-being.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for his part, well understands that the moment is propitious to sweep away the cobwebs of past misunderstandings of the past. Foremost of these irritants has been the lack of a fully demarcated border. The existing Radcliffe line, which was hurriedly delineated during the partition of the subcontinent in August 1947 requires that its anomalies be urgently corrected, that its untidy pockets, with, say, parts of a property in one country and the rest in another, be smoothed out. These enclaves, existing in limbo, have given rise to administrative confusion worse confounded. Common sense and the application of the principles of natural justice can put things right. True, the BJP, India’s ruling party, was once opposed to any such territorial revision, but Mr Modi as his country’s

Bhopal’s poor. The situation today is one of gridlock, with no end to the misery and suffering of those exposed to the noxious leak, and no further hope of financial relief in sight. Extending the subject, one can see why Indian governments, driven by concerns expressed in Parliament, have been so sticky about foreign nuclear reactors in the country, laying conditions on the supplier’s culpability in the eventuality of an accident, as was the case in Bhopal. US companies such as Westinghouse are refusing to tender for Indian nuclear power contracts because its shareholders refuse to accept any liability should a mishap occur. Negotiations on breaking the impasse have failed. Russia, and perhaps France, have navigated round this problem, primarily because the nuclear industry in India and Russia are state-owned and the liability requirements can be surmounted by mutually acceptable financial guarantees underpinned by trust. Summing up, the tortured legacy of Bhopal still casts its baleful shadow on Indo-US talks on the possibility of American firms entering the Indian nuclear energy market. US private enterprise is proving to be the sticking point for both parties. Shareholder profit is pitted against the security and welfare of the local population. Having witnessed one Bhopal and its cataclysmic aftermath, no Indian government can afford to take a risk, however remote, of a nuclear reactor in meltdown and its hideous consequences. It will be a while before the circle of fear is squared.

Remember the limitless US claims in the aftermath of theBP’s oilwell explosion in the Gulf of Mexico.

India-Bangladesh ties firmed up

prime minister has national responsibilities that transcend old party considerations. He has displayed statesmanship of a high order in deciding to revisit the issue and, wonder of wonders, he has persuaded the once intractable West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee to come on board. The Assam government has always been more accommodating. Details pertaining to the enclaves are as follows: the exchange of enclaves include, firstly, those that are non-contiguous, are deep inside Bangladesh or India.

There are 111Bangladesh enclaves totaling about 17,160 acres or 70 square kilometres, in India: there are 51 Indian enclaves in Bangladesh spread over 7,110,02 acres or 28 square kilometers. These are presently controlled, respectively, by India and Bangladesh. The people living in these ‘alien’ territories are denied the economic, legal and administrative benefits enjoyed by their fellow citizens in other parts of their respective countries.

The second part of the protocol deals with contiguous enclaves: India will acquire control of 2,777 acres, or approximately 11 square km, and Bangladesh 2,267 acres or approximately a9 km. The transfer of these territories will be accompanied by offers to the respective populations to choose their citizenship. The challenge before New Delhi and Dhaka is to ensure that these population transfers are handled in a fair manner conforming to the rules of natural justice. What ensues must be a winwin settlement for both parties. Wisdom will then have prevailed.

Obama does India a good turn

President Barack Obama’s recent Immigration Bill – passed by Executive Order - seeks to regularize the position of 4 million Latin Americans who have entered the United States without the required documentation – illegally, it would be fair to say – and have been in legal limbo regarding their status. It is to be a one-off exemption since they have lived in the country of their adoption for a number of years, and their children know no other place. Deporting whole families would be a heart - wrenching experience best avoided on humanitarian grounds.

However, this isn’t the whole story. The Bill also intends to streamline the process, whereby skilled workers and those pursuing higher education courses in science and engineering at American universities - most of whom are from India and China - to remain in the country and apply for Green Cards, as the first step to US citizenship. The US Department of Homeland Security will henceforth allow these skilled workers, usually on H-1B visas, to move or change jobs more easily. The Department is finalizing new rules to authorize certain spouses of H-11B visa holders to seek employment provided they are Green Card applicants. Tens of thousands of Indians with H-1B visas and their

spouses stand to benefit from these changes to the law.

Furthermore, science, engineering, technology and mathematics graduates will be encouraged to undergo specialist vocational training and stay on in the US. It is in America’s national interest that these qualified foreigners help the US economy to grow, develop and become innovative, thence more competitive in global and regional markets. Young brains are what America needs most today. The captains of American industry warmly concur. Congress, alas, does not. US legislators do not take kindly to what they perceive as an unending flow of immigrants, who bring with them new languages and cultural traditions that dilute the strength and cohesion of American society. President Obama addressed these concerns and anxieties by reminding his audience that “We were strangers once, too.” Then went on: “Whether our forbears were strangers who crossed the Atlantic, or the Pacific or the Rio Grande, we were here only because this country welcomed them and taught them that to be an American is about being something more than what we look like or what our last names are, or how we worship.” How right you are, Mr President.

We only live once. Well we might get to live more than just once but we don't and wouldn't know a thing about it even if we do. Therefor we should live our life to the fullest in this life time

- Tuul Bat

Sarah Teather MP

Liberal Democrat MP for Brent Central

Improving mental health

Back in January, I wrote a piece about improving mental health care. As 2015 looms, it is worth looking back at the progress we have made this year, and the challenges we still face.

One in four people are affected by mental illness each year. In my Brent constituency, mental health remains one of the leading causes of morbidity amongst adults. But spending on elderly mental health care in Brent is only 40% of the London average. Waiting times are still too long, and services tend to be focused towards acute and residential services.

This reflects the national picture, with recent reports stating that local authority spending on mental health care is much too low in England. The problem remains the stigma attached to mental health. Unlike physical health problems, those with mental health issues will not automatically seek help. And when they do, too often they receive inadequate support and longer waiting times.

One of the key issues is the lack of waiting time standards in place for mental health patients.

This should begin to change soon, as the Liberal Democrats have recently announced the first ever waiting time standards for mental health to begin next April, and have also called for an increase in funding specifically for mental health.

We have also made a commitment to the overall wellness of public sector employees

like blue light workers, who have jobs that are both physically and mentally taxing.

But mental health is not just something that affects adults. In Brent, more than 4,000 children sought some form of help in dealing with mental health related issues in 2010. Borough-wide provisions to properly address these issues, however, remain well below both the London and national averages. Too often, children with mental health problems are let down by the current system. One of the most concerning results of this is that eating disorders go unreported and untreated. A new £150 million fund –announced in the Autumn Statement – to improve treatment over the next five years is a good start. Treating eating disorders costs the NHS £200 million each year, so it also makes sense at a time when the NHS is facing severe financial pressures. So we have made important progress this year. But as mental health services have been so neglected previously, we still have a long way to go.

And although more funding and shorter waiting times will really help, they will not remove the stigma attached to mental health. Friends and family provide an essential support system for those suffering from mental illness, and from that we can start to finally eliminate the stigma and properly treat mental health issues.

Yoga House, 12 Hoxton Market, (Off Coronet Street) London N1 6HW. Tel: 020 7749 4080 Fax: 020 7749 4081

Air India to start daily flights from Birmingham to Amritsar

While British Gujaratis still await a direct flight between Ahmedabad and London, Air India has announced that it's new daily flight between Birmingham, Delhi and Amritsar will on Sunday 21st December, after the carrier takes delivery of its 18th Boeing 787 ‘Dreamliner’ aircraft.

Extending the Birmingham operation from four flights a week to daily services, the airline will offer more than 3,500 seats on the route each week. This growth comes just 15 months after launching the Birmingham route, which has carried more than 106,000 passengers.

Adding Wednesday, Friday and Sunday to its schedule, Air India’s programme will see flights arriving from Amritsar and Delhi at 1700 daily and departing Birmingham for the return legs at 2030 each evening.

The new programme is

on sale now with attractive fares, through www.airindia.com or via travel agents.

Paul Keho e, Birmingham Airport’s Chief Executive, said, “We are incredibly thankful to Air India for committing to daily services from Birmingham and adding more direct capacity to India from the Midlands.

“The West Midlands receives more foreign direct investment from India than any other region outside of London and Birmingham’s VFR market grew by 71% in 2013, now attracting more visitors from India than any English city other than London.

“It’s therefore hardly

surprising that the route has been such a success since its inauguration in August last year as it allows people to travel from their local catchment area, rather than airports further away.”

The Dreamliner operates a 256 seat cabin, consisting of 18 business class and 238 economy seats.

Vishwanath Panyam, Air India’s Astt. General Manager, added, “The West Midlands is a diverse region and home to more than 200,000 British-Indian people so we are pleased to be able to not only serve this extensive VFR market but also give business travellers direct access to the

whole of India via Delhi on the comfortable, quiet and state of the art Boeing-787 Dreamliner aircraft.

“I hope that the daily services will offer greater choice, flexibility and convenience and make the Birmingham flights even more appealing to local people.”

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a long range, mid-size widebody, twin-engine jet airliner, and is designed to provide ‘invisible comfort’. The cabin air pressure is the equivalent of 6,000 feet altitude – 2,000 feet lower than other aircraft. This improves oxygen absorption into the blood, reducing in-flight headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Passengers also enjoy better air humidity, to arrive at their destination refreshed.

The B787 has been designed to be 20% more fuel efficient than the B767 it is to replace.

Best-bud terrorists jailed in Birmingham

Yusuf Sarwar Mohammed Ahmed

Two school friends were jailed for roughly 13 years each after it was discovered they travelled to Syria and fought with AlQaeda associated militants.

Yusuf Sarwar and Mohammed Ahmed, both 22 years-old, had known each other from Handsworth school with the former attending Birmingham City University and the latter unemployed. Judge Michael Topolski who was presiding over the case ruled that the information found on a disc outlining the construction of an 'improvised explosive device' was a very “disturbing feature.”

The two young extremists were taken to

trial at Woolwich Crown Court when Sarwar's worried mother found a letter in his bedroom detailing how he wanted to 'die a martyr.'

Judge Topolski commented “She showed extraordinarily brave conduct. I can only imagine the pain she was going through.” Sarwar and Ahmed were arrested at Heathrow Airport after travelling back on a connecting flight through Turkey. Though the defence asserted that Ahmed was “and is essentially a good young man who has allowed himself to be radicalised” Topolski said “they willingly and enthusiastically embarked on a course intending to commit acts of terrorism.”

Aamira Tejani, Young Achiever

Taxi rapist is arrested abroad

Wakar Akhtar, who was found guilty of conspiring in and committing gang rape of a school-teacher in the back of a taxi at Horton Park, Bradford, was apprehended abroad in Italy.

The 21 year-old fled the country during the course of his trial. Working together with 4 others- Tamseel Virk who owned the taxi, Azad Raja, the second defendant found guilty of assault, and Ul-Saeed, a final conspirator- Akhtar was given a total of seventeen years in jail.

Akhtar's father and cousin, Mohammed Akhtar Raja and R aja Sarwar, will now also face sentencing after pleading guilty in conspiring to obstruct justice. They were said to have helped Akhtar in his escape route through Calais via ferry, and then on through Europe.

Judge Thomas has adjourned the trial of Raja and Sarwar until January 23 under temporary probation: “This is the sort of offence that will inevitably carry prison with it” he told the defendants, “in all reality, it will be a question of what that sentence is."

Convicted rapist Akhtar will be extradited from Italy where he is currently being held in hospital.

All four of the convicted men plan to appeal the judge's verdict.

Co-operative co-op worker receives lenient ruling

Deputy manager

Hashmukh Bhai Mistry, aged 54 years old, was convicted of stealing just over £17,000 from the two stores where he worked. He was in a desperate financial situation, Leicester Crown Court heard. The prosecution argued that Mistry had exploited his position of trust, carrying out false refunds when filling in slips and processing debit card payments as well as taking cash directly from the register.

Though Mistry stole £9,369 and £8,258 separately from the two Cooperative branches where he worked, he was helpful in police enquiries, showing them the deceptive exchanges on his bank records and accepting full responsibility.

With his difficult economic position emphasised, he has been given a twoyear community order with six months of supervision.

of Leicester was given the GCSE achievement award at the Young Achiever Awards 2014 by the Leicester Mercury newspaper. The now seventeen year-old gained nine A* and two A grades despite her mother passing away from cancer just weeks before her exams. Aamira told the Mercury “I never thought I'd win. It's a complete shock.”

Mayor walks out after Islamic Relief crossed wires

Labour councillor Lord Mayor John Thomas walked out of a charity event organised by Islamic Relief after allegedly being told that he could not sit with his female partner. Islamic Relief has stated that they wish to issue an apology to Thomas for what they are asserting was a misunderstanding. Martin Cottingham of Islamic Relief said to the Leicester Mercury: “None of the Charity Week organisers told the Lord Mayor he could not sit with his partner, and if

anyone else at the event did then they were mistaken (…) What happened was a complete one-off, an unfortunate misunderstanding for which I want to apologise to the Lord Mayor on behalf of Islamic Relief and Charity Week, and we will apologise to him in writing this week (…) Islamic Relief has a long and positive history over many years of events that engage successfully not only with the local Muslim population but also with representatives of other faiths and with the wider civic community in Leicester.”

BJP Spokesman discusses PM Modi's foreign policy in London

BJP Spokesman MJ Akbar , addressing a select audience at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London, on Friday 28 November, said Indian PM Narendra Modi is keen to establish an international alliance of prosperity, rather than sticking to the old idea of non-alignment.

Speaking about the challenges and opportunities of his foreign policies, Akbar reflected that the 'Make in India' campaign spoke about India's new approach that has seen increasing focus on 'Act East'.

M J Akbar

The Hindustan Times reported, cautioning Pakistan on what he called a 'deep freeze', Akbar added that 'goodwill' did not go far in international relations: "There was 10 years of unrelenting goodwill from the Manmohan Singh government (towards Pakistan), but it achieved nothing in return".

Speaking further on the challenge posed by ISIS as a 'war between modernity and the romance of regression', he reportedly said that the Islamic State (IS) was not the first state in history formed on the basis of religion; the credit went to Pakistan, which was formed on the basis of religion.

Akbar added that India would be 'happy to partner' in international efforts to eliminate regressive ideologies, and hoped that a strategic agreement in this regard could be reached with Britain.

Immigration judge resigns over racist comments

A senior immigration judge in London has resigned after allegedly making a racist remark about a British Indian woman who was harassed by her ex boyfriend, 23 years old Parvan Singh

The judge had asked for the victim of the harassment case he was hearing, Deepa Patel, 22, to attend court so that he could sentence that afternoon.

When told by the prosecutor, Rachel Parker , that it may not be possible for Ms Patel to get the time off work at such short notice Mr Hollingworth replied: “It won’t be a problem. She won’t be working anywhere important where she can’t get the time off. She’ll only be working in a shop or an offlicence.”Following the judge’s comments Ms Parker withdrew as a prosecutor and said: “I am professionally embar-

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rassed. I cannot prosecute this case.”

Judge Hollingworth has now been reported to Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals service for the “inappropriate comments”.

Lancashire-born Miss Patel reportedly told The Sun newspaper: 'It's shocking and disgusting for anyone to say that, especially a judge.

“He's the one deciding people's freedom and he's saying stuff like that — it's ridiculous.”

“You would assume people of this day and age, especially a judge, wouldn't be racist.”

'I'm glad I wasn't in the room — I don't think I would have coped. It's right that he's resigned but it's outrageous that he's still an immigration judge. He needs to resign altogether.'

According to the reports, Ms Patel’s former partner was jailed for 12 weeks for harassment.

Sharma welcomes £15n roof repair scheme for places of worship

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Malala's blood stained uniform goes on display at an exhibition

The blood stained uniform worn by Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai when she was shot by Taliban gunmen iat Swat valley in 2012 has gone on display in the Norwegian capital Oslo.

The blue and white uniform, with dark crimson blood patches, was made part of the Nobel Peace Prize Exhibition at the Nobel Peace Centre earlier this year after a request by Malala.

Malala, along with Indian education campaigner K ailash Satyarthi, were awarded the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize. The two laureates will inaugurate this eightweek long Nobel Peace Prize exhibition on Thursday.

Malala who now lives in Birmingham, issued a statement, in which she reportedly said: “My school uniform is very important to me because

Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, will provide grants of between £10,000 and £100,000 to listed places of worship of all faiths and denominations, where roof and rainwater goods repairs are deemed to be urgent and necessary. Applications for a grant must be made by midday on 30 January 2015, with awards to be allocated by

when I was going to school I would wear it. The day I was attacked, I was wearing this uniform.

“I was fighting for my right to go to school, I was fighting for my right to get education.

“Wearing a uniform made me feel that yes, I am a student, I am doing it, practically. It is an important part of my life, now I want to show it to children, to people all around the world.

“This is my right, it is the

the end of March 2015.

The scheme will be administered by the National Heritage Memorial Fund on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Further information about the scheme is available online by visiting www.nhmf.org.uk and clicking on the link to the Listed Places of Worship

Roof Repair Fund. Any enquiries can be made by email to enquiries@lpowroof.org.u k or telephone 01392 223 979. Alok Sharma told Asian Voice: “I absolutely welcome this new fund announced in the government’s Autumn Statement for fixing roofs of vulnerable places of worship, which will help ensure

some of our most significant buildings remain open as safe and sustainable places in our communities. I have written to all the places of worship serving my constituency to make them aware of this new scheme and I hope that some of them will be able to take advantage of the extra money available.”

Spriha Srivastava

Is banning Uber a solution?

Late night parties, movie night outs or drinking with friends? Just take an Uber or Meru and you will be back home safe. At least that’s what they promise.

Apps like Uber, Kabbee and others have made our lives very easy, no doubt about that. It’s convenient and suits our lazy self when all we need to do is reach out for the Smartphone and order a cab that promises to reach within 3-5 minutes and you don’t even have to worry about carrying cash. It takes it straight out of your PayPal or your credit card. But life is no bed of roses. There is one thing that we tend to take for granted with these services –safety.

The driver who is accused of raping a 22year old girl in Delhi was apparently arrested a few years back in another rape case but after

spending a few months in prison was let go. And here, he strikes again!

Rape cases in India are unfortunately treated as a daily affair these days. And we are all responsible for it. When it happens, we are

The unfortunate incident in New Delhi inside an Uber cab has shaken my belief in cab companies and drivers –whether it is in Delhi or in London. It can happen anywhere to anyone if safety is not a concern for these companies trying to make it big.

A quick scan of articles from around the web brings out some extremely shocking details of how some of these cab drivers are hired. Essentials such as Driving License and ID cards are checked, followed by a basic test to know whether the driver can speak/read English. And if you pass? Well, congrats you are now a driver of the worldfamous cab service that is currently everyone’s favourite. What about a police verification process or a CRB check as they say in the UK?

shocked, we raise our voice, we discuss, we show our anger, we protest and then slowly we go back to our old lifestyle. This time again a lot of voices have been raised to ban Uber from India, but is that the solution?

When women get raped we blame their clothing, we blame their lifestyle but we never blame the man. So in this case, instead of trying to strengthen our law-enforcement, sensitizing our men or trying to work out a smart strategy, we just ban the service? And then what?

Women too like men, work late hours, do night shifts, go to parties with friends and it is at

times like these that a trusted cab service is extremely useful. If you ban Uber then those of us working late night or out with friends till late will have to look for other options – autos for instance which are even more unsafe. And then what’s the solution? Don’t go out late in the night, its unsafe! Isn’t that creating more problems for women than solving it? What needs to be done at this stage is to work with these foreign brands in developing a strategy where safety is the biggest priority and not just for women but for men too. They too can get assaulted. So go ahead and fine Uber, give them a serious warning but at the same time try and hold their hand to make the systems work better. What Uber needs to do at this point is to completely change the way it hires drivers – a proper background check and police verification needs to be done before they hire a driver. They should come up with a safety or an alarm option in their apps which allows the passenger to click a button and ask for help while on the journey in case there is a problem.

We live in a free society and thus banning a service like Uber which is convenient not just for women working late but for everyone is not justified. We need to beef up our systems so that such kind of events don’t happen, not kill the systems and make it even more risky.

Rang de & NISU join hands

Non-profit Organisation Rang De and National Indian Students Union (NISU) launched a partnership in order to work together on India-related matters. Rang De is an organization committed to fighting poverty by providing access to affordable micro loans to underserved communities in India through

an innovative model of microcredit, peer-topeer lending and crowdfunding. And NISU is a youth and student movement and the pannational representative body for Indian students in the UK. Spread over the UK from Scotland to Wales with over 7000 members, the NISU aims to support Indian students in the

UK and develop them professionally and academically into a movement of Leaders of India Tomorrow. Together, these two youth-run movements aim to impact change in India from a grass-roots level and bring the youth of India in the UK and in India together to bring the change everyone wants to see.

Cllr Rabi Martins

Watford Borough Council

Safeguarding Personal Liberties is Tough but Essential

In a recent speech Home Secretary Teresa May demonstrated once again her willingness, some would say eagerness to bring in legislation which will lead to more surveillance and greater intrusion into our everyday lives What is so disturbing about the government’s approach is that the rhetoric would have us believe the proposals are driven by a desire to guard our country and that the loss of our freedoms brings is a price worth paying As we all know freedoms once lost are hard to regain and as such must be protected at all costs.

The above from this government is in many ways reminiscent of Labour’s push for 90 days pre-charge detention, and its Orwellian scheme for identity cards and a giant state-controlled database of everyone’s communications. Fortunately a Liberal Democrats led opposition prevented either proposal getting through – for now at least

It is deeply worrying that two of our three main political Parties appear to have an insatiable appetite for more and more surveillance, more and more powers, and ever-greater intrusion into our everyday lives.

There is no denying that the growth of international terrorism is real and that the UK is as vulnerable to fall victim to one of their attacks as any other country In the circumstances putting in place measures to protect us all is the responsible thing to do But when that necessity is turned into a charter to introduce draconian measures which sweep aside the freedoms and rights for which so many gave up their lives in two world wars it is time to question both the actions and the motives Government supporters say these actions are necessary to demonstrate to the terrorists that we can stand up to them

But it is not a sign of weakness to resist excessive controls If anything makes us stronger, not weaker. It shows the terrorists we are not going to let them make us surrender our principles and our liberties The Liberal Democrats alone make this point and it

one of the reasons they will do better in the next General Election than the pollsters predict

The majority of people know that if the Liberal Democrats had not been in government the Counter Terrorism Bill would look very different. It would be littered with tough sounding but wholly inappropriate proposals - Prosecutions for treason for example Totally inappropriate because these British Citiznes people easily be arrested on their return and tried for murder, rape, and other modern war crimes like kidnap and torture. Instead they seek to make young British citizens statelessness with no hope of rehabilitation

It beggars belief that in a desire to be seen to be tough or appease their friends in America our government is willing to banish its own young citizens expecting some other country to allow them in This is a forlorn hope.

