www.Asia Times.US NRI Global Edition Email: [email protected]

February 2016 Vol 7, Issue 2 Kabhi kisi ko Mukammal jahan nahin milta - Nida Fazli Noted poet and lyricist Nida Fazli, 78, “Nida Fazli gave expres- passed away in Mumbai following a heart sion to the angst of the attack. common people in simple Nida Fazli was born in Delhi to a Kash- but aesthetically powerful miri family and he had attended school in and nuanced language. Gwalior. His father was also an Urdu poet. His dohas enjoyed great During the partition, his parents migrated popularity,” Saraf said. to Pakistan, but Fazli decided to stay in Filmmaker John Mathew India. Matthan, who directed “Sarfarosh” — the movie He was known among fans and singers for which featured “Hosh- his elegant presentation of ghazals, dohaas walon ko khabar kya” and nazms. penned by Fazli, told IANS: “It’s a great loss for Nida Fazli wrote the title song of TV seri- this film industry. He was als like ‘Sailaab’, ‘Neem ka Ped’, ‘Jaane Kya such a renowned poet. Baat Hui’ and ‘Jyoti’. The composition “Koi Coincidentally, today is Akelaa Kahaan” is another popular com- also Jagjit Singh’s birth position sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy. anniversary and I have He also worked with late ghazal singer worked with both of them Jagjit Singh in 1994 and together they in my film ‘Sarfarosh’.” brought out an album ‘Insight’, which got On Twitter, a string of film appreciation for its soulful poetry and celebrities condoled Fazli’s music. death and recounted some nidafazlijagjitsingh of his works. Here’s what He has also written famous ghazals ‘kabhie they said: kisi ko mukamil jahan na milta’ (ahista Lata Mangeshkar: Aaj ahista), ‘Aa bhi jaa, aa bhi jaa’ (Sur), ‘Tu Is mashhoor Shayar Nida Tarah Se Meri Zindagi Mein’ (Aap To Aise Fazli sahab ka inteqal hua Na The), ‘Hosh Waalon Ko Khabar Kya’ is baat mujhe bahut dukh (Sarfarosh). hai. Allah unhe jannat ataa realist and one of the greatest poets of all which she had produced called Tamanna Fazli’s daughter confirmed the poet’s farmaaye ye meri dili dua. times who was highly concerned about Ghar se Masjid hai Bahut Door. That was demise, a member of the organising team the general public apathy towards Urdu. the first sound that echoed in my con- of upcoming Urdu festival Jashn-e-Rekhta Acclaimed director Mahesh Bhatt was Speaking exclusively to IndianExpress. sciousness when I heard this tragic news.” told IANS. Fazli was a key guest at the shocked when we broke the news of the com, Mahesh Bhatt said, “When you told festival. death of famous poet and lyricist Nida me that he had passed away, the first thing Sanjiv Saraf, founder of Rekhta Founda- Fazli. Mahesh Bhatt, who had worked that flashed in my mind was the extraordi- tion, said that Fazli’s death has “left a space with Fazli many times in the past, fondly nary song that he had written that can never be filled”. remembered the legendary lyricist as a for Pooja’s (Bhatt) first film February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 2 Asia Times US

ISSN 2159-9645

Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief Azeem A. Quadeer, P.E. 219-588-1538 EditorAsiaTimes @gmail.com

Midwest Bureau Engr. Mujeeb A. Osman mamujeebbs@yahoo. com

New York Bureau Hk. Mohammad Hussain [email protected]

Indianapolis Bureau Syed Firasath Ali [email protected]

Contributing writers

M. A. Waheed New York

Engr. Faiz-Al-Najdi, Riyadh

Advertisements EditorAsiaTimes@gmail. com

Asia Times US is Martina Hingis, left, of Switzerland and Sania Mirza of India hold their trophy after defeating Czech Republic’s Andrea published monthly Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka in the women’s doubles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Copyright 2016 Australia. Photo: AP All rights reserved as to In a perfect climax to their stupen- with the two teams struggling to from the net and smashed one vol- Sania went down 0-40 in the next the entire content dous run, Sania Mirza and Martina hold serve throughout. ley past Sania off Martina’s return game but saved all three break Hingis were on friday crowned the and then the Swiss served two chances. A forehand to net by Asia Times US does not Australian Open women’s doubles Hlavackova was excellent from the consecutive double faults to hand Sania at deuce point and the top necessarily champions after they tamed the baseline and Hradecka was terrific the Czechs an early break. seeds were facing another break endorse views spirited Czech duo of Andrea at the net, playing some breathtak- chance but managed to saved that. expressed by the authors Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka in ing shots and winners. The top seeds had three break in the their articles straight sets for their 36th win in a chances in the next game — the Another break chance and this row, here. The top seeds though had enough fourth — on Hlavackova’s serve time the Czechs converted to lead resources in their kitty to blunt the but the Czech team saved all. 5-4. The seventh seeds came out to The top seeds fought past the sev- challenge of the Czech girls. serve out the set but were broken. enth seeds Andrea Hlavackova and Martina earned a fourth at deuce Lucie Hradecka 7-6 (1) 6-3 in the “I would like to thank everyone for with a volley and converted that Martina finally held her serve in women’s doubles final that lasted coming out and supporting us. For with a forehand passing winner. the 11th game and the top seeds one hour and 45 minutes. me Australian Open is special, it’s led 6-5, this time not allowing the like home. I have special memories A double fault by Sania at 30-40 Czechs to convert break opportu- It was their third consecutive here. We had an incredible one gave the break back to the Czech nities. Grand Slam title for Sania and year. Martina is an amazing cham- players, who were now leading 3-2. Martina, having won the Wimble- pion and an amazing person, so it Eventually the Czecks too held don and US Open in the 2015 is a privilege for me to play with Hradecka sent a forehand long to and it boiled down to a tiebreak in season. her,” Sania said. give the top seeds a breakpoint and which the top seeds trampled their netted a backhand to make it 3-3. opponents, losing just one point, In an incredible feat, Sania and “We know how good you are to pocket the opening set. Martina have now extended their (Czech team). We lost to you at There was no end to breaks with unbeaten run to 36 matches, win- Roland Garros. Hopefully we will Martina dropping her serve They broke Hradecka in the very ning eight titles in a row. They won have more finals to fight for,” Sania next. Hlavackova’s unreachable first game of the second set and five straight titles in 2015, starting said. backhand lob gave the Czechs a never looked back after that. from the US Open and before the breakpoint and the Swiss sent a Though Martina was broken in the Australian Open now. Martina was equally effusive in her forehand wide. sixth game but the favourites broke praise for the Czechs. back for a 5-2 lead. It was Sania’s second title at the Hlavackova’s long forehand at 30- Australian Open, having won the “They pushed us to the limit. It was 40 meant that Sania and Martina There was more drama as Martina

US Times Asia mixed doubles in 2009 with Ma- s tough tournament. We will try to had a break chance but Martina’s was broken in the eight while serv- hesh Bhupathi. defend our title next year.” return just landed wide and it was ing for the match and they squan- deuce. dered three match points in the The final though was not a stroll In the opening set, the two pairs ninth game on Hradecka’s serve. [email protected]

in the park for the world number could manage to hold serve only The top seeds though made it 4-4 for FREE Subscription Email to: Email to: FREE Subscription for one team with the Czechs putting twice each as it was full of breaks. with Hlavackova’s consecutive Sania and Martina finally closed up a great fight in the opening set. forehand errors from the baseline. the championship in their favour

The match was littered with breaks Hradecka ran frantically to her left on the fourth chance February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 3 Iftekhar Shareef Released the Trailer of Hyderabadi Landmark Film, “Dawat-e-Shaadi”, in Chicago Asian Media USA © Chicago IL: Iftekhar Shatreef, an eminent Businessman and Com- munity Leader, released trailer of the upcoming Hyderabadi film, ‘Dawat-e-Shaadi’, in the presence of a number of eminent persons from different walks of life, on January 08, 2016 at Monty’s Elegant Ban- quets, 703 S York Rd, Bensenville, IL Chicago. The film, which has been shot in the beautiful and aris- tocratic locations of Paigah Palace Begumpet, is a hilarious situation- based comedy and gripping love story in the backdrop of the tradi- tional weddings of Hyderabad.

Iftekhar Shareef said that while “Dawat-e- “For action and adventure, the movie lov- Shaadi” is devoid of vulgarity, it guarantees ers watch Hollywood films, for songs and a heavy dose of high-voltage entertain- dances, they prefer Bollywood films, and ment and hard-hitting punches, which will for pure and unadulterated comedy, they be enjoyed by the entire family. “The non- throng to the Dollywood films, that is, Hy- stop laughter ride and the subtle message derabadi Films”, said Mast Ali. “The fans to the audience would result in a positive of Hyderabad Film Industry will definitely word-of-mouth publicity to the film”, he bless ’Dawat-e-Shaadi’ with resounding added. success, considering its high entertain-

ment quotient”, he added. “It is a moment of pride that ‘Dawat-e-

Shaadi’, is being distributed and released Mast Ali said that all the films of Hyder- by Rajshree Productions under its banner abad, without any exception, registered in February 2016, with a big bang”, said huge success, both at the box office and in Syed Hussain, Director of the film. the video market. Considering the Hyder-

abadi films to be a safe bet, many people “The release of our film by Rajshree Pro- came forward to invest in their produc- ductions, which has produced a number of tion. “Dawat-e-Shaadi”, with a blitzkrieg blockbusters in India, will take the Hyder- of aggressive promotion and marketing abadi cinema up a notch like never before campaign, unleashed by the Rajshree Pro- Aziz Naser said that Hyderabad Film tures three heavy weights of the Hiderabad and catapult it into the higher echelons of ductions, is poised to break many records Industry, in future, will join hands with Film Industry--Mast Ali, Aziz Naser, Feoz film appreciation, added Hussain, with a of success”, he added. Bollywood stars and would churn out Han, and above all, Adanan Sajid Khan a. sense of accomplishment. great movies by combining their respec- k. a. Gullu Dada. Three beautiful leading

Aziz Naser, the popular and powerful tive success formulae. ladies, Kavya, Madhavi, and Manisha too “While the Hyderabadi Film Industry has actor with over 15 films under his belt, are playing interesting roles in the film. been confining itself, since its inception said that “Dawat-e-Shaadi” will entertain Feroz Khan, who has essayed a negative in 2005, to making small budget films for the audiences thoroughly, irrespective of role in “Dawat-e-Shaadi” said that Hyder- Mast Ali, Aziz Naser, Syed Hussain, and niche market, ‘Dawat-e-Shaadi’ is pioneer- their linguistic backgrounds. “The movie abadi cinema has come to attain the status Farhan Khan thanked Iftekhar Shareef for ing in nature and first of its kind, consid- lovers of the entire Indian Subcontinent, of a genre unto itself, not just considering his help, in a variety of ways, in getting the ering the fact that it is a Bollywood-type including those from Pakistan, can easily the typical lingo of the City of Pearls, but trailer of “Dawat-e-Shaadi” in Chicago. big-budget film which is rich in terms of understand the ”Hyderabadi Urdu, the even given the culture and traditions of They thanked Layeeque Ahmed and Shou- exquisite quality, pan-India appeal, breath- lingua franca of the streets of Hyderabad, the Deccan. kat too for their support to them. taking locations, and high-end technol- which is a unique mix of Urdu, Hindi, ogy” said Mast Ali, a. k. a. Saleem Pheku, Telugu, and some Marathi”, he added. Dawat-e-Shaadi”, which has been pro- Photographs and Press release by: Asian the king of comedy, who acted in over 20 duced by an Australian-based duo, Sami- Media USA film and brought laurels to Hyderabad. ullah Fayyaz and Syed Waseem Yaba fea- February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 4 Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, India’s Consul General Applauded India’s Economic Paradigm Shift at University of Chicago’s Diplomatic Encounters Series

down world-class infrastructure, India has Asian Media USA © emerged as one of the hottest destinations Chicago IL: “The World Bank has ac- for global investors. “India has set a target knowledged India as the country with the of introducing 175 Giga watts of renew- fastest economic growth, which stipulates able energy in the coming 10 years into the that it would be growing at the rate of energy needs of the country, including 100 7.8% during the current year, whereas, it is Giga watts of solar energy”, he added. 6.7% for China, and 2.9% for world econ- omy. This would be greatly instrumental “While the population worldwide is ag- in making India a formidable economic ing, India is getting younger and by 2020 power to reckon with”, said Dr. Ausaf Say- it would be the youngest country in the eed, Consul General of India in Chicago world in terms of average age of popula- in his inaugural address in the University tion”, Dr. Sayeed said. He added that these of Chicago’s Diplomatic Encounters Series young Indians, on account of their fresh held on January 21st, 2016. The event, vision and energetic enthusiasm, are which was free and open to public, was Dr. Imaad Shaik is rising to be a lead singer in making a breathtaking contribution to the attended by a large number of eminent development not only in India but also Chicago. In the above picture he is seen singing at people from different walks of life. across the globe, and added that there are

