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Vol.8 No. 48 April 9-15, 2016 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Thousands at Trump's Long Island rally Bethpage, NY: With New York now the focus of all the 2016 presidential candidates, Donald Trump headed to Long Island Wednesday evening to rally his supporters in his home state. Almost 10000 people supporters showed up at the cavernous Grumman Studios in Bethpage at the rally. The crowd cheered as Trump raised Pakistan has ruled out NIA visit to probe Pathankot attack (Photo: PTI) his voice triumphantly. “Weʼre going to start winning again, folks,” Trump said. “Going to happen. Going to hap‑ pen. Going to happen.” He added: “Weʼre going to rebuild our mili‑ Pakistan envoy tary… nobody is going to mess with us! Weʼre going to knock the hell out of ISIS.” But nothing got the crowd going says talks with more than the candidateʼs words on immigration. “We are going to have a strong border. We are going to build Donald Trump arrived at a rally on Wednesday in Bethpage, New the wall,” Trump said. Indeed, “build India suspended, York, as a conquering hometown hero (Image courtesy: slate.com) Continued on page 4 Panama Papers leak Sant Rajinder Singh to divulge global web of no NIA visit visit NJ and Long Island corruption, tax avoidance New Delhi: Pakistan High peace process is suspended. Commissioner Abdul Basit on "India is not ready as yet," Basit Panama City: Thanks to a massive New York: Renowned spiritual Thursday said bilateral talks said, but quickly added that "we 2.6‑terabyte leak of confidential Master, Sant Rajinder Singh Ji between India and Pakistan were can only resolve issues through papers to the Maharaj, head of "suspended" and that there was no dialogue." International Science of Spirituality, will be in question of allowing an NIA team Basit also ruled out a reciprocal Consortium of the New Jersey and Long Island to visit Islamabad for the visit by the National Investigation Investigative area to offer a series of talks. Pathankot probe. Agency (NIA) to Pakistan to probe Journalists On Thursday April 28, 7pm, he However, the Ministry of the Pathankot attack. from a will speak at the Edison Hotel, External Affairs cited the Pakistan "The investigation (into the Panamanian 3050 Woodbridge Avenue, foreign ministry spokesperson Pathankot attack) is not about rec‑ law firm Mossack Fonseca the Edison, NJ. His talk “Discover saying that both sides were in con‑ iprocity," he said. world has woken up to the global Calm and Peace Within You” will tact with each other over foreign Swarup in his statement cited web of corruption and tax avoid‑ be simultaneously translated into secretary level talks. MEA the Pakistan Foreign Ministry ance and trained the spotlight on Spanish. spokesperson Vikas Swarup said spokesperson in Islamabad as say‑ Spiritual master Sant Rajinder this little country long regarded as On May 1, at 2pm, his talk, the visit of the National ing that both sides were "in con‑ Singh Ji Maharajʼs talk will a safe tax haven for the rich. “Meditation to Access Spiritual Investigation Agency team to tact with each other" over the for‑ be at Long Island Meditation So far, the scandal has brought Realms,” will be at the Science of Pakistan was on the basis of reci‑ eign secretary level talks. Center on May 1st. down the leader of Iceland and Spirituality Meditation Center, 79 procity, previously agreed upon. The Pakistani spokesperson said: raised questions about the deal‑ County Line Road, Amityville, NY. the same story of how much easi‑ Asked at the Foreign "...It has been reiterated from both ings of the presidents of Argentina It will also have a Spanish trans‑ er it is to meditate in Sant Correspondents Club here about a sides that modalities are being and Ukraine, senior Chinese lation. People are expected to Rajinder Singh Ji Maharajʼs pres‑ meeting between the foreign sec‑ worked out. I will again state that Continued on page 4 travel to the Amityville Center ence and how uplifted and peace‑ retaries of the two countries, Basit negotiations are the best means to from all over the world. When ful they feel. The Amityville Also read our detailed said: "There is no meeting sched‑ resolve the issues." He added that you ask them why, they all tell Continued on page 4 coverage from >> Page 8‑12) uled for now. I think at present the Continued on page 4

FASHION 15 TRAVEL 18 SPORTS 25 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 30 excellence in journalism TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 9-15, 2016 TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY April 9-15, 2016 3 Ban tells Indian Army chief he admires Indian peacekeepers United Nations: UN Secretary General Ban Ki‑ moon met Army Chief Dalbir Singh here Monday and expressed his admira‑ tion for the Indian peace‑ Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos and others at the IALI event keepers' commitment and discipline. Singh assured Ban of MARAGOS URGES MINORITY Indian peacekeepers'com‑ mitment to the UN mission and said they would con‑ tinue to receive the highest FIRMS TO AVAIL COUNTY UN Secretary General Ban Ki‑moon with quality of training for UN General Dalbir Singh, the Indian Chief of deployment. They would be Army Staff, April 4, at the UN headquarters BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES held to the utmost stan‑ in New York. (Photo: United Nations/IANS) dards of discipline and the Mineola, NY: On April 3rd MWBEs as contractors and Comptroller Maragos said. Indian Army totally adhered to Akbaruddin at their meeting that Nassau County Comptroller subcontractors on County con‑ “Any minority and woman Ban's zero tolerance policy on sex‑ he appreciated India's strong sup‑ George Maragos engaged local tracts. Comptroller Maragos owned enterprise in Nassau ual exploitation abuse, he added. port for the peacekeeping opera‑ business and community lead‑ also answered a variety of County that is not participat‑ While the peacekeeping opera‑ tions. India currently has 7,695 ers in a lively discussion on questions about the business ing in these programs may be tions have been marred by scan‑ troops serving under the UN's Minority and Women‑owned environment in Hicksville and losing out on millions in new dals of sexual abuse by UN and blue flag and historically has been Business Enterprises (MWBE) Nassau County. The India business.” Attendees included other troops on missions, Indian the largest contributor of person‑ and doing business with Association of Long Island IALI President Beena Kothari, peacekeepers received a clean nel, having sent 180,000 troops Nassau County. (IALI) hosted the event in honorees Dilli Raj Bhatta, Esq. chit in the first comprehensive to 48 missions. Maragos and Sergio Blanco Hicksville. and Hicksville Chamber of report last month on sexual Last September Prime Minister of the Comptrollerʼs Office “My office is dedicated to Commerce President Lionel exploitation and abuse by UN per‑ Narendra Modi offered to provide described the Comptrollerʼs promoting opportunities for Chitty, and many members of sonnel. 850 more troops and three police initiatives to increase by 100% MWBEs to participate in the IALI and Hicksville communi‑ Ban told Singh and India's units with a high proportion of business opportunities to County contract awards,” ties. Permanent Representative Syed women for UN operations. Ekal Vidyalaya and Consulate host 'Beti Bacho - Beti Padhao' event

New York: On March 24, Ekal a visit to a rural area a girl asked Services, highlighted the impor‑ Vidyalaya Foundation and the her, “what can I do in my village tance of having a supportive fami‑ Indian Consulate jointly celebrat‑ what you have done out ly who, regardless of gender, ed ʻInternational Women's monthʼ there?”According to her, the ques‑ value building their childrenʼs focusing on Women's tion has dogged her ever since career more rather than acquiring Empowerment through education. while she is working at Ekal. She material assets. The event also provided the first informed that Ekal puts special There was a consensus that opportunity for newly appointed emphasis on educating girls and when a woman is educated, she Consulate General Riva Ganguly making them self‑reliant though educates her entire family. The Das to interact with the diverse various skills‑training in rural‑ ensuing discussion highlighted Indian community for vibrant tribal areas. the relevance of good health for Ranjani Saigal, of Ekal Vidyalaya, Dr. Urmilesh Arya, Dr. Sunita Saini and exchange of ideas. In her welcome Dr. Urmilesh Arya, COO at women as a strategy towards moderator Renee Mehrra at the panel discussion. address, Ambassador Das provid‑ Gastroenterology Associates in empowerment. The panel cau‑ ed an overview of the Beti Bachao hope that the grass‑root organiza‑ life. ITVʼs famous anchor woman, Brooklyn, brought to fore a criti‑ tioned that overcoming the socio‑ Beti Padhao as a flagship initiative tions like Ekal, with presence in Renee Mehrra, moderated the cal challenge for girls in accessing cultural biases that promote of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 60,000‑plus villages, can play an panel discussion among three suc‑ education ‑ the fear that their female infanticide and the percep‑ whereby a third of ʻVillage important role in it. cessful women of Indian origin daughter would get romantically tion that a girl is a burden are Panchayatsʼ have been decreed to Aroon Shivdasani, President of from different backgrounds and entangled with a boy, which may major stumbling blocks in restor‑ have women in responsible posi‑ the Indo American Arts Council, in family values. bring shame to the family. She ing dignity of women in our socie‑ tions. She acknowledged that, her keynote address, stressed the Ranjani Saigal, Executive herself overcame this challenge ty. Vinod Jhunjhunwalla, though great strides are being importance of educating women Director of Ekal Vidyalaya, and many others with self‑convic‑ President of Ekal Foundation, made to empower women, a lot on par with men to create an touched on the need to uphold the tion and courage. USA, and Prof Subash Midha, the yet is to be done to change age‑ environment in families where standards set by parents who pre‑ Dr. Sunita Saini, Director of main Ekal coordinator for the old attitudes and beliefs affecting self‑esteem of individuals is not cipitated her own academic suc‑ South Shore Psychological event, thanked the Indian women in our society, and espe‑ compromised and women have cess at IIT and MIT. She further Services and Long Island Consulate, for their support in cially in rural areas. She expressed equal opportunity in all walks of related an anecdote of how during Psychology and Psychotherapy hosting this event. 4 April 9-15, 2016 TURN PAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Pakistan envoy says talks with every aspect of life, the Meditation India suspended, no NIA visit Center in Amityville holds regular pro‑ RANA celebrates ʻSpring Continued from page 1 grams on meditation, spirituality, Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar healthy living and related subjects. too had indicated in a recent statement Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj is no Festivalsʼ with pomp that talks would take place. stranger to New York. In August 2007, Basit also said that the arrest of an New York Assemblyman Jose R. alleged Indian spy, Kulbushan Jadhav, Peralta (D. 39th District) presented the proved Islamabad's allegations that spiritual leader with a New York New Delhi was causing unrest in Assembly Proclamation which stated: Balochistan. “On the occasion of his visit to the The announcement comes nearly Empire State, it is imperative to honor three and half months after Prime Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj who Minister Narendra Modi visited Lahore breathes life into the humanity move‑ on December 25 on an unannounced ment. His is a global effort to seek trip to attend the wedding of the unity at the level of the soul and tran‑ granddaughter of his Pakistani coun‑ scend racial, cultural, national, reli‑ terpart Nawaz Sharif. gious and economic differences. His Modi's trip had raised hopes about herculean efforts to uplift humanity the resumption of peace talks between deserve our special recognition.” President Naveen Shah & Emcee Shailesh Lodha and poets the rival neighbors. He was welcomed to New Jersey Vice President Kanak Golia Basit's statement appears to be the with a Joint Legislative Resolution New York: The Spring Festivals objective of caring for orphans, of Panache Entertainment inter‑ first official word from Pakistan about commending him for “his outstanding Celebrations organized by the RANA Board has decided to spersed by electrifying dance the latest breakdown in the now‑on‑ record of devoted service to the chil‑ Rajasthan Association of North adopt 1000 children in orphan‑ performances by students of now‑off peace process with India. dren and people of the world commu‑ America (RANA) last Sunday saw ages in India over their lifetime Arya Dance Academy arranged nity.” more than 1000 people from and support them for all opera‑ by Shilpa Jhurani entertained Thousands at Trump's On the occasion of the 50th anniver‑ many Indian communities gath‑ tional expenses including food, the packed audience. A classical Long Island rally sary of the United Nations, the spiritu‑ er and celebrate the festivities shelter, clothing and educational dance performance by Continued from page 1 al Master led an audience of thousands under one roof. RANA continues requirements. We need renowned Bollywood & TV the wall” was the mantra two weeks into meditation at the Cathedral of St. to be a trendsetter by organiz‑ $250,000 to achieve this objec‑ actress ‑ Prachee Shah Pandya shy of the New York primary, as John the Divine in New York City. He ing this one of a kind event tive and I urge all those present and standup comedy and satiri‑ Trump continued to run as an out‑ received a peace award from the titled – ʻGlamor with Humor ʼ to donate generously to this cal poetry recitals by renowned sider. Interfaith Center of New York and was was a combination of a fashion noble cause by contributing poets and comics from India, Trump called on everyone in the invited to speak at a ceremony honor‑ show, dance performances and financial and intellectual moderated by the incomparable room to get out the vote, and to ing UN Secretary Kofi Annan. In addi‑ standup comedy & poetry held resources to achieve this goal.” Master of Ceremonies – Shailesh encourage others to do the same. tion, he was a featured spiritual leader in the Tri‑state area. A spectacular fashion show with Lodha and his team of poets ‑ “Youʼre going to say that it was the at the Millennium Peace Summit at the Speaking on the occasion, the trendiest, glamorous and lat‑ Dinesh Kumar, Mahendra most important vote that you ever United Nations. RANA President, Naveen C Shah est styles by leading designers Kumar & Vishnu Dayal Saxena cast,” Trump said. For more information about Sant mentioned that “As part of meet‑ with stunning & gorgeous mod‑ were the highlights of the The event ahead of the stateʼs pri‑ Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj or his sched‑ ing the organizations charitable els choreographed by Nishi Bahl evening. mary on April 19 comes a day after ule, visit www.sos.org , email infotris‑ Trumpʼs presidential campaign hit a [email protected] , 631‑822‑7979. bump Tuesday with a loss to Cruz in Prestigious advocacy award for Dr Akshat Jain the Wisconsin primary. Panama Papers leak divulge global web of corruption... New York: New York hematolo‑ of pediatrics at the Cohen Sant Rajinder Singh to Continued from page 1 gist ‑ oncologist selected for the Children's Medical Center on visit NJ and Long Island politicians, famous actors, athletes and most prestigious advocacy Long Island will serve as the Continued from page 1 the circle of friends of Russian award by the American Society voice of sub speciality doctors Center embodies Sant Rajinder Singh Vladimir Putin, who some allege has of Hematology amongst it's at the Capitol Hill in Ji Maharajʼs visionary wisdom. Widely profited indirectly from such accounts. 16,000 members from over Washington DC in this current recognized by civic, social and reli‑ Yesterday, British Prime Minister 100 countries. Dr Akshat Jain, role to bring out meaningful gious leaders as one of the worldʼs David Cameron acknowledged he prof‑ section head for global hema‑ changes in which medicine is foremost spiritual Masters, he has ited from his father's investments in an tology oncology at Northwell offered and practiced through‑ established similar centers around the offshore tax haven before being Health and assistant professor out the United States. Dr Akshat Jain globe. Believing meditation enhances elected.

Jaipur (India) Bureau IANS Washington Bureau Prakash Bhandari Arun Kumar [email protected] arun.kumar@ians,in

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NY area gets a new Zoroastrian Community Center

