The South Asian Times
e x c e l l e n c e
Vol.10 No. 2 May 13-19, 2017 80 Cents
US blames Islamabad for
worsening IndiaPak ties
International Court halts execution
of Indian convicted of spying
Washington: The Trump
administration on Thursday
blamed Pakistan for deterio
rating IndoPak relations and
warned that the ties might
worsen further if another
highprofile terrorist attack
emanates from across the border this year.
National Intelligence, told lawmakers dur
Islamabads failure to curb support to
antiIndia militants and New Delhis grow
ing a Congressional hearing. Easing of
heightened IndoPak tension, including
ing intolerance of this policy, coupled with negotiations to
Justin
Bieber
sends fans
into tizzy
in Mumbai
Prince of Pop, Canadian singer Justin
Bieber performed Wednesday at Navi
Mumbais huge D.Y. Patil Stadium full
of his fans. He was in India for the first
time as part of his Purpose World
Tour, organized here by White Fox
India, and sponsored by Jio. Biebers
lipsyncing, however, for most of the
night came for criticism.
Modi in Lanka as
Colombo refuses
Chinese sub to dock
Colombo: Sri Lanka has rejected China's request to
dock one of its submarines in Colombo this month,
two senior Lankan government officials said
Thursday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in
the island nation for a twoday official visit which
includes his participation in the International Vesak lamplighting ceremony at the Seema Malaka Temple
Day celebrations, the biggest festival of Buddhists.
Sri Lanka last allowed a Continued on page 4
TRAVEL 15 BOLLYWOOD 16
i n j o u r n a l i s m
New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Firestorm
erupts over
a perceived lack of progress in
Pakistans investigations into
the January 2016 Pathankot
crossborder attack, set the
Trump
stage for a deterioration of
bilateral relations in 2016,
Daniel Coats, director of
firing Comey
Probe into Russia links will continue:
Continued on page 4 Acting FBI director McCabe
Washington, DC: The
media, the commentariat,
Democrats and even
some Republican leaders
blasted President
Trumps firing of FBI
director James Comey at
a time when he was
probing Trump cam
paigns possible links
with Russia amid allega
tions of Kremlin med
dling in 2016 US elec President Trump expressed desire for better ties with Kremlin
tion. The White House while meeting Wednesday with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey
changing the narrative of Lavrov. But what raised eyebrows was the presence of
Ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak (right), who is a key
why Comey was abruptly
figure in the investigation of Russian meddling in the US election.
fired on Tuesday did not
particularly sit well with anybody. McCabe said ongoing investigation of
Democrats called for an independent inves Russian will Continued on page 4
tigator to probe TrumpRussia links. On
Thursday, Acting Director of the FBI Andrew
(SEE DETAILED STORY ON PAGE 11)
Indian apex Court to rule
on end of 'triple talaq'
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on
Thursday commenced its historic
however, made it clear that the
issue of polygamy among the
hearing on a clutch of petitions Muslims may not be deliberated
challenging the constitutional upon as it is not connected with
validity of the practice of triple the triple talaq issue. Senior advo
talaq among Muslims, saying it cate Amit Singh Chadha, appearing
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressing switch for the would first determine whether the for Shayara Bano, one of the peti
practice is fundamental to Islam. tioners in the case, said triple talaq
in Colombo on May 11, 2017. Sri Lankan Prime A fivejudge constitution bench, was not fundamental to Islam and
Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is also seen. headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar, Continued on page 4
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TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY May 13-19, 2017 3

AAPI raises issues of hate crimes, visas, residency slots

Rep Pramila Jayapal speaking at AAPI Legislative Day, seen with AAPI
President Dr Lodha, Dr Sampat Shivangi and Dr Sudhir Parikh.
Washington, DC: The American
Association of Physicians of Indian
Origin (AAPI) brought to the fore
some of the major concerns of the
IndianAmerican community, and
particularly those affecting the
physicians and their patients dur
ing their Legislative Day on Capitol
Hill on May 3.
Attended by nearly 30 Congress
members from both political par
ties, the annual event was attended
by 100 representatives of AAPI
and highlighted healthcare, visas,
hate crimes and insurance issues.
All 4 IndianAmerican Reps. Ami
Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Raja
Krishnamoorthi and Ro Khanna
spoke and promised support.
The White Paper submitted to
lawmakers included issues such as
increasing residency slots; passing
hate crime laws; fixing the Green
Card backlog; reforms to the Stark
Law to improve physicianpatient
health care; and the ability of
insurance companies to sell health
plans across state lines.
Said Dr. Ajay Lodha, AAPI
President about the successful
Legislative Day, "It is a testament
to the strength of AAPI's reputa
tion as strong leaders, with our
physicians proudly serving in all
50 states. With this event, we are
building a strong foundation for
future advocacy and legislative
successes at both the federal and
state level." "This successful event,
including our partnership with the
Indian Embassy, has showcased
AAPI's strength in relationship
building and maintaining ties with
our elected officials," said Dr.
Sampat Shivangi, Legislative
Committee Chairman. AAPI
believes that physician shortage
affects the quality of care provided
to American patients. There are
patients who face long delays in
various specialties, a situation
which will worsen over time.
Legislation was introduced in pre
vious sessions of Congress that
would add 15,000 residency slots,
training up to 45,000 more physi
cians, AAPI points out in its White
Paper.
The bipartisan members of
Congress discussed ways to reform
health care delivery, to ensure its
costeffectiveness, and the nega
tive effects of defensive medicine,
which has driven up the cost of
health care. Many AAPI members
expressed concerns over legisla
tion that would prohibit interna
tional medical graduates from
securing residency positions in the
US. On the hate crime issue and H
1B, Rep. Jayapal told the gathering
she had been an immigration
attorney and would try her best to
push through legislation relating
to both issues. AAPI sent a letter to
Kansas legislators calling on them
to pass a hate crimes law named in
honor of Srinivas Kuchibhotla, the
Indian techie shot to death in a bar
in Olathe, Kansas.
AAPI team also pressed its case
to bring Secretary of Health and
Human Services Tom Price to
address the June annual conven
tion of the organization.

Rutgers welcomes ICCR

Chair of Indian Studies
New Brunswick, NJ:
Consulate General of India
in New York and Rutgers
University (New Brunswick)
have announced the induc
tion of the Universitys inau
gural Indian Council for
Cultural Relations (ICCR)
Chair of Indian Studies, a
partnership that will bring
esteemed Indian professors
to Rutgers to conduct
Consul General Riva Ganguly Das flanked by
research, teach courses, and
Rutgers Professor James C. Hayton and inau
strengthen ties with the
gural ICCR Chair Binod Khadria.
local Indian community.
Currently it is the only ICCR Chair in The inaugural Chair, Prof Binod
the United States. Khadria of JNU in New Delhi, will
This is a milestone, which will serve a oneyear term in the Rutgers
strengthen the academic partnership School of Management and Labor
between India and the US and fur Relations (SMLR). He is studying the
ther the academic cooperation with international migration of workers
Indian institutions of higher educa and students to and from the Global
tion, said Consul General Riva South, including those leaving India
Ganguly Das. New Jersey being to work in STEM fields in America.
home to a large Indian population "It is indeed an honor to be the first
further strengthens the positive ICCR Chair at Rutgers, said Prof
impact of establishing the Chair at Khadria. I am conscious of the big
Rutgers, with its significant number challenges ahead. One is that of initi
of Indian students and student ating relationships between coun
organizations working towards the tries, institutions, and faculty and
spread of Indias cultural heritage above all between teachers and stu
and enriching the cultural diversity dents across borders and cultures.
of the US. This partnership firmly Founded in 1950 by Indias educa
establishes Rutgers as a global hub tion ministry, ICCR plays a strategic
for Indian studies, said Richard L. role in promoting cultural exchanges
Edwards, Chancellor of Rutgers and mutual understanding with
University (New Brunswick). It is other countries. The Consulate
another important step in our efforts (ICCR) and Rutgers will jointly fund
to promote international scholarship the new Chair through a fiveyear
and mutual understanding between MoU. Other Rutgers schools will
countries and to prepare our stu house the Chair following the com
dents for leadership roles in an pletion of Dr. Khadrias term at SMLR
increasingly interconnected world. in 2018.
 4 May 13-19, 2017
The US Congressional Delegation including Democratic leader in the House,
Nancy Pelosi, calls on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on May 11.
Indus banks Jersey City
branch thanks customers
Indus American Bank staff and clients at the Customer Appreciation Event
Jersey City: The Jersey City branch of
Indus American Bank, located at 781
Newark Ave here, held a Customer
Appreciation Event on May 2.
Approximately 35 customers, South
Asian community leaders and bank
employees from the headquarters attend
ed the 2hour event where customers
met with bank employees and networked
with other bank customers.
James Atieh, CEO, Rekha Sarathy,
Regional Manager, and Islam Sharif,
Chairman and Co-Founder
Kamlesh C. Mehta
Co-Founder: Saroosh Gull
President: Arjit Mehta
Chief Operating Officer:
Ginsmon P. Zacharia
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ginsmon@hotmail.com
Managing Editor: Parveen Chopra
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TURN PAGE
Branch Manager, thanked the customers
for their continued support. Also present
were Jitendra Rathod, previous Branch
Manager; Jignasa Patel, Assistant Branch
Manager; Arti Mehta, CSR; and IAB asso
ciates Maria Pabon and Khusboo Patel.
Indus American Bank, is a wholly
owned subsidiary of IA Bancorp, Inc.,
founded in 2004 by local businessmen
and community leaders to provide supe
rior financial products and services to its
local community.
Associate Editors:
Hiral Dholakia-Dave
Contributing Editors: Meenakshi Iyer,
Nilima Madan, Melvin Durai,
Dr Prem Kumar Sharma, Ashok Vyas,
Dr Akshat Jain, Ashok Ojha
West Coast Correspondent
Pooja Jain,
Pooja@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
New Delhi Bureau
Meenakshi Iyer
Delhi@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Firestorm erupts over Trump (ICJ) has ordered Pakistan not to carry out the
execution of Kulbushan Jadhav, the Indian man
firing Comey
convicted of spying, while his case is being con
Continued from page 1
sidered. India initiated proceedings at the Hague
continue. He also promised to inform the
accusing Islamabad of "egregious violations of
Congress if the White House tried to interfere
the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations"
with the FBI probe. He also contradicted White
in the sentencing of Jadhav.
House claim that Comey had lost the confidence
of rank and file in FBI.
Meanwhile, the New York Times reported that
Modi in Lanka as Colombo
Trumps possible ire against Comey originated
refuses Chinese sub to dock
Continued from page 1
in a dinner meeting where the latter refused to
Chinese submarine to dock in Colombo in
pledge loyalty to the President. Comey also later
October 2014, a move that triggered fierce
refused to back Trumps unfounded claim that
opposition from India, which worries about
former President Obama had wiretapped him,
growing Chinese activity in Lanka.
or that Trump himself was not under FBI inves
A senior Sri Lankan government official said
tigation. Now starts the difficult process of find
China's request to dock one of its submarines in
ing a replacement for Comey, somebody who is
Colombo this month had been rejected. He said
credible, independent minded and who can
Sri Lanka was "unlikely" to agree to China's
withstand political pressure and also have
request to dock the submarine at any time,
bipartisan approval.
given India's concerns.
US blames Islamabad for
worsening IndiaPak ties
China has invested heavily in Sri Lanka in
recent years, funding airports, roads, railways
and ports, unsettling India, traditionally the
Continued from page 1
renew official dialogue, will probably hinge in
2017 on a sharp and sustained reduction of
closest economic partner of the island nation of
21 million people.
More than 70 per cent of the transshipment
crossborder attacks by terrorist groups based
in Colombo port comes from India.
in Pakistan and progress in the Pathankot inves
Sri Lanka is finalising a plan to lease 80 per
tigation, Daniel Coats said.
cent of its lossmaking Hambantotata port to
Testifying before the Senate Select Committee
China for 99 years, but the deal has been
on Intelligence along with top intelligence offi
delayed because of opposition from trade
cials, Coats said the relations between India and
unions. A 1987 accord between India and Sri
Pakistan became more tense following two
Lanka provides that their territories not be used
major militant attacks in 2016 by militants
for activities deemed prejudicial to each other's
crossing into India from Pakistan.
unity, integrity and security.
They might deteriorate further in 2017, espe
cially in the event of another highprofile terror
ist attack in India that New Delhi attributes to
Indian apex Court to rule on
originating in or receiving assistance from
end of 'triple talaq'
Continued from page 1
Pakistan, Coats said in his testimony before the
hence can be done away with. He also referred
Senate committee on worldwide threats.
to the practices in the neighboring Islamic coun
Supporting Indias precondition for bilateral
tries like Pakistan and Bangladesh to buttress
talks on Islamabad stopping support to cross
border terrorism, Coats said increasing numbers his plea that triple talaq is unIslamic.
of crossfiring along the Line of Control, includ Another senior advocate Indira Jaising,
ing the use of artillery and mortars, might appearing for one of the petitioners, said in the
aggravate the risk of unintended escalation case of divorces being granted through extra
between the two countries. judicial mechanism, there should be a "judicial
In his remarks ahead of the possible release of oversight" to deal with the consequences.
the Afghanistan policy of the Trump Former Union minister and senior advocate
Administration, he said Pakistanibased terror Salman Khurshid, who is assisting the court in
ist groups will present a sustained threat to the his personal capacity, termed triple talaq as a
US interests in the region and continue to plan "nonissue" saying it is not considered complete
and conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan. without conciliation efforts between the hus
Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice band and the wife.
Jaipur (India) Bureau IANS Newswire Services
Prakash Bhandari IANS Washington Bureau
Prakash@TheSouthAsianTimes.info Arun Kumar
arun.kumar@ians,in
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TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Preet Bharara raises concerns over Comey's firing
'Everyone who cares about independence and rule of law should be
troubled by the move' Former US Attorney Preet Bharara
(Image courtesy: newscrab.com)
United Airlines cancels Indianorigin US may seek social media
man's ticket for filming dispute
Los Angeles: An Indianorigin man
in the US has claimed that the
United Airlines cancelled his flight
reservation because he filmed an
employee during an altercation,
the latest public relations
headache for the under fire airline.
Navang Oza, 37, said he was
refused entry on a flight to the
West Coast after he started record
ing his experience on his cell
phone. Oza was quoted by KNTV as
saying that he was checking in
Monday for a flight home to San
Francisco from New Orleans when
he complained to a United Airlines
agent about a $300 charge for his
luggage. Oza said he paid $125 to
check the same bag on the first leg
of his trip.
Unable to get an explanation,
Oza said he decided to do what
many other frustrated passengers
have done and film the dispute.
Oza posted an unedited clip of
the lengthy interaction with the
ticket counter worker in New
Orleans. The clip begins with the
agent pointing her finger at him,
saying, "You did not have my per
mission to videotape."
Next, she appears to instruct an
agent to her left. "Cancel the reser
vation," she says. "I want to know
why," Oza asks. "Because you did
TRISTATE COMMUNITY
Washington, DC: Indiaborn for
mer top federal prosecutor Preet
Bharara has raised concerns
about President Donald Trump's
decision to fire FBI Director James
Comey, saying "everyone who
cares about independence and
rule of law" should be troubled by
the move.
Trump fired Comey, saying he
was no longer effectively able to
lead the bureau and it was neces
sary to restore "public trust and
confidence" in it.
Bharara, 48, who himself was
fired by the Trump administra
tion, tweeted, "EVERYONE who
cares about independence & rule
of law in America should be 'trou
bled by the timing and reasoning'
of Comey firing."
Bharara was one of 46 attorneys
Trump asked to resign after tak
ing office. His dismissal had also
details of visa applicants
Navang Oza (Twitter), United Airlines agent
(Image courtesy: nbcbayarea.com)
not have my permission," she said. have the right to do whatever you
"I was shocked because I didn't want; it's a public space."
know she had the right to cancel The California resident said that
my flight because I started record he ultimately rebooked his flight
ing," he said. on a different airline.
About a minute after ordering United told the news station that
his trip cancelled for taping her, it was investigating the incident.
the United agent is seen recording "The video does not reflect the
Oza. "I'll do the same thing," she positive customer experience we
said, pointing her smartphone at strive to offer, and for that we
Oza's. Oza said the United agent apologize. We are reviewing this
eventually called airport police. situation, including talking with
Oza was still rolling when an offi Mr Oza and our employees to bet
cer appeared. "Can I at least keep ter understand what happened,"
this recording?" Oza asks the offi United said in a statement.
cer. The officer replies, "Sir, you (PTI)
came as a surprise after the attor
ney said Trump asked him to
remain in his post shortly after
the election.
Several lawmakers also ques
tioned the timing of Comey's
removal as the FBI is investigating
Russia's alleged interference in
the 2016 presidential election,
including any possible links
between the Trump campaign and
Moscow.
"I am troubled by the timing and
reasoning of Director Comey's ter
mination," said Republican
Senator Richard Burr.
"This is Nixonian. Deputy AG
Rod Rosenstein must immediately
appoint a special prosecutor to
continue the Trump/Russia inves
tigation," tweeted Senator Bob
Casey. California Senator Kamala
Harris, "His (Comey's) firing puts
that investigation into further
Washington, DC: The Trump
administration has proposed a
rigorous vetting process for US
visa applicants, including inves
tigating their social media pro
files, to keep foreigners with
connection to terror activities or
other national securityrelated
ineligibilities out of the country.
The State Department on
Thursday issued a notification
publishing some of the ques
tions that the US State
Department wants to ask from
US visa applicants. The State
Department in the notice invited
comments on the impending set
of measures. It said an estimated
65,000 applicants annually, or
0.5 per cent of applicants world
wide, will be impacted.
"Regarding travel history,
applicants may be requested to
provide details of their interna
tional or domestic (within their
country of nationality) travel, if
it appears to the consular offi
cer that the applicant has been
in an area while the area was
under the operational control of
a terrorist organization," the
notification said. The applicants
who come under the new
steppedup criteria, would be
required to provide names and
May 13-19, 2017 5
question," she said.
American Civil Liberties Union
executive director Anthony D
Romero said the independence of
the FBI director is meant to
ensure that the president does not
operate above the law.
"For President Trump to fire the
man responsible for investigating
his own campaign's ties to the
Russians imperils that fundamen
tal principle," he said.
Congresswoman Pramila
Jayapal, who is currently in India
as part of a Congressional delega
tion, said, "The manner and sud
denness of FBI Director Comey's
firing is deeply disturbing.""As I
have said before, we urgently
need a fully bipartisan and inde
pendent investigation into
Russia's influence on the White
House and the 2016 election,"
Jayapal said. (PTI)
dates of birth of siblings and, for
some applicants, children who
are new. They will also have to
provide the details of their
social media handles and other
associated online platforms to
the Department of State. This is
already being collected on a vol
untary basis by the Department
of Homeland Security in case of
certain individuals.
The applicants who come
under the extreme vetting crite
ria will also have to show the
details of their past internation
al and domestic travel history if
the consular officer finds the
applicant stayed in a terrorist
occupied area. If this is the case,
applicant will also have to
recount or explain the details of
their travel, and when possible,
provide supporting documenta
tion. The notification says it has
been issued in accordance with
the directive of US President
Donald Trump to "implement
additional protocols and proce
dures focused on ensuring prop
er collection of all information
necessary to rigorously evaluate
all grounds of inadmissibility or
deportability, or grounds for the
denial of other immigration ben
efits."
6 May 13-19, 2017
India Home condemns
ACHA repeal bill
ndia Home, NYC based professionally
I managed direct services and advocacy
organization dedicated to South Asian
seniors (Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and
IndoCarribean) is deeply disappointed in
the House GOP's narrow 217213 vote to
repeal the Affordable Care Act.
The GOP's repeal bill, known as the
American Health Care Act, sets out to dis
mantle major provisions of the ACA includ
ing consumer protections for those with
preexisting conditions like diabetes. South
Asian seniors have some of the highest
rates of diabetes in the world and as such
this bill will directly impact their care, it
said in a press statement. The ACHA dra
matically cuts Medicaid; and it reduces fi
nancial assistance available. In New York
city alone, we have over 15% of Indians,
27% Bangladeshi and 22% Pakistani sen
iors who live in poverty and they will be
adversely affected. It allows insurers to
charge higher premiums for adults in their
INOC USA celebrates Sunil Jakhar's election as Punjab Pradesh Congress president.
INOC, USA welcomes
Sunil Jakhar's election
I
ndian National Overseas Congress, USA
(INOC) held a celebration meeting in
Richmond Hill New York to congratu
late newly elected president of Punjab
Pradesh Congress Sunil Kumar Jakhar.
Jakhar was elected thrice from Abohar
Constituency of Punjab (20022017).
INOC,USA (Punjab Wing) welcomed the
Congress high command's decision in se
lecting a dynamic candidate with the hope
that under his leadership Congress Party
will be strengthened even more support
ing Chief Minister Captain Amarinder
Singh's administration. To thank the high
command and to show their jubilation over
Sunil Jakhar, sweets and laddoo were also
distributed among the participants. George
Abraham, chairman, Mohinder Singh Gilz
ian, president and Jasvir Singh (Punjab
Chapter President) were also present at
the meeting. "Mr. Jakhar is the best choice
TRISTATE COMMUNITY
IN BRIEF
50s and early 60s, compared to younger
consumers. South Asian seniors are among
the fastest growing demographic in the city
and this is bill encourages agebased dis
crimination and penalizes some of our most
vulnerable citizens for their age. This re
peal bill now goes to the Senate, and if it
passes and is signed into law by President
Trump, will result in 2.5 million New York
ers, including thousands of vulnerable, ag
ing South Asians, losing their care. As a
community based organization, we help
South Asian seniors better the quality of
their life and health. As a physician myself I
have seen first hand the damaging impact
of lack of insurance on the health of my eld
erly patients. We will stand together with
our sister organizations and constituencies
to ensure that our seniors have opportuni
ties to access affordable health care and
live productive lives without worry." said
Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi, Executive Di
rector, India Home.
for President. To fill in the big shoes of
Capt Amarinder Singh, a competent man
with a clean image was needed to lead the
party in our state. We are very happy Sunil
Jakhar was selected by the high com
mand," said Shudh Parkash Singh, National
Chairman of INOC USA in a press state
ment. Gurmit Gill, head of the Punjab
Chapter of INOC stated, "Everyone across
the board likes Sunil Jakhar. We are very
happy with the appointment." Ravi
Chopra, National Vice President an
nounced "INOC will send a formal invita
tion to the new President to visit USA with
in this year." Raminder Jakhar, President
of Virginia State chapter of INOC, currently
on visit to Punjab said," Jakhar Family has
been most loyal and dedicated to congress
for ages. Sunil Jakhar is highly respected
leader not only in our Abohar area but also
all over Punjab."
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Ramanuja hailed as great reformer
T
he 1,000th birth an
niversary (Sahasrab
dhi) of Sri Ramanu
jacharya, the 11th centu
ry social reformer and
great devotee of Lord
Rama, was celebrated on
April 30 at the Saraswati
Hall of the Ganesh tem
ple.
Organized by communi
ty activist Madhavan Kr
ishnamachari, the half
day event comprised wor Dr. M.G. Prasad, a noted professor of religion,
speaking at the event.
ship, bhajan and discours
es. Dr. M.G. Prasad, a noted professor of re cial reformer who was prepared to go to
ligion who was bestowed with the honor hell for the sake of the entire humanity.
Vishwa Hindu Ratna, spoke on the life and The two main speakers said Ramanujas
message of Ramanuja. philosophy is a bridge between dwaita and
The acharya lived at a time when houses advaita. 108 goldplated copper coins
of worship and religious association was with Ramanuja image on them were re
limited only to certain sections of society. leased on the occasion and distributed to
He clarified that the Almighty belongs to the families attending the event. 108 copies
everybody. Ramanuja brought God to the of Srimad Ramanuja An Acharya for All
masses, Prasad told the audience that filled Ages were also distributed.
the hall, adding that he wrote the well Ramji Sadagopachari was the event chair
known commentary on Brahma Sutras man while Saroja Krishnamachari was the
among other works. Shiva Haran, president program director.
of the Shirdi Saibaba Temple situated close For more info, kmadhavan@hotmail.com
by, characterized Ramanuja as a great so or 9179577079.
Rotary Club of Hicksville South
donates to a local soup kitchen
T
he members of the Rotary
Club of Hicksville South
made a muchneeded dona
tion of new kitchen appliances to
the Soup Kitchen at the United
Methodist Church of Hempstead
located in Hempstead NY. In a
partnership program, the two or
ganizations provide fresh and hy
gienic food to families in need in
The Rotary members with new kitchen appliances
the Hempstead. The Rotary Club
will take financial burden of 75100 families come together in this noble endeavor and to
each month, while its members help in the be able to help the soup kitchen with some
kitchen prepare, assemble and serve meals. thing that was much needed. Couple
As part of the food for the hungry project, Kalpana and Bansi Shah donated a commer
our aim is to enter in partnership with sev cial grade stoveoven worth over $5,000,
eral local soup kitchens across Long island, while Quddus Mohammed donated a com
said Kamlesh Mehta, Charter President and mercial double deep fryer. Its not just
Past District Governor. Representing the about food, but it is about getting people in
Church Ruth Robinson graciously thanked volved in the issue of hunger, Sharma
Dave Sharma, President of RCHS and said, added. Quddus Mohammed is the project
Rotarys amazing donation of new kitchen chair and a fivemember team of Dr, Ur
appliances will help us to feed more people, milesh Arya, Roopam Maini, Kalpana Patel,
more efficiently and safer. Sharma thanked Nilima Madan and Ashok Varshney is re
the donors and said, Its our privilege to sponsible to administer the project.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL COMMUNITY May 13-19, 2017 7