80 Indian Companies operating in the US a New Year Party in Chicago. Dr Imaad Shaik is Continuing his address, Dr. Sayeed said Midwest, which have made cumulative in- that by registering spectacular growth bringing a good name for our community on the vestments of US $ 2.75 billion and created in almost all sectors of economy, India 13,841 jobs. stage of Bollywood singing. (more in next issues) is integrating its 5000-year old Indian civilization with high-end modernity in Dr. Sayeed said the Indian Consulate reaucracy which created layers of rules and unlocking human potential and ambition, all spheres of life. He said that the aviation caters to about 500,00 Indian-Americans regulations and hampered the poor from which could establish India as a preemi- markets in India are growing at a phenom- in the US Midwest, who are contributing growing out of the shadows of poverty. nent world leader”, he added. enal rate of 25%, when compared to 9% magnificently in the domains of Educa- in the US and 8.4 % in China. He further tion, Science & Technology, Trade, Fine The documentary follows three individu- “India Awakes was one of the most inspir- stated that India has witnesses a growth of Arts, Culture, etc. He added that about als, Banwari Lal Sharma, Rama Bhai, and ing stories of the prosperity that arises 7.6% in the passenger vehicle markets. “By 140,000 students from Indian are pursuing Mannem Madhusudana Rao, who belong from economic freedom. The experiment selling 2.5 million cars every year, India higher education in the US. to weaker sections of society. However, of India is worth-emulating, on a wider has emerged as the fifth largest passenger in the transformed scenario of liberaliza- scale, across the globe”, said Jim Tusty Co- vehicle market, whereas a large number Screening of “India Awakes”: tion from Government controls, they feel Director/Writer of the documentary. of countries are facing a negative growth The presentation by Dr. Ausaf Sayeed was empowered to take charge of their own Daniel J. Schmidt, President and CEO, in this sector”, he added. He said that followed by the screening of the 60-minute destinies, demonstrate their inherent WTTW said that when governments manufacturers of high value luxury goods documentary, “India Awakes”, produced entrepreneurial perseverance, and suc- introduce economic liberalization and are targeting India in a big way consider- by Atlas Network partner Free to Choose ceed not only in improving their lives but people come forward to demonstrate their ing the growth of 25% in this market on Network and narrated by Swedish histo- also in breaking down centuries-old caste entrepreneurial sills, there will be benefi- account of increasing purchasing power rian, Johan Noerberg, The documentary system. cial outcomes for all the stakeholders. and brand awareness among Indians. focuses on bold initiatives taken by India

in 1991, aimed at liberalization, privatiza- “India Awakes demonstrates that the “While India has transformed its regula- Dr. Sayeed referred to the urge among tion, and globalization, which resulted in more the people of India are able to build, tory process and liberalized its economy Indians to absorb newer technologies and creating fluidity between classes, trigger- produce, buy, sell, trade, and invest with compared to decades past, the country to the electronic boom which is evident ing a boom that sent Indian incomes up one another—and with the rest of the is still mired in far more red tape and from the fact that 6.95 billion electronic at a compound rate of 7.5% annually in world—the more each person’s unique bureaucratic processes. Hence, there is transactions took place last year in India. the last 25 years, lifting a staggering 250 talents and skills can find their own valu- an urgent need to further consolidate the “India is on the top of the world with over million people out of poverty, and em- able niche in meeting the needs of others, initiatives of 1991 in order to make it more one billion people using mobile phones in powering India to come alive and flourish creating new wealth and opportunity at free and prosperous”, opined the audience India”, he added. economically.. every turn”, said Tom Palmer, VP, Atlas unanimously.

Network. Dr. Sayeed stated that, with the con- According to the documentary, this was a Denise M Jorgens, Director, International ceptualization and execution of such paradigm shift considering the fact that, Bob Chitester, CEO and President of Free house at University of Chicago welcomed innovative flagship measures by Prime for centuries, poor continued to remain to Choose Media, told that economic the gathering. Minister Narendra Modi as Digital India, poor and elite alone prospered in India. freedom is really at the heart of improving Clean India, Make in India, Sills India, The documentary makes a reference to the lives of everybody in India. “India Awakes, Photographs and Press release by: and Green India, and his commitment to Asian expensive and cumbersome British bu- therefore, reveals the enormous power of bring about 100 Smart Cities and to lay Media USA February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 5 THE FASLI CALENDAR Sound Engineer Shahid Lateef Captain Bakhtyar S Kaoosji with former NFL football player Napoleon Harris One of the Mughal legacies which continued in the Hijri Calender but also in the Samvat unabated in the administration of Hyderabad Calendar.The year of change over was incor- State of The Asaf Jahs, until 1948, was the of- porated to coincide with the year of Akbar’s ficial calendar known as the FASLI calender. accession to the throne as Emperor of India in This calendar is still in use in Hyderabad 963AH (1555-1556 AD or 1612 SE).Accord- and the other States of India mainly by the ingly the 1 Muharram 963 AH was made the different Waqf Boards and partly in collect- starting point of The TARIQ-e-ELAHI as it ing revenues from agricultural products by was named.Since the month of Muharram Karanataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu. coincided with the month of Baisakh, the month of Baisakh was made the first month HEH The Nizams Trusts also use this calendar of the new era instead of the month of Chaitra and it is printed annually and available in in the Samvat Calender.The Encyclopedia select shops in Hyderabad City.This Calen- Britannica’s Editors write that “Akbar arbi- der displays both the Hijri and Fasli eras and trarily took 649 years from the Samvat year ie highlights Eids, Religious functions, details of 1612-649=963 in order to coincide it with the various Urs held in the State, Birth and Death year 963 AH.” Anniversaries, Prayer Timings, Ramzam ul Mubarak Timings for Sehri and Iftaar etc... The Fasli calendar came into being with a some sections of the population call it the Royal Proclamation in the 29 th Regnal year Jantri(Calender). ... of Akbar or on 10/11 March 1584 AD or 992 AH but it was dated from his accession to the Fasli is derived from the word Fasl or Harvest throne on 5.11.1556 or 10 Rabi-ul-Awal 963 which is the Arabic term for Division, which AH. in India was applied to the groupings of the seasons. It is an Arabised Urdu word and Emperor Shah Jahan the grandson of Akbar the Fasli Year means a period of twelve (12 introduced the Fasli calendar in 1630 AD in months ) from July to June.The first day of the the Deccan Subha which continued as the Fasli year is around the 7th or 8th. official calendar of the Asaf Jahi rulers until September 1948. I will elucidate the reasons why the Hijri or a period of 318 years. This calendar is being Calender then in use, had to be modified, the used continuously from the last four and a people entrusted to do the job and the end half centuries. result culminating in the issue of The Royal Farman by Mughal Emperor Jalaluddin Mo- As the person who developed this calender hammed Akbar also known as Shahanshah- e was of Persian origin and the language of the -Alam or Akbar the Great.(Born. 15.10.1542 Mughal Court was also Persian the months AD, Died 27.10.1606 AD and reigned attributed to the Fasli Calender were accord- from1556-1606.AD) ingly named with slight modification.Listed below are the names of Fasli months. Sound Engineer Shahid Lateef with former NFL football player Abul Fazal, renowned scholar and Minister of Tir, Mordad, Shehervar, Meher, Aban, Azar, Napoleon Harris at fund raiser in Chicago. Akbar, explains in the”AKBAR- NAMA “ that Deh, Behmun, Esfand, Farvardi, Ordibesht, the Hijri Calender was used to collect revenue Khudad . Napoleon Bill Harris is a member of the Illinois Senate representing from the farmers.As per his explanation, the use of the Hijri Calender became irksome for A simple way to transpose FASLI year to Gre- the 15th district since 2013. Prior to his service in the Illinois Senate the peasantry because there was a difference gorian year is by ADDING 591. he was a linebacker in the National Football League for a total of of 11/12 days between the Lunar and Solar As an example 10 Farvardi 1346 F will work seven seasons with the Oakland Raiders, the Minnesota Vikings, years with 31 lunar = 30 solar years. Revenue out to be 11 February 1937 AD. and Kansas City Chiefs at various times. Harris enrolled at North- collected was as per the Lunar year whereas western University, where he played college football for the North- the harvest was dependent on the Solar year. Captain Bakhtyar S Kaoosji Kuala Lumpur- Peninsular Malaysia western Wildcats. For one year, he was a two sport athlete playing Abu Al-Fath Jalaluddin Mohammed Akbar basketball. His complete college career ranked 11th on Northwest- commissioned Amir Fathullah Shirazi, Asad- ern’s all-time tackles list with 334. All-Big Ten Conference as a ud-Daula, a noted Persian astronomer in the senior after starting all 11 games at defensive end after moving from Royal Court, with the task. outside linebacker and ranked fourth on team in tackles with 78 Changes had to be incorporated not only Son of Emirate’s ruler was among firefighters at Dubai hotel blaze Dubai: Son of Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed al-Maktoum was among the firefighter Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al- at the scene of a huge fire at a luxury Dubai hotel. Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Scrapped his New Year eve plan on Thursday night, Emirates and Emir of Dubai. Sheikh Mansoor dressed in firefighter gear and joined other Dubai Civil Defense officers who were Sheikh Mansoor is also the Chair- working together at the Address Hotel Downtown man of Dubai International Marine where fire broke out. Sports Club. His Instagram page also shows him in military uniform, ac- A huge fire ripped through a luxury Dubai hotel cording to his Twitter page. engulfing dozens of storeys on December 31, where hundreds of thousands of people were gathered for celebrations. February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 6 Republic Day Celebrations in pictures

Ali Baba Market And Restaurant Full line of Middle Eastern Food & Grocery Fresh Meat and vegetables 2562 45th St. Highland, IN 46322 Phone: 219-924-3660 February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 7 Andrew Seo Call upon Asian-Americans to Support His Candidacy for the Position of Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Asian Media USA ©

Chicago IL: “I have an ambitious and far reaching plan of action aimed at transforming the way water is treated, managed, and delivered in Chicago and Cook County, which will be greatly instrumental not only in creating a reliable and resilient water infrastruc- ture but also in facilitating multifaceted prosperity. I, therefore, request each and every one in Chicago and Cook County, including the Asian-Americans, to support my candidacy, in a big way, for the posi- tion of Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago in order to translate this plan into reality”, said Andrew Seo at a Press Conference, attended by a large number of rep- resentatives of Print, Electronic, and Internet Media on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2016, at 1:00 PM at Udipi Palace, 2543 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659.