New York: Six hundred Zarathushtis (Zoroastrians), their friends and families from the tri‑ state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut came together to celebrate a once in a lifetime event – the opening of a Zoroastrian religious and cultural community center in Pomona, NY on March 26. The inaugural event held during the week of Nowruz, the start of the Persian new year also coincides with the birthday of Zarathustra, the Zoroastrian prophet. The goal of this new Thirty priests converged from all over North America The new building is designed by award‑winning architect Dinyar building is to house the active to bless the building Wadia of Wadia Associates community of Zarathushtis which has grown tremendously over the the building. The prayers were Zoroastrian architecture of the include an Afarghanyu (fire ves‑ community,” said Astad J. past 40 years and is currently lead by the honorable Vada fire temples of India and Iran, the sel) based on the 250 year old Clubwala, President of ZAGNY. estimated to be about one thou‑ Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor the new building was designed by prototype found at a historic tem‑ “This will be the legacy of our sand. high priest and religious leader of award‑winning architect Dinyar ple in Mumbai, India, a custom generation and can be seen as a Dar‑e‑Mehr is believed to mean the Zarathushti community who Wadia of Wadia Associates. It fea‑ crafted Winterstone® panel gift from the generation that was “Door of Peace”, and denotes a joined from Udvada, India. The tures a stone façade with a colon‑ inspired by the ancient Tripylon born in our homelands of India, Zarathushti temple without a per‑ event was interwoven with music, naded portico, and decorative Palace in Persepolis and a tradi‑ Iran and Pakistan to the genera‑ manently consecrated devotional food prepared by community capitols, evoking the architectural tional Persian‑inspired water tion of Zoroastrians born in North fire. The inauguration of the restaurateurs, performances by style of Persepolis (the ancient fountain (that is yet to be built). America.” Arbab Rustam Guiv Dar‑e‑Mehr children as well as formal speech‑ Zoroastrian city and heritage site) The building took 2 years to “This is a monumental achieve‑ building was hosted by The es by local dignitaries including as a nod to the long road traveled. construct and approximately ment for the Zarthushti communi‑ Zoroastrian Association of Greater officials from the Mayor of It is a 22,000 square foot struc‑ $5M. The small but unwavering ties of New York, New Jersey, and New York (ZAGNY), the Iranian Pomonaʼs Office, respected acade‑ ture which has four classrooms, and dedicated community raised Connecticut to be able to see the Zoroastrian Association (IZA) and micians and revered community three meeting rooms, a library, a funds locally, nationally and inter‑ day that they have been dreaming the Dar‑e‑Mehr Zoroastrian members. The event was made traditional prayer hall, chefʼs nationally for close to six years to about, and contributing their time, Temple (DMZT). accessible to viewers worldwide kitchen, recreation room and a construct and complete the build‑ their work, and their funds Thirty priests converged from and broadcast by a live stream. main hall that can accommodate ing. “Today we take a moment to towards.” said Shirin Khosravi, all over North America to bless Inspired by ancient Persian and up to 400 guests. Special features appreciate what we have built as a President of IZA. Indian doctoral student part of AAHOA gets its first woman officer US team that decoded Zika virus Jagruti Panwala elected secretary New York: The election of Strategies, an investment man‑ New York: 29‑year‑old identify the structure of Jagruti Panwala as secretary was agement business she founded Devika Sirohi from Uttar the virus, speaking to a a highlight of the four‑day annu‑ in 1999. She has been active in Pradesh is among the leading daily, Sirohi said, al convention held March 29‑ AAHOA for more than a decade, seven‑member team of "During the period of the April 1 at the Gaylord Opryland holding leadership positions researchers that has suc‑ research, we barely slept Resort & Convention Center in since 2011 when first elected cessfully determined the for two to three hours a Nashville, Tennessee. The event female director at large, eastern structure of the Zika day, but our hard work drew a record turnout – 5,000 division. Re‑elected in 2014, she virus for the first time. finally paid off. This dis‑ hoteliers, vendors and franchise has also co‑chaired the Womenʼs Devika, who was born covery will help doctors CEOs and their cohorts. Panwala Hotelier Committee for five and brought up in and researchers to find a told Asian Hospitality she is years and served on the strate‑ Meerut city, is a doctoral cure for the deadly dis‑ “extremely honored and very Jagruti will succeed to chair of gic planning committee for two student at Purdue Devika Sirohi ease that has been humbled to be AAHOAʼs new AAHOA in 2019 years. She testified to Congress University and the (Image credit: TimesofIndia.com) reported in 33 coun‑ secretary,” but the victory is not (Image courtesy: theindianeye.net) against proposed harmful labor youngest member of the tries." hers alone. All of AAHOA can laws. Her focus repeatedly has team. Out of the seven‑member team, Devika also said that the structure will benefit by electing its first female officer. The been getting more women, independent and three were professors and four were stu‑ help in creating effective anti‑viral treat‑ win is important, she said, for “women hoteliers, young hoteliers involved. In 2011, she received dents. Amid growing concerns, global ments and vaccines. She will be submit‑ young hoteliers, independent hoteliers and small the prestigious AAHOA Chairmanʼs Award of health officials are racing to better ting her thesis by the end of this year. mom‑and‑pop owners.” Excellence. She is a second‑generation hotelier understand the Zika virus behind a Devika completed her schooling from She will succeed to chair of AAHOA in 2019, a who migrated from Surat, India, with her parents major outbreak that began in Brazil last Dayawati Modi Academy, honours in bio‑ first for the 27‑year‑old organization. Panwala is when she was a teenager. She lives in year and has spread to many countries chemistry from Delhi University and a businesswoman in Ivyland, Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children. in the Americas. MSc from Tata Institute of Fundamental where she is part of a family hotel company and Bruce Patel took over the baton from outgoing Stating that it took four months to Research in Mumbai president and CEO of Wealth Protection chairman Jimmy Patel during the convention. 6 April 9-15, 2016 TRISTATE COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info Army grants Sikh American India's Finance officer right to wear turban Minister to address Washington, DC: An Indian‑Ameri‑ accommodation set to expire, the Asia Society in NY can Sikh military officer in U.S has Army insisted Captain Singh to un‑ been granted permission to wear a dergo extensive testing to make New York: Spe‑ ernmentʼs religious beard and turban while in sure his beard and hair wouldnʼt cial address by Make in India uniform, the media reported interfere with his helmet or gas Arun Jaitley, program, April1. The U.S. Armyʼs decision to mask. Indiaʼs Minis‑ which in‑ the make permanent religious ac‑ Singh filed suit citing religious ter of Finance, cludes major commodation for Capt. Simratpal discrimination. A judge ruled that Corporate Af‑ new initia‑ Singh makes him the first active‑ the Army couldnʼt impose the indi‑ fairs, and In‑ tives de‑ duty combat soldier in decades to vidualized testing on Singh and or‑ formation and signed to fa‑ be permitted to wear a turban and dered the service to decide on his Broadcasting cilitate invest‑ beard, www.nydailynews.com re‑ request by March 31. will deliver a ment, foster ported. The ruling ended the pro‑ On March 31, in a court ruling special ad‑ innovation, tracted battle that pitted individual Singh was finally granted a perma‑ dress on Mon‑ and build religious freedom rights against nent accommodation. day, April 18 manufactur‑ what the military said was a need Capt. Simratpal Singh “Because of the Armyʼs strong in‑ from 11.30 am ing infra‑ for uniformity and strict safety (Image courtesy: Sikh Coalition) terest in maintaining good order to 1.00 pm at structure. standards. and discipline, the Army intends to Asia Society in Also pres‑ “My two worlds are one again… within 10 minutes,” Singh was develop clear, uniform standards NY. A member ent will be Dr. I can fully serve my country exact‑ quoted as saying. applicable to soldiers who have re‑ of the Cabinet Arun Jaitley Naushad ly the way I want to and still be a Ten years later, Singh, now an ceived religious accommodation,” of India, Minis‑ Forbes, Presi‑ full Sikh the way I want to be,” re‑ Army Ranger and Bronze Star Debra S. Wada, the assistant secre‑ ter Jaitley holds dent of Con‑ ported nydailynews.com. Singh, Medal recipient, in a bid to reclaim tary of the Army for manpower the primary responsibility for federation of Indian Industry; 28, an observant Sikh had to cut that image asked the U.S. Army in and reserve affairs, wrote in a managing Indiaʼs economy̶ Shaktikanta Das, Secretary of his hair and shave his beard when October to allow him to begin memo to the captain released April which, as the fastest growing the Department of Economic he joined the West Point military wearing a beard and turban. Fac‑ 1. Until those standards are in major economy in the world, is Affairs in the Indian Ministry of increasingly critical given the Finance; Kevin Rudd (modera‑ academy in 2006. “It was excruci‑ ing a discrimination lawsuit, the place, she said, Captain Singh will slowdown in the global econo‑ tor), President of the Asia Soci‑ ating. For 18 years of your life, Army granted him a temporary ac‑ be expected to appear in a “neat my. Minister Jaitleyʼs remarks ety Policy Institute, former youʼve had a certain image of your‑ commodation in December. and conservative” manner with a will focus on the Indian Gov‑ Prime Minister of Australia. self. All of a sudden, itʼs shattered In February, with the temporary black or camouflage turban. NYIFF to kick off USINPAC invites all to interact with ‘Nachom-ia- with Gov.Kasichʼs campaign New York: In an unpredictable Kumpasar US Presidential primaries, the ʼ US‑India Political Action Com‑ mittee (USINPAC) continues its New York: The 16th annual Aasif Mandvi, Paul Williams, interactive Presidential Dialogue New York Indian Film Festival, Tracey Jackson, Umesh Kulka‑ series with Democratic and Re‑ presented by the Indo‑Ameri‑ rni, Suketu Mehta, Hansal publican Presidential campaigns can Arts Council, has an‑ Mehta, Sakina Jaffrey, Sarita to engage and discuss issues im‑ nounced that its opening night Choudhury, Kalki Koechlin, portant to the Indian American film will be “Nachom‑ia‑ Ayad Akhtar, Muzaffar Ali, community. USINPAC invites all Kumpasar (Letʼs Dance to the Nasseredin Shah, Vishal to join its Google hangout, on Rhythm),” directed by Bardroy Bhardwaj, Rekha Bhardwaj Thursday, April 7th at 12:30 pm Barretto. and Aditya Basu Bhattacharya. EST with the Presidential Cam‑ The festival will kick off May Aroon Shivdasani, artistic paign of Governor John Kasich, 7 at 5 p.m. at the Skirball Cen‑ and executive director of IAAC, represented by Ohio State Rep. ter for Performing Arts in New will give the welcome address. Niraj Antani. Governor John Kasich (Photo Source : Yahoo.com) York City, N.Y., and continue Filmmaker Mira Nair and The Google hangout will be until May 14. Singh will also give addresses. chaired by Manish Antani and State Representative Niraj An‑ INPAC, remarked, “I welcome all Among the celebrities and A post‑screening discussion Sanjay Puri and will draw Indian tani, serving his first term, is the Indian Americans to join us on guests that will grace the red with Barretto and the cast will Americans across the country, youngest currently serving mem‑ our next Presidential Dialogue carpet and cocktails event are be moderated by Aseem eager to know more about Gov. ber of the Ohio House. Series with Gov. Kasichʼs cam‑ Aparna Sen, Salman Rushdie, Chhabra. The evening will end Kasichʼs stand on issues pertain‑ Additionally, he is the second paign. Indian Ambassador to the U.S. with a gala benefit dinner and ing to US‑India relations, immi‑ Indian‑American state elected of‑ USINPAC expects it to have a Arun Singh, Ambassador Vijay dancing at the Rosenthal Pavil‑ gration, terrorism and domestic ficial in Ohio history, and the very interactive and productive Nambiar, Madhur Jaffrey, ion Penthouse. issues like education and the first Indian‑American Republi‑ discussion on Apr 7th. Join economy among others. can. Sanjay Puri, Chairman of US‑ us.” Women all over unite to celebrate womanhood with Bindi San Francisco, CA: This Interna‑ join this campaign regardless of head. The word Bindi is derived beauty, the elegance and the She further says, “Bindis are Bold tional Womenʼs Day, women their cultural background and from Sanskrit word “Bindu”, power. The bindi represents all of and Beautiful. They are very easy around the world celebrated ethnicity. There were hindus, which means the point around these qualities perfectly. “That is to apply or draw on your body.” womanhood by sporting Bindi. muslims, christians, jews, every‑ which the creation of the uni‑ why it made so much sense to cel‑ Itʼs an incredibly simple and fun Women from different corners of one, who came together to cele‑ verse begins. Women have al‑ ebrate the womenʼs day wearing way for women to sport it on the the world such as India, USA, brate the common thread of be‑ ways been the central anchor Bindi,” says Sailee Raje, founder womenʼs day and unitedly cele‑ Canada, Fiji, Italy, New Zealand, ing a woman. Bindi is a small, or‑ holding the families together. A and CEO of EthnicThread app brate the pride of being a Australia and beyond united to namental dot applied to the fore‑ woman signifies the strength, the who first came up with this idea. woman.” TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL COMMUNITY April 9-15, 2016 7 South Asians share ancestry TALENT AGENT with a mysterious SENTENCED FOR population: Researchers $2 MILLION FRAUD New York: Many bloodlines around the world, Reich added. particularly of south Asian descent, may actually Reich and lab members, Swapan Mallick and New York: A 45‑year‑old be a bit more Denisovan ‑‑ a mysterious popula‑ Nick Patterson, teamed up with previous labora‑ Indian‑origin man, who worked tion of hominids that lived around the same time tory member Sriram Sankararaman, assistant as a talent agent, has been sen‑ as the Neanderthals ‑ researchers including professor of computer science at the University tenced to up to six years in Indian‑origin scientists have revealed. The team of California, Los Angeles for the project. They prison in New York for stealing from Harvard Medical School and University of found evidence that both Denisovan and more than $2 million from California‑Los Angeles (UCLA) has created a Neanderthal ancestry has been lost from the X clients by falsely promising to world map and also used comparative genomics chromosome as well as genes expressed in the book famous recording artists to make predictions about where Denisovan and male testes. for events. Neanderthal genes may be impacting modern The team theorises that this has contributed to Yugeshwar Rajkumar of New human biology. The analysis also proposes that reduced fertility in males, which is commonly Jersey, who had pleaded guilty modern humans interbred with Denisovans about observed in other hybrids between two highly last month in New York State 100 generations after their trysts with the divergent groups of the same species. Supreme Court to grand larce‑ Yugeshwar Rajkumar Neanderthals. Denisovan genes can potentially be The researchers collected their data by compar‑ ny and fraud charges, was also (Image credit: nypost.com) linked to a more subtle sense of smell in Papua ing known Neanderthal and Denisovan gene ordered to pay $1.7 million in New Guineans and high‑altitude adaptions in sequences across more than 250 genomes from restitution. Manhattan District Akon and Chris Brown. Tibetans. Meanwhile, Neanderthal genes found in 120 non‑African populations publicly available Attorney Cyrus Vance said Rajkumar In exchange for the supposed book‑ people around the world most likely contribute through the Simons Genome Diversity Project. was a booking agent and stole more ing, Rajkumar charged his clients to tougher skin and hair. The analysis was carried out by a machine‑ than $2 million from clients by falsely between $45,000 and $300,000, and Most non‑Africans possess at least a little bit learning algorithm that could differentiate promising to book famous recording directed them to wire payments to Neanderthal DNA. between components of both kinds of ancestral artists for events."The defendant took bank accounts held by entities based in "There are certain classes of genes that modern DNA, which are more similar to one another than advantage of his reputation in the New York and controlled by him. humans inherited from the archaic humans with to modern humans. The study's limitation is that music industry to convince his victims However, instead of using the money whom they interbred, which may have helped the it relies on the current library of ancient to pay him tens of thousands of dollars to book the promised artists, he made modern humans to adapt to the new environ‑ genomes available. "We can't use this data to to secure supposed performances by cash withdrawals and spent the money ments in which they arrived," explained senior make claims about what the Denisovans or world‑famous recording artists," Vance on rent, car payments, legal fees, and author David Reich, geneticist at Harvard Medical Neanderthals looked like, what they ate, or what said. personal debts, Vance said. School. On the flip side, there was negative selec‑ kind of diseases they were susceptible to," said Around 2008, Rajkumar falsely In many cases, victims were forced to tion to systematically remove ancestry that may Sankararaman, first author on the paper. "We are promised clients and event promoters pay additional fees to secure perform‑ have been problematic from modern humans. still very far from understanding that." The new that he would book popular recording ances by desired artists who were "We can document this removal over the map of archaic ancestry was published in the artists for overseas concerts, including never booked by Rajkumar. (PTI) 40,000 years since these admixtures occurred," journal Current Biology. (IANS) 10 Indian-Americans among 21 Prof Rajender Aparasu selected arrested in visa fraud case for Fulbright Specialist Roster Washington, DC: US law enforce‑ enroll foreign nationals as students ment agencies have arrested 21 peo‑ in the University of Northern New Houston: An Indian‑American linkages between US and over‑ ple, including 10 Indian‑Americans, Jersey (UNNJ, a purported for‑profit professor and pharmaceutical seas institutions. "There are very on charges of visa fraud involving college located in Cranford, New department chair at a prestigious few Fulbright specialists in phar‑ about 1,000 foreign students. Jersey. Unbeknownst to the defen‑ American university has been macy; I am really honoured to be Arrested in New York, New Jersey, dants and the foreign nationals they selected for the Fulbright selected for Fulbright Specialist Washington and Virginia these 21 conspired with, however, the UNNJ Specialist Roster for his outstand‑ Roster," said Aparasu, whose five‑ individuals were brokers, recruiters was created in September 2013 by ing achievements in the field of year term ends in 2021. and employers who conspired with federal agents. pharmacy. Rajender R Aparasu is "This is a great opportunity to more than 1,000 foreign nationals to Through the UNNJ, undercover the first pharmacy faculty mem‑ offer my expertise in developing fraudulently obtain student and for‑ HSI agents investigated criminal ber at the University of Houston professional and graduate phar‑ eign worker visas through a "pay to activities associated with the Student selected to be the candidate ros‑ macy programs that involve phar‑ stay" New Jersey college, and Exchange Visitor Program ter of the Fulbright Specialist maceutical health outcomes and Department of Justice said. As per (SEVP), including, but not limited to, Program, which helps US faculty Prof Rajender Aparasu policy," he said. "I am looking for‑ the federal compliant unsealed on student visa fraud and the harboring share their academic expertise ward to the opportunity to visit Tuesday, the defendants, many of of aliens for profit. and develop linkages with non‑US ed by the Department of State's overseas pharmacy institutions to whom operated recruiting compa‑ The UNNJ was not staffed with institutions on curriculum, Bureau of Educational and assist faculty and administrators nies for purported international stu‑ instructors or educators, had no cur‑ assessment, faculty development Cultural Affairs, serves to pro‑ with respect to academic and dents, were arrested for their riculum and conducted no actual and research training. The mote international engagement research programs in pharmaceu‑ involvement in an alleged scheme to classes or education activities. Fulbright program, which is fund‑ of academic scholarship and build tical outcomes research." (PTI) 8 April 9-15, 2016 PANAMA PAPERS LEAK TheSouthAsianTimes.info PANAMA PAPERS: Decoding historyʼs biggest data leak

he massive data leak from a tem of global tax evasion. Obermayer said that he commu‑ Panama‑based law firm, now According to WIRED website, nicated with his source over a Tknown across the world as ICIJ director Gerard Ryle said that series of encrypted channels that the "Panama Papers", has put the leak began in late 2014, "when they frequently changed. They many world leaders, politicians, an unknown source reached out to took the precaution of deleting all celebrities and sport‑stars under the German newspaper history from their prior exchange the spotlight. Suddeutsche Zeitung, which had each time. The leaked files from the reported previously on a smaller Without revealing the exact Panamanian firm Mossack leak of Mossack Fonseca files to channels used for communicating Fonseca has revealed that it hid German government regulators." with the source, Obermayer, billions of dollars in assets for its Ryle revealed that Bastian according to the report, alluded to clients. The files, comprising over Obermayer, a Suddeutsche Zeitung crypto apps like Signal and 11 million documents from the reporter, said that the source had Threema, as well as PGP‑encrypted firm totaling close to 2.6 TB of contacted him via encrypted chat, email. Obermayer revealed that Panamanian firm Mossack Fonseca is at the center of the storm. The data, have revealed names which offering data intended “to make each time the reporter and the firm hid billions of dollars in assets for its clients at offshore tax havens. have shocked many. these crimes public.” source re‑established a connection, (Image courtesy: newyorker.com) The International Consortium of Upon being contacted by the "they would use a known question Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and source, Obermayer asked, “How and answer to reauthenticate each ed the ICIJ. of foreign‑language media outlets." 100 other media partners conduct‑ much data are we talking about?” other." The WIRED report says that the Given the sheer size of the leak ed an investigation into the files Obermayer told WIRED the “Iʼd say ʻis it sunny?ʼ Youʼd say ICIJʼs developers built a "two‑fac‑ and the terabytes of data involved, and unearthed information on source's response: “More than you ʻthe moon is rainingʼ or whatever tor‑authentication‑protected it is unlikely that it could all be more than 214,000 offshore com‑ have ever seen.” nonsense, and then both of us can search engine" for the leaked files, shared over email. However, panies connected to people in Additionally, according to the verify itʼs still the other person on the URL for which they shared "via Obermayer, according to the more than 200 countries and terri‑ report, Ryle said that the source the device,” Obermayer told encrypted email with scores of report, refused to divulge how the tories. The information might had warned Obermayer that his or WIRED. As the source provided the news outlets including the BBC, source was able to pass on all that throw light on a widespread sys‑ her “life is in danger.” files, Suddeutsche Zeitung contact‑ The Guardian, Fusion, and dozens information. Opposition lawmaker The Fall Out of Panama Papers Leak presses charges against Argentina President Mauricio Macri Buenos Aires: An Argentine opposition law‑ ICELAND NAMES NEW PM; maker has pressed charges against President Mauricio Macri, seeking to have him investigated for financial crimes after will hold autumn election his name appeared in the so‑called Panama Papers leaks. Reykjavik: Iceland's right‑wing government emerge from the leak of millions of docu‑ Lawmaker Norman Martinez asked a fed‑ has named a new Prime Minister and said it ments detailing offshore accounts held by eral judge to order an investigation into would hold early elections in the autumn, world leaders and celebrities. Two other whether the conservative president "knew after the previous leader was forced to step Iceland cabinet ministers have been singled of, collaborated in, ordered or approved down over his implication in the Panama out in the leak ‑‑ Finance Minister Bjarni maneuvers to launder money or evade Papers scandal. Benediktsson and Interior Minister Olof taxes." The two coalition partners, the Progressive Nordal ‑‑ and the coalition is keen to stall for Martinez, an ally of Macri's predecessor Party and the Independence Party, agreed time to avoid what would surely be a resound‑ and opponent, Cristina Kirchner, filed the after talks late yesterday to hand the prime The previous PM Sigmundur David ing protest vote if a snap election were held complaint after the lower house voted down ministerial post to the agriculture minister Gunnlaugsson was forced to step down soon. The coalition parties "have lost all their a bill that sought to force the president to Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson, 53, of the over his implication in the Panama Papers legitimacy, but I am sceptical they will leave of testify before Congress on his interests in Progressives. He replaces Sigmundur David scandal (Courtesy: londonlovesbusiness.com) their own initiative. Time is on their side and two firms registered in the Bahamas and Gunnlaugsson, 41, who stepped down it's crucial for them to stay in power," lament‑ Panama. Macri still faces a separate move to Tuesday amid massive public protests over a We are of course hoping this will help bring ed Gyda Margret Petursdottir, a 42‑year‑old launch a congressional commission to probe hidden offshore account revealed in the so‑ stability in the political system," he said. teacher who was one of hundreds who any irregularities in his finances. called Panama Papers leak of 11.5 million President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, who at 72 protested against the government outside par‑ Information about Macri's offshore finan‑ financial documents. is due to retire in June after five terms and 20 liament yesterday. The Panama Papers, cial dealings emerged in the leak of millions "We expect to have elections this autumn," years in office, is expected to approve revealed by the International Consortium of of documents from Panamanian law firm Johannsson said, insisting that the coalition, in Johannsson's appointment. Iceland's next leg‑ Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), showed that Mossack Fonseca, which has put a host of power since 2013, would continue to run the islative elections were originally scheduled for Gunnlaugsson and his wife owned an offshore world leaders and celebrities in the hot seat country's affairs despite thousands of protest‑ April 2017. Gunnlaugsson, who remains the company in the British Virgin Islands and had over their secret financial dealings. ers calling for the whole government's resig‑ head of the Progressive Party for the time placed millions of dollars of her inheritance (AFP/PTI) nation. "We will continue our work together. being, was the first major political casualty to there. (AFP/PTI) TheSouthAsianTimes.info PANAMA PAPERS LEAK April 9-15, 2016 9 World over probes opened in financial arrangements of public figures

Beijing/Hong Kong: Authorities non‑Western leaders. lion in fines, mainly for allowing across the globe have opened France, Australia, New Zealand, itself to be used to launder investigations into the activities of Austria, Sweden and the Mexican drug money. the world's rich and powerful after Netherlands are among nations The reports on leaks also point‑ a cache of leaked documents from that have commenced investiga‑ ed to the offshore companies a Panamanian law firm showed tions, and some other countries, linked to the families of Chinese possible wrongdoing using off‑ including the United States, said President Xi Jinping and other shore company structures. they were looking into the matter. powerful current and former The "Panama Papers" have cast Mossack Fonseca, the Chinese leaders. light on the financial arrange‑ Panamanian law firm at the center Chinese Foreign Ministry ments of high profile politicians of the leaks, has set up more than spokesman Hong Lei, when asked and public figures and the compa‑ 240,000 offshore companies for if the government would investi‑ nies and financial institutions they clients around the globe and gate tax affairs of those mentioned use for such activities. Among denies any wrongdoing. It calls in the Panama Papers, told those named in the documents are itself the victim of a campaign reporters at a daily news briefing friends of Russian President against privacy and claims media the ministry would not comment Vladimir Putin and relatives of the reports misrepresent the nature of A security guard sits outside the the Mossack Fonseca law firm in on "these groundless accusations". leaders of China, Britain, Iceland its business. Panama City. (Image courtesy: hindustantimes.com) Searches for the word "Panama" and Pakistan, and the president of The Hong Kong government said on Chinese search engines bring Ukraine. in a statement that its Inland structures that make it hard for concerned. "We do not condone up stories in Chinese media on the Leading figures and financial Revenue Department has taken tax collectors and investigators to structures for tax avoidance," he topic, but many of the links have institutions responded to the mas‑ note of the recent release of the track the flow of money from one said. "Whenever there is a struc‑ been disabled or only open onto sive leak of more than 11.5 million documents and will take "neces‑ place to another, according to ICIJ. ture with a third party beneficiary stories about allegations directed documents with denials of any sary actions" based on any infor‑ Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, we insist to know the identity of at sports stars. wrongdoing as prosecutors and mation it gets. It will not comment who is aggressively targeting that beneficiary." China's Internet regulator did regulators began a review of the on individual cases or disclose the Asia's wealthiest for growth, said Separately, HSBC said the docu‑ not immediately respond to a reports from the investigation by course of action because of secre‑ his bank was only after lawful ments pre‑dated a thorough request for comment. The Global the US based International cy provisions in Hong Kong tax assets. Speaking at a media brief‑ reform of its business model. Times, an influential tabloid pub‑ Consortium of Investigative law, the government said. ing in Hong Kong, he acknowl‑ Both banks have in recent years lished by the ruling Communist Journalists (ICIJ) and other media Credit Suisse and HSBC, two of edged the bank uses offshore paid large fines to US authorities Party's official People's Daily, sug‑ organizations. the world's largest wealth man‑ financial structures, but only for over their wealth management or gested in an editorial on Tuesday Following the reports, China has agers, dismissed suggestions they very wealthy customers with banking operations. that Western media backed by moved to limit local access to cov‑ were actively using offshore struc‑ assets in multiple jurisdictions and Credit Suisse agreed in 2014 to Washington used such leaks to erage of the matter with state tures to help clients cheat on their did not support their use for tax pay a $2.5 billion fine for helping attack political targets in non‑ media denouncing Western report‑ taxes. Both were named among the avoidance or allow them without rich Americans evade taxes. HSBC Western countries while minimiz‑ ing on the leak as biased against banks that helped set up complex knowing the identities of all those agreed in 2012 to pay $1.92 bil‑ ing coverage of Western leaders. PROBE ANNOUNCED Damiani resigns FOR COSTA RICANS from FIFA ethics REVEALED IN DATA LEAK committee San Jos: Costa Ricans named in police will meet next week to the "Panama Papers" leak that define their lines of action. disclosed the offshore financial The Costa Rican government dealings of the world's wealthy has seized upon the scandal to will be scrutinized for any crimi‑ urge lawmakers to pass a series nal or tax‑dodging activity, offi‑ of laws on tax reform. cials have announced. It particularly wants to see one State prosecutors and the adopted that demands partners finance ministry are teaming up and ultimate owners of anony‑ to tackle the matter, the Public mous companies be registered ‑‑ Ministry yesterday said in a something that has met with statement. commission including the public resistance from some corporate At the same time, a special and finance ministries and the and political figures. (AFP/PTI )