There is another way and another solution One that offers our people greater protection and continuing respect for civil liberties That is what Liberal Democrats have attempted to do And the result is a Counter Terrorism Bill that is realistic, offering both security and the protection of British freedoms.

For a start Liberal Democrats are calling for the definition of involvement in terrorism to be tighter, such that it focuses on those who are directly participating in dangerous criminal activity. They also want the test for imposing Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (TPIM) to be weighted in favour of the people not the government and the security services Nick Clegg is right to suggest that it is not acceptable to act purely on the Home Secretary’s suspiciion and say so . In the interest of natural justice applications for imposing a TPIM should be dealt with by our courts and determined on the balance of probabilities

This surely is the a fair and right way to tackle things It is a way to protect our people whilst at the same time remaining respectful of both the legal process and basic human rights

Sham marriages on TV's Benefits Street

Zafar Abbas , aged 45, was found guilty of arranging sham marital services by Birmingham Crown Court. His co-conspirator was Romanian citizen Marcella Brotac, aged 36, who lives on the infamous James Turner Street, Winson Green, covered extensively on Channel 4's social commentary programme 'Benefits Street'.

With Abbas as the ring-leader, the pair, along with another individual Davinder Singh , were found to have arranged marriages between Eastern Europeans and Indian nationals so the latter could cheat their visa expiration dates. The services were conducted through Shrewsbury Register Office, and were valued at £12,000.

Officials at the registry office stated that they reported their doubts about the couples when they noticed that they spoke very different lan-

Zafar Abbas Marcella Brotac guages and seemed to have very little communication with each other. Singh, aged 40, was con-

victed for the single charge of pushing the marriage of his Slovakian partner to his cousin.

The paid subscribers of Asian Voice will receive a copy of the Kutch Special magazine this week with their newspapers.

CB's 9 Hour Detention in 1986 at Mumbai Airport

Dr Arun J Trivedi

Much more than I expected, I received several responses from our esteemed readers even after 28 years following my news coverage in the Asian Voice of 6th December, 2014. Many a readers who had been unaware of C B Patel's 9 hour detention at Mumbai Airport have asked for details of why and how such a terrible and illegal situation developed!

The news item on front page of the Times of India (29.11.1986) was in a way self-explanatory. C B Patel wears three different caps at the same time ie he is an individual in his personal capacity like me and yourself. He has his own responsibilities as the Publisher and Editor of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar and at the same time he has his own involvement with several community organisations where he is duty bound to speak up his mind as well as to take appropriate stand where necessary.

Dr. P. C. Alexander, the then High commissioner for India to UK and

a former senior diplomat and personal secretary to Indira Gandhi , India's Prime Minster wrote a remarkable book about his public services. In that book he has devoted three pages to the surprising and shocking detention of C B Patel on 28th November, 1986 at Mumbai Airport.

Dr. Alexander has referred to a massive public protest which took place in London in March 1986 when some opportunistic individual had manoeuvred to organise a public function unbefitting the memory of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. C B Patel had taken a leading role in this public demonstration.

A London based individual fed wrong and misleading information to the authorities in New Delhi and as a consequence C B Patel was detained. When the Indian High Commissioner in London came to know about the detention of C B, he immediately approached the highest authorities in Delhi who ordered release of C B Patel as reported in my article last week.

A Gujarati publication

in London published a number of articles in English and Gujarati on 6th and 13th December, 1986 which suggested that inspite of his claims to be an Indian patriot, C B Patel was in fact thoroughly disloyal and unpatriotic, publishing articles in his newspapers which were hostile to India, favourable to Pakistan and sympathetic to secessionist movement in the Punjab calling for an independent Khalistan.

Obviously all such allegations were untrue and without any foundation at all. C B Patel won at the Royal Court of Justice from the editor concerned and his weekly newspaper an unreserved apology for such a libelous and totally untrue articles. Editor and his newspaper not only withdrew the allegations unreservedly and offered their apologies to C B Patel for the distress and embarrassment he had been caused and agreed to pay substantial damages and to pay his legal costs. The total bill for such a libel litigation could be around £2,00,000.

First-of-its-kind rating tool for charities launched, aiming to reward great charities and empower donors

A first-of-its-kind rating tool for charities called Asian Charity Clarity (ACC) has just launched in London. ACC has two objectives: empowering donors with the right information to help them make a difference; and supporting charities highlight their good work and supporting them to help them succeed.

ACC provides this by assessing charities across 18 metrics, in the categories of Financial Health, Accountability and Transparency, and Accessibility. This analysis is performed through substantial public and other information.

Charity specialist Pratik Dattani said: "Nothing like ACC exists in the UK. We recognise that donor behaviours are changing. Younger people do not follow the donor patterns of their parents and are looking for credible third-party information about what charities are best. ACC offers a way for them to do so."

The idea has been a year in development with both Dattani and Subhash Thakrar , Partner, CBW Blackstone Franks LLP and Vice President, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Thakrar said: "ACC seeks to support charities and highlight good causes by giving donors access to independent and objective information about their

performance. We're delighted we've had such a good response from charities already."

ACC seeks to help answer questions such as the following for donors: How do you know you are giving to the most effective charities? That you are rewarding the best charities with the biggest accomplishments?

ACC seeks to ask charities questions such as: Does the charity submit accounts on time? How good is the working capital position? What are its assets? Does it receive both donations and trading income? Is there clarity over the trusteeship appointment and process? To what extent are women involved in the decisionmaking? Is it easy to get in touch with the management team? Do they report on the positive impact they create?

The team first conduct-

M4 Jam: Why Not to Blame Immigrants?

Nigel Farage, the leader of the UKIP is really a very creative person indeed. He was late for a meeting with UKIP supporters in Port Talbot. Nigel has the audacity to blame immigrants who, according to the Great Leader, blamed the immigrants for causing the traffic jam on M4 which took him six hours and fifteen minutes. So said Nigel on the BBC's Sunday Politics Wales.

The likes of Nigel can stoop to any level in his chosen art of blame game. The British people, will be bemused indeed. It is least likely to sway the British in the support of UKIP.

Nevertheless, PM David Cameron need not raise his anti-immigrant stance to offset the onslaught of UKIP campaign. Remember that since 2002 William Hague, Ian Duncan Smith and Michael Howard have failed in winning the voters where immigrants were being blamed or made scapegoats for the problems of the country.

PM Cameron has to rise above the petty issues especially now when we are celebrating(?) The 100 years of 1914-18 War.

We should also remind ourselves of 1870 Crimean War as well as 1939-45 the Second World War.

Let us not forget that since the formation of ~Steel and Coal authority in the aftermath of the last war and gradual evolution of the European Union,

Courtesy: A cartoon on page 27 of the Times dated Monday the 8th December, 2014

PM should remember that there are many other issues which are more bothering the British electorate including economic environment, national health service, international terrorism and so on...Europe is also proving to be a red herring to substantial number of conservative MPs who are less concerned about the long term effect of UK continuously quarrelling with the European partners.

ed a sur-

vey of young people within the Asian community to ask about charities' financial health, governance and related matters. The survey found that young people has questions around transparency and governance of organisations. ACC's analysis is informed by the outputs of this survey.

The Advisory Group for ACC guides the team and provides oversight. It includes: Subhash Thakrar, CB Patel (Publisher/Editor, Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar), Nat Puri (Chairman, Purico), Alpesh Patel (Founder, Praefinium Partners), Shaks Ghosh (former CEO, Private Equity Foundation), and Dr Gautam Bodiwalla CBE (Pro Chancellor, De Montfort University).

The ACC team spent several months collating information on a pilot group of 42 charities, who were sent draft results for review. ACC's ratings and analyses are also informed by the feedback received here. The methodology for

Europe has remained warfree for almost 70 years.

The situation at home is of great concern. But what is happening across the pond in the US is extremely dangerous.

At least three times in the recent weeks the white police have been clearly recorded on camera where three blacks have been killed. That Blackman in the White House is surely a very worried man indeed.

Rajapaksa or Ravanapaksa - That is the Question

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa called a snap election last month assuming that he could easily cruise to a third term.

Perhaps now he is aware that he could face a debacle.

Rajapaksa is still admired by a section of his Singhali voters for his 2009 triumph over Tamil separatists in that country's civil war.

The chicken has come to roost. His party is hit by several defections of late.

It is almost four weeks to go for the election on January 8.

Within the country more and more people are raising their voices about

the way the Tamils were butchered and even now the Tamil people are being harassed by the security apparatus of the ruling party.

The USA has taken the lead to censure Sri Lanka again at the UN early next year over its' unsatisfactory approach to investigate properly the allegations of war time atrocities.

India is also very concerned about Sri Lanka's deepening ties to China which have bankrolled a post-war infra-structure boom.

International community can not and should not keep its' watch weakened on the human right situation in Sri Lanka.

Water Water All Around But not a Drop to Drink

Maldives is a group about 1000 small islands floating over the water of Indian ocean. A small accident at Male's only desalination plant left 100,000 inhabitants, about a third of country's population without water.

The President was forced to return home from a private visit to Malaysia.

India responded immediately to urgent pleas for help from Male and have sent hundreds of tonnes of drinking water by Military Transport Aircraft and ships to supply the city. China and Sri Lanka have also quickly followed. Delhi also sent spare parts and engineers to help with repairs. A friend in need is surely a friend indeed.

the ratings is shared publicly on the website.

At the launch, ACC now has over 100 rated charities. The team has been overwhelmed by the positive feedback received from charities wanting to be rated. The team hopes to add many more charities through the year.

Many charities, including Pratham UK, display their rating on their website. Tanya Braun , Marketing and PR coordinator for Pratham UK said: "Asian Charity Clarity is a fantastic initiative and we're incredibly

pleased to have received such a high rating from the scheme! It's lovely to see the work we do for improving education quality in India recognised in this way."

Leah Pattinson spent 12 years working with leprosy victims in India and now runs the charity Women In Need. She said "Working with ACC, we've understood how we compare to other, larger charities in the sector, and where we can improve. This will greatly enhance our aspirations in tackling the root causes of women's

issues, especially in India." Furthermore, she says: "Having an independent assessment of charities is important for the growth of the sector and to support charities which generate high social impact to continue to do so."

ACC is a first-of-itskind initiative. It is about empowering donors and supporting charities. Find out more via the website www.asiancharityclarity.org.uk, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube or email contact@asiancharityclarity.o rg.uk.

Leading Lights

Rani Singh, Special Assignments Editor

Prem Narain; Secretary of Overseas Indian Affairs at the Government of India

The Asian Voice interviewed Prem Narain, the Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, on a recent CII/RPBD visit to London.

He was heralding the 100 year anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's return to India from South Africa.

“When he landed in London first he stayed in London for about a month and then he went back to India. That's why we put the RPBD this year in London.” Mr Narain said.

Mr Narain is the chairman of the Overseas Indians Facilitation Centre which, he says, is a platform for engaging with industry and is a partnership between his ministry and the Confederation of Indian Industry.

It's main job is to get investments from overseas Indians into India and improve the economic engagement with the diaspora, he explained.

The Asian Voice asked the purpose of engaging with the UK in this way;

was the relationship going to be just for India's benefit?

Prem answered by saying that it was also about the diaspora here.

“They want to connect with India and they want to invest. India is a good place to invest.

The new government has taken steps to facilitate investment and cut red tapeism. Therefore I think it is now easier for an investor to go to India and invest.”

Still, The Asian Voice wanted to know what spe-

cific measures are now in place.

“ We have developed a platform in the Ministry of Industries that is called E-BIZ. Everything is online. You can apply online. You can get clearances online. It's a one window engagement.

Then the government is committed to reducing the level of engagement for getting licenses and for getting various clearances. Even the environment clearances are taken care of. Earlier it was taking a lot of time. Now it is being expedited for various projects.

The idea is to cut red tape, reduce the delay in getting licences and clearances, and limit clearances to a minimum so that potential investors do not have to run from pillar to post. We provide a single window clearance system.”

The Asian Voice asked how long the formalities would now take, and Mr

Narain said that it depends from project to project.

“India has now opened up its FDI policy. Even in the Defence Sector, when earlier on people thought nothing can be done, now it's up to 49%. In the Construction Sector, it was not there earlier. Under FDI it has been opened up to 100%.”

In other sectors, Mr Narain said, the Government of India has made relaxations.

“It is now for the

British investor to grab this opportunity and come to India to invest. There are two routes. One is the automatic route where we have decided what kind of projects will go there and then there are specific projects which have to go to a Foreign Policy Investment Board which takes a decision.

If the investment is as per the policy of the central Government, then it should not take more than three months, I think.”

Prem Narain had a final message to Asian

Voice readers. “The climate has changed in India. The new government has taken pains to engage with you economically, socially, so kindly make use of that and do not only invest, make ties with India.

Make partnership with India. Particularly come and visit India.

We are having our main RPBD in January 2015 in Gandhi Nagar Gujarat, so kindly come and join us there.”

Anjali Pathak to release book on secret family recipe

Chef, author and food critic Anjali Pathak grew up understanding that spices were magical ingredients and quickly learnt that just a few could transform a simple dish into something extraordinary. Born in the famous Pathak family, who founded the Patak's brand, her book, Secrets From My Indian Family Kitchen, to be published in 2015, takes its inspiration from the recipes that Anjali learnt from her family. Indian food can sometimes feel complicated, with seemingly endless ingredient lists, so Anjali has careful-

ly picked a selection of dishes in her book, for all occasions that are easy to create and don’t need a vast array of ingredients. Scattered throughout are

Anjali’s ‘My Secret’ stamps giving you tips on how to make the most of your ingredients, ways to tweak the recipes for slightly different yet still scrumptious results and her favourite serving suggestions. Anjali Pathak’s first memories are of making chapatis with her grandmother who founded the family business, doing her homework on the kitchen table as her mother presented her with dish upon dish to test and her father’s favourite phrase –‘can we get that into a jar?’

Continued on page 30

Come and visit us at our new show suites complex in the heart

and care

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The setting is one of luxury, serenity and comfort. Bespoke facilities include a temple, a tranquil garden, a cinema room and a hair salon, whilst daily life will be enriched by delicious vegetarian food and stimulating activities.

Situated in the pleasant suburbs of Harrow it has excellent bus, rail and tube access from Harrow, Wealdstone and surrounding areas, as well as having good road links via the M25, M1 and M40.

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www.karunamanor.co.uk

Why we must never forget

For many Forces families, this Christmas will be extra special. Last month saw the end of British combat operations in Afghanistan. 140,000 UK troops have served there, and the final few are currently on their way home to be reunited with friends and family for the festive season. It’s a time for celebration, but also a time to remember those who lost their lives, and those who will continue to need support, in many forms, for many years, as a result of their service in that conflict.

At SSAFA we’re already responding to those needs, through a vast range of services designed to support the injured and their families, those who are suffering with loneliness or isolation, and those who have been bereaved. But we know from past experience that this is only the tip of the iceberg. Issues relating to active service can often lie dormant for many years, sometimes because of people’s resilience, pride, or simply not knowing where to turn for help.

Over 7,000 of those we are helping today last saw active service during conflicts in Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Bosnia and Iraq. Many last served over a decade ago, yet they still need and deserve our help. So while we welcome home the final few troops, I would urge everyone to remember the work that still remains to be done supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families here in the UK.

You can show your support this Christmas by posting a personal salute to them at www.ssafa.org.uk/mysalute, or text ‘HERO29 £3’ to 70070 to help continue SSAFA’s vital work with the entire military community.

Air Vice-Marshal David Murray CVO OBE, Chief Executive of SSAFA (formerly The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association)

Happy retirement Gordon

Gordon Brown recently announced that he would stand down at the next election, after a glittering career spanning over four decades, may be remembered for all the wrong reasons, ie presiding over the longest and most severe recession that began under his premiership, countering his hubristic conviction that he had unlocked the secret of the Boom and Bust scenario.

His expertise as a financial wizard and a wise economist was overshadowed by Tony Blair, more attitude, single minded politician who kept Brown out, negating all promises to stand down after two terms in favour of Brown. This was the understanding that enabled Blair to be elected leader of the party unopposed.

But Brown reestablished his credentials, zeal and strength of character when he single handedly saved the Union, entering into the fray when SNP under Alex Salmon was in ascendency.

Mr Brown, being Scottish, honest and transparent, convinced voters to reject independence in favour of more devolved powers, thus depriving the Scottish First Minister of his dream job of being the

Changing face of India

Two brave sisters thrashed molesters in moving bus in Haryana is a heart warming incident, must be congratulated for direct action first and FIR and police support later. State had planned to award them on India’s Republic day.

Vulnerable girls and women need to recognise misbehaving elements, and take bold, direct, pragmatic confrontation, which can be deterrent for miscreants.

Following disturbing trends emerged: - apathy, of fellow passengers. Some tried to convince girls to avoid confrontation. - police unwillingness to register FIR, which they did only after video went viral.

- villagers blaming girls as hate mongers with history of fights.

- lame defence by culprits, that they were innocent victims of aggression.

- dismissing this incident/assault as politically motivated gimmick.

Award is withheld pending investigation into whether boys are guilty and the girls were right to thrash the delinquents.

The final outcome must not be allowed to intimidate girls or to embolden eve-teasers. Vulnerable females must be encouraged to be vocal and confrontational to safeguard their dignity and safety.

Publicity to this boldness begs question, how many cases go unnoticed by reconciliation behind closed doors, silence of victims, police lethargy, or fear of revenge by miscreants. Male chauvinist hatred of women must be phased out in a modern egalitarian society.

Ramesh Jhalla

All gibberish

By email

When I sit back in my easychair and allow my ancient mind to rewind to my schooldays back in India in the 1940s, I often wonder why I didn't ask my maths teacher this vital question: "What, sir, is the point of learning algebra?"

Arithmetic and geometry are obviously essential for various professions ranging from accountancy to architecturebut algebra?

I have never heard of anyone using algebra in their workplace or at home. If the subject is no good to anyone, why waste time teaching it?

As far as I'm concerned, algebra is all gibberish!

Rudy Otter By Email

first PM of an independent Scotland.

His other success was stopping Blarite from adopting Euro and saving worlds finances from catastrophic meltdown by intervening, practically nationalising failing banks through direct intervention.

I hope history will give him credit where it is due. Let us wish him a happy retirement from politics and success in his new carrier, whatever he may choose to do.

Bhupendra M. Gandhi By email

Knock, knock who’s there?

Many times we open our doors to strangers who may be asking for donations, or canvassing for votes or people selling their wares or advevrtising their products. These callers are nuissance but not sinister.

However, it has recently come to light that three or four people may visit your home claiming that they were from your water company to install shower caps in order to save water. Or they will claim they are from Eskom to change electric bulbs for free. They have been spotted in many areas in London. Do not let them in. They are robbers who are robbing people at gun-point. Please alert all your friends, as you may save life. Make sure the front door is locked at all time and please do not allow children to open the door to strangers. Please inform your friends and relatives to alert them to this new threat to life and property.

Earlier last week, a family in Leyton was robbed by these people. So be wary of them and when strangers knock on your door, or ring your bell, look out of the window or other such place to find out whether they are people you may be legitimately expecting by prior appointment. Otherwise do not let them in.

There are other instances of con artists who would meet you in the street and trick you into parting with your money or valuables.

Dinesh Sheth Newbury Park, Ilford Zijyah tax – an instrument of religious

conversion

Originally there were no Muslims in the Indian subcontinent. But today Muslims constitute at least one-third of its total population. History has been written about the Mughal Empire but there has not been any proper analysis on how such a huge demographic change has taken place.

Islam is a proselytising religion. Throughout the Islamic history it has been applying various means to convert non-Muslims to Islam and Zijyah tax is one of them. The theory about Zijyah tax is if a country or a region is ruled by a Muslim it is an Islamic state. NonMuslims of that state would be given the option to convert to Islam or seek protection and security by paying a tax, the socalled Zijyah tax.

The main objective of the Mughal Empire was to convert Hindus into Islam. Not only did it destroy Hindu temples, all educational institutions and as many Hindu scriptures as it could find it also used Zijyah tax as the primary instrument for religious conversion. The tax was deliberately levied at a level that a large number of Hindus with low income could not afford it. Those who could not pay the tax were subjected to the most inhuman cruelty and brutality and then sent behind bars for a long time. To escape from such a barbaric punishment they did not have any other alternative but to convert to Islam.

Dr Jatindra Saha

By email

Model villages

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said recently that National Democratic Alliance has failed to deliver on their promises of Achche Din, Swachch Bharat Campaign and Adoption of Model Villages.

May I enquire from him what has he contributed in achieving these goals? or does he simply live in his comfortable house doing nothing but only criticising. Modi has given the ideas on which every Indian citizen whether poor or rich, officer or a servant, a leader like Rahul Gandhi or a person from the street all have to join hands together to improve today’s India.

If Mr Gandhi cannot understand this message then he would be better to keep quite and go learn how to be a good leader and the true role of leadership.

Dharam Sahdev Ilford

Gandhi’s sexuality

I was disappointed to read some of the letters written in the Asian Voice about Gandhi and his niece. The assertion that he had a sexual connotation with her is not only blatantly absurd but taken out of context completely.

Gandhi was an advocate and a realist who always put his theories into practice with a view to obtaining the desired result.

He had accordingly dedicated his autobiography ‘My Experiments with Truth”.

One such experiment concerned his vow of celibacy (Brahmacharya). He believed that a pure fruit diet and fasting would control “animal passion”.

But then he says “Though I have made out an intimate connection between diet and Brahmacharya, it is certain that mind is the principal thing. A mind consciously unclean cannot be cleansed by fasting. Modifications in diet can have no effect on it. The concupiscence of the mind cannot be rooted out except by intense self-examination, surrender to God and, lastly, grace.”

In his book ‘Great Soul’, Joseph Lelyveld wrote that Gandhi performed the Brahmacharya test with Manu, his 17 –year old niece.

Perfection would be achieved if the old man and the young woman wore the fewest possible garments, preferably none, and neither would be sexually aroused. The result was that neither Gandhi nor his niece ‘felt the slightest sexual stirring’.

I hope the mischievous comments about Gandhi’s relationships can now be put to rest.

Continued on page 11

Have something to say about the stories featured in Asian Voice? Letters are welcome at: aveditorial@abplgroup.com Word limit: 200 words.

YOUR VOICE

Continued from page 10

The truth about Gandhi I read Kusoomben's harsh article of 29th Nov on Mahatma Gandhi and was heartbroken! After Modi's Red-Letter success as India PM Chancellor, ex Foreign Secretary and British PM David Cameron want to build strong Economic ties between both countries through investments and they would like to erect Gandhi's statue in Parliament Square. Kusoomben's opposition to that is disrespectful and undemocratic.

For sometime in Britain young boys, girls, women are victims of physical and sexual abuse, violence, rape, trafficking in care homes, churches and by politicians, TV and radio personalities and other men. Why hasn't Kusoomben raised her concern for these unfortunates and is instead picking up against only Gandhi?

