national - South Asian Daily

MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
WORLD CUP 2015 TEAM INDIA
Yuvraj, Sehwag, Gambhir & Harbhajan - IN or OUT
DETAILS ON PAGE 22
REAL ESTATE MARKET ON A RISE
D
ecember real estate
market sales surged by
14 per cent compared to
a year ago, reported Toronto Real
Estate Board Monday.
Total sales for calendar year
2013, at 87,111, were up by
approximately two per cent
compared to 85,496 transactions
in calendar year 2012.
"After a slow start to the
year, sales growth accelerated to
a brisk pace in the second half
of 2013. Despite the inclement
weather in December, we finished
the year with a respectable gain
in transactions compared to 2012.
Looking forward, I believe that
home ownership in the GTA will
remain affordable as borrowing
costs stay low. The result could
be a further increase in sales in
2014," said Toronto Real Estate
Board President Dianne Usher.
"The average selling price
will be up again in 2014 and by
more than the rate of inflation.
The seller's market conditions
that drove price growth in the
second half of 2013 will remain in
place in many parts of the GTA.
Some neighbourhoods, especially
those characterized by low-rise
home types like singles, semis
and townhomes, will continue to
have less than two months of
inventory," said Jason Mercer,
TREB's Senior Manager of Market
Analysis. The average selling price
for December 2013 sales was
$520,398 - up by 8.9 per cent
compared to the average of
$477,756 in December 2012. The
average selling price for 2013 as a
whole was $523,036, which
represented an increase of 5.2 per
cent compared to the calendar year
2012 average of $497,130.
WHO IS BETTER RANVEER OR RANBIR DEEPIKA & PRIYANKA ON KOFFEE WITH KARAN
B
ollywood's Reigning Queen Deepika Padukone joined her con
temporary Priyanka Chopra on the latest episode of 'Koffee With
Karan Season 4' last weekend. The actress who has been on the
top of her game and has had a fabulous year with regard to films was
stunning in an Alice + Olivia lace top and fitted pants.
The actress created quite a controversy on last season's episode when
she appeared on the show with actress Sonam Kapoor. Both girls were a
laugh riot when they revealed some unflattering things about Deepika's
former flame Ranbir Kapoor.
Host Karan Johar asked Deepika if all is fine and sorted with Rishi Kapoor
and Neetu Singh with regard to the episode, to which Deepika replied, "I
don't think there was ever an issue there. I think people made it an even
bigger issue. For me personally, I don't think there was ever an
issue…Definitely, not between Ranbir and me for sure. And even if there
was, it never reached me.
CONTD. ON PAGE 3
1
AAP'S DREAMS TO GO
NATIONAL
A
fter the nation watched
AamAadmi's Party's win
in Delhi, the party has
set a new target to contest in 20
states aroun d I n d i a i n t h e
upcoming LokSabha polls.
"The national executive
of AAP has decided to
contest LokSabha polls in 20
states including UP, where
we would contest on all 80
LokSabha
seats,"
AAP
national spokesman Sanjay
Singh told reporters. Delhi
Chief
Minister
ArvindKejriwal will stay away
from being the prime
ministerial candidate for 2014,
confirmed
reports
by
Economic Times. He said
AAP's Kumar Vishwas will
stand against Congress vice
president Rahul Gandhi in
Amethi and candidates to
stand against prominent
leaders such as Sonia Gandhi
a n d M u l a y a m S i n g h Ya d a v
are yet to be decided. "We
will try to finalise names of
candidates by February 15
and all those desiring to
contest LokSabha polls can apply
by January 15.
CONTD. ON PAGE 5
NEW YEAR GREETINGS
FROM INDIAN
CONSULATE IN TORONTO
Dear friends, brothers and sisters,
On behalf of the Indian Consulate in Toronto, I would like to
convey our good wishes for the New Year, 2014. I sincerely
wish and pray that the New Year brings joy, peace, prosperity, success and well-being for you all.
that onset of the New Year is
an occasion to introspect and
learn from the past. It is also
an oppor tunity for us to work
for a better future with renewed
vigour, optimism and positive
sentiments, guided by the spirit
of “sarbat daa bhalaa” and
goodwill, compassion and cordiality for all.
I take this oppor tunity to express our profound gratitude for
Akhilesh Mishra
the affection, suppor t and coConul General
operation extended to us. We
all in the Indian Consulate are
inspired to redouble our effor ts to provide services to the
public in timely, transparent and efficient manner and for
promotion of mutually beneficial, multifaceted ties between
India and Canada.
Please feel free to write to us at [email protected] if
we could be of any assistance. We would also appreciate
receiving any advice and suggestions for fur ther strengthening India-Canada friendship and cooperation.
