65th Year -- No. 3597 Tuesday, July 28, 2020 www.mauritiustimes.com facebook.com/mauritius.times 18 Pages - ePaper MAURITIUS TIMES “To oppose corruption in government is the highest obligation of patriotism.” -- G. Edward Griffin Echiquier politique Interview: Couldip Basanta Lala, Former Founder & Director, Sanne (Mauritius)

L'alternative Ptr-MMM-PMSD Mauritius risks European Commission's blacklist se précise “We have to be Par Aditya Narayan + Voir Page 4 Winter of Daily Struggles prepared for the worst” + See Pages 7-8-9 Diaspora

“If the well-off feel like giving a special lunch or dinner 'Things will get A Message for to relatives and friends, why not let others do so for you? Loads of women have been learning culinary worse before they All Times skills inspired by local tradition and foreign trendy We must relentlessly continue to 'fight for a world of reason, food habits. A good idea to ask private cooks to put get better' a world where science and progress will lead to all men's up a nice menu on Saturdays and Sundays, which happiness'. Tough call, but there is no alternative… foreign expat guests also may appreciate…” Really! How much more worse? By Dr R Neerunjun Gopee + See Page 3 By Nita Chicooree-Mercier + See Page 18 By Preeamvada Dookhun + See Page 10 Mauritius Times Tuesday, July 28, 2020 www.mauritiustimes.com Edit Page facebook.com/mauritius.times 2 The Opposition Comes together The Conversation umours were doing the rounds in potential risks. These might arise from the Could we live in a world without rules? political circles earlier this year various challenges from the opposition e all feel the oppressive presence of Rabout a proposal to bring together parties as regards the conduct of the last rules, both written and unwritten – it’s the LP, the PMSD and the MMM into a general elections as well as the unfavou- Wpractically a rule of life. Public political alliance after their debacle at the rable international economic climate which spaces, organisations, dinner parties, even last elections. What gave some substance is made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic. relationships and casual conversations are rife with regulations and red tape that seemingly to that rumour was the proposal then made As we have argued many a time in this are there to dictate our every move. We rail by the leader of the Labour Party, who had paper, a vibrant democracy requires a canvassed the idea of a common boycott against rules being an affront to our freedom, credible opposition. This has been lacking and argue that they’re “there to be broken”. of the Presidential Address by the opposi- since the coming to power of the current But as a behavioural scientist I believe that Instruments of tyranny tion parties in Parliament, namely the government. The opportunity exists, and it is not really rules, norms and customs in MMM, the PMSD and the Labour Party. the circumstances demand that this lacuna But we must be careful – for this way general that are the problem – but the unjusti- And, with a view to remaining “consistent” be filled promptly. It is too early in the day tyranny also lies. Humans have a powerful with the LP-PMSD-MMM opposition’s fied ones. The tricky and important bit, per- sense of wanting to enforce, sometimes to speak in terms of an alliance of the haps, is establishing the difference between challenge of the November 2019 general Labour Party-MMM-PMSD proper, with oppressive, patterns of behaviour – correct the two. spelling, no stranded prepositions, no split elections, he had also suggested that the the next elections four long years away. infinitives, hats off in church, standing for the Opposition should refrain from participa- Jean-Claude de L’Estrac in his interview to Of course, there has long been an appetite among some people for a less formalised so- national anthem – irrespective of their justifi- ting in the parliamentary debates on the this paper last week poses as a determi- ciety, a society without government, a world cation. And while the shift from “This is what Government Programme. ning issue the question of who will lead this where individual freedom takes precedence: we all do” to “This is what we all ought to do” A common stand could not be reached ‘alliance’ at the next election, and thinks it an anarchy. is a well-known ethical fallacy, it is deeply due to the divergent views of the MMM is not too early to answer it. embedded in human psychology. and the PMSD. The PMSD leader had The trouble with anarchy, though, is that it However, we take a slight different ruled out the LP leader’s suggestion for is inherently unstable – humans continually, One danger is that rules can develop their view, though we also concur that this issue non-participation in the parliamentary and spontaneously, generate new rules go- own momentum: people can become so fer- must be resolved at the earliest possible, vent about arbitrary rules of dress, dietary debates, but decided that it would instead verning behaviour, communication and eco- despite the fact that the election is still a restrictions or the proper treatment of the go for a “symbolic boycott” of the Presiden- nomic exchange, and they do so as rapidly as few years away. We feel that while working sacred that they may exact the most extreme tial Address – thus giving rise to specula- old rules are dismantled. towards a formal alliance, if ever that were punishments to maintain them. tion that there would be more behind the The urge to overturn stifling, unjust or sim- to materialize, making their presence felt words of the PMSD leader. It would seem ply downright pointless rules is entirely justi- Political ideologues and religious fanatics as a solid common front in the meantime that the new dynamics operating at the fied. But without some rules – and some ten- often mete out such retribution – but so do should send a strong signal to the govern- level of the electorate, coupled with its own dency for us to stick to them – society would repressive states, bullying bosses and coer- ment that they mean business, especially cive partners: the rules must be obeyed, just electoral weight, might have prompted the slide rapidly into pandemonium. Indeed, many if their stands on the various matters of because they are the rules. Not only that, but PMSD to rethink its positioning on the poli- social scientists would see our tendency to national concern are coordinated with the criticising rules or failing to enforce them (not tical spectrum. create, stick to, and enforce rules as the very Parliamentary Opposition’s. foundation of social and economic life. to draw attention to a person wearing inappro- The new dynamics that have deve- priate dress, for example) becomes a trans- Our relationship with rules does seem to loped on the political stage are in large part This will definitely send another signal gression requiring punishment itself. be unique to humans. Of course, many ani- due to the doings, rather misdoings of the that there is a unity of concern and ap- proach towards the problems that the mals behave in highly ritualistic ways – for And then there’s “rule-creep”: rules just current government. A number of contro- keep being added and extended, so that our country is facing. However, we should add example, the bizarre and complex courtship versies around the appointment of highly individual liberty is increasingly curtailed. that besides criticizing government actions dances of different species of bird of paradise remunerated persons close to politicians in Planning restrictions, safety regulations and or policies as well as unraveling the irregu- – but these patterns are wired into their genes, power to positions in public bodies has not invented by past generations of birds. And, risk assessments can seem to accumulate larities that we are being bombarded with, become a major preoccupation for the while humans establish and maintain rules by endlessly and may extend their reach far they should also come up with concrete, country. The government has just done punishing rule violations, chimpanzees – our beyond any initial intention. exactly or even worse than what the public positive and actionable solutions to the closest relatives – do not. Chimps may retali- problems. Even if government should Restrictions on renovating ancient buil- had been reproaching previous govern- ate when their food is stolen but, crucially, they dings can be so stringent that no renovation is spurn these, the common front will thereby ments of doing: being over-generous to- don’t punish food stealing in general – even if feasible and the buildings collapse; environ- beef up its credibility, and these solutions wards cronies by drawing from the public the victim is a close relative. mental assessments for new woodlands can can be debated and further refined as they purse, i.e. taxpayer money. In humans, rules also take hold early. be so severe that tree planting becomes go along. In spite of knowing about the daunting Experiments show that children, by the age of almost impossible; regulations on drug disco- very can be so arduous that a potentially va- economic issues that were facing it and What happens next may not lie within three, can be taught entirely arbitrary rules for luable medicine is abandoned. The road to that demanded urgent solution, it began to the control of the opposition parties them- playing a game. Not only that, when a “puppet” (controlled by an experimenter) arrives on the hell is not merely paved with good intentions, shoot itself in the foot during the rather selves for a lot of water will certainly flow scene and begins to violate the rules, children but edged with rules enforcing those good short time in office with a long trail of scan- under the bridge, but it would not do any will criticise the puppet, protesting with com- intentions, whatever the consequences. dals – from the power plant re-develop- harm if they could also start with rebuilding and reinventing themselves through inter- ments such as “You are doing that wrong!” Individuals, and societies, face a continual ment project to the highly controversial They will even attempt to teach the puppet to procurement of medicines and equipments nal reordering and democratization. By battle over rules – and we must be cautious do better. about their purpose. So, yes, “standing on the during the confinement period. To catch up taking such a call they will be ensuring right” on an escalator may speed up every- from the harm it has done is not easy. their future relevance on the political land- Indeed, despite our protests to the con- trary, rules seem hardwired into our DNA. In one’s commute to work – but be careful of con- Moreover, it is hemmed in by numerous scape. fact, our species’ ability to latch onto, and ventions that have no obvious benefit to all, enforce, arbitrary rules is crucial to our suc- and especially those that discriminate, punish cess as a species. If each of us had to justify and condemn. The latter can become the Mauritius Times each rule from scratch (why we drive on the instruments of tyranny Founder/Editor: Beekrumsing Ramlallah - Aug 1954-Sept 2000 left in some countries, and on the right in Rules, like good policing, should rely on Editor-in-chief: M. Ramlallah / Senior Editor: Dr RN Gopee others; why we say please and thank you), our our consent. So perhaps the best advice is This epaper has been produced with the assistance of minds would grind to a halt. Instead, we are mostly to follow rules, but always to ask why. able to learn the hugely complex systems of Doojesh Ramlallah, Sultana Kurmally and Kersley Ramsamy linguistic and social norms without asking too Nick Chater, Professor of Behavioural Pearl House 4th Floor Room 406 - Sir Virgil Naz Street, Port Louis -- Tel: 5-29 29301 Tel/Fax: 212 1313 many questions – we simply absorb “the way Science, University of Warwick we do things round here”. [email protected] www.mauritiustimes.com facebook.com/mauritius.times Op-Ed Mauritius Times Tuesday, July 28, 2020 3 A Message for All Times We must relentlessly continue to ‘fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men's happiness’. Tough call, but there is no alternative…

t comes from the film the name of democracy, let us use that power. Let us all ‘The Great Dictator’, unite. Let us fight for a new world, a decent world that will Imade in the 1940s, and give men a chance to work, that will give youth a future the message is in the form of and old age a security.’ a speech made by Charlie Dr R Neerunjun Gopee Come to think of it, the need of the moment is indeed Chaplin who was the actor. to ‘give youth a future and old age a security’. The first Practically everybody who step to address any problem is to state it clearly –and the has seen the video clip and heard the speech agrees that authorities have acknowledged that there are going to be its message is still relevant not only for today but for all massive job losses, and for youth that are newly setting times and to all of humanity. out to seek their place under the sun, this is going to be The speech starts with the line: ‘I'm sorry but I don't particularly trying times. The country’s national decision want to be an emperor. That's not my business. I don't makers must therefore search their hearts and minds and want to rule or conquer anyone.’ One of the sayings sincerely ask themselves whether all the measures they about democracy that I have come across is that it is a are taking and their decisions go in the direction of ensur- system that allows us the freedom to choose our dictator ing a secure future for our youth? If not, then will they do every so many years. Is it because, unfortunately, the the necessary course corrections before it is too late? same system also makes it possible for parties to gain After all, they have made promises and given hope – at victory and come to power by an overwhelming majority, the very least, shouldn’t these pledges be fulfilled? as we have witnessed in our own country, which may then see the emergence of dictatorial powers even in those who may not have been so inclined when they set Come to think of it, the need of the moment is out to be elected? That is when the ‘of the people, by the } indeed to ‘give youth a future and old age a people, and for the people’ aspirational objective of security’. The first step to address any problem is Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg address about to state it clearly –and the authorities have democracy gets perverted. acknowledged that there are going to be massive And then the way is lost, because, to paraphrase from job losses, and for youth that are newly setting the Charlie Chaplin speech, men’s souls become poi- out to seek their place under the sun, this is soned with greed. Instead of wanting ‘to live by each other’s happiness, not by each other's misery’, those who going to be particularly trying times. The country’s "You are not machines! You are not cattle! You are men! You national decision makers must therefore search have assumed the responsibility of leading their people have a love of humanity in your hearts! You don't hate! Only their hearts and minds and sincerely ask forget that - ‘In this world there is room for everyone. And the unloved hate; the unloved and the unnatural. Soldiers! the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone’. Hate Don't fight for slavery! Fight for liberty!" - Speech by Charlie themselves whether all the measures they are and suspicion take the place of kindness and compas- Chaplin in the film 'The Great Dictator'. taking and their decisions go in the direction of sion, because ‘we think too much and feel too little’. That Photo - image.tmdb.org ensuring a secure future for our youth?…~ is why, ‘More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and tainly help to nab criminals and have their undoubted uti- all will be lost’. The cleverness that ought to be put to the lity, the fine line between surveillance for civilian good Let us not be given the occasion to lament that, ‘By use of the country and the people is instead diverted and spying for the state that can be instrumentalised for the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power. towards scheming for the benefit of a few. harming citizens is a thin one. Do we have the adequate But they lie! They do not fulfill their promise. They never Were it that indeed, ‘The misery that is now upon us legislation that will define the limits of surveillance before will! Dictators free themselves but they enslave the peo- is but the passing of greed, the bitterness of men who it slips into spying that may make victims out of innocent ple!’ fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will people? We must relentlessly continue to ‘fight for a world of pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the True it is that spranks can unintentionally damage the reason, a world where science and progress will lead to people will return to the people’. Yes, but what will the reputation of those targeted by them, and it is also the all men's happiness’. Tough call, but there is no alterna- people do with this power? Have we not here seen what duty of citizens to act responsibly. Here again, there are tive… we call bonnet blanc, blanc bonnet, which is captured in fine nuances which the immediacy of the well-known adage plus ça change, plus c'est la même social media content may not allow one to chose: it’s the same thing all over again! make out, so that something meant to be Further on, the speech exhorts soldiers as follows, humorous or mildly cynical -- which can ‘Don't give yourselves to brutes, men who despise you be a powerful means of conveying mes- and enslave you; who regiment your lives, tell you what sages, somewhat like Shakespeare’s to do, what to think and what to feel! Who drill you, diet fools of court jesters – is apt to be taken you, treat you like cattle, use you as cannon fodder! Don't amiss with dire consequences for their give yourselves to these unnatural men - machine men authors, especially in such times of with machine minds and machine hearts! You are not heightened tension as we are living machines! You are not cattle! You are men! You have a through what with the ongoing Covid-19 love of humanity in your hearts! You don't hate! Only the pandemic. unloved hate; the unloved and the unnatural. Soldiers! The last part of the message re- Don't fight for slavery! Fight for liberty!’ sonates even more: ‘You, the people, These words may just as well be addressed to the lay have the power, the power to create people, because the fight for liberty is an eternal one. machines, the power to create happi- Machine minds and machine hearts have now morphed ness! You, the people, have the power to into powerful CCTVs and ubiquitous overhead systems make this life free and beautiful, to make that are tracking the citizenry in real time. While they cer- this life a wonderful adventure. Then in Analyse Mauritius Times Tuesday, July 28, 2020 4 Echiquier politique L’alternative PTr-MMM-PMSD se précise Aditya Narayan