Like Kusoomben I don't want to bore you by repeating the same things I said in ' The Truth about Gandhi' and 'Gandhi's Goodside' of 16th and 30th August respectively. Gandhi was a religious man and believed in truth and nonviolence by words, mind and body. When Gandhiji arrived in 1915 he was already 46, he had four sons. After this age if he wants still to test his celibacy, why not? No girls or ladies ever complained against him.

Because of his experience in South Africa, he kindled hope and tide of enthusiasm in Congress leaders and people. Worldwide publicity, civil disobedience, Nonviolence, boycott and Burn British Goods was the real strategy established to unite India against the 200 year old strong British Colonial Rule. Gandhi's nonviolence struggle made unique history and was appreciated by Nelson Mandela, Martin L King, Einstein, Barak Obama, Modi and the World!

Upendra Kapadia By email

Educational 'class ceiling wastes taxpayers' money'

Failure to address educational inequalities in England means taxpayers have to "pay twice", says an alliance of 25 education organisations. Unless every child gets a fair chance, the cost of schooling is followed by more expense later, it says. The Fair Education Alliance sets out five national targets to break what it calls "the class ceiling".

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said the government wished to ensure all pupils achieved their full potential.

The report, Will We Ever Have A Fair Education?, says educational unfairness starts before children even start school, with poorer five-yearolds less ready for learning

than their more affluent peers.

The Fair Education Alliance was launched in June, with 25 organisations including businesses, education charities, trade unions and campaign groups pledged to work to "significantly narrow the achievement gap between young people from our poorest communities and their wealthier peers by 2022".

The alliance promises to monitor progress made every year against its five fair-education targets.

This is the first "report card" and the authors say it "shows a worrying picture".

"Against every single faireducation impact goal there is a significant gap between the most and least deprived," it says, and the gaps are "even

Schools 'must build British spirit', says Labour

Schools must do more to build pupils' character and resilience, Labour's Tristram Hunt is expected to suggest. Success is built by overcoming failure, the shadow education secretary told a conference on Monday. The conference, run by the Demos think tank, focussed on how schools can best do this.

Mr Hunt defined the ability to bounce back as a particularly British trait. He believes today's young people need it more than ever at a time of increased global competition. He wants schools to help pupils develop the sort of "British spirit" that will help them perform, overcome adver-

sity and flourish amid the pressures of working life.

"The great British spirit comes from our ability to overcome adversity and setbacks. Character, resilience and the ability to bounce back: it's what makes us British. As our young people face growing rivalry for jobs, high-status apprenticeships and the best university places, it becomes more and more important for schools to coach pupils about character. Because we learn best from the knockbacks that we receive, that is the message that schools must send to pupils. I want to see the great British spirit in all our classrooms," Mr Hunt said.

Demos is already running pilot projects to see how teaching character could work in practice, particularly among white working-class children.

Chief executive Claudia Wood said the pilots were investigating how extracurricular activities such as sport, social action and volunteering could transform pupils' selfesteem and self-reliance.

"People might call it grit, resilience or skills for the 21st century, but there is a growing consensus from all parties that character matters, and that policymakers can help develop it from childhood," said Ms Wood. Policy director Leora

bigger" than anticipated. The five national targets aim to narrow the gaps between rich and poor from "cradle to career".

- At primary school, poorer pupils are half as likely to meet expected numeracy and literacy standards.

- At GCSE, 65% of wealthier pupils get five good grades while 63% of poorer pupils do not.

- At 16, poorer pupils are twice as likely not to be in employment, education or training.

- At 18, richer pupils are four times more likely to attend the most selective universities.

- Throughout education, poorer pupils are more than twice as likely to be excluded.

Cruddas said building character should permeate all subjects, wider school activities and school ethos rather than being "a bolt-on to the curriculum".

Violence and sexual harassment against women are a continuing scourge in India, particularly in the environs of Delhi and the adjoining state of Haryana. The latest outrage occurred in the rural hinterland of Haryana, a couple of hours drive from the Indian capital. Two young women, Aarti Kumar,22 and Pooja,19, were subjected to sustained harassment and sexual advances on a government-owned Haryana Roadways bus; the two women, who were travelling from Rohtak to Sonepat asked the youths responsible to cease such behavior, to no avail.

In desperation they took off their belts and launched a robust assault on their tormenters; they were then forced out of the bus by their assailants; accompanied by a pregnant woman, they went to the nearest police station to lodge a report on the incident. The response was quick and effective and the three women identified the men, Deepak, Mohit and Kuldeep, who were tracked down and arrested. A passenger on the bus had taken pictures of the incident on his mobile phone. Within minutes, it was flashed to all parts of India, provoking a public storm. The bus driver and conductor were suspended for their passive response to the plight of the victims. The bus passengers, to their shame, preferred to be mute spectators. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattak announced that the girls would be honoured for their bravery on Republic Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a statement denouncing such behavior, but until society as a whole is sufficiently galvanized, such incidents are likely to endure. More and better education and public campaigns are obvious ways to arouse public consciousness to the evil. Two of the men, who had applied to join the army and were due to take an entrance examination have had their applications cancelled (Hindu, Telegraph, Times of India December 2)

Maoist ambush claims 13 lives

Maoist insurgents in BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh ambushed and killed 13 members of the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) early last week. “The deceased personnel included the Deputy Commandant

D.S. Verma, and Assistant Commandant Rajesh Kapuria,” said R.K.Vij, Additional Director General of Police, Naxal Operations Chhattisgarh, replying to questions from reporters. The area is densely forested, but the lack of a backup force plus the absence of logistics to cope with an emergency require serious investigation. (Hindu, Times of India, Telegraph December 2

East Delhi church burnt down

A Catholic church in east Delhi was gutted in a blaze, which police suspect was an arson attack, as an empty petrol canister was recovered from the site. A full scale investigation has been set in motion, but the incident has caused alarm among the local Christian community. The shocked priest has appealed for calm. Reports from a number of outlying districts of Chhattigarh and Madhya Pradesh tell of militant Vishwa Hindu and Bajrang Dal activity against local churches. The Modi government has gone out of its way to be inclusive, hence it needs to tackle such incidents firmly and expeditiously, which it has assured Parliament is being done (Telegraph, Hindu, Hindu, Times of India December 2,3)

Modi reads the riot act

Following a thinly veiled antiMuslim outburst by Minister Niranjan Jyoti, Prime Minister Modi convened a meeting of BJP

MPs and read them the riot act on making intemperate speeches on minority that brought the government into disrepute. Visibly angered by her remarks, he said such behavior “was unacceptable.” His views were echoed by senior minister Rudy Prasad. Ms Jyoti tendered an unqualified apology (Times of India, Telegraph December 3).

Core sector revival

Infrastructure industries grew at a healthy 6.3 per cent in October, bringing cheer to the market. Growth in the same month of 2013 had contracted by 0.13 per cent. Within eight industry groups, coal scored an impressive 16.2 per cent growth and electricity generation rose 10.5 per cent. Manufacturing activity reached its highest level for two years. Orders have picked up well (Hindu, Telegraph December 2)

Software

growth

Improving economic sentiment coupled with political stability have led to a 10.7 per cent growth in the software industry. The formation of a stable government in Delhi has generated positive sentiment in the market. Several pending business deals saw closure. “Large as well as small and medium business customers are looking to curb their capital expenditure and are keen to embark on the cloud computing journey. This has led vendors to make their licensing policies more flexible and easier so that existing customers could make a smooth transition to a cloud environment,” said Shweta Baidya, Senior Market Analyst [software], IDC India (Telegraph, Hindu, Business Line December 2)

Women toppers in IITs

A woman was among three students in the top flight of successful applicants to Bombay’s Indian Institute of Technology. Similarly, a woman was among the top three students at the Kharagpur IIT. At Delhi IIT, women have done far better this year. “Many more got placements on Day 1 this year,” said a student. Madras and Roorkee IITs also reported an increase in women numbers (Times of India December 3)

Godrej Tyson flying high

Godrej Tyson Foods Ltd, a 40:51 per cent joint venture between Godrej Agrovet and US-based Tyson Inc, is looking to enter the breakfast segment with an array of cold cuts, especially sausages and salami variants. According to Aurobindo Das, Chief Operating Officer of Godrej Tyson, pricing will be in the “affordable segment,” the target being “breakfast on the move. The idea is to bring more variety to the segment. Our target customers are those on the move,” he said. ” Apart from frozen and ready-to-cook products, Godrej also sells processed poultry through the ‘Real’ brand. (Business Line December 2)

Mumbai in top league

Mumbai, India’s financial capital, has been listed among the world’s top 15 cities for the ease of its professional and private life. Dubai and Amsterdam are in first and second places respectively. The listing, compiled by INSEAD, one of the world’s

sary software incorporating the latest psychological and cognitive profiling of applicants liable to face the testing challenges of the fifth generation aircraft that are planned to be inducted into the IAF by the end of the decade, said Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha (Hindu November 29)

leading graduate business schools, its is titled ‘INSEAD Alumni’. Mumbai came 13th in overall attractiveness, seventh in economic dynamism, 15th in quality of life and fifth in cost of living. Apart from Dubai, Amsterdam and Mumbai, the other listed cities were as follows: Toronto, Singapore, Madrid, Hong Kong, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, London. Paris, Moscow and Sao Paulo (Business Line November 21)

ISCO blast furnace operational

India’s largest blast furnace was lit up at the Indian Iron and Steel Company [IISCO] unit of the Steel Authority of India [SAIL] early last week, marking the integrated commissioning of the 2.5 million tonne per annum steel plant. The furnace, with a volume of 4,160 cubic metres, is now the country’s largest operating blast furnace. IISCO’s modernization cost is Rs 17,000 crore. This is actually a Greenfield plant built on 953 acres of land in Burnpur [West Bengal], adjacent to the site where the first blast furnace was started in 1922. “With this, IISCO Steel Plant is firmly on course to regain its glorious past,” said SAIL Chairman C.S. Verma (Hindu December 2)

Computerized IAF selection

The Indian Air Force(IAF) has introduced a new Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) which replaces the previous standard procedure for the induction of its pilots. The new system, the brainchild of former president and aeronautical engineer APJ Abdul Kalam, took ten years to develop with the neces-

Agni IV tested

India’s 4,000-range Agni km ballistic missile has been successfully tested in “its full configuration” by the tri-service Strategic Forces Command off the Odisha coast. The missile is designed to carry a nuclear warhead of one tone. Agni V, with its inter-continental range of 5,00 km plus range, is expected to be tested at the end of December (Times of India, Hindu December 3)

Bangladeshi women arrested

Three Bangladeshi women have been arrested at the Burdwan railway station [in West Bengal] along with two suspected traffickers of women from Jharkhand. The local police seized Bangladeshi passports and Indian voter registration cards. “It seems they were being taken to Mumbai for prostitution,” said a senior police officer. Meanwhile, in Dhaka, Bangladesh police have arrested three Rohingya jihadis in the Lalbagh district, all members of a frontline jihadi organization operating in West Bengal (Times of India December 2)

Putin to address Parliament

Preliminary reports suggest Russian President Vladimir Putin may address both houses of Parliament during his visit to New Delhi for the annual IndiaRussia summit. It will be Prime Minister Modi’s turn to visit Moscow next year. The Russian relationship has for long been a critical component of India’s foreign and geo-strategic policy (Times of India December 3).

Of Stupid Lazy Ignorant Moronic Politicians & Genius

I speak every day with many people, traders and not, that ask the same single question: how can I be on top of the market, manage a successful fund and offer daily trade ideas on several instruments while travelling abroad so often as I do, as well as doing BBC newspaper reviews on political topics from US to Japan.

The truth actually is that my every day schedule is far less busy than people realize: Although I do have the fund to manage, offer my advice on the premium NewsletterPro(www.investingbetter.com) reports and make the occasional journeys abroad on behalf of Queen and country. (And as I write this, one with my wife to New York).

I have meetings with policymakers to attend, advisory boards I am part of, start up company executives that crave for guidance and networking to have drinks with and of course a new bride that I happily try to devote my time to.

So I seem to understand why people are wondering how I can manage all these things and at the same time devour all these information on the markets and apply them towards a consistent success.

Tom Singh, the Founder of New Look Plc, an old friend asked me to lunch recently and asked me ‘how when you do the BBC paper review and they ask you one moment about ISIS and at another about Japan and then about UK politics or Ferrari cars, do you know what to say on so many issues?’

I started telling him about a Barrister’s training, where we are given a pile of papers and 15 minutes with which to prepare a coherent argument of our case to

present before a judge…but Tom got distracted by that answer…so I gave him one he said he would remember. I told him I have a 172 IQ which is higher than that of Albert Einstein.

So do you need to be a genius to be on top of your game?

I play a little game with my wife where I will read a dozen articles rapidly on the web and ask her to test me – I love the shock on her face. (Yes I know… how exciting being married to me must me!)

It’s not genius. It’s practice. As Bill Gates said, how we assimilate and organise information will determine our ability to succeed. And everything is information. We remember information and can pull it out for TV paper reviews, or to our spouse, if the information is well remembered.

And information is well remembered when we find it interesting – when we want to learn – about anything and everything – from Kim Kardashian to Barak Obama. When you have the ability to recall, when your mental filing system is outstanding because you passionately are interested in all things, then you can save a lot of time each day doing other things than simple research.

We are too cynical, we aren’t interested though in things around us. Like the British MP who plays Candy Crush in a Parliamentary Select Committee. The problem is not that he was not doing his duty, but that he is simply not interested in life. Politics is people. If you are not interested in people, you are already walking dead.

British Pakistani man and sons stripped of citizenship

A British Pakistani man and his three grown up sons are believed to be the first to be stripped of their citizenship, after being accused of being Islamist extremists. A leading newspaper in Britain has reportedly revealed that Home Secretary Theresa May is believed to have taken away British citizenship from the unidentified 51-year-old and his sons in 2012. The man, identified only as ‘S1’, was born in Newcastle whilst his sons, all in their twenties, were born in London. Mrs May’s decision to exile the family was upheld by the Special

Immigration Appeals Commission (Siac) but the father says they are innocent of the allegations, claiming that he has been “unfairly” accused of supporting terror acts. S1 however, reportedly admitted that his daughter had gone to fight in Syria with her husband who is known to be a jihadist but that the rest of the family were “British through and through”. He also dismissed as “ludicrous” the government’s contention that he and his sons were “active members” of the Pakistani militant group Lashkar-e-

Taiba (LeT). According to the documents the decision to deprive the men of their British nationality was taken personally by Mrs May. The four were flown to Pakistan in 2009 and “retained no home or business in the United Kingdom” when Mrs May made her decision in April 2011, the documents add.

A fourth son, who is disabled, and S1’s wife are not affected by the decision to remove the family’s British nationality.

The entire family is currently believed to be living in Shikharpur, Pakistan.

In conversation with Sunetra Sarker

Spriha Srivastava

Get out of your comfort zone, says Sunetra Sarker, a participant from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in an exclusive interview with Asian Voice. Sunetra, who has a degree in information systems for Business in Europe from Brunel University London, changed career paths to become a successful actress and from there decided to try her hand at dancing skills. Recently after being voted out by judges, Sunetra is spending lot of time with her son and on her acting skills.

Dancing is not something she planned but it just happened, Sunetra told us adding that if it was not for her family she wouldn’t have been able to try something new.

In this exclusive interview, Sunetra told us about herself, her family, her experience at Strictly Come Dancing and some advice for new entrants in the industry.

Tell us about yourself briefly?

I am a working actress and a mum. I was born in Liverpool and my parents still live there. They are both from Calcutta and my father is a doctor. I now live in Bristol with my 9 year old son Noah Kishore and work in Cardiff on BBC’s casualty (since 2008). I am an extremely busy person and always on the go!

How did you develop interest in dancing?

I had no interest in dance prior to strictly that's why it's such a surprise that I lasted so long. My mum and sister are very into their dance and I tried Indian dancing as a kid but acting was my passion and I never really thought of

anything else.

How was your experience in Strictly Come Dancing?

Such a surprise for me as I never expected to enjoy it at all but my family and friends all persuaded me to try it and do something out of my comfort zone and they were right. I enjoyed the learning of new skills and the fact I lost weight too!!

and friends together supporting and coming to see me dance.

What did you learn from it?

I learnt that you should all be courageous and take the leap into the unknown sometimes. I might surprise you. I am very proud that I got to ballroom dance like I did and fought my stage fright each week with my own inner strength. What would you like to

Tell us how it impacted your life?

A lot of multi tasking was involved to continue casualty filming and keeping on top of being a school mum. I missed out on all weekend activities and family birthdays and my seeing my nieces and nephews but it has a really positive impact in bringing all my family

advice to young men/women who see a future in Television?

Get involved as soon as you can with community theatre and local radio and understand the process of television world before diving in. Follow your dreams but have a backup plan so you have security in your life too.

Asian Voice pays tribute New magazine on the co launched at a posh

On a chilly December evening, British Kutchis met at a posh cocktail lounge bar in Wembley, in anticipation of community's most talked about magazine launch: 'Kutchi MaaduVibrant & Aspiring'; a tribute to the British Kutchis. While the drinks and canapes made rounds, people greeted and networked with one another- including some who were meeting after years apart.

This was all because Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar launched their first English and second annual Kutch magazine on Thursday 4th December at the Metropolis cocktail bar and lounge in Wembley. The event was attended by more than 150 guests including Lord Dolar Popat, Mayor of

Harrow, Cllr Ajay Maru and Mr S S Sidhu , Minister (Coordination) from the Indian High Commission. The event was hosted by Publisher/Editor CB Patel

The formal part of the evening started with a swift introduction by George, the Chief of Operations at Asian Business Publications Limited, followed by a welcome from CB Patel. This was then followed by a short informative speech by Associate Editor, Rupanjana Dutta, who spoke about how Asian Voice was 'the voice of Asians' in Britain, the role it played in connecting communities, and the importance of such theme based magazines.

This was followed by a detailed introduction on the Kutchi community in

to the Kutchis in Britain

mmunity's achievements

h venue in Wembley

Britain by CB who also drew attention to the colleagues and guests who were present. This included politicians, bankers, businessmen, professionals and organisation leaders- particularly the President and Secretary of Shree Kutch Leva Patel Community (SKLPC-UK) which made the news when Opposition leader Ed Miliband attended their garba during Navratri.

Cllr Ajay Maru spoke about how Harrow stood as home to many successful Kutchi residents, while Mr Sidhu from the Indian High Commission praised the community for its services here and in India.

Lord Dolar Popat, who is a Lohana-Gujarati by birth, paid tribute to the late Arjanbhai Vekaria, a community stalwart, and also spoke

on how the Kutchi community has made significant changes in several of Britain's industries.

After the formal launch of the Kutchi Maadu magazine, a coffee table book called Jewels of Gujarat, which documented leading global Gujarati personalities, including CB Patel, Lord Dolar Popat and Priti Patel MP from Britain, was introduced to the guests. The publication was produced by Chandmal Kumawat , Chairman of Maneesh Media and especially endorsed by the Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi . Mr Kumawat who graced the occasion, gave a few words on the magazine and was received well by the gathered audience.

Photo courtesy: Raj D Bakrania, Prmediapix

The British Sikh Association hosts its Annual Dinner in central London

The Rt. Hon. Dr. Theresa MayMP, Home Secretary received an honorary doctorate from the World Sikh University, London for her outstanding services to the Public at The British Sikh Association Annual Dinner at the London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London on 24th November 2014. The Home Secretary was the Chief Guest at the glittering event and the Guests of Honour were Admiral Sir George Zambellas KCB, DSC, ADC , DL, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff of the Royal Navy and Dr Virander Paul, Deputy Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Mrs Tare Naidu of Air India, Mr. Rodger Broad of the IOD.

Over 500 distinguished guests were in attendance. The event started with the Eternal Taal group who gave the guests a flavour of Punjab with an exceptional dhol drum performance. The illustrious Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines gave an uplifting two part performance and instilled a sense of pride for Britain in all those present. Dr. Kapoor OBE, Secretary General of the British Sikh Association, in his introductory speech spoke on the history and the special relationship between the British and the Sikhs.

Dr. Rami Ranger MBE, Chairman of the British Sikh Association in his address reminded those present that it had been 100 years since the start of the First World War and of

Continued from page 1

said stoic sister, Ami Denborg, in front of the building, “The justice system has failed us”. Upon hearing Traverso's verdict, the family made a hasty exit so they could grieve together in private. Feeling wronged at a personal level, following the coming to light of their son-inlaw's controversial sex life in which he admitted cheating on his wife via sadomasochistic fetish sites and consorting with gay escorts, Anni's loved ones had implored the businessman to at least take the witness stand so that they could what had happened to their daughter, officially in his words: 'to tell the world what happened the night she died' as father Anish pleaded. Traverso's termination of the case means that Dewani will not give any testimonial evidence and or recount the events.

The prosecution for the South African state had fallen “far below” the requirements needed to

the Sikh involvement which changed the course of many battles and ultimately the outcome of the war.

Guests were then shown a video presentation of the monumental

Guru Nanak Darbar, a Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) that was opened in Dubai, UAE, the very first of its kind in an Arabian Gulf country.

Mr Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman of the Guru Nanak Darbar, Dubai, UAE and Chairman of the Al-Dowobi Group, UAE was then presented the Sikh Jewel Award by the Rt. Hon. Dr. Theresa

May MP, Home Secretary for his exceptional service, dedication and commitment to the Sikh Community.

Member of Parliament for Watford and Vice Chairman of the

Virander Paul paid tribute to the British Sikh community for excelling in all walks of life and becoming one of the most prominent ethnic minorities in the United Kingdom.

The Guest of Honour, Admiral Sir George

Conservative Party, Mr Richard Harrington MP, spoke of the similarities between the Sikhs and his own Jewish community, in particular the emphasis on charity and supporting worthy causes like Combat Stress.

Deputy Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Dr.

Zambellas, KCB. DSC. ADC, DL, First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff of the Royal Navy spoke of the many battles Sikh soldiers have fought shoulder to shoulder with the British armed forces and paid supreme sacrifices for our freedom.

Baroness Sandip Verma of Leicester,

Minister at the Department of Energy and Climate Change, said that she was proud to follow a faith that looked upon men and women equally in this world.

A special Sikh Heritage Collection was presented to the Rt. Hon. Theresa May MP, by Mr Anthony Wainwright, President of the Hallmark Group. The limited edition set of 25 gold plated stamp ingots commemorates the remarkable impact the Sikhs have had on the world over their 500 year history.

Dr. Sukhbir S. Kapoor, Vice Chancellor of the World Sikh University, then bestowed upon the Home Secretary an honorary doctorate for her outstanding achievements in Public Service.

In her keynote speech, the Home Secretary, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Theresa May MP, spoke about the many acts of heroism of the Sikh soldiers during both the world wars where many have been given recognition with the Victoria

Shrien Dewani: A chapter unfinished

procure a conviction, Judge Jeanette Traverso ruled. The testimony put forward by the main witnesses particularly Zola Tongo, driver of the vehicle on the fated evening, was of such “poor quality” Traverso said, that she did not know where the “lies end and truth begins.” The allegations against Dewani, where the prosecution set out to prove that he had staged a hi-jacking in order to escape a traditional heterosexual marriage, was indeed rife with inconsistencies and furthermore, questionable conduct.