CIRCULATED THROUGH : TORONTO, MARKHAM, SCARBOROUGH, RICHMOND HILL, VAUGHAN, WOODBRIDGE, ETOBICOKE, NORTH YORK, MALTON, REXDALE, BRAMPTON, MISSISSAUGA, OAKVILLE, HAMILTON, MILTON, STONEY CREEK, BURLINGTON
2
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
page 3
SALMAN KHAN
UPSET WITH THE
AAM AADMI PARTY
Bikini clad Nargis Fakhri and
Uday Chopra spotted in Maldives
IT SEEMS LOVE IS IN THE AIR AND BOLLYWOOD COUPLES ARE NO MORE SHYING AWAY FROM POSING TOGETHER WHILE HOLIDAYING AT EXOTIC LOCALES. IN 2013, RANBIR KAPOOR AND KATRINA KAIF WERE SPOTTED HAVING A GALA TIME IN IBIZA. AND THIS
YEAR IT'S UDAY CHOPRA AND NARGIS FAKHRI IN MALDIVES.
“
DEMI MOORE, 51, FLAUNTS
INCREDIBLE BEACH BODY
DEMI MOORE
DOES NOT AGE!
The 51-year-old (!) actress heated up the beaches of Tullum, Mexico in a tiny
black string bikini while on vacation Sunday, Dec. 29. The svelte star, joined
by daughter Rumer Willis her boyfriend Jayson Blair and a handful of pals,
was clearly enjoying some relaxed family time and fun in the sun.
And on Jan. 1, 2014, the mom of three rang in the New Year as a legally
single lady for the first time since saying "I do" to Ashton Kutcher in 2005!
Demi and her former flame, 35, officially finalized their divorce in November
2013, nearly two years after announcing their separation.
Bigg Boss Couple
Tanisha and Armaan On
A Romantic Getaway
While Gauahar Khan and
Kushal Tandon confessed
their love for each other on the
Bigg Boss 7 House, Tanisha
Mukherji and Armaan Kohli were
totally non-committal about the
status of their relation, but it looks
like both cannot stay away from each
other. While they were in the Bigg
Boss 7 house, it was Ajaz Khan who
spilt the beans on Tanisha and
Armaan’s relationship and now its
VJ Andy who posted these pictures
from Goa, on Facebook putting a
stamp on what the couple mean to
each other. Andy wrote, “We are
having a blast in Goa! Missing
Sangram and Elli.” What’s surprising
is even mom Tanuja was a part to all
this. Media speculated that the socalled affair between the duo ended
with Bigg Boss 7, but then thanks to
VJ Andy the pictures of the two
together in Goa tell a different story.
Though the much in love couple
made separate plans for New Year’s
Day but soon caught up with each
other to spend some quality time and
were spotted partying with Andy.
What’s surprising, is the fact that
Tanuja welcomed Armaan with open
arms. Apparently Tanuja played a
perfect host and prepared a
sumptuous meal for her guests at
their Lonavla house and post that
3
the couple went to Goa to spend
quality time together.
When we had asked Mukherji
about her relationship status she
said, “About the status of my
relationship with Armaan, you are
a mature intelligent journalist.
Please
draw
your
own
conclusions. All I have to say is
that Armaan is my best friend. He
has helped me inside the house
and outside as well. If you have
seen me in the show, I guess you
know that I don’t give justifications
and clarifications. So I am
responsible for whatever happened
on the show, but I am not going to
give any clarifications about it.”
Tanisha felt that people had a
preconceived notion about her, and
she wanted to show them who she
really was and that was the reason
why she chose to enter the Bigg
Boss house. Post the show, her
eyes are set on the entertainment
industry. She is looking at
penning down a book or is even
contemplating to become a parttime journalist. Tanisha is very
clear that she is not answerable
to anyone and would not want
to justify or clarify her proximity
with Armaan. Well Bigg Boss has
come to an end, but as they say
THE SHOW MUST GO ON.
WHO IS BETTER
RANVEER OR RANBIR DEEPIKA & PRIYANKA ON
KOFFEE WITH KARAN
CONTD. FROM PAGE 1
I think which is why we can even do a film like 'Yeh Jawaani
Hai Deewani' and still have that kind of understanding and
chemistr y."
The actress was later grilled on her supposed current boyfriend Ranveer Singh. "So you're dating Ranveer Singh and
not talking about it," said Karan. "Am I?" she replied.
Karan fur ther asked why would she choose to keep her
relationship with Ranveer under wraps, especially since
she was so open about Ranbir. "So I think that was a stage
in my life where I genuinely believed that that I had fallen
in love... I think that it was a relationship that I thought
would go beyond."
"For whatever reasons…I think we're very different people
and we're not compatible. For whatever reasons it didn't
work out. And since then I wont say cautious but I think I'm
very, ver y scared to invest emotionally in a relationship,
because I don't know how to just casually date, I don't
know how to be in this in-between dating but not committing. I don't know that space. I want to be very sure before
I'm ready to commit."