a réunion tripartite des leaders du Parti travailliste, du MMM et du PMSD, tenue samedi le 24 juillet, Lpour discuter de la situation politique et économique du pays et dégager une plateforme com- mune de l’opposition parlementaire est sans aucun doute un événement significatif sur l’échiquier politique. Est-elle historique? Tout dépendra de l’évolution future des relations entre les trois partis, au Parlement comme ailleurs, et ce qu’elle apportera en termes d’ac- tions communes sur le plan politique, parlementaire et légal. Pour une première, la réunion en était une vu qu’elle regroupait les trois leaders autour d’un agenda commun. Jamais auparavant les trois partis ne s’étaient rencontrés pour accorder leurs violons, se mettre d’accord sur le diagnostic de la situation dans le pays et envisager des perspectives d’actions conjointes. Il y a eu dans le passé des alliances entre le MMM et le PTr (1995-1997), entre le PMSD et le PTr (2005-2014), Une alliance PTr-MMM-PMSD serait historique si elle devait se concrétiser d’ici les prochaines élections municipales et entre le MMM et le PMSD (brève alliance avec feu } (2021) ou élections générales (2024). Une telle alliance, qui rassemble déjà 63% des électeurs ayant voté contre le Hervé Duval) pour contester les élections ou gouverner MSM-ML-MP aux dernières élections, serait un adversaire redoutable aux partis dirigeants. Le système électoral, qui a ensemble. permis aux partis dirigeants d’accéder au pouvoir avec 37% des voix mais avec une majorité relative de sièges, n’est pas Une alliance PTr-MMM-PMSD serait historique si elle propice à une lutte à trois, comme on l’a vu aux élections de 2019…~ devait se concrétiser d’ici les prochaines élections muni- cipales (2021) ou élections générales (2024). Quatre raisons de collaboration embarrassantes et la limitation du temps de parole sur les projets de loi. L’exaspération de l’opposition est telle Essentiellement, les trois leaders ont donné quatre Bipolarisation inévitable qu’elle a présenté une motion de blâme contre le raisons pour justifier le regroupement des partis d’oppo- Une telle alliance, qui rassemble déjà 63% des Speaker, laquelle motion est d’ailleurs débattue à des sition en vue de mieux collaborer au Parlement d’abord électeurs ayant voté contre le MSM-ML-MP aux der- heures indues. Il va de soi que les règles d’impartialité et et ensuite étendre cette entente sur le terrain. Elles sont: nières élections, serait un adversaire redoutable aux par- de respect mutuel n’y sont pas scrupuleusement respec- tis dirigeants. Le système électoral, qui a permis aux par- (a) les dérives anti-démocratiques du régime; tées. tis dirigeants d’accéder au pouvoir avec 37% des voix (b) la contestation des dernières élections en Cour Dérives anti-démocratiques mais avec une majorité relative de sièges, n’est pas pro- suprême; pice à une lutte à trois, comme on l’a vu aux élections de En dehors de l’Assemblée nationale, les détracteurs (c) les nombreux scandales financiers en ces temps 2019. du Gouvernement ne sont pas mieux traités. La société d’austérité économique; et Ce système inique impose la bipolarisation politique civile est soumise à des pressions diverses avec l’ar- entre deux camps opposés. Les partis d’opposition (d) la stratégie de diversion du régime par l’appel aux restation d’internautes trop téméraires, la convocation mesurent parfaitement les risques politiques d’une dis- instincts sectaires. devant des comités disciplinaires des intellectuels qui persion des forces face aux partis dirigeants, qui ne lési- En matière de démocratie, il est clair que le régime osent parler librement , le transfert de fonctionnaires con- nent pas sur les moyens d’affaiblir l’opposition démocra- démontre de plus en plus une intolérance à la critique. Le sidérés comme lanceurs d’alerte dans les scandales fi- tique et de museler la société civile. Parlement ne fonctionne pas comme il se doit avec les nanciers et le licenciement de syndicalistes trop revendi- catifs dans le secteur public. Les lois liberticides votées La première réunion tripartite semble de bonne expulsions fréquentes des députés de l’opposition, causées par leurs réactions aux provocations venant du dans le sillage de la pandémie visent à museler l’opinion augure pour l’avenir des relations inter-partis. Elle sera publique autant que possible. suivie de réunions tripartites toutes les deux semaines en côté de la majorité ou de certaines interventions du vue de coordonner les actions et les discours. Speaker. L’opposition est convaincue que toutes les institutions Entretemps, des équipes de jeunes de chaque parti se L’opposition s’estime lesée dans ses droits avec pour publiques, à l’exception du DPP et du judiciaire, sont rencontreront pour planifer une action coordonnée sur les preuves le refus de questions parlementaires jugées instrumentalisées à des fins politiques. Comme en réseaux sociaux, qui influencent certainement la témoignent la nomination d’une ex-politicienne pour rem- jeunesse branchée aux plateformes numériques. Il y a placer une scientifique à la tête de la Mauritius Standards évidemment une volonté de faire cause commune, Essentiellement, les trois leaders ont donné Bureau et celle d’un chef d’une association socio-cul- qu’elle soit tactique pour contrer un gouvernement tout- } quatre raisons pour justifier le turelle pour présider une institution qui est censée laïque puissant ou stratégique pour le déloger du pouvoir à regroupement des partis d’oppositionen vue de (Conseil des Musées). Alors que l’ICT Act est invoquée terme. pour interpeller des internautes -suspects de manque de mieux collaborer au Parlement d’abord et réserve, un amendement proposé au Code pénal vise à Apparemment, la démarche des partis dirigeants d’in- criminaliser tout délit d’information ou tout délit d’opinion criminer le leader du MMM dans l’affaire Saint-Louis Gate ensuite étendre cette entente sur le terrain. à propos de la souverainté mauricienne sur les territoires faisait partie d’une stratégie visant à isoler le MMM au Elles sont: (a) les dérives anti-démocratiques de Maurice. Aucun débat ne serait donc possible sur les sein de l’opposition et favoriser la recomposition d’une du régime; (b) la contestation des dernières Chagos (objet de contentieux avec la Grande Bretagne alliance bleu-orange-rouge (comme l’alliance bleu-blanc- élections en Cour suprême; (c) les nombreux avec des Chagoissiens installés à Londres dans le camp rouge qui régna de 1983 à 1991). On disait le PMSD mal anglais), Rodrigues (où certains souhaitent plus d’au- à l’aise dans l’opposition après le scrutin de 2019. Or, il scandales financiers en ces temps d’austérité tonomie) et même Agaléga (où la présence des Indiens paraît que cette stratégie n’a pas eu l’effet escompté car économique; et (d) la stratégie de diversion du fait l’objet de contestation de la part de certains). les leaders du PTr, du MMM et du PMSD ont resserré les régime par l’appel aux instincts sectaires…~ rangs contre leur adversaire commun. * Suite en page 12 Spotlights Mauritius Times Tuesday, July 28, 2020 5 Coronavirus: Spain drives fears of European ‘second wave’

pain is taking new measures to cut a be regionally limited. Sspike in coronavirus cases, amid fears Belgium has slowed down its of a more widespread "second wave". reopening amid a sharp rise in cases. Catalonia has closed its nightlife Italy is isolating arrivals from Romania for two weeks but cities outside the and Bulgaria for two weeks after a number north-eastern region are also seeing a of imported cases. surge. French Prime Minister Jean Castex France and Germany have also both says people arriving from 16 countries seen new cases rise, as nations grapple between staving off fresh outbreaks and where the virus is widely circulating will be reopening economies, reports BBC News. subject to on-the-spot coronavirus tests. The European rises are echoed in far France's health ministry said there bigger increases across the rest of the were now more than 1,000 new cases globe, with record daily new-infection each day in hospitals. figures of around 280,000 in both of the Germany said it might introduce com- A couple celebrate the Sant Jordi (St George) celebrations in Barcelona amid coronavirus. Photo - EPA past two days. pulsory testing for holidaymakers returning What is happening in Spain? 900 new cases of the virus on Friday. One Norway has said it will also start from high-risk destinations after infections football team in the second division, quarantining people arriving from Spain, hit a two-month high. Barely a month after Spain ended its Fuenlabrada, now has 28 confirmed while France has warned its citizens not to state of emergency, cities including cases. travel to Catalonia. What are the global increases? Barcelona, Zaragoza and the capital The trajectory is still worryingly Madrid have seen a surge in new Epidemiologist Dr Daniel Lopez-Acuna Belgium has banned travel to Huesca told the BBC the average age of cases and Lleida, with recommendations against upwards, says the WHO - more than a infections, prompting the government could rise "because the transmission is travel to a number of other areas in Spain. quarter of a million new cases for three to warn that a second wave could be going from the youngsters to the rest of the days straight up to Friday. imminent. A Spanish foreign ministry spokes- household, and certainly the elderly". woman said the country was safe, with One major concern is India, where The government of Catalonia now says The UK says all those returning from only localised, isolated and controlled there are now 1.3 million confirmed cases all nightclubs and late-night bars in the Spain must self-isolate for 14 days from outbreaks. - 100,000 of them in just the past two days region are to close for the next two weeks. Sunday. This includes the Canary Islands - with experts fearing the worst is still to The Spanish defence ministry is also Are other European nations and Balearic Islands, although those implementing an early response tracker concerned at spikes? come destinations are not included in the UK's system to prevent any upturn in cases in The United States, Brazil and South new general warning to avoid all but Most are seeing increases and the military. Africa are still showing sharp increases. essential travel to mainland Spain. outbreaks but want to keep economies The health ministry reported more than functioning and hope any second wave will Mystery Russian projectile raises fears of arms race in space

France-Presse. astronomer Jonathan McDowell. This week's incident Dubbed "Object E" by the United States, it is still in may be seen as a orbit and appears not to have hit anything. Its size, shape message to Washington, and purpose remain a mystery, but that does nothing to which under President diminish the threat it may pose. Donald Trump is building A 'bullet' up a new "Space Force" wing of its military. In orbit, satellites speed through the void at tens of thousands of miles per hour. The smallest contact with Space Force's com- another object risks smashing a hole in its solar panels or mander, General Jay damaging or even destroying it, depending on the size of Raymond, on Friday whatever it may hit. reiterated that "space is a warfighting domain just In space, the difference between a satellite and a like air, land and sea." weapon is therefore theoretical: whatever its function, "Object E" is a de facto "projectile" and therefore a 'Object E' "weapon," the US says. In November 2019, It is the equivalent of a "bullet" in space, said Russia launched a satel- Christopher Ford, assistant secretary of state for interna- lite named Cosmos 2542. tional security and nonproliferation. US Space Force commander General John Raymond addressing Congress on May 6, 2020. Photo - AFP A week later, that satellite surprised observers "There's no such thing as a fender bender up there." he United States this week accused Russia of having when it released a sub-satellite, Cosmos 2543, capable of Moscow has implicitly admitted as much by accusing Ttested an anti-satellite weapon in space, a charge maneuvering in orbit to observe, inspect or spy on other Washington and London of having satellite inspection or Moscow has denied, saying the device was a "special satellites. repair programs that can be used as "counter-satellite instrument" for inspecting orbiting Russian equipment. This sub-satellite moved close to a US spy satellite, weapons." Whatever it was, the incident marks for Washington a USA-245, and to another Russian satellite. A game of cat The United States has maneuverable military satellites rare military escalation in space. and mouse began in orbit, easily observable from Earth by in orbit which can launch smaller satellites. astronomers and the US military, which publicly The ability of one satellite to attack another was until But it's unclear if the US has the capability to launch expressed its concern. now merely theoretical. The United States, Russia, China high-speed projectiles as the Russians have just done, and, since 2019, India, have been able to target satellites On July 15 at around 0750 GMT, Cosmos 2543 (the said Brian Weeden, a space security expert at the Secure with Earth-launched projectiles, but these explosions sub-satellite with a surface area of less than a square World Foundation in Washington. create millions of pieces of debris in orbit, prompting the meter, according to the US military), released an object at world powers to refrain from such tests, reports Agence a high relative speed, around 200 meters per second, said * More on Page 6 Spotlights Mauritius Times Tuesday, July 28, 2020 6 UK Government accused of creating ‘sense of panic’ with Spain travel advice

to send package travellers to parts of mainland Spain despite a Foreign Office warning. The move by Jet2 Holidays highlights the fury in the travel industry at what is seen as another botched decision from the UK govern- ment, reports The Independent.