In addition to the policeman who took Dewani's statement on the night of the murder 'losing' his notebook, the stories of the previously convicted South African nationalsTongo and Mziwamadoda Qwabe- did not seem to add up. Tongo, already in prison for the kidnapping and murder of Anni Dewani, said that Shrien offered him 15,000 rand for the kill when the underground rate for 'hit-

ting' a foreigner in the townships was found to be well over 100,000. Qwabe also claimed that another accomplice Mngeni- who was unable to testify as he passed away from a brain tumour- was the actually the one who shot Anni when it was Qwabe's prints that were on the gloves used to grab her.

On the 14th of October, Traverso had also stated that she was not convinced of Dewani's bisexuality being relevant to the case. As the court began to hear the very private details of Shrien's relationship with lavish German prostitute Leopold Leisser with him

testifying “Dewani said he really trusted me and that he would like to do other things, such as having his face slapped, and being humiliated and degraded in general”, it seemed too much was being made of the billionaire's intimate, if scandalous, sexual habits.

This all contributed to the destabilisation of the prosecution's final piece of evidence: CCTV footage that showed Shrien meeting twice with Tongo without his new wife present. Rather than these being the times when Shrien organised the 'hit', the defence made the now more viable argument that Dewani was more likely being framed, and that the meetings were actually about a surprise helicopter ride for Anni, with whom Dewani had always alleged he had a deep spiritual connection despite his sexuality.

Van Zyl insinuated that accusations against Dewani were an attempt to redeem a criminal underworld conspiracy that had gone desperately wrong.

He pursued the line of thinking that Tongo and the other convicted South African nationals were planning to use the billionaire's wife for ransom and that Anni had been shot accidentally when the culprits had clearly tried manhandling her. Tongo, who hails from a township referred to as the 'field of death', and with who Dewani shared many dazzling stories about the high-life, was said to have acted on what he saw as a money-making opportunity in the glamorous couple, with part-time model Anni Dewani's Giorgio Armani wristwatch, blackberry mobile and white-gold and diamond bracelet all confirmed missing.

In light of a racist comment made by Cape Town's former police chief General Bheki Cele that “a monkey came all the way from London to have his wife murdered here,” there emerged an even more radical theory that Dewani was being conveniently used to cover up South Africa's abhorrent

Cross Medal, the highest award for gallantry in the British Military; she also asked the audience to remember the unsung heroes who have given us the freedoms we hold so dear today. She described Sikh soldiers as fearless and fearsome warriors who have held true to their faith and made an incalculable positive contribution to world history, boldly fighting injustice, tyranny and oppression. She stated that she was delighted to be at the dinner in celebration of British Sikhs who set a fine example for many people to follow. Through the silent and live auctions during the dinner over £10,000 was raised in support of Combat Stress, the Veterans Mental Health Charity (www.combatstress.org.uk). A further £10,000 was donated to the charity by Executive Committee members of the British Sikh Association. Vote of Thanks was presented by the Association’s Vice President, Dr. Ravi Gidar.

murder rates where the anti-Asian sentiments of the region were being channelled. Zola admitted that entered into a plea bargain for his sentence to be significantly reduced if he agreed to testify against the British businessman. However, with all this mind, the fact also remains that Dewani has changed his story over the four years since his bloody honeymoon in 2010 and that his defence lawyers were aware this would incriminate him if he did take the stand. It is true too that the unprofessional strategy of the prosecution have diverted from getting to a complete truth- the Judge dismissing the case partly in frustration. Whatever the motives behind Anni Dewani's death, whether it really was masterminded by a successful man of business, or entrenched in the local politics of an impoverished and corrupt system, the family of Anni Dewani remain in dire need of closure; the whole story behind Anni's death still a hanging question.

The winners and losers in Chancellor George Osborne's mini budget

Chancellor George Osborne's mini budget bring cheers to some and disappointment to some others.

Winners Stamp duty relief to house buyers: George Osborne has given relief in stamp duty to house buyers. He claimed that 98 per cent of buyers will pay less. From now on the percentages will only apply on each incremental stage.

Under the old rules if you bought a house for £185,000, you would have had to pay 1pc tax on the full amount – a total of £1,850. Under the new rules, for the same property you’ll pay nothing on the first £125,000 and 2 per cent on the remaining £60,000. This works out as £1,200, a saving of £650.

Isas to be passed on to spouses: The tax-efficient benefits of Isas will now be able to be passed on to spouses. It will mean the surviving spouse won't have to start filling in a tax form when they inherit Isa savings from their late spouse. This would benefit 150,000 couples each year. Not only that, the annual limit, raised to £15,000 last year as part of a revamp of the rules, will also see an inflation-linked rise in April, up to £15,240.

More funds for NHS: NHS services would receive an extra £750 mn of this is the reallocation of money within existing health budgets, it still represents a boost for the NHS

Motorists to be spared of rise in duty: Motorists were spared a rise in duty on petrol and diesel.

Employers of apprentices: Business hiring apprentices aged under 25 will no longer be charged national insurance on their earnings.

Relief to small businesses and shop owners: Small business rate relief will be doubled for another year and the inflationlinked increase in business rates will be capped at 2 per cent. The business rates discount for shops, pubs and cafes is to be

increased by 50 per cent to £1,500.

Air tax on children abolished: Air passenger duty will be abolished for children under 12 next year and then for under16s the following year, trimming the cost of family holidays (for economy class tickets only). This would save £26 for a family of four flying return to Europe and £142 to America. Now airlines will be required to detail extra costs for tickets.

Tax exemption to aid workers: The inheritance tax exemption, as applies to members of the armed forces who die in service, is to be extended to aid workers.

Student loan to cover Postgraduates: For the first time postgraduates will be able to take out a student loan to cover the cost of their studies. The loan of up to £10,000 will be available for masters students starting courses in 2016 and excludes courses such as a PhD or postgraduate diploma.

Allowance raised for income taxpayers: The personal allowance, at £10,000 today, will be raised to £10,600 in April rather than the previously announced £10,500. Higher-rate taxpayers will also feel the benefit. That threshold - £41,865 this year - will be raised by 1.2 pc. The personal allowance is the initial chunk of your income that is not taxed. The increase is worth £120 to a typical basic rate taxpayer and £172 to a typical higher rate taxpayer. A further 430,000 individuals will be removed from income tax, although

National Insurance still applies, this year at a rate of 12 pc after your first £7,956.

Losers

Non-doms to pay more: The £30,000 annual charge for being non-domiciled in the UK will be unchanged but those here for 12 of the last 14 years will pay £60,000 a year, or £90,000 if here for more than 15 of the last 17 years.

Top-end property buyers to pay more: The stamp duty overhaul will mean those buying properties costing more than £937,000 will be worse off than under current regime. Buyers of typically highend properties who choose to own them through a company - a process known as "enveloped" transactions - face a further steep increase in tax.

Banks ability to curtail losses curtailed: Banks ability to offset losses made since the financial crisis against future tax bills has been curtailed. From April only 50 per cent of losses can be offset. The Treasury sees this raising £3.5bn in the next five years.

Multinationals face higher tax: Companies will face a new 25 per cent tax on profits from economic activity in the UK that are “artificially shifted” abroad. This is aimed at the likes of Google, Facebook, Starbucks and Amazon

Pay restraint for Civil servants: Public sector pay restraint and Whitehall cost-cutting are going to continue for several years with cuts of £10bn planned for the next parliament.

The Reforming Chancellor

By Lord Dolar Popat, Government Whip and Lord-in-Waiting and Spokesman for Business, Innovation and Skills and Transport

For centuries the Chancellor of the Exchequer has annually presented their Budget to the House of Commons and the country. Some Budgets are memorable for their radical changes, others for their disastrous impacts; some Budgets change little and fade quickly from the memory.

In recent years the Autumn Statement has joined the annual Budget. Behind every one of these economic set pieces are months of negotiations and political considerations. It’s a high-wire act for every Chancellor.

Last Wednesday George Osborne presented the last Autumn Statement of this Parliament, and he once again showed that he is the boldest Chancellor I have known in my fortyfive years in Britain. We have, in our current Chancellor, a man who has in four years halved our nation’s deficit whilst overseeing record levels of employment and the fastest growing economy in the G7.

Put his reforms implemented before this week into context and they’re unrivalled. Income tax has been cut for 25 million people. The state pension has been increased by £ 800 and the annuities market revolutionised for pensioners. Help to Buy has given thousands of families a home of their own. The NHS Budget has been ring-fenced to provide care for our most vulnerable.

It is a remarkable record -one that truly supports aspiration; yet last week he went further. He announced the overhaul of stamp duty –a long-hated tax on home sales - which will mean 98% of stamp duty payers pay less tax when they buy their home. He revealed investment in

major road and rail schemes across our country, which will help families and businesses alike. The tax-free personal allowance has gone up to £10,600 and fuel duty has been frozen again.

George Osborne is rebalancing our economy, making Britain one of the most attractive places to invest in the world and supporting families and the most vulnerable. What he has achieved in four and half years is little short of an economic miracle.

Yet when I met with the Chancellor earlier this week to discuss the Autumn Statement, I was most struck by his passion for supporting small businesses. He has retargeted the Funding for Lending Scheme at SMEs, given more investment to the British Business Bank to improve access to finance and abolished the employers’ jobs tax on apprenticeships.

He is passionate about ensuring that SME’s can flourish in England and that they will drive our efforts not only to rebalance the economy, but to remain

one of the leading economies in the world. Many SMEs I’ve spoken to in recent months have complained about business rates; last week the Chancellor announced a full review of the structure of business rates to report before Budget 2016. History is always the greatest judge of how successful a Chancellor’s actions are. However I am confident that the current occupant in Number 11 Downing Street will be seen as an extraordinary politician; a man who – in the shadows of one of the greatest economic crises our country has ever facedhelped to reshape Britain into a 21st Century powerhouse. When it comes to next May we will all have a choice to make; support the Prime Minister and Chancellor who have proved to be as ambitious as they have been successful. Or to back the two economic advisers who assisted Gordon Brown in driving our economy over the cliff. As George Osborne showed this week, he is the reformer we need to deliver prosperity for Britain.

Lord Mayor of the City of London leads business delegation to India

The Lord Mayor of London led a high profile business delegation to India from 6-10 December, to promote stronger economic ties between Britain and India.

Alderman Alan Yarrow held meetings with finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, law minister Sadananda Gowda and human resource development minister Smriti Irani.

Before flying to New

Delhi he told the reporters at a press meet, "Since coming to power Prime

Minister Modi has set out an ambitious and visionary economic agenda.

"My visit will help show that firms based in London and across the UK stand ready and willing to support these changes and that as a nation we are keen to do more business with India," said Yarrow.

"While we already have a long and established trade relationship, our continued success

depends on building closer economic ties with high growth markets across the globe."

"India remains central to that success and in helping build a stronger, more sustainable British economy.”

The Lord Mayor was accompanied by a 14member delegation of leading UK-based financial firms including Barclays, Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), Standard

Chartered, Thomson Reuters, Accenture, Lloyd's, Deloitte, EY, ACCA, Standard Life, ACCA, JP Morgan, London Stock Exchange Group and accountancy body ICAEW

One of the key areas of focus during this visit was the insurance sector and the passage of the Insurance Bill in the Indian Parliament. During this first foreign tour since taking over office as Lord Mayor recently, Yarrow

also addressed the 'Economic Times' economic conclave and the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment conference in New Delhi. While in Mumbai, he inaugurated the UK India Business Council's new business centre and addressed the Oxford India Business Summit. He later addressed students at the HR College of Commerce and Economics before returning to the UK.

Dear Financial Voice Reader,

Do You Need to be a Genius to Manage your Time and be on Top of your Game?

When I was young I also wondered how one can be so wise and smart to be able to know every single thing about the market and make sense of all these numbers and levels and analysis on top of analysis. However as I grew older I understood that the notion of the “all-knowing analyst” that can understand every single market statistic and applies it towards profit doesn’t exist.

All these people that have successful careers in money management are not some kind of 4-digit IQ geniuses that we see in films like “Limitless” nor do they employ an army of extremely bright analysts to understand where the market is going. Sure Goldman’s Sachs and the rest of the high street firms have a very large number of employees but they also deal in thousands of products across hundreds of markets.

So what does it come down to when we’re discussing how to understand where the market is going and what the next step towards the right direction is? I believe that the answer is two-fold: you need to have a simple or even simplistic understanding of the general financial developments across the globe and then have a plan of action, a way to recognize opportunities across different instruments and capitalize on them.

Some may call it short-cuts. But short-cuts work. They provide efficiencies, they give all of us productivity, and that means time. They give us competitive advantage, even selfproclaimed brands of genius!

Now the first one is rather simple: anyone with a fairly reasonable grasp on financial language and terms can understand how any new development is expected to influence the global and domestic economies. And if you can’t then it is very simple to learn, you don’t need to go to college, just pick up a book on what financial terminology stands for or log on to Investopedia.comthat offers a complete dictionary.

The second one is also pretty simple as well or rather it has to be if you want to be successful in applying it day after day. Your plan of action needs to consist of:

• an identifying trigger that will draw your attention to an opportunity: it can be a fundamental development or a technical pattern on a chart,

• a simple execution sequence: where to get on a trade, where and when to exit it and how to accomplish it – manual vs. automated execution, entry orders vs. live market orders and

• a set of money management rules: how much risk to assume per trade, your desired risk/reward ratio.

And then all you have to do is close your ears to the excess information that exists in abundance on all the media, the television and the internet, the magazines and the market chatter and just execute. I believe that for someone to be profitable in this business all it takes is a sound plan of action with simple rules and the conviction to apply it every single day because trading success is built on small little gains day in and day out. Sure we all hope to find the perfect opportunity that would skyrocket us to fame and fortune but that rarely happens.

You see we are all able to make the usual NBA “Million Dollar Shot” by scoring from the middle of the court and surely enough if you take a million or more shots one of them is bound to end in the basket. However the guys that make the really big bucks on the magical world of US basketball are the ones that net the far simpler 2-points and 3-points shots but do it again and again and again. Well trading is like that, you see a shot that you’re comfortable with and you take it. And then you do it again.

Spend time working out your short cuts (not cutting corners). Work out your tools and resources. For me it was speed reading as a child. It was knowing what sites to go to to find information. It was memory training and learning the art of memory and recall and why we remember some things and not others. The most important thing – be fascinated – interest yourself and you will remember. That’s when you become Einstein in your field.

Most Indian CMs favour alternative to planning panel

India's finance minister Arun Jaitley said that most chief ministers have favoured replacing the Planning Commission with an alternative structure which has representation from the central government and the states and expert participation also.

Briefing reporters after the meeting of chief ministers called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss reshaping of the Planning Commission, Jaitley said that most chief ministers were also of the view that the new institution should not be a "merely central government structure".

"Most favoured an alternative structure where the Centre, states and experts participate... A very large majority was in favour of changed structure," he said.

Without naming the Congress or its chief ministers, Jaitley said some chief ministers wanted that revamp should be carried out within the existing body. "A few, while agreeing with the general principles of

change, felt if the present Planning Commission could evolve into that structure," he said.

Jaitley said the meeting was followed by a retreat where the prime minister and chief ministers had "an informal meeting" with no bureaucrats present. He said there was no specific agenda for the retreat and any issue could be discussed. Answering a query about the final decision of the government on reshaping the planning panel, Jaitley said it will "take a considered view after consultations are over". He did not specify a time frame. The minister said there was a large consensus at the meeting that

"the context has changed and there is need to decentralise both power and planning". He said there was also a large consensus that states have to be strengthened. He said most chief ministers felt that there was a fallacy that "one size fits all" and the requirement of each state was different and the states know what suits them the best.

Jaitley said the chief ministers felt that the strategy has to be to empower the states and strengthen federalism. Most states favoured a system which strengthens their ability to deliver and wanted more flexibility "rather than a controlled and command structure", he said.

He said Banerjee West Bengal chief minister Mamta Banerjee, who did not attend the meeting, sent a letter to the prime minister favouring decentralisation and strengthening of states. She had also suggested enhancing role of interstate council and giving it a role in the planning process. He said the issue of five-year plans will be addressed once the government takes a final decision on reshaping the Planning Commission.

Jaitley also said the prime minister in his remarks at the meeting said that the plan panel would have to reinvent itself to remain more effective and relevant in the present context.

Huffington Post launches in India

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently released the latest results for the world economy. And when you measure national economic output in “real” terms of goods and services, China will this year produce $17.6 trillion –compared with $17.4 trillion for the US. The US had the world’s highest economy since 1872. In 2000, the USA produced nearly three times as much as the Chinese. China now accounts for 16.5% of the global economy when measured in real purchasing-power terms, compared with 16.3% for the US. China’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per-person is still less than one-quarter that of the US, so China is still

far from being the world’s wealthiest nation. The IMF made the calculations by measuring purchasing-power parity (PPP). Similar goods cost the same in both Shanghai and New York, as far as PPP is concerned. Experts have predicted this shift in economic power for years. It was never a question of if, but rather when. Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz noted that the World Bank projected it would happen in 2014. China is catching up in technology and innovation: Of course, GDP and PPP are not the only important economic indicator. The US are still ahead in other important areas such as technology and innovation, which can be measured by the

number of patents awarded. But there are indications that China is catching up in technology and innovation as well.

For example the Alibaba Group, a giant Chinese e-commerce company that started as an online marketplace for businesses but quickly expanded to different segments and services, like consumer products and payments, went public on the New York Stock Exchange in September, in what was the largest IPO of a company in the United States. China has large Internet companies like Baidu and Tencent, active and aggressive all over the field, and today it’s strategic mistake to think that the Western world dominates the Internet.

News website Huffington Post launched its India edition in a tie-up with media conglomerate Times of India Group, as the AOL-owned site expands into markets where internet use is growing rapidly. The India edition is Huffington Post's 13th and follows launches in a handful of European and Asian countries, as well as an Arabic version set to go live next year. The website, which was sold to AOL for $315 million in 2011, generates revenue through advertising and is crucial to AOL's shift away from its subscription dial-up internet business. Internet penetration in India is low, but it is expected to grow quickly in the next few years as the government improves connections to rural areas.

From 1st time buyer landlords to large portfolios. IT contractors accepted even with

Suresh Vagjiani Sow & Reap

A Property Investment Company

Diamonds In The Rough

We have just completed a presentation in Mumbai and Bangalore. The response was interesting, although people are already making money from property in Mumbai there is a thirst to expand their empires to overseas markets. London is seen more as a trophy, a new territory to capture, an extension to their business activities.

A lot of interest came from already wealthy families who want to diversify their portfolio and see London property as a viable bolt-on to their portfolios. There exist two different and perhaps contrasting mindsets between that required to generate wealth and that required to maintain it.

The first is generated from the 'entrepreneur' which requires risk taking and more of an intuitive approach and the latter which is required to preserve wealth once earned requires a more sensible head. This task is usually entrusted to another more qualified party once it has been generated. The target becomes more wealth preservation rather than generation, where wealth is growing at a steadier pace.

The contrast between the two cities was also very interesting. My colleague hit the nail on the head when he commented Mumbai is for execution and Bangalore for knowledge and talent. This certainly seemed the case. We had one prominent developer who came to us straight to do the deal, they cut through the small talk and went straight for the jugular, they wanted to examine a deal which was on the table. It actually doesn’t need much talk to explain a deal, but this was foreign territory and hence the background layers had to be explained. Being from a property background the framework was already in place and so they understood the concepts easily.

Property the world over, is based on only three factors, Location, Location and Location. This overrides all other factors.

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h i m w h i c h t h e y h e l d i n r e v e r e n c e w i t h t w o h a n d s a n d w a n t e d t h e i r p i c t u r e s t a k e n w i t h h i m T h o u g h h e i s a b u s i n e s s i n d u s t r i a l i s t , h e c o m m a n d e d r e s p e c t a n d r e v e r e n c e o f t h a t o f a r o c k s t a r

It was interesting to see that though the attendees were making money locally and plenty of it, they still desired to invest in London. This is something which is overlooked by those actually living in London. The international pull this country's property has is immense.

The recent stamp duty rises will in my opinion do little to dampen the enthusiasm overseas for London property. The reaction from most property commentators has been predictably been one of doom and gloom. However this is a knee jerk reaction to what has been a swift implementation of government tax.

T h e t a x i s n o t a s b a d a s i t f i r s t s e e m s b e c a u s e i t u s e s a g r a d u a t e d a p p l i c a t i o n o f

s t a m p d u t y a s o p p o s e d t o a s l a b s y s t e m F o r e x a m p l e u n d e r t h e o l d s y s t e m i t w o u l d

b e v e r y d i f f i c u l t t o s e l l a p r o p e r t y f o r £ 2 5 5 , 0 0 0 a s t h e s t a m p d u t y w i l l j u m p u p f r o m

1 % f o r b e l o w £ 2 5 0 k t o 3 % f o r a b o v e £ 2 5 0 k T h e p e r c e n t a g e a p p l i e s t o t h e w h o l e a m o u n t , n o t j u s t t o t h e b i t a b o v e £ 2 5 0 k T h i s i s a n i l l o g i c a l w a y t o a p p l y t h e t a x , a s i t m a k e s i t v e r y d i f f i c u l t t o s e l l p r o p e r t

So the new tax allows the stamp duty to be applied on only the excess amounts. This too will of course cause some kinks but not to the degree the old system did.

St John’s Wood, London, NW8 Purchase Price: £2.625m

l A large block in a beautiful and sought after location, currently used as two flats

l Freehold

l Garden

l Approx 3,100 sq. ft. area

l Planning in place to create a new mansard floor

l After the extension the area will be around 3,350 sq. ft.

l Application has been made to convert this into one house

l A nearby and smaller property was sold a couple of months back for £3.9m, developed

l We expect the value of this property after conversion to be around £4.2m Call us now if you would like to have a piece of the pie!

Of course any tax on property is an unwelcome one, especially as property is one of the few attractive investments the UK has to offer. Too much will end up killing the golden goose which attracts money worldwide. Off the back of foreigners owning property in London means income for agents, interior designers etc. is increased as well as many indirect fees such as the shopping for goods which goes along with a trip to London which is a big attraction.

The market also holds its breath for the awaited mansion tax which threatens to further dampen the property market.

The possible double punch to the property market is making people nervous together with the impact of the rate rise.

Is this a time to sit and wait to see what happens? No. This is what most people will do. Fear makes people nervous and impotent leading to inaction. T

c t e d s u p p l y L i t t l e h a s

c h a n g e d o n t h i s f r o n t a n d t h i s i s c o m p o u n d e d i n L o n d o n

w h e r e d e m a n d h a s b e e n b o u g h e d b y o v e r s e a s i n t e r e s t , t h i s

d e m a n d i s a l s o

There is much interest coming from China where interest has increased by 400% from 2010 to 2013 for properties between £1m to £2m range. And they have just started to dip their toe in the London property market. This is a snowball which has just started rolling and is set grow in size rapidly.