On her equation with Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika said, "My
equation with Ranbir is very, very clear. The best par t is
that he and I are very clear about where we are in our lives
today, as far as our equation is concerned. So there's no
reason for anyone is his life or anyone in my life to be
worried about or concerned or insecure about our equation."
Deepika also opened up on how she dealt with the hear tbreak after her relationship with Ranbir ended. "It was very,
very difficult for me because, I think, somewhere that relationship became my world. I was new to the city, so his
friends became my friends and that life became my life.
And I don't think I made the effor t to have my own life. I
think that relationship really taught me a lot, when it ended.
It's made me a better person today and he says it himself."
Karan put Deepika in a spot when he asked about her 'RK'
tattoo, to which she replied, "It's still there Karan…But it
should come off at some point," she said.
During the rapid fire round, on being asked who is the better
actor - Ranbir or Ranveer, Deepika refused to answer. In the end,
the actress lost the coffee hamper to Priyanka Chopra.
Salman Khan Upset With
The Aam Aadmi Party
With only fifteen days left for the release of his next home
production Jai Ho, Salman Khan is a busy man as he has made
it very clear that he neither has any interest in AAP nor had he
anything to do with the Aam Aadmi Party. Now this issue
came up because in the film there is a song with the lyrics Aam
Aadmi Udaas Hai, Baaki Sab First Class Hai (the common man
is sad, but everything else if rocking). Salman who is on the
move to promote his film Jai Ho appealed to all political parties
not to use the lyrics of his Aam Aadmi song.
Salman in very clear words stated: “My film has nothing to do
with the Aam Aadmi Party nor with any movement. If the system
is corrupt, let the aam aadmi raise his awareness instead of
blaming others. I fail to understand why the aam aadmi needs
leaders to guide him.”
Salman sounded a bit upset and hurt when he was constantly
asked questions relating to the Aam Aadmi Party. He said, “I
would appeal to all political parties including AAP not to use
my dialogues on Aam Aadmi in the film. My film Jai Ho is full of
action, drama, romance and emotions and I would request
people to watch the film.” Asked whether he would support
the Aam Aadmi Party in the coming days, Salman immediately
said that Arvind Kejriwal has won the election in Delhi, but
then he will have to prove himself. Salman has a close
association with his audiences and he shares a bond with
them, thanks to which he has beaten both Aamir Khan and
Shah Rukh Khan on account of the number of fans who follow
these super stars on social networking sites. Now all eyes are
set on January 24, 2014 the day Jai Ho releases and the one
question thats on everyone’s mind is: Will Jai Ho match up to
Chennai Express and Dhoom 3 at the Box Office?
Well the countdown has began.
4
MidWeek
special report
GANGULY MAY RESIGN SOON
J
ustice Minister AK Ganguly
may resign soon as the
chairman of West Bengal
human rights commission amid
sexual allegations claimed by an
intern against him.
"Justice Ganguly spoke to
me over telephone and said that
he is thinking of resigning (as
WBHRC chief)," former attorney
general Soli Sorabjeetold PTI.
Sorabjee said the former
judge has felt he has been
"hounded by every quarter" to
quit the human rights body
reported TOI. He is also upset
that his family is paying the price
by being hounded by the media.
TOI
asked
Sorabjee
whether he counselled Ganguly
to quit to which he replied,
"Justice Ganguly only shared
his
anguish
over
the
controversy and told me that he
was seriously contemplating
resigning from the state human
rights commission. I only told
him that I agreed with his
decision."
Late last year, a law intern
wrote a blog post alleging she
was sexually harassed by
Ganguly in a hotel room in Delhi.
An interview with details about
the alleged incident followed
soon after.
A three-judge committee
was given the task to look into
the matter. The committee
comprises of Justice RM Lodha,
Justice HL Dattu and Justice
Ranjana P Desai. The committee
concluded there was prima facie
evidence
of"unwelcome
behaviour" by the Justice
Ganguly, confirmed reports.
Pressure mounted for him to
resign after.
Manmohan Singh will step aside after elections
Indian Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh will step
aside after a decade of being
in the PM position of the
nation after the election next
summer.
“In a few months’ time, after
the general election, I will
hand the baton over to a new
Prime Minister,” he said.
In his speech he pointed out
BJP prime ministerial
candidate Narendra Modi
would prove disastrous as the
prime minister of India.
“I sincerely believe it would
be disastrous for the country
to have Narendra Modi as the
prime minister,” Mr Singh
said.
He pointed out Gujarat riots
that took place in 2002.
“If by strong prime minister
you mean you preside over the
mass massacre of innocent
citizens in the streets of
Ahmedabad – if that is the
measure of strength – I do not
believe that sor t of strength
this country needs,” Mr Singh
said. He also pointed out that
the UPA government has done
“quite a lot” to make up for
1984 Sikh riots.
“I think our government has
done quite a lot (for Sikh
victims). I used the oppor tunity of a decision in Parliament to publicly apologise to
Sikh community on behalf of
the government of our country
for what had happened in
1984. It should never have
happened.