* * * Three high-throughput testing facilities will be able to test over Coronavirus face masks 10,000 samples in a day. Photo - newsroompost.com become compulsory in Indian PM Modi to launch ‘high England shops throughput coronavirus testing’ People will be required to wear face masks in shops and facilities on July 27 supermarkets in England, but ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 'high they will also need to cover their throughput COVID-19 testing' facilities yesterday via video mouths and noses when entering I conferencing. These facilities will ramp up testing capacity in sandwich shops or takeaways, the country and help in strengthening early detection and according to the UK's govern- treatment, thus assisting in controlling the spread of the ment's guidance. In an attempt to pandemic, , reports Himanshu Mishra of India Today. slow the spread of coronavirus, the Department of Health and "These three high-throughput testing facilities have been Social Care confirmed face set up strategically at ICMR-National Institute of Cancer coverings will be required in Prevention and Research, Noida; ICMR-National Institute British ministers stand accused of creating a sense of "panic and loss of control" due to the shops and takeaways if people for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai; and sudden decision to scrap an air bridge agreement with Spain. Photo - parstoday.com intend to take their food and ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, coffee away. But it said if a Kolkata, and will be able to test over 10,000 samples in a ritish ministers have been accused of creating a customer is able to sit down and consume food or drink day," the release said. Bsense of "panic and loss of control" due to the sud- they have purchased, the face covering can be removed "These labs will also reduce turn-around-time and den decision to scrap an air bridge agreement with Spain to eat or drink on site. exposure of lab personnel to infectious clinical materials, it and reimpose stringent quarantine measures. Hundreds * * * stated while adding that the labs are enabled to test of thousands of British holidaymakers now face a diseases other than Covid as well and post the pandemic, And all adults in the UK aged 50 and over will be mandatory 14-day self-isolation after the UK government will be able to test for Hepatitis B and C, HIV, Mycobacterium offered a flu vaccination this autumn as ministers look to tuberculosis, Cytomegalovirus, Chlamydia, Neisseria, removed the European country from its safe flight list double the number of people immunised through winter. Dengue, etc," it added. with just a few hours' notice on Saturday evening - while Fears of a seasonal flu crisis hitting at the same time as many more have had trips to Spain thrown into disarray. a resurgence of the coronavirus have prompted the Meanwhile, the situation in India continues to remain In an unprecedented rejection of government advice, government to launch a major expansion of the annual grim as the country reported fresh 48,661 coronavirus cases Britain's second-largest holiday company is to continue vaccination programme. in the last 24 hours, according to the Health Ministry data. Time capsule to be placed under Ram temple site in Ayodhya he Shri Ram Janmabhoomi dispute, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit TTeerth Kshetra Trust has said Ayodhya on August 5 for the 'Bhumi pujan' cere- that a time capsule will be placed mony to begin the construction of a grand Ram about 2000 feet underground at the Temple. Ram Temple construction site in The Supreme Court had, on November 9 last Ayodhya. year, ruled in the favour of a Ram Temple at the According to Kameshwar disputed site in Ayodhya. The court had also Chaupal, a member of the Shri Ram directed the Centre to allot an alternative five-acre Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, plot to the Sunni Waqf Board for building a new the capsule will help anyone in mosque at a 'prominent' place in the holy town in the future who wishes to study the Uttar Pradesh. history of the temple. Meanwhile, hectic preparations have begun for Kameshwar Chaupal incidental- the 'bhumi pujan' ceremony that will be performed by ly, is a Dalit from Bihar who had laid laying a 40 kg silver brick at the sanctum sanctorum. the foundation stone for a Ram Three-day-long Vedic rituals, beginning August temple in Ayodhya on November 9, 3, will precede the main ceremony, according to the 1989, reports IANS. members of the Trust. Since then, the 64-year-old The entire temple town is being given a Kameshwar Chaupal, has been makeover with walls being painted in vibrant colours. anxiously waiting for the construc- The 'Bhoomi Pujan' ceremony in Ayodhya at the tion of the temple to begin. site for the proposed Ram temple on August 5 will be Almost nine months after the telecast live by public broadcaster Doordarshan. verdict of Supreme Court on the Babri Masjid vs Ram Janmabhoomi Ram Mandir - Photo - images.newindianexpress.com Compiled by Doojesh Ramlallah Interview Mauritius Times Tuesday, July 28, 2020 7 Couldip Basanta Lala, Former Founder & Director, Sanne (Mauritius) Mauritius risks European Commission's blacklist “We have to be prepared for the worst”