Indonesia is another rich country from where I currently write, where the demand for London property is set to increase. One way of assessing this demand is by studying where the internet searches are coming from in the world. Interest from Indonesia has been increasing year on year. Money is being made here. One way this can be seen is the disparity in prices, and lack of information, this means the economy is not transparent and therefore where there is a lack of clear information there is opportunity to exploit by the astute few. This can be noted from the simple acts of charging your mobile phones to booking cars.

There is a lot of new wealth being generated here and it needs a home, this may be a good country to generate money but perhaps not the best place to preserve it. The location itself is unstable, prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which I experienced on one of my earlier visits where several people died, not from the eruption but from the fear generated by it.

The new wealthy here want their children to study abroad, UK offers some of the best education in the world. This type of demand will not be swayed by either of the taxes.

This is not a time to be purchasing overpriced off plan developments or top end penthouses, but amongst the fear and uncertainty there will be diamond deals which will float to the surface.

LEGAL VOICE

More steps to rationalize subsidies on anvil: Arun Jaitley

Assuring India Inc of NDA's commitment to carry forward economic reforms, finance minister Arun Jaitley said the government would come out with more steps to rationalize subsidies. "I had a series of meeting with the expenditure management commission. They are effectively working on some very valuable suggestions with regard to rationalization of subsidies... In the next few months ... may be earlier than that they will be able to come out with some interim recommendations to us so that we can proceed with rationalization in that direction", Jaitley said.

Recalling the government's decision to link the diesel prices with market price, the minister told the India Economic Conclave said that it would help in reducing the subsidy burden of the government.

Besides, the government has recently decided to give direct cash subsidy

BA launches discounts scheme for US-India flights

British Airways launched a discounts scheme which offers savings up to 74 per cent savings on base fares for US-India flights to attract more passengers. "We are delighted to launch the biggest sale of the year. This is a significant year for us as we celebrate 90 years of flying to India," said Christopher Fordyce, regional commercial manager, British Airways, South Asia. According to the airline, the offer is available on flights booked for sale period of Dec 5-15, 2014 and outbound travel on or before March 31, 2015.

The airline currently operates 49 flights a week from five key cities in India - Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

on pilot basis to LPG customers in select cities.

The Centre had set up a commission under former RBI governor Bimal Jalan to suggest steps to rationalize subsidy and help the government in effectively bringing down the fiscal deficit. The government currently provides various kinds of subsidies which run into billions of rupees. It was pegged at Rs 2,510 billion for 2014-15.

Jaitley expressed confidence that the government would be able to push the insurance and the GST bills in the current session of Parliament. On the government's views on a joint

session of Parliament to push the bills as it does not have a majority in the Rajya Sabha, he said: "We don't want to use the last resort of a joint session for legislations. But if it becomes inevitable that's a constitutional remedy."

Calls for more global cooperation to check tax evasion: Calling upon revenue intelligence agencies to enhance cooperation with their global counterparts to check tax evasion and smuggling, India's finance minister Arun Jaitley said free trade should also mean fair trade.

Although the fiscal incentives for financial malpractices have come down over the years, the Minister said revenue intelligence officials must increase global cooperation to “check tax evasion and smuggling.”

While inaugurating the 2nd Regional Customs Enforcement conference in New Delhi, the Minister

stressed that effective steps to curb tax evasion and avoidance are necessary to ensure that “free trade remains fair trade”.

Jaitley also called upon revenue intelligence officials to increase the use of technology and develop the ability to read between the lines to check financial malpractices. The dynamics of revenue intelligence would continue to evolve with changing times, he said, adding “world is obliterating the distinction between tax evasion and tax avoidance.”

He said there was a time when the incentive for tax evasion and smuggling was high. However, with the decline in tax rates, tariffs and duties, the “incentive for (financial malpractices) is going down”.

India has been vociferously raising the issues concerning tax evasion and avoidance at several international meetings, especially at the G-20 deliberations.

India's domestic air passenger traffic up 16.3 pc

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said that India's domestic market increased by 16.3 per cent last month as a result of market stimulation by domestic carriers. "Indian domestic traffic climbed 16.3 per cent (October). Although this was a considerable slowdown compared to September yearover-year growth of 26.4%, it was still a strong result and reflects market stimulation by local carriers," IATA was quoted in a statement.

The country's domestic traffic spiked 26.3 per cent in September. According to IATA the growth rates potentially were attributable to revived confidence over the new businesssupportive government, the generation of strong demand owing to market stimulation measures introduced by carriers.

According to IATA, India's domestic capacity in the month under review rose 3.4 per cent when compared to October, 2013. "International domestic travel demand rose 5.8 per cent in October compared to October 2013, with the strongest growth occurring in China and India," IATA pointed out.

cal instability.

Tony Tyler, director general and chief executive, IATA said that the fall in oil prices, if sustained, could provide a much-needed operating cushion. But there are risks which must also be accounted for - including the proliferation of politi-

Currently the global crude oil prices are hovering under $70 a barrel, as a result of decision taken by Oranisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) last week not to cut production in line with cartel leader Saudi Arabia's strategy to combat the US shale oil boom.

Data furnished by the civil aviation ministry, showed that domestic air passenger traffic increased by 18.31 per cent in October to 5925,000 passengers - up from 5008,000 ferried in the corresponding month last year.

According to data furnished by the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), year-on-year basis there was an increase of over 8.61 per cent in the passenger traffic.

Commodity guru Jim Rogers praises RBI chief

Raghuram Rajan is a celebrity economist known across the globe for predicting the 2008 global meltdown. More recently, he has been referred to as a "celebrity central banker", a phrase used recently by Harvard University Professor Kenneth Rogoff to describe monetary policymakers of major economies.

Rare praise has come his way from renowned commodity guru Jim Rogers - one of the few investors said to be still skeptical about India. Rogers said that he has more respect for the

Reserve Bank than for the US Federal Reserve.

"I wish the RBI was running the American central bank. Your central bank has not been great but it has been a lot better than many other central banks... the people there at least understand the problem," Rogers said.

The admiration for Rajan among economists and investors seemed to grow, when he ignored calls for a rate cut, including one by finance minister Arun Jaitley. "RBI's policy is very balanced and pragmatic. There should be no complaints from market participants," said

Killol Pandya, senior fund manager at LIC Nomura.

This was not the first time that Rajan came under intense pressure to cut rates, but the clamour for a rate cut was louder in the December policy because consumer price inflation trended at record low and global crude prices also seemed headed

towards $60 per barrel. India's growth moderated in the September quarter, with the GDP growing at 5.3 per cent as compared to 5.7 per cent in the June quarter. Rajan, however, stuck to his guns in the standoff with inflation, and said the RBI does not intend to flip-flop on policy. His hardline stance on inflation has won him universal praise at a time when central bankers across the world are resorting to easy monetary policy to push growth. He also said that the RBI could cut interest rates early next year if prices cooled as planned.

Is it time for a right of appeal to be established

The licensing system for migrant workers started out as a positive thing. In return for maintaining a good human resource system which captured any threats to immigration control it has now taken on a new rather alarming dimension. Initially it was left to an employer to decide how to keep records and where but now subjective decisions are made by officers on an inconsistent basis, minor infractions are being treated as serious problems and licences are being peremptorily revoked with very little recourse to a legal process. Of course the UKVI live in their ivory towers most of the time. Many have never worked in commercial businesses and their bureaucratic mindset is a concern when exercising their powers. The practical effect of their decisions can be so serious that it affects not only their livelihood but others in the wake. When bad decisions are made there is no redress other than to point them out. It is not unusual for lawyers to spend several hours piecing together the case brick by brick and providing explanations only to receive a response which mirrors the original decision. What many lawyers ask themselves is what the point was in making the representations at all.

So what is the solution? Currently the only recourse is an action before the High Court which is expensive and which does not assess the

To

merits of the decision but looks at the reasonableness of the decision. There is no appeal process. Representations are decided entirely by the body that made the original decision. Where there is a dispute about facts it is more likely than not that the facts proffered by the decision maker will be the acceptable version.

It is arguable that employers have a duty to maintain a system in return for sponsoring migrants. Equally there is a duty to be fair and this must surely mean that there must be an independent process that considers all the facts and makes a decision. High court action is frowned upon and there are strict rules which were designed to reduce the number of cases being brought. With nowhere to go it is inevitable that cases will need to be brought there as there is nowhere else to go. A responsible Government does need to look at this issue. It is affecting the functioning of businesses and preventing businesses for achieving their full potential in terms of growth. The impact on certain businesses is absolutely devastating. Take care homes which have vulnerable residents in some cases suffering from dementia. There has to be a process which examines the breaches alleged to have been committed. Is it time for a right of appeal to be established which has independent members considering the facts?

contact Maria Fernandes, please email at: info@fernandesvaz.com

Steep fall in India's engineering exports to China

India's engineering exports to China fell by nearly 50 per cent to $310 million in October, hit by slowdown in the Chinese economy, the Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) India said.

India exported engineering goods to China worth $612 million in the same month last year.

"While there is a contention that China's slowdown may not pinch us, it is clearly doing so as it also happens to be one of our main markets for exports," EEPC chairman Anupam Shah said in a statement.

"For instance, the total export of iron and steel,

which mainly go to China, went down by 18 per cent to $704 million in October 2014 from $ 858 million a year ago," EEPC added. Problems in western Europe also had a "biting impact" on Indian shipments of the engineering goods, the EEPC said.

Consignments to the UK were down 29 per cent to $169 million in October 2014 from $ 238 million a year ago, while shipments to Italy were down 22 per cent to $127 million from $163 million. Export of engineering items to Germany also went down by over 4 per cent to $163 million from $171 million, the statement said.

Foreign Exchange

Paresh Davdra is the Dealing Director of RationalFX, Currency Specialists.

Interest Rate Still Held At 0.5%

In the United Kingdom’s interest rates have been held at a record low of 0.5% for another month by the Bank of England. Until recently rates were expected to rise early next year, but analysts now think this could be pushed back. The Bank warned last month that the inflation rate could fall to as low as 1% in the coming six months, well below its 2% target rate.

A key factor in keeping inflation low has been the 25% fall in the oil price since the summer, which has cut fuel prices at the pump for motorists. Fierce competition between supermarket chains has also meant cheaper food for consumers. Downward pressures on prices gave the Bank leeway to keep rates low increasing the likelihood of the current growth spurt being sustained.

United States had the biggest payroll gain since 2011 as hiring surged in most industries powering the U.S. economy to create the largest number of jobs in almost three years. The 321,000 advance in payrolls exceeded the most optimistic projection of economists this followed a

243,000 gain in October. The jobless rate held at a six-year low of 5.8 percent. Average hourly earnings rose 0.4 percent, the most since June of last year. After this positive figure we saw the US dollar strengthen significantly against most of its peers.

The latest ADP report on private payrolls came out ahead of the non-farm payroll data on Friday 5th December. The figure showed the ADP payroll had increased to 233,000 from 230,000. With this said, the ADP national employment report did show that US employment had increased by 208,000 private sector jobs in November.

outside of the ECB's remit.

Draghi indicated that QE measures may be coming soon despite Germany being against this policy. Purchasing sovereign debt is highly unpopular within Germany and the ECB may be forced into measures of corporate bond purchasing before resorting to sovereign debt buying.

Mario Draghi outlined plans for more stimulus measures aimed at revitalising the eurozone economy however he added the bank would assess the impact of its current stimulus measures early next year. Draghi's comments came after the ECB held interest rates at 0.05%. He also gave his strongest indication yet that the

ECB was willing to buy government debt. It certainly sounds as though the European Central Bank is edging towards quantitative easing, but they did not decide to take any decisive action at this meeting.

The ECB has so far resisted pressure to follow in the footsteps of central banks in the UK and Japan by stimulating the eurozone economy through the purchase of government bonds. In part this has been because of opposition from Germany, which has argued that asset purchases of this type are

Only the sovereign-bond market has the scale that would enable the ECB to achieve its intention of adding €1 trillion ($1.25 trillion) to its balance-sheet, taking it back to the peak level of around € 3 trillion that it reached in early 2012. Falling inflation and low economic growth have been persistent problems in the eurozone for most of this year. In September, the bank announced it would buy covered bonds and other assets for two years in an effort to stimulate the eurozone economy.

Nepal prevents airing TV show for satirising Indian PM

Kathmandu: The Nepalese authorities have banned the telecast of a popular comedy TV show, "Tito Satya" (Bitter Truth), for reportedly satirizing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The 576th episode of "Tito Satya", scheduled to be aired last week, was abruptly taken off after officials of the state-owned Nepal Television (NTV) found some objectionable remarks in the episode, the plot of which was basically dedicated to how Modi brings development in Nepal and how the political leadership of Nepal was trying to make money out of the funds being released by Modi.

Since his two visits to Nepal in August and during the 18th Saarc Summit last month, Modi has caught the imagination of the Nepalese populace with his speeches and successful injection of over $3 billion in investment in Nepal.

Producer and popular comedian of the show Dipak Raj Giri said the NTV officials accused him of including content that

US drone attack kills top Pak Qaida leader

Islamabad: A top alQaida leader was among five militants killed on Sunday in a US drone attack in Pakistan's troubled North Waziristan region, a day after the chief of the terror group's global operations was also killed in a Pakistani military operation.

Umer Farooq, 38, believed to be in charge of al-Qaida's operations in Pakistan and Afghanistan, was killed in the strike that took place in the Khar Tangi area of Datta Khel district in the region, where the Pakistani military has been battling Taliban and al-Qaida-linked militants since June.

A security official said Farooq was among five people killed when two missiles fired from the drone hit a compound. The compound was completely destroyed in the attack.

was targeted at Modi, saying that such content might create unnecessary disputes among the public at large.

"It is against the freedom of expression and our constitutional rights. Even Modi has been watching several such programmes in India that were satirising him. American presidents do watch such parodies and satirical programmes produced on them. Let's honour Modi, don't be sycophantic to him," said Giri.

Giri, renowned for making humorous programmes, had lost his job from another state-owned entity, Radio Nepal, after cracking jokes against parliamentarians some years

ago. "It (Nepal) is a democratic country and we have all rights to enjoy and to make satire on anyone," he said in his reaction published on his Facebook page. "We are comedians and we are permanent opposition in democracy as well as we have to alert people in various walks of life too," Giri, who was upset by the censorship, said adding that he has done nothing that could damage Nepal's cordial relations with India. He also stated that his programme was not targeted against the social fabric of Nepal or Hindi-speaking people. NTV officials told him that his programme tried to dishonour the neighbouring leader and

also raised objections over use of Hindi language in some parts of the episode.

In the banned episode, a Modi-like character appears somewhere in rural Nepal, which totally lacks development. His appearance comes as a boon to village -- he announces huge aid for the development of the village. After his announcement, the villagers and political parties come together to develop their village. But they never stop making commissions out of the money that comes for the various projects.

In reality, after just six months at the helm, Modi has successfully injected $3 billion investment in Nepal for various sectors. Similarly, the episode also depicts the developmental narrative of Nepal, how commissions and speed money worked in securing sanctions for projects.

"I tried to justify how commission and corruption have mired our developmental endeavours. In fact, it is not satirising the Indian prime minister," Giri clarified.

Smooth hearing for US envoy nominee to India

Washington:Richard Rahul Verma, President Barack Obama’s nominee as the next ambassador to India, sailed smoothly through his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Dec. 2, as senators emphasized the critical importance of the diplomatic post in the 21st century and praised the Indian American nominee’s background and qualifications.

Foreign Relations Committee outgoing chairman Robert Menendez said Verma’s appointment, if approved by the full Senate, would come “at a critical time” for the world’s two largest “liberal democracies.”

Senator John McCain stated that the relationship with India is “maybe the most important” the US has with any country in the world. Verma in his opening remarks pointed

out that it is a “defining and historic time” for India-US ties, as President Obama in January will become the first US president to visit India twice while in office and the first president to be in the country during Republic Day celebrations.

Verma, 45, who served as assistant secretary of state for legislative affairs under then-Secretary of State Hilary Clinton between 2009-2011, received a few tough questions, but those he was

tossed, he fielded confidently and without missteps.

Asked by Menendez to comment on the sticky issue of India’s intellectual property rights protections, or lack thereofaddressed in a 2014 Special 301 Report by the US Trade RepresentativeVerma promised “to make it a top-tier issue with the Indian government” and “part of the regular framework” of discussions.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen raised the issue of the 2012 gang rape in New Delhi of an Indian woman, who subsequently died of her injuries, and other gender-based violence occurring in India. Verma responded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken out against violence against women. He also pointed to USAID-sponsored programs for empowering women.

Pak runs special trains for Saeed's meeting

Islamabad: Pakistan

Railways run special trains to transport people from the southern cities of Karachi and Hyderabad to Lahore for Jamat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed's jihadist congregation on last Thursday and Friday.

The JuD event gained prominence as it coupled with Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaaf chief Imran Khan's call for complete shut down of Lahore on December 4. While sources said PTI's Lahore team wasn't prepared to organize a strike at such short notice, many believe Khan's party postponed its call for strike at JuD's request so that its two-day programme was not dis-

rupted. One train comprising 20 coaches and carrying up to 1,450 people left the port city of Karachi on Tuesday last while another comprising nine coaches and carrying about 900 people left Hyderabad on the same day. A senior Karachi-based railways officer said that the permission for running special trains was at the discretion of the department's headquarters in Lahore. “We received a note from headquarters to arrange special

trains for JuD,” the official said, adding that JuD has paid approximately Rs 5 lakh ($50,000) to Pakistan Railways. “It's a round trip. The trains will bring back all the people including women and children,” he added. Rauf Tahir, a spokesman of Pakistan Railways, said the permission to run special trains for JuD was given by railways minister Khwaja Saad Rafique after a request from the outfit's spokesman.

In Brief

Thief hypnotises shopkeeper before robbing him

London: In a bizarre case, a thief has hypnotised shopkeeper Aftab (Aziz) Haider and robbed money from his pockets. The 56-year-old owner, who runs a wine shop in Highgate, said he was left "stunned" by the theft which took place on September 11. A video of the incident shows an Eastern European man enter the shop and brush past Haider as he placed a bottle on a shelf before gently tapping him on the arm. A few seconds later, the suspect raises his right fist and shakes it in front of Haider, apparently leaving him mesmerised. The thief then reaches inside the motionless shop owner's trouser pocket, and pulls out his wallet before squeezing his shoulder. He then reaches into Haider's other pocket and pulls out hundreds of pounds in cash before tapping him once more on the shoulder and quickly walking out. Haider regained his senses a few seconds later, but by the time the thief had left the shop.

ISIS rejected youth jailed for 4 years

London: Mashudur Choudhury, 31, who went to Syria along with six people from Portsmouth to join the jihadists was jailed for four by a judge after he returned to Britain. He was sent back to Britain after apparently being too frightened to join Islamic State. Judge Paul Dodgson said Choudhury had encouraged young men to follow him and caused huge pain for their families. “I have no doubt that when you embarked on this trip you and your companions hoped that your actions would encourage others to take the same journey,” the judge said. Choudhury ran the Muslim Youth Project and had worked as a racial awareness officer for the city council which included helping to run a programme to counter violent extremism. The judge said Choudhury saw himself as as a “leader and potential hero” but when he got to the jihadist camp, he was “either deemed unsuitable or that when your fantasies collided with the harsh realities of the fighting in Syria, you lost the will to remain there.”

MPs give family members a £1.3 mn pay rise

London: Members of parliament who appointed their relatives and loved ones in their offices gave them a pay rise of more than £ 3.7 mn last year, an increase of more than 50% since the last general election. This has prompted accusations that MPs were milking the system and calls for a tightening of the rules that let them put family members on the public payroll. Whitehall watchdogs had demanded an end to the practice as part of plans to clean up the House of Commons and rebuild trust in politics after the expenses scandal. However, there was a backlash by MPs against the proposal and the ban was not included in the tougher expenses regime, which came in after the 2010 election. The cabinet ministers Patrick McLoughlin, Michael Fallon and Chris Grayling are among the scores who still employ spouses, children and other “connected parties” along with senior Labour figures such as Hilary Benn.

Cameron flays Liberal Democrats

London: The growing chasm between Conservatives and Liberal Democrats came out in the open as Prime Minister David Cameron said Nick Clegg and his party were a threat to prosperity. In an email to Conservative MPs, the Prime Minister bracketed the Lib Dems with Labour and pitched his own party against the pair, stating that the choice for the public was “between competence and chaos.”

Mugabe given absolute power to run ruling party

Harare: Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu (PF) party delegates gave absolute power to 90-year-old president Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace to run the party and the country. Mugabe was elected by a show of hands to continue into his 35th year as leader of the party and country. He then announced that he had chosen his wife Grace as head of the women’s league of the party. Earlier, the congress had given him the sole right to appoint all the senior office bearers. The next item on the agenda was the announcement of new office bearers. Instead, Mugabe told everyone to go home. “Be patient,” he said. “By the middle of next week we will make an announcement.” The subservient crowd knew not to demur. The congress was the last part of a twomonth purge by Mugabe of a faction led by the former vice-president, Joice Mujuru, whom he accused of plotting with the US embassy to assassinate him. More bizarre was his claim that Mrs Mujuru had used witch doctors against him.

In Brief

Teetotal Muslims blamed for decline in number of pubs

London: Conservative peer Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbotts has partly blamed teetotal Muslims for the decline in the number of pubs in the country. Lord Hodgson, who was previously a director at one of Britain's biggest brewers, said that the "tides of history" have led to large numbers of Muslims in Britain's cities who do not drink. He said that "socio economic change" is more responsible for the decline of pubs than "rapacious" pub chains. Lord Hodgson's comments were criticised by the Muslim Council of Britain, which accused the peer of blaming Muslims for the failure of businesses.

Convictions under 'Fake Sheikh' evidence to be reviewed

London: The Crown Prosecution Service will review 25 convictions given under evidence of Mazher Mahmood, or the 'Fake Sheikh' as he was known. The prosecution say there are 25 of those which need to be urgently reviewed, following a decision earlier this year by a judge to throw out a drugs case against the singer Tulisa Contostavlos. The judge said that he felt that there was a very strong possibility that Mazher Mahmood had lied under oath, and this led to various calls, including one from a former Attorney General, that he should have his cases reviewed.

19 candidates in race for Lankan presidency

Colombo: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his former health minister are among 19 people in the fray to fight the presidential election next month. The papers from the 19 were handed over to Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya. Rajapaksa has called an election to seek an unprecedented third term, two years before his second term ends. His former health minister and party No. 2, Maithripala Sirisena, has become his main challenger and he is now being backed by the main opposition United National Party. The election is scheduled for Jan 8.