“As far as compensation is
concerned, I think one can
never give adequate compensation to compensate for the
loss of valuable life but
wherever possible, we have
provided succour to the
suffering families of the Sikhs
of 1984 riots,” he said at his
press conference.
“I hope it will be a UPA
chosen Prime Minister, and
our par ty will work to that end
in the campaign for the
general elections.
“I am confident that the new
generation of our leaders will
also guide this great nation
successfully through the
unchar ted and uncer tain
waters of global change,” he
added. He said Congress will
announce its candidate at an
appropriate time while adding
that the par ty’s vice-president
has “outstanding credentials”
for the position.
He said he has never felt like
giving up the position and has
thoroughly enjoyed his time.
“I never felt like resigning at
any time. I have enjoyed doing
my work. I have tried to do my
work with all honesty, with all
sense of integrity without
regard for fear or favour,” he
said.
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
AAP to Bhushan's
rescue over J&K
referendum comments
AamAadmi Par ty's PrashantBhushan comments on Jammu &
Kashmir were distor ted, said AAP after Bhushan called for referendum in the state to decide if the Indian Army should be
deployed to deal with internal threats.
"PrashantBhushan's comments on Kashmir were distorted. He
has issued a statement to clarify," AAP leader Kumar Vishwas
told Economic Times.
"AAP believes that Kashmir is India's integral par t. Bhushanji
agrees on it as well," said AAP par ty leader DilipPandey.
While Delhi CM ArvindKejriwal distanced himself from
Bhushan's comments and said, "We don't agree with what
PrashantBhushan said about Kashmir. It is his personal view,"
Economic Times repor ted.
"Deployment of the army within the country should be decided
on the basis of internal security threat. There is no question of a
referrundum on this. But we believe the sentiments of locals
should be respected. Otherwise democracy will be under threat,"
he told repor ters.
Speaking for his par ty, he said, "AAP does not suppor t referendum on such issues."
Bhushan had said, "People should be asked whether they want
the army to handle the internal security of Kashmir. Any decision which does not have the backing of the people is undemocratic. If people feel that the army is violating human rights and
they say they don't want the army to be deployed for their security then the army should be withdrawn from the hinterland," on
TV channel AajTak.
Meanwhile, BJP leader ArunJaitley was quick to slam Bhushan's
comments.
"It is regrettable that for a par ty like the AamAadmi Par ty which
nourishes national ambitions, should adopt a position hostile to
India's interests," he said, repor ted Economic Times.
"I hope sensible elements in the par ty seek to reverse this
position. Otherwise the slope downwards will be faster than the
movement upwards," he said.
"It is Pakistan which has been suggesting the de-militarisation
of the valley. Some separatist groups have been echoing that
demand," he said. "The issues of national security cannot be
decided by populism or referendum. They can only be decided
on security considerations. Till such time the infrastructure of
terror remains, the presence of the army in Jammu & Kashmir
is essential," Jaitley wrote in an ar ticle.
Devyani seeks indictment deadline
extension, Bharara opposes plea
Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade sought a one-month extension of the deadline for charging her in a visa fraud case
involving her domestic help but her plea was opposed by the
prosecution, even as the US on Tuesday said it wanted to resolve the “ordeal” as soon as possible.
Khobragade has requested for the extension of the January 13
indictment deadline, saying the "pressure of the impending"
deadline is interfering with the ability of the par ties to have
meaningful discussions.
India-born US prosecutor Preet Bharara's office is required to
file charges against the 39-year-old diplomat within 30 days of
her arrest. However, in the request submitted late on Monday
with magistrate judge Sarah Netburn of the US district cour t for
the southern district of New York, Khobragade's counsel sought
postponement of the preliminary hearing date, currently scheduled for January 13 and extension of the indictment deadline by
30 days "to and including February 12, 2014". "Significant communications have been had between the prosecution and the
defense and amongst other government officials and it is our
strong view that the pressure of the impending deadline is counterproductive to continued communications," Khobragade's
counsel Daniel Arshack said in the request.
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
breaking news
AAP'S ANTI-GRAFT PROMISE DIFFICULT GOAL
TO ACHIEVE: US POLITICAL SCIENTIST
The Aam Aadmi Par ty's(AAP) promise to sweep away corruption from
the Indian political system is a "difficult" goal to achieve, says a
visiting American political scientist. Fighting corruption needs stronger legislative tools, and just by forming a government AAP is not
likely to reduce corruption, said he. John Echeverri-Gent, associate
professor at University of Virginia, presented his views about close
association of economy, business and Indian political system during
a session "The Economy, Business and India's 2014 Parliamentary
Elections" at the India International Centre Monday evening.