Explaining his plan, in detail, Andrew Seo said that Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago shall assume control of the city of Chicago Department of Water Management, includ- ing the City’s two water treatment plants, 12 pumping stations, water/server Mains and Personnel. He added that, as a part of his plan, MWRD would take over maintenance and operations of potable water to the waste water and water infrastructure is aging and tion District of Greater Chicago would go a long way residents/businesses in Chicago and Cook County as deteriorating. “Unless we start updating and modern- in solving the problems relating to the availability of well as responsibility for the transport of waste water izing our water and waste water systems soon it will clean and safe water in Chicago and Cook County. and storm water throughout the city of Chicago. become exponentially more challenging to retain and He paid rich tributes to the community service of attract industry, business, and a skilled work force”, he Andrew Seo in innumerable domains. Andrew Seo claimed that his proposed plan has got a added. number of beneficial outcomes, which includes shift- Shareef appealed to all the Asian-Americans in ing the burden of maintaining/modernizing Chicago/ Andrew Seo argued that investments in creating a general and their Indian counterparts in particular to Cook County’s aging water and sewer infrastructure state-of-the-art water infrastructure will be greatly in- strongly support the candidacy of Andrew Seo in the from the city of Chicago to the MWRD, generating strumental in creating jobs, sustaining public health, best interests of Chicago and Cook County. at least USD 5 billion for the city of Chicago to re- sustaining environment, and boosting economy. “The allocate it to funding Police/Fire/Teacher pensions, as US Department of Commerce estimates that each job The representatives of the media posed a barrage of well as for other essential city services, streamlining created in the local water and waste water industry questions about the viability and relevance of the Government and eliminate bureaucratic red tape for creates 3.5 jobs in the national economy and each proposed plan concerning issues relating to the avail- homeowners and businesses, and reducing water and dollar spent yields $2.50 dollars in GDP”, he added. ability of safe and clean water in Chicago and Cook sewer fees for the city and suburban taxpayers. County. Andrew Seo answered all the questions, with Andrew Seo, a Chicago Engineer, is a former em- a professional touch. “My plan has the ability to do everything Mayor ployee of both the MWRD and the City of Chicago’s Rahm Emanuel wants and needs at this critical time Department of Water Management. He has got an Balvider Singh, a well-known Indian-American, in Municipal Government”, said Andrew Seo. “The impressive track record of experience in the fields expressed his support and best wishes to Andrew Seo plan is in response to the call given by him last year of treating, managing, and delivering water. He has for his stupendous success in the election. to Chicagoans to come up with ideas to help make already pitched his plan to a number of prominent Government operate more efficiently and raise much municipal and business leaders and received huge ap- The Press Conference concluded with delicious needed revenue to successfully grapple with the preciation from them. snacks which were relished by one and all. problems relating to budget shortfalls, outstanding pension liabilities, and impending tax hikes”, Andrew Iftehar Shareef, an eminent Indian-American, in- Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA Seo added. troduced Andrew Seo to the representatives of the media at the Press Conference. He said that Andrew Andrew Seo said that Chicagoland’s ability to provide Seo represents a rare combination of competence clean and safe water is being challenged, as existing and commitment and added that his election as the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclama-

Asia Times US for FREE Subscription Email to: FREE [email protected] FREE February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 8 David Cameron backs burqa ban in schools, courts, border checkpoints London: UK Prime Minister designed to stop British Mus- burqas and other religious head- coming to the UK on a five-year David Cameron has backed a lims becoming radicalised and gear, along the lines of the ban spousal visa with poor or no France introduced a controver- ban on face-covering veils such travelling to the Middle East to imposed in France since 2010. English skills will have to take a sial ban on wearing the full face as burqas in schools, courts and join terrorist groups like the Is- test after two and a half years to veil in public in 2010, triggering at border check points in the lamic State of Iraq and the Levant “Going for the more sort of show they are making efforts to concerns from rights groups. country but said he will not go as (ISIL). French approach of banning an improve their English. far as what France did to impose item of clothing, I don’t think a blanket ban. “What does matter is if, for that’s the way we do things in instance, a school has a uniform this country and I don’t think “When you’re coming into policy, sensitively put in place that would help,” he said. contact with an institution, or and all the rest of it, and people you’re in court, or if you need want to flout that uniform policy, Cameron’s comments came on to be able to see someone’s face often for reasons that aren’t con- the day he unveiled plans for at the border, then I will always nected to religion, you should tougher new English language back the authority and institution always come down on the side of requirements to prevent that have put in place proper and the school,” he was quoted as say- segregation of members of the sensible rules,” Cameron said. ing by the BBC Radio Four. Muslim community.

It comes as the UK prepare to Cameron, 49, however, rejected New rules will mean that from announce a series of measures the idea of a blanket ban on October this year migrants Dalit student suicide snowballs India, Israel to intensify into a major political row counter terrorism coord The suicide by a dalit student of Hyder- the HRD ministry in the capital demand- abad University today snowballed into a ing the sacking of the ministers and strong Jerusalem, Jan 18 (PTI) Contending major issue with BJP’s rivals wading into action against the VC. that India and Israel face challenges it and demanding the removal of Union of terrorism, the two countries today Ministers Smriti Irani and Bandaru Datta- Various political parties and leaders have agreed to intensify coordination to treya, accusing them of being responsible blamed Labour Minister Dattatreya’s letter deal with the menace as External for the death. of Aug 17 last year to Irani seeking action Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met against the “anti national activities” of a top Israeli leadership and discussed a As Congress mounted the demand for the students union and the alleged assault wide-range of bilateral and regional sacking of the HRD and Labour Ministers, of an ABVP leader and a series of five issues. Rahul Gandhi led the multi-party charge communications from the HRD Ministry attacking them and the Vice Chancellor between Sept 3 and Nov 19 demanding Swaraj, who is on her first visit to Appa Rao saying “The VC and the Union follow up action for the suicide. West Asia as the External Affairs Ministers in Delhi have not acted fairly. Minister, called on President Reuven This youngster was put in so much pain The HRD ministry, however, today re- Rivlin and Prime Minister Benjamin that he had no option but to kill himself.” jected allegations that it had put any pres- Netanyahu and other top leaders. sure on the University relating to either Though he did not name Irani, who had suspension of Rohith or keeping him out “It was emphasised that the region just over the week attacked Rahul in his of the hostel. around India and around Israel are constituency Amethi of failing youths both in turmoil. That there were there, the reference was obvious to her The communications, it maintained, was special circumstances posed by ter- against the backdrop of ministry’s action not aimed at putting pressure but was in rorism that required coordination which is blamed for the suicide by Rohith compliance with the standard protocol between the countries, especially President, the first ever by an Indian Head Vemula, a dalit research scholar, on Sun- adopted in accordance with the Central between India and Israel,” an official here of State,” he told Swaraj. day night. Secretariat Manual of Procedure whenever said, sharing details of the meetings. a “VIP Reference” is received. He said the two countries are intensifying Protests escalated in Hyderabad and cities “It was agreed that the exchange of infor- their contacts and cooperation in fields across the country including in Delhi, mation (between the two countries) will such as science and technology, cyber, Mumbai, Pune and Chennai. Student continue in the future,” he added. defence and agriculture. organisations including the pro-Left AISA and AAP-backed CYSS and Congress’ Swaraj said she hopes get an assessment “India and Israel are at the cutting edge of NSUI held protests in Jantar Mantar and of the situation in the region and identify so many innovations and by working to- areas where the two sides can cooperate. gether we can do a lot more for our people and the world,” he said, adding that Israel She said, “India attaches the highest admires India and view it as a great friend. importance to the full development of bilateral ties with Israel. Our bilateral co- Emphasising on the importance attached operation has grown in a number of areas to India by Israel, he said his country is over the past two decades but the potential putting “special effort towards building a of our relations are much more.” special relationship with a special coun- t r y ”. Netanyahu, who also heads the Foreign Ministry, said that there has been a great President Rivlin pushed for a boost in flowering of relationship and friendship bilateral economic ties during his meet- between the two countries in the recent ing with Swaraj and said the two partners years. should quickly finalise the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). “I take special pleasure in welcoming you here and sending my regards to my good friend and colleague Prime Minister Modi. The expression of this growing relation- ship has been in the visit of the (Indian) February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 9

DJ or Karaoke in Chicago area (630) 400-2549 Shahid Lateef February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 10 China’s growth hits quarter-century low, raising hopes of more stimulus

China’s economy grew at its trial output for December RELATED VIDEO offshore it weakened to missteps over the yuan weakest pace in a quarter missed expectations with Angus Nicholson, market Video 6.5935 to stand 0.2 percent and stock markets, giving of a century last year, rais- a rise of just 5.9 percent, analyst at IG in Melbourne, China still a good bet for adrift from the onshore weight to a voluble clique ing hopes Beijing would while electric power and said in a note that further investors: PWC rate. of China bears who claim cushion the slowdown with steel output fell for the cuts in interest rates and CURRENCY RISK high debt levels and mas- more stimulus policies, first time in decades last the reserves that banks Confusion over China’s sive overcapacity are bound which in turn prompted a year, and coal production have to set aside were The People’s Bank of China currency policy and its to end in tears. rally on the country’s roll- dropped for a second year already looking “a foregone (PBOC) did its bit to calm commitment to reforms ercoaster share markets. in row, illustrating how a conclusion” before the data nerves by keeping the yuan has sparked mayhem Even relative optimists are slowing economy and shift release, and now it was a largely steady, setting the in financial markets in worried. Growth for 2015 as a to consumer-led growth is question of timing. currency’s daily midpoint recent weeks, as the PBOC whole hit 6.9 percent after hurting industry. fix at 6.5596 per dollar. allowed the yuan to fall “A recent trip back to Chi- the fourth quarter slowed RELATED COVERAGE sharply in early January na suggests the economy to 6.8 percent, capping December retail sales › China stocks climb on That followed news of then switched to aggressive remains in a rather bad a tumultuous year that growth was also weaker hopes for new economic plans requiring overseas intervention to steady it. shape. Public confidence witnessed a huge outflow than expected at 11.1 stimulus banks to hold a certain and expectations are very of capital, a slide in the percent last month, disap- “That gives investors an level of yuan in reserves, a Likewise, concerns have low,” says Wei Li, China currency and a summer pointing those counting excuse to buy stocks, after move that could raise the mounted that the econ- and Asia economist at stocks crash. on the consumer to be the sharp falls recently,” said cost of wagering on further omy’s troubles might be Commonwealth Bank of new engine of growth. Linus Yip, strategist at First falls in the currency, which beyond Beijing’s ability to Australia. Concerns about Beijing’s Shanghai Securities Ltd. has lost about 5 percent fix. grip on economic policy “While headline growth since August. “Faced with rising non- have shot to the top of looks fine, the breakdown Investors took their cue, Markets have long har- performing loans, banks global investors’ risk list of the figures points to pushing the benchmark Tommy Xie, economist at bored doubts about the are cutting credit lines for 2016 after a renewed overall weakness in the Shanghai Composite Index OCBC Bank in Singapore, veracity of China’s growth despite policymakers call- plunge in its stock markets economy,” said Zhou Hao, up 3.25 percent by the said he expected more data, given their habit of ing for more support. New and the yuan stoked wor- senior emerging markets close of trading, while the stimulus to the economy closely matching official credits are mainly used to ries that the economy may economist for Asia at CSI300 index of the largest from the PBOC, but the forecasts year after year repay existing debts, rather be rapidly deteriorating. Commerzbank Singapore. listed companies in Shang- stability of the yuan, also despite wildly changing than flowing into new hai and Shenzhen gained known as the renminbi, circumstances at home and investment projects.” China’s slowdown, along “All in all, we believe that 2.95 percent. was critical to maintaining globally. with the slump in com- China will experience a growth. (Reporting by Pete modity prices, prompted ‘bumpy landing’ in the The indexes remain about Investors used to comfort Sweeney, Samuel Shen the International Monetary coming year,” he said. 14-15 percent down so far “This is a new risk for themselves with the as- and Shanghai and Beijing Fund to cut its global in 2016 after a series of China. If the renminbi sumption that the authori- newsrooms; Additional growth forecasts again on There was relief in the mar- sell-offs in the new year. continues to weaken, the ties, while often inscru- reporting by Nichola Sami- Tuesday, and it said it ex- kets, however, that growth volatility and capital out- table, were competent nather; Writing by Wayne pected the world’s second- at least matched forecasts, “We see this as a techni- flows get worse, then that is managers who could be Cole and Will Waterman; largest economy to see and a growing expectation cal rebound,” said Yip. “It’s likely to pose a challenge to trusted to ultimately guide Editing by Neil Fullick) growth of only 6.3 percent that more monetary easing too early to say the market growth.” the economy to a more in 2016. measures were imminent, has seen its bottom, as we consumer-driven model. possibly before Lunar haven’t yet seen a turn- The spot yuan was at Data from China’s statistics New Year holidays in early around in the economy.” 6.5789, barely changed That trust has been chal- bureau showed that indus- February. from Monday’s close, but lenged by perceived policy

Chinese couple in court for chopping up employers

Paris: A Chinese couple, a nanny and her partner 34 approached police and admitted to the crime. were due in court in Paris on Tuesday, accused of kill- Following her directions, the police then uncovered ing and dismembering the parents of a baby that had Hui told police she had been babysitting a two- more body parts around the forest although they died in the babysitter’s care. month-old baby that had asphyxiated in his sleep. did not find the baby’s body, which Hui said she had They decided to offer the parents money to remain thrown in rubbish bins along with some of the other The crime came to light in June 2012 after two joggers quiet about the death. remains. found a naked leg, cut off at the ankle, while run- ning through the Vincennes forest on the edge of the But when the parents arrived at the home, a furious The baby’s grandfather claimed to investigators that French capital. row broke out, which ended with Hui killing them the babysitter was giving the child sleeping pills, with a small axe. although other parents praised her service. Several days later, a guide dog found a human torso in the same area, but the hunt for further remains was Hui claims they acted in self-defence after the parents Police say there were no previous signs that Hui and fruitless. became enraged and attacked them with a butcher’s Te, who arrived in France in 2004, were pre-disposed knife. Her boyfriend had been seriously injured dur- to this sort of grisly crime. Police knew the victims were Asian and initially ing the struggle. thought the murders could be the work of the Hui has been described by investigators as a highly Chinese mafia, or that of Luka Rocco Magnotta, a Trying to cover her tracks, Hui then chopped up the intelligent and forceful character. Witnesses say she Canadian convicted of killing and dismembering a two bodies in her bathroom with an electric saw, us- was the dominant partner in her relationship with Te, Chinese student, who had spent time in Paris. ing the washing machine to cover the noise. who was a business advisor.