become so complex that the risks of account. The focus has to be on the assessment of source escaping the vigilance of the regula- of funds. tors and operators are much higher We should however bear in mind that identifying the today? trail of funds in complex and cross jurisdictional structures It is true that the world of finance is is not too easy. There are several examples of leading and becoming more complex, and will conti- world-renowned banks which have been heavily fined nue to evolve as we go along. We have under Anti-Money Laundering laws in the Western finan- hat happens to Mauritius' Global Business sector in the been faring very well with plain vanilla cial centres. wake of the European Commission to place the structures, but now with complex struc- tures the risk of something falling into the Mauritius jurisdiction on its list of "high risk We know what international investors W cracks, principally for lack of specific want - sound law and order, stability, an jurisdictions"? And how does it meet the competition coming from technical skills, is high. I am sure that } Singapore and Africa? In this interview, Couldip Basanta Lala, there exists a mechanism of knowledge independent judiciary, adherence to the rule of law, former Founder & Director, Sanne (Mauritius), shares his consi- and intelligence sharing among regula- an educated work force, reasonable labour rela- tors on a worldwide scale, and by opera- tions, good work ethics, and quality service level, dered views on the challenges being faced by our GB sector; he tors through their associations. The risk also comments on the DTA arrangements, and makes some sug- among others. The success of the aspiring coun- is much higher with standalone opera- tries will very much depend on whether these gestions about a way forward for restoring the country's image as tors having no international connections. attributes are present. It may also be true a sound financial centre. They should equip themselves with the necessary tools to assist them in their to Mauritius if we are to stay ahead of the Couldip Lala cofounded together with Kapil Dev Joory diligence work. competition…~ International Financial Services Limited (IFS) in December 1993 at Hence to mitigate the risk, we need to ensure that regulators and operators a time when the global business sector was nascent in Mauritius. The regulator comes in at the last leg and it relies on make diligent use of such intelligence The focus initially was to provide fund administration and support the diligence work carried out by the management com- and be on the alert at all times with pany. It may supplement the diligence by other information services for Indian investments. Over time, IFS expanded its events in the world of finance. We have that it may have on the investor through other channels. I geographical focus to include Africa and other parts of Asia, and to uplift our expertise and at the same assume that the regulator has the necessary contacts and at one time it was providing services to more than 1000 global time be more vigilant at all levels - be it tools in place to carry out the additional checks. The by management companies, by banks entities, and with assets under administration in excess of checks are done prior to granting the licence and also on and by the regulators. $82 billion. In 2017, International Finance Services Limited and an ongoing basis. I believe that it is at the ongoing moni- IFS Trustees have been acquired by SANNE, a leading global * There have nevertheless been toring level that operators and the regulator may be grave accusations levelled against provider of alternative assets and corporate business services, having shortcomings. The finance world is evolving and it some foreign investors indulging in will not be presumptuous to state that regulators and with clients from 20 global networks spread across the Americas, suspicious money laundering activi- operators have to beef up their knowledge and skills so as Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific. ties from our GB sector. This has to understand complex issues and detect suspicious si- been a common occurrence over here tuations. lately and is undoubtedly causing Mauritius Times: Is there a feeling in our Global * In the light of the reputational risks involved and reputational damage to our jurisdiction. Do you think Business sector that the European Commission's given it is a sector which attracts international atten- the regulator is sufficiently equipped and has been decision to place Mauritius on its list of “high risk tion, would you say that the time is ripe to refurbish doing what is required to protect the reputation of the jurisdictions” is unwarranted and grossly unfair? the regulatory armoury of our global business sec- Mauritius jurisdiction? Couldip Lala: I am no longer occupying an executive tor? There are a couple of pertinent issues that are being position in this sector to gauge the prevailing sentiment I do not think that the existing regulatory framework raised in your question. across the board. However, as a keen observer and should be overhauled. Problems that might have cropped having been engaged since the start of this sector, I sense First, protecting the reputation of the jurisdiction is a up are not due to absence of regulations. They would be that there is such a feeling among both the operators and matter for all stakeholders. We should not assign all the as a result of incorrect or non-implementation or still by the authorities. This feeling has been expressed every responsibility of reputation to solely the regulator, in our condoning acts of “corner cutting”. We should ensure that time some shortcomings have been highlighted by other case the FSC. There are other important and wholesome the existing regulations are understood by all stake- countries or organisations like GAFI (Financial Action Task considerations within a country that determine the reputa- holders and are correctly interpreted and implemented. Force on Money Laundering/Groupe d'action financière). tion of a country. Notwithstanding, with changes taking place worldwide, we Leaving that feeling aside, the question one should Second, money laundering activities should not be need to adapt the relevant ones and align them to inter- however ask is whether such a decision is unfair in light of ascribed to only foreign investors transacting in the global national best practices. the several measures being taken worldwide to counter business sector. They may well exist in the domestic * The element of uncertainty has however set in in money laundering and terrorism financing. Have we been economy too. Admittedly the risk is higher in international everybody's mind following the EU's decision, espe- fulfilling all the requirements expected of a financial centre transactions. cially investors. If the worst-case scenario were to of repute? A foreign investor's first port of call is the management happen, what could be the consequences for the GB * The main shortcoming of our GB sector, accor- company either directly or through an intermediary. The sector? ding to the EU, relates to “strategic deficiencies in intermediary may be banks or fellow professionals from I understand that the sector is already experiencing (its) anti-money laundering and counter terrorism other reputed jurisdictions. The first level of due diligence difficulties in attracting new or growing the business. financing regimes”. Would you say that the world of on the investor therefore rests with the management com- F Cont. on page 8 finance, banking and cross-border investments has pany and the bank at which the investor is opening an Interview Mauritius Times Tuesday, July 28, 2020 8 ‘Protecting the reputation of the jurisdiction is a matter for all stakeholders. We should not assign all the responsibility of reputation to solely the regulator’ F Cont. from page 7 inculcate positive attitude and good work ethics among We need not wait for the worst-case scenario to the upcoming professionals. assess the impact. At this juncture, the sluggish growth The option I am suggesting therefore regardless of the may not be due to the EU's decision. Admittedly it has EU decision is to move away gradually from investment come at a very difficult moment. holding offering to service offering. We could start with The pandemic has led the whole world economic si- referred works and gradually build up expertise of our tuation to a catastrophic level. All countries are running on own. record high budget deficits and experiencing high levels of * Would the indictment of the Mauritius jurisdiction unemployment. Productivity and investor sentiment are by the European Commission also affect any initiative low. In such a climate, we cannot expect our global busi- of our GB sector to tap the African market? ness sector to be attracting too much of investments and I do not think that these two are mutually exclusive. to flourish. The indictment is pervasive and the two are interrelated. The real impact on our economy, not only the global Investors into Africa are to a large extent from Europe; business, may be felt if we are unable in the very limited they are particularly associated with Development time available to the authorities to address the EU con- Financial Institutions (DFI). Hence, our initiative to cause cerns and remedy the shortcomings that have been iden- international organisations to use Mauritius as the plat- tified by them satisfactorily. The global business sector will form for investments into Africa may not succeed. be the one that will suffer the most. The consequential On the other hand, Mauritian conglomerates investing effect on the other closely related sectors will also be dis- into Africa and intra-African investments may not be great- Following the renegotiated India-Mauritius DTA when astrous. ly impacted, except probably for funds transfer. the two countries are almost on a level playing field, As I mentioned earlier, international banks would be investors may be willing to opt for Singapore instead of Protecting the reputation of the jurisdiction is a hesitant to act as correspondents for our local banks. The Mauritius. Mauritius can still make the difference on } matter for all stakeholders. We should not bulk of transactions are done in US Dollars, and transfers grounds of service level standard and cost. Our offering of assign all the responsibility of reputation to solely in US Dollars have to pass via a US correspondent bank Tax and Ease of Doing Business take a back seat. the regulator, in our case the FSC. There are other for clearance. Hence the hard drive for Mauritius would be in terms There are a couple of Mauritian banks whose parent of quality of service and enhanced seriousness imple- important and wholesome considerations within a mentation of regulations, leaving no room for discretion on country that determine the reputation of a country. companies are based in mainland Africa. A suggestion would be for such parent companies to provide a clearing licensing and ongoing monitoring of licencees. Second, money laundering activities should not be system for their Mauritian subsidiaries or associates. ascribed to only foreign investors transacting in However, I do not know whether this is permissible. Let us first understand the effect that the EU the global business sector. They may well exist in * Singapore's financial services industry has been } decision to maintain Mauritius among the the domestic economy too. Admittedly the risk is doing fairly well; it's said better than Mauritius, high-risk jurisdictions on the global business. higher in international transactions…~ despite the lack of the special benefits which accrued Investors and their advisers will shy away from to investors from the India-Mauritius treaty. Is there setting up their investment vehicles in such a an important gap to fill in the case of Mauritius to jurisdiction. International banks will probably be * What are the options available to our global busi- drive as hard as a jurisdiction like Singapore has been ness operators if all this were to come to the crunch? doing? unwilling to act as correspondents for our local We hope that this situation does not arise. We have We should first understand the history behind the suc- banks, hence the difficulty in transferring funds to nonetheless to be prepared for the worst. cess of Singapore. It has been a well-regarded financial other countries. There will be rigorous and very Let us first understand the effect that the EU decision centre even before Mauritius launched its offshore/global close scrutiny on any funds moving out of the to maintain Mauritius among the high-risk jurisdictions on business. Singapore was rigorous in the application of its country by a receiving counterparty…~ the global business. Investors and their advisers will shy regulations, and has been agile enough to adapt the re- away from setting up their investment vehicles in such a gulations to international requirements over the years. jurisdiction. International banks will probably be unwilling Hong Kong and Singapore have been established * Besides the Singapore jurisdiction, there is today to act as correspondents for our local banks, hence the financial centres of Asia. With what has happened in Hong strong competition to our GB sector coming from difficulty in transferring funds to other countries. There will Kong, the financial centre of Singapore may well benefit some African countries. That would have been be rigorous and very close scrutiny on any funds moving further. unimaginable some ten years back. Does that mean out of the country by a receiving counterparty. Coming to the India-Mauritius Double Taxation that they have quietly built up their capacity and have The immediate action is for authorities to ensure that Agreement (DTA) we should remind ourselves that it was become smarter than we are? we do not fall in the list, and if we do, we should take not by design that we had negotiated such a treaty. We did Setting up financial centres has been in the radar of strong remedial actions to implement the directives of the not even know the incidence of the tax advantage at the several African countries. South Africa already has always multilateral organizations within the shortest possible time time of signing the treaty. If there were any advantages it attracted foreign investors and has a developed market. - more on a proactive basis and not be reactive. would have been accruing to India which had a banking Botswana has been marketing its centre for quite a while. It is also time for operators to rethink their business and insurance outfit here. Nairobi may well develop into a platform for investments model. The sector initially attracted several international When India opened up its economy, almost at the into other African countries. I understand that Rwanda and investors on the basis of favourable tax treatments and same time Mauritius came up with offshore legislations to Ethiopia are following the same path. In West Africa, treaties. Once established we saw interest in other struc- attract international investors. The combination of the two Nigeria may be a competitor. Hence, Mauritius should not be complacent and consider that it has a monopoly in this tures principally for asset protection and intermediary led to mutual benefits to both countries. India attracted sector. investment holding companies. These may reduce con- foreign investments and Mauritius built up its offshore/ siderably within a short time. global business. Mauritius was the preferred choice of Every success creates competition. Except for South I am already noticing a few management companies investors because of the tax advantage. We slowly built in Africa, the other countries are gearing up to strengthen diversifying their product offerings, focusing now on spe- the subs-tance requirement in our legislation. On the other their regulatory arms and offer financial services to inter- cialized legal and accounting services. We are fortunate hand, Singapore required presence and substance from national investors. I see it as a positive sign for these to have an educated mass of young professionals in these the investors since day one. Several investors did not countries as such measures will enhance good corporate two fields, but they seem to be more generalists. It is a mind the additional cost of setting shop in Singapore. It governance practices within the countries. As regards question of training them into specialists in relevant was peaceful, and offered a good quality of life and the Mauritius, they will keep us on our toes. branches of law and accounting. Side by side, we have to right infrastructure to expatriates. F Cont. on page 9 Notice Mauritius Times Tuesday, July 28, 2020 9 Interview: Couldip Basanta Lala ‘We know what international investors want - sound law and order, stability, an independent judiciary, adherence to the rule of law… F Cont. from page 8 Will they be able to establish and sus- tain themselves as financial centres? Only time will tell. We know what international investors want - sound law and order, sta- bility, an independent judiciary, adherence to the rule of law, an educated work force, reasonable labour relations, good work ethics, and quality service level, among others. The suc- cess of the aspiring coun- tries will very much depend on whether these attributes are present. It may also be true to Mauritius if we are to stay ahead of the competition. * It is on the strength of past DTAs that our Global Business sector was raised to the same level of the other pil- lars of our economy, bringing in hard currency and creating jobs for thou- sands of young professionals here. But when you look at the bigger picture today with some African countries termi- nating their DTAs with Mauritius, aren't these same DTAs doing a disservice to the reputation of our jurisdiction? It is true that it was our favourable treaty with India that triggered the development of our global business sector. It is however to be understood that DTAs between two countries are not carved out in a vacuum. DTAs follow either the OECD or the UN model. The tendency now is more to follow the OECD model which countries either adopt in its entirety or with such negotiated amendments. The amendments are princi- pally on taxing rights of interest income, di- vidends, and capital gains. Hence DTAs themselves are not chal- lenged. It is the taxing right to the flow of income or gains. Whilst during the negotia- tion between two countries the objective might have been clear, in time it is felt that there have been an abuse by investors or a laissez-aller on the part of one of the coun- tries on the taxing rights. In my view, instead of terminating a DTA, a better option would be to renegotiate the taxing rights and check on the abuses, if any. Some African countries may have not experienced any abuse, but they might be feeling edgy to carry on with the DTAs in view of high-profile scandals on the interna- tional front with Mauritius linked up some- how. Also, there are continuous pressures by NGOs in Africa claiming tax leakage due to the DTAs without highlighting the benefits accruing from foreign investments as a result of the DTAs. Diaspora Mauritius Times Tuesday, July 28, 2020 10 ‘lucky’ Covid-19 ‘resistors’, the asymptomatic ones who walk ‘Things will get worse about freely as human bombs infecting the ‘unlucky’ ones. There are increasing numbers of cases being reported in New South Wales too, though not as before they get better’ many as in Victoria. The NSW Premier, Ms Gladys Berejklian, boldly refuses to consider another lockdown for the state and still Really! How much more worse? appeals to individuals’ sense of Lots of people civic duty in acting responsibly, have been protesting staying safe, getting tested and Preeamvada Dookhun against the use of self-isolating when instructed. She masks in public places has been communicating nearly every day and stood by her team, he world in 2020 due to health con- winning support of the federal go- learned to speak a cerns while others vernment and people of NSW. I new global language, claim it violated their T also think that it is really in our that of Covid-19. This virus individual rights. How (‘praja’) interest to support the spares no one. Politicians, so, in the current con- ‘Suppression strategy of the go- Bollywood heroes, the rich, text when thousands vernment’. Until the vaccine is pro- healthy, religious, old, of essential workers duced, Ms Berejlkian said they young, white, brown, black… are toiling hard for the would do everything to prevent the anybody is a potential victim. safety of others, I still bug from spreading. We just can- Most people around the do not know? On not afford it! And as the saying world now relate to terms another note, it’s goes, a problem stated is a pro- like home schooling, work- remarkable the way blem half solved. Victorian and from-home, zoom meetings, Mauritius has been There are increasing numbers of cases being reported in New South Wales too, NSW Premiers have clearly stated self-isolation, social distan- able to impose the use though not as many as in Victoria. The NSW Premier, Ms Gladys Berejklian, boldly the problem and the conse- cing, 20 seconds hand of masks in public refuses to consider another lockdown for the state and still appeals to individuals' quences if we don’t contain the washing, and panic buying. places. Chapeau aux sense of civic duty. Photo - ichef.bbci.co.uk autorités mauri- pandemic while the vaccines get Born in the 1980s, I do ciennes! ready. No travels, no socializing, not recall any major global crises, sions affect people’s lives in va- need to deal with them by boosting isolation, loneliness, poverty, not to Mr Andrews said it is easy to other than witnessing from afar, rious ways. As a child I had morale and providing financial mention the lives lost…indeed it blame the government, weaker the 9/11 attack, the 2004 tsusami watched serials and read about support to disaster victims (Source: will be a catastrophe. and the 2008 financial crisis. I did- the kings and rajas who, at night, http://library.bjp.org/jspui/han- leaders, ir-responsible authorities n’t live through World Wars, inde- would disguise themselves as dle/123456789/80) and claim that all is their fault. It As a Corporate Trainer and pendence fight, devastating Carol- commoners and peasants and may not be their fault, ‘but now it is Performance Coach, I have facili- type cyclones, but I am now living walk in the villages to see the plight It took Australia six months, our pro-blem’! Pretty blunt but so tated many group discussions and through this pandemic, which chal- of their praja (the people). It also post the lockdown, crisis, and a true! It is our problem now. Just shared theories, tips and methods lenges us all, and I do not know yet reminds me of a retired corporate second wave threatening to imagine, even the staunchest of dealing with crises and pro- if, and how, I will survive this crisis. leader whose best advice to the destroy everything again, to get world leaders who initially stub- blems at work. The frame of the Nobody knows. And yet we are new managers was ‘management some selected leaders to finally lis- bornly claimed that coronavirus discussion was often based on told to expect things to get worse by walking’, which I understood ten to the experts. Epidemiologists was just a scanty bug and there Albert Einstein’s famous quote: before they get better. was a way of being close and and doctors have been warning accessible to the people, the since the very beginning that we This virus spares no one. And as descendants of the Homo Worldwide we are witnessing employees. For, it seems, only needed to wear masks. Doctors sapiens who survived calamities, it is time we behaved stressed government leaders } then one gets the true feel of the worldwide are pleading with peo- responsibly and humbly resort to the simple acts of prevention. struggling to keep their countries people’s plight and subsequently ple to act reasonably, wear masks, Aussies are being warned to quarantine even if tested negative. safe and economies afloat. To practice social distancing and support. Articles abound in the media about how the virus is changing and make matters worse, some coun- avoid crowds. Speaking behind a now, one is even unsure about the incubation period. People who tries are even choosing this time to One of India’s oldest books on mask, the Victorian premier Daniel tested negative twice, have tested positive the 3rd time. The worst test their supremacy and claim ter- statecraft and economics, the Andrews conceded on 21 July ritories while others are seeking Arthashastra, thought to have 2020 that they should have lis- cases are those ‘lucky’ Covid-19 ‘resistors’, the asymptomatic ways to collaborate on common been written between 2nd and 3rd tened to the advice of the experts ones who walk about freely as human bombs infecting the grounds. It is a most challenging century BC by Chanakya also and used the masks well before. ‘unlucky’ ones…~ time for any ruling government and known as Kautilya, (who in today’s probably a good time for opposi- language would be described as) a I am speaking to you from was no need to wear masks or ‘Can we solve our problems with tion parties as they can openly cri- professor of economics and politi- behind a mask. This is a full take extreme actions, had to give the same level of thinking that ticize and promise to do things dif- cal science at the ancient Taksha- dress rehearsal for what in, some even catching the bug. created them?’ No, we cannot. ferently. It must be so daunting for shila University, elaborates on the becomes life in Victoria from This virus spares no one. And as Another big tension of all govern- the decision makers. Do we lock art and science of leading and midnight tomorrow. And guess descendants of the Homo sapiens ments is how to get the economy down again or not, do we close the managing a Rajya (state). The what. It is not that hard. I can who survived calamities, it is time back on track. How realistic is this schools or not, is the time right to book emphasizes the imperative of see, I can breathe, and as we behaved responsibly and goal? If we were to pay heed to the raise the pay for the essential economic growth and welfare of much as it is not my habit, I can humbly resort to the simple acts of advices of Einstein and Kautilya, workers, do we impose the all. Chanakya, who was also the think. I don't feel my human prevention. Aussies are being then in the face of such a looming wearing of masks or not? Guru (revered teacher) of the rights have fled out the window warned to qua-rantine even if test- calamity, the focus must also be on Hopefully at a later (pray it be Mauryan Emperor Chandragrupta, with my dignity. I don't feel that ed negative. Articles abound in the maintaining the morale and en- rather sooner) stage, one of the taught him, amongst others, to the state has robbed me of indi media about how the virus is suring the financial stability of the decisions they would be debating observe and learn from others’ viduality. I feel as if I am doing changing and now, one is even people. is how to proceed with the vacci- mistakes. He also taught about the sensible thing to help fight unsure about the incubation peri- nation against Covid-19? disaster management (both natu- this coronavirus and the only od. People who tested negative How can this be done? This is something for all of us to seriously Leaders make decisions every- ral and man-made), elaborating regret is Victoria should have twice, have tested positive the 3rd ponder. day and the impact of those deci- ways to prevent disasters and the done it weeks ago.’ time. The worst cases are those Relationships Mauritius Times Tuesday, July 28, 2020 11 So each reproductive decision can be neither simple nor uniform, for we cannot Love: Is it just a fleeting be allowed to be guided by any single characteristic, let alone the same one. Universally attractive though tallness might be, if biology allowed us to select on height alone we would all have gigantism by now. high fuelled by brain chemicals? And if the decisions have to be complex, so must the neural apparatus that makes them possible. When it comes to love, science has not yet got it right. And Romantic attraction there's a wonderful reason why While this explains why romantic attraction must be complex, it doesn’t “I am head over heels in love but my explain why it can feel so instinctual and cynical friends keep telling me that love spontaneous – unlike the deliberative is nothing but a cocktail of pheromones, mode we reserve for our most important dopamine and oxytocin, and that these decisions. Wouldn’t a cool, detached wear off after a couple of years. The rationality be better? To see why it would thought scares me, it makes the whole not, consider what explicit reasoning is thing seem meaningless. Is love really there for in the first place. Evolving later just brain chemistry?” than our instincts, we need rationality only -- Jo, London to detach ourselves from the grounds for a Licence my roving hands, decision so that others can record, un- and let them go, derstand and apply it independently of us. Before, behind, between, above, below. But there is no need for anyone else to understand the grounds for our love, t is no accident that arguably the most indeed the last thing we want to do is pro- erotic line of English poetry is all vide others with a recipe to steal our object Iprepositions. The essence of love, at of desire. Equally, in ceding control to least of passionately romantic love, is recorded cultural practice, evolution would revealed in its very grammar. We fall in place too much “trust” in a capacity – col- love, not wander into it. And, as you say, lective rationality – that is, in evolutionary we fall head over heels, not dragging our terms, far too young. feet – often at first sight rather than on It is also a mistake to think of instinct as careful inspection. We fall in love madly, simple, and inferior to careful deliberation. blind to the other’s vices, not in rational That it is tacit makes it potentially more appraisal of their virtues. sophisticated than rational analysis, for it At its root, romantic love is sponta- brings into play a wider array of factors and makes the voles more restrained in to be captured by a mechanistic descrip- neous, overwhelming, irresistible, ballistic, than we could ever hold simultaneously in their emotional expressions. Conversely, tion. And that is extremely unlikely, as even if, over time, its branches take on our conscious minds. The truth of this inducing an excess of oxytocin in other, nature would resist it. Evolutionarily more complex hues. It is in control of us stares us in the face: think how much bet- non-monogamous vole species blunts speaking, love is ultimately about repro- more than we are ever in control of it. In ter we are at recognising a face compared their taste for sexual adventure. In duction. Consider what would happen to one sense a mystery, it is in another pure with describing it. Why should the recogni- humans, though, the effects are much less an organism whose sexual attraction ope- simplicity – its course, once engaged, pre- tion of love be any different? dramatic – a subtle change in the romantic rated through a very simple mechanism dictable and inevitable and its cultural preference for the familiar over the new. involving a string of critical molecules, or a Ultimately, if the neural mechanisms of expression more or less uniform across So oxytocin is far from proven to be essen- dozen or so vital neural nodes. love were simple, you should be able to time and space. The impulse to think of it induce it with an injection, to extinguish it tial to love. Its reproductive success would then be in terms of simple causes precedes with a scalpel while leaving everything else gated by the integrity of very few genetic science. Consider the arrow of Cupid, the Love’s letterbox? intact. The cold, hard logic of evolutionary potion of a sorcerer – love seems elemen- elements, with the potential to be knocked Of course, even if we could identify biology makes this impossible. Were love tal. out entirely by a mutation or two. A preda- such a substance, any message – chemi- not complicated, we would never have tor could evolve a poison that rendered its Yet love is not easily conquered by cal or otherwise – needs a recipient. So evolved in the first place. victim not just compliant, but positively science. Let us look at why. Sex where is the letterbox of love in the brain? amorous, only too happy to slide from a That said, love – like all our thoughts, pheromones, chemicals designed to And how is the identity of the “chosen one” petite mort to the real thing. Were some emotions and behaviours – rests on phy- broadcast reproductive availability to conveyed, given that no single molecule inanimate thing to contain the key mole- sical processes in the brain, a very com- others, are often quoted as key instru- could possibly encode it? cule in abundance, the entire species plex interplay of them. But to say that love ments of attraction. It is an appealing idea. When romantic love is examined with could become objectum sexuals, choosing is “just” brain chemistry is like saying But while pheromones play an important imaging of the brain, the areas that “light to play with it over sex with each other. Shakespeare is “just” words, Wagner “just” role in insect communication, there is very up” overlap with those supporting reward- This is almost the joke truffles play on wild notes and Michelangelo “just” calcium car- little evidence that they even exist in seeking and goal-oriented behaviour. But pigs, and it is telling that the animals are bonate – it just misses the point. Like art, humans. that parts of our brains are set ablaze by only temporarily diverted by it. love is more than the sum of its parts. If a chemical can signal attraction out- one thing does not tell us much if they are But the evolutionary vulnerability goes So those of us lucky to experience its side the body, why not inside it? The neu- just as excited by a very different, other deeper. Remember that sex is not primari- chaos should let ourselves be carried by ropeptide oxytocin, often inaccurately thing. And the observed patterns of roman- ly about the reproduction of the species, the waves. And if we end up wrecked on described as a “bonding hormone” and tic love are not that different from those of but about its optimisation, and not just in the surf-hidden rocks, we can draw com- known for its role in lactation and uterine maternal bonding, or even from the love of response to the world as it is now, but as it fort from knowing reason would have got contraction, is the leading candidate here. one’s favourite football team. So we can might be across the widest range of hypo- us no further. This has been extensively studied, mainly only conclude that neuroscience is yet to thetical futures. This requires that orga- in the prairie vole, whose monogamy and explain this “head over heels” emotion in nisms are diverse across their traits, as public displays of affection make it an ideal neural terms. much as selected for their fitness. Were it model animal. Parashkev Nachev, Professor of Do we simply need more experiments? not so, a sudden change in the environ- Blocking oxytocin disrupts the pair Yes, is usually the scientist’s answer, but ment could make a species go extinct Neurology, UCL bonding that is here a surrogate for love, here that assumes love is simple enough overnight. Notice Mauritius Times Tuesday, July 28, 2020 12