"Everyone has this question - will the broom of AAP sweep corruption
from this nation? But in all likelihood, AAP by forming government is
not likely to reduce corruption," said the wellknown public policy
professor to a discerning audience.
"They might do less than what we are hoping. It is because until AAP
plays a big role in the (national) legislature, such goals are difficult to
achieve," Echeverri-Gent added, and was quick to clarify that his
statement is based on his observations till now.
"AAP has surprised all of us by making a back-door entry and heading
straight to the front row. But how it performs in the general elections
is something to watch out for. Though, I personally feel they won't win
more than 50 seats," he added. Echeverri-Gent's exper tise and understanding about India's fragmented politics comes from his well-researched books "The State and the Poor: Public Policy and Political
Development in India and the United State", "Economic Reform in
Three Giants: U.S. Foreign Policy and the USSR, China, and India",
which he co-edited. His presentation was a gist of his new book,
"Politics of Markets: Political Economy of India's Financial Market
Development in Comparative Perspective", he is currently working
on. Hearing his arguments and observations was author and political
commentator Surjit. S.Bhalla, who has authored books like "Devaluing to Prosperity: Misaligned Currencies and Their Growth Consequences", "Imagine There's No Country: Pover ty, Inequality, and
Growth in the Era of Globalisation."
While Bhalla agreed with most of the visiting professor's arguments, he strongly felt 2014 elections will be no lesser than a
"mega election".
"Middle class has become sizable in India and hence they would
come out and vote for par ties with good economic governance. If you
have observed, par ties with good per formance have been getting
great response from people," said Bhalla.
"So, this will be an election fought on economic policies and not on
social or political policies," he added, saying par ties doing much on
economic front will win.
With the AAP announcing it will contest the Lok Sabha polls from 20
states, these political scientists felt the trend of "multi-par ty" and
"fragmented system" will continue to cloud Indian political scene. "It
is hard to believe the AAP will roll out other political par ties in a day
and take over," said Bhalla.
AAP's dreams to go NATIONAL
CONTD. FROM PAGE 1
However, those applying would have to be recommended by at least
100 persons each from all the assembly constituencies in his or her
area," he said. AAP's 10 key states would be Bihar, Haryana, Punjab,
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and
Bihar. "I feel Arvind (Kejriwal) should come forward and become our
prime ministerial candidate. This is my personal opinion, but there
are others who also feel this way," said Par ty member GopalRai to
Economic Times. "Whether Arvind (Kejriwal) will be projected as the
PM candidate is a call to taken later," senior AAP leader
PrashantBhushan told Economic Times.
"But the central elections will be fought under his leadership as he is
the tallest leader of the par ty," he said.
MidWeek
5
Bangladesh's PM may call for fresh
polls if opposition stops violence
In a recent violent election in Bangladesh, the ruling Awami
League headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has won but
is willing to call for fresh polls provided the main opposition
halts the violence.
Monday marked a win for the ruling party amid one of the most
violent election in the country of 160 million that saw street
fighting, low turnout and a boycott by the opposition that made
results a foregone conclusion, said repor ts.
The two Bengal "Begums" have been fighting for power for
about two decades in the country.
Repor ts noted that observers say the rivalry is a hurdle in the
way of progress and compromise.
"The economy is declining, democracy is being weakened and
Bangladesh's march toward development is faltering," said
Hassan Shahriar, a political analyst in Bangladesh to the Associated Press. "The latest election and the opposition violence
linked to it shows how they could not care less about the people
they say they want to serve."
Ruling par ty Awami League won 232 seats out of 300 elected
far more than the required 151 seats to form a government.
Due to the opposition boycott, half of the seats were uncontested, allowing the ruling par ty to win the election.
"It is therefore extremely disappointing that more than half of
the country's parliamentary seats were not contested freely,
but instead were filled through acclamation," said Foreign Affairs Minister of Canada, John Baird. "Canada joins the United
States and the European Union in expressing regrets that the
major political par ties in Bangladesh were unable to negotiate
a solution that would have enabled a fully par ticipatory election on January 5, 2014. The availability of individual choice is
fundamental to a vibrant democracy," he said. At least 18 people
were killed on Sunday as police opened fire at protestors and
opposition activists torched about 100 polling stations, Associated Press repor ted. About 300 people have been killed since
February, noted the Associated Press. "Canada notes with dismay the violence and controversy that marred the electoral
period. Hundreds of Bangladeshi citizens were killed in political violence in 2013. We condemn this violence in the strongest terms, par ticularly the senseless attacks on the most vulnerable citizens-children, women, and religious and ethnic
minorities. Violence as a political strategy is unacceptable.
Canada calls on all parties to publicly renounce and condemn
political violence," said Baird. The opposition wants ruling par ty
headed by Hasina Sheikh to step down so fresh election could
be held to have a neutral administration.