But before the bodies could even be identified, a Chi- She then wrapped the parts in rubbish bags and nese couple Hui Zhang and her boyfriend Te Lu, both scrubbed her apartment clean. February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 11 Is the kingdom shaking

already there. The conflict in Syria has become Are the Saudis nervous? a proxy war between the Assad regime, backed Very. The royal family feels threats from within the by Iran, and militias funded by the Saudis. country and without, as the price of oil plunges, the pre- So when Shiite Houthi militants toppled the dominantly young population grows restless, and Saudi Yemeni government, Mohammed moved Arabia’s bitter rival, Shiite Iran, seeks to expand its influ- in swiftly to prevent his country from being ence throughout the region. The Saudis were also deeply bookended by Shiite powers. Saudi airstrikes alarmed by the Arab Spring, which saw long-established have killed thousands of Yemeni civilians, but regimes crumble; the U.S.’s nuclear deal with Iran; and the the prince has been undeterred. rise of ISIS. Since King Salman took the throne a year ago, Saudi authorities have intensified government repres- What about domestic policy? sion to a severe degree. New counterterrorism legislation, Mohammed says he plans sweeping, market- enacted shortly before he took power, defines terrorism based economic reforms. For 80 years, the as any act with criminal intent that undermines public Saudi economy has been based almost entirely order, as well as any “deviant thought” that questions on oil revenue. High oil prices brought in Wahhabism, the fundamentalist sect of Sunni Islam that enormous wealth, which enables the govern- dominates all aspects of Saudi life. ment to fund a generous welfare state without levying any income tax. Most actual work is What is the impact of this law? done by foreigners — a vast army of nearly Any form of dissent is being prosecuted as a crime. nine million immigrants from South Asia and Executions are at a two-decade high, with more than 150 the Middle East who serve some 18 million public beheadings in 2015 and 47 in just the first week of Saudis. Saudis are employed largely in the this year — including the execution of a prominent Shiite bloated public sector, many of them draw- cleric (see below), an act that led Iran to sever diplo- ing fat salaries for little work. But this model matic ties. For urging Saudi society to be more liberal is becoming unsustainable. People under 25 and secular, prominent blogger Raif Badawi was flogged, make up more than half the population, and and his lawyer was jailed for defending him. When the there aren’t enough jobs for them as they lawyer’s wife complained on Twitter about his arrest, she reach working age. Worse, the collapse in oil was jailed, too. prices — from $115 a barrel in 2014 to under they will suffer. “With a decline in social spending and a $35 now — means there isn’t enough money flowing in to reduction in subsidies,” says analyst Alberto Gallo, “comes Who’s pushing this crackdown? sustain benefits at such generous levels. the risk of rising domestic turmoil.” A new group of leaders. The House of Saud has been led by elderly sons of modern Saudi Arabia’s founder, Ibn Why not? The oppressed Shiite minority Saud, for many decades. But King Salman, 80, has chosen In the past, when oil prices have fallen, the Saudis have The Saudi regime said it executed Shiite cleric Nimr al- not to name one of his younger half-brothers as his likely cut production to raise them. But this time, they’ve kept Nimr for terrorism, but critics said the real reason was his successor. Instead, he appointed his son Mohammed bin pumping with abandon. The goal is to preserve Saudi activism in organizing the Shiite minority and denounc- Salman al Saud, 30, as deputy crown prince and defense market share by driving higher-cost oil producers — no- ing the House of Saud. Shiites make up 15 percent of minister — and Mohammed is clearly the real power tably the U.S. fracking industry — out of business. But the the population in Saudi Arabia, and they are strongly behind the throne. Unlike the older, U.S.-educated gen- sharp drop in revenue requires painful cuts to the subsi- discriminated against. They are excluded from the cushy eration, Mohammed went to a Saudi university, has had dies and expense accounts that so many Saudis rely on. government jobs, and Saudi television and Saudi cler- little exposure to Western culture, and has “a reputation ics routinely spread anti-Shiite propaganda. For three for arrogance and ruthlessness,” says Bruce Riedel of the How will Saudis react to those cuts? years, activists in the oil-rich eastern province of al-Ahsa, Brookings Institution. That’s one of the things worrying the royal family. The abutting Shiite-majority Bahrain, have been protesting, Saudi people have long had a tacit agreement with their sometimes violently. “You are now standing on top of oil What has Mohammed done? rulers: In return for a cushy life and generous benefits, fields that feed the whole world,” Shiite activist Fathil Al The young prince plunged straight into a war in Yemen. they put up with an almost total lack of political freedom Safwani told the BBC. “But we see nothing of it. Poverty, “The previous, cautious diplomatic stance of older lead- or say in their own government. Many Saudis are rich hunger, no honor, no political freedom, we have nothing.” ers within the royal family is being replaced by a new, enough to skip off to Bahrain or Dubai for the weekend, By executing Nimr, the House of Saud sent a clear signal impulsive policy of intervention,” said a report from the where they can drink alcohol and the women can shed that nothing will change; indeed, even complaining about German foreign intelligence service BND. Saudi Arabia is their burqas. Most, though, are middle-class, and around anti-Shiite discrimination will get you beheaded. locked in a struggle with Iran for primacy in the Middle one-fifth are actually poor, and if Mohammed makes East. The rise of a Shiite government in Iraq brought that good on his pledge to replace the free health care with an country firmly into the Iranian camp, and Lebanon was insurance-based system and partially privatize education, India home to 2.36 lakh millionaires, fourth-largest in Asia Pacific region New Delhi: India is home to the fourth HNWIs and Australia was at the third 17,254 billion. It also noted that there were around 3.5 largest population of millionaires in the place had 290,000. million HNWIs living in Asia Pacific, with Asia Pacific region, with 2.36 lakh such Total individual wealth refers to the combined wealth holdings of USD17.7 high net worth individuals, while Japan Others in the top 10 in terms of number of private wealth held by all the individuals trillion. Asia Pacific HNWI numbers have topped the list with 12.60 lakh people, a HNWIs in Asia Pacific include, Singapore in each country, including all property, increased by 115 per cent over the past 15 report says. at the fifth place with 224,000 millionaires, cash, equities and business interests. On years, compared to the worldwide HNWI Hong Kong (6th, 215,000), South Korea per capita basis, India was last among the growth rate of 82 per cent and going for- According to the Asia Pacific 2016 Wealth (7th, 125,000), Taiwan (8th, 98,200), New bottom three, as the average wealth per ward, HNWI numbers in Asia Pacific are Report, by New World Wealth, India was Zealand (9th, 89,000) and Indonesia (10th, person stood at USD 3,500, while that expected to increase by 50 per cent over ranked among the top five Asia Pacific 48,500). of Australia, which topped the ranking, next 10 years, reaching around 5.2 million countries in terms of number of High Net stood at USD 204,400. by 2025, it added. Worth Individuals (HNWIs). Interestingly, India is among the top five Asia Pacific countries in terms of total “As reflected, Australians are the wealthi- Over this period (by 2025), India is HNWIs (millionaires) were defined as private wealth held, but at the bottom in est individuals in Asia Pacific with USD expected to see a 105 per cent growth those individuals with net assets of USD 1 terms of per capita income. India’s total 204,000 in wealth per person, whilst in HNWI population to 483,800 from million or more. At the end of 2015, there individual wealth stood at USD 4,365bil- people in Pakistan are the poorest with 236,000, the report added. were, 12,60,000 millionaires in Japan, lion, while China, which topped the list, USD 1,600 per person,” the report added. while China ranked second with 654,000 had a total individual wealth of USD February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 12 As leaders chill in Davos, emerging economies going downhill fast

More than a trillion dollars of invest- decade-long export and investment DC-based Institute of International Fi- in recession for the second straight ment flows has fled emerging mar- miracle that propelled its economy nance net inflows in 2001-2011 totaled year, investment returns across the kets over the past 18 months but the from sixth place globally, to the world’s nearly $3 trillion. sector are unlikely to recover soon, exodus may not even be halfway done, second biggest. many fear. as once-booming economies appear Some of this is starting to reverse trapped in a slow-bleeding cycle of Its ascent hauled up much of the de- as last year saw the first net capital Emerging stock market performance weak growth and investment. veloping world, from Latin American outflow since 1988, a $540 billion loss, has lagged developed peers for five exporters of soy and steel to the Asian says the IIF which predicts more flight years now, and corporate earnings While developing economies are no workshops which became part of its in 2016. have shrunk for more than four years, stranger to financial crises, with sev- gigantic factory supply chain. But its Morgan Stanley has calculated. eral currency and debt cataclysms in- slowdown is whacking these countries Other forecasters such as JPMorgan fecting all emerging markets in waves equally hard. reckon nearly a trillion dollars have This is the longest decline in the MSCI over recent decades, leaders gathering fled China alone since mid-2014; its equity index’s history, MS says, noting for this year’s World Economic Forum Exports from emerging markets - from central bank reserves alone declined the longest prior earnings recession in in Davos in the Swiss Alps are fearful Korean cars to Chilean copper - are more than $500 billion last year. the asset class was after the 1997 crisis that this episode is much harder to declining year-on-year at the sharpest and lasted two years. shake off. rate since the 2008-09 crisis, according Redemptions from emerging stock and to UBS. bond funds hit a record $60 billion last Richard House, head of EM debt at Seeded by fears of tighter U.S. credit year, according to fund tracker EPFR Standard Life Investments, notes the and a rising U.S. dollar, and com- Global trade in fact likely grew slower Global. strengthening dollar is spooking inves- ing alongside a secular slowdown of than the world economy for the fourth tors in emerging currency bonds too. China’s economy and an implosion straight year in 2015, according to the IIF executive director Hung Tran says of the related commodity ‘supercycle’, WTO, a United Nations body. That emerging markets’ problems are not “Fund performance hasn’t been good there’s growing anxiety that there will contrasts with previous decades when just external. They must overcome a across the industry...Local market be no sharp rebound at the end of this commerce expanded at least twice as key homegrown issue - falling produc- funds have been an outflow asset class downturn to reward investors who fast as world growth. tivity. for a while and that experience is go- braved out the worst moments. ing to impact people’s mindset going The gloomy conclusion some are Tran estimates productivity, which forward,” House said. reaching is that the China effect was provides clues on future economic “The global backdrop and the drivers possibly a once-in-a-lifetime shift, growth, is growing at just 0.9 percent The fear of large-scale outflows is for emerging markets are very differ- whose effects are now dissipating a year across much of the developing clearly on policymakers’ minds. To ent from 2001,” David Spegel, head of forever. world, a quarter the rate seen before combat such an exodus, emerging emerging markets at ICBC Standard 2007 and not far from richer countries’ economies may have to resort to radi- Bank said, referring to the time Asia, “Rather than expecting emerging mar- 0.4 percent. cal measures such as coordinated secu- Russia and Brazil were recovering kets to mean-revert toward the golden rities market interventions, of the kind from the crisis waves of the late-1990s. years of 2002-2007, there is a risk that “Productivity advantage of EM coun- done in the West after 2008, Mexican in terms of trade, what we are revert- tries, which is key for attracting capital central bank head Agustin Carstens “Back then all the stars were aligned ing to is the environment of 1980s,” flows and investment, has collapsed,” has suggested for globalization and emerging mar- UBS strategist Manik Narain said. Tran said. “There is a cycle of dimin- kets benefited the most. This time ishing returns on investment.” Ultimately though he said that to around, we just don’t have those mul- FLIGHT boost long-term growth, there was tiple catalysts.” SLOW-BURN CRISIS only one solution - tough economic One feature of the “golden years” was reform. The chief catalyst in 2001 was of the extraordinary amount of capi- There are some bright spots such as course China. Its entry to the World tal that poured into the developing India and Mexico. But with China Trade Organisation unleashed a world; according to the Washington fears on the rise and Brazil and Russia 14,000 Indians overstayed in US in 2015: report Washington: Over 14,000 of the 8.8 lakh or sea ports of entry that were expected 482,781 individuals, or 1.07 per cent. Indians who travelled to the US on visitor According to the “Entry/Exit Overstay Re- to depart in FY 2015, DHS determined or business visa in 2015 overstayed in the port” released by the DHS, in fiscal 2015, that 527,127 individuals overstayed their Due to further continuing departures by country, according to official figures. of the nearly 45 million non-immigrant admission, for a total overstay rate of 1.17 individuals in this population, by Janu- visitor admissions through air or sea ports per cent. ary 4, 2016, the number of Suspected The data provided by the Department of entry that were expected to depart last In-Country overstays for FY 2015 had of Homeland Security (DHS) said that year, 527,127 individuals overstayed their In other words, 98.83 per cent had left the dropped to 416,500, rendering the Sus- 14,348 Indians overstayed in the US in admission, for a total overstay rate of 1.17 US on time and abided by the terms of pected In-Country Overstay rate as 0.9 2015. per cent. their admission. per cent, it said.