Echiquier politique L’alternative Ptr-MMM-PMSD se précise

* Suite de la page 3 Pétitions électorales La contestation des élections de 2019 dans certaines cir- conscriptions est une autre préoccupation chère aux partis d’opposition. Idéalement, les pétitions électorales auraient dû être débattues en Cour dans un délai raisonnable (30 jours), mais les tactiques dilatoires alléguées des défendeurs retar- dent les auditions en Cour depuis 9 mois. Ailleurs, en Afrique, notamment au Malawi, la Cour suprême s’est saisie des péti- tions électorales très vite après les dernières élections et a donné son verdict. Comme quoi nous avons à apprendre de nos pairs africains en matière de gouvernance. Scandales financiers Les scandales financiers se succèdent à un rythme effréné. Un scandale chasse l’autre. Il y a eu les pertes énormes chez SBM pour cause de créances douteuses (prêt non garanti accordé à un homme d’affaires indien). Air Mauritius a fait un crash financier avec ses lourdes dettes. Le Saint-Louis Gate a révélé des pratiques de corruption autour de l’allocation d’un contrat du CEB. La STC et le ministère du Commerce et celui de la Santé sont englués dans une con- troverse sur l’allocation de contrats d’approvisionnement en produits et équipements médicaux pour Rs 1,5 milliards sans appel d’offres. Dans tous ces cas, le Gouvernement refuse une commission d’enquête ou se cache derrière une préten- due enquête de l’ICAC pour refuser de répondre aux ques- tions au Parlement. Les coups d’éclat de l’ICAC avec les perquisitions et la saisie d’ordinateurs des parties incriminées n’impressionnent guère. Ethnicisation des enjeux Accablé par les critiques de l’opposition et les interroga- tions de la société civile au sujet des pratiques de mauvaise gouvernance, le régime essaie de faire peur par l’arrestation ou l’intimidation de ses détracteurs. En sus de ces tactiques, il y a un recours à une campagne de diversion fondée sur l’ethnicisation de certaines questions (le problème des squat- ters, la brutalité policière durant le confinement). Les attaques sectaires contre certains politiciens accusés de crime de lèse- majesté (“India-bashing” allégué concernant des médica- ments importés) ou de mentalité coloniale sont perfides. L’île Maurice se veut moderniste, mais des politiciens, vieux comme jeunes, ne peuvent s’empêcher d’invoquer l’épi- derme de leur adversaire dès qu’ils sont acculés. C’est dire combien la politique n’a pas changé en 50 ans d’indépen- dance. Certains restent prisonniers du carcan des préjugés hérités d’un autre âge. Les plus optimistes croient que la com- munalisation des enjeux est une tactique conjoncturelle (la fin justifiant les moyens) qui ne remettra pas en question l’équili- bre de la société, mais elle ouvre des plaies peu cicatrisées. Elle exploite des lignes de faille latentes dans une société multi-culturelle qui n’a pas besoin de fractures sociales en ces temps difficiles. Les quatre raisons données pour l’unification des forces de l’opposition reflètent sans doute les préoccupations fonda- mentales d’une grande partie de la population. Certains idéa- listes vont renvoyer dos à dos le régime et l’opposition parce qu’ils sont désabusés par un système politique incorrigible. Les cyniques diront que tous les politiciens sont pareils. A cha- cun son tour de manger, disent-ils. Etant donné les contraintes du système politique (mode d’élection par First Past The Post, financement occulte des partis, dominance des grands partis, appareil d’Etat au service du pouvoir, MBC propagandiste), une alliance de l’opposition n’est-elle pas la seule alternative valable à l’autoritarisme? Aditya Narayan Unwind Mauritius Times Tuesday, July 28, 2020 13 In a light vein onto her head so it wouldn't blow away. Khushwant Singh in the ICS Interview A gentleman approached the lady, and said: "Ma'am, hushwant Singh wrote that he Huge laughter around the table. I am sorry to bother you but the wind is blowing your Kgot 300 out of 300 in the ICS What a fantastic presence of mind ! dress up." interview in London, in the late 1930s. * * * The lady replied, "Sir, if I take my hands off of my hat, He had not done well in the first it will blow away." paper, so dropped in the second An Afghani, upon landing at Islamabad Airport, introduced himself "I understand, Ma'am, but you aren't wearing any paper, submitted a good essay and panties," replied the gentleman. appeared for the interview, just for the to a Pakistan Immigration Officer, as experience. ex-Minister of Ports & Shipping of The lady looked down then back up at the gentleman Afghanistan. and said, "Sir, anything you see down there is 55 years The first question was "Why are old. I bought this hat yesterday." you appearing for the ICS?" The surprised Pakistani officer asked: "But there is no sea in * * * Most candidates said that they Afghanistan. How can you be the ex- Wife: 'You always carry my photo in your wallet. were interested in administration or Minister of Ports & Shipping.?" that they wanted to serve the British Why?' government. The Afghani replied: "Wallah ya Hubby: 'When there is a problem, no matter how Habibi, don't you have a Minister for great, I look at your picture and the problem disappears.' Khushwant said: "I hear the salary Law & Justice in Pakistan?" is pretty good!" There was laughter Wife: 'You see how miraculous and powerful I am for around the table. * * * you?' The second question was: "We notice you are doing What is celibacy? Hubby: 'Yes! I see your picture and ask myself what Bar-at-law also; have you ever been to a British court of other problem can there be greater than this one?' justice?" Celibacy can be a choice in life, or a condition imposed by circumstances. * * * Khushwant: "Yes Sir, I have been to the Old Bailey." To illustrate; while attending a marriage weekend my A rat swallowed a diamond and the owner of the "And what did you see?" wife and I listened to the instructor declare, 'It is essential diamond contracted a man to kill the rat. "Sir I saw that cases which drag on for six months in that husbands and wives know the things that are When the rat hunter arrived to kill the rat there were India, are decided here in 40 minutes." important to each other.' more than a thousand rats bunched up all together and "So what is you conclusion?" He then addressed the men, 'Can you name and one sitting by itself away from the pack. describe your wife's favourite flower?' "Sir, I wonder how British lawyers make a living ?" He spotted and killed the one sitting by itself and to I leaned over, touched my wife's hand gently, and the owner's surprise, that was the exact one that had Another big laugh around the table. whispered, 'Self-raising, isn't it?' swallowed the diamond! The final question from Harold Laski: "How many And thus began my life of celibacy. The amazed diamond owner asked: "How did you guns salute is fired when the Viceroy's wife delivers a know it was that rat?" male child?" * * * He responded: "Very easy. When idiots get rich, they A 55-year-old lady was standing next to the railing on "I don't know how many guns salute is fired, but I don't mix with others!" know that the ADC is fired." a cruise ship. She was using both hands to hold her hat