Oracle CEO Mark Hurd wants the

US to allow immigrant workers
Redwood Shores (California): As
fears about the possible tighten
ing of the US visa regime loom,
Oracle CEO Mark Hurd has main
tained that the country should not
only let immigrants study and
learn here but also work to drive
growth.
"We have been very supportive
to immigrants. They are studying
in some of the best schools in the
country. We let them come and
learn here. W hy won't we let
them work here?" asked Hurd
while addressing a select gather
ing of global media here at the
company's headquarters.
"We have many talented engi
neers at US universities. They
have come from some place other
than the US. We would like to hire
them. We are doing a lot of R&D
Oracle's Mark Hurd said he needed talented people to
spur innovation. (Image courtesy: bizjournals.com)
here at the campus. We want
growth and need talented people
to spur innovation," Hurd said
during a 'Recode Decode Podcast.'
invest in the US. "Let us say via
repatriation. We have our money
overseas to the tune of $50 bil
lion. We need that back and
invest here to drive growth," Hurd
noted.
As part of the w ider tax
reforms, US President Donald
Trump has considered a onetime
repatriation tax on overseas cash
brought back which is expected
to be mandatory.
According to a recent Moody's
report, Apple had $216 billion
overseas, Google $48 billion and
Oracle $51 billion.
"My top job is to see Oracle
compete, innovate and w in
Hurd also said that Oracle, against all odds," Hurd told the
which has more than $50 billion gathering.
in investment overseas, would India is home to Oracle's second
like to bring that money back and largest workforce of developers
and engineers and accounts for
its largest research and develop
ment investment outside the US.
With the US t ig htening the
norms for H1B visas, the Indian
IT companies are bound to face
disruptions by way of higher
costs, with some even laying of f
workforce back home, a paper by
industry lobby Assocham said last
month.
The executive order signed by
Trump calls for a review of H1B
visas by the Departments of State,
Labor, Homeland Security and
Justice. "Nearly 86 per cent of the
H1B visas issued for workers in
the computer space go to Indians
and this gure is now sure to be
scaled down to about 60 per cent
or even less," the Assocham paper
added. (IANS)

Legislative change needed Donald Trump appoints Neil

in wage structure to
prevent H1B abuse: US
Washington, DC: T he US Labor
Department has said a legislative change is
required in the fourtiered wage structure
to take stronger action against rms using
H1B visas to replace their American
employees with workers from countries
like India. "Absent a legislative change, the
Department (of labor) lacks the authority
to alter the employers' ability to take
advantage of the fourtiered prevailing
wage structure currently used by employ
ers in H1B Labor Condition Applications,"
US Department of Labor said in a letter to
two top American Senators Chuck Grassley
and Dick Durbin.
US Acting Secretary of Labor Edward C
Hugler, in the letter dated April 27, has
identied several other legislative changes
for it to take stronger action against H1 B
visadependent companies who the law
makers allege displace American workers.
Releasing a copy of the letter to the
media, Senators Grassley and Durbin in a
joint statement said that Congress needs
to give the Department of Labor authority
to investigate H1B visa abuse, which is
not the case now. "The Labor Department's
response further highlights the urgent
need to end H1B visa abuse. The well
being of thousands of hardworking
Americans is at stake," they said.
In the fourpage letter, the Acting Labor
Secretary identied the "fourtier wage
structure" as one of the main reasons
under which companies have been hiring
foreign workers on H1B visas on a low
wage. "With respect to foreign workers
being paid less than US workers, the INA
(Immigration and Nationality Act) permits
US employers to of fer wages to H1B
workers based on a four tiered prevailing
wage structure that accounts for experi
ence, education, and the level of supervi
sion for a given occupation," the Acting
Labor Secretary said.
"Congress must take legislative steps to
provide the Department and other federal
agencies involved in the H1B visa pro
gram with the tools it needs to improve
and oversee the program," he wrote
adding that the Department looks forward
to working with Grassley and Durbin and
others in Congress to achieve that goal.
(PTI)
Chatterjee to key energy post
Washington, DC: President Donald Trump has
appointed Neil Chatterjee to the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission, which over
sees electricity, natural gas and oil at the
national level.
Chatterjee will play a key role in Trump's
program to reshape energy policy, most of
which is opposed by environmentalists and
Democrats, if his appointment is conrmed by
the Senate.
He is the second Indian American to be
appointed by Trump to a major regulatory
position with a controversial mission.
The other is Ajit Pai, the chairman of the
Federal Communications Commission, who is
spearheading the administration's drive to
end net neutrality, a policy that prevents inter
net service providers from giving special Neil Chatterjee
treatment to preferred web companies. (Image courtesy: newshunt.com)
Chatterjee held the inuential position of Electric Cooperative Association.
energy policy advisor to Senate Majority Chatterjee, 40, grew up in Lexington,
Leader Mitch McConnell and helped shape Kentucky, where his parents worked in cancer
energy legislation. research. He is married with two sons and a
His work backed the Senator's campaign daughter.
against regulations to restrict use of coal for Among issues he will likely deal with are
electricity generation. Trump's plans to allow the construction of the
A lawyer by training, he started as an intern Keystone pipeline to carry crude oil from
with the House Works and Means Committee. Canada to Texas in the US, which was stopped
Between his stints on Congressional staff, he by former President Barack Obama, and sever
has been a lobbyist for the National Rural al gas pipeline projects.
 8 May 13-19, 2017 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Cartoon on Canadian defence NYIFF concludes,

minister Harjit Sajjan sparks
outrage among Sikhs
Toronto: A cartoon carried by
Canadian publications showing
Indianorigin Defence Minister
Harjit Sajjan in a cauldron has
sparked outrage among the Sikh
community members who say it
resembles images of religious g
ures who were tortured.
Sajjan, 46, recently faced a lot of
ak and apologized publicly for
overstating his role in Operation
Medusa, a pivotal 2006 battle in
Afghanistan, while speaking dur
ing his India visit last month.
The Edmonton Sun and other
Postmedia publications carried the
controversial cartoon in which
Sajjan is shown stewing in a caul
dron with the labe l "lies", the
Canadian Broadcast ing
Corporation reported.
Postmedia later apologized for
the political cartoon that sparked
outrage among members of
Alberta's Sikh community. Critics
say the caricature was of fensive
because it resembles images of his
toric Sikh religious gures who
were tortured.
"I was really disgusted. And then
I kind of felt sad as well that a
prominent news outlet in the coun
try would do so, and would play
with the religious sensitivities of
the community (which is) an inte
gral part of the society here in
Harjit Sajjan recently apologized publicly for overstating his role in
Operation Medusa, a pivotal 2006 battle in Afghanistan.
(Image courtesy: atimes.com)
Canada," said Harpreet Gill, who is
on the executive committee of
Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha.
The World Sikh Organisation of
Canada said the Sun's depiction of
Sajjan resembled an iconic image
of a martyr who was boiled to
death. "This cartoon has caused
many Sikhs discomfort due to its
resemblance to the torture and
death of Bhai Dayal Das," said
Harmen Sing h Kandola of the
World Sikh Org anizat ion of
Canada. Kandola said it was unlike
ly the cartoonist was aware of the
image's cultural signicance. But
7 films awarded
From L to R: Salman Rushdie, Aroon Shivdasani, Deepa Mehta,
Shruti Ganguly, Kiran Desai & Aseem Chhabra
(Photo Credit: Suman Madhuri)
New York: The 17th annual New (Kammattipadam); Best Actor K.
York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) Kaladharan (The Narrow Path);
he emphasized that "it's important
ended on a high note Sunday with Best Actress Konkona Sen Sharma
to understand that type of context
an awards ceremony, following the (Lipstick Under My Burkha); Best
before making such statements,
closing night lm T his Is My Documentary An Insignicant
just in order to ensure that they
Sunday. The weeklong festival Man; Best Short Aaba
don't cause any unintended conse
generated a lot of buzz after pre In addition to lm premieres, the
quences."
miering 85 shorts, documentaries festival featured sidebar program
Postmedia responded to criti
and feature lms from the Indian ming such as Sibling Filmmakers
cism in the Letters to the Editor
subcontinent in Hindi, English and (Deepa & Dilip Mehta), Priyanka
section of the Calgary Sun, saying,
seven regional languages. The Produces (Ventilator & Sarvann),
"The cartoon was not meant to
lms, lmmakers and actors who Tribute to Om Puri, Mobile
insult Sikhs. It was a pun on the
took home top prizes are: Best Film Bollywood, and "Shoot a Short
minister stewing in his own lies.
Mukti Bhawan (Hotel Salvation); Film" workshop. More than 40
We're sorry if it was misinterpret
Best Director Konkona Sen lmmakers attended the festival
ed." The cartoonist, Tim Dolighan,
Sharma (A Death In The Gunj); Best and participated in Q&A sessions
did not respond to the controversy,
Screenplay P. Balachandran after their lms.
the report said. (PTI)

Costume designer Sonu Mishra on dressing up Albert Einstein for 'Genius'

Chicago: If clothes do indeed
make the actor, then costume
designer Sonu Mishra has just
nished making the Oscarwin
ning Geof frey Rush as Albert
Einstein.
As the costume designer on
"Genius", the Nat ional
Geographic's highprole series
about the physicist, Mishra has
enjoyed an opportunity to exer
cise her creative sartorial vision
even while keeping it "authentic
to the period".
T he series' Oscarw inning
director Ron Howard's most
important brief to Mishra while
designing the costumes was to
ensure authenticity. In order to
achieve that, Mishra, a Mumbai
decades between 1886 and 1955
during which Einstein lived.
Mishra said she did not go
about just designing the cos
tumes but in a sense recreated
the whole era with clothes as the
reference point. "I had to keep in
mind the sociocultural back
grounds of the various characters
which would reect in the way
they dressed up in terms of their
hats and other accessories. We
chose the dressing style on the
basis of who those individuals
were in real life," Mishra told
IANS in a phone interview from
Sonu Mishra (left) costume designer for Genius Rome.
"It was like a painting with so
and New Yorktrained designer, dressing styles, fabric and cultur many pieces. Einstein was the
closely studied the evolution of al changes over close to seven main focus, but I had to consider
an entire cast of characters that
included great scientists such as
Max Planck, Niels Bohr and Marie
Curie. These were all powerful
and amazing personalities whom
we had to also represent through
their clothes," Mishra said.
Mishra graduated in fashion
design at Sophia College,
Mumbai. She moved to New York
as 19yearold in 1989 to work in
the wardrobe department at the
Roundabout Theatre Company on
Broadway and at Odds Costume
Rentals. After that st int she
moved to Rome where she has
emerged as a successful costume
designer for major television and
movie productions, both Italian
and international. (IANS)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Former AAPI president Narendra
Kumars son shot dead in Michigan
Washington,DC: A 32yearold
IndianAmerican doctor has been
shot dead under mysterious cir
cumstances in a car in Michigan.
Ramesh Kumar, who worked in
the Urology Department of the
Henry Ford Hospital, was found
dead on the passenger seat of a
car in a rest area, some 90 miles
out of Detroit, late on Thursday
evening.
Police are investigating the case
to ascertain the cause of his
death.
The family members of Kumar
say they do not suspect anyone
and have ruled out the possibility
of it being an incident of hate
crime.
"We do not know (the reason
for his murder). They (the police)
are yet to find out," his father
Narendra Kumar, a former presi
dent of the influential American
Indian man, in US for nearly
two decades, ordered deported
Los Angeles: An Indian man who
fled persecution in home country
and has been in the US for nearly
two decades was detained in
California after losing his latest
appeal over a deportation order.
Gurmukh Singh, who is married
to an American citizen and has two
daughters, was taken into custody
on Monday by federal agents after
failing to get a stay in his case, his
attorney and family said.
The 46yearold Sikh taxi driver
from Punjab state sneaked into the
United States w ithout a visa
through the border with Mexico in
1998. He later applied for asylum,
citing religious persecution. But
his family and lawyer say he failed
to properly pursue the case and
was ordered deported.
Singh married a US citizen in
2010 but his deportation case
resurfaced when he applied for a
residency visa in 2012 given his
new status.
He was subsequently jailed for
about five months but after rights
activists posted his bail, he was
released and his case has since
been going through the appeals
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
Ramesh Kumar, urologist at Henry
Ford Hospital was found dead on
passenger seat of a car
(Image courtesy: ndtv.com)
Asso ciat ion of Physicians of
Indian Origin (AAPI), told PTI.
"We do not suspect anything.
We do not think it was a hate
Gurmukh Singh had entered the
US via Mexico border
(Image courtesy: zeenews.com)
process. His family said in the past
several years, he had been check
ing in w ith the of fice of
Immig rat ion and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) on a regular
basis pending the outcome of his
appeals against the deportation
order. Alexis Perez Nava, with
Resilience Orange County, a group
helping with his case, said Singh
was detained on Monday after the
9th Circuit Court of Appeals
denied a request to quash the
deportation order.
"We are completely devastated.
This has completely broken us
apart, emotionally and physically,"
Sing h's 18yearold daug hter
May 13-19, 2017 9
Indian couple
shot dead by
crime," said a shocked Kumar.
daughters ex
Ramesh was a medical graduate
from the Amrita Inst itute of
Medical Sciences in Kochi.
When he did not show up for
his work, a hospital doctor called
his father to enquire about him.
"T his was quite unusual," the
father said.
He said he made several phone
calls and sent text messages to his
son, but there was no response.
T he father went to his son's
apartment and called the police
when he did not find him there.
After hours of search, police
found a dead body in the passen
ger seat of a car at a rest area.
By late night on Thursday, the
body was identified as that of Naren Prabhu and wife were shot dead by Mirza Tatlic (left)
Ramesh. (Image courtesy: gdnonline.com)
The police have refrained from
making any comments about the Washington, DC: An Indianori the incident was reported to
incident. (PTI) gin couple was shot dead here by them by the couple's 20yearold
their daug hter's former son.
boyfriend in an apparent "When of ficers arrived at the
revenge attack before he was
killed by the police in a twohour
standoff.
home on Laura Valle Lane they
saw an adult man deceased in
the front doorway suf fering
Naren Prabhu, a Silicon Valley from at least one gunshot
tech executive, and his wife were wound," the police chief said.
shot dead at their home in San "Of ficers learned from the
Jose, California, by 24yearold adult son that his mother and
Manpreet told AFP.
Mirza Tatlic, CBS News reported 13yearold brother along with
She said her father has no crimi
on Friday. the suspect were still inside the
nal record, had always paid his
Prabhu's daughter Rachel, who house," he said. "In addition, the
taxes and just sought to "live a nor
lives in another state, was not adult son thought his mom had
mal life and feed his family."
there at the time of the shooting, been shot," the chief added.
"Watching him emot ionally
which began around 9 p.m. on A standof f quickly developed
break down is probably the last
Wednesday, officials said. with the suspect and a SWAT
thing any daughter wants to see,"
Tatlic also used Rachel's 13 team was called in, CBS reported.
Manpreet said, her voice breaking.
yearold brother as a human "As of ficers were setting up
"He just looked at us this morning
shield during an ensuing two contain and arrest teams, the
and said 'I don't know what is
hour standof f with the police suspect released the 13yearold
going to happen to us anymore.
before he was killed. boy," Garcia said.
Please forgive me and take care,'"
"The suspect had been in a dat "Unfortunately, the suspect
she added.
ing relationship with the victims' refused to surrender," the police
Lori Haley, an ICE spokeswoman,
adult daughter (Rachel) who was chief said.
said Singh was ordered detained
not home," San Jose Police Chief "The suspect appeared at (a
after his case had "undergone
Eddie Garcia told reporters. window at) one point and point
exhaustive review at all levels of
Tatlic and Rachel ended their ed a handgun at officers. In fear
our nation's legal system."
relationship last year, but the for the lives of fellow of ficers
She added that while the priority
mentally ill man used to post and victims that still may have
for federal authorities was to focus
images on Instagram likening been in the house, at least one
on criminal aliens who pose a
her to "devil", according to the round was fired by an of ficer
threat to public safety, those like
report. striking the suspect."
Singh who violate immigration
"The relationship ended last Of ficers then went into the
laws were not exempt from action.
year. The suspect had a history house and found the two
"All those in violation of our
of domestic violence and there deceased victims and the dead
nation's immigration laws may be
was an active criminal restrain suspect, Garcia said. The mother
subject to arrest, detention and, if
ing order. We were dealing with has not been identified so far. No
found removable by final order,
someone who was mentally ill," other injuries were reported.
removed from the United States,"
said Garcia. Police of ficers said (IANS)
she said in an email.
 10 May 13-19, 2017 US AFFAIRS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

US will 'work out' Turkish

Trump meets Lavrov with
spotlight on his Russia ties
Washington: President Trump and
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei
Lavrov met at the White House
Wednesday morning on a day
when Russia's alleged interference
in the presidential election had re
entered the spotlight.
The White House session came
after Lavrov met with Secretary of
State Rex Tillerson in the State
Departments Treaty Room, where
the foreign minister showed mock
surprise when asked if Tuesday's
firing of FBI Director James B.
Comey cast a shadow over his visit.
In Moscow, a spokesman for the
Kremlin said Trump's firing of
Comey will have no effect on bilat
eral relations between the two
countries.
In Washington, Tillerson made
no comment on the Comey firing
or on the substantive issues he
would discuss with Lavrov. This is
their third meet ing. T he two
appear to have forged a working
relationship, with fairly frequent
phone calls.
Tillerson, who met with Lavrov
President Trump meeting Russian Foreign Minister
Sergey Lavrov on May 10.
last month in Moscow in a bid to
smooth out dif ferences that have
brought U.S.Russia relations to a
postCold War low, said he wanted
to express my appreciation for his
making the trip to Washington so
we can continue our dialogue and
exchange of views that began in
Moscow with the dialogue he host
ed on a very broad range of topics.
It is not known if the diplomats
will discuss Russias alleged med
dling in elections in United States
concerns over arming
Kurds: Gen. Mattis
Washington: Pentagon
chief Jim Mattis said today
he is confident the United
States can allay any con
cerns Turkey has over the
decision to arm Syrian
Kurdish fighters whom
Ankara considers terror
ists.
"We will work very close
ly with Turkey in support
of their security on their
southern border," Mattis
said at a news conference
in Lithuania. "We have
very open discussions Pentagon chief Jim Mattis
about options and we will
and Europe. According to the State
work together, we will Protection Units (YPG) is seen by
Department, they w ill discuss
work out any of the concerns. I Washington as the best ally
ongoing conflicts in Syria and
am not concerned at all about the against IS in Syria and the prime
Ukraine. Russia wants the United
NATO alliance and the relations attacking force in any assault on
States to support a proposed cease
between our nations." Raqa.
fire in Syria that was reached by
The Pentagon yesterday said But Ankara regards the YPG as
Russia, Iran and Turkey.
President Donald Trump had a terror group and the Syrian
After the White House meeting,
approved arming Kurdish fight branch of the Kurdistan Workers'
Tillerson and Lavrov were expect
ers ahead of an eventual offen Party (PKK), which since 1984
ed to depart for Alaska to attend a
sive to recapture the Islamic has waged an insurgency inside
meeting of the Arctic Council,
State group's Syrian stronghold Turkey leaving tens of thousands
which the United States has chaired
of Raqa. The Kurdish Peoples' dead.
for the past two years.