6
MidWeek
community
INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL FASHION
FESTIVAL NEW YEAR MASTI NIGHT
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
US missions abroad
paid some local staff
less than $1 a day
(A 2009 State Department evaluation of practices in US
embassies and missions revealed that some local
employees they hired earn less than $1 a day.
TORONTO - The International Cultural Fashion Festival (ICFF)
hosted its annual New Year Masti Night in Toronto with great fanfare.
The event brought many different cultures together at Woodbine
Banquet Hall to welcome 2014. The guests were entertained by
various artists including live singing, Bollywood Dancing and Belly
Dancing. Children participated in a South Korean traditional
dance celebrating the harvest time. The highlight of the
evening was a fashion show by Simply Stunning, featuring
the newest fashion trends in the South Asian Community.
The new year celebration also included words from
Mississauga mayoral candidate, Mr. Dil Mohammed who
emphasized the importance of great events such as New Year
Masti Night as they bring so many different people together
celebrating different cultures. ICFF has taken up this goal as
their main mission and New Year Masti Night was one of the
many events aimed towards realising this aim
The night continued with the DJ ensuring that the music
was on full throttle as people were on the dance floor till the
wee hours of the morning.
The New Year Masti Night was organized by Bunty Jutt, Dolly
Sidhu, and Shabnam Khan. It was truly a blast and a memorable
night.
HUNDREDS WAITED IN LINE FOR ICESTORM GIFT CARD BY THE PROVINCE
H
PEOPLE WAIT IN LINE FOR GIFT CARDS AT THE GOLDEN MILE CENTRE ON EGLINTON AVE. AT
VICTORIA PARK AVE. IN TORONTO
undreds waited in
line in the final
hour for
Torontonians to collect
their gift card handed out
by the province to
Torontonians who lost
food during the poweroutage. Many gathered in
line in Scarborough to
receive a card from
Shoppers Drug Mart to
President's Choice gift
cards, without a guarantee
that they will get one,
reported Globe and Mail.
"Through the action of
generous corporate
partners, more than
$160,000 in gift cards has
so-far been distributed in
Toronto to those who lost
food in the aftermath of
the ice storm," said
Madeleine Meilleur,
Minister of Community
Safety and Correctional
Services in a statement.
"I want to thank all the
involved corporations for
their generous donations,
and encourage others to
consider contributing to
this worthwhile effort. To
this point, approximately
$460,000 has been pledged
to the initiative, including
provincial matching
funds."
"I would also like to
remind everyone that
these gift cards are
intended to help those
who have lost food and
are unable to replace it
without financial
assistance. This initiative
cannot provide gift cards to
everyone who lost power,
and should be reserved for
those facing the most need,"
said the minister.
Provincial officials have been
working with municipalities
outside of Toronto to
determine the need for a
similar initiative.
"So far interest has been
expressed by Durham
Region, as well as the
cities of Brampton, Guelph
and Hamilton, and we are
working with them on the
best way to begin
distribution."
WASHINGTON: For all the complaints about India and its diplomats underpaying domestic help on their postings abroad, a
2009 state depar tment evaluation of practices in US embassies and missions abroad revealed that some local employees they hired earn less than $1 a day. In fact, some of them
were so poorly paid they had to cut back to one meal a day or
send their children to peddle on the streets, the repor t said.
The repor t from the state depar tment's Office of the Inspector
General (OIG), which has been dusted off for scrutiny by some
Indian officials amid a flaming row between Washington and
New Delhi over the l'affaire Devyani, looked at how the US
pays more than 51,000 local, non-American employees in about
170 missions abroad. In addition to the hardship caused to the
workers because of inadequate pay, the repor t found that the
US pays in what in some cases amounts to universal belowpover ty level wages.
While the repor t did not provide the numbers of low-paid
employees nor name missions where such situations occur, it blamed an inadequately staffed employment office in
Washington for the inability to make appropriate changes to
pay levels.
'Mission workers forced to cut back to 1 meal a day'
"Twenty-seven missions presented compelling arguments that
their lower-grade employees fall shor t of minimal living standards," the repor t said. "These arguments included accounts
of LE (locally employed) staff removing children from school,
cutting back to one meal a day, sending children to sell water
or little cakes or toiletries on the streets ... employees depending on salary advances and defaulting on loans in order to
cover basic expenses ... (pay) grades 1 to 3 earning less than
$1 per day."
Asked about the repor t and any action taken on its recommendations in the context of the Khobragade row, a state depar tment spokesperson said, "Generally, compensation plans for
locally employed staff at US missions abroad are based upon
prevailing wage rates and compensation practices for corresponding types of positions in the employment locality."