Juan Pedro Damiani

Geneva: Uruguay's Juan Pedro FIFA," panel spokesman Marc Damiani has resigned from FIFA's Tenbuecken told AFP in an email. ethics committee after the The Panama Papers indicate Panama Papers showed his law that Damiani's firm helped firm acted as an intermediary for Eugenio Figueredo ‑‑ the former a disgraced FIFA official. "We can head of the South American foot‑ confirm that Mr. Damiani resigned ball confederation who is now fac‑ from his position as member of ing corruption charges in the the adjudicatory chamber of the United States ‑‑ set up a shell com‑ independent Ethics Committee of pany. 10 April 9-15, 2016 PANAMA PAPERS LEAK TheSouthAsianTimes.info RBI warns against jumping to conclusions New Delhi: Cautioning against jumping to conclusions on Panama Papers, the Reserve PANAMA PAPERS HAVE DISCLOSED Bank of India (RBI, or central bank) on Wednesday said it would have to look into the evi‑ A LIST OF NEARLY 500 INDIANS dence to find what was legiti‑ mate. Panama Papers have disclosed here. "It would be too hasty to which includes officials from note that there are legitimate rent or capital account transac‑ a list of nearly 500 Indians, jump to a conclusion that every‑ CBDT, RBI and FIU (Financial reasons to have accounts outside tion or a combination of both. including celebrities and indus‑ thing is illegitimate or everything Intelligence Unit) to investigate and the LRS scheme allows you Besides, the Special trialists who have allegedly is legitimate. There would be all whether the money deposited in to take money outside, he had Investigation Team (SIT) on stashed money in offshore enti‑ kind of cases once the details are the tax heaven are legal or ille‑ said. black money is also investigate ties. available, we will look into the gal. RBI Governor Raghuram Under the Liberalized thoroughly the Panama Papers The government has set up a evidence along with the team. Rajan had said yesterday that the Remittance Scheme (LRS), all res‑ issue. "Investigations are being task force and the RBI is a part of Then it would be fair to reach to multi‑agency probe will look into ident individuals, including carried out. We are going to it. RBI Deputy Governor S S a conclusion," he said. Soon after the legitimacy of such holdings minors, are allowed to freely investigate it (the list) thorough‑ Mundra said on the sidelines of the Panama Paper disclosure, the of Indians named in the leaked remit up to $2,50,000 per finan‑ ly," SIT Chairman Justice (retd) M an event organized by Assocham government set up a group, Panama list. It is important to cial year for any permissible cur‑ B Shah had said. (PTI) Niira Radia now surfaces Amitabh Bachchan says no link with in 'Panama Papers' offshore companies New Delhi: Niira Radia, the founder of Vaishnavi Communications whose taped OTHERS Mumbai: Actor Amitabh Bachchan, whose name telephone chats with some prominent peo‑ figured in the Panama Paper leaks as allegedly ple in India around eight years ago, includ‑ 4 Hyderabad‑based businessman having links with offshore entities in two tax ing ministers, journalists and business Bhavanasi Jaya Kumar who main‑ havens, on Tuesday denied tycoons became the matter of a probe, has tained he had nothing to do with off‑ any connection with those now surfaced in the "Panama Papers" shore companies. companies, saying his expose. 4 UK‑based Bhaskar Rao, whose son name may have been Her name (appearing as Nira Radia, in said the companies were not exactly “misused”. the documents investigated, minus the active and that due procedures were He also claimed that extra 'i') is allegedly linked to a company Niira Radia (Image courtesy: sify.com) followed. even the news report in British Virgin Islands, which her office 4 Civil construction business people had not suggested any has denied, The Indian Express reported Crownmart International Group Limited." Preetam Bothra and Sweta Gupta, wrongdoing on his part. on Wednesday. In response, her office said the said enti‑ with the latter when contacted, pos‑ The Indian Express In the article, as Part 3 of the expose on ty was set up by her late father Iqbal ing the query, as to why she should carried a report Indians having alleged offshore links, Narain Menon and that she was not a ben‑ share any information with the based on leaked Radia is said to have figured prominently eficiary. Also that Radia had disclosed her newspaper. documents of a as a director in the 232 documents per‑ assets to the authorities in UK and India 4 Ahmedabad‑based Bhandari Ashok Panama‑ taining to the company listed in the tax and that such information was personal Ramdayalchand, with a response based law haven, Crownmart International Group. and confidential for third parties. from someone at his residence that firm The list published by the newspaper on In another article published on he was not interested in talking. Mossack Wednesday also has the names of a top Wednesday, the newspaper said the Indian 4 Amitabh Bachchan (File Photo) Kolkata‑based Ashok Malhotra who, Fonseca, business tycoon in Bellary, a prominent diamond merchants, who were probed ear‑ the paper says, admitted to knowing which is said to feature links of over 500 Indians industrialist and a chartered accountant ‑‑ lier for having overseas accounts in about the off‑shore accounts but to firms and accounts in offshore tax havens. each of whom, which The Indian Express Liechtenstein, British Virgin Islands and kept changing his stories. Referring to the report, Bachchan, 73, said, “I says were contacted for their responses, HSCB, have also surfaced in "Panama 4 Dehradun‑based Sanjay Pokhriyal, do not know any of the companies referred to by with many also sharing their versions. Papers." who said the $10,000 endowment Indian Express ̶ Sea Bulk Shipping Company Another article seeks to shows how the Prominent among them are Rosy Blue, for a Panamanian fund allegedly Ltd, Lady Shipping Ltd, Treasure Shipping Ltd, world's largest currency note maker De La one of the largest diamond traders in the linked to him was not his own and Tramp Shipping Ltd. I have never been a Rue had contracted a New Delhi business‑ world, and Chetan Mehta of the Belgium‑ money. director of any of the above stated companies. It man to help bag tenders in India, in return based Gembel family. 4 Belary iron exporters Prasanna V. is possible that my name has been misused. for a 15‑percent commission. The paper also reported that Harshad Ghotage and Vaman Kumar who the "I have paid all my taxes including on monies The paper identifies the company as Ramniklal Mehta of Rosy Blue did not paper could not contact. spent by me overseas. Monies that I have remit‑ Aphra Consultants, linked to Somendra respond to its calls or queries, while 4 Vadodara‑based Pradeep Kaushikray ted overseas have been in compliance with law, Khosla of New Delhi. Chetan Mehta said he has been a non‑resi‑ Buch, who denied he had any such including remittances through Liberalized Amid these allegations, Reserve Bank of dent Indian living in Belgium and that the overseas company linked to him. Remittance Scheme (LRS), after paying Indian India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan has companies were shut longtime ago. 4 Rahul Arunprasad Patel of Sintex taxes. In any event the news report in Indian said that not every off‑shore company A part of the list, Hyderabad‑based Industries, who reportedly said he Express does not even suggest any illegality on opened by an Indian national need be ille‑ Moturi Srinivas Prasad said the off‑shore has several overseas companies but my part," his statement read. The names of his gitimate, and that this would be the pri‑ entities were started as one dollar compa‑ was not sure if the one named in the daughter‑in‑law Aishwarya Rai, her parents and mary task of a probe team in which the nies with the hope of doing business, but expose belonged to him. brother also figured in the leaked documents as central bank has been co‑opted. were closed. 4 Thiruvananthapuram native and being directors in a firm in the British Virgin On Radia, the paper said: "An investiga‑ Satish Modi of Modi Global was away chartered accountant George Islands. The newspaper quoted her media adviser tion of these papers shows the existence of from India, but an e‑mail reply from his Mathew, who said the linked compa‑ Archana Sadanand, who raised questions about one offshore entity owned by Radia, an office said he is an NRI and laws were fol‑ nies belonged to clients and that the International Consortium of Investigating International Business Company regis‑ lowed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has Indian agencies had nothing to do Journalists and said all the information the paper tered in the British Virgin Islands by already ordered a multi‑agency probe with them. had was totally untrue and false. (PTI) Mossack Fonseka in 1994 named team on the expose. (IANS) TheSouthAsianTimes.info PANAMA PAPERS LEAK April 9-15, 2016 11 Global tax avoidance huge problem, says Barack Obama he massive data leak in world. But we shouldn't make it coming out of Panama that tax Panama has revealed names easy. We shouldn't make it legal avoidance is a big, global problem. T of thousands of world lead‑ to engage in transactions just to Its not unique to other countries ers and celebrities who have avoid taxes," he asserted. because, frankly, there are folks stashed money in tax havens "That's why I think it is impor‑ here in America who are taking In his first reaction to the leaked tant that the Treasury acted on advantage of the same stuff. A lot 'Panama Papers' that revealed something that's different from of it is legal, but that's exactly the names of thousands of world lead‑ what happened in Panama. The problem," Obama said. ers and celebrities who have corporate inversions issue is a "Its not that they're breaking the stashed money in tax havens, financial transaction that is bro‑ laws, it's that the laws are so poor‑ President Barack Obama today kered among major Fortune 500 ly designed that they allow peo‑ said that global tax avoidance companies to avoid paying taxes," ple, if they've got enough lawyers may be running into trillions of he said. and enough accountants, to wig‑ dollars worldwide. "But the basic principle is mak‑ gle out of responsibilities that "There is no doubt that the ing sure that everybody is paying ordinary citizens are having to problem of global tax avoidance, their fair share, and that they abide by," he said. generally, is a huge problem," don't just have a few people who In the US there are loopholes Obama said adding the issue has are able to take advantage of tax President Barack Obama speaking out against tax havens amidst that only wealthy individuals and been brought up in G7 and G20 provisions, that's something that Panama Papers fallout (Image courtesy: winningdemocrats.com) powerful corporations have meetings. they really have to pay attention access to. They have access to off‑ "There has been some progress to. controlled Congress to close legal set of rules. shore accounts, and they are gam‑ made in coordinating between tax "This is all net outflows of loopholes so as to prevent Obama praised the Treasury ing the system, he noted, adding authorities of different countries money that could be spent on the American companies from evad‑ Department for its new set of that middle‑class families are not so that we can make sure that pressing needs here in the United ing taxes and shipping jobs over‑ rules that would reduce the tax in the same position to do this. we're catching some of the most States. The volume that you start seas. benefits for "serial inverters"as he "In fact, a lot of these loopholes egregious examples," he said. seeing when you combine legal "We should keep building an lashed out at such US companies. come at the expense of middle‑ "But as I said before, one of the tax avoidance with illicit tax economy where everybody has a "They effectively renounce their class families, because that lost big problems that we have is that avoidance, or some of the activi‑ fair shot, and everybody plays by citizenship. They declare that revenue has to be made up some‑ a lot of this stuff is not illegal. ties that we're seeing, this is not the same rules," Obama said a day they're based somewhere else," where. Alternatively, it means that Unless the United States and other just billions of dollars. after the US Treasury Department Obama said. we're not investing as much as we countries lead by example in clos‑ "It's not even just hundreds of issued new set of rules making it "It sticks the rest of us with the should in schools, in making col‑ ing some of these loopholes and billions of dollars. Estimates are more difficult for US companies to tab, and it makes hardworking lege more affordable, in putting provisions, then in many cases this may be trillions of dollars save taxes by shipping jobs Americans feel like the deck is people back to work rebuilding you can trace what's taking place, worldwide, and it could make a abroad. stacked against them," he added. our roads, our bridges, our infra‑ but you can't stop it. There is big difference in terms of what we Americans, he stressed, should "In the news over the last couple structure, creating more opportu‑ always going to be some illicit can do here," Obama said. be able to know that big corpora‑ of days, we've had another nities for our children," he said. movement of funds around the Obama urged the Republican‑ tions aren't playing by a different reminder in this big dump of data (PTI) Panama Papers: Law firm says 'hacked by servers abroad' The firm further said that in all the reporting so far "nobody is talking of the hack, and that is the only crime that has been committed"