DoJ weighs return to Trump delaying decision

harsher punishments for on Paris climate deal
Washington: President Donald Trump is Times and Wall Street Journal.

lowlevel drug crimes delaying a decision on whether to with

Washington: Attorney General Jeff Sessions
is reviewing policy changes set in place by
the Obama administration that eliminated
harsh punishments for lowlevel drug crimes
and could direct federal prosecutors to again
charge drug offenders with crimes carrying
the most severe penalties, according to U.S.
officials.
The change, if adopted, would overturn a
memo by thenAttorney General Eric H.
Holder Jr. that instructed prosecutors to
avoid charging lowlevel defendants with
drug of fenses that would trigger severe
mandatory minimum sentences. Only defen
dants who met certain criteria, such as not
belonging to a largescale drug traf ficking
organization, a gang or a cartel, qualified for
the lesser charges under Holders instruc
tions.
If new charging instructions are imple
mented, it would mark the first significant
move by the Trump administration to bring
back the drug wars toughest practices
methods that had fallen out of favor in
recent years as critics pointed to damaging
effects of mass incarceration.
As the Attorney General has consistently
said, we are reviewing all Department of
Just ice policies to fo cus on keeping
Americans safe and will be issuing further
guidance and support to our prosecutors
executing this priority including an
updated memorandum on charging for all
criminal cases, Ian Prior, a department
spokesman, in a statement to T he
Washington Post.
Sessions has recently peppered his speech
es to law enforcement groups throughout
the country with toughoncrime rhetoric
and urged Justice Department lawyers to
prosecute more drug and gun cases.
The attorney general is considering having
his prosecutors bring the most severe
charges against drug traf fickers, whether
they are lowlevel defendants or not, accord
ing to officials who spoke on the condition
of anonymity to discuss internal delibera
tions. Sessions also may allow prosecutors to
use more enhancements to make sentences
even longer. Under whats referred to as
Section 851 of the Controlled Substances
Act, defendants charged with a federal drug,
firearm or immigration crime may face
enhancements if they have previously been
convicted of a felony drug offense.
draw from a landmark climate deal until
after an international summit this month.
The move means the president will head
to the G7 summit in Italy at the end of
May amid continued global uncertainty
over whether the United States will
remain in the emissionscutting deal
struck in Paris under the Obama adminis
tration.
White House spokesman Sean Spicer
said Tuesday that Trump wants to "contin
ue to meet with his team," seeking advice
from both an economic and an environ
mental perspective as he works to make a
decision.
A meeting for top advisers to discuss the
deal had been set for Tuesday afternoon
but was postponed.
Trump pledged during the presidential
campaign to renegotiate the accord, but
he has wavered on the issue since winning
the presidency. His top of ficials have
appeared divided about what to do about
the deal, under which the United States
pledged to significantly reduce planet
warming carbon emissions in the coming
decade.
Leading up to the expected Tuesday
meeting, a number of highprofile busi
nesses spoke out in favor of remaining
part of the agreement. A group including
Apple, Google and Walmart signed a letter
sent to Trump last week. And this week, a
larger coalition signed on to ads run in
the Washington editions of the New York
Ted Halstead, president of the Climate
Leadership Council, said that "there is a
nearly unanimous position on the part of
big business." Halstead coauthored an
opinion piece that ran in the New York
Times Tuesday, titled "The Business Case
for the Paris Climate Accord."
Opponents of the deal have also lobbied
the president this week, with a group of
conservative organizations signing a let
ter saying "the treaty is not in the interest
of the American people and the U. S.
should therefore not be a party to it."
Signatures on the letter include veteran
antitax activist Grover Norquist and
Myron Ebell, who led transition efforts at
EPA prior to the president's swearing in.
The Paris accord, signed by nearly 200
nations in 2015, was never ratified by the
Senate due to the staunch oppositions of
Republicans. It therefore does not have
the force of a binding treaty, and the
United States could potentially withdraw
from the deal without legal penalty.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the for
mer chief executive of the oil company
Exxon, said at his Senate confirmation
hearing in January that he supports stay
ing in the deal. But Environmental
Protection Agency Administrator Scott
Pruitt has said the Paris pact "is a bad
deal for America" that will cost jobs.
Like Trump, Pruitt has questioned the
consensus of climate scientists that man
made carbon emissions are the primary
driver of global warming.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Washington: In a move laden with
ironies, President Donald Trump
suddenly dismissed James Comey,
the controversial head of the FBI,
who had earned the wrath of the
Democratic Party for his interfer
ence in last year's elections but
was in the middle of an investiga
tion into whether Trump's cam
paign had links to Russia.
Democrats, who had blamed
Comey for Trump's victory and
their candidate Hillary Clinton's
defeat, reacted swiftly to Tuesday's
firing of the powerful domestic
intelligence chief by calling for an
independent investigator to take
over the probe into Trump's cam
paign.
Trump wrote in the dismissal let
ter to Comey that he was firing
him on the advice of Attorney
General Jeff Sessions and Deputy
Attorney General Rod Rosenstein
because of his handling of the bun
gled Clinton investigation.
The dismissal was a continuation
of the election mess affecting both
part ies in which Comey was
embroiled.
His letter to Cong ress on
October 28, about investigations
into Democratic Party candidate
Hillary Clinton's use of a private
email server for of ficial work as
Secretary of State, started the sor
did controversy.
Clinton and the Democrats say
Comey's disclosure of the investi
gation that ultimately came to
naught 11 days before the elec
tion cost her the presidency as it
made some voters suspicious of
her. Comey himself admitted at a
Senate hearing last week that it
made him "mildly nauseous" to
think that he had af fected the
November 8 election.
T hen the mercurial Trump
praised Comey, an appointee of
former President Barack Obama,
over the action, saying it took
"guts." But in a political twist, with
Comey launching an investigation
into his own campaign, Trump
turned around and made the
Clinton investigation as the official
Sally Yates testifies she warned Trump admin about Flynn
Washington: Former acting
Attorney General Sally Yates
warned senior Trump administra
tion of ficials that thenNational
Security Adviser Michael Flynn had
put himself in a situation where he
could be "blackmailed by the
Russians" by lying publicly about
his private conversations with
Russia's ambassador to the United
States.
"To state the obvious, you don't
want your national security adviser
compromised with the Russians,"
Yates said during testimony to a
subcommittee of the Senate
Judiciary Committee Monday, say
ing she gave Trump's team that
information so "they could take
action." But they didnt they sat
Trump fires Comey who was
probing his Russia links
FBI Director James Comey
reason for the firing. Trump cited
Rosenstein's letter to him, in which
he wrote, "I cannot defend the
Director's handling of the conclu
sion of the invest ig at ion of
Secretary Clinton's emails, and I do
not understand his re fusal to
accept the nearly universal judg
ment that he was mistaken."
But Democrats were not gloating
at the turn of events had she
been elected Clinton would have
herself fired Comey.
Indian American Representative
Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat,
said in a statement: "No matter
how you view Comey, this is not a
'gotcha' moment."
Krishnamoorthi noted that
Comey "was leading a counter
intelligence investigation of the
President's 2016 campaign" and
called for an independent
Commission or prosecutor to take
over the investigation.
Republican Representat ive,
Justin Amash, tweeted his support
for an independent probe, adding
his voice to the calls by several
other Democratic Party leaders.
Former acting Attorney General Sally Yates and (right) Michael Flynn
who was fired by President Trump after leaks of his Russia links.
on their hands for over two weeks,
firing Flynn only after a
Washington Post report about his
duplicity.
Yates' testimony contradicts mul
tiple senior White House of ficials'
attempts to downplay her warnings
US AFFAIRS
Trump, however, made a refer
ence to the Russia probe in the dis
missal letter, but only to highlight
the fact that he was himself not
under investigation.
"While I greatly appreciate you
informing me, on three separate
occasions, that I am not under
investigation, I nevertheless con
cur w ith the judgment of the
Department of Justice that you are
not able to ef fectively lead the
bureau," Trump wrote to Comey.
In March, Comey told the House
Intelligence Committee that the
FBI was investigating if anyone
from Trump's campaign had coor
dinated with Russia the hacking of
Democratic Party computers "and
whether crimes were committed.
In January, Comey joined other
heads of US intelligence agencies
to say that Russia had interfered in
the US elections. The likely benefi
ciary of Moscow's actions was
Trump. CNN reported that court
orders had been issued seeking
records of people connected to
Michael Flynn, whom Trump had
fired as National Security Adviser
to the administration within days of
her finding out through standard
surveillance methods that Flynn's
public denials about the details of
his conversations with Russian
Ambassador Sergey Kislyak didn't
match up with what he'd actually
Democrats seek independent
Russia probe
Washington: President Trumps
decision to fire FBI Director
James B. Comey revived calls by
Democratic lawmakers for an
independent investigation of
Russian meddling in US elec
tions, with many calling for the
appointment of a special prose
cutor.
"We are in a fullfledged con
stitutional crisis," Senator Brian
Schatz tweeted after the White
House announced Comey's dis
missal on Tuesday.
"This is Nixonian," added
Senator Robert Casey.
Aides described Democratic
senators as "shaken and
alarmed" by the surprise
announcement and the news of
Comey's ouster sparked several
conversations among
Democratic senators about how
they should respond, the
Washington Post reported.
In a written statement Tuesday
evening, Senate Majority Leader
Mitch McConnell said nothing
about Comey only that
Trump's new nominee for FBI
director would receive "a full,
fair, and timely confirmation
process". Republican Senator
John McCain of Arizona called
for the creation of a special con
gressional committee on Russia,
in April. The subpoenas issued by
a grand jury were a sign that a pre
liminary legal process was under
way. Grand jury, made up of citi
zens, is the first step to determine
if there was a prima facie case for
said publicly. Flynn, as national
security adviser, was privy to the
highest state secrets and most sen
sitive classified information held by
the U.S. government.
White House Chief of Staff Reince
Priebus said on CBS' "Face the
Nation" around that time that she
gave White House counsel Don
McGahn a "heads up" that Flynn's
public statements didn't match the
actual conversation between him
and Kislyak during the presidential
transition, and that they'd conduct
ed a review.
"The legal department came back
and said they didn't see anything
wrong with what was actually said,'
Priebus said. But Yates said she
explicitly told McGahn how grave
May 13-19, 2017 11
while Republican Representative
Justin Amash of Michigan said
he and his staff were "reviewing
legislation to establish an inde
pendent commission on Russia".
"James Comey is a man of
honor and integrity, and he has
led the FBI well in extraordinary
circumstances," McCain said.
Comey, a Republican who had
served in the George W. Bush
administration as second in com
mand in the Justice Department,
was the surprise choice of
President Obama for the FBI
post. Democratic aides said they
were "heartened" to see several
senior Republicans cast doubt on
Trump's decision to fire Comey.
They especially cited Senate
Intelligence Committee
Chairman Richard Burr and
Senate Foreign Relations
Committee Chairman Bob Corker
and Senator Jeff Flake, who is up
for reelection next year in a con
test that Democrats believe
could become competitive if
antiTrump sentiments sweep
the nation.
Burr, who is leading the intelli
gence panel's probe of Russian
meddling, said in a statement
that he is "troubled by the timing
and reasoning" for Comey's fir
ing.
prosecution. On Monday Sally
Yates, who was dismissed by
Trump as Acting Attorney General,
told the Senate Judiciary
Subcommittee that Flynn could be
blackmailed by Russia.
the situation was, and told him that
Flynn had apparently lied to Vice
President Pence about the nature of
his conversations with the ambassa
dor.
But she said she had to walk
McGahn through "Why does it mat
ter to DOJ if one White House offi
cial lies to another."
She told him she thought Pence
was "entitled to know" he was
repeating a lie, and because that lie
opened Flynn up to Russian black
mail since Russia knew he was not
telling the truth.
"Logic would tell you that you
don't want the national security
adviser to be in a position where
the Russians had leverage over
him," she said.
 12 May 13-19, 2017 INDIA TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Turmoil in AAP; Corruption charges against Kejriwal

New Delhi: Sacked Water Minister

AAP protests outside EC

Kapil Mishra's "satyagraha" fast to
protest corruption in the AAP was
marked by high drama as he was
slapped by a young man. More
drama erupted over the the
assailant's af filiation with both
AAP and BJP terming him an
activist of the rival party.
The man identified himself as an
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) worker
but the party firmly denied any
links with him. As police revealed
name of the man as Ankit
Bhardwaj, both AAP and Bharatiya
Janata Party clashed over his
political affiliation.
Police of ficials said that
Bhardwaj, who was caught by
Mishra's supporters after the
attack, had been detained and
kept at Civil Lines Police Station.
AAP insisted that Ankit
Bhardwaj, the man was in police
custody, was a officebearer of the
BJP's youth wing. But hours later
another Ankit Bhardwaj of the
Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha
(BYJM) came at BJP's Delhi office
with party leaders stating that he
was their of ficebearer and they
had no links w ith the man in
police custody.
BJYM "of ficebearer" Bhardwaj
also interacted with the media and
accused AAP of hatching a con
Sacked Delhi minister Kapil Mishra in New Delhi.
spiracy to defame the BJP.
Mishra, who began his hunger
strike at his residence demanding
that AAP government re lease
details of funds of foreign travels
of five of its leaders, alleged he has
been receiving "death threats from
international numbers".
Mishra was first removed as a
Delhi minister and later suspend
ed from the AAP after he levelled
corruption allegations against
De lhi Chie f Minister Arvind
Kejriwal.
Mishra said on Wednesday that
he w ill not eat any thing t ill
Kejriwal "reveals" who funded for
eign trips of five AAP leaders
Sanjay Sing h, Ashish Khetan,
Satyendar Jain, Raghav Chadhha
and Durgesh Pathak in the last
two years. He also wrote an open
letter to Kejriwal.
As Mishra's fast progressed, a
man from among the crowd
slapped him in the evening, shout
ing: "He (Mishra) has betrayed the
party."
T he attacker was nabbed by
Mishra's supporters and handed
over to police.
Mishra said: "The man suddenly
attacked me and hit me on my
neck before he was caught by the
over 'EVM tampering'
New Delhi: Hundreds of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) activists protested
outside the Election Commission headquarters here against alleged
EVM tampering.
The demonstrators raised slogans against the poll panel and car
ried placards calling for an end to alleged tampering of Electronic
Voting Machines.
AAP leader and Delhi minister Gopal Rai said: "Voices have been
raised in Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand
against EVM tampering.
"Our MLA Saurabh Bharadwaj has shown that EVMs can be easily
hacked," he said.
people here" and appealed to his his party "condemns" the attack.
supporters to remain calm. Earlier in the day, he had also
Before being taken away by termed Mishra's allegations about
police, the man claimed he is of funding of foreign trips as speak
the AAP, but party leader Sanjay ing "BJP's language" and was
Singh, however, said they had "false" allegations.
received information that Ankit Soon after, Praveen Shankar
Bharadwaj "is an executive mem Kapoor, media incharge of Delhi
ber of the BJYM". BJP, said that no BJP Yuva Morcha
He said that Ankit Bharadwaj worker was involved in any such
has pictures with several BJP lead incident. The BJP condemned the
ers like its former Delhi chief attack.
Sat ish Upad hyay and Union He had filed a graft complaint
Minister Vijay Sampla. w ith the Central Bureau of
"It is a conspiracy of BJP to tar Invest ig at ion (CBI) ag ainst
nish AAP's image and destabilise Kejriwal, his relatives and other
the party," Singh said, adding that AAP leaders.