In 2014, of the 7.6 lakhs Indians who were In other words, 98.83 per cent had left the The report breaks the overstay rates down In its report, DHS said a number of coun- supposed to leave the country before the US on time and abided by the terms of further to provide a better picture of those tries with ties to terrorism had signifi- expiry of their B1-B-2 visas, 11,653 of their admission, the report said. overstays that remain in the US beyond cant numbers of nationals still in the US them overstayed in the US, it said. their period of admission and for whom accounted for by the federal government: The report does not include student on CBP has no evidence of a departure or 1,435 from Pakistan, 681 from Iraq, 564 Overstaying means a non-immigrant who F-1 visa or those who arrived on work transition to another immigration status, from Iran, 440 from Syria, 219 from Ye- was lawfully admitted to the US for an visas like H-1B. DHS said in a statement. men, 219 from Afghanistan, and 56 from authorised period but stayed or remains Libya. in the country beyond his or her lawful In FY 2015, of the nearly 45 million non- At the end of FY 2015, the overall Sus- admission period. immigrant visitor admissions through air pected In-Country Overstay number was February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 13 US presidency poll: Americans deserve a multi-party system! -Dr. Abdul Ruff Political system of any modern nation is expected to life, US policy of militarism as a key tool for invasions, has conditions or are deliberately covering it up. America is provide for multiple choices for the voters to choose from. enabled the pentagon to invade or attack many Arab na- the rising stock exchange and is increasing wealth of the As it is known, stronger the candidature choices, the tions like the global fascist leader, destabilizing them and super-rich and a privileged upper-middle-class layer. greater the options for the people to decide their options. killing millions of Muslims. The resultant refugee crises The two party system has promoted an America as a USA that champions only two parties - Democratic Party have made life of people difficult tin neighboring nations. deeply class-polarized society, with a vast and unbridge- (DP) and Republican Party (RP) - deliberately denies that In fact, entire West is in distress, except Israel, the main able gulf between the wealthy and the rest of the popula- option to its citizens who are now increasingly under state ally of USA in the region and a terrorist state killing the tion. It is this social reality that underlies the mounting surveillance and subject to state human rights violations. Palestinians by regular terror attacks for fictitious reasons. crisis of both the Democratic and Republican parties.

Those who drafted the US Constitution seem to have opted for a two-party system in order to promote monop- Democracy is defined by the number of political parties US electorate feels it has been betrayed and bamboozled oly capitalism, denying equal rights to citizens. and political freedoms the people enjoy. Multiple politi- by the political system. cal parties provide a high level democracy and allow all America, known as a nation meant for “absolute” free- possible many freedoms of expression to the citizens and doms and liberty” necessary for human and societal others living in a country. The Republican fanatic Donald Trump and the Democrat- development, has got just a limit democracy as it provides ic Senator Bernie Sanders have emerged somewhat popu- for just two political parties to contest the presidential Conversely, lesser the number of political parties the lar alongside Mrs. Clinton. Contrary to all expectations, poll. Both parties, democratic and republican, have weaker the democratic foundations of a given society both Trump and Sanders have acquired mass support and similar ideology and agenda while in order to advance where people suffer for want of availability of channels of emerged as the dominant figures in the primary process. the so-called national interests, secretly coordinate their expression. Under such weak democratic arrangement, The candidacy of Trump, the thuggish real-estate mogul operations globally. people must suffer. and reality-television celebrity, was viewed as a entertain- ing sideshow that would soon lose its audience as gradu- President Barak Obama not just continues with the terror ally people would get fed up with religious fanaticism. wars in Arab world launched by his predecessor Repub- Constitution must provide for space for freedom of lican Bush as part of Israeli agenda in West Asia, but speech so that people enjoy it as their fundamental right even escalates the essentially anti-Islam war further. They rather than as a privilege or generosity of the state ap- While the corporate-financial interests that control the jointly advance illegal agenda of Neocons terror nuts. paratus. Democratic Party still expect Clinton to win the nomina- tion, the Sanders candidacy is seen as a harbinger of a Unfortunately, Americans have no other option but to continuing and uncontrollable left-wing political move- choose one of the two by watching how the primaries are Communist countries do not allow any scope for more ment. enacted by the state apparatus. Had there been at least one than one party and the Communist party remains the more party people could think of reposing trust in it. ruling party forever, until the people remove that from The massive economic collapse of 2008, on the very eve of The US corporate media plays havoc by playing one party power and replace it by another by promulgating a the election of Barack Obama, marked a qualitative turn- (RP) against the other (DP). multiparty system. Erstwhile Soviet Russia and China, ing point in the crisis of American society. The unfolding many other communist/socialist governments did not let crisis of the two-party system, like all significant political Fundamentally speaking, today in the post Sept-11 hoax a second party, other than Communist party, to emerge in developments, has deep political and social roots. The era, these two polities do not have serious differences in the country. protracted decline of US capitalism accumulating for any respect. They just pretend to be rivals and fighting for decades has led to contradictions that are now blowing power to control the world. The Sept-hoax has removed the two-party system apart. The disastrous impact of all minor differences, if at all any, between Republicans America and its allies in the West had called commu- the economic crisis upon the lives of tens of millions of and Democrats as they speak now with one voice – the nist system as being totalitarian and authoritarian and people is reflected in the growing rejection of two-party super power American military voice. monopoly enterprise. They boasted too much about the political system. virtues of capitalism and imperialism as opposed to com- This American voice promotes capitalism and imperial- munism. Denial of certain basic rights in Soviet Union On the extreme right, barrage of insults against his Re- ism with military back up as American and global duty. and China were used by the west as a useful tool to boost publican opponents and the media resonates with a sec- This voice has no sympathy for the poor and common the image of western nations. However, if one looks at tion of the electorate that Moreover, Trump’s candidacy people. Both of them are ultra right-wing and essentially how far genuinely democratic the USA is, one would is the end-product of a degraded political environment anti-people, controlled by corporate monopoly interest. It know Americans also do not enjoy basic political rights. that has relentlessly promoted and legitimized the sort of shields the corporate crimes against the common people. reactionary backwardness that Trump skillfully exploits.