Food for Thought slightest change in his balance: relatives or strangers; his Balancing weighing remained the same for everyone. When it was closing time of the shop, the ascetic asked, "What is your advice for me?" n ascetic was practising asceticism for years. He The shopkeeper said, "I am just an ordinary shop- Adid such extreme practices that his body almost keeper. I am not a learned man. I only know that just as dried out, it became like a dry tree. He stood so when both pans of a scale are equal there is a balance; in unmoving that birds built their nests in his hair and the same way, when there is parity between both sides of laid their eggs. He moved only when the eggs had the mind, anger and non-anger, love and hate, like and hatched, the baby birds came out and flew away so dislike, attachment and detachment, then an inner that birds may not suffer. He did not even go to beg balance is achieved. And in that moment samadhi for food and remained hungry for months. One day happens." great pride and ego germinated in him, he thought He said: "While balancing the scales, I have learnt to "Who is a greater ascetic than I am? Who is a greater balance myself. I have done no more than that. Birds have non-violent person than I am? I am the greatest." not built their nests in my hair; I have not been an ascetic. Suddenly, he heard the sound of laughter in the My whole secret is that by balancing the scales I have lonely forest. An invisible voice said, "Do not be so learned the art of balancing the Self. I have understood filled up with ego! If you want to see humility and nest in your hair and you did not move until they could fly that when there is perfect balance within, the ego disap- equanimity, go and learn from the shopkeeper known as away." pears. Balance creates a void, and in that void descends Tuladhar (one who holds the balance)." Hearing this, the ascetic was amazed. He thought, divinity. Balance is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, He could not understand: "Tuladhar, a shopkeeper? "This man certainly knows something; he is ahead of me. gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, And an ascetic should sit at his feet? The greatest ascetic And I cannot even see what art he has, what spiritual and quietly building new structures. known for his non-violence, mercy and compassion?" But discipline he has mastered." "You are a great scholar. You are learned; you are an then he went in search of Tuladhar. He sat down, but his ego was shattered. He began ascetic. Perhaps this may help you or it may not. I know The shopkeeper lived in Kashi,. The ascetic went to watching. People of different status came, they all spoke only this much, and this is what I can tell you: that even if meet him and could not believe it - that he was just an differently to the shopkeeper; some spoke nicely, some you are in the forest and your ego takes hold of you, then ordinary shopkeeper! Day and night, he was selling insulted him - it was a shop! But the shopkeeper you are back in the world. It is not a question of where you goods, holding his scales. When the ascetic arrived, the responded evenly and equally to all, neither with anger go and what you do. The question is what you are. shopkeeper did not even look at him. He asked him to sit nor with any emotion, neither in favour of someone nor Adaptation of an ancient story from Upanishads, titled down and said, "Do not be so proud that birds made their against. The ascetic went on watching. There was not the 'Merchant Tuladhar and Jajali' Wellness Mauritius Times Tuesday, July 28, 2020 14 Diet & Weight Management Essential Oils for Your Hair Best Foods for Boosting Energy See what jojoba, rosemary, and other Make your meals count: Go for oatmeal, beans, and these other eats oils can do for your hair and scalp, them don't gain weight or have other signs of bad plus how to use them health from them. That could be because the sing oils in your hair care is a hot trend, from products infused with fiber slows how your body Uessential oils to homemade coconut oil deep conditioners. takes them in and the But they're not new. For centuries, people have used oils for various "healthy" fats satisfy medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Now, you can find them in many hunger. shampoos, serums, and other hair care products. You can also use them to Coffee: It's where make your own hair care treatments. many of us get our Essential Oils and Carrier Oils morning caffeine jolt. And it works. It boosts your energy and keeps you more alert. Just don't overdo it. Caffeine can make you jittery and interfere with your sleep if oesn't all food boost energy? Yes, but in you have too much, you're not used to it, or you Ddifferent ways. Sugary drinks, candy, and have it late in the day. pastries put too much fuel (sugar) into your Tea: A simple cup of tea is a low-calorie way blood too quickly. The ensuing crash leaves to replace sugary sodas and soft drinks that can you tired and hungry again. "Complex carbs," spike and then crash your energy levels in the healthy fats, and protein take longer to digest, middle of the day. That switch makes you more satisfy your hunger, and provide a slow, steady likely to get the nutrients and fluids you need Essential oils are distilled from the plant itself. They have the signature stream of energy. Read on for more tips. each day, which can help keep you alert and scent of the plant they came from. And they're highly concentrated. For Oatmeal: It's a complex carbohydrate. That energized. Some teas have caffeine that can instance, it takes 220 pounds of lavender flowers to make a single pound of means it's full of fiber and nutrients. Oatmeal is give you a little boost, too. lavender oil. slower to digest and supplies energy evenly Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, straw- Carrier oils (such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, and olive oil) also instead of all at once. A bowl in the morning will berries: They're perfect if you want something come from plants, but they have a more neutral smell. And they're not keep you going for hours. sweet that doesn't have the calorie blast and necessarily distilled down like essential oils are. A single one has just 70 calories, and Eggs: "sugar crash" of a doughnut or candy bar. Here are the benefits of some essential and carrier oils: yet has 6 grams of protein. That provides fuel Berries also have antioxidants and other l Almond oil soothes and moisturizes the scalp. that gets released slowly. It also has more nutrients that help nourish and protect cells all nutrients per calorie than most other foods. over your body. l Cedarwood oil stimulates the scalp and promotes hair growth. That helps it satisfy hunger. As a result, you're Dark chocolate: If you just have to have l Chamomile oil adds shine and softness to hair, and soothes the scalp. more likely to skip that mid-morning doughnut candy, this is a good choice. It's lower in sugar l Clary sage oil promotes hair growth and stimulates the scalp. in the office break room that will spike your than candy bars and milk chocolate. It's also l Coconut oil softens hair and increases shine. blood sugar and crash your energy. been shown to improve mood and brain func- l Geranium oil strengthens hair. Chicken: Trimmed of skin, it's a great tion. Antioxidants in the cocoa can help protect source of lean protein. A piece of grilled cells, lower blood pressure, and improve blood l Jojoba oil moisturizes the hair, adds nutrients, and stimulates the scalp. chicken with some steamed or lightly dressed flow. This can keep you healthy and energized. l Lavender oil deep conditions the hair, keeps it shiny, and helps control greens makes a perfect light lunch that won't Dark chocolate does have fat, so check the dandruff. weigh you down and will fuel you steadily until label and keep portions small. l Moroccan argan oil moisturizes, nourishes, and provides antioxidants to dinner. And chicken has less of that unhealthy Water: When your body doesn't have hair. saturated fat than other meats like pork, beef, enough, you get tired. It also helps carry fuel and lamb. l Rosemary oil stimulates the roots, improves hair growth, and increases and nutrients to your cells and helps get rid of circulation in the scalp. Oysters: Besides being a good source of waste. People who drink more of it usually take l helps with dry ends, and adds fragrance to the hair. low-fat protein, they're loaded with zinc. That in less fat, sugar, salt, cholesterol, and total Sandalwood oil helps your body fight off germs that could run calories. That leaves more room for healthy How to Use Essential Oils for Your Hair you down and make you feel tired. Try them nutrients that keep you energized. It's especial- You only need a few drops of an essential oil. You can mix one or more raw with a squeeze of lemon when they're in ly important to drink up when you exercise. types in a shampoo or conditioner. Or mix the drops into 2 ounces of a season, or roast them in the oven or on the grill. Have 8 ounces before and after your workouts carrier oil. -- more if your circuit is longer than 30 minutes. Beans: They're a great source of protein, Be aware that if you put some essential oils directly to your scalp, they especially if you're vegetarian or vegan. Beans Foods for exercise: The best fuel for may cause irritation. Read label instructions for how to dilute oils, and never also have plenty of fiber to help slow digestion. exercise is carbohydrates, preferably "complex" use more than the recommended amount. They're rich in magnesium, too. That helps your ones like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If you're allergic to plants such as ragweed, test the oil on a small area of cells make energy. Healthy fats from fish, nuts, vegetable oils, and your skin or scalp to see if you have a reaction. Sardines: They're not for everyone, but avocados can help fuel endurance sports like sardines do provide high-quality animal protein long-distance running. Protein can help boost Try these combos: for steady energy. They also have loads of an immune system worn down by exercise. It l Cedarwood, clary sage, and lavender omega-3 "marine" fatty acids that help prevent can also repair muscle that tears naturally when l Jojoba, clary sage, and cedarwood heart disease. If they're just too fishy for you, try you strengthen it, like when you lift weights, for After you apply the oil mixture, cover your head in a towel or shower cap. salmon, tuna, or mackerel. example. You can wash out the treatment after 30 minutes, leave it on overnight It's those omega-3s again. WebMD Walnuts: and shampoo in the morning, or use some as a leave-in conditioner. See Walnuts have one in particular that your Reviewed by Kathleen what works best for your hair texture. body uses for energy. Though nuts are high in M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD calories, studies show that people who eat WebMD Entertainment Mauritius Times Tuesday, July 28, 2020 15 Bell Bottom: Lara Dutta to essay the character of THIS politician in Akshay Kumar-Vaani Kapoor starrer? Akshay Kumar and Vaani Kapoor's Bell Bottom is inspired by true events and is written by Aseem Arora and Pervez Shaikhand

he Khiladi of Bollywood Akshay Kumar will be among the first stars of B-Town Tto start the shoot after the lockdown as he will be flying to London along with the entire team of Bell Bottom. While Vaani Kapoor will be paired opposite Akki, the latest reports suggest that Lara Dutta will essay the character of for PM Indira Gandhi in the film. As per the PinkVilla report, a source close to the development said, "The film is set in the '80s with Akshay playing a special agent who helps solve one of the biggest conspiracies that shook the country. But there are three leading ladies in the film. Vaani Kapoor plays Akshay's wife and romantic interest in the film, whereas there's a special character that Lara Dutta will be seen essaying. Lara will play the role of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and has an extremely pivotal part to play in the entire narrative. The film is set in the times when Indira led the country and the makers wanted a good performer to step in for the role and they thought of Lara." he source further added, "They needed a different set up to shoot the film and Tthe producers have taken proper permission from the UK Government for shoot. The entire cast, including Vaani Kapoor, Huma Qureshi and Lara Dutta along with Akshay, Jackky Bhagnani (the producer) and Ranjit Tiwari (director) are expected to fly sometime in the next few weeks." The story of Bell Bottom is inspired by true events and is written by Aseem Arora and Pervez Shaikhand. It is touted to be a very high-end espionage thriller. Akshay Kumar will be portraying a never seen before avatar and the makers are riding high on the content.