Where is Kashmiri Army officer killed;

Justice Karnan?
Chennai: The whereabouts of Calcutta High
Court judge C.S. Karnan, sentenced to jail for
six months by the Supreme Court, remained
a mystery even as a West Bengal police team
reached here.
Some sources in Chennai said he had left
the State Guest House for the famed Shiva
temple in Srikalahast i town in And hra
Pradesh.
But an official at the temple, about 120 km
from here, told IANS over telephone that
there was no trace of the judge.
"He did not arrive yesterday or today. We
have no idea if he will reach the temple
tomorrow," the official said.
Another temple of ficial had earlier said
that the judge was likely to reach the Andhra
town on Wednesday evening and of fer
prayers on Thursday morning.
Justice Karnan checked into the Chennai
Guest House on Tuesday after leaving his
home in Kolkata. But he has not of ficially
vacated the guest house room and his bill
remains to be settled.
Of ficials said two other advocates who
came with the judge have been asked to
vacate their rooms in the Chennai guest
house.T he apex court has ordered the
Director General of West Bengal Police to set
up a team to implement its arrest order
"forthwith".
Justice Karnan was found guilty of con
tempt for hurling corruption charges against
Supreme Court judges including the Chief
Justice.
protests disrupt burial
Srinagar: Militants abducted and mur
dered a 22yearold Kashmiri Army offi
cer from a family wedding in Jammu and
Kashmir's troubled Shopian district, trig
gering outrage. And stone pe lters
clashed with security forces when his
body was laid to rest.
Ummer Fayaz was on leave and visiting
his native place in Kulgam to attend the
marriage of his maternal uncle's daugh
ter in Batapura village when militants
kidnapped the unarmed of ficer on
Tuesday.
His bulletriddled body was found at
Harmen in Shopian district. The officer,
Soldiers pay
tribute to
Lieutenant
Ummer Faiyaz,
who was
found dead at
in Jammu and
Kashmir's
Shopian
district.
(Photo: IANS)
from Rajputana Rifles, had joined the stones in an attempt to disrupt the funer
Army only in December last year. al procession of the of ficer when his
"This marks a watershed moment in body was being laid to rest in his ances
the Kashmir Valley and people of tral graveyard with full military honours,
Kashmir will decisively turn the tide police said. The protesters were chased
against terrorism," said Lt Gen Abhay away by police.
Krishna, Colonel of Rajputana Rifles and Defence Minister Arun Jaitley called it
General Officer Commanding in Chief of a dastardly act of cowardice by terror
the South Western Command. ists. "We share the grief of the family and
In a condolence message, he said the stand in solidarity. (The officer) will con
Army fraternity stood by the grieving tinue to inspire the youth from the
family. "I assure the family that the per Kashmir Valley," he said.
petrators of this heinous crime and das "His sacrifice reiterates the nation's
tardly act will not be spared." commitment to eliminate terrorism from
About two dozen demonstrators pelted the Valley."
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Sharif, Modi may meet,
back channel links on
Islamabad: Prime Ministers Nawaz
Sharif of Pakistan and Narendra
Mo di of India mig ht meet in
Kazakhstan, a top Pakistani official
has said, amid reports of back
channel contacts.
Sartaj Azia, the Advisor to Sharif,
said that a meeting between the
two leaders cannot be ruled out on
the side lines of the Shang hai
Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Summit next month in Kazakhstan.
But it was too early to speak
about such a meting, the Nation
newspaper quoted him as saying
on Wednesday. "Pakistan could
consider the meeting if interest
was shown from the other side."
Aziz said the SCO Summit was
important as Pakistan would
become a permanent member of
the organisation.
The report said there was wide
spread speculation about a possi
ble SharifModi meeting after the
Pakistani Prime Minister recently
met Indian business tycoon Sajjan
Jindal, who "reportedly conveyed a
message of the Indian premier to
the Pakistani leader".
Aziz said Pakistan was reviewing
India's plea against alleged Indian
spy Kulbhushan Jadhav's death
sentence and also the jurisdiction
Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan and Narendra Modi
of India might meet in Kazakhstan.
of the Internat ional Court of
Justice in the case.
The Nation quoted unnamed sen
ior Pakistani Foreign Of fice of fi
cials as saying that diplomatic
e f forts had been launched to
defuse tensions along the borders
with its immediate neighbors.
"T here have been overt and
covert talks with all the countries
(Iran, Afghanistan and India)," an
official was quoted as saying.
"Nobody can af ford confronta
tion, so we are trying to resolve
the misunderstandings through
talks," the official said.
INDIA
He said that while there had
been open talks with Iran and
Afghanistan, "backchannels were
being used in India's case".
The unnamed official added that
if Modi and Sharif do meet on the
sidelines of the SCO Summit, "it
will be positive to concentrate on
the talks process".
Relations between India and
Pakistan have touched a new low
after a Pakistani military court
awarded death sentence to Indian
"spy" Jadhav and two Indian sol
diers were beheaded on the
Jammu and Kashmir border.
May 13-19, 2017 13
Is triple talaq fundamental
to Islam, SC asks
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has
heard a batch of petitions challeng
ing the constitutional validity of
ters of the directions the court may
issue while deciding the validity of
triple talaq. Other judges on the
"triple talaq" and to know whether Constitution bench are Justice
it was fundamental to Islam. Kurian Joseph, Justice Rohinton
"We are going to decide the valid Fali Nariman, Justice Uday Umesh
ity of triple talaq," said Chie f Lalit and Justice S. Abdul Nazeer.
Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, head The court said both sides would
ing a Constitution bench. get two days each to argue their
He asked the parties concerned case. Thereafter, both sides would
to focus on whether triple talaq get a day each to submit rejoinders.
was fundamental to Islamic reli Triple talaq is a practice under
gion. which a husband can verbally
The Chief Justice said that peti divorce his wife by uttering the
tioners and respondents would word "talaq" thrice.
address the court on whether triple This has been opposed by a sec
talaq was an enforceable funda tion of the Muslim society while
mental right. The bench sought others say it cannot be changed as
suggestions on the broad parame it is part of Muslim personal law.
Sidhu in comedy show: HC raises
propriety, jurisdiction issues
Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court observed that Punjab
Cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu's appearance on a popular TV come
dy show has propriety issues but added that it is not clear if the high
court had the jurisdiction to adjudge such a matter.
Taking up a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by lawyeractivist H.C.
Arora, seeking directions to stop Sidhu from appearing on "The Kapil
Sharma Show" on Sony TV, the high court division bench said it was still
not convinced if it had the jurisdiction to give directions in the case.
Cricketerturnedpolitician Sidhu had drawn flak from some quarters
for continuing his appearance on the comedy show even after becoming a
Cabinet minister in Punjab in March this year. Sidhu had defended his
decision, saying that the show was his only source of income and that he
was going only for one day in a week for its shooting in Mumbai.
 14 May 13-19, 2017
By Amulya Ganguli
A
s in 2004, Sonia Gandhi is
again trying to stitch
together an alliance against
the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The objective is to field an oppo
sition candidate for the presiden
tial poll where the BJPled
National Democratic Alliance
(NDA) is short of a majority in the
1.1 million strong electoral col
lege although by no more than
two per cent of the votes.
However, if the opposition
fields a widely acceptable candi
date and is able to lure a few of
the BJP's allies like the generally
disgruntled Shiv Sena to its side,
then the "secular" front will be
able to score a moraleboosting
victory.
It may be recalled that the Shiv
Sena had voted against the BJP in
the last two presidential elections
when it supported the Congress's
Marathi nominee Pratibha Patil
in 2007 against the saffron stal
wart Bhairon Singh Shekhawat,
and the Congress' Pranab
Mukherjee in 2012 against the
former Lok Sabha Speaker P.A.
Sangma.
Notwithstanding the Congress
president's initiative in reaching
out to virtually everyone in the
nonBJP camp, it will be unrealis
tic, however, to expect the kind of
success which she had as a unifi
er in 2004 because there are sig
BJP's 'saffron brigade' cuts loose in UP
By Mohit Dubey
lame it on the soaring mercu
B ry or power going to their
heads, the saffron brigade in
Uttar Pradesh is cutting loose, much
to the chagrin of the bureaucracy
that is facing the heat of their mis
conduct.
And so, while it was initially dis
missed as the handiwork of fringe
elements and overzealous party
workers by the Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP), the situation now is
precarious with many of its law
makers and ministers involved in
such public incidents of highhand
edness.
Veteran Gorakhpur legislator
Radha Mohan Das Agarwal, who is
also a confidant of Chief Minister
Yogi Adityanath, not only took on a
woman police officer but publicly
humiliated her, so much so that the
woman in uniform broke down and
was seen in TV footage wiping her
tears.
Charu Nigam, the Indian Police
Service (IPS) officer at the receiving
end, tried to explain her position in
an altercation over a protest against
a liquor shop, but Agarwal asked
her to shut up and not make him
lose his cool. Not long ago, Raghav
Sonia's unifying role is
unlikely to succeed
Moreover, the fact that Sonia Gandhi is having to play a
proactive role despite her indifferent health shows that
Rahul Gandhi has failed to deliver.
nificant differences between then
and now. In 2004, she was able
to bring over to her side several
of the BJP's allies like Ram Vilas
Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party and
Farooq Abdullah's National
Conference because Atal Behari
The "elixir of power", and that too after a long exile of 14 years, seems to
be too much for the BJP workers and leaders not to be tempted with.
Lakhanpal, the young Lok Sabha
MP from Saharanpur, led a mob
involved in a violent attack on the
official residence of the then dis
trict SSP Luv Kumar. Angered by the
police not giving permission for a
procession planned on the anniver
sary of Dalit icon B.R. Ambedkar,
angry BJP workers had stormed
Kumar's highsecurity house and
vandalised it.
While an FIR related to the vio
lence during the procession does
name the BJP MP, the honest and
upright police officer was shifted to
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
OP-ED
Vajpayee's 24party alliance was
unravelling in the aftermath of
the 2002 Gujarat riots.
Indeed, Vajpayee later said that
he would not have lost but for the
riots. The scene is different this
time. For one, unlike Vajpayee at
Noida. When a hue and cry followed
the transfer, an official spokesman
of the state government said this
was a "promotion and not a punish
ment since he was given a better
district"! Better in what terms, only
the BJP would know. This apart, a
mob of young party workers had
not long ago manhandled police
men at Kannauj, the parliamentary
constituency of Dimple Yadav, wife
of former Chief Minister Akhilesh
Yadav.
There have been other incidents
as well where leaders of the ruling
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
the end of his reign, Narendra
Modi is currently much more
securely placed. For another, the
Congress is now weaker than
ever before. In 2004, it was
poised to climb higher which it
did five years later when it won
more than 200 Lok Sabha seats
while the BJP was described as a
"kati patang" by a former minis
ter in Vajpayee's cabinet, Arun
Shourie. Now, the sarcasm of
being a floating kite applies to
the Congress as its Lok Sabha
tally has fallen to its lowest ever
point while the BJP is soaring
high. Moreover, the fact that
Sonia is having to play a proac
tive role despite her indifferent
health shows that Rahul Gandhi,
who has long been expected to
replace her as the party presi
dent, has failed to fulfil the
Congress's expectations of
becoming an acclaimed leader
with ideas and energy. Instead,
the crown prince remains some
thing of a parttimer in politics.
Sonia, too, has lost some of the
luster which she had a decade
ago because her missteps during
party have been caught on tape
openly threatening police inspec
tors of dire consequences if they did
not pay heed to matters raised by
them. The police officers had
secretly recorded the conversations
and gave them to their superiors. In
its defence, the BJP said its state
leaders were only seeking justice
for people, insisting that the tone
and tenor of the conversation hard
ly mattered.
Last month, the brother of a sen
ior cabinet minister openly humili
ated a constable in Unnao, even
telling him that he should mend his
ways or else he would be disrobed
in public. "Dalal kahin ka, purani
sarkaar chali gayi hai, hosh mein
rehna warna kapde utarwa doonga"
(The old government has gone.
Come to your senses or I'll have you
disrobed in public), he told a consta
ble over the drowning of some
youth in the Ganga river.
Cow vigilantes are also active in
villages and are allegedly hounding
the Muslim community and threat
ening them with consequences if
they stepped out of line. To put this
in perspective, some two years ago,
in one his monthly radio chats,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had
suggested that the word "divyaang"
the Congress's stint in power
such as stalling the economic
reforms in favor of populism are
widely believed to have led the
party to its doom.
True, a mahagathbandhan or a
grand alliance made up of the
RJD, the Janata DalUnited and
the Congress, among others,
proved to be an electoral success
in Bihar in 2015. But a similar
attempt came a cropper in Uttar
Pradesh this year, showing that
such opportunistic combinations
are not easy to put together.
Even if, for argument's sake,
Sonia's attempt to set up a gath
bandhan does succeed, who will
be its leader? The Congress presi
dent herself can be ruled out
because of her health and the
"foreign origin" stigma while
none of the others, whether
Sharad Pawar or Mulayam Singh,
is a person who can match Modi's
popularity.
The innate distrust between
these parties is also likely to
come in the way of proposing an
agreed name for the President's
post.
be used instead of 'viklaang' for the
differently abled and yet Pachauri
called the man a "loola langda"
(dumb cripple), which is definitely a
pejorative. He later apologised, say
ing he had been misinterpreted.
BJP workers seemingly are not
paying heed to the repeated advi
sories from party leaders asking
them to be "in control and humble".
Party President Amit Shah, during
his address at the state executive
earlier this month, warned workers
and leaders against any adventur
ism and said they should learn to be
humble and more responsible.
Adityanath, too, has on at least
two occasions, asked workers to be
good in their conduct. On one occa
sion he, however, blamed some
"unscrupulous elements" wearing
saffron scarves of indulging in
hooliganism and bringing disrepute
to the BJP.
Whatever be the case, the "elixir
of power", and that too after a long
exile of 14 years, seems to be too
much for the BJP workers and lead
ers not to be tempted with. What is
even more ironical is the fact that
the BJP romped home to power by
highlighting the lawlessness by
Samajwadi Party (SP) workers and
promising change.
TRAVEL
 16 May 13-19, 2017
Justin Bieber to appear
on Koffee With Karan
Karan will be unveiling the season
six of his show with Bieber.
Justin Bieber excited about
performing in India
G rammy award winning singer Justin
Bieber is excited about performing
in India, and cant wait to bring his Pur-
pose World Tour to the country.
Bieber was in Dubai to perform on May
6, and he had a great time there too.
Dubai is incredible... India you are next.
Amit Bhatia you ready? Purpose Tour Sta-
diums, Bieber tweeted early on Tuesday.
He is expected to land in India to gear up
Govt must take
action against
those who issue
fatwa
P opular singer Sonu Nigam has urged
the central government to take action
against those who issue death threats in
the form of fatwa. Last month, Nigam got
embroiled in a controversy over his tweets
against use of loudspeaker at odd hours
during azaan (Muslim call for prayer).
I have full faith in God, who is omni-
present and all-pervading. But I dont like
this mentality, when any one issues fatwa
against any other person, saying cut off his
hair, kill him. There was a fatwa for cut-
ting off my head, Sonu said on TV show
Aap Ki Adalat.
In my view, the government must do
something about this. We live in a civilized
and democratic country. We are a republic.
How can we allow such things like fatwa?
BOLLYwOOD
Review
G rammy Award winning singer Justin
Bieber will be in conversation with cel-
Loev
ebrated filmmaker Karan Johar on his show
Koffee With Karan, sources said.He said:
I think sardarji characters are misrepre-
sented in Bollywood films many times. Peo-
ple make fun of sardar characters... There
are so many jokes on them. I think that is
happening because of lack of insight and
knowledge about our community, our cul-
ture and contribution to our country.
An unforgettable love story
Bieber is set to visit India for the first
time for his Jio Justin Bieber Purpose Tour. Loev is that same-sex love story that finally defines homosexuality on screen.
If everything goes as planned, Karan, who
has interviewed Bollywood stars like Am-
itabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika
Q uite often in this luscious and luminous
love story, as I journeyed with Jai and
Sahil through rocky terrain on a pilgrimage
tions. The aerial shot show deep ravines and
chasms in the rocky mountains. Significantly,
Sahil jumps effortlessly over them. Jai stops.
Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, will host
of passion and heartbreak that reminded The intimate moments never creep up on
Bieber on his show. Koffee with Karan has
me of Ang Lees Brokeback Mountain, I the two men apologetically. When they kiss...
completed five seasons. He will be celebrat-
forgot the gender of the two protagonists. Boy, they really kiss. Passion is never unwel-
ing season six by unveiling it with Bieber.
This, I soon gathered, is why this striking come in the film, even in one sequence, it turns
This will be the first time an international
study of repression, guilt, passion and self- unbearably ugly. In one sequence, Shiv Pandit
celebrity of Biebers calibre will be featuring
articulation has been rejected at many LG- is required to hold his co-star -- the late and
in an Indian chat show format, said a source.
BTQ film festivals as being not gay enough. mourned Dhruv Ganesh -- in what is a theme-
Karan has conducted interactive chat show
Thank God, at least one filmmaker has defying moment of tenderness and lust. It
dialogues with international celebrities like
shown himself to be courageous enough to is a moment of epic sadness and comfort.
Richard Gere, Maria Sharapova, Hugh Jack-
stand up and say, Hey guys, it doesnt matter The two protagonists evidently have a
man and Christian Louboutin apart from
if the lovers are both of the same sex. What shared history which comes undone in un-
working closely with Meryl Streep, Robert De
matters is the love, not the sex. Loev is a expected ways as the film unfolds.
Niro, George Clooney at world forum panels.
tender yet brutal, slender yet sturdy road film Charming, disturbing and sometimes
strewn with clues to the heartbreak that even- haunting, Loev is that same-sex love story
tually awaits those who dare not love beyond
the prescribed boundaries. Writer-director
that finally defines homosexuality on screen
without resorting to titillating tropes and
Sudhanshu Saria doesnt waste time in con- semi-apologetic back stories. Nor is there
structing back stories or deconstructing the any self-congratulations in the way Pandit
complex relationship of his two characters and Ganesh play the two main parts. They
for his much-awaited performance at the to make their passion more accessible to us. are friends and possibly lovers, full-blooded
DY Patil Stadium here. The show is expect- Saria uses the rugged outdoors of Maha- and restless, impelled by a sense of reckless
ed to have more than 45,000 fans turn- baleshwar to spotlight the repressed emo- yet reined-in self-exploration.
ing up for the singers live performance.
The tour is to promote his fourth al-
bum, the critically-acclaimed Purpose,
in which he has experimented with more
adventurous electronic sounds.
Apart from Mumbai, Bieber will also
visit New Delhi, Jaipur and Agra.
I am also against lynching of people by
Gau Rakshaks. I am totally against them.
I dont like gundagardi (hooliganism) in
any form. You cant go in a group of 12 people
and threaten a family in the name of religion.
Such things should not happen in our coun-
try. We are all doing well, actually. We are do-
ing very well these days. This is not a political A still from Dangal.
statement, but I believe Achhe din aa rahe
hain (good days are coming), he added.Sonu
said he has no interest in joining politics and
has no connection with any political party.
Dangal mints over
Rs 80 crore in China
Dangal has registered earnings of over
Rs 80 crore in its opening weekend in
China -- and the makers are thrilled with
The team is also overwhelmed with the
outpour of emotion on the public platforms
and in the media for the film. We would
the response. like to thank our partners in China for their
An Aamir Khan Productions spokesper- efforts in making Dangal accessible to cin-
son said: The entire team of Dangal is ema lovers across China.
The singer
thrilled with the love and affection the film With this, the movie is on its way to be-
slammed
has got from audiences across China. The coming Bollywoods highest-earning film in
hooliganism weekend box office number of Rs 81 crore China. So far, PK is the only Indian movie
in any form. surpasses the previous Indian film record to have crossed Rs 100 crore in China and
in China which was held by PK. it had done so in 16 dayssince its release.

Shekhar Kapur What will Prabhas take
to direct Bruce Lee biopic away from Baahubali
I ndian origin director Shekhar Kapur,
who helmed the Oscar winning film
Elizabeth, is set to direct Little Dragon,
an authorized biopic of the martial arts
legend and actor Bruce Lee.
Kapur has also co written the
screenplay of the film.
Rishi Kapoor
to work with
Big B again
A fter working together in films like
Naseeb, Amar Akbar Anthony and
Kabhie Kabhie, veteran actor Rishi Ka-
poor and megastar Amitabh Bachchan will
be reuniting for a project, details of which
are yet to be revealed.
Rishi shared a photograph of Amitabh. He
captioned it: Always a pleasure and an honor
to work with him. Started reading the script
with the team. For further details, stay tuned.
Currently, Amitabh is gearing up for the
release of his forthcoming film Sarkar 3
directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The cine
icon will also be seen in the upcoming film
Thugs Of Hindostan, which also features
Aamir Khan and Fatima Sana Shaikh.
Sonam requests fans not
to get personal and troll
N ational Award winning actress Sonam
The actress was trolled for
misquoting the national anthem.
bollywood May 13-19, 2017 17
The story is a contemporary dramatization
of the 1950s Hong Kong social and political
forces that shaped Bruce Lee into the most fa-
mous martial arts star and a significant mod-
ern day philosopher, reports variety.com.
It is important that audiences today
can relate their own lives to the journey
of Bruce Lee, who manages to tap into his
inner wisdom and harness his true destiny
before it was too late, said Kapur, who will
begin work on the project after completing
duties on 10-part TV series Will.
Production on the Bruce Lee project is
by Bruce Lee Entertainment, a company op-
erated by the late stars daughter Shannon
Lee, along with Los Angeles-based Conver-
gence Entertainment.
Shannon conducted significant new re-
search into her fathers youth and formative
years, a subject which has previously been Prabhas dedicated five years to the film franchise.
explored in numerous movies including The
Grandmaster and the Ip Man franchise films.
A ctor Prabhas is truly overwhelmed
and wants to give a big hug to Baa-
hubali fans for showering him with love.
long one but among the few things that I
will take away from this, is all of you. Lots
of love back to you all.
Prabhas, who dedicated five years to the He even thanked the films director S.S.
film franchise, posted a thank you note to his Rajamouli for believing in me to carry
admirers on his Facebook page. his huge vision to the masses, giving me
He wrote: To all my fans, a big hug to a once-in-a-lifetime character of Baahubali
each one of you for all the love you all have and making the entire journey so special.
showered on me. I have tried my best to Meanwhile, filmmaker Karan Johar, the
go through a lot of the efforts you all have distributor of Rajamoulis Baahubali 2:
put to express your affection for me from
different parts of India and even overseas.
The Conclusion in Hindi, tweeted: The
biggest milestone has been reached by the
I am truly overwhelmed. biggest blockbuster of Indian cinema! Rs
The journey of Baahubali has been a 1,000 crore Baahubali.
Mukti Bhawan wins
Best Film at NYIFF
Rishi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan Mukti Bhawan, a movie about a man
who accompanies his father on a jour-
ney to Varanasi, has won the Best Film at
made us happy and now NYIFF has multi-
plied that, making us ecstatic.
NYIFF been known to support films
will be reuniting for a project.
the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF). about India and Indian diaspora since
The makers say this appreciation has mul- 2001, has been actively trying to educate
tiplied the joy of winning a Special Mention America and Americans about India and
at the National Film Awards. NYIFF was its people. To think our film represented
held in New York April 30-May 7. our country internationally over again and
Talking about the win, producer Sanjay
Bhutiani said in a statement: Every appre-
won, makes us feel very proud, he added.
The film, directed by Shubhashish Bhutiani
ciation coming our way matters. The fact and featuring Adil Husain and Lalit Behl, re-
Kapoor has urged fans and social media
users not to get personal and troll celebrities.
that this is our first venture, being awarded
the best film across the globe and national-
volves around an interesting relationship
between a father and son after the former
ly, means a lot to us. Having won a Special decides to die in the Hindu holy city of Vara-
Sonam was trolled on social media for
Mention at the National Awards, obviously nasi and his son is forced to join his journey.
misquoting the national anthem in her col-
umn that she writes for a publishing house.
I request my followers and fans not to
hate someone and get personal towards The film
other celebrities. Be better than that.
Please remember imitation is the best form revolves
of flattery. And it just showcases admira- around a
tion. Please dont get personal and troll,
father & son
Sonam posted.
On April 21, a part of the actress column
went viral on the internet highlighting her
misquoted lines from the anthem.
It read: I love my country but for some
of you - and youre the bigots, not me - I be-
come anti-national only because I ask ques-
tions or choose to be critical. Listen to the
national anthem recall the line you heard
as kids, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Issai.
 18 May 13-19, 2017 lifestyle

Trump to sell $28 mn

St Martin mansion
Washington, DC: US President Donald
Trump is looking to unload his luxurious
$28 million French St Martin beachfront
estate, a media reported on Sunday.
Trump bought Le Chateau des Palmiers
for a reported $19.3 million in 2013 and
has rented it out for up to $28,000 a night,
MansionGlobal.com reported.
(Image courtesy: trendzhub.org) Greetings from Donald J. Trump. Escape
to a place no other, reads a brochure for
the property. The 4.8-acre estate on St
including a jungle room. Fittingly for
Trump, the property is enclosed by an
8-foot boundary wall.
Rental packages for the Presidents tropi-
cal refuge start at $6,000 per night in the
low season for the smaller of two villas and
top off at $28,000 during the winter holi-
days, according to Sothebys St Martin office.
Disclosures sent to the federal Office of
Government Ethics indicate that Trump
owns the St Martin property under two

More than half of Martins Plum Bay includes two villas with
a total of 11 bedrooms and 12 baths.
The smaller villa has themed bedrooms,
limited liability companies, Excel Venture
I LLC and Excel Venture Corp II, for which

US homes no longer
he owns a 100 per cent share.

have landline
New York: For the first time, more than
half of the homes in the US no longer have
landline phones, but a wireless phone or a
smartphone.
The second half of 2016 was the first time
that a majority of the US homes had only
wireless telephones, a US-based news web-
site 247wallst.com reported on Thursday.
According to a study from the National
Center for Health Statistics division of the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), preliminary results from the July-De-
cember 2016 survey indicate that 50.8 per
cent of US homes did not have a landline
telephone but did have at least one wire-
less telephone -- an increase of 2.5 per cent
since the second six months of 2015.
The number rises sharply among house-
holds that have children. In these cases, wire-
less-only homes make up 60.7 per cent of
households. At the other end of the spectrum,
only 23.5 per cent of households with people
over 65 are wireless only, the report noted.
It was observed that the younger the
people in the household, the more likely it
is to be wireless only.
Around 73 per cent adults aged 25-29
and 71 per cent aged 30-34 lived in house-
holds with only wireless telephones. These
rates are greater than the rate for those
18-24, the report stated.
There has been a rise in the subscribers of
wireless in the US, with 378 million wireless
(Image courtesy: mediaphore.com)
subscribers registered at the end of 2015.