Panama City: One of the founders of the mitted." "We don't understand. The world is But the law firm and the government law firm at the center of the explosive Fonseca said, "We have lodged a com‑ already accepting that privacy is not a have stressed that offshore companies "Panama Papers" revelations on off‑ plaint. We have a technical report that human right," he said. are not, in themselves, illegal, and that shore holdings said his company was we were hacked by servers abroad." The hack has badly shaken Panama's Mossack Fonseca was not responsible hacked by servers abroad. He did not specify from which country financial services sector, which relied on for what its clients used them for. Ramon Fonseca said the firm Mossack the hack was carried out. discretion to do its business. The government, which has recently Fonseca had lodged a criminal com‑ Fonseca also rued the fact that report‑ With high‑profile politicians, sports seen through reforms to get the country plaint with Panamanian prosecutors on ing on the 11.5 million documents taken stars, celebrities and a few criminals taken off an international list of states Monday over the breach. from Mossack Fonseca's computer sys‑ revealed to have used Mossack Fonseca seen as money‑laundering hubs, is He added that in all the reporting so tem focused on the high‑profile clients to set up offshore entities, scrutiny on mounting a fierce defense of the finan‑ far "nobody is talking of the hack, and who had used the law firm to set up off‑ the small Central American nation has cial sector, which contributes 7% of that is the only crime that has been com‑ shore companies to hold their wealth. suddenly ramped up. gross domestic product. (PTI) 12 April 9-15, 2016 PANAMA PAPERS LEAK TheSouthAsianTimes.info How James Bond helped Mossack Fonseca Swiss police search UEFA set up offshore accounts Washington: The Panama law files alongside 100 other media offices in firm at the center of the huge outlets, wrote in an article on leak of data on offshore financial Wednesday. Panama accounts reportedly incorporat‑ The files also include "corre‑ ed a string of companies named spondence from a man named Papers fallout after James Bond films. Austin Powers, apparently his Geneva: authorities raided the Among the 11 million docu‑ real name and not the movie headquarters of European foot‑ ments leaked from the firm character, and Jack Bauer, a real ball, Iceland named a new prime Mossack Fonseca that specializes person whom a Mossack Fonseca minister and the world's largest in setting up complex offshore employee entered into the firm's drugs company merger fell corporate structures, are files database as a client after the apart, as the fallout from the showing that the firm established employee "met him at a pub", the Panama Papers scandal gath‑ companies named after James article said. ered pace. Bond movies and villains, ABC Jack Bauer was also the charac‑ Police searched UEFA's Geneva News reported. ter portrayed by actor Kiefer offices as part of a probe into a The files include companies Sutherland in the hit TV series Champions League television named Goldfinger, SkyFall, 24. (IANS) rights deal signed by Gianni GoldenEye, Moonraker, Spectre Infantino before he became the and also Blofeld, the arch Bond Companies named include president of world football's gov‑ nemesis fond of remote island Bond movie names like erning body. lairs, the Organized Crime and Goldfinger, SkyFall, GoldenEye, The year‑long investigation, Corruption Reporting Project Moonraker and Spectre published on Sunday, revealed (OCCRP), which investigated the the hidden offshore assets of some 140 political figures, including 12 current or former heads of state, as well as celebri‑ ties, sports stars and dozens of China largest market for billionaires. People close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping's Mossack Fonseca: ICIJ relatives, Argentine footballing great Lionel Messi and film star Jackie Chan have all been named MORE THAN 16,300 ACTIVE SHELL as owning offshore accounts with Mossack Fonseca. But the Panama law firm also COMPANIES WERE INCORPORATED counted criminals among its clients, including "drug traffick‑ ers from Mexico, Guatemala and THROUGH THE HK AND CHINA OFFICES Eastern Europe" and people and companies under US and European sanctions, said Beijing: Nearly a third of the business of the Standing Committee (PSC), Zhang Gaoli and Sueddeutsche Zeitung, the law firm at the center of the Panama Papers Liu Yunshan, have offshore holdings, the German newspaper that scandal came from its offices in Hong Kong ICIJ reported. obtained the documents. and China, reports said today, with the Deng Jiagui, the husband of Xi's sister, In the first taste of how the Asian giant assailed by corruption and capi‑ was previously a shareholder in three com‑ revelations could reshape the tal flight. panies: Supreme Victory Enterprises, world of business, Pfizer said a More than 16,300 of Panamanian law Wealth Ming International and Best Effect $160 billion merger with firm Mossack Fonseca's active shell compa‑ Enterprises, reports said. The companies Allergan to create the world's nies were incorporated through its Hong were closed before Xi took power in 2012. largest pharmaceuticals compa‑ Kong and China offices, 29% of the world‑ Relatives of past PSC members Jia ny would not go ahead after wide total, according to the International Qinglin, once the fourth‑ranked leader in Washington moved to tighten Consortium of Investigative Journalists China, Li Peng, who led the Tiananmen taxation rules. (ICIJ), which co‑ordinated a year‑long inves‑ International rates in 83rd place out of 168 Square crackdown, Hu Yaobang, ex vice‑ Countries around the world tigation into a trove of 11.5 million docu‑ in its most recent Corruption Perceptions president Zeng Qinghong, and Tian Jiyun have been piling pressure on ments. Index. were named by The Guardian, which took Panama to reform its financial The investigation found that relatives of At the same time growth in the world's part in the investigation. sector, which has been trying to at least eight current or former members of second‑largest economy is slowing, and its The documents also named movie star head off a feared international China's Politburo Standing Committee, the wealthy have increasingly sought to move Jackie Chan, billionaire heiress Kelly Zong clampdown on its offshore busi‑ ruling party's most powerful body, have funds abroad, but have to contend with Fuli, and shopping‑mall magnate Shen ness. been implicated in the use of offshore com‑ Beijing's strict exchange‑control regime. Guojun. France has added Panama to panies. Under President Xi Jinping, Beijing has Media in the Communist‑ruled country its "grey" list of world tax Such vehicles are not illegal in themselves launched a much‑ publicized anti‑graft have avoided reporting on the leaks' havens, and Finance Minister and can be used for legitimate business drive, but has not instituted systemic Chinese revelations, and social media has Michel Sapin on Wednesday needs. But they commonly feature in cor‑ reforms such as public declarations of been scrubbed of references to them, with called on the OECD group of ruption cases, when they can be used to assets. foreign news broadcasters such as the BBC wealthy nations to do the same. secretly move ill‑gotten gains abroad. Xi's brother‑in‑law and family members of blacked out when they report on the (AFP/PTI) Graft is rife in China, which Transparency two current members of the Politburo Panama Papers. (AFP/PTI) TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA April 9-15, 2016 13 Kejriwal gets bail in Jaitley defamation case New Delhi: A court here granted him, Delhi Food and Supplies the Bharatiya Janata Party and bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Minister Imran Hussain furnished the Aam Aadmi Party scuffled out‑ Kejriwal and five other Aam surety for Ashutosh. side gate number 2 of the court Aadmi Party leaders in a criminal Uttam Nagar legislator Naresh complex. Jaitley told the court on defamation case filed by Finance Balyan stood surety for Sanjay January 5 that the AAP leaders Minister Arun Jaitley against Singh, Laxmi Nagar legislator had given "false and defamatory" them in the wake of the DDCA Nitin Tyagi for Vishwas, Burari statements in a case involving the controversy. lawmaker Sanjeev Jha for Chadha, Delhi and District Cricket Chief Metropolitan Magistrate and Mehrauli MLA Naresh Yadav Association (DDCA), thereby Sumit Dass granted bail to stood surety for Bajpayee. harming his reputation. Kejriwal as well as AAP leaders Jaitley, who filed the complaint He said the AAP leaders made Kumar Vishwas, Ashutosh, Sanjay against Kejriwal and the others, the statements with a view to Singh, Raghav Chadha and also was present in the court. deflect public attention from a Deepak Bajpayee after they After Kejriwal's counsel R.K. Central Bureau of Investigation appeared in the court following Wadhwa and C.L. Gupta told court probe against a civil servant work‑ last month's summons. that they have not been supplied ing with Kejriwal. "The offence being bailable, all with copies of the documents per‑ Jaitley urged the court to initi‑ accused persons are admitted to taining to the complaint, the court ate proceedings against Kejriwal bail," the court said. directed Jaitley to do so. It then and others on the charge of The court asked each of them to fixed May 19 for next hearing. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. (Photo: IANS) defaming him. furnish a personal bond of Security at the Patiala House The AAP leaders had alleged Rs.20,000 and a surety of the like courts was beefed up since 4, where the case was scheduled, appearing in the matter, and six corruption in the DDCA, which amount. Thursday morning in view of the was restricted after lunch. Only journalists were allowed to enter Jaitley headed for 13 years until While the chief minister's advis‑ hearing in the case. the accused, those giving sureties, the courtroom. 2013. Jaitley has denied the alle‑ er Gopal Mohan stood surety for The entry to courtroom number complainant Jaitley, lawyers Slogan‑shouting supporters of gations. After rebuffing Masood Flyover tragedy god's ban, China backs India message to save Bengal against WTO ruling from Trinamool: Modi Madarihat (West Bengal): government was caught up New Delhi: A week after it blocked change ‑ 21st Conference of Parties Accusing West Bengal Chief in the "business of money efforts to ban Jaish‑e‑Mohammed (COP‑21) in December last year. Minister Mamata Banerjee and business of death". chief Masood Azhar, China supported The United States had in 2013 filed of indulging in politics over Calling the tragedy an "act India against the World Trade a complaint with the WTO against the dead, Prime Minister of fraud", Modi said: "They Organisation (WTO) ruling that oppos‑ India providing support to domestic Narendra Modi said the are saying it is an act of god, es India's domestic manufacturing solar cell manufacturers under its Kolkata flyover tragedy was but actually it is an act of under its National Solar Mission. National Solar Mission, which "god's message" to people to fraud. The WTO on February 24 ruled Washington said was against the save Bengal from the "It is an act of god in the against India's 'Jawaharlal Nehru international trade agreement. USA Trinamool Congress. sense that it happened dur‑ National Solar Mission' on the plea claimed that India violated domestic "The flyover collapsed, ing election time so that that New Delhi's efforts towards the content requirements (DCR) rules. A such a big tragedy; if some people may know what kind indigenous production of solar cells three‑member dispute settlement chief goes what does he or of government she has been violated WTO rules. The ruling came panel of the WTO was set up in 2013. she do; they try to save peo‑ running. God has sent a on a 2013 complaint filed by the US. The panel ruled against India on ple, assist in rescue work. message to the people ‑ that "We support India in their appeal February 24, 2016. But what did Didi (Banerjee) today this bridge has col‑ against the WTO ruling. We support India in its appeal against the WTO do? The first thing she did lapsed, tomorrow she will the domestic industry to manufacture ruling, argued that the DCR measure was to declare that it was finish off entire Bengal. products for the solar industry," said were justified on the ground that they the Left Front that gave the God's message to you all is Xie Zhenhua, Special Representative secure its compliance with laws Prime Minister Narendra Modi. contract (for the project). to save Bengal," said Modi for Climate Change of China. required to promote sustainable devel‑ (Photo: IANS) "Forget Left or right, think appealing to the people to The Chinese support came at the opment. about those who are dying, Didi," said Modi refer‑ give one chance to the BJP in the state elections. 22nd BASIC Ministerial meeting on India also argued that its solar pro‑ ring to the March 31 Vivekananda flyover collapse He also charged Banerjee with undermining the climate change held in New Delhi, gramme was helping it to meet its in Kolkata which killed 26 people. welfare of the state by not attending meets con‑ where Environment Minister Prakash commitments under the United "At least give respect to the dead; but for Didi, vened by the central government. Javadekar was representing India. Nations Framework Convention on it's the chair which is only visible and not the "I wonder what kind of chief minister is she. Representatives from the other coun‑ Climate Change (UNFCCC). dying people. Whenever the central government calls a meeting tries Brazil, South Africa and China India's solar energy programme is "Look at the shamelessness; it was such a mas‑ on important subjects, where all the states can put were also present. considered one of the world's largest sive tragedy but she started a blame game," he forth their issues and demands, she has always Last week, India's move to get and fastest renewable energy pro‑ said, about the project which was conceived and skipped them because those meetings are called Pathankot terror attacks mastermind, grammes. At present India generates the contract awarded during the previous Left by Modi." Pointing to Banerjee's "closeness" to JeM chief Masood Azhar, banned by around 5,000 megawatts of solar Front regime. Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Modi also the UN was rebuffed by China ‑ for the energy from virtually nil some five "I want to ask Didi, if this flyover would have ridiculed the Left Front‑Congress tie up. second such time, causing huge disap‑ years back. been completed and while inaugurating it, would "She doesn't come to Delhi to attend meetings pointment in India. China, a close India had also scaled up its target to you have said the contract was given by the Left? called by Modi. But whenever she comes to Delhi, friend of Pakistan, had said that Azhar produce solar energy by pushing No, you would have taken the credit for it. Now she never forgets to meet Sonia Gandhi," he did not meet the UN criteria to be ahead the 20,000 megawatts of solar that it has collapsed, you are blaming others. This alleged. banned as a terrorist. electricity generation to 1,00,000 is all part of your business of money and death," "You have seen enough of the Left and the China's burgeoning solar industry megawatts by 2022. the prime minister said addressing a party rally Trinamool both of which have done everything to too faces political opposition in the In the meeting, India along with here in Alipurduar district. destroy Bengal. Give one chance to BJP and we US. China, Brazil and South Africa issued a Castigating Banerjee over the multi‑crore rupee will show you what development means," added A joint statement issued by the four joint statement to ratify the Paris 'COP Saradha scam and the recent sting operation in Modi, claiming that all the states in which his countries here welcomed the adoption 21 Global Climate Agreement' in New which several Trinamool leaders were allegedly party was in power have witnessed all round of the Paris Agreement on climate York on April 22. caught taking bribes, Modi said the Trinamool development. 14 April 9-15, 2016 INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info College tension in J&K brews first challenge for CM Mehbooba Srinagar: A three‑member team of central government officials visited the volatile campus of a Kashmir college after days of bitter tension between local and non‑local stu‑ dents there presented the first major challenge for the newly‑ installed coalition government in the state headed by Chief Minister The Pakistani Joint Investigation Team visited India on March 28. Mehbooba Mufti. (Photo : IANS) The three‑member team, headed by Sanjeev Sharma, a director in the Pathankot: India union Human Resources Development ministry, met officials of Srinagar's National Institute of trashes Pak report as Technology (NIT) and the protest‑ ing non‑local students who have Students wave Indian flags in Jammu following a clash at the been boycotting classes for two Srinagar campus of NIT. (Photo : IANS) 'total concoction' days. New Delhi: India has termed as the Pathankot attack is self evi‑ The team's visit to the campus, the valley. According to witnesses dents took out a procession inside "total concoction" a Pakistan dent," the sources added. where central paramilitary troopers in the campus, local students had the campus, carrying the tricolor report, quoting sources in the Pakistan Today, quoting sources were deployed recently, comes after been cheering for the West Indies and shouting "Bharat Mata Ki Jai". Joint Investigation Team (JIT) that in the JIT said "the attack was a hundreds of non‑Kashmiri students while the non‑locals were support‑ Police at the campus gates pre‑ visited India, that the Pathankot drama staged to malign Pakistan". accused Jammu and Kashmir Police ing Team India. As Andre Russel of vented the students from marching attack was staged by India. A report in Pakistan Today of kicking and punching them when the West Indies hit the winning out. The protesting students alleged Meanwhile, union Minister M. newspaper, quoting sources, said they wanted to march out on roads runs, crackers were burst in the they were beaten up and police per‑ Venkaiah Naidu said no one, the JIT concluded that the Indian shouting pro‑India slogans. vicinity, if not within the campus, to sonnel even entered the campus including people in Pakistan, will authorities had prior information The protesting students told the celebrate the victory of the and thrashed some of their handi‑ believe that the Pathankot airbase about the attackers. visiting team that they would con‑ Caribbeans. capped colleagues. Police accused attack was stage‑managed by The daily claimed its source said tinue boycotting their classes and This pitched non‑locals students, the protestors of indulging in stone India. India "used the attack as a tool to demanded that the college be shift‑ whose number is around 1,500, pelting, an allegation they denied. "The report in Pakistan Today is expand its vicious propaganda ed from Srinagar to some "safer against locals in the college. A day The challenge to restore the a total concoction. While in India, against Pakistan without having place outside the valley". after the cricket match, non‑ peaceful academic atmosphere in the JIT took onboard the detailed any solid evidence to back the The trouble in the college, situat‑ Kashmiri students held demonstra‑ the college is a first for Mehbooba, evidence which was shared by the claim". ed near the famous Hazratbal tions shouting slogans like "Bharat who recently took over as the first NIA," sources from the external The report also quoted a mem‑ shrine of Kashmir, started after Mata Ki Jai", "Hindustan zindabad" woman chief minister of the state. affairs ministry (MEA) said. ber of the JIT as saying that NIA India's loss to the West Indies in the and "Pakistan murdabad". Local stu‑ For the PDP, which has been "Since the JIT collected evidence officer Tanzil Ahmad's murder on T20 cricket World Cup semi‑final dents also gathered and raised pro‑ expressing concern over the safety in accordance with Pakistani law Saturday night in Uttar Pradesh played last week in Mumbai. freedom and anti‑India slogans. of Kashmiri students in colleges and which applies to Pakistani citizens showed that "Indian establishment Traditionally, it has always been Sensing trouble, the campus man‑ universities outside the state, the committing an offence abroad, wants to keep the matter under sporting clashes between India and agement suspended classes till April situation is precarious. the involvement of Pakistanis in wraps". (IANS) Pakistan that have stoked tension in 4. But a group of 500 non‑local stu‑ (IANS) Jaya to contest from Three get life term for Chennai, AIADMK Mumbai blasts announces candidates Mumbai: A special Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) court award‑ Chennai: AIADMK gen‑ ed life imprisonment to three con‑ eral secretary and Tamil victed in the triple blasts of 2002‑ Nadu Chief Minister J. 2003. Jayalalithaa announced Additional Judge P.R. Deshmukh that she will seek re‑ sentenced Muzammil Ansari, Dr. election from the Wahid Ansari and Farhaan Khot to Radhakrishnan Nagar life imprisonment. constituency here. The former SIMI general secre‑ At a time when other tary, Saquib Nachan, who the pros‑ parties are finalizing ecution said was a key accused in seat sharing arrange‑ Tamil Nadu CM and AIADMK supremo the case, was sentenced to 10 ments with others, J. Jayalalithaa. (Photo : IANS) years in jail, along with Ateef Jayalalithaa released the Mulla, Hasib Mulla and Gulam list of AIADMK candidates for the 234 assembly constituencies Khotal. Noor Malik, Anwar Ali and There were three explosions in Mumbai in four months starting Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and in Tamil Nadu. It has allotted Muhammed Kamil were sentenced December 6, 2002. (File photo) Kerala assembly elections. seven constituencies to its to two years. Jayalalithaa has decided to alliance partners. While the On March 29, the court convict‑ injured when a bomb planted on a lives of 11 commuters and injured contest from Chennai at a time party has retained a majority of ed 10 persons and acquitted three. bicycle exploded in the market 82. when opposition parties are hop‑ the ministers in the list of candi‑ On December 6, 2002, a bomb area of Vile Parle station. All 13 accused have been ing to make the government's dates, some outgoing legislators had exploded at the Mumbai On March 13 that year, a bomb charged with murder, attempt to handling of the massive have been dropped. The notable Central railway station, next to exploded in the first class ladies murder, causing grievous injuries, December floods in the city a new entrant is Panruti S. McDonalds, injuring 27 persons. compartment of a Karjat‑bound waging a war against the nation major election plank. The Ramachandran, who had quit the On January 27, 2003, one train that had just reached and criminal conspiracy and arms AIADMK will contest in 227 of DMDK and joined AIADMK. woman died and 32 persons were Mulund. The blast claimed the possession. (The Hindu) TheSouthAsianTimes.info FASHION April 9-15, 2016 15

Mumbai: Whether it is Rahul out to the world, and at the same Mishra's love for textile, ace time has given us exposure to designer Rohit Bal's fascination what's happening around the with lotus motifs, young design‑ world. There are some great er Dhruv Vaish's eclectic mix of buyers encouraging the design‑ fabrics or brand Amrich's mixing ers." of modern with contemporary ‑‑ AMRICH, a brand run by duo the summer‑resort edition of Amit Vijaya and Richard Pandav, Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) drew inspiration from the inter‑ 2016 witnessed some eye‑catch‑ section of traditions, techniques, ing trends, and a heavy dose of styles and habits for the collec‑ Bollywood star presence both on tion at LFW. and off the runway. "With the concept of moving Returning after his triumphant dots creating lines and moving show at Paris Fashion Week, lines creating surfaces, we have International Woolmark Award made use of a lot of stripes and Winner 2014, Mishra dazzled checks to create overlapping tex‑ the audience with his fresh sum‑ tures," Vijaya told IANS. mer 2016 collection called He added: "Lakme Fashion 'Knots of Love' at the fashion Week is a great platform for gala, which concluded on designers big and small and it Sunday. really helps us to put our work The basis of Mishra's collec‑ across to a wide variety of peo‑ tion has always been textiles and ple from around the world. the designer did not disappoint "To get that kind of exposure at LFW too. for any of us designers is defi‑ "Inspired by the patterns and nitely a boost for our business in designs that are seen on beauti‑ terms of branding. Having estab‑ ful porcelain, I worked around lished our label's presence in them and then sprinkled the gar‑ high end designer stores across ments with 'bandhani'. I also the country in the last five years, added to these fine crafts the we would like to push the brand centuries‑old technique of drap‑ further by reaching out to inter‑ ing and created a fine blend of national buyers with the help Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan displays the creation of fashion designer Rohit Bal during the Lakme Fashion Week 2016 on April 3. (right) Actress Ileana D̀Cruz displays the creation handmade knowledge and and support of LFW. This season of fashion designer Rahul Mishra during the LFW on Friday. detailing for the exquisite cre‑ we have also launched Amrich ations," said the designer. Goods ‑ a range of leather bags Another established designer, to accentuate our clothing line," Arjun Saluja impressed fashion‑ he added. istas with art installations at the While creativity was on a high event, where multiple designers at the just‑concluded fashion promoted use of Indian textile gala, Bollywood presence too and handicrafts. gave attendees a reason to "We used different mediums cheer. While several faces and perspective to tell the story, walked the runway as a show‑ so the approach was very differ‑ stopper for many leading ent. We worked on aging tech‑ designers, there were some pop‑ niques to give the clothes a ular names who supported their more distressed look. There is favorite names from the front lot of Indian influence in our row. work as we work on classic Some celebrities who were a Indian shapes and deconstruct part of the fashion gala included them to give them a new shape Kareena Kapoor Khan, Sidharth and form," Saluja told IANS. Malhotra, Lisa Haydon, Aditi Rao Rohit Bal, who has set many a Hydari, Huma Qureshi, veteran fashion trends in the industry, actress Helen, Arjun Kapoor, stole the limelight with his finale Sonakshi Sinha, Bhumi presentation. From yards of mul‑ Pednekar, Mira Rajput, Ali Fazal, mul to hues of sunset golds and Mini Mathur, Ayan Mukherjee, pristine ivories, there was a Onir, Juhi Chawla and Sangeeta presentation of handmade cut‑ Bijlani. works and lattice, intertwined with organic fabrics and age‑old techniques of Indian heritage.

Fashion designer Manish Young designers Malhotra with actors Arjun proved their Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez during the opening talent too. show of Lakme Fashion Week Dhruv Vaish, who presented Summer/Resort 2016, in collection titled 'Cerulean', told Mumbai, on March 29, 2016. IANS: "LFW has helped us reach 16 April 9-15, 2016 ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD TheSouthAsianTimes.info

opularly known as Shocked and saddened to hear Anandi, her character about the sudden death of Pfrom the television show Pratyusha Banerjee May god 'Balika Vadhu', actress give her family strength to Pratyusha Banerjee's untimely deal with the loss. death has left everyone in Arbaaz Khan: Extremely sad‑ Bollywood and the TV indus‑ dened to hear about try in shock. Pratyusha! May her soul rest The 24‑year‑old actress in peace. God give her family allegedly committed suicide in strength in this difficult time. Mumbai. She hanged herself Rishi Kapoor: What a shame! from a fan at her Kandivali Such a lovely person should residence but was detected suicide! Who knows the tur‑ and taken to the Kokilaben moil within her. RIP. Priyanka Chopra: Miss World to box Ambani Hospital where she Anupam Kher: Deeply sad‑ office powerhouse. succumbed. Here's what dened by the news about celebrities had to say about Pratyusha Banerjee. May god Priyanka Chopraʼs the actress' death: give her family the strength to Madhur Bhandarkar: deal with this loss. mother denies the Pratyusha catapulted to fame with her role in TV serial ʻBalika Vadhuʼ. actress tried committing suicide SALMANʼS DABANGG 3 riyanka Chopra's ex‑manager Prakash Jaju has alleged that the PBollywood‑Hollywood actress will start shooting in 2017: Arbaaz attempted to take her own life. She is super successful now but Jaju says she alman Khan has a full schedule star‑ struggled a lot as an aspiring actress. In a ing at him with Ali Abbas Zafarʼs film series of tweets, he claims the star tried SʻSultanʼ going full throttle. So, where to commit suicide multiple times, but he does that place his superhit franchise prevented it. He also claims Priyanka had ʻDabanggʼ with the iconic character a tumultuous relationship with her ex, Chulbul Pandey? Brother Arbaaz Khan Aseem Merchant and drove to Mumbai's who produced the first two installments is Vasai area to commit suicide, one night asking his fans to wait a little. after a fight with him. He goes on to say that another time PC tried to jump off a Arbaaz, who also directed Dabangg 2, building after Merchant's mother's death said, “Next year we will start working for in 2002, as she was very close to her. Dabangg 3. Right now Bhai (Salman The international divaʼs mother, Madhu Khan) is busy with some of his projects Chopra, has denied all the Jaju claims as like ʻSultanʼ and others. Therefore, fabrication while abusing the manager on ʻDabangg 3ʼ is in queue. I cannot say the Twitter for lying. She added that Jaju has exact time, but next year for sure.” some personal issues against Priyanka. While promoting ʻDabangg 2ʼ, Salman It's no secret that Chopra and her ex‑ had revealed that the third film will actu‑ manager are on terrible terms. PC ally be a prequel. “We have our third film allegedly abruptly terminated Jajuʼs con‑ ready and it will go back and show how Salman Khan is currently busy shooting for Sultan. tract and in 2008 he filed a criminal law‑ Chulbul Pandey becomes Chulbul Pandey. first one. So ʻDabangg 3ʼ will be a pre‑ lead actress of the first two films, will also suit against the actress in a Mumbai If the second one becomes a hit, we can quel.” He had also said that Sonakshi, the feature in the prequel. court. He served 67 days in prison, after go to the third one, which is actually the Chopra's father also filed a suit against hah Rukh Khanʼs ʻDilwaleʼ was him for invading his daughter's privacy. declared the worst film of SRK teams up with Anushka S2015 while Salman Khan‑starrer ʻPrem Ratan ʻDilwaleʼ for Imtiaz Ali’s next Dhan Payoʼ earned Sonam Kapoor the worst worst film, actress title at the 8th ill it be third time lucky for Golden Kela Awards, Sonam Kapoor Anushka Sharma and Shah Rukh which annually recog‑ WKhanʼs jodi? After delivering hits nizes the worst in Hindi worst actress: like ʻRab Ne Bana De Jodiʼ and ʻJab Tak Hai cinema, a la Hollywoodʼs Jaanʼ, the two stars have come together for Razzies. Golden Kela filmmaker Imtiaz Aliʼs next. It was already ʻDilwaleʼ was declared known that the ʻTamashaʼ director had awards “winner” over other roped in Shah Rukh Khan for his film, and Bollywood disappointments now reports suggest that Anushka Sharma ʻBombay Velvetʼ, ʻShaandaarʼ, ʻTevarʼ will be starring opposite him. and Akshay Kumarʼs ʻSingh is Bliingʼ. The ʻFanʼ actor will be playing a Sikh Besides Sonam, the filmʼs director Sooraj tourist in the yet‑to‑be‑titled comedy. His Barjatya took home the worst direction and interactions with the locals and his adven‑ SRK‑Kajol pair failed to do wonders for ʻDilwaleʼ ʻBas Kijiye Bahut Ho Gaya awardʼ. Sonam turous return to his home country forms defeated Shraddha Kapoorʼs dancer turn in award functions for his film Hero but the (ʻRoyʼ), Arjun Kapoor (ʻTevarʼ) and Imran the crux of this laugh riot. Reportedly, the ʻABCD 2ʼ, Amy Jacksonʼs act in ʻSingh is Golden Kela Awards recognized him as the Khan (ʻKatti Battiʼ). shooting will be carried out in London and Bliingʼ. Actor Sooraj Pancholi might have worst actor of the year. The 25‑year‑old was Actor Imran Khan won the ʻWhy Are You Punjab. bagged best debut honor at various other named over actors like Arjun Rampal Still Tryingʼ award for ʻKatti Battiʼ. TheSouthAsianTimes.info ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD April 9-15, 2016 17 Everyone will know when I get married: Bipasha