Indian-American scientist appointed as US science envoy

Washington: A top Indian-American scientist from Stanford University has been appointed as one of the science envoys of the US. Arun Majumdar, a professor at the prestigious university, along with three others, Peter Hotez, Jane Lubchenco and Geri Richmond, would serve as US envoys beginning January next year, the state department said. Like their nine predecessors, these distinguished scientists will engage internationally at the citizen and government levels to develop partnerships, improve collaboration, and forge mutually beneficial relationships between other nations and the US to stimulate increased scientific cooperation and foster economic prosperity, state department added.

Chinese news agency calls PoK region 'Pakistan'

New Delhi: China's official news agency, Xinhua, has made a reference to what India calls Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) as Pakistan. The state-run agency said, "the Khunjerab Pass on the China-Pakistan border has closed for the winter season... the pass is a strategic point on the Karakoram Highway, which links China's Xinjiang with Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region." India considers Gilgit-Baltistan a part of PoK. Some years ago, a similar statement by the Chinese government lead to an official protest by India, forcing Beijing to withdraw it. The Pass is a critical link between Xinjiang in China and PoK. China's official position had been that it would not take sides, but increasingly, there has been a growing Chinese military presence in the region, as well as major infrastructure projects there.

Myanmar workers charged with murder of British tourists in Thailand

Bangkok: Two Myanmar men were charged with the murder of two British tourists in Thailand, public prosecutors said. The bodies of Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24 were discovered on the southern holiday island of Koh Tao on Sept 15. A post-mortem examination revealed that the pair died from blows to the head and that Witheridge had been raped. The killings crippled tourism, which accounts for nearly 10 per cent of Thai gross domestic product, and the investigation has raised serious questions over police tactics. Myanmar workers Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo, both 21, were named as suspects in October. Police said the pair had confessed to the murders and that DNA samples found on Witheridge matched the suspectsdespite the fact that the two had at the time yet to appear in court to face any charge and speak for themselves. Both later retracted their confessions, saying they had been beaten and threatened.

Typhoon hits Philippines, 27 die

Dolores (Philippines): Philippine emergency workers were struggling on Tuesday to reach coastal villages on an island hardest hit by a typhoon where thousands of homes have been wrecked, suggesting the Red Cross' estimated death toll of 27 may rise.

Nearly 13,000 houses were crushed and more than 22,300 damaged on the eastern island of Samar, where Typhoon Hagupit made landfall on Saturday and made slow progress across the country, officials said.

The storm, one of several typhoons to hit the tropical archipelago each year, has since been downgraded to a tropical

storm and was headed west towards Vietnam. Roofs were ripped from houses, wooden huts were reduced to matchwood and coconut trees torn up by the roots. Most of the victims, on Samar and in Iloilo province to the

west, were washed away in floods and some hit by fallen trees, the Philippine Red Cross said. "Access is very difficult. There are landslides, some are onelane roads. In the inner barangays (villages), many of the roads have

been washed out by flash floods," Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon said.

"...It's a long trek (to the villages), it's like Yolanda all over again," Gordon said, referring to super typhoon Haiyan, which hit the same area of the central Philippines last year.

But the damage was nowhere near that wrought by Haiyan, which destroyed or damaged more than a million homes.

Learning lessons from Haiyan, which left more than 7,000 dead or missing, authorities launched a massive evacuation operation days ahead of the storm, emptying whole towns and villages.

Legal costs may wipe out Osborne’s largesee to NHS

London: Experts warn that extra £2 billion which Chancellor George Osborne promised to inject in his mini budget to NHS will be wiped out due to a sharp rise in the number of legal claims against hospitals.

The Department for Health admitted that the NHS has “potential liabilities” of £26.1 billion, of which £25.7 billion relates to clinical negligence. This is an increase of £3.1 billion in a year.

The disclosure undermined Osborne’s pledge this week that an extra £2 billion for the NHS would be spent on front-line services.

It also emerged that the health watchdog has apologised to hundreds of GPs for giving them incorrect patient safety risk ratings. More than 7,000 GP practices in England were put into one of six risk bandings, which can trigger early inspections, after a flawed analysis by the Care Quality Commission. An investigation found that hundreds of surgeries were placed in the wrong category.

Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, said the increased liabilities showed that the Coalition was failing to manage the health service. “These figures provide indisputable proof that the NHS is heading seriously downhill,” he said. “Patient care is suffering following David Cameron’s decision to axe thousands of nursing jobs. The NHS is now setting aside soaring amounts for negligence claims. Labour will invest £2.5 billion extra a year in the NHS to pay for 20,000 more nurses.”

The figures were disclosed by Earl Howe, the health minister, in

response to a question in the Lords. Several factors are pushing up the bill, including a rise in patient numbers and the complexity of care. Most of the costs are the result of errors that leave babies brain damaged, of which there are around 100 cases each year. Advances in medical sci-

ence mean that these children live much longer, increasing their care bill.

The rise of “no win, no fee” agreements has also pushed up the number of people suing the NHS, although a spokesman for the NHS Litigation Authority (LA) said that it expected changes to the law would reduce this number.

From April last year, the “success fee” lawyers could charge was reduced from 100 per cent to 25

per cent. The spokesman said: “The NHS LA’s provisions increased from £22.9 billion as at 31 March 2013, to £26.1 billion as at 31 March 2014, of which £10.5 billion relates to claims notified to the NHS but which are not yet resolved and claims already resolved as periodic payment ordersorders made by the court which allow the NHS LA to make ongoing and regular payments to meet care needs.”

Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao plans occult rituals to tackle crisis

Hyderabad: Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is resorting to occult practices to tackle crisis with a mega ritual believed to bestow invincible powers, with 1,000 priests praying non-stop for 10 days.

The Ayutha Chandi Yaga is being planned for February at KCR's farm house in Medak. Seven hundred mantras will be chanted 10,000 times to Goddess Durga and oblations offered through 100 sacrificial fire pits or yagna kunda.

"Raja Vashikarana is the

Karnataka

K

Chandrasekhar Rao

use of occult science in which mystical energy and tantric powers are used to control and regulate other people's minds, thoughts,

minister spends night in a crematorium

Belagavi (Karnataka): To create awareness against superstitions, Karnataka excise minister Satish Jarkiholi along with hundreds of people spent a night at a crematorium here. The minister spent the night at Vaikunth Dham, a burial ground which is now a crematorium, to also observe the death anniversary of B R Ambedkar.

Jarkiholi and hundred others had their dinner at the crematorium belonging to Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) as part of an exercise to eradicate superstitions. Jarkiholi, who was one among the vociferous voices for bringing in the anti-superstition bill in the state assembly, said he chose to spend the night at the crematorium to bust the myth that such places are abode of ghosts.

"By spending the night in the crematorium - firstly, I want to bust the myth that

graveyards are places where ghosts reside and secondly, I want to clear the tag of fear attached to it. Graveyards are holy places, in fact," he said. He said he would go about his mission against superstitions even if he loses power. Jarkiholi said unless people do not fight the superstitious mindset, people belonging to lower castes and other backward classes would not get justice. He said Bill Gates is one of the richest persons in the world despite not worshipping goddess Laxmi.

"Bill Gates does not worship Laxmi and yet he is one of the richest persons in the world. Even I do not worship Laxmi and yet do a turnover of over Rs 6 billion business per annum," he said. Being the oldest crematorium located at Sadashiv Nagar, the burial ground has 24 cremation platforms, including an electric one.

Rohtak sisters' reward put on hold

Chandigarh: They began as national heroines, showered with praise for fighting men on a bus who had allegedly harassed them. But as conflicting evidence emerged, a cash reward promised to Pooja and Arti Kumar, age 19 and 22, has been put on hold by the Haryana government. What began as a narrative of feisty bravery shows signs of rupture.

The video that went viral last week, showing the sisters belting a trio of men on a bus in Rohtak in Haryana, was shot by a pregnant woman, the sisters said. The fact that other passengers watched passively magnified the courage of the sisters. But attempts to find the pregnant woman who allegedly filmed the encounter on a cellphone have yielded no results.

Then two days later, another video surfaced of the young women beating up a man in a public park. They said it was filmed by a witness. In this case, too, the witness has not been found. There's also no explanation

and actions," said Bhanuprakash Sharma, a senior priest. According to a revenue department official, KCR is being driven by concerns about the failure of his populist schemes.

"Recently the CM rued that even after enhancing the old age pension from Rs 200 to 1000, the government was getting a bad name. Since the government was not effective in stopping suicides of farmers and pensioners, he said something extraordinary must be done, even if it

meant divine intervention," the official said. "The chief minister has not planned the Ayutha Chandi Yaga for his own gains. Now that we have achieved statehood for Telangana, the new state needs the blessings of God," said Seri Subhash Reddy, political secretary to KCR. Having participated in Ayutha Chandi Yaga for Deve Gowda in 1999 in Mangalore, Sharma claimed that the ritual was even performed by the likes of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

Vaiko's MDMK walks out of NDA

Chennai: Ending all uncertainty, Vaiko-led MDMK has walked out the BJP-led NDA alliance, reports said. Vaiko, 70, known to be a supporter of the LTTE – was upset with the Modi government for building ties with the Mahinda Rajapaksa government in Sri Lanka. Vaiko alleged that Modi government had cheated the people of Tamil Nadu on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue. He had also alleged that the Centre was trying to saffronise education and culture of the country. The Vaiko's vocal criticism of the Prime Minister had not gone down well with the BJP, with many leaders coming out in the open against MDMK's continuance in the NDA.

While BJP leader Subramanian Swamy had openly stated that MDMK should be thrown out of the NDA alliance, another senior leader H Raja had said

that Vaiko “may not be able to return home safely” if he continued to criticise the PM.

Vaiko later said that Modi should have condemned the remarks and wondered why he was remaining silent. Vaiko said he had criticised leaders like late M G Ramachandran, Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi besides DMK chief Karunanidhi but none had issued threats "like these BJP leaders."

The MDMK had joined the NDA ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. While the BJP managed to win one seat –Kanyakumari – Vaiko's party drew a blank.

Punjab all set to hold sangat darshans for expats

Chandigarh: Taking a unique initiative, the Punjab government has decided to hold three Sangat Darshans for Indian origin people in Moga, Jalandhar and Ludhiana to redress their grievances.

for how someone is always available to film the sisters in action. When asked, Pooja said, "I am 19 years old. At least 2,000 boys have harassed me. More videos will surface." In the case of the incident on the bus, the families of the three men who were arrested for allegedly harassing the girls said they were innocent. An elderly woman who was on the bus has said in an affidavit to the police that the men did not misbehave.

But the bus conductor said he warned the men to leave Arti and Pooja alone.

The families of the arrested suspects met Haryana chief minister M L Khattar and he he assured them of an impartial inquiry. Khattar said that the girl's reward of Rs 31,000 each, promised by him, would be withheld till the police inquiry was completed.

Disclosing this, Punjab NRI affairs minister Jathedar Tota Singh said that chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal would preside over these sangat darshans, which were being held at Moga (28th December), Jalandhar (16th January, 2015) and Ludhiana (17th January, 2015). He further said that NRIs belonging to Moga, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Mansa and Barnala districts were being invited for Moga Sangat Darshan, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Amritsar, Tarntaran, Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts for Jalandhar and Ludhiana, SBS Nagar, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib and Sangrur for Ludhiana Sangat darshan.

He said that to facilitate maximum number of NRIs

South Brief

Another 3-year-old raped in Bengaluru school

Bengaluru: An attendant of a private school has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a three-year-old student. The child's parent filed a complaint alleging that their daughter was abused twice at the reputed private school on Old Madras Road. The police said that the man against whom the complaint was made had been arrested. On November 26, when the girl returned home from school, the mother noticed that something was wrong with her daughter. She remained withdrawn and disturbed, then fell ill and could not attend classes for the next two days. The girl later told her mother that she was lured by the attendant to an empty classroom with chocolates after the morning prayer and raped her.

Jaya, Sasikala pay Rs 2 mn fine for closure of tax cases

Chennai: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) chief and former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa and her aide Sasikala have paid nearly Rs 20 million as compounding fee to the income tax department to ensure closure of four cases filed against them 18 years ago for not filing returns. These cases were pending before the Chennai Metropolitan Magistrate's Court, and are now likely to be closed. The income tax department is expected to pass a final order on the compounding applications.

No place for disabled persons like me in Assembly: Karunanidhi

Chennai: DMK chief and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi left the Assembly premises last week, saying "there is no place here for a disabled like me." The octogenarian leader has been wheel-chair bound for the past few years. The ruling AIADMK has been accusing him of avoiding assembly sessions for three years. Chief minister O Panneerselvam had last week dared him to attend this session, to which the DMK chief had said he would happily do so if assured of a proper seat. Karunanidhi earlier said, he had twice explained why he was unable to attend the Assembly (The DMK leader underwent a spinal surgery shortly before the Lok Sabha polls in 2009 from which he had a miraculous recovery.) “The AIADMK government that has not made any facility for my presence in the House has no moral responsibility to invite me to the Assembly,” he added.

North Brief

to get resolved their problems or complaints, entire state has been divided in to three parts. He said that an email addressnripunjab014@gmail.com has been created to receive the complaints of NRIs well in advance by 15th December, 2014, so that required information or action could be taken and concerned officers should remain available on the occasion. He appealed the participating NRIs to bring their passports/OCI/PIO/NRP cards as their identity proofs.

The NRI affairs minister said that our government was committed to strengthen the bond with Punjabis living across the globe. Meanwhile, Sanjay Kumar, principal secretary, NRI affairs, reviewed the required arrangements for successful conduct of these NRI Sangat Darshans with Deputy Commissioners of Moga, Jalandhar and Ludhiana district through video-conferencing. He directed them to ensure the availability of concerned officers to solve NRIs problems.

15 blinded after surgery with suspected infected tools

New Delhi: Fifteen people lost their sight after a doctor used suspected infected equipment to remove cataracts at a free eye surgery camp in Amritsar. A criminal investigation has been launched against the non-governmental organisation and the doctors who carried out the operations, mainly on elderly women, without consulting health authorities. “The government is trying to check the condition of 45 other patients operated on at the camp,” a senior government surgeon Rajiv Bhalla said in Amritsar. "The cause was probably using unsterilised instruments - that can be the only reason for the infection in the eye," said Bhalla. "There are no chances of them having their vision restored."

Sukhbir urges Centre to release jailed Sikhs Chandigarh: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal sought immediate intervention of Union home minister Rajnath Singh for the release of more than 100 Sikh political prisoners lodged in various jails. Answering queries regarding fast being observed by Kurukshetra resident Gurbaksh Singh Khalsa at Ambala for release of Sikh prisoners, Badal said he would be writing to Rajnath Singh in this regard seeking release of jailed Sikhs, who have completed their sentences. Badal urged Centre to take up the issue of jailed Sikhs on compassionate grounds and bring them under a rehabilitation policy to induct them into mainstream.

3 Indians vie for $1 mn prize for outstanding teachers

Three teachers from India have made it to the top 50 exceptional teachers shortlisted for a new $ 1 million Global Teacher Prize. The teachers, two from Gujarat and one from West Bengal, were selected from nearly 5,000 nominations from 127 countries for the Varkey GEMS Foundation Global Teacher Prize, instituted by a UAE-based NRI educationist.

The Indian teachers among the global top 50 include Kiran Bir Sethi, who teaches at the Riverside School in Ahmedabad; Hira Prasad, who is from Birla High School Junior Section in Kolkata, and Bijal Damani of S N Kansagra School (The Galaxy Education System) in Rajkot.

The winner of the prize, created to recognise an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession, will be announced at the Global Education and Skills Forum in Dubai on March 16, 2015.

"The thousands of applications we received from all around the world is testimony to the achievements of teachers and the enormous impact they have on all of our

Putin to address Indian Parliament

Russian president Vladimir Putin may be a bad guy in much of the western world, but for India he remains a friend. Coming to India on his annual sojourn, Putin has been invited to address a joint session of Parliament, an honour last given to US President Barack Obama in 2010. Coming a month before Obama's scheduled to travel to India as chief guest for Republic Day, the government is keen to give the Putin visit top billing. During his first meeting with Putin, PM Narendra Modi had invited him to visit Kudankulam in south India, where a Russiamade nuclear reactor has finally gone online. But Putin is unlikely to make that trip. Instead, on his single-day summit here, Putin is planning to pack in a rash of appointments and sign a predictable number of agreements with India. On top of that list would be energy and diamonds. ONGC might invest in more oilfields in Russia, while India and Russia may rewrite an older agreement for direct diamond trade. According to industry reports, 80% of the world's diamond cutting happens in India, and there is a proposal to set up a diamond hub in Mumbai. Russian diamond company, Alrosa, may be looking to tie up long-term deals.

lives. We introduced the prize this year in order to return teachers to their rightful position as the one of the most respected professions in society," said India born Sunny Varkey, founder of the UAE-based Varkey GEMS Foundation.

"The prize is not only about money; it's also about unearthing thousands of stories of inspiration as the many applications prove," he added.

The prize, one of the largest of its kind, is open to school teachers across the world. Applicants are judged on how they open up their pupil's minds, how much they contribute to the community, and how much they encourage others to become teachers. The top 50 were shortlisted from over 5,000 nominations and 1,300 final applications from 127 countries from around the world, including the US, UK, Italy, Kenya, Uganda, India, Afghanistan, Australia, Argentina, Mexico and Jordan.

Sethi set up the Riverside School in Ahmedabad around the "Design Thinking" method of teaching. This focuses on encouraging students to understand empathetically, not just intellectual-

ly. Prasad, a mathematics teacher from Kolkata, has been recognised for introducing an integrated approach to teaching the subject.

Damani, the third shortlisted Indian teacher, teaches commerce to senior students through a unique Project Galaxy Bazaar - a social entrepreneurship project that helps students learn the tricks of business.

Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey, who sits on the Global Teacher Prize Academy panel that chooses the final winner, said: "When I was starting out, I was inspired by an older, more experienced actor, who told me that he thought I ought to go into acting professionally. That's the kind of mentoring and personal support that every young person needs to realise their potential.

"It's the kind of encouragement and guidance that good teachers give to their pupils every day. And that is why I support the Varkey GEMS Foundation's Global Teacher Prize."

The 50 shortlisted teachers have now been judged by a committee with the final 10 candidates to be announced in February 2015.

Gujarat to recruit blind people as teachers

The Gujarat government has in-principle agreed to recruit blind candidates in reserved category for disabled, as Vidya Sahayaks. Earlier, Blind People's Association (BPA) approached the judiciary due to the state government's reluctance to appoint blind candidates to the 3% reserved jobs during a recruitment drive for 13,000 Vidya Sahayaks across the state. The BPA sought the appointment for blind candidates on the grounds that the state government didn't have any exemption notification. The HC stayed the government from filling the reserved posts.

Bhushan Punani, executive secretary, BPA, said that they had a meeting with top government officials on September 19 at Gandhinagar during which the officials agreed in-principle to recruit blind students. "They have also agreed to provide the required infrastructure such as teaching aids to schools they are posted in. The government will soon issue a notification on the subject. The move will not only provide employment to the blind but also encourage blind students to pursue courses like BEd," he said. Punani added that the govern-

4 PMs to attend Vibrant Gujarat summit

The Vibrant Gujarat Summit has drawn four prime ministers and several other world leaders are said to be finalising their plans to attend the meeting.

The prime ministers who have reportedly confirmed their attendance are Helle ThorningSchmidt of Denmark, Mark Rutte of Netherlands, Singapore's Lee Hsien Loong and Bhutan's Tshering Tobgay. The global leaders will have UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon for company

The summit, to be held from January 11 to 13, 2015 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, will probably also welcome the PMs of Japan (Shinzo Abe) and Australia (Tony Abbott). In its history, Gujarat has never simultaneously hosted leaders of so many countries. The summit was conceived in 2003 by Narendra Modi, the current PM, when he

ment decision would have a lasting impact on other government recruitments through competitive exams and the quota for the disabled. "Earlier, the notification mentioned that only those with 40% to 75% visual impairment would be considered eligible. We approached the government over the issue and they agreed to include even the completely blind. Moreover, the deaf (hearing impaired) were not included at all. Now they have also been considered for the same posts," he said.

Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, state education minister, said that court orders are clear about recruitment of blind people and other disabled people. "We are recruiting according to the court directions. If lower-level officials are misinterpreting court directions and not following orders, we will take appropriate action. Anyone with such a grievance can contact me directly," he said.

was the chief minister of Gujarat.

Eight countries are partners of the summit. They are: the US, the UK, Japan, Canada, Netherlands, Singapore, Australia, and South Africa. These countries are sending political and government figures to the event. Besides, Vibrant delegations from 150 other countries will converge on Gujarat.

Since US president Barack Obama is visiting India as the state guest for the Republic Day on January 26, a distinguished vanguard of US leaders may take part in the Vibrant summit. The Government of Gujarat has solicited the presence of chairpersons, presidents, and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies for a programme that will be among the Vibrant highlights - the Global CEO Conclave. The conclave will be the first of its

kind in India. Moreover, the state has called the CEOs of Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Apple; their response is awaited. However, notables from manufacturing giants like Ford, GE, Suzuki, and PepsiCo, are expected to attend.

A source in the Gujarat government said, “So far, we have received confirmation from around 70 CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.'' Along with CEOs, representatives of the world's most powerful economic institutions, like the World Bank, have received Vibrant invitations. The government has booked 750 rooms of three to seven-star hotels in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar and categorized them by the profile of the guest list. The government has also planned to build a superluxury tent city of 300 units to meet the accommodation demand.

Drinking water crisis in Maldives, India to the rescue

India extended "all assistance" to Maldives, which has declared emergency after a fire at capital's sole water sewage treatment plan led to shortage of drinking water in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation.

Foreign ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin tweeted: "India to provide all assistance to Maldives in facing water shortage due to fire in desalination plant." He added that the "first sortie" of Indian assistance arrived in Male. "First IL-76 with drinking water from India lands in Male," he said.

"Big bird comes with water in its bowels. India's High Commissioner in Maldives @RajeevShahare hands over assistance," he added.

Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj in a tweet said that she has spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation. She said prime minister "has promised all help." She also said that Maldives Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon spoke to her and informed her

that there was urgent need of drinking water in Maldives.

Swinging into action, India has pressed into service five air force transport aircraft and one naval vessel carrying a large consignment of potable water to meet the immediate requirements, an official statement said.

The Indian Navy dispatched offshore patrol vessel INS Sukanya with 35 tonnes of fresh water. The vessel also has two Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants onboard which have a capacity of producing 20 tonnes of fresh water per day.

Sukanya was on a routine patrol off Kochi and was diverted to reach Male at the earliest to render necessary assistance and all possible help to Maldivian authorities.

Apart from the IL-76 carrying 22 tonnes of potable

water, a C-17 Globemaster III with 28 tonnes have already reached Male. Another C17 Globemaster III and two more L-76s were despatched later. Maldives has no natural water source and consumes only treated sea water. The problem arose after a major fire broke out at the Male Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) generator control panel, causing extensive damage to the cabling to the distillation plants and disconnection of water supply.