Janhvi Kapoor on facing casual sexism in Bollywood: Everyone has an opinion on how you look Janhvi Kapoor will be next seen in oney Kapoor and Sridevi's daughter Janhvi Kapoor, who made her BBollywood debut with Dhadak, recently opened about facing sexual racism Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, which in Bollywood. Talking to Filmfare, she said, “A lot of times in meetings and in will release on Netflix. The film is based on narrations, when we have a male co-actor present, the director or the writer the life of Gunjan Saxena, who is the first while narrating the scene make more eye-contact with the guy than with you. And in my head I am like yeah maybe it’s because he has a longer role or woman IAF combat pilot, who played a maybe the scene is like that. But then I realized that maybe it’s just some sort very important role during the Kargil of subliminal conditioning that is making them do that. There is a lot of atten- tion that is paid to how we look and how we're presented. We are very quickly War in 1999. She was also awar- judged by our appearance, what we are wearing. Even on social media some- ded with Shaurya Chakra for times when I go through the comments, the kind of comments a girl gets for wearing her bravery. what she wants to wear is extreme. And the kind of comments I get for going to the gym in a certain outfit... You can’t question someone’s character based on what they are wearing, you can’t call names, pass judgments. But all that is happening." The Roohi-Afza actress added, "People feel that it might be okay to say a few things that might be demeaning, every- one has an opinion on how you look. I don’t know if this would matter so much for a guy who is part of the industry, but as a woman, if you are not meeting a certain standard then everyone has the right to say something.” On the work front, Janhvi Kapoor will be next seen in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, which will release on Netflix. Apart from Janhvi Kapoor, the film also features Pankaj Tripathi in a key role, who plays the actress' father in the film. The film is based on the life of Gunjan Saxena, who is the first woman IAF combat pilot, who played a very important role during the Kargil War in 1999. She was also awarded with Shaurya Chakra for her bravery. Entertainment Mauritius Times Tuesday, July 28, 2020 16 It is important to see our work and learn from it: Nirvana Sawhney irvana Sawhney who essays the role of experience." NRhea in Zee TV's Bin Kuch Kahe, pro- Also shooting away from Mumbai in duced by Rajshree Ojha and Ram Kamal Jaipur brings in a lot of 'actor bonding' on the Mukherjee, is happy to be featuring in the set. "At different points in the show, we have show that showcases the close bonding been shooting closely with certain actors. I between sisters, she says in a conversation have had lot of scenes with Shamata to Tellychakkar. (Aanchan) and we used to enjoy time For Nirvana, this is her first outing as an together. The same rapport has been built actor on TV. However, the highly talented girl with our onscreen mother, as I share the has had oodles of acting experience in make-up room with her." theatre. Having been involved in many plays Adding on to the camaraderie that exists from her college days in Delhi, Nirvana between actors and people in the crew, bagged her first TV role out of sheer luck. Nirvana states, "The entire cast of Bin Kuch Says Nirvana, "I was not even in India Kahe bonds well over food and tea. when Bin Kuch Kahe was offered to me. I Whenever we have time off, we used to was in New York when someone told me of move out for a quick dinner. At times the auditions happening for the show. I then got entire gang used to go, and there were also in touch with them and sent my video from times when only the girls would go out. Also, New York. I also gave my look test from New the camera crew has been very friendly." made sure to look as realistic as possible in my York, and that was when I got shortlisted. The makers Ask Nirvana about her future plans and she sees it as character." wanted to have a final look test with me in person and that a daunting question and immediately says, "I want to take was when I flew down. The moment The biggest challenge for Nirvana is to keep going with one step at a time. Even if I plan something, it is not producer Rajshree Maam saw me, she said that she has the same character for months. "It has been seven necessary that it will turn out the way I want it to. So it is got her Rhea. I felt happy bagging the role." months now, since we started to shoot. And to hold on to crucial to take in the fact that we have worked for so long, Nirvana plays a musician in the show, and has made the characteristics of the character for so long is indeed a and it is also important to see our work and learn from it. sure that she looks the character she plays. "I have had task. Since Bin Kuch Kahe is a finite series, we have I do not want to pressurize myself for the next step. As of scenes playing various musical instruments, and I have been shooting for it with very little breaks. And it is a now, my focus is on the show and I will take it as it always seen to it that I do not appear to be faking it. I have challenge to stay on all the time. This has been a learning comes." ‘Saat Phere' fame Rajashree Thakur Ankit Bhatia and Myra Singh join Vaidya returns to TV with Shashi and the cast of ‘Sunny Winters' Sumeet Mittal's next Jaiwanta Bai Songara in 'Bharat Ka Veer Putra - Maharana Pratap'. Talking about her comeback to Times of India, she says, "I took a break after 'Maharana Pratap' to embrace motherhood. Once I made up my mind to return to TV, I wanted to be back with something that I hadn't attempted before. I was either get- ting the typical mother roles or offers from mythological and histori- fter a three-month forced break owing cal shows. So, I waited for something Ato the lockdown in the wake of the exciting to come my way. This show is all ringing yet another promising show to the audience, ULLU app is set to present coronavirus pandemic, things are finally about giving life a second chance and it's BSunny Winters, an entertainer that is set to take you on a roller coaster of emotions. looking up for the television industry. From really interesting. This is a complete The show, which explores various emotions and relationships, is set on the premises of today, fresh content is being aired on TV breakaway from what I have done so far a boy and his unconventional ambition. What makes the show all the more exciting is shows. But that's not it! Some makers are on TV. We haven't seen such a subject the cast of the show. working on new shows as well. One such and story on the small screen in a long Actor Ankit Bhatia, who is best known from his role in the hit series Akbar will be seen producer-duo is Shashi and Sumeet Mittal, time. It's the storyline and the graph of my in the leading role. His role of an ambitious boy, whose career choices put in him a who currently have 'Shubharambh' and character that prompted me to take it up." 'Barrister Babu' on air. While they are all forever state of chaos, will tickle your funny bone and make you adore him too. The actress is returning to acting at a set to launch a third show, titled 'Tera Yaar Joining Ankit as the female lead will be actor Myra Singh, who is known for her work time when the industry has just started Hoon Main', which stars Ssudeep Sahir in Punjabi film Adub Muttiyaaran. She plays a sweet, yet confused girl from Delhi, whose taking baby steps following a three-month and Rajendra Chawla, work on a fourth life revolves around learning a particular skill. shutdown. She shares, "I am excited about project is on in full swing. returning to work after a long gap. Talking about the show, Vibhu Aggarwal, CEO, ULLU, says, "Sunny Winters is a story Now, we have an update on the cast of However, I wish my comeback hadn't which brings forth very different perspectives on youngster's career choices. It's the show. It will mark the comeback of coincided with such grim times. I hope that entertaining and doesn't have a single dull moment. I am sure everyone will enjoy this Rajashree Thakur Vaidya of 'Saat Phere: I bring a smile to everyone's face and show." Saloni Ka Safar' after almost five years. people shower me with their love all over Other cast members include Prem Nath Gulati, Manoj Bakshi and Mayur Kumar. The actress was last seen as Maharani again." Sunny Winters will be released on ULLU app tomorrow. Watch’s On Mauritius Times Tuesday, July 28, 2020 17

Mardi 28 juillet - 21.10 Brush With Danger

Star: Ken Zheng, Livi Zheng, Nikita Breznikov MBC 1 MBC 2 MBC 3 Cine 12 Bollywood TV 07.00 Local: Encounter 10.00 Serial: CID 06.00 Mag: Eco@Africa 01.31 Film: The Rivere Murders 08.00 Film: Mera Haque 09.15 Local: Rodrig Prog 11.44 Serial: Ye Vaada Raha 06.44 Mag: World Stories 02.55 Serial: Chicago Med 12.04 / 19.54 - 10.00 Local: Fam Model 12.04 Film: Betaabi 07.00 Mag: Voa Connect 03.35 Film: Flower Shop Mystery Kahan Hum Kahan Tuam 10.15 Local: Rodrig Mo Pei Starring: Chandrachur Singh, 07.29 Doc: A Question Of Science 05.13 Tele: Totalement Diva 12.26 / 20.11 - 12.00 Le Journal Arshad Warsi, Anjala Zaveri 07.30 Mag: In Good Shape 06.45 Film: Victor Et Le Manoir... Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala 12.25 Local Prod: People 14.26 DDI Magazine 09.00 Doc: 360 GEO 09.00 Serial: NCIS 12.38 / 20.32 Radha Krishna 12.35 Doc: Comme Un Poisson... 15.00 Mag: Strictly Street 10.22 Mag: Made In Germany 09.45 Tele: Au Nom De L’Amour 13.09 / 21.09 - Bin Kuch Kahe 14.00 Local: Sur Prise 15.21 Serial: Honaar Soon Mee... 11.33 Mag: Eco@Africa 10.35 Serial: Chicago Med 13.31 / 21.24 - Zindagi Ki Mehek 14.30 D.Anime: Kid-E-Cats 15.48 Serial: Mooga Manasulu 11.59 Mag: Urban Gardens 11.25 Tele: Dulce Amor 13.56 / 21.46 - 14.46 D.Anime: Le Quiz De Zack 16.15 Serial: Apoorva Raagangal 12.02 Mag: Sur Mesure 12.00 Film: Flower Shop Mystery Bade Acche Lagte Hai 14.45 D.Anime: Le Quiz De Zack 16.41 Mehandi Tohra Naam Ke 12.27 Mag: Voa Connect 13.30 Tele: Totalement Diva 14.20 / 21.59 - Chhanchhan 15.03 D.Anime: MIA 17.05 Ki Jaana Mein Kaun 13.04 Mag: In Good Shape 14.45 Film: Victor Et Le Manoir... 14.28 / 22.25 - Bin Kuch Kahe 15.58 D.Anime: Sissi 17.30 Serial: Gangaa 14.25 Doc: 360 GEO 16.40 Serial: NCIS 15.09 Film: Ghar Ghar Ki 17.31 Serial: You and Me 18.00 Serial: Dr. Quin 15.18 Mag: Global 3000 17.20 Serial: Shades Of Blue Kahani 18.00 Live: Samachar 18.30 Serial: Premabhishekam 16.15 Daughters Of Karakorum 18.07 Tele: Au Nom De L’amour Starring: Rishi Kapoor, Jaya 18.30 Serial: Jamai Raja 19.30 DDI Magazine 16.57 Mag: Eco@Africa 19.10 Tele: Dulce Amor Prada, Govinda 19.30 Journal & La Meteo 20.00 Magazine 17.40 Mag: World Stories 20.05 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir 18.00 Live: Samacher 20.00 Local: Priorite Sante 20.30 Film: IsaI 18.23 Mag: Urban Gardens 20.30 Serial: Shades Of Blue 18.30 Kumkum Bhagya mardi 28 juillet 21.10 Film: Brush With Danger Starring: S. J. Surya, 18.30 Live: News 21.15 Film: Flower Shop Mystery 18.51 Piya Albela 22.35 Serial: The Blacklist Sathyaraj, Sulagna 18.44 Mag: Shift 22.45 Tele: Totalement Diva 19.13 Mere Angne Mein 23.21 Le Journal 23.29 DDI Live 19.00 Student Support Prog... 19.33 Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai

06.30 Local: Ecriture Mauricienne 10.00 Pyar Ka Dard Meetha... 06.00 Mag: Rev: The Global 01.28 Film: Flowewr Shop Mystery 08.00 Film: Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani 07.25 Local: Priorite Sante 11.17 Suhani Ek Ladhi 06.26 Mag: Urban Gardens 03.31 Film: Bite The Bullet 12.04 / 19.54 - 08.55 Local: Lavi Zoli An XXL 12.00 Film: Ghulami 06.55 Mag: Check In 05.35 Tele: Totalement Diva Kahan Hum Kahan Tuam 12.00 Le Journal Stars: Dharmendra, Mithun 07.54 Doc: Horizon 06.24 Serial: Shades Of Blue 12.26 / 20.11 - Mercredi 29 juillet - 21.10 12.25 Local: Autour Des Valeurs Chakraborty, Naseeruddin 08.43 Doc: World Stamps 07.06 Film: Brush With Danger Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala 12.30 Doc: Les Porteurs D’espoir Shah, Reena Roy, Smita 08.53 Aloha-The Spirit Of Hawai 09.00 Serial: NCIS 12.47 / 20.32 Radha Krishna 14.00 Local: Priorite Sante Patil 09.36 Mag: Close Up 09.45 Tele: Au Nom De L’amour 13.09 / 21.09 - Bin Kuch Kahe Cross 14.30 D.Anime: Nos Voisins Les... 14.13 DDI Magazine 10.04 Local: Klip Seleksion 10.31 Serial: Chicago Med 13.31 / 21.24 - Zindagi Ki Mehek 14.41 D.Anime: Le Quiz De Zack 15.00 Mag: Strictly Street 13.01 Doc: A Question Of Science 11.11 Tele: Dulce Amor 13.56 / 21.46 - 14.45 D.Anime: Chuck’s Choice 15.23 Honaar Soon Mee Hya 14.23 Aloha-The Spirit Of Hawai 11.54 Film: Bite The Bullet Bade Acche Lagte Hai 15.01 D.Anime: Vitaminix Gharchi 14.59 Local: Klip Seleksion 13.41 Tele: Totalement Diva 14.20 / 21.59 - Chhanchhan 15.03 D.Anime: MIA 15.50 Mooga Manasulu 16.28 Mag: Rev: The Global Auto.. 14.45 Film: Brush With Danger 14.36 / 22.25 - Bitti Business 16.03 D.Anime: Sissi 16.40 Mehandi Tohra Naam Ke 16.22 Doc: Chicago 16.13 Mag: Hollywood News Feed 15.09 Film: Waqt 16.36 D.Anime: Delilah Et Julius 17.30 Serial: Gangaa 17.04 Magazine: REV 16.39 Serial: Mission: Impossible Starring: Akshay Kumar, 17.30 Serial: You And Me 17.30 Serial: Ki Jaana Mein Kaun 17.33 Doc: Builders Of The Future 17.22 Serial: Shades Of Blue Amitabh Bachchan, Priyanka 18.00 Live: Samachar 18.00 Serial: Dr. Quin 18.30 Local Prod: News 18.12 Tele: Au Nom De L’amour Chopra 18.30 Serial: Jamai Raja 18.30 Serial: Kulvadhu 19.06 Open Univ: Student Support 19.00 Tele: Dulce Amor 17.35 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein 19.30 Journal & La Meteo 19.30 DDI Magazine 20.02 Doc: Trajectory 20.05 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir 18.00 Live: Samacher 20.00 Prod: Lottotech 20.00 Programme In Marathi 20.32 Doc: The World From Above 20.30 Tele: Esmeraldas 18.30 Kumkum Bhagya mercredi 29 juillet 21.10 Film: Cross 21.00 Film: Hero The Great 20.58 Doc: Master Of Engineering 21.15 Film: Meurtre à Hollywood 18.51 Piya Albela 22.50 Serial: The Blacklist Chinese Film 21.53 Mag: Initiative Africa 22.57 Tele: Totalement Diva 19.13 Mere Angne Mein 23.35 Local: Le Journal 22.30 DDI Live 22.18 Mag: Focus On Europe 23.49 Serial: NCIS