Not dating Akshara s speculations around her marriage Ato actor Karan Singh Haasan: Tanuj Virwani Grover grow stronger, actor Bipasha Basu is even more determined to not divulge hough speculations any details about her personal life. are rife that Akshara “Jab hogi tab aap logon ko pata chal jayega na Haasan and Tanuj T yaar. Main thodi kahin bhaagi ja rahi hun. Virwani have broken up, (Whenever the wedding happens, you guys will the latter has denied know. I am not going anywhere),” says Basu, who being in a relationship has dated actors Dino Morea and John Abraham with the actress. in the past. It is being reported that the actor He said, "We never said will tie the knot with her ʻAloneʼ co‑star on that we were dating so it's April 30th in Mumbai in the presence of funny when people send family and friends. While this will be you sympathetic mes‑ The two actors vow to remain friends. Basuʼs first marriage, this would be sages. I am fiercely pri‑ Groverʼs third marriage. vate." When probed, he added, Akshara's mother (Sarika) were "We have never denied being against their relationship. "Her friends and we will continue to be mom and uncle know me and my so. In fact just recently, I was parents are fond of her as well, so cheering for her sister (Shruti that's not true," he signed off. Haasan) at a fashion event." However, the duo has been spot‑ Lovers Bipasha Basu and He also rubbished reports that ted together at several watering Karan Singh Grover. his mother (Rati Agnihotri) and holes in the suburbs. What's wrong in watching vulgar films, asks Vikram Bhatt

e makes erot‑ happy with how the Central Board of Film Congress government was much better... the thriller genre with erotica and horror in ic thrillers Certification (CBFC) members have been What's wrong with cheap, vulgar films? his films, has asserted that a person's choice Hunabashedly chopping off scenes, muting words and even Don't I have a right to watch a vulgar film if I to watch a certain film should not be affected and feels the censor banning movies in the Indian film industry. want to? Why are you protecting my taste?" by any outside force. "I am a vulgar man, I board in India has "It (censor board) is Bhatt asked. The direc‑ want to watch vulgar films and I am willing assumed the respon‑ worse now. The tor, who mixes to pay for it. Yes, put a huge disclaimer on a sibility of "protecting Review: film saying 'This film is vulgar'... I don't mind the audience's that, but don't tell me what is good or bad for Vikram Bhatt taste", something me," he added. which is not its Asked if the censor board had been kind job. Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, whose to his ʻLove Gamesʼ, based on wife new film ʻLove Gamesʼ delves upon swapping and swingers (couples the behind‑the‑closed‑doors who are in a relation and share The subject of partner sharing, Arjun their sexual space with 'streel‑ asks when the audience is Kapoor either another person or a ing' (femi‑ willing to watch "vul‑ makes the couple), Bhatt said: nine factor) is gar" films, why characterʼs "Censor board is like pulling Arjun should others unconventional, a watchman pro‑ Kapoor into the decide whether some would say tecting a dilapi‑ kitchen. And it's worth downright embar‑ dated house Kareena Kapoor Khan watching or rassing aspirations where doesnʼt mind as long as not. seem so normal, you nobody he is fully functional in Bhatt is wonder why more hus‑ lives". the bedroom. clearly bands donʼt adopt the you‑ That, dear audience, in a not go‑I‑stay route. This is by far nutshell is ʻKi & Kaʼ. A film Arjunʼs most accomplished about role reversal between the performance. The joy he exudes sexes where the ambitious wife Kareena and Arjun in a still form the movie. in house‑keeping chores is Kia (Kareena) goes out to earn almost contagious. The hurt he the bread and butter, while the about how they would look to the world. dodge conveys is palpable when his wife husband Kabir (Arjun) is blissfully So when Kabir meets Kia on a gender begins to resent his growing popu‑ happy looking after the home. flight, they hit it off instantly. stereotyping in a larity ("Abhimaan" in reverse) as the Immediately, there is an infectious The words that flow country where even face of the metrosexual man very charm to the proceedings. Every between the cool Kabir words have a gender. Given happily, very heterosexually in touch scene is a joy to behold. It could have and the hot Kia are the unbelievable patriarchal with the feminine side of his personali‑ something to do with Kareenaʼs pres‑ so conversational prejudices, it takes guts for a man ty. ence. She lights up every frame as only that I wondered if like Kabir to tell his father to shove his The crisis point in Kia and Kabirʼs she can. Arjun and Kareena wealth up his you‑know‑what, as Kabir winsome togetherness is reached in a Most films about married couples in thought of the dialogues wants to be a housekeeper like his moth‑ tongue‑in‑cheek homage to Hrishikesh Bollywood are paeans of pain. Well, sur‑ as they played out their er. Mukherjeeʼs "Abhimaan". Kiaʼs outburst, prise surprise! A marriage need not be a charactersʼ combined karma. The dia‑ It takes even more guts for an actor to accusing Arjun of being a scheming melody of misery, provided the couple logues are never florid or bombastic. play a man who is happy cooking, clean‑ manipulator makes her look awfully does what it wants to without caring This is Balki's take on how to playfully ing and living off his wifeʼs income. unfair and rather paranoid. 18 April 9-15, 2016 TRAVEL TheSouthAsianTimes.info

By Isabella Rauter Isabella Rauter, media manager of Vienna Tourist y entry point to India was Mumbai and, aptly Board, recounts experiences of her travel in India, Menough, it began with a magnificent view of the Gateway of before pitching in for her country, in particular, India and the Arabian Sea from the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The Vienna, which is enchantingly romantic and a Taj, of course, is a fairy tale, opu‑ lent abode, full of old world charm. favorite destination for honeymooners. The historic hotel reminded me of home, and our own enchanting places to stay in Vienna, especially the suite in Schönbrunn Palace overlooking the splendid baroque park with the Gloriette. My stay in Mumbai was a gastro‑ nomic journey of taste and discov‑ ery. At the Taj Palace's iconic Masala Art restaurant, I sampled their signature dish ‑‑ the unique local Bombay Tiffin meal, inspired by the famed Dabbawalas whose six‑sigma quality delivery system story amazes me. At the Taj Palace's iconic Masala Art restaurant, their signature dish Meeting them is definitely on the is the unique local Bombay Tiffin meal, inspired by the famed list for my next visit to India. The Dabbawalas whose six‑sigma quality delivery system story has meal is served off a tiffin ‑‑ the amazed even Harvard MBAs. (Photo courtesy: The Tasting Fork) server opens it, and three After building it in the memory of his queen, Mumtaj Mahal, Shah sparkling stainless steel dabbas dearly beloved wife, Mumtaz mooners. The narrow cobble‑ Jahan was imprisoned by his son, and could only see the Taj from his emerge packed with a dal, a sabzi, Mahal. But immediately after its stoned lanes, arcade‑lined court‑ jail window in the Red Fort. He gazed at it for the rest of his life. This construction he was imprisoned yards and time‑honored palaces rice and roti. makes it undoubtedly the most romantic wonder of the world. The meal pays tribute to the (Photo: Isabella Rauter/IANS) by his son, and could only see it enable a brush with the past. The bustling culture of Mumbai, a city from his jail window in the Red suites at the Schönbrunn Palace that is busy and teeming with little next to mine at the Mughal look at one of the most famous Fort. Here, Shah Jahan gazed at the where the nobility once resided are nuances. You round it off with Sheraton's Peshawar restaurant in buildings in the world. I was curi‑ Taj for the rest of his life. This now open to honeymooners. Of Masala Chai served in a copper Agra. But food was just one part of ous if it would live up to expecta‑ makes it undoubtedly the most course, Vienna is particularly Katori. If the Bombay Tiffin meal my journey of discovery. Between tions. romantic wonder of the world. romantic in spring when the chest‑ opened up the local flavors and all the business meetings there And then, I caught my first It's an ode to love like nothing nut trees blossom in the vast wonderful aromas of the city, then was some time to soak in Indian glimpse of the shining white Taj else and no wonder tourists throng Prater Park. Perhaps it is this my meal at the early 20th century culture and see some impressive framed, picturesquely within the to the Taj. The love story of sense of romance that has inspired Parsi eatery, Britannia and Co. in monuments. shadowy arch of the main gate. I Mumtaz Mahal reminded me of Indian filmmaker Karan Johar ‑‑ South Bombay with Beri Beri Rice My next stop, Delhi, brought me must say it was truly overwhelm‑ our own Empress Elisabeth "Sisi". famed for his love stories like Pulav, and Raspberry Soda was face to face with 1,000 elephants ‑‑ ing and I fell in love at first sight. Today, the Volksgarten around the "Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham" ‑‑ to another fascinating culinary expe‑ not in a Jungle Safari, but in the While the Taj is incredibly beau‑ monument of Empress Elisabeth is choose Vienna as the setting for dition. impressively carved Akshardham tiful, what makes the monument one of the most romantic spots in his upcoming movie, "Ae Dil Hai Baklava made me recall Viennese temple. In the evening I witnessed really special is the story behind its Vienna with 400 types of roses Mushkil", starring Aishwarya Rai, signature pasty ‑‑ the famous an exceptional sound and light construction, as explained to us by blooming here in spring. Anushka Sharma and Ranbir Sacher Torte. I was served by the show. But the content was hard to our Sherpa: Mughal Emperor Shah Indeed, much of Vienna is Kapoor. The heart always finds a elderly owner Boman Kohinoor, understand for someone not famil‑ Jahan had this remarkable ivory enchantingly romantic and a way to make connections. Vienna who showed me his impressive iar with Hinduism. A drive past the white mausoleum built for his favorite destination for honey‑ and India certainly did! correspondence with a range of biggest Presidential Palace in the well‑known personalities, includ‑ world, the Rashtrapati Bhavan, and ing Zubin Mehta, the famous con‑ the impressive India Gate brought ductor of Indian origin who often home the grandly classical archi‑ performs in Vienna. tecture of Lutyens Delhi. Just a few days in India were On my last day I visited the Taj enough for me to fall in love with Mahal, which was an undeniably the ubiquitous local brew flavored breathtaking experience. I got up with ginger and cardamom ‑‑ the very early in the morning and had Masala Chai. While I relished the a comfortable drive on the Yamuna spicy Indian food, some desserts Expressway from Delhi to Agra, like carrot fudge (Gajar Ka Halwa) only stopping for a quick cup of and Gulab Jamun were cherry on Chai en route. the cake. At the Taj, we were welcomed by I could not get over the variety of guides who helped us with the Indian breads ‑‑ from watching a tickets and enter the complex roomali roti being rolled out in the quickly. When approaching the Gymkhana Club in Delhi, to photo‑ main entrance, I could feel the Austriaʼs capital Vienna saw 50 percent increase in Indian tourist traffic last year: drawing over graphing an entire family dig into excitement rising ‑‑ in a few sec‑ 40,000 visitors. In their India promotional this year, they have highlighted how Indian filmmaker Karan a huge bread, the naan, at the table onds, I was going to take my first Johar shot a lot of his latest venture "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" at locations in Austria. (Photo: Austria Tourism) TheSouthAsianTimes.info US AFFAIRS April 9-15, 2016 19 Clinton, Sanders agree to Cruz win in Wisconsin debate in Brooklyn Washington: Democratic Party front‑run‑ playing "games" over the debate sched‑ hints at Trump slide ner Hillary Clinton and her opponent, ule and for rejecting three possible dates Washington: Senator Ted Cruz self‑styled socialist Bernie Sanders have that they had offered, including April 14. has won the Republican presi‑ agreed to debate in Brooklyn on April 14 "Brooklyn. April 14. It's on." Clinton dential primary in Wisconsin, ahead of the April 19 New York primar‑ national press secretary Brian Fallon dealing a blow to front‑runner ies. The debate will be hosted by TV tweeted on Monday night. Donald Trump, while channels CNN and NY1. It will be held at In January, the Clinton and Sanders Democratic contender Senator the Brooklyn Navy Yard at 9.00 p.m. campaigns agreed to add four more Bernie Sanders defeated Hillary The announcement came on Monday, a debates into the schedule, after criticism Clinton in a close contest. week after back‑and‑forth between the from many in the Democratic Party, The loss is more damaging to Clinton and Sanders campaigns as they including Sanders, that there were too Trump, because he is in greater tried to negotiate a day and time for a few debates. danger of failing to lock up the debate in New York. The two candidates have not sparred party's nomination ahead of the Over the weekend, the Clinton cam‑ on‑stage since the Univision‑Washington July convention. paign accused the Sanders campaign of Post debate on March 9. In the Republican race, the first In Wisconsin, Ted Cruz and Bernie Sanders have defeated the frontrunners in Republican and results showed a massive lead for Democratic parties. Cruz: With more than 20 percent Trump, Cruz proposals harm of votes in, he led Trump by more ago," he said, meaning when he won by a than 20 percentage points. Trump may still large margin in Utah. Cruz said his campaign US foreign policy, says Obama get some delegates from Wisconsin, howev‑ had raised $2 million on Tuesday alone. er, the state awards some delegates by con‑ In the Democratic race, Sanders was lead‑ gressional districts, and Trump was leading ing Clinton by about seven percentage Washington: President Barack Obama Texas Senator Ted Cruz's immigration in rural districts in Wisconsin's northwest, points, 53 percent to 46 percent, with 30 said on Tuesday that campaign trail rhet‑ proposals "draconian". according to Washington Post. percent of precincts reporting. oric from leading presidential candidates "People expect the president of the Cruz savored the victory, casting it as proof A victory on that scale may not allow him was damaging the US in the eyes of for‑ United States and the elected officials in that the GOP race had turned. The party's to make up significant ground on Clinton in eign leaders. this country to treat these problems seri‑ anti‑Trump forces had coalesced behind an the race for Democratic convention dele‑ He said he receives questions "con‑ ously," Obama said during an appear‑ unlikely champion: a Texas senator who gates. But it will allow Sanders to cite grow‑ stantly" from fellow officials about the ance in the White House briefing room seemed like the worst possible choice for the ing momentum going into a crucial contest "wackier suggestions that are being in which he discussed the US economy, GOP establishment, right up until they met in New York, where Sanders was born ‑ and made" in the race to secure the but was responding to a reporter's ques‑ candidate Trump. where Clinton served as senator ‑ on April Republican nomination, reports CNN. tion on the state of the 2016 race. "Tonight is a turning point. It is a rallying 19. He said those suggestions were not "They don't expect half‑baked notions cry," Cruz told supporters in Milwaukee. "We A win in Wisconsin also allows Sanders to coming only from presidential front‑run‑ coming out of the White House. We can't have a choice. A real choice. The national make the case to "super‑delegates", who can ner Donald Trump, as he called some of afford that," the president said. political terrain began to change two weeks make up their minds about whom to support. FBI didn't seek GAME CHANGER: Tesla Model interview about email 3 receives 276,000 pre‑orders Los Angeles: Orders for Model 3 will fea‑ the much‑hyped Tesla ture front and probe: Hillary Clinton Model 3, a cheaper version rear trunks and of its electric car aimed at boasts more the mass market, have cargo capacity surged to 276,000 in just than any gasoline three days, company boss car of the same Hillary Elon Musk said last week‑ external dimen‑ Clinton end. sions. (Photo Amid reports of queues And Musk courtesy: to snap up the vehicle, promises a 7ft (2 AP) Musk tweeted: '276k metres) surf‑ Model 3 orders by end of Sat.' board will be able to fit inside. Following the launch on Thursday, Musk The Model 3 ‑ the company's first mass hinted demand was outstripping expectation market car ‑ is a pitch to middle class drivers with the tweet: 'Definitely going to need to and a key component in Musk's vision to rethink production planning.' mainstream the electric car. Washington: Democratic front‑runner separate internal review to determine if the The base price is half that of Tesla's luxury 'It's going to be an incredibly safe car,' Hillary Clinton said the FBI has not asked secret information in those emails had Model S and the Model X, which start at Musk said when he first presented the Model to schedule an interview over her private been mishandled at the time they were $70,000, for example. 3 at the company's design studio in email server. sent.However, the State Department The Model 3 will be able to go zero to 60 Hawthorne California on Thursday night. "No, they haven't," Clinton told NBC deferred that judgment to the FBI, which is miles an hour in less than six seconds Musk said deliveries for the car will begin News' "Meet the Press" on Sunday night conducting a more comprehensive security The billionaire founder noted the car will at the end of next year. when asked whether federal investigators review of Clinton's email. be able to travel a distance of 215 miles Who are its competitors? had been in contact with her. The outcome is expected amid the 2016 (346km) per charge, at minimum, and will fit General Motors is set to start selling the "But you know, back in August, we made election cycle. five adults comfortably. Chevrolet Bolt electric car at the end of this clear that I'm happy to answer any ques‑ Pressed on whether the FBI probe could The slick design features a roof made of year, a full year before the Model 3. tions that anybody might have. And I stand interfere with her path to the nomination, one continuous pane of glass, which Musk The Bolt will have a similar price tag and a by that," Clinton said. Clinton said she was not "concerned" about said will give passengers amazing headroom 200‑mile range. Hyundai's Ioniq, which has a In January, the US State Department it, CBS News reported. Clinton has reiterat‑ and a 'feeling of openness'. 110‑mile electric range and could match revealed that during its review of Clinton's ed that she is confident that she did not It is also 20 per cent smaller than the Tesla on price, goes on sale this fall. 52,000 pages of private email, it had come break any laws with her use of a private Model S and will be fitted with autopilot fea‑ Audi will follow with an electric SUV across 22 documents that had to be email server during her tenure as Secretary tures. in 2018. Musk said last month he's not upgraded to "top secret". of State from January 2009 till February Like the Model S that came before it, worried. It said at the time that it would conduct a 2013. 20 April 9-15, 2016 OP-ED TheSouthAsianTimes.info VOTE FOR THE CROOK (not Trump). Itʼs important

LINCOLN REALIZED THE WHIG PARTY WAS BROKEN BEYOND REPAIR BECAUSE IT COULD NOT EXPLAIN WHY SLAVERY WAS FUNDAMENTALLY UNJUST, SO HE HELPED START THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. IF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS TRULY BECOME BROKEN ENOUGH TO NOMINATE TRUMP WITH THE SUPPORT OF DAVID DUKE, IT WILL BE TIME TO FIND A NEW TOOL.

By Dr. Caleb Verbois “Neither of them.” Later, in an interview on MSNBC he noted, ike many Americans, I correctly, that the Republican learned my first real civics Party is “the party of Abraham Llesson watching my mother Lincoln … not the party of David vote. Unlike many, my first lesson Duke, Donald Trump … but funda‑ was fairly depressing. I grew up in mentally, this party needs to southern Louisiana, and in the return to its principles of believ‑ 1991 gubernatorial election ing in equality under the law and David Duke, a former Grand believing in the greatness of the Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, was potential of the American people. running against Edwin Edwards, a We believe in limited government. three‑time former governor who We donʼt believe in a bigger had been charged with bribery Washington.” and was later convicted of 17 Sasse argued, “The American counts relating to extortion and people deserve better than two racketeering. Edwards was heavily fundamentally dishonest New disliked because of his alleged York liberals. … So my first hope crimes and because he raised is that voters in the primaries over taxes sharply as state revenue fell the next three weeks are going to David Duke (left) is a former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. Donald Trump said on live TV that he knew when the oil industry collapsed. make a better choice.” But, as nothing about David Duke. A patent lie because in 2000, when Trump considered running for president Despite this, many in Louisiana with the Reform Party, he declined, because, “The Reform Party now includes a Klansman, Sasse concluded, the “political were terrified of what might hap‑ Mr. Duke. … This is not company I wish to keep.” party is a tool.” And like any tool, pen if Duke won the election, and if it breaks, you have to replace it. signs and bumper stickers sprang wish to keep.” But for the alleged‑ It is simply not plausible that he top secret documents. That, after all, is how the up all over the state with one sim‑ ly straight talking Trump, no does not know what the Ku Klux In that scenario, one is tempted Republican Party began. Lincoln ple message: “Vote for the Crook. statement of fact or belief is ever Klan (or white supremacy) is, even to say, “Vote for the Crook. Itʼs realized the Whig party was bro‑ Itʼs Important.” On Election Day I permanent. After Trump received if he no longer remembers that he Important.” ken beyond repair because it watched as my mother dutifully Dukeʼs endorsement in this cam‑ once left the Reform Party Happily, we are not yet staring could not explain why slavery was went to the polls, voted for every paign, CNNʼs Jake Tapper gave because of David Duke. into that abyss. It is still possible fundamentally unjust, so he other office, and then tried to vote Trump three opportunities to This election increasingly leaves that Republican voters can wake helped start the Republican Party. for governor. She could not. She renounce Dukeʼs support. Trump Americans with the possibility up from their nightmare and vote If the Republican Party has truly couldnʼt vote for Duke of course. merely said, “I donʼt know any‑ that in eight months we will have for another leading Republican become broken enough to nomi‑ But she also could not overcome thing about David Duke, OK, I two terrible choices for president. candidate. It is even possible that nate Trump with the support of her distaste of Edwards. know nothing about what youʼre On the one hand, there is Trump, Democratic voters may feel the David Duke, it will be time to find I thought of this story when I even talking about with white who cannot find it within himself Bern and choose Sanders, though, a new tool. Either that, or we heard that David Duke had supremacists or white suprema‑ to denounce Klan proponents if given the undemocratic nature of might be stuck saying, “Vote for endorsed Donald Trump for presi‑ cy.” Tapper again said that he was they support him, and cannot con‑ the Democratic Partyʼs “super del‑ the Crook. Itʼs Important.” dent and that Trump, inexplicably, asking about Duke and the Klan, sistently hold to a political posi‑ egates,” even winning the primary said that he did not know any‑ and again, Trump denied under‑ tion of any importance for more election might not be enough for Dr. Caleb Verbois is an assistant thing about Duke. I say inexplica‑ standing. Later Trump tried to than about a week. Sanders. professor of political science at bly, because in 2000, when claim that he had not heard On the other hand, there is There is also another option, as Grove City College and an affiliat‑ Trump considered running for Tapperʼs question, despite the fact Hillary Clinton, who in a saner Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse has ed scholar at the John Jay president with the Reform Party, that he was able to repeat Tapper political world would probably reminded us this week. When Institute. He teaches American he declined, because, “The Reform several times. already have been indicted for asked who he would support Politics and Political Theory and Party now includes a Klansman, This is another Trump state‑ endangering national security by between Trump and Hillary, he specializes in American constitu‑ Mr. Duke. … This is not company I ment that is impossible to believe. violating the law with regard to was brief and to the point: tional thought.