Exchanges in Washington also suggested the two nations are
at an impasse over New Delhi's intended scrutiny of wages at
US embassy and consulates in India following the Khobragade
spat. Administration sources maintain that salaries of employees at missions abroad are not made public for a variety of
reasons, "including their own privacy and security". But they
insist — while asser ting the need for confidentiality — that
"despite some current negative repor ting ... our embassies
and consulates are actually very generous in our compensations to local employees".
The OIG repor t also did not go into precise wages but said
salary differences between American staff and local hires are
a source of tension in missions. In fact, a 2005 OIG evaluation
of the US embassy and missions in India had noted that delay
in implementing salary increase to local staff in New Delhi
had led to "increased troubles in the embassy's front office".
"The differences in how salary increases are initiated and implemented for American and LE staff are a point of tension, and
make it difficult for the management to explain the compensation process to the LE staff," the 2009 repor t said.
INDIAN-AMERICAN ART
DEALER PALMED OFF
STOLEN INDIAN ARTEFACTS
NEW YORK: The indictment of the girlfriend of Manhattan's
Indian-American antiquities dealer Subhash Kapoor has revealed the fake ownership histories of stolen Indian ar tefacts
palmed off to museums across the world.
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has criminally charged
Kapoor's girlfriend Selina Mohamed with par ticipating in a
decades-long conspiracy to launder stolen antiquities by creating false ownership histories.
She is also charged with, more recently, helping to hide four
stolen bronze sculptures as investigators closed in on Kapoor,
according to chasingaphrodite.com, a specialised ar t website
tracking "looted antiquities in the world's museums".
Kapoor, described by federal investigators as one of the most
prolific antiquities smugglers in the world, is now in custody
in Chennai, where he is facing trial as the alleged mastermind
of an international antiquities' smuggling ring, according to the
website. Selina Mohamed, who was arrested last Friday, was
charged with four counts of criminal possession of stolen proper ty and one count of conspiracy, cour t records show.
She is the third person criminally charged in the case, following the indictments of Kapoor's sister Sushma Sareen and
gallery manager Aaron Freedman, who pleaded guilty to six
criminal counts earlier this month.
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
MidWeek
community
NORM KELLY EXPLORES THE OPTION
OF ARMY TO CLEANUP TORONTO
SAVE MAX OPENS DOORS
FOR INDEPENDENT
REALTORS TO JOIN
‘
TORONTO HYDRO TRYING TO RESTORE POWER OUTAGE DURING ICE STORM 2013
COURTESY: TWITTER
T
oronto's deputy mayor Norm Kelly is exploring the option of
a city clean-up from the army. He said Friday considering all
the ice storm build-up and debris it could take as long as two
months to get the city cleaned, in an interview with CTV News.
"I thought: 'Well, what would be the next available source of
manpower?' And I think that's the Army. And if we can get more
people on the job, and meet this challenge sooner rather than later,
why not explore that option?" the deputy mayor told CTV News.
The clean-up will cost the city about $75 million.
"It remains to be seen what benefit calling the army will have,"
Minnan-Wong said reported CTV News, suggesting they may not
have the equipment for a cleanup.
"There is certainly going to be a cost and that is going to be
borne to the taxpayer in one way or another."
Mayor Rob Ford had ignored the advice to call a state of
emergency in Toronto despite of many in the city who were in dark
according to reports.
Deputy city manager John Livey had recommended Ford to
declare a state of emergency in an email, which was leaked to the
press reported CBC News.
"We are getting ready to ask the mayor to declare this an
emergency largely because it will assist the staff at the province
to make resources available to us, crews, generators, facilities
for warming centres," he wrote on Dec. 22.
Meanwhile Ford tweeted against army's help, "I see no
need to call in the army when we have over 600 staff dedicated
to clean up efforts.The City of Toronto is on top of the
situation."
Any request of military involvement will have to go through
the province, confirmed reports.
RELIEF TO SIKH INDUSTRIALIST IN CANADA
MUMBAI: A document by the
Public Prosecution Service of
Canada recently came as a relief
to a top Sikh industrialist in
Canada who has been caught in
a 14-year-long legal battle
against him for alleged
bankruptcy. The prosecution has
now said that there was no
reasonable prospect of his
conviction in the matter.
In a letter dated November 28,
2013, the Public Prosecution
Service of Canada stated that
"Although the Crown is not
obligated to provide reasons.....I
can advise you that I have
determined there is no longer a
reasonable
prospect
of
conviction". Erwin Singh Braich,
a second generation 58-year-old
Sikh billionaire in Canada has
been
facing
bankruptcy
proceedings which he strongly
defended. He produced what he
says is ''compelling evidence''
against the ''trumped up
charges''. For over a decade not
one witness was produced by
the prosecutors said his
lawyers.