(Image courtesy:
thehandsindia.com) Facebook involved in 32% of
cyber-bullying cases in UK
Noisy knees
London: Facebook was used in 32.5 per they could be in genuine harm we would
cent of cyber-bullying cases, including re- urge them to contact the police as well, a
venge porn and harassment, in Britain last Facebook spokesman was quoted as saying.

may predict
year, prompting fears that the social media
platform may be providing a safe haven for
those who harass others, the media reported.
There was also evidence of sexual abuse,
Sadly there will always be malicious peo-
ple who harass people both online and offline
We provide reporting links on every
page of our site so that people can report

osteoarthritis
New York: Do you hear grating, cracking,
or popping sounds when your bend your
knees? Beware, it may be an early sign of de-
veloping knee osteoarthritis, researchers say.
In osteoarthritis -- a type of arthritis that
occurs when flexible tissue at the ends of
bones wears down, the cartilage in the
knee joint gradually wears away.
As the damaged knee joint moves, it may
crackle and crunch -- known as knee crepi-
tus. These noises in the knee are common
and usually painless. Many people who
have signs of osteoarthritis on X-rays do
not necessarily complain of pain, and there
are no known strategies for preventing the
development of pain in this group of peo-
ple, said Grace Lo, assistant professor at
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, US.
According to Lo, if people have noisy
knees, they are at higher risk for developing
pain within the next year compared with
the people who do not have noisy knees.
Pain that accompanies the crackling and
popping sounds could indicate a problem.
Knee crepitus also can be one of the
symptoms of rheumatoid or infectious ar-
thritis, and may accompany several differ-
ent types of knee injuries.
For the study, detailed in the journal Ar-
thritis Care and Research, the team looked
at nearly 3,500 participants, at high risk
for developing knee osteoarthritis.
Among those who developed the disease
within a year, more than 75 per cent had signs
of osteoarthritis on radiographic images but
no frequent knee pain at the start of the study.
The findings may be helpful for identify-
ing individuals at risk for knee osteoarthri-
tis, potentially assisting with earlier diagno-
sis and intervention, the researchers added.
disclosure of revenge porn aimed at black- content to us enabling our teams to review
mailing or defrauding and vicious online and take quick action, the spokesman said.
bullying campaigns.
Facebook is still not doing enough to pro-
tect its users from cyber-bullying and needs
to step up its game, The Sun quoted Clare
Ambrosino from Parliament Street, a Britain-
based innovative young think-tank, as say-
ing on Sunday. Facebook is the favored me-
dia for the very young and it is fundamental
that they are kept safe, Ambrosino added.
According to a research by Parliament
Street, 19,320 incidents of cyber-bullying, in-
cluding revenge porn and harassment, were
reported to the police in Britain last year.
Out of these, the police stepped into
nearly 6,300 cyber-bullying incidents.
While Facebook was involved in 32.5
per cent of these cases in 2016, Twitter
accounted for just 0.9 per cent of cases --
despite having a market share of five per
cent of social media use in Britain.
We take peoples safety very seriously
on Facebook. However, if people feel that
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Vikram Seth's 'A Suitable Boy' is BBC's
first drama with a nonwhite cast
ven as the publication dates of noted
E Indian writer Vikram Seths "A
Suitable Girl," a sequel to his much
acclaimed 1993 novel "A Suitable Boy"
continues to hang in oblivion, there may be
some relief for the fans of this much
acclaimed family saga as the BBC is all set
to adapt the big, fat novel into an eightpart
television series. In what is going to be the
BBC's first period drama featuring an
entirely nonwhite cast, the series based on
one of the longest novels ever published
will be filmed in India.
Piers Wenger, the BBC's head of drama,
told The Telegraph (UK) that it was "a delib
erate gamble" to adapt a drama with no
white characters.
"Historically, the story of British colonial
rule has been the approach that British writ
ers and producers have taken to telling a
story set outside the UK. We are here to
take creative risks and to do the sort of
work that commercial broadcasters might
be more reluctant to do. But we also have a
real responsibility and a requirement to
Alma mater of 2 PMs, Panjab University
grapples with financial crisis
By Jaideep Sareen
I
t was ranked at the top spot among
India's institutions of higher learning
just four years ago. Its alumni include a
former President and two former Prime
Ministers, among them Manmohan Singh.
But to day, the 135yearold Panjab
University (PU) is staring down the barrel
of a staggering deficit upwards of Rs 345
crore ($53 million) with no immediate
solution in sight.
Salaries to faculty and staff are delayed,
new projects are on hold, there is tension
among students on the campus over a mas
sive fee hike, and funding from the central
and state governments is not coming.
The deficit as of April 1, the beginning of
fiscal 201718, has climbed to Rs 346.19
crore in what is owed by the Union
Ministry of Human Resource Development
(MHRD), the University Grants Commission
(UGC) and the Punjab government.
The deficit has been increasing steadily.
It was Rs 212.26 crore in 201415, Rs
221.84 crore in 201516 and Rs 217.73
crore in 201617. The Centre later released
grants of Rs 176 crore, Rs 176 crore and
Rs 197.73 crore in these years but PU con
tinued to face a cumulative deficit of Rs
102.07 crore. Over and above this, the uni
versity anticipates expenditure of Rs
515.45 crore against likely income of Rs
271.33 crore, leaving a gap of Rs 244.12
which it has sought from MHRD and the
UGC.
There has been no assuring response so
far, resulting in salaries and other pay
FEATURES
Vikram Seth and his magnum opus, A Suitable Boy
reflect a range of British communities,"
Wenger said. Back home, the publisher
Aleph said that it was delighted to
announce the adaptation.
"The series will be filmed on location in
India and will be the BBC's first period
drama with a nonwhite cast," Aleph said in
a statement in London last Friday.
ments being delayed. The matter is even
under the consideration of the Supreme
Court and the Punjab and Haryana High
Court. The apex court had recently directed
the UGC and the MHRD to release an inter
im grant to PU, its Registrar, G.S. Sandhu,
said.
The UGC told the high court last week
that it is releasing a grant of Rs 20 crore.
PU Vice Chancellor Arun Kumar Grover
has, in recent months, met senior officers
of the UGC and representatives of the
MHRD.
Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Badal
has also assured help, through a Rs 20
crore grant, to the beleaguered university.
PU, which was ranked No.1 among all
The television series will be broadcast in
2019 or early 2020, after the author has
delivered "A Suitable Girl" to Aleph and his
other publishers worldwide, the statement
added.
Aleph further informed that multi award
winning screenwriter Andrew Davies
(whose credits include the acclaimed "War
academic institutions of higher learning in
the country by the Times Higher Education
World Rankings 201314, is also listed in
the UGC's Centre of Excellence category.
Established in 1882 in Lahore, now in
Pakistan, PU was relocated to its present
sprawling campus in Chandigarh's Sector
14 and 25 in 1956 after the country's par
tition in August 1947. It is one of the coun
try's oldest universities.
Its noted alumni include former
President Shankar Dayal Sharma, former
Prime Minister I.K. Gujral, Nobel laureate
Hargobind Khorana, astronaut Kalpana
Chawla, the country's first woman IPS offi
cer, Kiran Bedi, Jammu and Kashmir
Governor N.N. Vohra, actor Anupam Kher,
May 13-19, 2017 19
and Peace" (2016) and the 1995 adaptation
of "Pride and Prejudice") will adapt the
acclaimed novel for BBC One. "It is a great
pleasure to collaborate with the BBC and
Andrew Davies on an adaptation of 'A
Suitable Boy'. I have carried with me for
many years, the stories of Lata, her family
and the many people they encounter. I look
forward to seeing them brought to life for
television, and I am particularly happy that
the series is to be filmed in India with a
completely Indian cast," Seth said in a state
ment. Set in the early 1950s, in an India
newlyindependent and struggling through
a time of crisis, "A Suitable Boy" takes us
into the richly imagined world of four large
extended families and spins a compulsively
readable tale of their lives and loves.
A sweeping panoramic portrait of a com
plex, multiethnic society in flux, "A Suitable
Boy" remains the story of ordinary people
caught up in a web of love and ambition,
humor and sadness, prejudice and reconcili
ation, the most delicate social etiquette and
the most appalling violence.
late singer Jagjit Singh, late comedianactor
Jaspal Bhatti, Jnanpith award winner and
Sanskrit scholar Satya Vrat Shastri, Union
ministers Sushma Swaraj and Rajiv Pratap
Rudy, and former Union ministers, Kapil
Sibal, Selja and Pawan Kumar Bansal.
There are 169 colleges across Punjab
and 24 in the Union Territory of
Chandigarh af filiated to PU, whose total
student strength is around 200,000.
PU is facing the present situation due to
its unique legal status as an "Interstate
Bo dy Corporate" under the Punjab
Reorganisation Act. As such, it is neither a
central university nor a state university.
It was funded by the Ministry of Home
Af fairs (MHA), through the Chandigarh
Administration and the Punjab government
in the rat io 60:40. T he arrangement
worked fine till 20002001.
Thereafter, the Punjab government start
ed reneging on its commitment, citing lack
of funds.
In 2009, the UPA moved a proposal to
convert PU into a central university. After
init ially ag reeing, then Punjab Chie f
Minister Parkash Singh Badal backed out
leaving the varsity in its position of being
neither a central nor a state institution.
In 2013, the UPA government at the
Centre changed the funding pattern from
the MHA to the MHRD and UGC.
Recently, the Vice Chancellor informed
the Punjab and Haryana High Court that
"unless adequate funds were received, the
university would face a serious problem of
sustaining itself".
Source: IANS
 20 May 13-19, 2017
Over 40 Indianorigin people among UK's
wealthiest, Hinduja brothers top the list
London: Over 40 Indianorigin
people have been included in the
'2017 Sunday Times Rich List' of
the top 1,000 wealthiest in UK,
topped by the Hinduja brothers
with an estimated fortune of 16.2
billion pounds. The Hindujas have
seen a hike of 3.2 billion pounds
in their fortunes over the last
year.
Srichand and Gopichand
Hinduja, aged 81 and 77 respec
tively, lead an elite group of 134
UKbased billionaires in the list
and have made their fortune from
investments in industries such as
oil and gas, automotive, IT, ener
gy, media, banking, property and
healthcare sectors.
The second spot, occupied by
the Hinduja brothers until 2016,
has been taken over by Ukrainian
businessman Len Blavatnik with
15.9 billion pounds.
Another set of Indiaborn entre
preneurial brothers, David and
Simon Reuben, who had topped
the list last year, have moved
Telangana moots data
bank on Gulf migrants
Hyderabad: Telangana's Minister
for NRI Af fairs K.T. Rao on
Monday suggested the Centre
establish a centralized data bank
on migrants in the Gulf region.
Rao made the suggestion at a
meeting called by External Affairs
Minister Sushma Swaraj on issues
related to Gulf migrants in New
Delhi.
He said all states should have
access to the centralized data to
identify who all were moving to
the countries in the Gulf.
An of ficial statement said the
Minister also sought appointment
of translators of Telugu language
at all embassy offices in the Gulf
countries.
Rao also urged the central gov
ernment to come up with a specif
ic policy for legal assistance to
migrants by recruiting Indianori
gin lawyers abroad. He also sug
gested an agreement with all Gulf
nations to allow Indian migrant
The Hindujas have seen a hike of 3.2 billion pounds
in their fortunes over last year. (Image : hindujagroup.com)
down to third place with a fortune
of 14 billion pounds, whereas
steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal is at
the fourth position with 13.2 bil
lion pounds.
"The furnaces are roaring again
in the steel industry. Mittal, 66,
the largest stee lmaker in the
world, is feeling the effect in his
prisoners to complete their
respective sentences in Indian
jails.
As a few companies are unlaw
fully taking away passport of
Indian migrants, Rao urged
Sushma Swaraj to raise this
human rights violation issue with
authorities concerned.
He also urged the MEA to form a
Group of Ministers (GoM) to dis
cuss and emulate the best prac
tices among states regarding
issuance of passports, as well as
welfare activities for the Gulf
migrants.
Sushma Swaraj assured him on
the GoM, which will meet once in
three months to discuss the
migrants' issues.
The meeting was attended by
two central ministers and ambas
sadors from Kuwait, Malaysia,
Saudi Arabia, United Arab
Emirates, Oman, Qatar and
Bahrain. (IANS)
DIASPORA
bank balance and on the 'Rich
List', where his 6.1 billion
increase from last year is one of
the highest annual rises to date,"
the list reads.
Among the other 40 Indianori
gin superrich include new billion
aires Gujarati brothers Mohsin
and Zuber Issa, whose Euro
UK girl gets 162 IQ points, more
than Einstein & Stephen Hawking
London: A 12yearold Indianorigin
girl in England, who secured two
points higher than geniuses Albert
Einstein and Stephen Hawking in
the British Mensa IQ test, has been
invited to join the coveted society as
a member.
Rajgauri Pawar appeared in the
British Mensa IQ Test in
Manchester last month, and scored
162 the highest possible IQ for
someone under the age of 18.
She has been invited to join the
coveted Mensa IQ test with the
highest possible score.
Pawar of Cheshire county is
among the one per cent of those
who sit in the Mensa test and
achieve the maximum mark, with
the 'genius' benchmark set at 140.
She secured 162, two points higher
than Einstein and Hawking.
She is one of only 20,000 people
to achieve the score worldwide,
Mensa said.
"I was a little nervous before the
test but it was fine and I'm really
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Garages business is Europe's
largest independent fuel retailer.
They are ranked 133rd on the list
w ith a fortune of one billion
pounds.
Joining them among the new
billionaires are another set of
brothers Raj, Tony and Harpal
Matharu who made one billion
pounds last year w ith their
Grange hotel chain in the UK.
The other Indianorigin billion
aires on the list include Sri
Prakash Lohia at 27 with 3.97 bil
lion pounds; Anil Agarwal at 60
with two billion pounds; Sunil
Vaswani and family's car dealer
ships business at 63 worth around
1.97 billion pounds; Manchester
based Simon, Bobby and Robin
Arora at 65 with 1.92 billion
pounds; Navin and Varsha
Engineer's pharmaceuticals busi
ness at 107 and valued at 1.2 bil
lion pounds; and hote lier ment statistics, 95,758 people were
Jasminder Singh and family is
ranked 128 with 1.03 billion
pounds. (IANS)
Rajgauri Pawar (image courtesy: ndtv.com)
pleased to have done so we ll,"
Pawar said.
Pawar joins the e lite British
Mensa IQ Society as a member after
her great performance.
Her father Dr Surajkumar Pawar
said, "This wouldn't have been pos
sible without the ef forts of her
teachers and the support which my
daughter enjoys every day at
Australian visa
policy changes
won't affect Indians
much: Envoy
New Delhi: After Australian Prime
Minister Malcolm Turnbull
announced last month that he will be
abolishing the existing 457 Visa pro
gram, currently used by temporary
foreign workers to gain employment,
the country's High Commissioner to
India Harinder Sidhu said on
Tuesday that she did not expect the
move to af fect Indians much.
Speaking at a media interaction
organized by the Indian Women's
Press Corps here, Sidhu said the
move to abolish the 457 Visa pro
gram was aimed to ensure that peo
ple who come to Australia should be
properly qualified. The 457 Visa pro
gram is used mainly to hire foreign
workers in the restaurant, IT and
medical industries and the majority
of such visa holders came from India,
Britain and China. Turnbull's state
ment, coming days after he visited
New Delhi, caused a lot of consterna
tion in India. According to govern
living in Australia under 457 Visa
program last year, with the highest
proportion coming from India.
school".
She studies at Altrincham
Grammar School for Girls, which
also expressed pride at her achieve
ment.
"Everybody is delighted. She is a
very wellliked student and we all
expect great things from her," said
Andrew Barry, her maths teacher.
(PTI)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
India moves ICJ on Jadhav,
gets stay on death sentence
New Delhi: In a reprieve for
alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan
Jadhav, the International Court of
Just ice at the Hague in the
Netherlands has suspended the
death sentence on him by a
Pakistani military court, External
Af fairs Minister Sushma Swaraj
said.
"I have spoken to the mother of
#KulbhushanJadhav and told her
about the order of President, ICJ
under Art 74 Paragraph 4 of
Rules of Court," she said in a
tweet.
She also said that legal lumi
nary Harish Salve was represent
ing the country on the matter.
In a statement, the ICJ said: "On
8 May 2017, the Republic of
India inst ituted pro ceedings
against the Islamic Republic of
Pakistan, accusing the latter of
aeg reg ious violat ions of the
Vienna Convention on Consular
Re lat ions' (hereinafter the
aVienna Convention') in the mat
ter of the detention and trial of
an Indian nat ional, Mr.
Kulbhushan Sudhir Jadhav, sen
tenced to death by a military
court in Pakistan. "The Applicant
contends that it was not informed
of Mr. Jadhav's detention until
long after his arrest and that
Pakistan failed to inform the
accused of his rights," the state
ment said.
Under Article 74, paragraph 4
of the ICJ rules, which says
Modi to visit Sri Lanka,
pray at temples
New Delhi: Prime Minister
Narendra Mo di w ill be in Sri
Lanka on a visit which of ficials
said will further boost bilateral
relations.
Modi will be the Chief Guest at
the UNrecognized 14th
International Vesak Day meant to
mark the enlightenment and pass
ing away of Lord Buddha.
The visit follows the invitation
of Sri Lankan President
Maithripala Sirisena. It will be
Modi's second trip to Sri Lanka as
Prime Minister after March 2015.
Mo di w ill also pray at the
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
at Kandy in central Sri Lanka as
well as at a temple in Colombo.
The goldenroofed Kandy tem
ple houses Sri Lanka's most
important Buddhist relic a tooth
of Lord Buddha.
Modi will also open an India
funded 150bed multispeciality
SUBCONTINENT
A military court sentenced Kulbhushan Jadhav to death on charges of
espionage and waging war against Islamabad.
"pending the meet ing of the
Court, the President may call
upon the parties to act in such a
way as will enable any order the
Court may make on the request
for provisional measures to have
its appropriate e f fects", ICJ
President Justice Ronny Abraham
has written to Pakistan seeking
the suspension of the sentence.
India had moved the court
seeking a set of reliefs including
"by way of suspension of the sen
tence of death awarded to the
accused", and "restraining
Pakistan from giving effect to the
sentence awarded by the military
court".
It had also sought the sentence
of the military court "arrived in
brazen de fiance of Vienna
Convention rights" as well as the
rights of the accused be declared
Modi will be the Chief Guest at the UNrecognized
14th International Vesak Day.
hospital in the central hill district
which is home to Tamil tea planta
tion workers of Indian origin.
Although no bilateral talks are
scheduled, Indian officials said the
violative of international law.
Citing "the extreme gravity and
immediacy of the threat that
authorities in Pakistan will exe
cute an Indian citizen in violation
of obligations Pakistan owes
India", it urged the court to deliv
er an order indicating provisional
measures immediately "without
waiting for an oral hearing".
Jadhav, a former Indian naval
officer, was allegedly arrested in
Balochistan in March 2016 and
Pakistan said Jadhav worked for
the Research and Analysis Wing
(RAW) fuelling the Baloch sepa
ratist movement and attempting
to sabotage the CPEC project.
A military court sentenced him
to death on April 10 on charges
of espionage and waging war
against Islamabad. New Delhi had
warned that if Jad hav was
visit was expected to expand the
momentum in IndiaSri Lanka ties.
Last month, Sri Lankan Prime
Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe
visited India.
May 13-19, 2017 21
Approached ICJ to ensure
justice: India
New Delhi: India said its move to approach the International Court of
Justice on alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav was a "carefully con
sidered decision" to save the life of an Indian and ensure justice after
Pakistan denied its 16 requests for consular access. "It is a carefully
considered decision in the interests of a citizen facing threat to his life
and for ensuring justice," Ministry of External Af fairs spokesperson
Gopal Baglay said here on Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death by
a Pakistani military court for spying.
Terming the death sentence and the process adopted by Pakistan as a
"contravention of international law", Baglay said that India got "no
response" from Pakistan on getting the documents of the case and the
charge sheet. He also said there is no word on the visa application by
Jadhav's parents to visit their son.
Sharif meets Army chief
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army chief
General Qamar Javed Bajwa held a meeting amid the stay order from
the International Court of Justice against the hanging of Indian "spy"
Kulbushan Jadhav.
The meeting between Bajwa and Sharif was the second within a week
and is significant in the light of the prevailing civilmilitary relations in
the country. Sources, quoted by Geo News, said that the Prime Minister
was briefed on the ICJ order.
Gen Bajwa was accompanied by Director General InterServices
Intelligence Lt. Gen Naveed Mukhtar while Finance Minister Ishaq Dar
was also present at the meeting.
Reacting to the stay order, Foreign Af fairs Advisor to the Prime
Minister Sartaj Aziz here said: "We are analysing the Indian petition
and the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) authority (on the case)."
hanged, it would be considered year, India soug ht consular
"premeditated murder" by access to him 16 times till this
Islamabad. Since Jadhav's alleged month but Islamabad refused to
arrest in Pakistan in March last respond.
Need Pakistan government
to vet medical visas: India
New Delhi: Days after Pakistan
raised the issue, India clarified
ascertain that these are genuine
requests we have suggested that
that it has not stopped giving their Foreign Minister or Foreign
medical visas to Pakistani nation Affairs Advisor gives a recommen
als, but has asked that such dation letter," he said.
requests be vetted at the top level. "On social media it is difficult to
In reply to a question on the ascertain if the request is genuine.
issue, External Af fairs Ministry If the letter comes, we will imme
spokesperson Gopal Baglay said diately issue a visa, but we need
that External Af fairs Minister recommendation from the
Sushma Swaraj was getting a lot Pakistan government," the
of mails and requests on social spokesperson said.
media from patients in Pakistan Pakistani media reported that
for medical visas. "We have not thousands of Pakistanis seeking
stopped medical visas..." Baglay treatment for liver and heart
said. related ailments at major hospi
"In previous years, thousands of tals in New Delhi, Chennai and
medical visas have been issued to other Indian cities have been
Pakistani citizens. What has hap af fected due to nonissuance of
pened is the External Af fairs medical visas. "India has made it
Minister herself was receiving impossible for Pakistanis to get
these requests addressed to her," medical visas," an of ficial was
Baglay said. Sushma is active on quoted as saying by Geo News.
social media in addressing prob It said that Pakistan summoned
lems faces by Indians abroad. Indian High Commissioner
"She was receiving requests on Gautam Bambawale and
email and social media. In order to expressed concern over the issue.
 22 May 13-19, 2017
France gets youngest President in Macron, EU elated
Paris: ProEU Emmanuel Macron
became France's youngest
President with a landslide victory
over far
right
rival
Macron is France's youngest leader after Napolean.
Putin backs Chechnya
hate crimes inquiry
The hate crimes have been
against gays in Russia.
Venezuela opposition refuses
to help draft new constitution
Caracas: Venezuela's opposition
alliance, the Democratic Unity
Roundtable (MUD), has refused to
participate in the drafting of a
new constitution, MUD leader
Henrique Capriles announced.
"The Democratic Unity ... will
not go to Miraflores (presidential
palace)," said Capriles on Sunday
in a video address, in response to
President Nicolas Maduro's invita
tion for the opposition to join in a
National Constituent Assembly
(ANC).
He blasted Maduro's govern
ment for seeking to "change the
internal judicial order", and called
the proposal for a new constitu
Marine Le Pen, a result hailed by
European Union leaders.
Wild celebrations broke out in
Paris and across France as
Macron, 39, bagged an over
whelming 66.06 per cent or 20.7
per cent of all votes in a closely
and bitterly fought battle.
In no time, the euro hit a six
month high against the dollar
while Asian shares gained and US
stocks briefly reached record lev
els.
Thousands of jubilant Macron
supporters waving blue,
white and red tri
color flags
danced and
cheered
outside the
iconic
P a r i s
Louvre
Moscow: Russian President
Vladimir Putin has backed an
inquiry into reported hate crimes
and a crackdown on gay people
in Chechnya, the media reported.
Putin said he would personally
ask the prosecutor general and
interior minister to help Kremlin
rights ombudswoman Tatyana
Moskalkova check the reported
abuse, the BBC reported.
During a meet ing w ith
Moskalkova, the president
re ferred to the reports as
"rumors, you could say, about
what is happening in our North
Caucasus with people of nontra
ditional orientation", a euphe
MUD leader Henrique Capriles.
tion a "fraud".
"There is a Constitution here. If
the government wants to overrule
it through force, it is wrong," he
added, slamming the government
"for not submitting to an electoral
process". Capriles also said the
INTERNATIONAL
museum.
A civil servant who became a
millionaire investment banker
and then a government minister,
Macron founded the 'En Marche!'
movement and went on to
become the President despite not
having a constituency of his own
and without the backing of any
major party. He is France's
youngest leader after Napolean
(17691821).
AntiEU Le Pen, 48, got about
10.6 million votes in the
Presidential election's crucial
runoff (33.94 per cent). This was
almost double of what her more
rabid father JeanMarie won in
2002, the last time a farright
candidate made it to the runoff.
She told her National Front
supporters that the new divide in
France was between "globalists
and patriots". She continued to
criticize Macron as an establish
ment candidate. In a speech to
mism for gay people.
He was responding to the
ombudswoman's request to set
up a "working group" somewhere
in Russia, but not in Chechnya, to
"take complaints from citizens"
on the reported abuse.
In response, Chechnya's leader
Ramzan Kadyrov said he was
ready to cooperate with the fed
eral authorities on the issue.
But Kadyrov again insisted
there were no "people of nontra
ditional orientation" in the pre
dominantly Muslim republic,
part of the Russian Federation.
Homophobia is widespread in
Chechnya.
opposition would march, bringing
"together thousands of
Venezuelans" to deliver a docu
ment of rejection.
"If Maduro insists on calling for
a const itut ional pro cess, the
Venezuelan people must decide in
a referendum," he added.
The ruling socialist party and
the rightwing opposition have
been locked in a bitter power
struggle, causing violent antigov
ernment protests that have killed
37 people since April 1.
On May 1, Maduro called for the
creation of a constituent assembly
to draft a new constitution as a
way out of the political impasse.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
jubilant supporters, Macron said:
"Tonight you won, France won.
Everyone told us it was impossi
ble. But they don't know France."
The new President vowed to
fight "the forces of division that
undermine France", media
reports said.
He tweeted earlier: "As of this
evening and for the coming five
years, I am going to serve with
humility, with dedication, with
determination, in your name."
Macron acknow ledged the
anger of many voters and
pledged to protect the weakest
members of the society.
"I will work to renew the links
between Europe and its citizens...
I will fight with all my strength
against the divisions that sepa
rate us."
Macron, who will take office on
May 14, is now looking to use his
popularity to lead his fledgling
party in legislative elections in
Under right conditions
will visit Pyongyang:
S Korea's Moon
Moon vowed to give priority to tackling
North Korea's nuclear programs.
Seoul: South Korea's newly
elected President Moon Jaein
said he will visit North Korea
under the right conditions, a
media report said.
Moon was sworn in as the
President inside the main hall
of the National Assembly, just
hours after winning a landslide
victory in a fiveway presiden
tial race, Xinhua news agency
said.
The liberal candidate from
the Democratic Party secured
13,423,800 votes, or 41.08 per
cent of the total 32,807,908
votes cast, according to the
National Election Commission.
Moon's term as the country's
new head of state began only
one day after the nation held
over a month from now.
He is expected to meet stif f
resistance from Le Pen's National
Front and others.
European Union leaders
heaved a sigh of relief over Le
Pen's defeat. She had threatened
a "Brexit" if she won.
Macron's triumph casts a shad
ow over British Prime Minister
Theresa May's Brexit ambitions
as the newlyelected President
vowed to be "tough" on the UK
earlier if it left the bloc.
Macron's supporters admitted
that he would face huge chal
lenges, with a third of the elec
torate choosing Le Pen or
abstaining or casting a blank bal
lot, the French and European
media said.
It was clear the traditional Left
had voted for Macron not
because they loved him but
because they feared chaos if Le
Pen took charge.
an unprecedented poll.
The new presidency began
even before an inauguration
ceremony as the rare poll
sought to fill the top elected
of fice vacated by former
President Park Geunhye,
Yonhap news agency said.
In a te levised inaugural
speech, Moon said: "My head is
full of a blueprint to open a
new world of unity and coexis
tence." He vowed to give priori
ty to tackling North Korea's
nuclear programs.
Moon's fiveyear term began
earlier in the day after his elec
tion was confirmed by the NEC.
The election was triggered by
the impeachment of Park Geun
hye on corruption charges.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info BUSINESS May 13-19, 2017 23