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times. TheSouthAsianTimes.info OP-ED April 9-15, 2016 21 RSS EMERGES AS RULING BJP'S BITTEREST CRITIC IN GOA By Mayabhushan tion in the English language at pri‑ ernment if they ignore our Nagvenkar mary level forced parents of stu‑ demands," Velingakar told IANS. dents studying in Church‑run The BJP has, however, refused to Panaji: With assembly elections schools, with subtle patronage get drawn into a public debate just a year away and with the from Church officials, to agitate in with Velingkar, who has groomed opposition Congress in disarray, 2010 and demand grants for pri‑ generations of state Sangh leaders the RSS has surprisingly emerged mary schools teaching in English and political activists ‑ which as one of the most bitter critics of medium too. include Parrikar and Chief Minister Goa's BJP‑led coalition govern‑ In the lead up to the 2012 state Laxmikant Parsekar. ment, especially on the issue of assembly elections, the BJP prom‑ "Everyone has the right to an Medium of Instruction (MoI) in the ised to find a scientific solution to opinion. We are doing best what state's private primary schools, a the vexing problem, while also sup‑ we can for the students of Goa," a large chunk of which are run by porting a campaign led by the senior BJP leader said, refusing to the influential Roman Catholic Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Samiti comment on the record on Church. (BBSM), a collective of Indian lan‑ Velingkar's comments. State Rashtriya Swayamsevak guage supporters including aca‑ The BJP has also drafted a bill on Sangh (RSS) president Subhash demics, politicians and writers, the subject which is being dis‑ Velingkar's repeated salvos target‑ against allowing government cussed by a select committee of the ing the BJP government as well as grants to English medium primary Goa assembly. The bill was expect‑ Defense Minister Manohar schools. Velingkar himself was at ed to be tabled in the recently con‑ Parrikar, accusing both of betray‑ the forefront of the Samiti's activi‑ cluded budget session of the ing the cause of Indian languages, ties. assembly, but BJP sources said that has not gone down well with the After the BJP‑led coalition gov‑ such a move would not be political‑ ruling dispensation, which has ernment assumed power, then ly expedient, especially with elec‑ however refused to return the vet‑ chief minister Manohar Parrikar, tions round the corner. eran RSS chief's barbs. via an ad hoc decision in 2012, "If we officially allow grants to In a statement, Velingkar warned decided to give grants to only English schools, we risk upsetting the BJP leadership that the future existing minority educational insti‑ the RSS. If we cancel grants we of Goan students would be harmed tutions that were using English as alienate the Catholic vote," the BJP by pandering to the English lan‑ a medium of instruction, with new leader also said. The Roman guage as a medium of instruction schools being denied the privilege. Catholic community accounts for in private primary schools and While the RSS had criticised the nearly a fourth of the state's popu‑ accused it of being double‑faced. decision at the time, its anger lation of 1.5 million. "Don't ruin our future by giving against what it called the BJP's According to Parsekar, who was grants to English medium private "shameful compromise" is now also a part of the agitation against Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar as well as BJP government has primary schools. The future will reaching a crescendo, with assem‑ English as a medium of instruction been at receiving end of RSS salvos. not pardon you... Goans have been bly elections less than a year away. before 2012, the status quo should cheated once, now they will not fall goes back to 1991, when the gov‑ guages like Konkani or Marathi, "The BJP managed to beat the continue. prey to their attitude of munh mein ernment of the day decided to keeping English medium schools Congress in the last election "I am personally of the opinion raam bagal mein churi (double‑ grant financial aid only to primary out of the state financial assistance because of the campaigning and that the grants continued to minor‑ face)," Velingkar said. schools whose medium of instruc‑ list. contribution done by the BBSM. ity institutions should not be The genesis of the controversy tion was either in regional lan‑ But a growing demand for educa‑ We will campaign against this gov‑ stopped," Parsekar has said. Solar industry needs GST sops to meet mission targets By Bappaditya Chatterjee regime proposes to withdraw most recently allocated projects. The union ministry of new and upward movement of solar tariffs of the exemptions. According to a report of the con‑ renewable energy (MNRE) has could be in the offing. But a fur‑ Kolkata: With over $4 billion lined "If solar cells and modules come sultancy firm, around 4.8 GW taken up the matter and the feder‑ ther fall in panel prices is likely to up for investments in India's solar in the list of standard GST rate and (Gigawatt) of solar capacity is ation is also seized with it proac‑ nullify some of the impact of GST. industry, its viability depends there is no exemption, we fear that expected to be installed with an tively to resolve the issue, added Jain said: "Since GST works on a much on exemptions continuing the industry might be caught investment of around Rs.27,000 Mehta, who also serves as the co‑ principal of netting taxes from on related equipment under the unprepared," said Jasmeet crore. This number is likely to chair of the global solar council. input till output, it is likely to proposed goods and services tax Khurana, associate director with swell by around 50 percent for "All projects under construction result in increase in cost of solar (GST) regime to power 4.8 GW of Bridge To India, a consultancy and investments planned in 2017. or where it is yet to begin will defi‑ equipment, as tax credits will not electricity generation, stakeholders knowledge services provider on "It's a matter of serious concern. nitely be impacted. Project viabili‑ be available to manufacturers." maintain. renewable market. Over 5,000 MW of projects that ty is likely to be questionable Service tax is also likely to GST seeks to simplify the com‑ "This can have an adverse impact have been awarded and are under unless this issue is addressed," increase to 18 percent, leading to plex network of state and central on a significant number of planned implementation would be affected Sunil Jain , executive director of a five percent rise in operation and taxes by subsuming them into a investments and the overall invest‑ if solar equipment does not fall in Hero group's renewable energy maintenance charges. Thus, tariff single tax. But the renewable ener‑ ment climate," Khurana told IANS, the exemption list of GST," said arm, told IANS. is likely to be impacted by 50‑60 gy sector, currently enjoying sev‑ adding the impact could primarily Pranav Mehta, chairman of the He also said while the GST paise per unit, since the project eral indirect tax exemptions, may be on the investments planned for National Solar Energy Federation regime will not be a major obstacle cost will go up by 8‑9 percent, he be "caught unprepared" as the new 2017 while also affecting several of India. in the roll‑out of solar projects, an said. The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times. 22 April 9-15, 2016 DIASPORA TheSouthAsianTimes.info Ministry of External Affairs, India announces PM Modi announces 35th Know India Program 24X7 helpline for NRIs New Delhi: Know India Program 29th May, 2016 to familiarize of the Ministry is a three‑week Indian Diaspora youth with Riyadh: Reaching out to Non‑ provide them with all necessary shared their happiness and sor‑ orientation program for Diaspora India's culture, heritage and also Resident Indians, Prime help.Addressing a gathering of row. youth conducted with a view to with contemporary India. KIP will Minister Narendra Modi tonight L&T workers who are construct‑ "Government has started a promote awareness on different be for a Duration of 25 days, of announced a 24X7 multi‑lingual ing metro rail in Riyadh, he said program called e‑migrate. In the facets of life in India and the which participants will spend helpline for them and said a the country was proud of their coming days, we are working to progress made by the country in nearly 10 days in Maharashtra. move to regularize migration contribution which has regularize migration," he said. various fields e.g. economic, was in the offing through an enhanced India's image abroad "In the coming days, we plan This program is open only for online program. and opened doors for overseas to establish worker resource industrial, education, Science & Indian origin Diaspora youth Technology, Communication & Asserting that the NRIs could employment opportunities for centers in Riyadh and Jeddah to (PIOs) in age group of 18‑26 count on the Indian government their compatriots. meet your needs and there will Information Technology, culture. years. NRls are not eligible. KIP provide a unique forum for in the times of crisis, he said "Whenever any good news also be a 24X7 helpline. Preference would be given to they could use the avenues like regarding you people comes, I A call center will be estab‑ students & young professionals of PIOs who have not visited India so Indian origin to visit India, share the MADAD portal to reach the feel as happy as your family. lished whose facilities can be far. Guidelines and application government for help. When there is news of some availed in different languages their views, expectations & experi‑ form for K.I.P may be accessed ences and to develop closer bonds Specifically for Indians in concern regarding you, I feel and through this helpline you through Ministry of External Saudi Arabia, he announced the the pain like your family would can share your problems," PM with the contemporary India. The Affairs website: 35th Know India Program (K.I.P) setting up of worker resource because you are my family," PM Modi said. http://www.mea.gov.in/know‑ centres in Riyadh and Jeddah to Modi said, adding that he (PTI) is scheduled from 5th May to india‑programme.htm 'No parliamentary probe into New UK visa rules to affect Indian family in S. Africa' Indian professionals Cape Town: South African parlia‑ itself in a situation where it is to ANC officials. The family has London: Indian professionals are of living and working in the UK. The ment can not conduct investiga‑ conducting parallel investiga‑ denied the accusation. making a last‑ditch effort to appeal to campaign is aimed at a reconsidera‑ tions into the alleged "state cap‑ tions," he said. DA Chief Whip John the UK government over a new tion of this rule and encouraging the ture" by the Indian Gupta family, He was responding to a request Steenhuisen claimed that ANC 35,000 pounds salary threshold UK Home Office to undertake Moloto Mothapo, parliamentary by the opposition Democratic Chief Whip Jackson Mthembu requirement which comes into effect research into industry‑specific thresh‑ spokesperson said on Monday. Alliance (DA) that Parliament had voiced support for calls to from Wednesday. olds. The allegations of "state cap‑ should investigate "patterns of investigate "state capture" by the Thousands of Indian and other Concerned by the move, Prime ture" by the Guptas were being state capture" by the wealthy Gupta family. nationals from outside the European Minister Narendra Modi had raised investigated by the special anti‑ Gupta family. Steenhuisen said Mthembu has Union (EU) living and working in the issue with British counterpart crime unit Hawks and Public Considering the severity of the agreed to the DA's proposal for Britain on a Tier 2 visa face having to David Cameron during a meeting on Protector Thuli Madonsela, fol‑ claims of "state capture" and Parliament to institute an investi‑ leave or be deported if they earn less the sidelines of the Nuclear Security lowing requests for investiga‑ mounting evidence, Parliament gation into the alleged state influ‑ than 35,000 pounds a year once the Summit in the US last week, saying tions, Moloto Mothapo of the rul‑ must investigate this "as matter of ence by the Gupta family. terms of the visa expire. skilled IT professionals from India ing African National Congress urgency", the DA said on Sunday. However, Mothapo said Earlier, a Tier‑2 visa holder could should not find it difficult to come to (ANC) was quoted by Xinhua. The Gupta family, which Steenhuisen's claim was "imagi‑ apply for indefinite leave to remain in work in the UK. Therefore Parliament can not allegedly keeps close ties with nary and baseless." the UK with an annual income of "Cameron promised to take a look at conduct investigations on a mat‑ President Jacob Zuma, his family Mothapo said Mthembu never around 21,000 pounds. The new rule it. He said we do not want to disadvan‑ ter that was being looked into by and ANC officials, has been made such statements but merely comes into effect on April 6 and is tage bonafide IT companies, but at the other organs of state, Mothapo accused of exerting undue influ‑ stressed that, as a general princi‑ likely to affect thousands of Indian same time we would also want to said. ence on South Africa's state ple, Parliament as a forum for skilled professionals. ensure that the UK system is not mis‑ "Parliament should not find affairs by offering cabinet posts public debates should never "This is the country I did my used," Ministry of External Affairs quash multiparty debates, but Masters in. Fell in love with the place. spokesman Vikas Swarup had said. each proposed debate should be Got my first job. Got married and Kesavan, employed as an audiologist subjected to the established par‑ started a family in London. Have a job in the UK, said, "I have been working liamentary process for considera‑ I love. What more could I ask? If I and living in the UK for the past six tion and a decision by all parties. have to leave then it will be devastat‑ years. I came here on a student visa to "Only a delusional misappre‑ ing. Have to leave friends, a company I do my Masters degree after which I hension would interpret this clear love, a place I love," said Abhijit, an started working for NHS (National assertion (on parliamentary advertising operations manager. Health Service) for the past four and Consul General debates) to mean the ANC chief He is one of many Indians who have half years on a senior position. of India in Bali joined the 'Stop 35K' campaign group "I even own my flat here in London. R O Suresh whip supports the DA's proposal Babu for a 'parliamentary investigation' against what they believe are discrimi‑ Because of this 35k rule I might have addressing the into alleged state influence by the natory changes to the criteria for non‑ to leave my job, flat and relocate to a gathering Gupta family,"Mothapo said in a EU nationals applying for different country. More importantly I statement. "Indefinite Leave to Remain" (ILR) in have not used public funds in any Revelers at the Holi event hosted by Indian Consulate in Bali (IANS) the UK at the end of a five‑year period form during my stay here so far." TheSouthAsianTimes.info SUBCONTINENT April 9-15, 2016 23 PANAMA LEAK REVEALS Nawaz Sharif family's offshore holdings

Islamabad: A massive leak of secret files Enterprises Limited and Nescoll Limited, dence of wrongdoing. According to The from a Panamanian law firm that special‑ incorporated in 1994 and 1993". Guardian, using offshore structures is izes in offshore tax havens has revealed the On one of the documents, the address list‑ entirely legal. often‑murky financial dealings of some of ed for Nielsen Enterprises is Saroor Palace "There are many legitimate reasons for the world's most powerful political players. in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The document, doing so. Business people in countries such The leak highlights people such as dated June 2012, describes Mariam Safdar as Russia and Ukraine typically put their Russian President Vladimir Putin, and the as the 'beneficial owner'. assets offshore to defend them from 'raids' family of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz "Hussain and Mariam signed a document by criminals, and to get around hard cur‑ Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif Sharif, among dozens of others, Dawn dated June 2007 that was part of a series rency restrictions," the paper said in an in the eye of storm. online reported. of transactions in which Deutsche Bank explanatory note. (IANS) (Photo: IANS) The data from the Panama Papers, avail‑ Geneva lent up to $13.8 million to Nescoll, able on the website of the International Nielsen and another company, with their Consortium of Investigative Journalists ‑‑ London properties as collateral," the papers Sharif forms probe panel one of around 100 news organizations and revealed. 300 journalists that worked on mining the In July 2014, the two companies were akistan's Prime Minister Nawaz nies headed by members of his family were data simultaneously ‑‑ also reveals the off‑ transferred to another agent, it said. Sharif addressed the nation by televi‑ avoiding paying taxes or disguising assets shore holdings of the members of Sharif's Hasan Nawaz Sharif is described as "the Psion to defend his family's business and their origins. family. sole director of Hangon Property Holdings practices, denying any wrongdoing and Political opponents in Pakistan, notably According to the documents, Sharif's chil‑ Limited incorporated in the British Virgin calling corruption claims "old accusations Imran Khan, have accused Sharif's family dren Mariam, Hasan and Hussain "were Islands in February 2007, which acquired repeated over and over again". of having gained the funds illegally owners or had the right to authorize trans‑ Liberia‑based firm Cascon Holdings The PM set up a commission to investi‑ through corruption during his two previ‑ actions for several companies". Establishment Limited for about $11.2 mil‑ gate allegations, based on leaked docu‑ ous stints as prime minister in the 1990s. Mariam is described as "the owner of lion in August 2007." ments from Panama, that offshore compa‑ (Agencies) British Virgin Islands‑based firms Nielsen But the papers are not necessarily evi‑ JeM chief no terrorist, Myanmar's lower house says China after creates new post for Suu Kyi Nay Pyi Taw: Myanmar parlia‑ The bill guarantees Aung vetoing India ban ment's lower house passed a San Suu Kyi's right to contact bill calling for appointment of government ministries, depart‑ a state counselor in the new ments, organizations, associa‑ cabinet, a post to be created tions and individuals for coun‑ for Aung San Suu Kyi. sel. She will be accountable to Jaish‑e‑ The bill was approved by the parliament. The term of office Mohamed majority of the members of for the counselor of state is chief parliament without any the same as that of the presi‑ Masood amendment to the bill agreed dent. Azhar. by the upper house after seri‑ Aung San Suu Kyi, the (Photo: IANS) ous debate by the bill commit‑ National League for tee and some non‑elected mili‑ Democracy chairperson, was tary representatives who con‑ first appointed on as stitutes 25 percent of the seats Myanmar's new foreign minis‑ in the house. ter concurrently holding the United Nations: China's of the Council to make sure that The state counselor bill, sub‑ portfolios of minister at the Permanent Representative Liu each requirement is followed." Myanmarʼs democracy leader mitted to the upper house president's office, minister of Jieyi has reiterated Beijing's claim Pressed further about in what Aung San Suu Kyi. recently, was approved by education, and minister of that Pakistan‑based Jaish‑e‑ way Azhar fell short of being a (Photo: IANS) 137‑68 vote. electric power and energy. Mohamed (JeM) chief Masood terrorist, Liu only said: "The Azhar does not qualify as a terror‑ Council's requirements" ‑ implying ist who would have to face UN that he (Azhar) did not meet them. sanctions, after China put on hold Liu would not go into details. Khaleda Zia gets bail in five cases a ban sought by India on the Following the January 2 attack Dhaka: Bangladesh opposition leader Khaleda Zia Pathankot terror attacks master‑ on the Pathankot air force base, surrendered to separate courts in Dhaka before mind. India had requested the sanctions securing bail in five cases related to violence, graft Speaking to reporters after committee in February to include and sedition. The former prime minister and assuming the rotating presidency Azhar in its list of terrorists. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief appeared of the Security Council, Liu assert‑ action by the panel, popularly in several courts in connection with the cases ‑‑ ed that Azhar did not meet "the known as the 1267 committee, two over firebombing on a bus at the capital's Council's requirements" to be con‑ would have required Pakistan and Jatrabarhi, an attack on a rally led by Minister sidered a terrorist. other countries to freeze his Shajahan Khan, and a case each relating to graft Asked about China exercising a assets and ban his travel. and sedition, news reports said. virtual veto at the UN sanctions At the committee's meeting Zia appeared before the Dhaka Metropolitan committee by putting a hold on recently, all the other 14 members Sessions Court, accompanied by BNP leaders and Azhar being declared a terrorist of the Council supported placing activists and left the premises after getting bail. subject to a range of punitive Azhar on the list, but China put a The same court had on March 30 issued an arrest actions, Liu made a general state‑ hold on it, which is in effect a warrant against Zia and 27 others for an attack on ment: "Individuals and organiza‑ veto. a bus in which one person was killed and 30 others tions on the sanctions list of the This is the second time that injured, although Zia was not physically present United Nations would have to China has come to the aid of when the incident took place. Bangladesh's former PMKhaleda Zia. meet the requirements. It is the Pakistani terrorists in the sanc‑ (Source: IANS) (Photo: IANS) responsibility of all the members tions committee. 24 April 9-15, 2016 INTERNATIONAL TheSouthAsianTimes.info PANAMA PAPERS: ICELAND PM RESIGNS Reykjavik: Iceland Prime Minister Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson Putin rejects corruption allegations resigned ‑‑ the first major casual‑ President Putin has denied "any element of corruption" over the ty of the Panama Papers leaks Panama Papers leaks, saying his opponents are trying to destabilise which have shed an embarrassing Russia. Mr Putin was speaking for the first time since the leak of mil‑ spotlight on the world of offshore lions of confidential documents from the Panama‑based law firm finance, BBC reported. Mossack Fonseca. The papers revealed a number of offshore compa‑ The leaks, from Panama law nies owned by close associates of Putin. firm Mossack Fonseca, showed They suggest the companies may have been used for money launder‑ that Gunnlaugsson owned an off‑ ing. Putin, speaking live on TV, said Russia's Western opponents "are shore company, Wintris, with his worried by the unity and solidarity of the Russian nation... and that is wife. He was accused of conceal‑ why they are attempting to rock us from within, to make us more obe‑ ing millions of dollars worth of dient". He said that because they could not find Putin in the Panama family assets. papers "they've made an information product." A big protest was held in front A protestor throws an egg at the parliament building during a "They've found a few of my acquaintances and friends... and scraped of parliament in Iceland recently. protest in Reykjavik. (Photo: IANS) up something from there and stuck it together." Dozens of high‑profile global figures were named in the huge Ragnar Grimsson to dissolve par‑ "I do not think it is normal that the majority of the parliament Some observers describe his Mossack Fonseca leak. liament, but that was refused. the prime minister alone ... being satisfied with that deci‑ rejection of the prime minister's Gunnlaugsson had earlier Grimsson said he wanted to should be given the authority to sion," the president told request as highly unusual. called on President Olafur speak to political parties first. dissolve the parliament without reporters. (IANS) Motion to impeach South MILITANTS DOWN SYRIAN African President defeated WARPLANE IN ALEPPO Zumaʼs impeachment, Maimane listed a litany of alleged indictments against the behavior of the executive branch of govern‑ ment. The DA would be campaigning to give the "legislature back its teeth" but more broadly would be appealing for the electorate to "vote for change", he said at a media briefing in Sandton. The 73‑year‑old president gave a televised address to the nation in which he apologized and said he would pay back some of the money, as ordered. He said that he never knowingly or deliberately set out to violate South African President Jacob Zuma. the constitution. (Photo: IANS) The president travelled to his home Civilians gather around the wreckage of a Cape Town: A motion to impeach South province of Kwazulu‑Natal recently to launch Syrian warplane that was shot down in Aleppo. African President Jacob Zuma, proposed by a relief programme as part of government the opposition, was defeated in parliament efforts to support areas affected by South Damascus: Militants shot down a Syrian Meanwhile, other activists published a 20‑ recently. The motion comes after the Africaʼs worst drought in more than a centu‑ warplane in Aleppo province, a monitor second online video purporting to show the Constitutional Court, in an unanimous judg‑ ry. He told a cheering crowd that he was still group reported. warplane while falling down in flames. ment, found that Zumaʼs failure to comply South Africaʼs leader and joked about how The Al Qaeda‑linked Nusra Front targeted Activists also released another 30‑second with the remedial action imposed on him by youthful he was, but made no specific men‑ the warplane in the town of Eis, said the video clip, showing the pilot of the downed the public protector in her 2014 report on tion of the Nkandla matter, the pending Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. warplane being beaten up by an angry Nkandla was "inconsistent" with the impeachment motion or calls for him to step The London‑based watchdog group did crowd of rebels while he lay down. One mil‑ Constitution, BDlive reported. down as he addressed the gathering in Zulu, not give details of the plane crew or their itant said "Take whatever weapon he may Outlining the partyʼs plans to press for his native language. (IANS) fate, Xinhua news agency reported. have," while another one called him a "dog". New Zealandʼs ex‑PM in Brussels attacks: Zaventem airport reopens