06.00 Klip Seleksion 10.00 Karm Phal Data Shani 06.00 Mag: Motorweek 00.50 Film: Meurtre à Hollywood 08.00 Film: Waqt 07.00 Local: Arsiv MBC 12.05 Film: Bhanwar 06.25 Mag: Urban Gardens 02.36 Serial: Chicago Med 12.04 / 19.54 - 09.00 Local: Memwar Dan Ros Starring: Ashok Kumar, Randhir 07.31 Doc: Garden Party 03.17 Film: The Walk Kahan Hum Kahan Tuam 09.30 Local: Itinerer Rodrig Kapoor, Parveen Babi 08.53 Doc: World Stamps 05.15 Tele: Totalement Diva 12.26 / 20.11 - 12.00 Le Journal 14.19 DDI Magazine 10.38 Doc: Curse Of The Pacific 06.06 Tele: Esmeraldas Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala 12.35 Doc: Visite Guidee 15.00 Mag: Strictly Street 11.20 Mag: Motorweek 06.38 Film: The Karate Kid 2 12.47 / 20.32 Radha Krishna 14.30 D.Anime: Kid-E-Cats 15.23 Honaar Soon Mee Hya 11.51 Doc: Olivia’s Garden 09.00 Serial: NCIS 13.09 / 21.09 - Bin Kuch Kahe 14.46 D.Anime: Le Quiz De Zack Gharchi 14.18 Doc: World Stamps 09.42 Tele: Au Nom De L’amour 13.31 / 21.24 - Zindagi Ki Mehek 14.59 D.Anime: MIA 15.47 Mooga Manasulu 16.07 Mag: Motorweek 10.35 Serial: The Good Doctor 13.56 / 21.46 - 15.10 D.Anime: Teenie Weenies 16.15 Apoorva Raagangal 16.59 Mag: Arts.21 11.25 Tele: Dulce Amor Bade Acche Lagte Hai 15.35 D.Anime: Les Enquêtes De... 16.40 Mehandi Tohra Naam Ke 18.24 Mag: Urban Gardens 11.44 Film: The Walk 14.20 / 21.59 - Chhanchhan 15.51 D.Anime: Kid-E-Cats 17.30 Gangaa 18.30 Live: News 13.40 Tele: Totalement Diva 14.36 / 22.25 - Bitti Business 16.06 D.Anime: Fils De Wouf 18.00 Serial: Dr. Quin 19.05 Open Univ: Student Support 14.30 Film: The Karate Kid 2 15.09 Film: Kudrat Jeudi 30 juillet - 21.15 16.32 D.Anime: Delialh Et Julius 18.30 Serial: Ghar Pahucha Da 19.34 Mag: Tomorrow Today 16.44 Serial: NCIS Starring: Urmila Matondkar, 17.30 Serial: You And Me Devi Maiya 20.05 Doc: Comme Un Poisson... 17.26 Tele: Esmeraldas Akshaye Khanna, Aruna Irani Avec Ice Cube, Kevin Hart 18.00 Live: Samachar 20.00 Local: Bhajan Sandhya 21.03 Doc: 360 Geo 18.11 Tele: Au Nom De L’amour 17.05 Yeh Hai Mohabbatein 18.30 Jamai Raja 20.30 Film: Setters 21.55 Mag: Strictly Street 19.00 Tele: Dulce Amor 18.00 Live: Samacher jeudi 30 juillet 19.30 Le Journal Starring: Shreyas Talpade, 22.19 Doc: The DC 3 Story 20.05 Tele: Le Prix Du Désir 18.30 Kumkum Bhagya 20.06 Film: Setters Aftab Shivdasani, Sonnalli 23.05 Mag: Eco India 20.30 Serial: Esmeraldas 18.51 Piya Albela 22.15 Serial: The Blacklist Seygall 23.27 Mag: Urban Gardens 21.15 Film: Mise A L’Epreuve 2 19.13 Mere Angne Mein 23.05 Le Journal 22.27 DDI Live 23.38 Mag: Sur Mesure 22.53 Tele: Totalement Diva

Mercredi 29 juillet Stars: Akshay Kumar, Amitabh Jeudi 30 juillet - Stars: Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, - 15.09 Bachchan, Priyanka 20.06 Sonnalli Seygall Carnet Hebdo Mauritius Times Tuesday, July 28, 2020 18

Tree of Knowledge

Winter of Daily Struggles Madisyn Taylor materialize. 'Locaphilia' is the buzzword which sets in motion all creative energy to keep the economy afloat. Local tourism can Making Life be promoted on national television and radio not only in hotels and guest houses but also in pensioners' resorts once they are no Work for You longer used as Covid-19 quarantine centres. Nita Chicooree-Mercier Other countries are asking their population to unning your life and your spend locally, why not here? Rhousehold is a bit like running a business, for which oday's youngsters are having a Pensioner couples earning more than some things can easily be taste of the tropical winter of 18000 rupees and having no unemployed T delegated. yesteryears which marked a real adult sons and daughters to look after can be seasonal change hardly two requested to spend in hotels around the Sometimes we have so decades ago. Ever since, due to coast or travel to Rodrigues. Government many varying responsibilities in climate change effects, summer should not hesitate to make an appeal to the our lives, ranging from work obli- overstayed till May to our great patriotic spirit of citizens. High-end income gations to caring for children to dismay, putting folks in the com- earners may be invited to forget plans for running a household, we feel we plaining mode of the damn heat future winter holidays in Lapland or winter cannot possibly make it all work. draining our energy all day long resorts in Switzerland and the Mont Blanc We may feel overwhelmed in the and hardly giving us a respite at and invest in the tourism sector locally. face of it all, ending each day night. Following the long summer, feeling hopelessly behind Upper middle-class in the Civil Service the much expected sweetness of schedule. However, regardless enjoying job guarantee and well-paid April, reminiscent of Keats' An Ode of how frustrating this can be, employees and executives in private compa- to April, went almost unnoticed so these are the parameters that nies can help in a myriad of ways and short did it last. make up our lives, and we owe it give jobs to the desperate new class of to ourselves to find a way to The last time streets were unemployed: make it work. Rather than swathed in fog and early morning - Refurbishing their houses, asking buckling under the pressure of workers donned woollen caps and If the well-off feel like giving a special lunch or youngsters to sell away superfluous an impossible to-do list, we sweaters for a day's work in the dinner to relatives and friends, why not let " furniture, kitchenware, tools, clothes, etc., might take a moment to view the north was in 2016, so it seems. others do so for you? Loads of women have been on social networks and give them a larger perspective. Super cold in Curepipe, said learning culinary skills inspired by local tradition percentage on the sale. They are very Like the president of a large folks pouring out of a bus at Mont and foreign trendy food habits. A good idea to ask good at it, and it helps get rid of cumber organization, we must first Choisy, a pensioners' day out for a some stuff in the house. Order local realize that we cannot do every mild sunny day in the north. private cooks to put up a nice menu on Saturdays furniture, wardrobes, beds if need be, job ourselves. The first step to Cardigans over their sarees and and Sundays, which foreign expat guests also may modern style mirrors etc; sanity is learning how to blouses, caps, scarves and all. Lest appreciate…" Photo - yummychooeats.files.wordpress.com delegate some of the responsi- we forget, pullovers, sweaters, - Change curtains and cushions, buy new bility to other people, whether by caps, baby clothes and even socks material and have new ones made; governments around the world. paying someone to clean our used to be handmade in wool or cotton by our - Clean up yards; create a zen atmosphere Unprecedented situation calls for excep- house or trading childcare duties mothers. with ponds, plants and fishes. Buy tional measures. In times of normalcy, it is not with another parent. In addition, Should we welcome the relatively cold different plants and give a new look to the government's job to feed all the needy, gardens and backyards; we might find places where we weather? Sure, yes. Why? Not only for act like mother and father to whiners of all can shift our expectations in physical comfort because it keeps us fit for hues - who are given ample space and time - Have small stores built in local style with ways that make our lives easier. longer hours, but it also creates the right in the media - and run to the rescue of any corrugated iron rooftops and wrought iron For example, expecting our- conditions for hard work. Hard work does not sinking boat in a country. Yet, this is what it is gates; selves to create a healthy home- mean toiling and slaving for peanuts all day doing like other governments to avoid a - Allow street art young artists to draw and cooked meal every night after a long to satisfy the greed of stingy employers. disastrous economic situation. Otherwise, in paint on the walls of shops for a fee. full day of work, errands, or It implies giving the best of oneself, acquiring normal times, we'd rather be wary of the - Not many weddings taking place these caring for an infant or toddler new skills, exploring unbeaten tracks and French Dom-Tom style of putting down days; the service of cooks, bhandaris can may be a bit excessive. We developing one's full potential over the years. problems at the doorstep of the State, name- be resorted to for special ceremonies, might allow ourselves to order in Right conditions and a decent salary in ly for patronizing Mother France to solve. kathas, etc. This is what you think of when food once in a while without any the private sector are prerequisites for a deep guilt. Accepting the adjustments Over the decades mimicry of RFO they hand their business cards to you; commitment to work, and derive satisfaction needed to make our lives work is Reunion, now Radio and Tele Reunion, to - And if the well-off feel like giving a from positive results in a win-win bid to an essential ingredient to being give it a semblance of autonomy, has gained special lunch or dinner to relatives and enhance skills and promote employers' at peace with our situation. ground in this country too with anchors interests as well. Hard work in every field is friends, why not let others do so for you? importing from adulterated creolized forms of At the end of the day, we the gateway to success, and success is a Loads of women have been learning politeness to the habit of erecting a Wailing must come to terms with positive gain which enhances self-esteem at culinary skills inspired by local tradition Wall for every issue. Now with two French and foreign trendy food habits. A good changing what we can and a personal level and contributes to collective accepting what we cannot wealth on a broader scale. channels which target every country where idea to ask private cooks to put up a nice French language has made headway, there menu on Saturdays and Sundays, which change. Sometimes the laundry Why should we remember the value of is no scarcity of navel-gazing and permanent foreign expat guests also may appreciate. piles up, a sick child demands hard work? Over the last decade, laziness political campaign and high adrenaline Instead of rushing around with prepara- more of our attention than usual, and the will to do little, or make quick bucks debates on hypothetical future power play. tions and all, you just relax and supervise and we temporarily get behind out of shady activities and spill out money in the organization; with our schedule. Accepting this reckless superfluous spending has been the While we leave it to political politicking to momentary state of affairs and trend. Quite a paradox to talk about hard air a winter of noisy discontent wherever it - There should also be no reluctance trusting in our ability to get back work when the job market has been put on can, we might as well pick up the suggestions in asking foreign residents to participate in on track when the time is right, stand-by and workers made redundant. put forward in this column last week. saving jobs in a myriad of ways. we gracefully accept our life as it Everyone is fully aware that the present Lots of people are going through extreme The point is that those who are financially is, letting go of perfectionism situation is not of the government's making, hardships while waiting for state aid to come comfortable should make efforts to give work and embracing life as it stands. neither is it to be pinned on the back of in, which might take two months to to their compatriots as much as possible.