Today Americans are have no faith in both the parties Americans are “enjoying” the 2016 US presidential elec- The primary factor behind the crisis of the two-party sys- as they pursue terror-militarism policies that only harms tion campaign now under way in the form of primaries tem is the growth of political activism and anti-capitalist life patterns of ordinary citizens, for, people have no idea that eventually select the final candidates for the Demo- sentiment, expressed in strikes and contract rejections by as to what exactly the leaders are doing putting them at cratic and Republic parties. The party candidates are keen autoworkers, steelworkers and teachers, as well as in op- perpetual risk. to win the party nomination of the respective party first to position to police killings and outrage over lead poisoning contest the presidency. The US electoral system is the least in Flint, Michigan, demonstrates that the ordinary people democratic and the most subject to manipulation of any are waging an open struggle against corporate America. How can a country like USA with a mere two parties to major capitalist country purporting to be a democracy. represent people of a large nation like America really talk Bernie Sanders, who is not a socialist but calls himself a about democracy? A country of 330 million people, and a political structure “democratic socialist” and has placed economic inequality controlled by the top one-tenth of one percent, USA does and Wall Street criminality at the center of his campaign, not claim to be a welfare state to work for the common has moved into a virtual tie with Democratic frontrun- The millions of dead, wounded and displaced Iraqis, Af- good for entire population. ner Hillary Clinton in pre-caucus polls. The next primary ghans, Libyans and Syrians are the victims of this endless contest takes place on February 9 in New Hampshire. and escalating US war drive, with many millions more to Meanwhile, a poll found that 68 percent of likely Demo- follow. By taking due cue from US imperialism, Israel and American two-party system existing for more than 160 cratic voters thought a socialist president was a good idea, India attack Muslims in the neighborhoods The carnage years, controlled by the corporatist elite, is now confront- a remarkable figure in a country where socialism has been will not be stopped by mere negotiations but USA and ed with an unprecedented crisis of political legitimacy. subjected to endless vilification by the media and the Israel are not ready even for the talks. Both the Democratic and Republican parties are losing political-corporate elites. their hold on a population that is deeply and profoundly alienated from the war mongering political establishment. Spending too much on US military equipment has cost welfare schemes for the poor and less privileged ones very The official media are both oblivious to the reality of dearly as only the corporate lords and rich can fully enjoy declining living standards in USA and deteriorating social February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 14 See if your vehicle is in re-call NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V831 2015 Make / Model Years : MITSUBISHI FUSO / Manufacturer : Forest River, Inc. Subject : Sewer Gas Caution Label Omit- 2012-2015 Make / Model Years : FOREST RIVER / 2016 ted Subject : Fuel Return Hose may Deterio- Subject : Carbon Monoxide Detector not rate and cause Leak Installed NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V841 Manufacturer : Great Dane Trailers NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V851 NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V832 Make / Model Years : GREAT DANE / 2015- Manufacturer : Suzuki Motor of Ameri- Manufacturer : Roush Performance 2016 ca, Inc. Products, Inc. Subject : Caliper Bolts may be Loose Make / Model Years : SUZUKI / 2014-2016 Make / Model Years : FORD / 2015 Subject : Wiring Harness may Rub and Subject : Rear Brake Caliper Guide Pins NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V842 Short may be Loose Manufacturer : Daimler Trucks North America LLC NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V852 NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V833 Make / Model Years : THOMAS BUILT BUSES Manufacturer : Suzuki Motor of Ameri- Manufacturer : General Motors LLC / 2016 ca, Inc. Make / Model Years : BUICK / 2016 Subject : Emergency Window Retention/ Make / Model Years : SUZUKI / 2012-2014 CHEVROLET / 2016 FMVSS 217 Subject : Engine Stall due to Tappet and GMC / 2016 Camshaft Wear Subject : Third Row Seat Frame may be NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V843 Incorrectly Welded Manufacturer : Daimler Trucks North NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V853 America LLC Manufacturer : Suzuki Motor of Ameri- NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V834 Make / Model Years : THOMAS BUILT BUSES ca, Inc. Manufacturer : Highland Ridge RV / 2016-2017 Make / Model Years : SUZUKI / 2014-2015 Make / Model Years : HIGHLAND RIDGE / Subject : Seats may Tilt Rearward in a Subject : Poor Battery Ground Conductiv- 2015-2016 Crash/FMVSS 222 ity OPEN RANGE / 2015-2016 Subject : Sewer Gas Caution Label Omit- NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V844 NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V854 ted Manufacturer : Suzuki Motor of Ameri- Manufacturer : Suzuki Motor of Ameri- ca, Inc. ca, Inc. NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V835 Make / Model Years : SUZUKI / 2013-2015 Make / Model Years : SUZUKI / 2014-2015 Manufacturer : Trail Boss Conversions, Subject : Obstructed Fuel Tank Breather Subject : Ignition Switch Terminals may Inc. Hose May Cause Leak Corrode Make / Model Years : BLOOMER / 2013 Subject : Water Heater May Scald Opera- NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V845 NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V856 tor Manufacturer : Mercedes-Benz USA, Manufacturer : Starcraft RV LLC. Make / Model Years : STARCRAFT / 2015- NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V836 Make / Model Years : MERCEDES BENZ / 2016 Manufacturer : McLaren Automotive 2015 Subject : Sewer Gas Caution Label Omit- Incorporated Subject : Loss of Electric Power Steering ted Make / Model Years : MCLAREN / 2014-2015 Assist Subject : Hood may Open While Driving/ NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V865 FMVSS 113 NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V847 Manufacturer : Ford Motor Company Manufacturer : Vanguard National Make / Model Years : FORD / 2015 NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V837 Trailer Corporation Subject : Left or Right Rear Axle Shafts Manufacturer : Motor Coach Industries Make / Model Years : VANGUARD / 2015- may Fracture Make / Model Years : MCI / 2015 2016 Subject : Axle Hanger Bracket may be Subject : Brake Caliper Bolts may be NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V869 Missing Welds Loose Manufacturer : Mazda North American Operations NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V838 NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V848 Make / Model Years : MAZDA / 2003-2008 Manufacturer : Charmac Trailers Inc. Manufacturer : Jayco, Inc. Subject : Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Make / Model Years : CHARMAC / 2015-2016 Make / Model Years : JAYCO / 2016 Rupture Subject : Tire, Wheel, Hub, and Torsion Subject : Seat Belt Anchor may Detach/ Arm may Detach FMVSS 210 NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V871 Manufacturer : Hyundai Motor America NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V839 NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V849 Make / Model Years : HYUNDAI / 2011-2012 Manufacturer : Altec Industries Inc. Manufacturer : Maserati North America, Subject : ESC Malfunction may cause Loss Make / Model Years : MANITEX/PM / 2013- Inc. of Control 2014 Make / Model Years : MASERATI / 2016 Subject : Outrigger Welds May Crack Subject : Fuel Delivery Line Corrosion NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V878 may Cause Fuel Leak Manufacturer : Chrysler (FCA US LLC) NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V840 Make / Model Years : JEEP / 2015 Manufacturer : Open Range R.V. Com- NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 15V850 Subject : Power Steering Hose Clamp pany Manufacturer : Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of Incorrectly Positioned Make / Model Years : OPEN RANGE / 2014- America, Inc. February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 15 Refugee crisis prompts EU to restart accession talks with Turkey -Dr. Abdul Ruff After a long break, now Turkey and In November 2015 EU and Turkish the EU have opened another avenue officials have met in Brussels for a of negotiations regarding Turkey’s summit aimed to tackle record influx accession into the bloc. Turkey’s of migrants into Europe. Turkish long-stalled EU ambitions have been Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu boosted by Europe’s desperation on and EU representatives signed a issues like refugees. For the 1st time, special agreement at a summit to dis- Turkey became the largest refugee- cuss the refugees fleeing for Europe. hosting country w/ 1.6 million and The EU bloc is offering Ankara an EU displays sympathy towards Tur- aid package and closer ties in return key in solving the deadly humanitar- for help in curbing the flow of new ian crisis. . arrivals. European countries pledged The European Union (EU) revived to provide Ankara with three billion Turkey’s membership bid and Euros ($3.2 billion), reduced visa launched accession talks with Serbia restrictions for Turkish visitors to the on 14 December, in a sign that the EU, and other benefits - in exchange migration crisis due to terror wars for help coping with nearly two mil- in Middle East has prompted the lion Syrian refugees on its soil. EU bloc to seek closer relations with its has also pledged to renew talks on neighbours despite a pause on ac- Turkey’s EU membership. cepting new members. In return, Turkey said it would crack Two weeks after Turkey and the EU down on human smugglers and signed a deal on working together prevent economic migrants from to stem the flow of migrants and issues in Turkey, bringing the accession members of the parliament. crossing over into Europe. The talks refugees pouring into Europe and to revive process to a near-complete halt. The high level political dialogue between focus on the role of oil exports in financing membership talks, the bloc opened chapter Turkey will not become an EU member Turkish and EU officials on Jan. 25 will be the self-styled “Islamic State” (ISIS), after 17 of the EU acquis on European rules of any time soon, and its full membership another opportunity to raise these issues. Russia accused Ankara of enabling the ISIS finance, banking and investment. still faces resistance from France, Germa- “The peace force remains the best oppor- to smuggle oil. Recently the Members of the European ny, and, especially, divided Cyprus, where tunity in a generation to solve a conflict Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavuso- Parliament (MEPs) called on Turkey to re- Turkey controls the north. that has claimed far too many lives,” he glu said opening the first new section for turn to a peace process amid the escalation said, after stressing that the progress made two years is “quite symbolic.” “We hope of fighting between security forces and the In fact, Europe’s need for help slowing in the past two years should not be thrown other chapters will be opened soon and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in urban down the wave of people seeking refuge in away. negotiation process returns to its natural areas across the country’s southeast. the EU revived the appetite for accession In echoing Piti’s remarks, S&D vice course. We shouldn’t wait another two Turkey first sought EU membership in talks with Muslim-majority Turkey. The president for foreign affairs, neighborhood years to open another chapter,” Cavusoglu 1987 but its bid has made poor progress, EU promised €3 billion for the more than policy and enlargement Knut Flecken- told press. Cavusoglu said Turkey was with issues such as fundamental freedoms 2 million refugees living in Turkey and to stein also called for a return to the peace making progress on its end of the deal and the future of Cyprus proving to be end the visa requirement for Turkish visi- process. “We strongly urge the government to make it easier for refugees to settle in major obstacles. Turkey’s EU member- tors to the passport-free Schengen zone. to return to the path of dialogue and not to Turkey. “We are preparing a draft law to ship talks started in 2005. Since then, During a debate in the European Parlia- sacrifice the country’s long-term stability. issue working permits for Syrians living the process has all but stopped; only one ment on the situation in the southeastern Equally, we call on Kurdish political and in Turkey,” he said, adding that they are of 35 chapters (Science & Research) has region of Turkey -- where state authorities community leaders to act with restraint building new school classrooms and easing been successfully closed - eight are frozen have imposed round-the-clock curfews in and responsibility,” he said. “And finally, access to healthcare. indefinitely. many Kurdish towns several times -- the we urge the European Commission to state Since 2005 the EU has opened 15 chapters Socialists & Democrats in the European clearly that we disagree with the Turkish On November 26, 2015 Turkey’s minister out of a total of 35 required to join, with Parliament (S&D) group and other officials authorities’ current policy in the Southeast of European Union affairs said that Brus- only one being provisionally closed in a have urged Turkish authorities to restart of the country and that there needs to be a sels had agreed to open a new chapter in decade. Crisis in Kurdish towns in south- the stalled peace process. change,” he added. stalled membership talks with Turkey by eastern region of Turkey as well as human While the MEPs stressed that Turkey has A group of MEPs from S&D will travel mid-December, following an EU-Turkey rights violations by Turkish government a right to defend itself against “terrorist” to southeastern Turkey in February to summit. Out of 35 “policy chapters” which is an issue EU talks with Turkey as a part attacks, they argued that curfews serve as observe the situation there. all EU candidate countries must success- accession process. a form of collective punishment. “Tur- Turkey has agreed in principle to an EU fully negotiate prior to membership only Disagreements over Turkey’s rights’ record, key’s right to fight against terrorism is not refugee action plan, which is expected to 13 have been opened and only one has its democratic credentials, and especially questioned,” Kati Piri, S&D MEP and the be finalized. In return for its help, Turkey been successfully closed so far. its troubled ties with EU-member Cyprus parliament’s rapporteur on Turkey, said, has demanded the EU provide three bil- are among the major impediments to EU and the so-called ‘retaliation actions’ from lion Euros ($3.3 billion) a year in funding The opening of Chapter 17 is part of the accession. Ankara has not opened its ports the PKK last week -- killing police officers and visa-free travel for Turkish nationals re-energizing of Turkey’s accession process and airports to Cyprus, which is divided and their family members -- can in no way as well as a resumption of negotiations on as agreed at the EU-Turkey summit in between Turkish and Greek Cypriots. be justified. its long-stalled application to join the bloc. November. Luxembourg currently holds Only Ankara recognizes Turkish northern The general feeling, however, is that the the EU’s rotating presidency. Chapter Cyprus internationally. curfew and operations by Turkish forces Turkey, however, resents EUs constant 17 focuses on economic and monetary Owing to Cyprus, the EU decided in 2006 are about collective punishment rather interference in Turkey’s internal affairs in policy, with bolstering the independence to suspend negotiations with Ankara on than being aimed at restoring public order to block its entry into EU. of Turkey’s central bank a pre-condition to eight of the 35 chapters, including key order.” Kati Piri also said she is concerned EU leaders are facing the biggest refugee the move. The EU and Turkey would start themes like the free movement of goods, about the prosecution of more than 1,000 crisis since World War II and are urgently working together to open five to six more freedom to provide services, customs and academics who signed a petition calling seeking to secure the help of Ankara in chapters in 2016. external relations. for peace last week. “How can reasonable curbing the flow of migrants into the Euro- Although the process of resumption of All the time, EU was critical of Turkish people calling for the violence to stop be pean Union from Turkey -- which is giving accession talks between EU and Turkey atrocities in Kurdistan region but now it labeled traitors and promoters of terror- sanctuary to 2.2 million Syrian refugees. is certainly a positive move, whether or seems to have changed its position now by ism?” she asked. “In all our interactions “The refugee crisis and terrorism shows us not it is a mere tactical move by EU to criticizing for the first time the “terrorists” with Turkey, we continue to urge all parties that we are on the same continent, we are solve the European refugee crisis alone as well in Turkey, thereby strengthening to guarantee the rule of law in the country facing the same challenges and the more by using Turkey or indeed it is a genuinely Turkey’s bid EU membership. – and to call for an immediate cease-fire we develop common policies, the better accession move as well, remains to be seen. and an urgent return of the Kurdish peace off we will be,” EU foreign policy chief However, RU has to be sincere and honest Although the military atrocities and hu- process,” Johannes Hahn, member of the Federica Mogherini told press. partner in peace processes, both Turkey’s man rights violations in Arab nations by European Commission in charge of Euro- The EU’s 28 leaders hosted Turkey for an domestic and European. European and US militaries have never pean Neighborhood Policy and Enlarge- extraordinary summit to improve ties and been remain deadly concern, EU talks ment Negotiations, said in an address to help tackle the unrelenting migrant crisis. about human rights and press freedom February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 16 HINDI MOVIE RELEASE DATES February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 17 Abhi Na Jaao……………………………… By M.A. Waheed That lyrical musical song from “Hum is more impactful than the said. I am devotion either for a temple Dono” portrayed by Sadhna and Deva- reminded of a shair…….. darshan or whispers on the nand haunted us then, haunts us now and Hum ko yeh arzoo woh chehre se uthaye lawns of a park back-to-back. will haunt us for rest of our lives………. niqaab khud hi She became the darling of Sadhana’s expressions and emotions leave Unko yeh intezaar ke takhaza kare the Muslim community with you in an enchanted trance, catapulting koyi……. her excellent performance in mind, body and soul into a world of peace Sadhana attracted, wooed, seduced, “Mere Mehboob”. Hijaab and and tranquility. On Christmas Day in 2015 evoked, emoted without transgressing the Adaab came so effortlessly the heart-throb of now-not-so-young but boundaries of dignity and conventional to Sadhana. Her jhumka romantics of yesteryears bid farewell to a codes. Her grooming and hair-style……. gira re song and dance from fashion icon and talented actress of Bolly- the Sadhana-cut caused a revolution Mera Saaya created a buzz wood. In the period known as the Golden on college campuses. Even though she in the 60’s. The life Sadhana Era of Bollywood films, she exuded a rare authored and edited modern trends in a breathed in Lata’s rendering exuberance with a slick combination of then conservative India, she preserved the of the song, O Sajana with grace and grit. Sadhana perhaps lived the image of a desirable bahu and the beloved loose hair dancing with air perfect synopsis of a manual that preached of an upwardly mobile young man. Sexy waves are a poet’s dream. to “say without saying”. In romance it is in a saree, adorable with a bindi, Sad- Even though she never won believed by some majnus that the unsaid hana blended and meshed with ease and the Filmfare award, she was in league with the best of the best of her times with box-office success. Her name Amaanat signifies a means to achievement…… Ek Phool Do Mali……… and she lived upto her name by living in people’s heart. Sadhana has acted with most of the Movies of Sadhana…………….. famous heroes of her time. She gave Asli Naqli Silver Jubilee hits with Joy Mukherjee, Love in Simla, Shammi Kapoor, Devanand, Rajendra Ek Musafir Ek Hasina Kumar………. Just go to youtube and Arzoo watch her songs. You will be mesmerized Raaj Kumar by the histrionics of this yesteryear actress. Hum Dono In the B&W medium the nostalgia will Anita enrapt your attention and take you down Ishq Par Zor Nahin memory lanes and bylanes of warmth, Aap Aye Bahaar Ayee love and unfathomable passion. Born in Parakh Karachi, Pakistan in 1941 her end came on Mera Saaya December 25, 2015 in Mumbai, India. Dil Daulat Duniya M.A. Waheed is a freelance journalist Budtameez based in Upstate NY. Sachai Sunny& I never interfere in each other’s work: Bobby Mumbai, Jan 19 (PTI) Actor Bobby Deol Deewana 2”, which also starred says he and his actor-brother Sunny do Sunny and his father veteran ac- not interfere in each other’s work. tor Dharmendra. The actor says he is currently The 48-year-old actor said he did not looking for scripts and has no give any suggestions to Sunny, who is plans of following into the foot- ready with his upcoming action-drama steps of his brother and turning a “Ghayal: Once Again”. director.