race to become UN chief Brussels: Amid tight security con‑ United Nations: New Zealandʼs for‑ trols, Brussels airport reopened for mer prime minister Helen Clark three "symbolic" flights on Sunday, entered the race to be the next UN 12 days after terror attacks that secretary‑general, touting her claimed 34 lives. decades of leadership as she aims to Three Brussels Airlines flights become the first woman to head the were scheduled to depart for world body. The search for a suc‑ European destinations, with the cessor to Ban Ki‑moon comes at a first leaving at 11.40 a.m. (local time of high anxiety in global time) for Faro in Portugal, BBC affairs as the United Nations grap‑ reported. ples with the biggest refugee crisis Strict security measures were Two massive explosions had devastated the departure The 66‑year‑old former academic area of the airport. (Photo: IANS) since World War II and raging con‑ taken as the airport reopened par‑ is among New Zealandʼs longest‑ flicts in the Middle East and Africa. tially. The passengers were March 22, as well as the November Zaventem to watch the first flight serving PMs. (Photo: IANS) “I am putting myself forward screened on an approach road and 12, 2015 Paris attacks were take off. based on proven leadership experi‑ the United Nations,” Clark was quot‑ again before check in. claimed by the Islamic State mili‑ The other two flights on Sunday ence over close to three decades, ed as saying in news reports. Both the Brussels attacks on the tant group. are to Turin in northern Italy and both in my own country and here at (Agencies) airport and a metro station on Airport workers gathered at Athens. TheSouthAsianTimes.info SPORTS April 9-15, 2016 25 Bevy of Bollywood stars to perform at IPL opening April 8 Mumbai: The opening ceremony shared that his act will "honor of the cash‑rich Indian Premier the spirit of cricket and victory" League (IPL) 2016 will witness a and he wants "to dedicate the host of Bollywood and interna‑ performance to all the cricket tional stars performing, includ‑ fans across the world." ing Ranveer Singh, Jacqueline Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandez, Katrina Kaif and Yo said her "act focuses on the Yo Honey Singh along with intensity and the determination American singer Chris Brown of the players". "I am very excit‑ and musical group Major Lazer. ed," she added. The opening ceremony will be Katrina said that "cricket and held at the National Sports Club Bollywood have always been of India (NSCI), Worli here on closely associated, and what bet‑ April 8 evening. ter way for me to show my sup‑ "We will make the IPL opening port". ceremony interesting this time," "Blue eyes" crooner Honey IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla told Singh, who was missing from the reporters here on Tuesday. limelight for 18 months due to In terms of international stars, his struggle with bipolar disor‑ American singer Chris Brown der and alcoholism, says that and musical group Major Lazer with his performance he will will be there at the opening cer‑ showcase to the world how emony, he added. music and sport go hand in Bajirao Mastani star Ranveer hand.

Double delight for West KOHLI IS MAN OF Indies in World T20 TOURNAMENT IN WORLD T20

West Indies men's as well as women's team dance to celebrate after winning the World T20 2016 against England at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, on April 3.

Kolkata: The World Twenty20 2016 when it mattered most and the final finals, but surrendered to the concluded in a most thrilling fash‑ against England will be everlasting mighty West Indians who took the ion with the West Indies scripting in their memories thanks to Carlos game away from the hosts to leave history by becoming the first team Brathwaite's late assault with the India and their millions of fans to clinch the title for the second bat which left 2010 winners shell‑shocked. time. The party for the Windies on England stunned. Although the 2007 inaugural Sunday at the iconic Eden Gardens With the West Indies also winning World T20 winners failed to make it got even bigger and better as before the U‑19 World Cup earlier this to their third final, their all‑win the men's final, the women's team year, 2016 is witnessing a revival of record against traditional rivals won the Women's World T20 to sorts for the former superpowers of Pakistan in the World T20 and 50‑ Virat Kohli with the latest laurel. He scored 273 runs make it two world titles in a day. the game. They may no longer be over World Cup remained intact. from 5 innings, with a 136 average. Before the tournament actually the same force they used to be in Courtesy of star batsman Virat kicked off, nobody gave the men Test cricket, but Sunday's triumph Kohli's sublime form, the hosts out‑ irat Kohli was the silver World T20, he came up with from the Caribbean a chance to clearly demonstrated that they are played their neighbors in all depart‑ lining in India's failed match‑winning knocks. reach the final, because of their still among the best when it comes ments of the game in the Group 2 Vcampaign in the ICC For the umpteenth time in the recent troubles off the field with to limited‑overs cricket. match to make it 11‑0 in their favor World T20. The Indian vice‑ World T20, the 27‑year‑old had their cricket board and with a few Besides the West Indies, hosts in both 20‑over and 50‑over World captain was adjudged the Man papered over the cracks in T20 specialists missing from their India, who were termed as Cups. But the sixth edition of the of the Tournament at the end of India's top order, his unbeaten squad due to injury. favourites to win the title, gave it World T20, like the earlier editions, Sunday's final between West 89 accounting for almost half But the depth in the batting and their all with three successive wins has seen big totals chased down Indies and England at Kolkata's of his country's 192 in the bowling line‑up, the talent in their after a loss against New Zealand in with ease. New Zealand's Martin Eden Gardens. semi‑final against West Indies. dressing room and their bench the opener, but failed to hold on till Guptill starting off the tournament India were ousted by champi‑ India's Test captain finished strength fought against all odds and the end. With comfortable back‑to‑ with a six off the first ball and ons West Indies in a thrilling the World T20 with 273 runs proved the critics wrong by eventu‑ back victories against arch‑rivals Brathwaite finished it off on Sunday semifinal inMumbai on from five innings with a stag‑ ally claiming their second World Pakistan, Bangladesh and Australia, with another maximum ‑‑ sums up Thursday. Kohli was India's gering 136‑plus average and a T20 title after 2012. Each and every Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men made why cricket is considered to be a lone ranger as throughout the strike rate of almost 147. member of the squad delivered their way through to the semi‑ batsman's game. 26 April 9-15, 2016 BUSINESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info Modi launches stand up India, says tribals can perform as well as others NOIDA: To boost entrepreneurship and the government got Rs.35,000 India campaign announced by him among the Scheduled Castes, crore through the Jan Dhan in his Independence Day address Scheduled Tribes and women by Yojana." will strengthen the Dalit house‑ facilitating loans in the range of He said Stand Up India will help holds. Rs.10 lakh to Rs.1 crore, Prime in creating 2.5 lakh entrepreneurs Urging the gathering to educate Minister Narendra Modi on as every bank branch will provide their children, Modi said India's Tuesday launched the Stand Up two such loans without collateral development journey will be India initiative and said it will for setting up a new enterprise. stronger when it is scripted by the transform the lives of Dalits and Paying tributes to former deputy poor. Adivasis. prime minister and defence minis‑ On the occasion, Modi also hand‑ Modi said people from the ter Babu Jagjivan Ram, Modi said ed over keys of 5,100 e‑rickshaws Scheduled Castes and the the government was launching the to the beneficiaries under the Scheduled Tribes can perform as Stand Up India campaign on his Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna. well as others if given the opportu‑ PM Modi riding an e‑rickshaw birth anniversary. Modi interacted with the families nity. "Our tribal brethren and those "Babu Jagjivan Ram was the of some of the beneficiaries, over a belonging to Scheduled Castes will and will also change their lives. aspire to become entrepreneurs defence minister of our country at cup of tea. The beneficiaries perform equally well as us if they "We got the opportunity but they and businessmen. They can easily the time of the 1971 war. He was explained how e‑rickshaws would are provided with the opportuni‑ were denied it. If we can perform avail loans from the Mudra Bank the agriculture minister at the time change their lives for the better. ties. How long will they wait for on getting an opportunity, they now," Modi said. of the Green Revolution but his Commuters can also call the e‑ jobs and to which extent the gov‑ can also perform," Modi said, advo‑ "Our poor have rich hearts. We contributions were forgotten over rickshaws through the Ola app. ernment can give them jobs? God cating equal opportunities for peo‑ asked them to open bank accounts a period of time," Modi said. Modi booked an e‑rickshaw has given equal power and ple belonging to the Scheduled with zero balance but they said "He (Jagjivan Ram) has always through the app and took a brief e‑ strength to Dalits as to us," Modi Castes. Referring to Dalits, he said they will contribute something or been an inspirational and respect‑ rickshaw ride towards the stage, said. He said the scheme will con‑ "they should not depend on some‑ the other. The poor deposited ed leader for us," the prime minis‑ making the payment for the ride vert "job‑seekers into job‑creators" one's mercy". "Dalit youths should Rs.50, Rs.100 in these accounts ter said, adding that the Stand Up through a cellphone. Disclose your assets by FDI to reduce India's BRITISH MINISTER, April 21: SC tells Mallya New Delhi: The Supreme Court on current account TATAS HOLD TALKS ON Thursday directed beleaguered liquor baron Vijay Mallya to dis‑ deficit: Moody's close to it BRITISH STEEL UNITS Chennai: Credit rating agency ior vice president for the all his Moody's Investors Service on Sovereign Risk Group. Mumbai: The Tata Group on tary only named Liberty Steel. assets ‑‑ Thursday said India's rising for‑ According to Moody's, a lower Wednesday sought the British India‑born, London‑based busi‑ movable eign direct investment (FDI) energy import bill and policy government's help in finding a nessman Sanjiv Kumar Gupta, and immov‑ inflows reduces the current measures to contain gold suitable buyer for its floundering founder of the UK‑based Liberty able and account deficit and also the imports are contributing to steel assets in Britain, while also House, is touted as a strong con‑ tangible and external financing needs. keeping the trade deficit at exploring the possibility of a third tender to take over Tata Steel's intangible ‑‑ In a statement Moody's said it moderate levels. Going forward, party independent auditor to British assets. He was one of the and other does not expect widening of the announcement in the latest oversee the transition. potential buyers Javid met in interests in Vijay Mallya India's current account deficit budget of the imposition of an The main focus of the talks was London before flying out to India and based on its assumptions that excise tax on gold is likely to to avert over 40,000 job losses at Mumbai. abroad by April 21. An apex court commodity prices will remain dampen overall gold imports. Tata Steel UK. Earlier, British Prime Minister bench comprising Justice Kurien low in 2016 and 2017. Additionally, the value of oil These issues were discussed at a David Cameron held emergency Joseph and Justice Rohinton Fali According to Moody's, FDI imports decreased by 37.5 per‑ meeting between British Business talks in London with his col‑ Nariman asked Mallya to disclose inflows are expected to climb cent ‑ or Rs. three trillion Secretary Sajid Javid, who flew leagues to tackle the crisis, amid all the assets held by his wife and due to central government's (US$44.3 billion) ‑ in the 12 into this city to specifically hold warnings that the firm has just children and also indicate the date measures like liberalisation of months to February 2016 com‑ talks with the Tata Group top weeks for a rescue deal. when he could appear before it in foreign investment limits and pared with the previous year, brass led by chairman Cyrus The Labour Party has termed it person. 'Make in India' initiative. despite a 10 percent increase in Mistry. Speaking to reporters here a national crisis and wants the UK The order came after the con‑ "These trends are credit posi‑ the volume of petroleum following the meeting, Javid called steel industry to be nationalised. sortium of 14 banks headed by it "constructive and positive" and Having suffered nearly $3 bil‑ tive, as they lower India's sus‑ imports, Moody's said. the State Bank Of India (SBI) told ceptibility to external shocks at However, the prospect of sub‑ said the Tata Group was a lion in losses on the British opera‑ the apex court that that it had "responsible company", adding it tions, Tata Steel last week said it a time when capital flows to dued global economic activity ‑ rejected Mallya's offer to pay emerging markets are volatile in particular in the Gulf states had told him that a "reasonable will explore options to put its Rs.4,000 crore by September to and weak economic conditions where more than half of remit‑ amount of time" would be allowed entire portfolio there up for sale, settle his outstanding dues globally, particularly in the Gulf tances to India originate ‑ may for the sale process. some 10 years after it forayed amounting to more than Rs.9,000 states, may dampen remit‑ lead to a significant and pro‑ Among parties that had shown into Europe by acquiring the crore. The banks had given loans tances," said the Moody's state‑ longed weakening of remit‑ interest in purchasing the Tata Anglo‑Dutch Corus for over $8.1 to his grounded Kingfisher ment, quoting Marie Diron, sen‑ tance inflows. assets, the British business secre‑ billion. Airlines. TheSouthAsianTimes.info CULTURE April 9-15, 2016 27 There are only 70,000 of us Parsis left in India: Penaz Masani India’s Minority Affairs Ministry has launched the Jiyo Parsi scheme in 2013 to stem the community's declining numbers. Jiyo Parsi has shown 30 babies born since the scheme began, with another dozen expected, and around 50 couples undergoing fertility treatment.

By Biswajit Choudhury debar three priests who presided over rituals involving intermarried couples. here is something highly moving when Masani is unique as a Parsi who has a woman, whose people face extinction, embraced the ghazal form of Urdu poetry, a Tsings of unrequited love. Love, not just genre that is heavily influenced by Islamic for a mortal beloved but also of the mystic mysticism. To be the first to take up ghazal in kind as in ghazal singing, that is a male domi‑ a community where to be cultured also nated art. Take a bow, Penaz Masani, the means to cultivate an ear for Western classi‑ Parsi queen of ghazal. cal music, with the great Zubin Mehta as a "There are only 70,000 of us Parsis left in role model, Masani is indebted to her late India," Penaz Masani, the only Parsi who father, who was a Hindustani classical singer sings ghazals and a Padma Shri awardee, told in the court of Sayaji Rao Gaekwad of Baroda IANS in an interview, during a visit for the in the 1930s. Minority Affairs Ministry‑hosted "The With her good looks and fantastic voice Everlasting Flame International Programme" Masani emerged on the scene in the 1980s at to celebrate Zoroastrian culture and the a time when ghazal as live performance was Parsis in India. becoming popular among the urban middle "It was a once‑in‑a lifetime experience to class. meet all the Parsis I know in Mumbai, who Ghazal poetry, which is imbued with Sufi Parsis are at the brink of extinction because Masani is unique as a Parsi who has had gathered here in Parliament House and love for the divine, had already entered popu‑ of late marriages or not marrying at all, embraced the ghazal form of Urdu poetry, a later on the lawns of Lutyens' Delhi," she said. lar consciousness through Bombay cinema, decline in fertility, emigration & marrying genre that is heavily influenced by Islamic As part of the celebrations, a two‑month beginning with the playback singing of outside the community. (Photo: Wikipedia) mysticism. (Photo: PenazMasani.com) long exhibition titled "The Everlasting Flame: Begum Akhtar, poetry of the likes of the Zoroastrianism in History and Imagination", incomparable Faiz Ahmad Faiz and others that started across three venues in the capital like Sahir Ludhianvi, Jan Nissar Akhtar, on March 19, depicts the earliest days of Hasrat Jaipuri, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Shakeel Zoroastrianism to its emergence as the fore‑ Badauni, Anand Bakshi and Shailendra, all of most religion of imperial Iran, followed by whom have penned memorable film songs. the 10th century maritime journey of Masani herself has sung in over 50 films. Zoroastrians fleeing religious persecution to "Because I appeared on stage at a time India, where they came to be known as the when only male singers were singing ghazals Parsis. As for the rest, the Parsi contribution for the masses that I got this image of a rock to their new homeland, both in material and star," Masani said alluding to the late Jagjit cultural terms, is history. Singh, who was the first to use the guitar in The minority affairs ministry, along with ghazals and, along with exponents like Mehdi the Delhi‑based Parzor Foundation, launched Hassan, Pankaj Udhaas and Ghulam Ali, did the Jiyo Parsi scheme in 2013 to stem the much to popularize the genre post the 1970s. community's decline in numbers. Jiyo Parsi "Classing me as a pop stylist of ghazal is, has shown 30 babies born since the scheme however, not correct because I am faithful to began, with another dozen expected, and the classical form that I have been trained in," around 50 couples undergoing fertility treat‑ she adds. As she walked past Delhi's Lodi ment. However, a campaign that adopted slo‑ monuments like a priestess of love, Masani gans like "Be Responsible. Don't Use A described how in Iran, as a way of reversing Condom Tonight" also raised hackles within the decline in Zoroastrian population after the community of those who objected to such the 1979 revolution, they have revived the urging to procreate. ancient practice of ordaining female priests, "The factors that have brought Parsis to an idea opposed by Indian Parsis. this pass are late marriages, not marrying at "I think the terrible conflicts we see around all, decline of fertility, emigration and marry‑ us based on religious identity wouldn't hap‑ ing outside the community," Masani said. pen if we had women leading the institu‑ There has been ferment within at the rigid tions," Masani said, recalling the priestesses adherence to tradition in not recognizing the of ancient Greece and Rome, without forget‑ offspring of Parsi women who marry outside ting the "devdasis" in the indigenous tradi‑ the community. With the Mumbai Parsis tion. recording 175 births as against 735 deaths Among India's religions, Sikhism, emerging in 2013, and intermarriages climbing to 38 as a synthesis of Hinduism and Islam, does percent, a Parsi former advocate‑general of not have priests, which were abolished by Maharashtra raised a furore recently when he Guru Gobind Singh. Due to the faith's belief in argued that Zoroastrianism being a universal complete equality, women can take part in religion, Parsi women married outside the any religious function, perform any Sikh cere‑ faith and their children should be permitted mony or lead the congregation in prayer. A to enter the community's places of worship Sikh woman has the right to become a "if they have been initiated into the faith Granthi, Ragi, and one of the Panj Piare (five through a navjote ceremony." beloved), and both men and women are con‑ On the other hand, the Bombay Parsi sidered capable of reaching the highest levels Panchayat has waged a long, legal battle to of spirituality. (Source: IANS) 28 April 9-15, 2016 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Funny Side by Nury Vittachi WHEN PEOPLE SUE THEMSELVES ʼM ALWAYS DISAPPOINTED when I see The most convoluted case was sent in by a moving train approaching a tunnel reader Sunita Chau, and came from the Iand there arenʼt two men fighting on London borough of Islington. top. An authority employee gave a parking I think Iʼm starting to lose my faith in the ticket to an authority vehicle, the driver of movie industry. which filed an appeal to the authority, *** which rejected it, causing the authority to But talking of fighting, this writer has file a second appeal which the authority been advised to take out a massive lawsuit accepted, inspiring the authority to against a VILE INDIVIDUAL who has fouled demand costs from the authority which the up my whole life. I refer of course to authority rejected on the grounds that it myself. Suing yourself is all the rage these was just too absurd. Well, they would days, I hear from a reader who works as a know. paralegal (“lawyer who leaps from planes”). *** He told me that last year in the US state Earlier this year, the chief prosecutor in of Minnesota, a government van crashed the government of Zambia was accused of into a parked car owned by one Megan shocking irregularities in the way he ran Campbell. his office. He referred the case to himself She took out a lawsuit against the van for judgment and dismissed it. driver, a government staffer named, yes, which specifies that people who have been *** His critics said that by finding himself Megan Campbell. reincarnated as elite masters of wisdom Regular contributors to my column not guilty he proved he was guilty. This meant her employer had to pay for must have had their names previously added examples: This is the sort of circular paradox that repairs, so everyone was happy. recorded on a Reincarnation Application A US jailbird named Brock sued himself causes philosophers to suffer cranial short‑ Except for the poor old taxpayer, but Form. (THIS IS NOT A JOKE.) for millions of US dollars for giving himself circuits, so hide this page from any who come on, we all know by now that allowing Clearly my current pitiful existence is a alcohol which caused him to commit might be passing. himself to be robbed every day of the year direct result of the total hash I made of crimes. He argued that since he was a ward *** is the taxpayerʼs reason for existing, right? form‑filling in an earlier life, so THAT of prison, the authorities would have to Now if youʼll excuse me, I need to fill in a *** incarnation of me deserves to be sued for pay this huge sum to the victim, i.e., him. Reincarnation Application Form so that I The report reminded me of Chinaʼs State every penny he has, as soon as I can work However, the US legal system refused to am reborn as an elite master of wisdom. Religious Affairs Bureau Order No. 5, out how to do it. support this utterly ridiculous lawsuit, Not that youʼll notice any difference. which is odd, because I thought supporting But anythingʼs better than my current utterly ridiculous lawsuits was their main role in life: Taxpayer. activity .*** ***