According to reports, about 100,000 people in capital Male have been left without safe water to drink from the tap. The only water available at Male is stored in tanks and sumps and is being supplied for one hour every 12 hours.

The Maldives, known for its pristine beaches and scuba diving, had appealed to India, Sri Lanka, China and the US for help in providing drinking water.

State polls: 58% turnout in J-K, 61.35% in Jharkhand

Millions of voters defied a separatist call to boycott assembly elections in Kashmir and voted amid tight security in the third phase of the polls on Tuesday, but the turnout was lower than the first two rounds with voters in separatist stronghold staying away.

The Election Commission said 58% of voters turned up to cast their ballot, lower than record over 70% numbers in the first two phases when Kashmiris battled bone-chilling winter temperatures in a bid to keep the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from gaining in the Muslim-majority state.

Sixteen constituencies in the Valley went to the polls under the shadow of violence after 21 people were killed in a string of militant attacks last week, including one on an army camp in the border town of Uri, but that didn’t stop people in central Kashmir where the turnout was a

high 73%. Uri recorded a record high turnout of 79% while the highest percentage in the state was in Charar-i-Sharief were 82% of people came out to vote.

Militant attacks and poll boycott cast a shadow on voter turnout in many areas including the separatist bastions of Sopore and Baramulla in North Kashmir and South Kashmir's Tral and Pulwama.

Sopore logged the lowest numbers at 30 per cent while Tral and Pulwama

recorded 38 per cent voting and Baramulla was moderate at 45 per cent.

Sopore is the hometown of separatist leader Syed Ali Shah and Tral was one of the worse affected in Friday’s militant attacks, with two civilians killed and 10 injured in a grenade attack in a crowded market. Many people said they were voting for peace and development in Kashmir which has been torn by a separatist revolt for about 25 years.

"We have borne the

brunt of wars between the two countries. The Kashmir issue is too big and complex to be resolved by my vote. Our village got road this year only. Earlier we used to trek on foot. I am voting for a pakka road and hope to see some employment generation here," said Muhammad Hanief, a 50year-old government employee.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and three of his cabinet colleagues are among 144 candidates whose fate will be decided in the third phase of polling spread across the three districts Budgam, Pulwama and Baramulla districts.

The Abdullah scion, however, faces tough competition from Congress which is banking on the local credentials of candidate Nazir Ahmad Khan. Analysts say his National Conference is widely expected to lose in the face of deep anger in the state,

especially since the devastating floods in September, while the Peoples Democratic Party is seen emerging as the single largest party in the 87member assembly.

Some areas in South and North Kashmir witnessed stone pelting and a petrol bomb was hurled by unidentified men at a polling station in Gulmarg constituency. No casualties were reported in the incident, but polling was generally peaceful.

PDP patron Mufti Muhammad Sayeed said the massive turnout was "not only a message to the divisive forces but also an assertion to resolve problems democratically".

“Jammu and Kashmir is sending out a loud and clear massage not only to the divisive forces but also that it wants the problems facing the state resolved through the democratic process," Sayeed said in Khiram area of Bijbehara constituency.

Jharkhand too defied a Maoist call to boycott the polls with 61.35% of voters turning out to vote in 17 constituencies in a bid to end years of political instability in the state which has seen nine chief ministers and been under President’s Rule three times since it was created 14 years ago.

Barring a few incidents of exchange of gunfire between security forces and Maoists in Giridih district and clashes between two political parties in Ichagarh before polling began, the third round passed off peacefully.

A total of 289 candidates are contesting 17 out of the state’s 81 assembly seats, including former chief ministers Babulal Marandi, former deputy chief minister Sudesh Mahato, former assembly speaker CP Singh and three cabinet ministers— Annapurna Devi, Rajendra Prasad Singh and Jaiprakash Bhai Patel

Modi promises to take Kashmir to new heights of development

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday invoked Atal Behari Vajpayee's concepts of communal harmony, humanity and democracy to share the pain of Kashmiris and promised to take the state to new heights of development.

"People of Kashmir have given me a lot of trust and love. I will repay this love and trust with interest in the form of development. I can die for this love and trust showered on me," he said in his first election meeting in the valley, that avoided any mention of controversial issues like abrogation of Article 370.

In his 30 minutes speech, Modi used the opportunity to attack the "all pervasive" corruption under successive governments of "Congress, father-son and fatherdaughter" in the last 30 years and asked the people

to give him "one chance" to bring development.

Modi sought to strike a chord with the people saying, "I as Pradhan Sevak have come to share your pain and anguish. Your sorrow is my sorrow, your pain is my pain, your problem is my problem. I have not come to take anything. People in the Army and police have died and so have the innocent youths. Their loss is irreparable and no one can compensate for it but sharing can reduce the pain."

Invoking Atal Behari Vajpayee's famous 2003 speech at the same venue, Modi said, "Vajpayee made a good beginning. I have come to carry this forward. It is my duty to carry forward and fulfil his dreams of insaniyat, Kashmiriyat and jamhooriyat (democracy) which are the three pillars that can turn around Kashmir in the 21st century on the path of develop-

ment."

At the start of his speech, the Prime Minister said this was the first time in the last 30 years that any leader has made bold to address a meeting in the Sher-e-Kashmir stadium. Former Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Atal Behari Vajpayee had addressed meetings in the adjacent ground of the stadium complex.

The Prime Minister said that it is the first time that army owned up the mistake of gunning down two innocent youth in a press conference and

action has been taken against those who opened fire.

"This had not happened in the last 30 years. Ye Modi sarkar ka kaamal hai. Ye mere nek iradon ka saboot hai. (This is the wonder of Modi government. It is a proof of my honest intentions)," he said.

He said terrorism may be over but not corruption. "I want to eliminate corruption. Unless it is eradicated, the ordinary people's lives will not become any better," he said.

Christians seek protection after Delhi church fire

Christians living in Delhi sought protection after one of their most important churches was gutted last week in what appeared to be an arson attack. Anil Couto, the Archbishop of Delhi has joined other clergy in appealing to Indian Prime Ministr Narendra Modi for protection.

Couto said Christians had felt more insecure since the elections. “With a certain political ideology that is prevailing today, we are made to feel that as a Christian we are not Indian enough,” he said.

Although not accusing Modi, he added: “Certain political forces have said . . . on so many occasions

that everyone who is Indian has to follow a particular religion, a national religion. And those who don’t do that are not true Indians.”

The archbishop was speaking after St Sebastian’s Church, in a northeastern suburb of Delhi was badly damaged by a fire last week that had apparently been started deliberately. Delhi police responded by issuing a safety alert for churches in the run-up to Christmas. There are about 20 million Christians among India’s population of 1.26 billion.

The Indian parliament was paralysed last week after opposition MPs demanded the resignation

of Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, a minister in Modi’s Bharatiya Janata party. Jyoti had claimed that non-Hindus were “illegitimate” rulers of the country. Jyoti was speaking hours before the fire at St Sebastian’s - although no link has been made between the incidents.

Couto said incidents such as the fire, which he believes was a deliberate provocation, made Christians more fearful. “If an attack has taken place somewhere then it could take place anywhere else; we are so vulnerable and open to any assault,” he said.

The clergy’s appeals followed a series of

assaults on Christians and churches across central and northern India in the past few months.

Thousands of Christian protesters, including old people, children and nuns, blocked traffic in the roads around Delhi’s main police station later.

For Father Stanley Kozhichira, one of the three parish priests at St Sebastian’s, there was no doubt that the blaze was arson. “There were traces of kerosene floating in the water that the fire brigade used to put out the flames. And we could smell it,” he said, adding that certain elements of society wanted to “eliminate Christianity”.

Giving an example of corruption in the state, Modi said that when he met families of flood hit victims during Diwali, they said money should not be given to the state government but rather transferred directly into their accounts.

"This shows they did not trust their own state government but Modi in whom they showed so much faith," he said.

The Prime Minister said he has been visiting Kashmir ever since July and would again be coming in 2015. Modi said it is tourism and hydro-electric potential of the state which can change its face.

"Tourism can give employment to even a peanut seller ... We can open up new destinations for tourism so that people who have visited the state can come again. This can be achieved by small measures of infrastructure at lesser known places,"

he said.

Modi said Kashmir has the potential to light up the entire country. "Small hydro-electric plants will give employment opportunities to youth of the state and allow them to lead a life of dignity."

The finger pressing EVM is stronger than the one on AK-47

The finger which presses the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) button is much stronger than the one that operates an AK-47, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at an election rally in Jammu's Samba district.

"Even you have the power, the power to press a finger (on the EVM), and the strength of your finger is much more than one on an AK-47," the Prime Minister said. Jammu and Kashmir, which was hit by four terror attacks last week went to the third phase of polls on Tuesday.

UN to declare June 21 as World Yoga Day

The United Nations will soon declare June 21 as World Yoga Day following a proposal by Indian Prime Minister, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said. "Three months ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had appealed to the world community that India's yoga should be celebrated as World Yoga Day. I am happy to inform you that we have received support of 170 nations and the United Nations will declare June 21 as the World Yoga Day," Swaraj said at a function in the presence of yoga guru Ramdev.

Addressing the 'Gita Prerna Mahotsav', organ-

ized "to celebrate 5,151 years of religious book Gita" at the Red Fort Maidan in Delhi, the senior BJP leader said that yoga is not merely an exercise, but a road to prosperity and good health.

During his visit to the United Nations in September this year, Modi had urged the world community to celebrate Indian yoga at the international level and that June 21 be declared as the World Yoga Day.

Last month, European Union president Herman Van Rompuy also told PM Modi that the 28-member EU supported his idea for a Yoga Day at the UN.

Food and Nutrition in elderly

Abalanced diet and physical activity contribute to a higher quality of life and enhanced independence as you age.

Healthy eating benefits: 1) Maintains mental alertness, 2)Improves resistance to illness and disease, 3) higher energy levels, 4) faster recuperation times, and 5) better management of chronic health problems.

Caloric requirement

Female / Male Kcal/ Day

Physically inactive 1600 / 2000

Active 1800 / 2200-2400

Very active 2000 / 2400-2800

Choosing healthy foods

Food your body needs as you age: Fibres: Fruits and vegetables – Focus on whole fruits rather than juices for more fiber and vitamins and aim for 1½ to 2 servings or more each day. Selection of fruit like berries or melons. Choose antioxidant-rich dark, leafy greens, such as spinach/broccoli as well as orange vegetables, such as carrots.

Calcium – Maintaining bone health as you age depends on adequate calcium intake to prevent progression of osteoporosis and reduce relative risk of bone fractures. Older adults need 1,200 mg of calcium a day through servings of milk, yogurt, or cheese. Non-dairy sources include tofu, broccoli, almonds etc.

Grains – choose whole grains over processed white flour for more nutrients and more fiber. Requirement: 6-7 ounces of grains each day (pasta/cereals)

Protein – 68 to 102g of protein per day: Divide your protein intake among meals but aim for 25 to 40g of high-quality protein per meal; less than 15g won’t benefit bone or muscle.

Vegetarians: Beans, Peas, Nuts, seeds and lowfat milk and cheese in your diet

Non vegetarians can add red meat, fish, eggs, skinless chicken and turkey

Vitamin and minerals: Water – With age, some of us are prone to dehydration because the body loses some of the ability to regulate fluid levels and sense of thirst may not be as sharp. Regular hydra-

tion is important to avoid urinary tract infections, constipation and confusion.

Vitamin B – As age advances, stomach produces less gastric acid making it difficult to absorb vitamin B-12needed to help keep blood and nerves vital. Get the recommended daily intake (2.4 mcg) of B12 from fortified foods or a vitamin supplement.

Vitamin D – vitamin D is essential to absorbing calcium and boosting muscles - through sun exposure and certain foods (fatty fish, egg yolk, and fortified milk). With age, the skin is less efficient at synthesizing vitamin D, so supplementing your diet with fortified foods or a multivitamin may be a good option.

Change food habit in relation to disease

1) Reduce Salt intake:

High Blood pressure 2)

Sugar control: diabetes 3)

Fat: reduce LDL and increase HDL intake (olive oil, avocados, salmon, walnuts) 4)

Steam the food rather than boiling

Well balanced diet: Breakfast – Select highfiber breads and cereals, colourful fruit and protein to fill you with energy for the day. Try yogurt with muesli and berries, a veggie-packed omelet, peanut-butter on whole grain toast with a citrus salad or old-fashioned oat-

meal made with dried cherries, walnuts and honey. Lunch – Keep your body fuelled for the afternoon with a variety of whole-grain breads, lean protein, and fiber. Try a veggie quesadilla on a whole-wheat tortilla, veggie stew with whole-wheat noodles, or a quinoa salad with roasted peppers and mozzarella cheese.

Dinner – End the day on a wholesome note. Try warm salads of roasted veggies and a side of crusty brown bread and cheese, grilled salmon with spicy salsa or wholewheat pasta with asparagus and shrimp. Opt for sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes and grilled meat instead of fried.

Snacks – It’s okay, even recommended, to snack. But make sure you make it count by choosing high-fiber snacks to healthfully tide you over to your next meal. Choose almonds and raisins instead of chips, and fruit instead of sweets. Other smart snacks include yogurt, cottage cheese, apples and peanut butter and veggies and hummus.

Avoid skipping meals –This causes your metabolism to slow down, which leads to feeling sluggish and making poorer choices later in the day.

In summary, healthy diet doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or fasting but optimising intake according to the needs.

High milk intake tied to increased mortality risk

Drinking more than 700 ml of milk a day could increase the risk of early death, a new study has warned. Researchers led by Professor Karl Michaelsson of Uppsala University in Sweden have found that high levels of lactose and galactose sugar in milk could have a negative effect. The study, which surveyed 61,000 women and 45,000 men for more than 20 years, found that those who drank one and a half pints, or over 700 ml of milk a day were twice as likely to die early than those who drank less.

In the study 61,433 women, aged 39 to 74, and 45,339 men, aged 45 to 79, in Sweden completed food frequency questionnaires for 96 common

We

foods including milk, yoghurt and cheese. The scientists set out to examine whether high milk intake may increase oxidative stress, which in turn affects the risk of mortality and bone fracture, according to media reports.

In women, no reduction in fracture risk with higher milk consumption was observed. Women who drank more than three glasses of milk a day (average 680 ml) had a higher risk of death than women who drank less than one glass of milk a day (average 60 ml).

Men were tracked for an average of 11 years, during which time 10,112

died and 5,066 had a fracture, with 1,166 hip fracture cases. Men also had a higher risk of death with higher milk consumption, although this was less pronounced than in women.

Further analysis

showed a positive association between milk intake and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation. In contrast, a high intake of fermented milk products with low lactose content - including yoghurt and cheese - was associated with reduced rates of mortality and fracture, particularly in women.

The researchers concluded that a higher consumption of milk in women and men is not accompanied by a lower risk of fracture and instead may be associated with a higher rate of death.

Ravi Bhanot

JP MRPharmS Dip(Nutr) Dip(Hom) Dip(Ayurv) Dip(Stress Manag) Dip (Massage)

Pharmacist, Ayurvedic, Complementary Health and Nutrition Consultant, Lecturer, Researcher and Author. He is a celebrity columnist for many magazines and is Director of The Ayurveda Institute of Europe and Coolherbals Ltd.

Question from Jeena: I have been going bald since I turned 40. I am constantly tired, putting on weight and losing hair. I eat reasonably well and using Nutrigro shampoo. I have to brush my hair in a certain way to hide the baldness. What can I do? These symptoms are not uncommon for a lot of women who are in their 40's. If you are eating well and using a non harsh chemical shampoo it may be due to hypothyroidism or inactive thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located at the base of the neck that produces a number of thyroid hormones of which one is called “Thyroxine” or “T4". Hair loss can be one of the first signs of an underactive thyroid. Because the thyroid affects your metabolism and cell growth, when the thyroid gland slows down, your hair loss speeds up. Your Doctor can organize a thyroid test or you can purchase a simple pin prick blood Home Kit. It costs £30.You can get this from us.

Also check out if you are a pre-diabetic. This means that you may have impaired glucose intolerance blood glucose levels higher than normal, but not quite high enough to qualify you as a patient with Type 2 diabetes. A pre-diabetic condition can lead to many hormonal symptoms such as tiredness, increased belly fat and thinning of the hair. Start a low-glycemic and low-inflammation diet. Email us for a diet sheet. AVOID simple carbohydrates, added sugar, alcohol and dairy. Eat foods that are high in fibre, healthy in fats and high in protein. These foods will slow down the digestion process and in turn result in a decrease in glucose and insulin spikes after each meal. This will not only help balance your hormones and give you a healthier head of hair, but will also leave you feeling fuller longer and help you lose weight. Sometimes an iron deficiency can be a cause. Eat food rich in iron e.g. green leafy salads. Other essential nutrients for a healthy head of hair includes biotin, which you can get from eating two eggs a day and Vitamin D, that can come from added sunshine or recommended supplements such as Nutrigro Hair Food Capsules or Noukrin capsules

My 4 top foods to help boost the thyroid gland are:1. Edible Seaweed - full of iodine-essential for a healthy thyroid gland-have 2 tablespoons daily. 2. Miso soup has a lot of zinc in it. Iodine and zinc work together to increase thyroid hormone production. Email for a quick Miso soup recipe with an Indian kick. 3. Vitamin A Foods can help rev up your thyroid just enough to get it functioning at a good level. Daily sources of vitamin A include ½ cup of sweet potatoes. 4. Selenium - 2 Brazil nuts daily will provide food for normal thyroid functioning.

Nutrigro

Sangeetha is back

RememberSangeetha, who is popular in Kollywood in the 1990s thanks to movies such as 'Poove Unakaga', 'Seedhanam', 'Alexander' and 'Ellame En Rasathan'. She bid adieu to acting after entering wedlock with cinematographer-director Saravanan of 'Silambattam' fame, who is currently busy with Gautham Karthik starrer 'Sippai'. And now, the yesteryear heroine is back. She is playing a key role in Malayalam movie 'Nagaravaridhi Naduvil Njan'. The movie helmed by Shibu Balan deals with waste management.

'Lingaa' to get wide release

With just a week to go, “Lingaa” sure is the talk of the town. Superstar Rajnikanth's movie has always garnered the interests of many, and this time the makers have ensured that it reaches out to the maximum. The film is slated to be released in over 3,000 screens around the world, that’s a staggering number indeed! The rights for Tamil Nadu and Kerala have been grabbed by Vendhar Movies who will be releasing in around 1,000 screens across this region except the Coimbatore centre. There were reports

earlier that the makers were having a hard time to release it in Kerala as the distributors wanted the producers to settle and make up for the loses of previous Rajinikant movie “Kochadaiyaan”.

Vendhar Movies have confirmed that all the issues have been resolved and the film will hit the screens as expected.

Directed by KS Ravi Kumar, the film also features Anushka and Sonakshi Sinha in the lead with AR Rahman composing music.

Dhanush to star opposite Amy Jackson

Trisha sets the right example

Trisha is not just a heroine who helps people to cross the road and save dogs from dungeons in her films. She does it for real. Her attitude towards being a socially responsible citizen and her special love for animals have been widely noticed and appreciated. Celebrities are nowadays also busy with the Swachh BharatClean Indian Mission campaign, rightfully initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The recent addition to the list is Trisha. Dressed in white, the Mankatha girl along with the volunteers from EFI have cleaned up an animal farm at Mudichur, near Tambaram. When celebrities like Trisha take up such activities, the intent of keeping our surroundings clean just gets twice-fold. Keep going Trisha. You are setting an example.

'Main Aur Mr. Riight'

“Main Aur Mr. Riight” is a romantic Bollywood movie. The film stars Barun Sobti and Shenaz Treasurywala as the lead pair. “Main Aur Mr. Riight” tells the story of a single girl in search of her Mr. Right. As the title speaks for itself, the film is about finding “the Mr Right.” But does one really exist? A slice of life, romantic comedy that talks about love, relationships and singlehood. It’s a story of 8 friends from different fields living their individual and successful lives. The story sails through each and everyone’s life of which the major plot being that of Aliya & Sukhi. In short it raises a question for all the individuals in the world, on the sheer existence of their Mr/Miss Right.

'Lingaa'

“Lingaa” is an upcoming Tamil action drama film being directed by K S Ravikumar, who also scripted the film in collaboration with the film's dialogue writer Pon Kumaran. The film stars Rajinikanth playing dual role, Jagapati Babu, Anushka Shetty and Sonakshi Sinha in the lead roles. Music is being composed by A. R. Rahman while cinematography was headed by R Rathnavelu. This is slated to be released in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi languages. Principal photography commenced during the last week of May 2014 in Mysore; immediately after the release of “Kochadaiiyaan.” Majority of the filming took place in Ramoji Film City. The climax portions were filmed in Shimoga.

Ali Khan and Kunal Khemu have decided to take their relationship to the next level. The couple has decided to tie the knot on January 25. Kunal and Soha want to keep it a simple function with just the immediate family and a few close friends. “However, a close friend of the couple laughs off the 'simple wedding' plans as pure wishful thinking. “How can a wedding in the Khan-Tagore parivar be simple? Even the Saif Ali Khan– Kareena Kapoor wedding was meant to be attended by just a selected few. But we feel it will finally turn into a big fat wedding,” says the friend.

SRK, Aamir and Salman finally come together!

The 21st year celebration of Rajat Sharma's 'Aap Ki Adalat' show was undoubtedly a big event. With the superstar Khans - Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan - coming together on one stage, this event will not be forgotten in a long time. The stage was set ablaze with their performances. It was not any rehearsed dance moves – but a towel dance which the trio seemed to enjoy on the stage.

It seems that SRK and Aamir had been wanting to do it for long, but finally landed up doing it on stage at the show of Aap ki Adalat. SRK leads the Khan gang with Rajat Sharma, Aamir and Salman behind them, all squeezing on to a single towel.

Really engrossed in the towel dance, we hope to see more such performances by the Khans in future. Seems like it is Rajat Sharma's turn to answer to the questions asked by the Khans in 'Khans Ki Adalat'. Not only the Khans but also Prime Minister Narendra Modi too graced the event. Salman, Aamir and Shah Rukh are definitely up to some mischief which makes Rajat Sharma laugh.

Amitabh Bachchan wraps up ‘Piku’

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has completed filming Shoojit Sircar’s directorial ‘Piku’. “Confetti and cheers … applause and thank you pictures… crew photo opps and some emotions!! ‘PIKU’ shoot for me is done!,” Amitabh tweeted. Irrfan took to Twitter and shared a photograph in which he is seen hugging Big B and giving him a kiss on the cheek.

“@SrBachchan’s last day of the shoot for #PIKU# couldn’t resist, I had to kiss him,” Irrfan shared. The movie, which also stars Deepika Padukone, will hit the screens on April 30, 2015.

I don't feel insecure: Anushka Sharma

Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, who is part of Zoya Akhtar’s ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’, says that she is not insecure working in the multi-starrer as the role matters more to her than anything else. The film also features Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar and Anil Kapoor, among others.