“I didn’t contribute anything to the film. “I am looking for good scripts, We don’t like to interfere in each other’s working on things, so let’s see. work. I wouldn’t want him to get bogged But I can’t write, and directing down by what someone else is saying. It’s is a big job. It’s something which his vision and creative side,” Bobby told people have a knack for,” he said. PTI. “There are good writers who “I did ‘Dillagi’ with him which was one can’t be good directors, and there of my best performances. I have a lot of were lots of actors who tried faith in him and I have a feeling that it’s directing but they couldn’t. So it’s going to be a great film which people are something which people have in going to enjoy,” he said. them. You can’t figure out how it happens,” he said. “Ghayal Once Again” has been directed, written and produced by Sunny. It is Bobby will be seen in the up- the sequel to the 1990 super-hit action coming season six of Celebrity drama “Ghayal” and will mark the come “I am really excited for the film. He has really worked Cricket League playing for actor back of the 58-year-old actor, who starred in the iconic hard. He has directed the film and has put all his effort Sohail Khan’s team Mumbai Heroes. role of amateur boxer Ajay Mehra. into it. It’s been tough producing, directing and acting in Bobby says it is difficult to don the hat of a director, pro- a film, but my brother is as tough in real life as he is on ducer and actor in one film, but his brother has pulled it screen,” he said. off with ease. Bobby was last seen in the 2013 comedy “Yamla Pagla February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 18 Hrithik's next an action-adventure film

Mumbai, Jan 19 (PTI) Actor Hrithik Roshan will be It’s an action adventure film. It’s not the film in ‘Dhoom’ project,” sources said. seen in an action adventure film to be directed by Vijay series,” sources said. Krishna Acharya under the Yash Raj banner. Hrithik will be seen next in Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Mo- The “Dhoom 3” director is yet to finalise the leading lady henjodaro”, a period drama. He also has a film with film- “We are making a film with Hrithik in the lead. The film of the film. maker Sanjay Gupta which will be produced by Rakesh has all elements like drama, action, humour, romance, Roshan. song. “The film will go on floors mid this year. The announce- ment will be made soon regarding all the details of the Kabir Bedi slams daughter Pooja

Bollywood Actor Kabir Bedi has lashed out at daughter Pooja Bedi for calling his newly married wife “wicked and evil”, saying he is “deeply disappointed” with the com- ments.

Bedi, who tied the knot for the fourth time with Parveen Dusanj on his 70th birthday, took to Twitter to share his displeasure over the unwelcoming remarks made by Pooja.

“DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED by venomous comments by my daughter Pooja against @parveendusanj just after we married. NO excuse for bad behaviour (sic),” he wrote.

Pooja, who is the daughter of Bedi and his first wife Pro- tima, was not happy with the marriage.

“Every fairy tale has a wicked witch or an evil step~mother! Mine just arrived! @iKabirBedi just mar- ried @parveendusanj,” she had tweeted on January 17 immediately after the wedding.

She later deleted the tweet and wished her father the best for his fourth marriage. dharth. “Deleted the last tweet on my dad @iKabirBedi 4th mar- Bedi and daughter Pooja have been estranged for over riage. Lets keep things positive. I Wish him the best!,” she He later married British-born fashion designer Susan a year. Pooja had apparently asked father Kabir and his posted recently but Bedi is in no mood to let bygones be Humphreys and the couple had son Adam. Bedi divorced partner Parveen to move out of the house that she said bygones. Humphreys and tied the knot with TV and radio pre- belonged to her mother, Protima. senter Nikki Bedi. They had no children and divorced in Bedi’s first marriage was to model-turned-Odissi dancer 2005. Protima, with whom he had two children Pooja and Sid- February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 19 Kader Khan: Looking at Padma awardees, it’s good I didn’t get it: Considering the Bollywood celebrities return from the poli- questioned the authenticity of the Padma who have made it to the Padma award- tics. ‘Laut aao, politics awards. ees’ list this year, “it’s good that I did not tumhari manzil nahi hai’ get one”, says veteran actor-writer Kader (Come back, politics is Kher, whose wife Kirron Kher is a Bharati- Khan. not your destination). It ya Janata Party MP from Chandigarh, is is only breaking you.” of late seen posturing with the Narendra This year, names like Rajinikanth, Anu- Modi government. pam Kher, Priyanka Chopra, Madhur Khan, who it seemed Bhandarkar, S.S. Rajamouli, Udit Narayan was finding it difficult to He also led a ‘Tolerance March’, criticising and Malini Awasthi, among others, are in speak due to his old age- artistes across the spectrum who indulged Padma awardees’ list. related illness, sounded in ‘Award Wapsi’ as a mark of protest especially upset with against growing intolerance in the country. The ever-versatile actor also hinted that actor Anupam Kher, who In fact, Malini Awasthi and Madhur Bhan- “flattering” around the movers and shak- has been named for a darkar were also on the forefront of the ers in Lutyens’ Delhi could be one of the Padma Bhushan. march with Kher. reasons behind his colleagues getting the honour. “What has he done Just last year, various actors and directors these awards but it’s not the same case except singing praises in B-Town had proposed Khan’s name On being told the names of the industry now. People have now forgotten to respect for (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi,” he for a Padma Shri award. And back then, colleagues who were earlier this week others and have become way too selfish. asked. he had acknowledged the efforts by his named for the Padma awards, the 79-year- colleagues of “demanding” the honour for old actor told IANS in an exclusive inter- “I would think that I was not as capable “I am not contesting the government’s him. view: “… it’s good that they did not give as those who were chosen for the Padma decision of conferring him with the award me a Padma Shri. I have neither flattered awards this year. I, however, thank all but the only thing I want to know is the “If the government feels that I have done anyone in my life, nor will I ever. I don’t those who proposed my name for it,” Khan credentials that I lacked for it (the award),” good work, it will honour me. It’s people’s want these awards if they have been given added. Khan, who termed audiences’ love for him love that they are demanding it for me,” to people (in the industry) who got it this the biggest honour, said. Khan had told IANS in an interview in t i m e .” Khan, who has regaled the audience with September 2015. his comic side in films like “Himmatwala”, The central government on January 25 an- He believes “an award is a no big thing, “Aankhen” and “Coolie No.1” among sev- nounced the list of Padma awardees, and On the big screen, the veteran actor was but its importance lies in the people it has eral other entertainers, also urged actors to it led to an outcry on the social media over last seen in Fauzia Arshi-directed “Hogaya been conferred upon”. refrain from indulging in politics. Kher’s inclusion in it. Dimaagh Ka Dahi”.

“Earlier, there was a certain honesty in “I would like to urge all the actors to In a tweet that he posted in 2010, he had Maharashtra Govt Gave Hema Malini Plot Worth Crores For Rs 70,000, Reveals RTI Activist A month after the BJP-led government “File notings received in Maharashtra announced allotment of under the RTI also show a prime piece of land to actress and MP this is the second time Hema Malini for a dance academy, an she has been allotted a RTI activist has claimed the plot valued in prime plot in Mumbai,” crores is being given to her for a mere Rs Galgali alleged. 70,000. “In 1997, Shiv Gena-BJP This is the second instance when the BJP government had given MP from Mathura has been allotted a plot Hema Malini a plot of in the financial capital and she remains in land, but she could not possession of the earlier one, activist Anil develop it due to CRZ Galgali claimed. (Coastal Regulation Zone) issues but did Phone calls made to the actress-politician not bother to return the went unanswered. land to the government,” he claimed. Galgali claimed that according to the doc- uments obtained by him, the actress has The Government should been allotted the land, measuring 2,000 charge her the rate (for sq mt and located in suburban Oshiwara, the current land) as per at rate of Rs 35 per square metre (total Rs the ready reckoner and 70,000) by the Mumbai Suburban District ask her to return the Collectorate. earlier plot, he said.

“I have written a letter to Chief Minister The ready reckoner rate Devendra Fadnavis and pointed out how is an annual statement his government was being so kind to of property rates based give a plot at a throw-away price which is on which the govern- against the policy of his own government,” ment collects stamp Galgali said. duty from buyers. It is the basis for calcula- The plot was originally reserved for a tion of market value of garden, but “conveniently it was handed flats for stamp duty and over to a BJP MP for her dance academy”, registration charges. he alleged. February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 20 On the lighter side.... blood groups? A woman and a baby were in the doctor’s examining room, waiting for the doctor to come in for the baby’s first Applicant: Because mosquitoes love to enjoy different exam. kind of flavors. ------The doctor arrived, and examined the baby, checked his weight, and being a little concerned, asked if the baby was A husband and wife had a fight. breastfed or bottle-fed. Wife called her mom: He fought with me again, I am “Breastfed”, she replied. coming to stay with you.