Laughter is the Best Medicine

BEST RATE FOR INDIA AND PAKISTAN

New York Head Quarter 422‑S Broadway HICKSVILLE NY 11801 516‑827‑1010 by Mahendra Shah Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY April 9-15, 2016 29

Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874 By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899 [email protected]; www.premastrologer.com APRIL 9‑15, 2016

ARIES: With your high confidence you CANCER: Your technical expertise LIBRA: New ventures start on a posi‑ CAPRICORN: Business partners behave will be able to cross all hurdles at pro‑ gives a decisive edge over competi‑ tive note. An unexpected message supportive on executing strategies to fessional front. You will be at the lime‑ tors at work. You will enjoy the time from a distant relative brings happy sort out pending problems. light in a social gathering provided you spent with family members and friends. news for the entire family. Real estate invest‑ Matrimonial alliance for eligible bachelor in attend. Monetary gains from unplanned Monetary gains are likely to be from more ment would be lucrative. Attending a social family brings joy to all. Improvement in sources will brighten your week. Love works than one source. event/family function brings a romantic finances is certain. A romantic encounter is like a panacea as you find sanity. Your confi‑ Romantic imagination would keep you in a encounter. You will have ample time to do likely to add spice to life. A sparkling laughter dence and energy will be high this week. jovial & cheerful mood. Positive outlook things to improve your health. Travel plans for filled week when most things proceed, as you Affordable luxury vacation will explore your impresses those around you besides keeping better communication will be helpful for new desire. Travel plans for ambitions are in full desires. Time to spend money on your homely you fit & fine. A leisure trip will prove to be a horizons. Your investment plans are at full bloom. Itʼs high time to think of purchasing a accommodations. You are likely to succeed in premium time for you. Purchasing of electrical boom and you might succeed in them. new office. Innovation brings a pleasant relief making a mark this week. appliances can be done. Achievements with Engaging yourself in creative work would from usual boredom. TAURUS: Timely help of associates will hard work at personal front could come your bring respite from hectic schedule. AQUARIUS: Innovative ideas & techni‑ not only pass difficult times at work way this week. SCORPIO : You succeed in completing cal expertise would enable to win the but also help in regaining professional LEO: Hard work of the past brings rich projects efficiently provided you put in confidence of seniors at professional edge. You will be the star of attraction of fam‑ dividends. However continue enhanc‑ all your efforts. Relatives are likely to front. A new outlook will be the source of ilys get‑together this week. New moneymak‑ ing your skills/adopt techniques for give some valuable advice regarding personal laughter at family front this week. Speculation ing opportunities will be lucrative. Love part‑ further development. Your generous behav‑ life. Investment in stocks & mutual funds coupled with some unexpected gains improves ner touches soul that would take imagination iour would enable to enjoy some lovely would help in earning profits. Your physical financial health. Romantic partner would try to unlimited heights. A week when smile will moments with family. charm would catch the attraction of opposite innovative methods to catch your attention. perpetually be on your face and strangers will A new financial deal gets finalized paving the sex. Sound physical health will enable to par‑ Your enormous confidence would help in enjoy‑ seem familiar. Perfect getaway time for you way for fresh money. The company of love ticipate in outdoor activities. Business or vaca‑ ing a healthy life. A beckon destination sounds and your partner. A good week to make some partner makes you forget about the work. tion traveling is what you needed right now. tempting to you. It might be the right time to investment on kitchen items. Auspicious time Charity work undertaken will bring mental Your girlfriendʼs desire for an apartment sale your empty plot as property rates are at to bring changes by adopting a balanced atti‑ peace & comfort. You might get a chance for might lead to its destination. Music and cre‑ peak. Tireless efforts to defend your identity tude in life. business trip, which will help you in new con‑ ative work would attract. will pave the way for success. GEMINI: A promising week to start a nections. A good deal for residential property SAGITTARIUS: Hard work put‑in the PISCES : Service people, artists and new venture in partnership. All are is ahead. Success in giving a physical shape to past will yield handsome rewards in those in creative field will get several likely to be benefited. Help from family innovative ideas. business this week. You receive care new opportunities. Enjoying a picnic members would take care of your needs. You VIRGO: Dedication & loyalty at work and affection from family members. Long‑ with family will not only bring joy but also get some financial rewards as dedication & would bring desired results. Friends term investment in stocks & mutual funds will help in clearing misunderstandings. A new hard work gets noticed. Someones timely help and family members would lend a enable to earn profits. source of income will generate through influ‑ would enable visualizing succeeding in love. helping hand. Financial position will improve Love life blossoms paving the way for lovely ential contacts. Initiatives in love bring posi‑ Your energy level will be high. Better to chan‑ later in the week. Sudden romantic encounter times ahead. You will be successful in getting tive results as you catch the desired attention. nelise it in a positive direction. A group of will lift your spirits. Meditation and self‑real‑ rid from tensions. Implementation of new A very healthy week filled with happiness & friends or your partner is looking forward for ization prove beneficial. Traveling overseas ideas to travel will be beneficiary for you on vitality. Planning a trip for your love will a vacation with you. You might be purchasing would be an experience full of spark that work front. Time to plan a gift for your par‑ embrace you and your spouse. Your plan for a a refrigerator or any other gadget for your enlightens your imagination. Time to make ents may be their dream home. Indications of new house will be in process very soon. You house. Indication of receiving good news from investments on farmlands. A secret personal developing an interest in literature are on the are likely to help needy people to navigate far‑flung area is on the card. wish is likely to be fulfilled. card. through rough patches of their life.

ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK

9th April, 2016 old friends and get new opportunities to Finance this year: This year will be very vidual. You possess friendly and cooperative. Ruled planet: Mars Ruled by no: 9 improve your business. You may end up fruitful for you in terms of investments. If However, you should control your being Traits in you: Being ruled by Mars, you are spending a lot of money in your legal issues you want to invest in the stock market, you impatient and short‑temperedness. endowed with energy. You are energetic, as they will be stretched more than expected. will be benefited hugely. This year is the best Health this year: You may remain tensed for dependable, and organized. Career this year: The following year will time to go for property. the health of your spouse. Health this year: This year you will remain bring you lot of promises and surprises to Career this year: You will be enjoying a good Finance this year: You will be in financial healthy. You may lose things both personally cherish in your career. You may get rewards position and respect in your professional life. gain this year as your business will grow. and personally being emotional. You may for your work. Your long cherished dreams However, you should not behave dominant This will enhance your confidence. You will visit a distant pilgrimage to attend an auspi‑ may get fulfilled this year. this year. It may affect your life negatively. If be able to settle down your legal matters this cious occasion towards the end of the year to Romance this year: You will find your spouse you are in creativity field, you may gain lot of year and find peace from the results. attain mental health which is contaminated or partner supportive and understanding recognition and of course money will follow. Career this year: You will find new proposals due to pressure and overload of work. enough to help you in critical situations this You will find help from your near ones when and work assignments this year. Some of you Finance this year: Your financial condition year. required. This will be a major boost to your may get good increments and promotions as may improve this year thanks to your previ‑ Lucky month: May, July and November professional life. well in your professional life. If you are a ous investments. You need to invest your life Romance this year: You may plan for a sportsman or an artist, you can expect fame time investment intelligently so that you 11th April, 2016 romantic trip with your partner to a distant towards the end of the year. need not repent later. Ruled planet: Moon Ruled by no: 2 place. Romance this year: Your relationship with Career this year: You have the ability to make Traits in you: As you are ruled by Moon, you Lucky month: June , July and November your partner might get ruined due to minor quick decisions. You are capable enough to are simple, honest, and cooperative. You are issues. If you have never been in a relation‑ get rewards and appreciation for your effi‑ fond of peace and harmony. 13th April, 2016 ship, this year may be lucky for you as you ciency in your professional field. However, Health this year: You may get worried for Ruled planet: Uranus Ruled by no: 4 will have an emotional and romantic attach‑ you should control your jealousy to improve your parentʼs health and increasing house‑ Traits in you: Being an active, sensible, ment. your personality. You should not try to do hold expenditure. enthusiastic, authoritative, and energetic per‑ Lucky month: June, October and November things beyond your capabilities. It may land Finance this year: You may establish new son, you have enough capability to perform you in difficulties. contacts and partnerships this year. You will very well in your professional career. 15th April, 2016 Romance this year: Your romantic life would get benefitted from your previous invest‑ Health this year: You will find improvements Ruled planet: Venus Ruled by no: 6 be an excellent one this year as you will be ments. You may gain unexpectedly, which in your health though working long at office. Traits in you: Venus being your ruling planet able to clarify past misunderstanding with will improve your financial position much Finance this year: Some of you may visit offers you with a charismatic personality and your partner. better than expected. abroad for business trips as you are planning intelligence. You will always find peace of Lucky month: June , July and October Career this year: You have ample new and to enhance your business territory. You will mind. innovative ideas. You are a perfectionist in get success in you new ventures and this will Health this year: You may find blessings of a 10th April, 2016 whatever you do. However, you have to con‑ make you financially stable. sacred person to remain physically and men‑ Ruled planet: Sun Ruled by no: 1 trol your whim and jealousy to succeed in Career this year: Your intelligence will tally healthy. Traits in you: Being under the guidance of your life. This year will fulfill all of your enable you create wonders in your profes‑ Finance this year: You may find your friends Sun, you are active, dynamic, authoritative, dreams by providing you with lot of opportu‑ sion. However, you should work on your helpful enough to support you financially. brilliant and talented. You have the ability to nities. impatience, whim and stubbornness. You You may get influence from one of your initiate new ideas and work on them. Romance this year: You will find your spouse should plan something to execute your plans female friends, which will bring new dimen‑ However, you need to work on your stub‑ supportive enough to your concerns and pro‑ in this year. You will find luck and success sions to your life. You have to ignore them bornness to become a better individual. vide you with love and affection. easily this year if you grab the opportunities who approach you for loans and financial Health this year: You may suffer from joint Lucky month: May, July and December at right times. You will find good opportuni‑ assistance. pain or high blood pressure this year. ties by developing new relationships and Career this year: As a vivid learner, you will Gowever, proper medication would help you 12th April, 2016 attachments. get the chance to move ahead of others when maintain a good health. Ruled planet: Jupiter Ruled by no: 3 Romance this year: Some of you may get it comes to new technology. However, you Finance this year: You will find new ways to Traits in you: Jupiter signifies ambition, dig‑ married to your desired partners this year. have to work on your nature of being lazy, enhance your confidence to earn and nity, and independence. You are blessed with Lucky month: June, August and October moody. You should control yourself from improve your financial condition. Your pro‑ all these characteristics and you are kind interfering in the affairs of others. fessional journeys will pay off and you will hearted as well. 14th April, 2016 Romance this year: Your partner will be with be successful in your deals this year. You Health this year: You may plan for a pilgrim‑ Ruled planet: Mercury Ruled by no: 5 you in every situation you are in. You will be should invest in a house or selected socks to age or a distant journey to find mental peace Traits in you: Your guiding star, Mercury relieved with the helping hand of your part‑ get better benefits. If you schedule business and take rest from your busy schedule, which makes you practical, intelligent, distin‑ ner. trips abroad, you may find a chance to meet makes you weak physically. guished, responsive, unique and dashing indi‑ Lucky month: July , August and September 30 April 9-15, 2016 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info Happiness is a State of Mind cannot take it anymore. I feel like After a week, she returned and to the wise man. actually not so bad when she saw screaming!” cried, in tears, “You must be crazy. “How are things now?” he asked. how much worse things could be. It The wise man thought for a Your advice is terrible. It is impossi‑ “Thank you so much! You are is human nature to think that moment and asked, “Do you have a ble to live in the hut now. The cow truly wise. Since I removed the cow everybody else has it so good and it cow?” turns around and knocks into us. and chickens from the hut I feel so is only we who are suffering. The woman said, “Yes, we do.” The chickens fly all around the hut. much happier. Things have become We think we know what is best He said, “I advise you to bring the My in‑laws are always choking from so peaceful.” for us. How many times have we cow into the hut to live with you for the smell and complaining about The wise man smiled. The woman tried to intervene with our two a week and then come back to see how bad it is living with us. The returned home and lived happily cents to find that when we tried to me.” children find chicken feathers with her husband, her children, and change our situation, we made The woman was puzzled. She falling into their food. My husband her in‑laws. things worse? Then, we regret what By Sant Rajinder Singh thought that since he was a wise is constantly fighting with me over This story illustrates that we are we have done and wish we could Ji Maharaj man, there must be some magic in the living conditions in our home often unhappy with our situation make things go back to the way bringing the cow into the house, so they were. ife is filled with many chal‑ she did what he said. Next time we think On the spiritual path, one of the lenges and sometimes, under The next week was horrible. It lessons we need to learn is accept‑ Lpressure, people crack. They was so crowded in the house that things are going badly ing the will of the Lord. Life would feel they can no longer stand all the every time the cow turned around, be so much easier if we accept that problems facing them. Sometimes all the six family members had to and that God is not God knows what is best for us. If we people feel they have the worst job change their seats. When they tried properly listening to examined the times in our lives that in the world. Others feel they have to sleep, the smell was intolerable we interfered with Godʼs will, we the worst health problems; they feel and it would moo throughout the us, we should sit back, may have discovered that we no one could be plagued with as night, waking them all up. take a deep breath, messed things up terribly on our many physical problems as they After the week passed, the own and prayed to God to return have. At some time in our lives, we woman returned to the wise man and relax. We should things to the way they were. feel that no one could have things and began shouting at him, “What Next time we think things are as bad as we have. There is a folk have you done? I came to you to give God a chance to going badly and that God is not tale about a wise man who lived in make things better and now I am let things happen and observe patiently. We properly listening to us, we should a forest. People would travel far more miserable than before. Your sit back, take a deep breath, and and wide to seek him out for advice did not work.” will find when all is said and done that God relax. We should give God a chance answers to their problems. One day, He thought for a moment and to let things happen and observe a woman came to him for advice. asked, “Do you have any chickens?” worked things out for the best in the end. patiently. We will find when all is He said, “My dear, what can I do “Yes,” she said. said and done that God worked for you?” He told her, “Take them into the and says, “It is all your fault!” until we find that things could things out for the best in the end. If She said, “Things are terrible at hut with you for a week.” She did The wise man thought for a always be worse. We think our job we reflect, we would find that if home. I live in a small hut with my not understand how this would moment and said, “My dear, go is horrible, until we lose it and find God had listened to our complaints husband and two children. The hut help, but since he was a wise man, home and try one more thing. Take that life is harder without an and let us do things our own way, is barely large enough for the four and everybody in her village found the cow and the chickens out of income. We think our health is bad things may not have been in our of us. I wanted a bigger house but his advice helpful, she thought she your hut. Then, come back to me in until we spend time in a hospital best interest at all. my husband is not doing well at would give this a try. a week.” and find people in worse condition Happiness is a state of mind. If we work and cannot afford anything When she returned home, she col‑ The woman was fed up with his than we are. We think our family think that God is not doing what is larger. As times are bad, my hus‑ lected all the chickens from the advice but thought she would give members are bad until we find our‑ best for us, we will always be bandʼs father lost his job, so his par‑ backyard and moved them into the it one last chance. She returned selves alone and realize how diffi‑ unhappy. If we would realize that ents had to move in with us. We house. For the next week, the chick‑ home and pulled the cow out of the cult life is without them. We always we are living according to what God were already crowded before but ens were flying around the hut, house. She took the chickens out feel the grass is greener on the wishes for us and that God is giving now with six of us living together in landing on everything and making and returned them to the backyard. other side. The woman learned that us what is best for us, we would that small space, it is unbearable. I a mess of the place. A week later, the woman returned what she thought was bad was always be happy and content.

By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj Teaching By Example ll too often people are quick to pass a difference, they arranged to have some others̶whether we are teachers, parents, judgment on others without knowing On the spiritual path, male elephants brought in from another area. employers, or citizens imploring others to be Atheir full story. They may be quick to The first thing the male adults did was to flap conscientious̶we must first set an example criticize someoneʼs actions, believing that two qualities to incul- their ears and raise their trunks. Next, they ourselves. That is the only way to bring about their perspective is correct and that they began to make loud trumpeting sounds. In change, teaching by example rather than by understand all the circumstances. In turn, cate are patience and the beginning, there was no change and the mere words. If we want to see a positive how many of us are willing to withhold judg‑ teen elephants continued to run wild and change in others and in our family, neighbor‑ ment and put ourselves in the shoes of anoth‑ understanding. These fight each other. However, after a few days in hood, community, society, or country, then we er person? How many times have we passed which the adults flapped their ears, raised need to set an example. In the words of judgment on others only to later find that are aspects of leading their trunks, and made loud noises, the teen Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you want to they had a good reason that justified their elephants began to settle down. Over time, see in the world.” actions? Along the same lines, if we want oth‑ a nonviolent life. they became well behaved and their wild On the spiritual path, two qualities to incul‑ ers to change their ways, telling them will actions subsided. cate are patience and understanding. These have little effect unless we are examples of and never saw such chaotic and wild behav‑ The researchers realized that on their own, are aspects of leading a nonviolent life. Those that behavior. ior. On further investigation they discovered the teen elephants had no role models and who are nonviolent are patient. They do not In this connection, there is a true story from that the group was composed of all teenage did not know how to behave. Once the male rush to criticize or accuse someone. With the animal kingdom about a team of male elephants. There were no adult male ele‑ adults were introduced into their pack, the empathy they try to think of how the world researchers who had gone to Africa to study phants in the group. When they checked with teens had role models and began to be disci‑ looks through other peopleʼs eyes. If each of the behavior of elephants. They came across the local inhabitants in the village why there plined. us could treat others with patience, love, and an area in which a pack of elephants was run‑ were no adult male elephants in the pack, the In the same way, as parents, we teach our understanding, this world would be more ning wild. As the research team set up tele‑ villagers explained that poachers came into children through loving discipline and by set‑ peaceful and loving. scopic cameras to observe the animals from a the village and killed all the male adults for ting an example. Our children do not believe When we are patient and understanding, we distance, they saw that every day the ele‑ their ivory. in our words alone but in what they see us do. never have to go to sleep at night worrying if phants were fighting with each other, running The researchers saw that the teenage male They copy our own good and bad habits we did the right thing. We will know that over trees and destroying their environment. elephants had no adult male role models from because that is the example we set. Similarly, when we have patience and understanding, They had studied other elephant packs before which to learn. Curious to see if it truly made when we are in a position to train or teach we are acting in a noble way. TheSouthAsianTimes.info April 9-15, 2016