Modi calls for setting up model solar cities

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
has called for setting up some model solar
cities where power requirement is fulfilled
solely by solar energy, an official statement
said.
Modi, who reviewed progress of key infra
structure sectors including petroleum and
natural gas, power, renewable energy and
housing, also called for greater emphasis on
ethanol blending, said a PMO re lease,
adding that the review meeting came soon
after the review of connectivityrelated
infrastructure sectors in the last week of
April. "The Prime Minister called for estab
lishment of some model solar cities, where
the power requirement is fulfilled solely by
solar energy," it said. Modi said a similar
effort can be made to make certain localities
kerosenefree.
He said manufacturing of solar equipment
should be given priority to boost employ
ment generation and derive maximum bene
fit from the renewable energy drive.
Seeking a consolidated approach to vari
ous schemes, such as electrification, IT net
Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
works and housing, he called for a focused The release said that Pradhan Mantri
approach on the 100 worst performing dis Ujjwala Yojana has benefited 1.98 crore
tricts in each case. below poverty line households so far, while
He directed that future reviews should contribution of gas to the primary energy
focus on problems at the districtlevel, so mix has risen to eight percent with 81 cities
that the progress of poorly performing dis being covered under City Gas Distribution
tricts can be better monitored. networks. Laying greater emphasis on
ethanol blending, Modi said that setting up
of second generation bioethanol refineries
should be expedited to utilise agricultural
residues.
The release said that rural electrification
program was on the track for targeted com
pletion and over 13,000 of the 18,452 iden
tified villages had been electrified.
It said over 22 lakh rural BPL households
were electrified in 201617 and over 40
crore LED bulbs were distributed in the
same period. The total interregional trans
mission capacity has been significantly
enhanced, with 41 GW transmission capaci
ty being added from May 2014 to April
2017.
The release said that total renewable gen
eration capacity has crossed 57 GW, with an
increase of 24.5 percent being registered in
the last fiscal year. The capacity addition in
solar energy in the last fiscal was the high
estever, at 81 percent. Solar and wind tar
iffs have now achieved grid parity with rates
well below Rs 4 per KilowattHour, the
release said.

India's growth to rebound Sensex, Nifty touch

to 7.2% in 201718: IMF
New Delhi: India's growth is expect
ed to rebound to 7.2 per cent in
201718 and further to 7.7 per cent
in 201819 after the "temporary
disruptions" caused as a result of
demonetization, the ef fects of
which are likely to dissipate in the
current year, the International
Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its lat
est report.
"In India, growth is projected to
rebound to 7.2 per cent in 201718
and further to 7.7 per cent in 2018
19. The temporary disruptions (pri
marily to private consumption)
caused by cash shortages accompa
nying the currency exchange initia
tive are expected to gradually dissi
pate in 2017 as cash shortages
ease," IMF's Asia Pacific Economic
Outlook report said.
"Such disruptions would also be
offset by tailwinds from a favorable
monsoon season and continued
progress in resolving supplyside
bottlenecks," it added.
IMF, however, said that the invest
ment recovery is expected to
remain modest and uneven across
sectors as deleveraging takes place
and industrial capacity utilization
picks up. "Headwinds from weak
nesses in India's bank and corpo
rate balance sheets will also weigh
on nearterm credit growth.
Confidence and policy credibility
gains, including from continued fis
cal consolidation and antiinflation
ary monetary policy, continue to
underpin macroeconomic stability,"
the report noted.
While the Central Statistics Office
(CSO) has estimated India's growth
at 7.1 per cent this fiscal, IMF has
predicted it to decelerate to 6.8 per
cent due to demonetization.
"India's currency exchange initia
tive and its associated cash short
ages weighed on activity in 2016.
Growth for 201617 is expected to
record intraday highs
Mumbai: With the IMD's predic
tion of 100 per cent rainfall giv
ing a boost to investors' senti
ments, the Indian equity markets
zoomed higher during the mid
afternoon trade session.
The benchmark indices touched
record intraday high levels, as
positive global cues and healthy
buying in automobile, capital bullish, with 1,560 advances and
goods and FMCG stocks, too, sup 1,054 declines.
ported the upward trajectory. According to Dhruv Desai,
The wider 51scrip Nifty of the Director and Chief Operating
National Stock Exchange (NSE) Of ficer of Tradebulls, the equity
decelerate to 6.8 per cent," IMF
touched a new intraday high of benchmark indices started off the
said.
9,392.50 points. Similarly, the day on a firm note tracking posi
"T he postNovember 8, 2016,
barometer 30scrip Sensitive tive Asian cues, with the CNX
cash shortages and payment disrup
Index (Sensex) of the BSE touched Nifty hitting fresh all time high
tions caused by the currency
a record high of 30,207.13 points levels during the morning session.
exchange initiative have strained
intraday. "Sentiments got a boost after
consumption and business activity,
At around 12.50 p.m., the NSE the IMD yesterday said the mon
especially in the informal sector.
Nifty surged by 66.50 points or soon this year could be 'normal'
The key factor behind the short
0.71 per cent to 9,383.35 points. and bring 100 per cent rainfall
term economic disruptions was the
The Sensex of the BSE traded instead of 96 per cent it had pre
primarily cashbased nature of the
above the important 30,000 dicted earlier," Desai told IANS.
Indian economy and its limited elec
mark. It opened at 29,988.78 "IT and banking sector stocks
tronic payments infrastructure," it
points to trade at 30,172.96 currently traded with mixed senti
said.
points (at 12.50 p.m.) up ments due to profit booking at
IMF also expected India's current
239.71 points or 0.80 per cent higher levels, while mediaenter
account deficit to widen as domes
from the previous day's close at tainment and power sector stocks
tic demand strengthens further and
29,933.25 points. complimented the firmness of the
commodity prices gradually
The BSE market breadth was markets."
rebound.
 24 May 13-19, 2017
Manohar to continue as ASIAN C'SHIPS:
ICC Chairman till June 2018 Grappler Harpreet
Dubai: Internat ional Cricket
Council (ICC) Chairman Shashank
Manohar agreed to continue till
his tenure ends in June next year,
the game's global governing body
confirmed here.
Manohar, who had resigned in
March citing personal reasons,
initially agreed to defer his resig
nation till the annual conference
this June this year when the new
ICC constitution consisting of the
governance structure and the re
worked finance model will be rati
fied. The former Board of Control
for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief,
however decided to continue in
his post after persuasion by the
Full Members and Associates.
"T he Internat ional Cricket
Council (ICC) today confirmed
Shashank Manohar will continue
to function as the Independent
Chairman of ICC until the end of
his elected term which is June
2018," the global cricket body
said in a statement.
Since taking over as the inde
pendent chairman, the 59year
old lawyer has been at the fore
front of proposed reforms to the
revenue sharing model in the ICC,
and has managed to end the
Dubai: Back in the ICC
Champions Trophy squad after a
gap of 11 years, veteran bats
man Yuvraj Singh hopes for a
"meaningful contribution" to
help India defend its title during
the June 118 tournament in
England.
The southpaw made a sensa
tional debut for India in the
2002 event in Kenya and fea
tured in all events until 2006,
before missing the 2009 and
2013 events.
"I am delighted to be returning
to the India side for the 50over
ICC tournament and look for
ward to making a meaningful
contribution as the side aims to
defend its title," Yuvraj was quot
ed as saying in an International
'I'm happy as long as rivalry helps Saina, Sindhu improve'
Kolkata: National badminton coach
Pullela Gopichand said he is happy if
the rivalry between women singles
stars P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal
helps them become better players.
Sindhu, thanks to two World
Championships bronze medals and
the 2016 Olympic silver medal, has
forced Saina to share the Indian bad
minton limelight lately. The rivalry
has also moved of f court. While
Saina signed an annual deal of Rs 40
crore with a private firm after her
bronze medal at the 2012 London
Games, Sindhu reportedly has signed
an annual deal of Rs.50 crore mak
International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Shashank Manohar.
financial dominance of the "Big
T hree" (boards of Eng land,
Australia and India).
The BCCI, who objected to the
new structure, lost the vote on
'governance and constitutional
changes' by a 212 margin while
the revenue model was passed 13
votes to one in April. There were
Yuvraj keen to contribute to India
Cricket Council (ICC) statement.
"Like any other ICC tourna
ment, it will be a challenging
event with each team arriving
there believing it can lift the sil
verware on 18 June at T he
Oval." India are clubbed along
side Pakistan, South Africa and
Sri Lanka in one of the two
groups, which Yuvraj acknowl
edged as tough but exuded confi
dence that the side will retain
the crown.
"We are in a tough group, but
at the same time we are a form
side following a highly success
ful domestic season. We will tar
National badminton
coach Pullela Gopichand
ing her the highestearning
sportsperson apart from the crick
eters. While Saina is a trailblazer,
SPORTS
also speculations that India could
withdraw from the upcoming
Champions Trophy to be held in
England, only for the Supreme
Courtappointed Committee of
Administrators (COA) to intervene
and force the Indian board to give
an allclear to named the Indian
squad.
get to carry forward the winning
momentum into the ICC
Champions Trophy so that we
can become the second side after
Australia to win back to back
titles," Yuvraj said.
Yuvraj, a veteran of 296 One
day Internationals (ODI) further
said India have always felt at
home while playing in England.
"T he United Kingdom is an
excellent location to host the ICC
Champions Trophy. We have
always felt at home away from
home due to the overwhelming
support we always receive
there," he said.
Sindhu, according to some sports
experts, has gone beyond the former
in terms of major medals accumula
tion. Saina also has a World
Championship silver medal in her
successful career.
"If it helps their performance get
better I am happy," Gopichand, who
is the mentor of Sindhu who who
won a silver for India in the 2016
Rio Olympics, told reporters on the
sidelines of Boria Majumdar's book
launch 'A History of Indian Sport
through 100 Artefacts' here.
Sindhu and Saina have been
fiercest rivals over the years and on
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
fetches first medal
New Delhi : Harpreet Sing h
fetched the first medal for India
on the opening day of the Asian
Wrestling Championship when
he bagged a bronze in the Greco
Roman 80 kilogram category
here on Wednesday.
Harpreet edged out Na Junjie
of China 32 in the playof f for
the bronze medal.
Harpreet made an excellent
start to the bout and used his
superior physical strength to
wrest the upper hand early on.
The judges made two passivity
calls against the Chinese grap
pler which earned a point for the
Indian.
But the scores were soon lev
elled when the judges appointed
a passivity point against the local
wrestler. The Chinese tried to
make a strong start to the second
period, pushing Harpreet on to
the back foot. But just when it
seemed that Na had managed to
take the upper hand, the Indian
turned the tables with a lightning
quick take which earned him two
points.
Harpreet dominated proceed
Veteran batsman Yuvraj Singh.
Monday teamed up for a doubles
match for employers Bharat
Petroleum Corporation Limited at
the 38th PSPB interunit badminton
championship in Bangalore. The star
pair went down fighting against dou
bles specialist pair of N Sikki Reddy
and Aparna Balan. Sikki Reddy and
Aparna Balan beat SindhuSaina duo
1921, 2118, 2022. Asked about
Sindhu's next target, Gopichand said
the World Championships, starting
August 21, and the All England Open
Badminton Championships will
always be the top priority.
"We have the World
ings after that and although the
Chinese tried hard to make a
comeback, the Indian kept him at
bay.
Ramin Soltanmorad of Iran
clinched the gold by defeating
Kim Junehyoung of South Korea
31 in the final.
In the other bronze medal play
of f in the category, Samat
Shirdakov of Kyrgyzstan and
Danyal Gajiyev of Kazakhstan
fought to a 22 stalemate. But
Shirdakov was adjudged the win
ner had he was the last to score.
Earlier, Harpreet had made a
promising start to his campaign
with a hard fought 21 victory
over Maeta Yuya of Japan in the
qualification round.
But he ran into trouble in the
quarterfinals as he was totally
outclassed by the vastly superior
technique and speed of Kim
Junehyoung of South Korea and
succumbed to a 08 defeat..
However, Harpreet got a
chance to grapple for the bronze
when Kim defeated Na 21 in the
semifinals to enter he summit
clash. (IANS)
Championships coming up. That will
be a good tournament to win.
Overall, we will have an Olympic
medal activity. Every year, the World
Championships and the All England
will be the two most prized positions
along with the other Super Series
events," he said.
Gopichand hoped Tokyo 2020 will
be better than Rio. "There is still
time. It's been a tough journey till
now and it will get more tougher
because the benchmarks have gone
higher. I hope that we will be able to
achieve better results next time than
what we did last time," he said.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info SCI-TECH May 13-19, 2017 25