“Well, strip down to your waist.” The doctor ordered. Mom: No dear, he must pay for his mistake. I am coming den, a thief jumped on him. to stay with you! She did. He pinched her nipples, pressed, kneaded, and ------rubbed both breasts for a while in a very professional and Tim and the thief got tangle up and began to wrestle. They A man has a curse, he is only able to say a single word detailed examination. rolled about on the ground and Tim put up a tremendous every year. But if he doesn’t say a word that year he can fight. However, the thief managed to get the better of him say two the next year, then three, and so on. Motioning to her to get dressed, the doctor said, “No and pinned him to the ground. wonder this baby is underweight. You don’t have any One day he meets a beautiful woman and wants to ask her milk.” The thief then went through Tim’s pockets and searched to marry him, but he has no words saved up so he must him. All the thief could find on Tim was 25 cents. wait four years. “I know”, she said, “I am his Grandma.” ------The thief was so surprised at this that he asked Tim why So he waits four years and he is finally able to ask her he had bothered to fight so hard for 25 cents. the question. He looks her in the eyes and says “Will you After having failed his exam in Logistics and Organiza- marry me?” tion, a student goes and confronts his lecturer about it. “Was that all you wanted?” Tim replied, “I thought you were after the five hundred dollars I’ve got in my shoe!” She looks back at him with a smile and twinkle in her eye Student, “Sir, do you really understand anything about the ------and replies “Come again?” subject?” This poor man is facing surgery on both his feet because ------of severe wounds. The doctor has warned him that he Professor, “Surely I must. Otherwise I would not be a cannot tell how bad the damage is until he gets him in After a talking sheepdog gets all the sheep in the pen, he professor!” the operating room and he has prepared the man for the reports back to the farmer: “All 40 accounted for.” worst. Student, “Great, well then I would like to ask you a ques- “But I only have 36 sheep,” says the farmer. tion. If you can give me the correct answer, I will accept After surgery, the man is slowly waking up and he sees the my mark as is and go. If you however do not know the surgeon approaching his bed. The doc looks at him and “I know,” says the sheepdog. “But I rounded them up.” answer, I want you give me an ‘A’ for the exam.” says, “I have good news news and I have bad news - which ------would you like first?” This past Sunday Mary Ellen and Elisabeth went to the Professor, “Okay, it’s a deal. So what is the question?” 10:30 AM service and the new pastor was long winded The man nervously responds, “Give me the bad news and his sermon was quite long. Student: “What is legal, but not logical, logical, but not first.” The doc says, “I had to take both your feet” legal, and neither logical, nor legal?” After the service was finally over, Mary Ellen said to Elisa- “Oh my, what could possibly be the good news?” says the beth, “The sermon was beautiful don’t you think?”. Even after some long and hard consideration, the pro- man. fessor cannot give the student an answer, and therefore Elisabeth replied “Oh yes it was, but a bit too long. Next changes his exam mark into an ‘A’, as agreed. “The guy in the bed next to you wants to buy your slip- week I’m bringing my cushion to sit on, these benches are pers!” too hard.” Afterwards, the professor calls on his best student and ------asks him the same question. A good looking girl waved at me today… She continued to say, “You know Mary Ellen at one point during the sermon I thought my butt went to sleep.” He immediately answers, “Sir, you are 63 years old and But there was no way I was swimming out that far to save married to a 35 year old woman, which is legal, but not her. Mary Ellen said, “I know, I heard it snore three times.” logical. Your wife has a 25 year old lover, which is logical, ------but not legal. The fact that you have given your wife’s lover A person went to an interview of a healthcare organiza- I woke up suddenly terrified, I’m late for work! an ‘A’, although he really should have failed, is neither tion. After the first question he was disqualified. legal, nor logical. I opened my eyes and chilled... I’m at work. ------Interview Board: Why do people have different kind of One night, Tim was walking home when, all of a sud-

Patna court closes case against Lalu, others

Patna, Jan 19 (PTI) A district court here today accepted was accepted by the court. The court discharged all the Bihar government’s plea to withdraw a case against RJD accused and closed the case. chief Lalu Prasad, his two minister-sons and others for vandalism and stopping government officials from dis- A case was registered against them with Kotwali police charging their duties during an RJD-sponsored bandh last station in Patna on July 27, 2015, under various sec- year and discharged all the accused. tions of IPC which related to vandalism and prevent- ing government officials from discharging their duties. Chief Judicial Magistrate Om Prakash accepted the plea of government lawyer for withdrawal of the case against 262 The charge sheet was filed in the case on October 13 RJD leaders including Lalu Prasad, his sons Tejaswi Yadav last year. and Tej Pratap Yadav, besides state party chief Ramchan- dra Purve. RJD, which was not a part of the state government at that time but was supporting Nitish Kumar ministry Tejaswi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav are Deputy Chief from outside, had enforced a Bihar bandh on July 27, Minister and Health Minister respectively. 2015 demanding the release of caste census report by the union government. The government lawyer made a plea by moving an ap- plication for withdrawal of case under CRPC 321, which February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 21 Multi-level flyovers to ease traffic, says K T Rama Rao Hyderabad: Infor- at 54 junctions in Hyderabad in order to build Hyderabad as a global city, we have and vocational training centres for women mation technology prevent traffic jams under the Strategic started the first phase of the SRDP. Apart under Central schemes in the Khairatabad minister K.T. Rama Roads Development Project, which would from construction of multi-level flyovers Assembly segment,” he said. Rao on Sunday said the Telangana state be implemented at an estimated cost of Rs under the project, the government will government would seek funds from the 20,000 crore. also construct skyways on the outskirts of State ministers Nayini Narsimha Reddy, Union government to implement a project the city.” Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Talasani Srinivas Yadav, T. Padma Rao, to make the city’s roads signal-free for The minister along with Union minis- Rao has already planned to construct two MPs K. Kesava Rao, K. Visweswara Reddy, smooth flow of traffic. He said the govern- ter Bandaru Dattatreya, Deputy Chief more reservoirs in the city at an estimated MLCs Bhupal Reddy, Bhanu Prasada ment would construct multi-level flyovers Minister Mahmood Ali, and other state cost of Rs 7,500 crore with financial sup- Rao, MLA Chintala Ramachandra Reddy, ministers laid the port from the ILFS, he said. GHMC commissioner Dr B. Janara- foundation stones for dan Reddy and others took part in the different facets of the The minister said the government had programmes. Mr Dattatreya along with project at KBR Park, already distributed over 42 lakh dust Mr Mahmood Ali and Mr Rama Rao Banjara Hills Road bins and 2,000 auto-trolleys for waste would lay the foundation stone for the No. 2, Kukatpally management in the city. “We have been construction of double bedroom flats at and other places. constructing night shelters for beggars, Indiranagar under Khairatabad Assembly Mr Rama Rao said double bed-room flats for poor people and segment on Monday. They will inaugurate that the govern- community function halls in colonies,” he work on the multi-purpose sports com- ment would develop said. Mr Dattatreya said that he would try plex at Sanatnagar that is being built at an the city as an ideal to bring more funds from the Central to estimated cost of Rs 5 crore. capital. “In order to develop the city. “We will establish craft Nitin Gadkari announces Rs 41,000-cr road projects for Telangana Hyderabad: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday He said the government will soon prepare the Detailed announced road projects worth Rs 41,000 crore for Project Reports (DPR) for two Express Highways con- Telangana, including two Express Highways from the necting Hyderabad with Bengaluru and Vijayawada. state capital Hyderabad to Bengaluru in Karnataka and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh. “The Telangana portion of cost of construction for the two Express Highways would be Rs 16,000 crore cover- “The total package for Telangana is Rs 41,000 crore. This ing 190 km for Vijayawada and 210 km for Bengaluru is not the final figure. It is still open for discussion. And Express Highways,” the minister said. if any new National Highway is recommended from the leaders of Telangana or from the state government According to him, making of inland waterways would be or from our (BJP) leaders, we will think positively and the NDA government’s top priority. we will support Telangana as a new state,” Gadkari told reporters here. He also assured that his ministry would take up works of As Telangana is a land-locked state, the Centre has taken making waterways in Telangana, once the related propos- a decision to construct a dry port on Godavari river. The Union Road Transport and Highways Minister today als are cleared by Parliament. laid the foundation stone of 4-lane of Yadgir and Waran- “We have taken a decision to make dry port on Godavari gal section of NH-202 (new NH-163) of length 99 km According to him, as many as 111 waterways projects are where it will act as a multi-model hub. There will be a Na- costing Rs 1,424 crore. pending for clearance in the Rajya Sabha. tional Highway, waterways and at the same time aviation connection will also be there,” Gadkari said. GHMC elections: TRS makes clean sweep, TDP, BJP, Cong wiped out IN WHAT is being termed a “historic win” for Telangana The party, which is in power at the state level, won in all The TDP-BJP combine were left with an embarrassing 4 Rashtra Samiti (TRS), the K Chandrasekhara Rao-led the five zones and made inroads into the old city areas as seats, while the Congress bagged only 2 seats. It is a major party made a clean sweep in the Greater Hyderabad well by winning a total of 99 seats out of 150. The elec- setback for the TDP and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Municipal Corporation (GHMC) poll results declared on tions were held on February 2 with a voting turnout of N Chandrababu Naidu. The Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen Friday. 44per cent. (MIM) has won 44seats. In another boost to the TRS, people from the Andhra region have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the TRS. Crucial wards in the IT corridor like Madhapur, Gachibowli, Miyapur, which is dominated by people from the Andhra region, have been won by the TRS. Even Ku- katpally, which is considered an exclusive Andhra enclave, voted for the TRS. The TDP had won the Kukatpally Housing Board ward the last time. During the election campaign, CM Chandrasekhara Rao and his son K T Rama Rao, the IT Minister, had said the TRS did not differentiate between people of various regions and states living in the city. The party had also promised to build low-cost 2 BHK houses for socially and economically backward people. Speaking after the results in the evening, Rao said, “This is a historic victory as no party has ever won over 55 seats in GHMC elections. Among the promises we made, the most important is giving 2 BHK houses to eligible benefi- ciaries.” February 2016 www.Asia Times . US PAGE 22 Iran’s Khamenei welcomes Germany sees Iran as key to sanctions lift, warns of stabilizing Middle East U.S. ‘deceit’ Iran’s Supreme Leader (nuclear) issue and other Washington could walk Germany wants to work Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issues,” Khamenei said. away from the deal when with Iran to help calm on Tuesday welcomed the President Barack Obama regional conflicts now lifting of international “Be careful that the other leaves office in early 2017. that the Islamic Republic sanctions against Iran, but side fully meets its com- is emerging from interna- warned that Tehran should tional isolation and also remain wary of its old en- prevent tension escalating emy the United States. with regional rival Saudi Arabia, Germany’s foreign Steinmeier said calming State television reported minister said on Tuesday. the war in Syria was central Steinmeier said these ten- that Khamenei wrote to to solving Europe’s refugee Iran emerged from years of sions would not disappear President Hassan Rouhani crisis, which has prompted being considered a pariah soon but it was possible to to congratulate him on deep divisions within the state at the weekend after build trust between the two implementing the nuclear EU on how to share the the United States, Europe- regional rivals. deal, which resulted in burden of accommodating U.S., European Union and an Union and United Na- the influx. “Neighborly tensions, like United Nations sanc- tions lifted sanctions linked to its nuclear program those between Saudi Ara- tions being lifted over the Gulf Arab neighbors, under an international deal bia and Iran, will not turn weekend. including Saudi Arabia, ac- which involved Germany. into friendship overnight,” cuse Iran of backing rebels he said. In his first comments in Yemen and pro-govern- since the deal took effect, Iran was the key to stabiliz- ment militias in Syria. A “In a first step, a lot would Iran’s highest authority ing the Middle East, refer- mostly Arab coalition led be achieved if both sides made clear that Washing- ring to conflicts in Syria by Saudi Arabia launched brought the current situa- ton should still be treated and Yemen, the minister, a military offensive against tion under control, not let with suspicion. He made mitments. The comments Hopes for a broader rap- Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Iran-backed Houthi rebels it escalate, and talked to no mention of a surprise made by some American prochement between the said. in Yemen in March. each other,” he said. prisoner exchange that also politicians in last two, three two countries were dashed took place this weekend. days are suspicious,” he on Sunday when Washing- “We need Iran to calm the Tensions rose further “I am very confident that added. ton slapped new sanctions conflicts and re-establish this month when Saudi this new beginning of Ger- “I reiterate the need to be on companies accused of stability in this crisis-hit Arabia executed a promi- man-Iranian relations will vigilant about the deceit Republican candidates for supporting Iran’s ballistic region. And I hope Iran is nent Shi’ite Muslim cleric, be filled with substance,” and treachery of arro- the U.S. presidency have missile program, drawing ready for this,” Steinmeier prompting an angry reac- Steinmeier told foreign gant countries, especially criticized the deal, and an angry response from told foreign journalists. tion from Shi-ite Iran. journalists in Berlin. the United States, in this some Iranian officials fear Iranian officials.