“I guess I am not insecure as a person. In fact when Zoya offered me this role, she thought I will not take up. Priyanka’s role is bigger in the film but I think the film matters (to me). I said yes to Zoya the moment I heard the role,” said the actress.

Anushka is currently busy promoting her film “PK” that features Aamir Khan in the lead. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film also stars Sanjay Dutt, Sushant Singh Rajput, Boman Irani and Saurabh Shukla.

When asked about her character in the film, Anushka says she can’t reveal much. “I had a great time shooting for ‘PK’.

It was a pleasure working with Raju Hirani (Rajkumar Hirani) and Aamir. I am not allowed to talk much about my character in the film,” she said. The film is set to release on Dec 18.

Arjun Kapoor's dream comes true

Alia Bhatt to now work with Shahid, Ranbir

Alia Bhatt has now moved on to the next generation of actors after having worked with actors of her generation, including Sidharth Malhotra, Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor. In her next two releases to be directed by Vikas Bahl and Ayan Mukerji, Alia is paired with Shahid Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor, respectively.

Though she is tight-lipped about the project with Sushant Singh Rajput to be directed by

Homi Adjania, Alia Bhatt happily admits to being part of Ayan Mukerji’s next film starring his best friend Ranbir Kapoor who has featured in both the directors’ films (“Wake Up, Sid” and “Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani”) so far. Says Alia Bhatt, “I had three releases in 2014 and I’m shooting for one film ‘Shandaar’. Besides this, the only project I am officially part of is the film directed by Ayan Mukerji with Ranbir Kapoor in the lead.” Alia is looking forward to working with Ranbir Kapoor who had wonderful things to say about her after Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Highway’. Hopefully she will be working with the Khan generation of superstars soon. “I hope so,” Alia Bhatt laughs. “I want to work with all of them. It is very important to be seen with different co-stars. I’ve so far worked with actors of my own age. So there was a natural comfort level with them. But it’s not like Shahid is any different from Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor or Sidharth Malhotra.”

Alia is all praise for Shahid Kapoor with whom she shot in Leeds for ‘Shandaar.’ “He is a very chilled-out guy. He has been around for so many years. He’s a thorough professional. I really enjoyed working with him.”

Veteran comedian Deven Verma passes away

Arjun Kapoor’s childhood dream of working with producer father Boney Kapoor has come true with upcoming action-comedy ‘Tevar’, where the father-son duo has collaborated. Arjun, who is the son of Boney and his previous wife Mona Shourie Kapoor, said it was a nice moment to work in the film which also stars his uncle Sanjay Kapoor.

“It’s not yet sunk in that I have worked for a home production. It has always been a dream working with dad, Sanjay (Kapoor) chachu and Anil (Kapoor) chachu. And that happened in my fifth film. There are more emotions attached at the personal level than at the professional front,” Arjun said.

Veteran

actor

Deven Verma, known for his comical roles passed away last week following a heart attack and kidney failure. Deven was best known for his roles in comedies directed by Basu Chatterji, Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Gulzar. He was last seen on the big screen in “Calcutta Mail” which was released in 2003. He had also won Filmfare awards for the Best Comedian for films like “Chori Mera Kaam,” “Chor Ke Ghar Chor” and “Angoor.” The Bollywood celebs got onto a microblogging site to extend their condolences.

Bollywood and Tollywood

actress Raima Sen's acting skills have been lauded reasonably, but her sister Riya believes the former's dressing and make-up sense are unapologetically daft. Although Raima spends a lot on her clothes and shoes, she ends up picking up the worst dresses, Riya is quoted as telling, adding that her sister doesn't really care what the world thinks. About her elder sister's make-up skills, Riya says there have been several occasions when her mother Moon Moon Sen or she would have to tell Raima that she cannot go out with less than perfect make-up, but in vain. "She says 'I don't care, I am fine, I am happy'. I am fed up of giving her tips," says the younger sibling.

Help to spread the word on breast awareness

Leading support charity

Breast Cancer Care is looking for passionate new volunteers across the UK to help ensure people know how to spot the early signs of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Care’s research has shown that 56% of black and minority ethnic (BME) women don’t check their breasts for changes because they don’t know what to look for.

As the vast majority of breast cancers are found by women themselves it’s vital that people are breast aware so they quickly notice any unusual changes and report them to their GP.

The charity is appealing for new south Asian volunteers to speak to other women in their communities about the importance of breast awareness.

Sadia Habib, a Breast Health Promotion Training and Support Officer at Breast Cancer Care, said:

“We want to ensure that people are informed about breast awareness and the importance of early detection if breast cancer is diagnosed. We know that one of the main barriers to breast awareness is people not knowing what to do or look for, especially within the Asian community.

“The free workshops we run are unique as they are held in the community and share information in an interactive way tailored specifically to the audience. They can make a huge difference to people’s understanding of being breast aware and we wouldn’t be able to continue this vital work without the support of our amazing volunteers who run the sessions.

“So if you are confident talking to a group or individuals, can travel within your local area, or

Editor: CB Patel

Associate Editor: Rupanjana Dutta

have links to groups within their community to help run these unique workshops, we would love to hear from you.”

Reshma Patel, who has been a Breast Health Promotion volunteer since 2011, said: “Many Asian women don’t feel comfortable discussing breast cancer or checking their breasts. I am passionate about sharing vital information about the importance of early detection and being breast aware with as many people as possible.

“Through my work as a Breast Health Promotion volunteer with Breast Cancer Care I have provided training in many communities and I see first hand that the positive impact these sessions can have on those who attend. I find being a volunteer and giving my time to such a worthwhile cause very fulfilling. It is such a rewarding experience to see people’s confidence and understanding grow throughout the sessions.”

The workshops provide a valuable opportunity for people to learn about breast awareness, the changes to look and feel for, breast cancer risk factors and caring for their breast health, in a relaxed and friendly setting. People can ask questions and share concerns.

Volunteers who sign up will be supported by one of the charity’s breast health promotion officers, go on a breast health promotion course with Breast Cancer Care, be given free resources and regular updates on statistics to help inform talks and run workshops.

Applications are welcome from those with or without a personal diagnosis of breast cancer. For more information about breast cancer go to www.breastcancercare.org .uk.

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Correction - Asian Achievers Awards 2014 People's Choice awards to be televised

Last week we had printed that the 14th Asian Achievers Awards will be televised on B4U Music (781 Sky) on 6th December 2014

Due to a human error, its was printed as 6th December instead of 7th December, 2014

We will be uploading highlights from the event on our website www.abplgroup.com soon . Do visit our website to watch the highlights. We apologise for the inconvenience caused to all our readers.

Anjali Pathak to release book on secret family recipe

Continued from page 9

Anjali grew up understanding that spices were magical ingredients and quickly learnt that just a few could transform a simple dish into something extraordinary.

Speaking about her childhood experience, Anjali said, “Baa at Allcroft Road, Kentish Town – this was the first home Baa and Bapuji rented upon arriving in London from Kenya in 1956.

Baa would cook up sweets in the tiny kitchen here, sales of which led to the opening of the

Drummond Street grocery store. Thus, Patak’s was born. Baa and Bapuji invest in a van to keep up with delivery demands following the opening of the Drummond Street store!”

Secrets From My Indian Family Kitchen takes its inspiration from the recipes that she learnt from her family in a beautiful collection of authentic Indian dishes and modern creations that are perfect for all cooks. Each recipe has a special memory on her journey of discovery into the wonderful flavours and ingredients of Indian cooking.

Coming Events

Death Aniversary of Sardar V Patel on Sunday 14th December, 2014. SPMS (Sardar Patel Memorial Society UK). Honourable guest speaker Mr Parshottambhai Rupal, ex MP, National vice President of BJP (current ruling Party of India) as well as in Charge of GOA BJP party. 4-8pm, meal will be served.

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With Jupiter turning retrograde until April 8th, it's time to realign your thinking and adjust plans accordingly. There may be some waning enthusiasm experienced regarding a romance or creative project, but once you adjust your expectations and take into better account the time you have available, to catch your breath.

Jupiter Retrograde cycle occurs in your fourth house of home and family. Relations with your family may be a little strained. You might want to wait until Jupiter is direct (in April) before you express your frustrations with family members! This retrograde cycle also affects your finances and friendships.

GEMINI

Jupiter’s Retrograde cycle occurs in your third house of communication. People around you may seem insincere. In fact, you may have a hard time getting your ideas across in a warm, genuine manner. As Jupiter also rules your partnership and career, both of these things may get re-assessed during this retrograde cycle.

Jupiter Retrograde cycle occurs in your second house of money and values. Take the time to re-think your sources of income and how you spend your cash during this period, and avoid making any big purchases for a while. Jupiter also rules your house of travel – plan your holidays carefully.

Jupiter Retrograde cycle occurs in your sign. This cycle will affect the personal image you project to others. Because Jupiter rules your romance sector, don't jump to conclusions if a loved one is acting a little distant. Wait it out. Your desires from love and relationship may be hard to figure out for the time being.

Jupiter Retrograde cycle occurs in your twelfth house. What you want from love and your desires are very ambiguous and obscure during this cycle. Deal with your past so that you can put it behind you, but don't do it at the expense of your present. Relationships with friends and family you will be philosophical.

LIBRA Sep 24 -

Jupiter Retrograde cycle occurs in your eleventh house of friendships, groups, and aspirations. Your friendships or associations with groups may be a little strained during this period. You must make good use of the energy that is flowing, by channeling it positively! Creativity, romance and leisure all receive a tonic.

Focus on essentials and establish a solid foundation. The outlook remains optimistic and brings you a sense of real achievement. With Jupiter retrograde, transiting your career sector, you will want to re-assess whether you are spending too much time at work. Time to create a better work-life balance.

An exchange of opinions ought to prove very enlivening at this time. An influence that should help to enjoy the 'nicer' side of others as bring out the best in friends, colleagues and partners alike. As Jupiter is retrograde in your Solar 9th house, be extremely careful as an argument over personal philosophies of life can get you into hot water.

Jupiter

Retrograde cycle occurs in your eighth house of intimacy, shared resources, and personal transformation. Hold onto your money, work on a budget, and avoid arguments with loved ones that revolve around intimacy and sexuality. You could also be dealing with past actions or karma. It's time to redefine what it is that you want out of life.

AQUARIUS

Jupiter has gone into retrograde motion for some time to come. This is going to be a time of frustration and re-assessment. It’s all about cultivating patience until planet goes direct. This is evident mainly in the arena of relationships, but it could also flow over into business partnerships and joint ventures. While you wait, don’t waste any time organise yourself.

Jupiter’s Retrograde cycle occurs in your sixth house of work, health, and daily routines. The social aspect of relationships on the job may be strained for the time being. Do your best not to let people get to you. Your career as well as relationships are also affected. The desire to get on with people around you is very strong in this period.

Yuvraj, Virender, Harbhajan, Gambhir ignored: World Cup

The preliminary list of 30 Indian probables for the upcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand was announced last week. Seniors Virender Seheag, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan and Gautam Gambhir were left out.

The meeting of the five-member selection panel headed by Sandeep Patil chose to leave the heroes of World Cup 2011 from the squad despite their past laurels. On expected lines, the selectors retained the 14 names that they had selected for the last two home ODIs against Sri Lanka along with players who were rested -- MS Dhoni, Ishant Sharma, Varun Aaron, Mohd Shami, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Shikhar Dhawan and R

India win Blind Cricket World Cup

India beat two-time winner and defending champions Pakistan in the summit clash to be crowned champions of Blind Cricket World Cup (BCWC) on Sunday at Wally Wilson Cricket Ground in Cape Town. Pakistan who batted first, put up a mammoth total iy scoring 389 runs in 40 overs after losing seven wickets. Indian batsmen displayed superb skills and chased the total successfully to seal the match by five wickets against their arch-rivals. Earlier Pakistan had outplayed England by 8 wickets in the first semi-final played at YMCA Cricket Ground, Cape ToInterestingly. In the opening match of the tournament Pakistan had beaten India by seven wickets. So with Sunday's win India also took the revenge. It was the 4th edition of the Blind Cricket World Cup, which took place in South Africa.

Roger Federer would smile to himself each time he walked back to his service mark. That was his little 'Me Time' out there in the middle amidst all the happy din that accompanied his every move.

There was rhythm, a slight hand bang with each step he took, from the invisible music you hear when you hit the zone with minimum effort.

Was he smiling because he was simply enjoying the moment, the hoarse, unabashed adulation for

Jadeja. Interestingly, Dhoni, Kohli, Raina and Ashwin are the only survivors from the squad that won the 2011 World Cup.

The list of players chosen did not surprise former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar who said that the omitted seniors had not performed in domestic circuit and therefore, could have hardly made their case. "This was

expected as these players have not played for India in over a year," he said. "They have not even performed in domestic matches. Cricket has become faster and a team cannot take passengers."

With a clear emphasis on youth, Indian seniors like Sehwag, Harbhajan, Gambhir, Zaheer and Yuvraj could not find a place in the probables. The

final 15-member squad should be announced latest by January 7. The World Cup starts from Feburary 14.

India's 30-man probables list: MS Dhoni, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Robin Uthappa, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav, Manoj Tiwary, Manish Pandey, Wriddhiman Saha, Sanju Samson, R Ashwin, Parvez Rasool, Karn Sharma, Amit Mishra, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron, Dhawal Kulkarni, Stuart Binny, Mohit Sharma, Ashoke Dinda, Kuldeep Yadav and Murali Vijay.

Australia bids emotional farewell to Hughes

Australia bid an emotional farewell to cricketer Phillip Hughes at a funeral in his home town Macksville with a live broadcast allowing a nation to unite in celebration of the life of a sportsman cut down in his prime. Eight days after Hughes was struck by a ball on the back of the head and six after he died from the catastrophic injuries that resulted, his family, friends and a host of cricketing greats gathered at Macksville High School.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland spoke for many when he tried to make sense of the huge outpouring of grief that followed the tragic death of the left handed batsman a few days short of his 26th birthday. "The wave of emotion that has washed over our country this past week tells us so much about the affection millions felt for Phillip and also about the privileged place cricket has near the heart of this nation," he said.

"Quite simply, the boy from this proud community of Macksville, personified the spirit of Australian cricket. Ever since Bradman, the image of the

innocent country boy playing in the backyard while dreaming of wearing a baggy green cap has become entrenched in our psyche. It's our foundation myth as a cricketing nation."

Some 1,000 mourners, mostly locals with a smattering of luminaries including Prime Minister Tony Abbott, dabbed away tears and perspiration in the baking heat of the school hall with thousands more watching on screens in the sunshine outside.

From the eulogies, they learned of a beloved son, brother, cousin and friend whose passion for cricket was matched only by his enthusiasm for the Angus cattle he helped raise on the family farm.

They were also reminded of a small town boy with

a prodigious talent for hitting a ball with a bat who headed down the coast to big city Sydney as a teenager and ended up playing 26 tests for his country.

Australia captain Michael Clarke broke down in tears for the second time in a few days as he paid public tribute to his former team mate and friend. Australian greats of the game such as Shane Warne, Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath were in attendance, while Richard Hadlee, Brian Lara and India captain Virat Kohli represented the wider cricket world. New South Wales paceman Sean Abbott, who delivered the bouncer that dealt the fatal blow in a state match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, was also among the mourners.

Mathews steers Sri Lanka home against England

Sri Lanka regained their two-match advantage in the one-day series against England although were pushed closer that appeared likely for most of the chase before getting home with two balls to spare. The pursuit was controlled, for the most part, by Kumar Sangakkara's 86 but it needed another steely contribution from Angelo Mathews to ensure against any late slips. Nothing seemed more certain than Sangakkara would seal victory with his 20th ODI hundred, but on 86 he found deep cover from a short delivery by Chris Jordan and could barely come to terms with the need to walk off. So instead it was Mathews and Lahiru Thirimanne who crossed the winning line with a stand of 53, never flinching when the asking rate briefly went above seven although Mathews was dropped at third man by Alex Hales with 25 needed. Given that England managed to squeeze the chase into the final over, they will rue the 12 wides which continued a theme from the series.

England now need to win the three remaining games, two in Pallekele and one more back at the Premadasa, if they are to take the series although with an eye to the future there were a couple of performances that meant it was not a completely forlorn day for them. James Taylor, playing just his third ODI and first against anyone other than Ireland, top-scored with well-crafted 90 before cramp got the better of him and Eoin Morgan, the stand-in captain for the day, made his first ODI 50 since January with 62 off 47 balls as the rest of England's middle and lower order, losing 7 for 94, frittered away earlier good work.

The early new-ball

Roger Federer mesmerises Delhi

the man? Or, the funny realization that even heretennis at the IPTL - there was little to distinguish it from when he does it when earning his living? On a daily basis, the man's tennis is an exhibition, pure art, an often grimy sport elevated to the loftiest level, the works.

On Sunday, he took a holiday only to end up playing some real exhibition. Was he simply then playing from memory, or was it something extra that he needed to pull out to make

it seem that little different, even to himself? It was sweet irony. Federer lent, in his mostly unseen, often effortless way, a certain magic to the events at Delhi. There was always a certain elitism with tennis

spectatorship in the Capital. For a brief while, Federer helped dismantle that. The amphitheatre was half-full. It wasn't halfempty either, but the manner in which he lifted the folk who had come from all across the country - 60year-old Hemlata left her husband attend to his old father back in Secunderabad, to make the trip only to see Federer slam a ball or two - was sign enough of the magic that hovers around him. "He has that charisma... How do

bowling from Steven Finn and Chris Woakes was inconsistent and meant England did not build pressure, although they were perked up when Tillakaratne Dilshan carved into the off side. With two left handers now at the crease, Moeen Ali was brought straight into the attack and kept a lid on the scoring while also enticing Kusal Perera to edge to slip.

However, with each ball that gripped for Moeen it will have reinforced the belief that the balance of England's attack was wrong without the additional offspin of James Tredwell. Instead, they preferred to take another look at Ben Stokes whose two overs went for 21, after being the seventh bowler used, to take his series tally to none for 85 from eight overs. From 69 for 2, and a potential opening for England, Sangakkara and Jayawardene added 96 with effortless accumulation, often toying with Morgan's attempts to cut off their scoring areas. One minute they would open the face to find space in the off side, and the next dinking into the leg side. The signs of growing desperation were clear when England used their review against Jayawardene when he was 27, but discovered that even Joe Root was turning the ball too far. Given the ease with which Sri Lanka were batting, it was a surprise when Jayawardene chopped against Jordan, the pick of England's quicks.

you explain it? I can't," she giggled as her chaperoning son looked embarrassed at his mother's lapse into adolescence. It happens with those people with that extra special touch. You would not expect him to change if and when he slips into the 'Past Champions' category if this format finds an extended life in the futurethe way past master Pete Sampras proved on Sunday, a hunched and distant version of his once hunched, distant but aweinspiring self. Not that

there was any compulsion to be any different, but Sampras, a 14-time Grand Slam winner, lumbered about in his 6-2 loss to Patrick Rafter, who was, on his part, thankful that he even got a win in this event. Federer on the other hand, fired everybody up simply by being around as he played three sets on the trot. Sania Mirza, for one, left her self-appointed Indian ambassador role and went back to being that starry-eyed little girl playing alongside the Swiss great.

Late wickets brought India back as Australia finished the opening day of the first Test on 354/6 at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday. The second new ball did the trick for the tourists as Varun Aaron and Mohammed Shami saved the day for the tourists, who had been badly hit by a brilliant century from David Warner earlier in the day.

However, the late revival cannot hide Virat Kohli's unimpressive Test captaincy debut. The stand-in captain's involvement with the team was unnoticeable and he failed to come up with new ideas as his bowlers yielded 113/2 and 125/0 in the first two seasons. India employed spinners at both ends for the most part of the final session but, despite debutant legspinner Karn Sharma removing Warner (145 off 163 balls, 19x4s), their overall impact was poor on Steven Smith and Mitchell Marsh, who after minor anxious moments at the start of their innings, used their feet to good

effect to mitigate the spin of Karn and Murali Vijay, adding 87 runs in the process.

Aaron extracted extra bounce in 85th over to remove Marsh (41) and then Shami got rid of the nightwatchman Nathan Lyon (3) and Brad Haddin (0) to bring India back in the match. Stumps were taken following Haddin's wicket with Smith unbeaten on 72. Aaron and Shami returned 2/95 and 2/83 respectively, while Ishant Sharma and Karn turned in 1/54 and 1/89.

On a pitch offering no real support, the Indians bowled badly in the first two sessions. They needed to bowl with discipline and maintain a nagging line but they chose to offer loose deliveries insteadwith the exception of Ishant - to let, first Warner and Clarke and then Smith and Marsh, forge good stands. There were too many short balls and those that were fuller lacked the right line. Shami, who was included in the XI after Bhuvneshwar Kumar was

ruled out on account of an ankle injury, managed to induce a couple edges off Clarke but they fell short of the fielders in the slips.

Clarke strained his back as he tried to avoid an Ishant Sharma bouncer down the legside and after a brief conversation with the medical staff, decided to retire on 60 (84 balls, 9x4s). The Australia captain, who looked in good touch, had added 118 runs with Warner for the third wicket when the injury happened. Imperious right from the start of his innings, Warner got to his second Test century at this venue, and 10th overall, by pushing Karn towards long-off for one early in the final session. The burly left-hander was in his element and unleashed powerful cuts several times, especially in the deep point region; there were also plenty of drives through the covers. It was moving to see Warner, on reaching his hundred, look up to the sky as if in communion with Hughes. The 28-year-old was in such good touch that 200

Aaron, Shami save the day for India against Australia Amir ready for Mayweather dress rehearsal

appeared there for the taking, but trying to slogsweep Karn for a six, he found Ishant at deep midwicket.

This was a major breakthrough for India. Either side of the departure of Chris Rogers for 9, edging Ishant to second slip, Warner grabbed the bowling by the scruff of its neck. He sped to 50 off 45 balls as the Indian bowlers mostly chose to bowl to him from around the wicket. The idea was to keep Warner tethered but a poor line and length made their plans go up the spout. He cut and drove with ease on a surface not offering the pace bowers much and that dominating innings set the tone for a big total - and despite Shami's late blows, if Smith can rally with the tail and get the total to 450, Australia will feel they have enough to take a 1-0 lead.

Brief scores: Australia 354/6 at stumps on day one vs India (Warner 145, Smith 72*, Clarke 60 retired hurt; Shami 2/89, Aaron 2/95

British boxer Amir Khan is treating his debut at the MGM Grand, the world’s most renowned fight venue, as “a dress rehearsal for facing Floyd Mayweather” ahead of a career-defining 12 months.

Khan has left for Los Angeles and its celebrity distractions –“you can’t say no to dinner with Mark Wahlberg” – and with fresh focus faces the former two-weight world champion Devon Alexander for the World Boxing Council silver welterweight title knowing that victory could propel him into blockbuster fights in 2015, with Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Kell Brook in the frame.