India successfully launches South 100 years is all humanity has

Asia Satellite, "gift" to neighbors left on earth: Stephen Hawking
n a first, India successfully Soaring majestically in clear

I launched last week a South

Asia Satellite to provide com
munications and disaster support
to neighboring countries, a space
initiative described as a "giant and
historic step" in boosting regional
weather, the GSLVF09 rocket
blasted o8ff around 4:57 PM from
the second launch pad at Satish
With climate change, overdue asteroid strikes, epidemics and population
growth, earth is increasingly precarious, adding to the urgency to find
Dhawan Space Centre at
Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, another habitable planet, warns the worlds most famous scientist.
about 350 km from Bangalore,

cooperation.
Giving a fillip to India's new age
space diplomacy and "neighbor
hood first" policy, the Rs 235
crore satellite GSAT9 built as part
of a Rs 450 crore project and
touted as an 'invaluable gift' to
India's neighbors is seen as a sig
nificant move in countering
Chinese interests in the region.
The project is funded entirely by
India.
The cuboidshaped 2,230 kg
satellite named SAS will enable a
full range of services to the neigh
bors, including in telecommunica
tion,television, directtohome,
VSATs, te leeducation and
telemedicine. SAS mission life is
12 years. Seven of the eight
SAARC countriesIndia, Sri Lanka,
Bhutan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh,
Nepal and Maldivesare part of
the ambitious project. Pakistan
has opted out of the project, say
ing it has its own space program.
W
ith climate change,
and injected the satellite into orbit
overdue asteroid
in a flawless flight.
strikes, epidemics and
"T he launch of South Asian
populat ion g rowth, our own
Satellite tells us that even the sky
planet is increasingly precari
is not the limit when it comes to
ous, Leave it to renowned physi
regional cooperation," Modi told
cist Stephen Hawking to be the
the leaders of the seven nations
bearer of incredibly interesting
celebrating the success of the
yet wildly depressing news about
launch during a video conference.
the state of the world. In his
"It opens up new horizons of
forthcoming documentary for
engagement. This will also greatly
BBC, Expedit ion New Earth,
benefit South Asia & our region's
Hawking predicts that planet
progress," he had tweeted.
Earth will only survive for the
Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa
next 100 years. In other words,
Kamal Dahal, Bangladesh Prime
the world as we know it will be
Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bhutan
gone in the next century.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay,
This new documentary is all
Sri Lanka President Maithripala
about the possibilities of life on
Sirisena, Maldives President
Mars. Even more than that, its
Abdulla Yameen and Afghan
about colonizing Mars. Hawking
President Ashraf Ghani also
has been talking about making serious about this claim that the vive, the BBC said.
addressed through videoconfer
Mars our new home for quite BBC made a statement about it. With climate change, overdue
encing. Lauding Modi's vision, the
some time now. He thinks its Professor Stephen Hawking asteroid strikes, epidemics and
leaders hailed the mission as a
more urgent than ever to consid thinks the human species will populat ion g rowth, our own
giant step in strengthening
er an alternative planet, or as he have to populate a new planet planet is increasingly precari
regional cooperation.
calls it, Planet B. Hawking is so within 100 years if it is to sur ous, they continued. Scared yet?

SpaceX to launch horde of satellites Aligarhs answer to minority

tag is nanotech, solar research
to give broadband access to all
T
he Aligarh desalinating sea
M u s l i m water or brackish

S
pace X and Tesla unprecedented rate.
founder Elon Musk According to a report University water using nan
have promised to prepared by Cisco in (AMU), born out of otechnology that
provide worldwide broad 2016 titled "White the independence would bring a sea
band access by deploying paper: Cisco VNI movement and the change in Indian
a "constellation" of inter Forecast and quest to modernize coastal cities and
netproviding satellites. Methodology, 2015 Muslim education, provide lowcost
In November of 2016, 2020" g lobal has often been a vic drinking water.
SpaceX filed an applica Internet Protocol (IP) tim of minority politics that The project will ensure India has
t ion w ith the Federal traf fic surpassed the attracted negative media atten sufficient resources of quality and
Communications zettabyte threshold. In tion. But what is little known is quantity of potable water, he
Commission (FCC) for a other words, over the kind of pathfinding research said. He said AMU scientists have
license to operate this 1,000 billion gigabytes the institution is doing in nan achieved significant success in
SpaceXs proposed satellite constellation 4,425 otechnology and solar energy. The recycling waste water by using
constellation of nongeo broadband internet satellites could provide the of data were
stationary satellites (NGS). exchanged worldwide AMU has taken up fresh scientific the novel concept of plant tech
entire world with highspeed internet access.
And earlier this week, the in a sing le year! By research projects, including on nology, also called anaerobic
US Senate Committee on to choose and may seek addition 2020, that figure is projected to how to solve the water crisis using digestion a process of using
Commerce. Science, and al competitive options for high double, global fixed broadband nanotechnology and recycle waste microorganisms to break down
Transportation convened a hear speed service." Cooper also cited speeds are expected to nearly water using an ecofriendly and biodegradable material sub
ing to explore this proposal for recent FCC findings, which indi double, and the number of lowcost methods? And its outgo stances. The Safeguarding Water
nextgeneration telecommunica cated that millions of Americans devices connected to IP networks ing Vice Chance llor, Lt. Gen. resources in India with Green and
tions services. Patricia Cooper lag behind other deve loped is projected to outnumber the Zameer Uddin Shah, a former Sustainable technologies
VP of Sate llite Government nations in terms of broadband global population by a factor of deputy chief of the Indian Army, Swings project is financed
Affairs for SpaceX said at the speed, access, and price competi about 3 to 1. To remedy this situ hopes the it will be among the under the joint EUIndia research
hearing: tiveness. Basically, thirtyfour at ion, and bring broadband top 200 universities in the world funding to find lowcost and sus
"Space X sees substant ial million American citizens do not access in the US up to the aver by 2020 when it celebrates its tainable solutions for waste water
demand for highspeed broad have access to 25 megabits per age for deve loped nat ions, centenary. The AMU has a very treatment. The university has suc
band in the United States and second ("Mbps") broadband serv SpaceX plans to launch 4,425 bright future, the retired general, cessfully piloted the project on its
worldwide. As the Committee is ice while 47% of students in the broadband satellites. the elder brother of Bollywood campus and has built a plant that
aware, millions of Americans out US lack the connectivity to meet T hese w ill beg in being veteran Naseeruddin Shah, told treats the wastewater generated
side of limited urban areas lack the FCC's shortterm goal of 100 launched in 2019 aboard the IANS in an interview. We need to on the campus. Shah said the uni
basic, re liable access. Mbps per 1,000 students and company's fleet of Falcon 9 rock encourage good quality research versitys scientists were also
Furthermore, even in urban staf f. This is at at a time when ets. The launches will continue in applied sciences as well as the involved in harnessing solar ener
areas, a majority of Americans global demand for broadband unt il they have reached full social science and we are doing gy for automobiles and the pur
lack more than a single fixed services and internet connectivi capacity, which is expected to be that, Shah said. He said the uni pose is to reduce dependence on
broadband provider from which ty cont inue to g row at an by 2024. versity has taken up a project on fossil fuels.
 26 May 13-19, 2017 HEALTH TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Life expectancy differs by 20 years

between some US counties
Residents of counties in central Colorado can expect to live longest, while
counties with lowest life expectancy are located in South and North Dakota.
ife expectancy at birth differs to 81.5 years. that many of the counties with very ical activity, along with risk factors CDC researchers warned that a one

L by as much as 20 years
between the lowest and high
est United States counties, accord
ing to new research published
Monday in the medical journal
JAMA Internal Medicine.
Dr. Christopher J.L. Murray, lead
author of the study and director of
the Institute for Health Metrics and
Evaluation at the University of
Washington, estimated life
expectancy for each US county from
1980 through 2014. Murray and
his colleagues analyzed countylevel
data and then applied a mathemati
cal model to estimate the average
length of lives.
Life expectancy at birth increased
by 5.3 years for both men and
women from 73.8 years to 79.1
years between 1980 and 2014,
Murray and his colleagues wrote.
During that time period, men
gained 6.7 years, from 70 years on
average to 76.7 years, while women
gained four years, from 77.5 years
But the numbers aren't the same
everywhere. Looking at the finer
details, Murray and his colleagues
calculated a gap of 20.1 years
between US counties with the low
est and highest life expectancies.
T he counties with lowest life
expectancy are located in South and
North Dakota, while counties along
the lower half of Mississippi, in
eastern Kentucky, and southwest
ern West Virginia also showed
lower life expectancies compared to
the rest of the nation. The North
and South Dakota counties include
Native American reservations.
At the other extreme, residents of
counties in central Colorado can
expect to live longest, Murray and
his colleagues said.
While the study does not directly
answer why we see low or high life
expectancies in specific counties, it
does look at what factors contribute
to the overall gap between some
counties, said Murray. "We can see
low life expectancies in the Dakotas,
like Oglala Lakota County in South
Dakota, overlap with large Native
American reservations including the
Pine Ridge and Rosebud reserva
tions," said Murray.
Converse ly, Summit County,
Colorado, ranked as the county with
highest life expectancy in 2014 at
86.8 years, is home to several ski
resort towns.
"For both of these geographies,
the drastically dif ferent life
expectancies are likely the result of
a combination of risk factors,
socioeconomics, and access and
quality of health care in those
areas," said Murray.
Yet, socioeconomic factors are not
everything, said Murray, explaining
that "60% of the differences in life
expectancy across counties can be
explained by socioeconomic factors
alone" yet that leaves a "substantial
amount of unexplained differences."
"Behaviors like smoking and phys
like obesity and diabetes, are also
very important," he said.
Still, almost all counties through
out the nation showed improvement
over time, though the number of
additional years varied across the
nation. Counties in central
Colorado, Alaska and along both
coasts experienced larger increases
than most other counties.
Meanwhile some southern counties
in states from Oklahoma to West
Virginia experienced either no
improvement or very little over
time.
The most positive note is that,
over the study period, all counties
show declines in the risk of early
death for children under the age of
5 years old, say the authors.
For the first time since 1993, US
life expectancy in 2015 dropped
significantly for the entire popula
tion, not just certain groups, the
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention reported in late 2016.
year shift does not mark a trend.
Ellen Meara, a professor or health
economist at the Dartmouth
Institute for Health Policy and
Clinical Practice, said many factors
impact life expectancy.
"Socioeconomic factors like educa
tion and poverty can shorten lives
of individuals, and it may be bad to
live in areas with high rates of
poverty and less educated adults,"
said Meara. "Similarly, sedentary
lifestyles and smoking are two of
the biggest individual risks of poor
health and premature death. For
people who develop a disease like
diabetes or hypertension, also
measured in the study at the county
level, risk of death is higher."
Still, understanding dif ferences
across geographic areas can pro
vide clues, said Meara, about what
might contribute to improvements
over time. "To have a gap of 20
years in a country as wealthy as
ours is absurd," she said.

Lack of protein skin barrier France bans extremely

causes eczema: study thin models
eficiency of someone to

D
law in France, which bans fea
a protein
that acts as
a skin barrier is
eczema."
For
study, pub
the A turing extremely thin fashion
models, has come into ef fect,
the media reported. Now models will
responsible for lished in the need to provide a doctor's certificate
triggering Journal of attesting to their overall physical
eczema an Allerg y and health, with special regard to their
itchy inflamma C l i n i c a l body mass index (BMI), a measure of
tion of the skin, Immunology weight in relation to height, the BBC
scient ists say. ( JACI), the reported. The Health Ministry says
Atopic eczema is team deve l the aim of the law is to fight eating
a common skin oped a disorders and inaccessible ideals of
condition and often found in children human model system. Using molecu beauty. Digitally altered photos will Models will need to provide a doctor's certificate attesting
in the first year of their life and per lar techniques, the upper layer of the also have to be labeled and images to their overall physical health, with special regard to their
sists into adulthood with severe itch skin (epidermis) was modified, to where a model's appearance has been body mass index.
ing that has profound effects on well become filagg rinde ficient, as manipulated will need to be marked
being and may lead to sleep distur observed in the skin of patients with "photographie retouchee" (retouched photo on underweight models Italy, Spain and Israel
bance. atopic eczema. graph). Employers breaking the law could face have all done so. Anorexia af fects between
The findings showed that the lack The model enabled the researchers fines of up to 75,000 euros and up to six months 30,000 to 40,000 people in France, 90 per cent
of protein filaggrin impacts other to discover proteins and signaling in jail. France is not the first country to legislate women, according to health ministry figures.
proteins and pathways in the skin, pathways directly downstream of
which in turn drive the development filaggrin, and most importantly, iden
of eczema.
"We have shown for the first time
tified a number of key regulatory
mechanisms.
Indians 6th biggest private spenders on health
that loss of the filaggrin protein alone
is sufficient to alter key proteins and
T hese included regulators of
inflammatory signaling, cell struc among low-middle income nations
pathways involved in triggering ture, barrier function and stress

eczema," said Nick Reynolds,
Professor Dermatology at Newcastle
University in England.
"T his research reinforces the
importance of filaggrin deficiency
leading to problems with the barrier
function in the skin and predisposing
I
ndians were the sixth biggest outofpocket health 2017across 184 nations on public and private
response.
spenders in the lowmiddle income group of 50 spending on health. The first showed that while total
This mapping provides new under
nations in 2014, according to an IndiaSpend health spending varies directly with economic devel
standing of the mechanisms involved
analysis of two recent studies by The Lancet, a opment, there is substantial variation among coun
and suggests targets for future drug
British medical journal. Indians spent 27.4 percent tries. The second predicted that government spend
development, which could treat the
age points more than mediancountry citizens did ing in lowincome countries will need to grow sub
underlying cause rather than treating
(38.2%), the analysis showed. The Lancet had con stantially, because private per capita health spending
the symptoms, the researchers said.
ducted two studiespublished on April 19, in these countries will not grow as fast as required.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
The Ferguson Effect is real and deadly
An interview with leading criminologist
Heather Mac Donald, author of The War on Cops.
By Robert Golomb
y writings might have drawn the
M greatest amount of public atten
tion to the term, The Ferguson
Effect, but I am not the one who first used
the term. Actually these three words were
first coined by Sam Dotson, the chief of the
St. Louis {Missouri} Police Department,
said Heather Mac Donald, whom I inter
viewed in her upper east side Manhattan
office. Mac Donald, who, focusing mainly
on the hot button issues of crime, race,
policing and the criminal justice system,
has authored two books, written dozens of
articles for newspapers and peerreviewed
journals and has frequently appeared on
CNN and Fox News, was referring to an
article written by Dotson for the St. Louis
Dispatch in October 2014 3 months after
the fatal shooting of 18 year old African
American Michael Brown by Ferguson
County (Missouri) Police Officer Darren
Wilson.
The Ferguson Effect, Dotson asserted in
his column, was that as a consequence of
the national medias sympathetic, almost
nonstop coverage of the violent street
protests following the shooting of Brown,
and the subsequent indictment of Officer
Wilson, Dotsons own officers, working in
neighboring St. Louis, had become far less
proactive in enforcing the law. As a result,
he contended, criminals felt empowered,
and lawabiding citizens would in the near
future be more likely to become their vic
tims. Chief Dotsons description of The
Ferguson Effect should have served as a
national warning about how the failure to
support the police could have disastrous
effects on law enforcement and public safe
ty. That warning, sadly, went largely
unheard, said Mac Donald.
In a May 29, 2015 oped for the Wall
Street Journal, The New Nationwide Crime
Wave, Mac Donald reechoed that warning
to that papers large audience. Armed with
data that showed that in the then eight
postFerguson months the homicide rate
had increased at alarming rates in many
cities, Mac Donald confirmed Dotsons
observations and validated his concerns.
After Ferguson, as Chief Dotson first wit
nessed in St. Louis, many police officers
began to feel that the more proactive they
were in policing, the more likely it would be
that they themselves might face criminal
prosecution. As a result the use of proactive
policing has declined throughout urban
areas in America, stated Mac Donald to me.
Mac Donald elaborated that it was the
same proactive policing that since its
implementation in the early 1990s, begin
ning with Mayor Giuliani in New York, had
put an end to the murder epidemic that had
spanned more than two decades. The con
sequences of the decline in proactive polic
ing, she stated, have been deadly, particu
larly for black people living in many of the
major cities. Which is exactly what drove
LAW & ORDER
After the fatal shooting of 18yearold African American Michael Brown, widespread
protest and the indictment of Ferguson County Officer Darren Wilson, the use of
proactive policing declined throughout urban areas in America, leading to an increase
in violent crime, argues Heather Mac Donald.
me to write the column.
That column, unlike the Dotson piece on
which it was based, drew almost immediate
national attention. Pundits from the right,
including talk show hosts Rush Limbaugh
and Sean Hannity and the editorial writers
of, among other conservative newspapers,
the New York Post, regularly warned their
audiences of the dangers to public safety
posed by the Ferguson Effect. And, while
not referring specifically to the term
Ferguson Effect itself, then presidential
candidate Donald Trump seemed as if he
had read Mac Donalds column from begin
ning to end, when at times during the cam
paign he spoke of the correlation in the rise
in crime with the failure to support the
police.
From the left, not unexpectedly, there was
anything but agreement with Mac Donald.
Opinion journalists from liberal newspa
pers, including the New York Times and the
Los Angeles Times, wrote that the research
supporting the Ferguson Effect was based
upon the manipulation of complex data to
support a false conservative narrative. And
President Obama himself voiced a similar
position. In a 2015 speech to the
International Association of Chiefs of
Police, Obama stated those who contend
that the Ferguson Effect is a threat to pub
lic safety are using, anecdotal evidence to
drive policy or feed political agendas.
Dismissing those criticisms Mac Donald
told me, Even as President Obama and his
legions of supporters in the media and the
liberal elite establishment denied the corre
lation between the rise in crime and the
Ferguson Effect, crime continued to dra
matically increase in many American
cities. Mac Donald noted that even then an increase in the homicide rate ranging
President Obamas FBI Director, James
Comey, and his DEA Director, Chuck
Rosenberg, had attributed the escalation in
crime post the Brown shooting to the
Ferguson Effect.
It was, at least in part, to separate fact
from fiction concerning the Brown shooting
that motivated Mac Donald to write the
book, The War on Cops. In her book, pub
lished in 2016, Mac Donald contrasted the
postBrown shooting narrative formulated
by the then nascent Black Lives Matter
movement (BLM) and spread by their sym
pathizers in the media with the facts as
determined by a Missouri grand jury which,
after listening to the testimony of dozens of
eyewitnesses, dismissed the indictment.
According to BLM, wrote Mac Donald,
Brown was a gentle giant who, while in
the process of peacefully surrendering was
shot to death by Officer Wilson. The grand
jury, again recounted by Mac Donald in her
book, found that Wilson faced with a 300
pound Brown, who, while being questioned
by the officer about a convenience store
robbery committed minutes before, had
punched him in his face and attempted to
grab his gun had fired in selfdefense.
The case against Officer Wilson had no
basis in fact, evidence or law, Mac Donald
told me just as she had told the readers in
her book. It was only racial politics that
made the prosecutor, Robert McCulloch,
take the case to the grand jury in the first
place. And now the harm that this misguid
ed, unjust prosecution of Officer Wilson
caused is being felt in many cities across
America. In her book, Mac Donald pro
vides data to prove that assertion. Focusing
on the cities of Baltimore, Cleveland,
Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles as well
as Ferguson and St Louis, she documented
from 25% in St. Louis to 90% in Cleveland,
for 2015, the first full year after the events
May 13-19, 2017 27
in Ferguson. Those same deadly trends,
Mac Donald noted, had continued through
out 2016 and remain to the present day.
All the data studied over the past two
and a half year proves beyond any reason
able doubt that the Ferguson Effect is real,
she stated. But what we often forget is that
beyond these abstract numbers are the
faces of real people, our innocent fellow
Americans, who might still be alive today
had the police been allowed to do their
jobs.
Robert Golomb is a nationally and interna
tionally published. Mail him at
MrBob347@aol.com and follow him on
Twitter@RobertGolomb
Columnists Note
I
n the few weeks following my inter
view with her and the writing of this
column, Heather Mac Donald traveled
first to UCLA and then the next day to
Claremont McKenna College (CMC), both
located in Southern California. Mac
Donald was there to speak to students
and faculty about her book, The War on
Cops. Sadly, she was confronted by pro
testers who did not want her to be heard.
At UCLA, purported BLM members
stormed the stage while Mac Donald was
answering questions from the audience;
at CMC the following day, scores of
demonstrators barricaded the
athenaeum in which she was to speak,
preventing those who had come to hear
her from entering it.
Mac Donald, possessing courage equal
to her convictions, plans to continue to
speak at other colleges and universities.
Her next presentation was scheduled for
Miami
University
in Oxford,
Ohio in
late
April.
Heather Mac Donald;
Photo: Peter Duke Photography.
 28 May 13-19, 2017 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Funny Side by Nury Vittachi

Our lives are shaped by errors,

some camelsized
bout two years ago, I tried to remove goodnaturedly. Reader Angela Sias told me

A a bubble from my smartphone pro

tect ive screen and accidentally
bought a camel. Luckily, I managed to back
out from the purchase by switching the
phone of f and turning around three times
for luck, a useful trick I learned from my
children.
For research reasons I had called up a
screen which revealed that a 500kilo live
singlehump camel cost $1,540, which I
considered intriguingly af fordable. It was
imagining my wife's reaction, which put me
of f. She: "You said you wouldn't buy any
more ridiculous junk." Me (covering the
camel's ears): "Dromo can hear you."
So I was sympathetic when reader Alice
May Lo told me about a UK man who acci
dentally bought a bus. Dave Little, 27, woke
up after partying in Ibiza, Spain, to see on
his smartphone that he had the previous
night purchased a fullsized tourist coach
on ebay for $36,000, media reports said.
"That beats the silliest thing I ever acciden
tally bought, which was a bananaonly
lunchbox that my daughter slipped into my
shopping basket," Alice said.
It doesn't beat my record. In the 1990s, I
accidentally bid at a Hong Kong land auc
(Image courtesy: bbci.co.uk)
tion. For a tense halfminute I was a major
property tycoon in the Trump bracket.
Luckily, a passing billionaire outbid me, or I
would have had something even harder to
explain to my wife that evening. She: "How
was your day, darling?" Me: "Nothing spe
cial, except that I bought Kowloon."
It's curious how our lives are shaped by
accidents. This columnist has written about
cases in the Philippines, the US and
Vietnam where people dialed wrong num
bers which escalated into arguments
resolved with guns. People literally die of
dialing wrong numbers.
To avoid this, respond to accidental calls
she sang the whole of "Happy Birthday" to a
stranger on the phone. After the listener
pointed out her error, she said: "Oops,
sorry." He continued: "No problem. You
need all the practice you can get."
A techie colleague says that you no longer
need complain about annoying accidental
calls. You just record them and wreak
revenge. Adobe Systems, maker of
Photoshop, has a new program which
encodes voices from small samples. You can
then type whatever words you like and hear
them spoken in that voice. If like me you
have a wonderfully creative ("desperately
evil") streak, you can use the sound of a per
son's voice for literally thousands of illegal
and immoral purposes, I mean harmless
and amusing pranks.
But returning to accidental online pur
chases, a survey of friends and colleagues
showed that they had bought items ranging
from a sheep skull to pop star memorabilia.
One person had bought huge amounts of
spinof f merchandise (including "onesy"
outfits) of licensed characters from chil
dren's television shows. "And I don't have
children," she said. To get her money's
worth, she dresses as Pikachu for her wine
and chickflick evenings. That was when I
started regretting my failure to complete
my camel purchase. I saw myself swinging
open the door to my spare room. "You think
that's a story? Meet Dromo."

Laughter is the Best Medicine

BEST
RATE
FOR
INDIA
AND
PAKISTAN

New York Head Quarter

422S Broadway
HICKSVILLE
NY 11801 by Mahendra Shah
5168271010 Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and
humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the
immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat,
he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma
MAY 1319, 2017
ARIES: Selfconfidence & discipline will
be required to bring positive results in
competitive examinations. Make sure
you avoid overreacting to tense situations at
family front. Avoid investing money in specu
lations based on rumours. Love takes a new
turn as you brace yourself for wedding bells.
Chances of recovering from physical ailment
are high. Travel plan with a colleague might
lead to a new relationship. You might face
problem to sell your property as marketing
might not be correct. You need to take a deci
sion after a careful thinking but act quickly.
TAURUS: A long pending decision gets
finalized at professional front. Believe
it or not someone in the family is
watching you closely and considers you a role
model. Increase in income from past invest
ment is foreseen. A romantic week as you
receive all praises from partner. A very
healthy week filled with happiness & vitality.
Traveling for a conference doesnt mean that
you forget travel etiquettes. Your income can
be doubled by renting your house or a part of
your house. Timely help to a needy friend
would help in solving personal problems.
GEMINI: You will have to take some
calculated risks to conquer challenging
situations at workplace. Concentrating
on the need of family members should be
your priority. Avoid overspending on enter
tainment and luxuries. You will have to make
extra ef forts to meet romantic partner this
week. High time for you to realize your true
potentials. Traveling alone sounds extrovert
but your family might question your charac
ter. It would be beneficial if you plan to buy a
small property. You get a golden opportunity
to enjoy some recreational activities.
CANCER: Plans for new ventures get
streamlined with the help of seniors.
An important development at person
al front brings jubilation for entire family.
Monetary gains from unplanned sources will
brighten your week. You find pleasure and
enjoy ecstasies of love in the arms of partner.
Pleasure trip would help in maintaining sound
health this week. Travel abroad is possible but
dont run short of cash. Real estate is one
thing on which you can rely on to invest. You
will be highly benefited by your sense of
humor.
LEO: Policy of persuasive communica
tions fails to bring desired professional
success. A happy time in the company
of friends and relatives as they do many
favours to you. Bleak financial position could
bring certain important work to abrupt halt.
You enjoy a lovely time as Cupid is on your
side during this week. Yoga and meditation
would help in keeping in shape and mentally
agile. Small journey with your of fice col
leagues will be interesting. Investment on con
struction business would flourish your
income. Some decisions going in your favour
would put you on the top of the world.
VIRGO: Lack of having a proper strate
gy on the part of marketing profes
sionals will find it tough to achieve
their targets. Avoid arguments, confrontation
and needless worries at family front. You need
to remain careful in financial matters to save
yourself from monetary losses. Do things that
would invest in your romantic relations. You
need to develop selftrust to encourage your
self to fight illness. Dont wait for extra ordi
nary opportunities, travel plans may not work
out. If you are hoping to sell your house
quickly then you should consider a private
sale. Make sure you avoid rash decisions.
ASTROLOGY
LIBRA: Use sharp thinking and ability
to formulate quick strategies to bring
positive results. Enjoying the compa
ny of close relatives will brighten your
evening. Make sure you do not overspend on
household luxuries. A special message from
beloved/lover lifts spirits. Blessings of a saint
ly person give peace of mind. Are you longing
to go on a vacation, consider your work also?
Dealings for older properties can be in
process. Nothing is impossible for you provid
ed you have the will.
SCORPIO: Female colleagues lend a
helping hand in completing important
assignments. Shopping with family
members will be highly pleasurable and excit
ing. New moneymaking opportunities will be
lucrative. Instant romance could come your
way provided you care for it. Health would
remain fine despite a busy schedule but dont
take it for granted.
Your boss may ask you for your company to a
friends party. Avoid the use of estate agents
to sell your house or property. You are likely
to face personal problems on trying to putup
an act.
SAGITTARIUS: You will be successful
in realizing your targets at profes
sional front. Help from family mem
bers would take care of your needs. Monetary
gains are likely to be from more than one
source. Love companion will be eager to meet
you this week. Make sure you avoid every
thing that af fects your health. Of ficial jour
neys prove to be more fruitful for you. Your
possession for acquiring a plot might be
achieved. Be happy no matter what the situa
tion is. This is the secret of enjoying a suc
cessful life.
CAPRICORN: Remain selfconfident &
determined. This is the secret mantra
of succeeding at work. Do not behave
stubborn otherwise it will only offend elders.
Crucial decisions regarding investment should
be put off for another week. Being revengeful
towards lover/beloved will only disappoint
you. Cataract patients must avoid overexpo
sure to sunlight. You might travel for a while
but stressful trip it would be. Reduce your
property loans otherwise you will be in great
trouble. Close friends are also not likely to be
of much help.
AQUARIUS: At work you will be a
part of something big, bringing
appreciation & rewards. You will be
at the limelight in a social gathering provided
you attend. Be prepared to say no to people
who expect too much in financial matters.
Dont forget to plan something special with
partner to enjoy the ecstasies of love.
Inexhaustible energy enables to participate in
outdoor activities.
Small picnic organized by your company is
good to change your mood. Want to buy a
property at seaside, go through the safety
measures. Dont forget to engage yourself in
some creative work.
PISCES: You are likely to establish
yourself a good manager on managing
people and situation without any
problem. You will be the star of attraction of
familys gettogether this week. You get some
financial rewards as dedication & hard work
gets noticed. L affair could create some per
sonal problems. Health problem could make it
dif ficult to concentrate. Your travel plans
might ef fect your family life dont ignore
them. Your plan to buy a plot, may lead to
bankruptcy. Clinging to past could make you
alienated and disappointed.
Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874
Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899
psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com
ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK
13th May, 2017
Lucky for you number 4 and planet Uranus, you
are highly optimistic towards your academics. Area
of interest would be Literature and Science. You
love to live life on your own terms. Opportunities
will knock at your door, you need to be cautious to
encash them. You are creditworthy for all your
deeds. Key to your success is your effective gover
nance. Your industrious nature deserve to be
awarded by some elite post. You might hit a jack
pot which in turn amend your monetary status.
Your systematic approach towards life and work
needs a push to attain your destinations. Change is
indispensible in everybodys life which you under
stand and welcome it by unfolding your arms.
After some time you yourself change the things
from time to time. Your family has the tendency to
shout less and act more towards you. On health
front, a lighter footprint is advisable towards doc
tor for advices. You will end up all your creditors
on happy note by providing them what they want
and from now and finally lead an independent life.
Plenty of opportunities in November and
December.
14th May, 2017
Reign by number 5 and Mercury, Every man is
the architect of his own future people should learn
this from you. Lots of people will knock on your
door for help. They pinned their hopes to be ful
filled by you and after lot of hard work you will be
upto their expectations. You abhor those who
unnecessarily poke their nose in somebodys work.
Even if you love to work behind the scenes, people
will follow your imprints. Your ongoing af fair
might get converts into lifelong kinship. Those
who looking for arrange marriages should not
judge the book by its cover only. You try to reach
out to people in your contact but may end up with
nothing in your hand. Meditation accompanied by
medical remedies will save you from extra bothera
tion of your dependencies on bad stuff like con
suming alcohol etc. You may need to visit your
health counselor time and again. Control your out
of pocket expenses as you may need it in near
future to accomplish your long dreamt task. Elders
and employers all will admire you for your mel
lowed behavior. Enlightened time for you is
October and November.
15th May, 2017
Eclipsed by planet Venus and number 6, you are
a good orator as you can convey things to people
in an appropriate manner. You influence others
through your personal attractiveness and creative
ness. As honey catches more flies then vinegar in
the same way you are well surrounded by coopera
tive persons. You have a good leadership quality
and this will help you to do well as you are pro
moted to higher level of the hierarchy of your
organization. This year you will be rewarded for all
the efforts you make to get success. Sometime, in
the race to become winner, you might evade your
fellow workers. You should be loyal to your col
leagues otherwise fractions will be created.
Though family is more important to you than any
thing else but you are left with less time to spend
with your family members. You should stop think
ing about petty problems, as they are going to
solve themselves with the passage of time. Cash
flow will improve this year as you are going to
inherit something from your parents. You are
appreciated by your partner and both of you will
come closer to each other. Those who are engaged
in sports should take care of your health. You will
get significance in the month of May and June.
16th May, 2017
Number 7 and Neptune will be good enough for
you. Your ability to develop consensus with proper
monitoring and guidance takes you far beyond
your imagination and will bring never ending
name and fame to you. Your rational and unpalat
able behavior brings all your colleagues under
your umbrella. Patience is the key to success which
you have from your childhood. Your round the
clock watch on your children education will makes
May 13-19, 2017 29
them winner in their life. Now audience will like
your flicks of different genres. You have very close
ties with your friends and family. Monetary gains
will be in your offing. You never let your plans to
be on paper only, rather execute them without any
bodys intervention. Because of choked in adaman
cy you may become a subject of avoidance for oth
ers and you feel this but never shows. On the flip
side of life you might have some tensions which
af fect your peace of mind. Your contribution to
your country would be unparalleled. A pleasing
and cherishing date is waiting for you. You will
start enjoying each and every moment of life from
now. Boosting time period: February and March.
17th May, 2017
Your originating ideas would equip you with
most coveted skills. Implausibility instinct might
make you a renowned personality in near future.
You always keep yourself update by jumping on
the bandwagon. Passion for learning and exploring
things needs unified and concentrated ef forts.
Your flaunting ability might defame you at times.
You need to check your toad like features who
loves to be in his area only, conservativeness and
introvert. Count of your admirers might show a
downward trend which might bother you as you
may feel lack of supporters to boost you up.
Medical bills might make your cheque book to be
in running mode. You tend to surpass everybodys
expectation by clearing highly competitive exams
and make your own way. Satisfaction what is the
need of the hour will comes to you through love,
admiration and af fection. Journey to a sacred
place will fill you with peace and placid feelings.
You will move to and fro from your workplace to
other places. Number 8, planet Saturn, months of
March and April will bring wonders for you.
18th May, 2017
Mars and number 9 will take you to the sky,
resplendent and courageous are your defining
traits. You believe in one thing No pain no gain so
you never left any stone unturned that comes to
your way. Your genuine and realistic feelings for
your blood relation will do wonders for you as you
might get lot of surprises from their side. You
always believe in segregating the work according
to human resources making everybody to give
their best. Your tendency to interpret others advice
from different perspective makes you a perplexed
person. You are a storehouse of energy as before
signing off for the day you always there to help
your better half in her daily job. Prevention is bet
ter than cure is what, you need to follow in the
coming time. Routine checkup is suggested for you
and for your family members. Destiny will take you
where there is no limit for you to gain financially.
Time for professional to either turn to be an entre
preneur or get promotions. Your love innings will
get potent start and will satisfy you by all means.
You are likely to meet your childhood friend and
you both will spend quality time again. Expectation
comes to reality in the month of July.
19th May, 2017
Number 1 and Sun might change your status
from unmarried to married, bachelorhood ought to
be over soon. You are likely to pursue the idea of
your business deal more actively. Your primary
concern should be your composing talent which
will enhance your career path. Bored from your
mundane work, go further and plan an exotic trip
to some exciting and thrilling destination. Your
anticipation at times might lead you to crisis.
Circumstances might revive the old debates with
people around you resulting in their dissentful
behavior. They might try to make some distance
from you as your pointing finger nature irritate
them, so your primary role is to make a shift from
your vexing thinking. Without dissimulation you
tend to win the heart of all the people. You should
act on the poem Early to bed, early to rise, makes
a man, healthy wealthy and wise. High education
is what predicted for you and that too from some
world class university. Wonderful time for you is in
the month of September and October.
30 May 13-19, 2017
By Sant Rajinder Singh
Ji Maharaj
I
n the past, educators all over the world
have placed tremendous stress on the
intellectual and physical development
of students. The result is that we have
turned out human beings who are physi
cally and intellectually superior to our
predecessors. The amount of knowledge
that we are gaining today is doubling at a
much faster rate than it did previously.
About two centuries ago, the knowledge
available to the general public used to
double in one century. But according to
research done in 1986, studies have
shown that knowledge is now doubling
every five years.
There is so much research in all areas
that we are exposed to a greater amount
of information now than we were just a
few years ago. This information explosion
has led us to become more and more
involved in a materialistic way of life. With
the advancement in the electronics field in
the last twentyfive years, so many gadg
ets have been invented that they should
have given us more time for leisure, more
time to enjoy ourselves, and more time to
explore who we are, where we came from,
and what our purpose in life is. It takes so
much time and ef fort to learn how to
operate these devices that rather than giv
ing us the leisure time we thought we
would have, we are becoming more and
more involved with the gadgetry.
As we grow older, we have the responsi
bility of our children on our shoulders. We
spend time wondering about the best way
to raise our children so that they will grow
up to become better human beings than
we are. We want them to have an easier
time in their lives than we had. We find
ourselves preoccupied in making a living
and raising our children. We lead such
busy lives that we have little time for
leisure. As we get older and life begins to
pass us by, we begin to question, "Is the
purpose of life only to be born, grow old,
and die? Or is there something else?"
Spirituality deals with developing the
higher values of life and with becoming a
better person.
Spirituality means inculcating love in
our hearts for all humanity, irrespective of
skin color, religion, or nationality, irre
spective of whether a person is rich or
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS
EDUCATION FOR A
PEACEFUL WORLD
Image courtesy: worldpeaceandunity.com
poor, or from the East or the West. If
everyone would start seeing the Light of
God in all people, this will help bring
peace and harmony to the world. Once we
realize that our soul is a part of God, and
that part is the same in each human
beingand not only in human beings but
in all living creatureswe will not want to
harm anyone. We will then start to see the
goodness in everyone. We will begin to
think about the welfare of others. We will
also be concerned about the ecology of
the world.
We will stop destroying our forests, our
air, our water, and all of nature which God
has given to us for our life here on earth.
When we destroy anything that we have
received, when we take so much from the
soil for our sustenance yet pollute the
land instead of trying to rejuvenate it, we
are harming the whole world. The univers
es have been created in perfect harmony.
There is so much lost when we do not take
proper care of nature. And if we do not
take proper care of ourselves, whether it
be physically, intellectually, or spiritually,
it affects our life in this universe.
To develop our spiritual side it is impor
tant to start the basic moral instruction
about spirituality at an early age. It is
important that the spiritual and ethical
values of life are taught properly.
We can develop spiritually through a
process of meditation. Through medita
tion we not only deve lop the higher
human values, but we also realize our true
selves and gain knowledge about the soul
in our body. Meditation is another form
of concentration. The process of medita
tion is one in which we close our eyes and
try to enter the inner realms. God is within
each of us. The human body is the highest
form of all creation and the holiest of the
temples and churches because it was not
made by any human hand; it was made by
the hand of God. To practice spirituality
does not require any religious conversion.
Spirituality is a science that can be prac
ticed by a member of any religion, and
even by those who do not belong to any
religion. It is not necessary for people to
convert from one religion to another. We
do not believe in any conversion; we
believe instead in "inversion." This means
that we invert our attention to go within.
Contact with this current of divinity with
in us brings us peace and joy.
Education is a means by which we train
children to deal with the problems of life.
Children have to be taught right from
wrong. They have to be taught how to
make good decisions. If we can teach chil
dren to make decisions properly, then
when a problem arises in life, they will
make the right choice. We also need to
teach children that their decisions not
only af fect them, but they af fect many
other human beings all around them. If all
of us start making good decisions, we will
be moving in a direction which will benefit
everyone. Along with being able to make
a good intellectual decision, along with
being able to make a good physical deci
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Spirituality means
inculcating love in our
hearts for all humanity,
irrespective of skin
color, religion,
or nationality,
irrespective of
whether a person is
rich or poor, or from
the East or the West.
If everyone would
start seeing the Light
of God in all people,
this will help bring
peace and harmony
to the world.
sion, we have to learn to make good spiri
tual decisions. What do we have to learn
in life that will help us? We need to learn
that if we have love in our hearts for
everyone, then we will have a society in
which people would behave as if others
were members of their own family. If
along with the intellectual and physical
traits, the spiritual traits can be taught to
children, then this world will become a
haven of joy and peace.
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj is an
internationally recognized spiritual leader
and Master of Jyoti Meditation who
affirms the transcendent oneness at the
heart of all religions and mystic traditions,
emphasizing ethical living and meditation
as building blocks for achieving inner and
outer peace. www.sos.org.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info May 13-19, 2017