Braich who had even written
to the Indian authorities for
intervention against what he
said
was
continuous
harassment without evidence,
had engaged a Mumbai-based
lawyer Jamshed Mistry in the
matter too. Mistry when
contacted said he considers
Braich's story as a serious
violation of a person's civil
rights in any country. "In all of
my years of practicing law I
have never seen a prosecutor
go out of their way to state that
'there is no longer a reasonable
prospect
of
conviction'
especially when abandoning a
high profile case such as this.
It seems to me that it was an
apology of sorts to Braich".
Braich even had restrictions on
international travel imposed on
him
by
the
Canadian
government. They have now
been lifted. Mistry said "The
legal team will plan the next
course of legal action.'' Braich
has already filed a lawsuit
against the government for
compensation damages and
claimed that he has suffered
damages exceeding $ 17 billion.
Braich himself stated, "I am very
thankful that someone within the
government had the good sense
to finally take initiative by doing
the right thing and tell the truth.
At one point, I was not allowed
to travel outside British
Columbia without seeking
permission from the court. This
affected me in many ways". "My
legal team will continue to
vigorously pursue the lawsuit I
have already filed and served on
the Public Prosecution Service of
Canada and the Royal Canadian
Mounted Police".
NRIs turn AAP's cadre, scrimp & innovate to raise funds
MUMBAI: Chaitra, mother of
two young children, braved the
sub-zero temperatures of the
Chicago winter while commuting
to work by public transport
instead of travelling in the warm
comfort of a taxi. This helped her
save $30 a week, money she
would donate to the Aam Aadmi
Party. Lifestyle changes.
Blistered feet. And no vacations.
That's the contribution many
NRIs across America made to
new Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's
politics of change.
Navendu Shirali, a young IT
professional in Chicago,
squirrelled away Rs 1 lakh over
five months despite having a
loan to repay, like many young
Indians in the US who were
contributing their savings to
AAP. A movie buff, Shirali
virtually stopped going to
theatres, eating out or going on
vacation with his parents to raise
funds. Instead, he'd stand
outside theatres to garner funds
for AAP. Many used innovative
strategies to collect money for
the party. During her daughter's
birthday, Chaitra asked friends
not to bring gifts, but to
contribute for AAP. Chaitra and
her friends even sold old
furniture and clothes online, the
proceeds of which went to the
party. Around Raksha Bandhan,
Shirali gave $20 to AAP as gift
for every girl in his group. They,
in turn, matched his gift with an
equal contribution to the party.
Those who did not have money
to offer, helped out in other
ways. For instance, many
organized Sunday afternoon tea
parties where friends and family
were invited home and
enlightened about the AAP. The
tea parties included screening
video clips of Kejriwal's
speeches to inspire people to
support the party.
Persons of Indian origin (PIOs),
who cannot donate to Indian
political parties, supported
AAP's telephone campaigns by
making calls to people in India
to enlist their support.
Three young Indians - Akshay
Kumar Anugu, Madhusudhan
VN and Jayesh Srivastava walked from Washington DC to
New York to raise awareness
about Swaraj, a system of
decentralization the AAP
propagates. The 16-day yatra, in
the middle of the American
summer, saw the young men
battle soaring temperatures,
humidity and blistered feet. The
weather did little to dampen their
spirits.
"On a day we walked 22 miles, a
woman who saw us during the
last four miles shouted 'Bharat
Mata Ki Jai'. Suddenly, we forgot
how tired we were and felt so
inspired that it was as if we were
on our first mile," says Aunugu.
Th e g r o u p s t o p p e d o v e r a t
New Castle (Maryland,
Delaware) where the elected
representative spoke about a
system of home rule followed
there that resembles the
AAP's vision of swaraj. All
along the route, the Swaraj
Ya t r a e n c o u r a g e d N R I s t o
p l a n a t r ip to India around
elections and vote for the Aam
Aadmi Party.
MIDWEEK NEWS HAD AN
OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS
PROSPECTS OF JOINING SAVE MAX
WITH CEO/ BROKER OF RECORD, MR.
RAMAN DUA.
Tell us about Save Max Real Estate Company.
In last few years, Save Max Real Estate Inc. has
emerged as a Brand Leader in GTA Real Estate Market.
The company operated on a Team Model and successfully penetrated in the market with this concept. We
had an objective of having a small but very efficient
and dynamic team to provide the best Real Estate
Services in GTA area. We have ...created a success
formula in Real Estate which was well accepted
among the clients and general public.
How did this opportunity open up for realtors?
There were lot many Real Estate Professionals, who
were keen to share our secret of success and approached us to join to become par t of the Team. It was
our strategic plan to keep the limited number of Team
members and we accomplished it successfully.
This is the time for us to widen our vision and grow
more aggressively in the market. We have designed a
long term growth plan for the company and the
individual professionals who would like to become a
par t of this dynamic Team. Keeping that in mind, we
have opened the door for the Independent Real Estate
professionals to join hands with us and promote
themselves under the Save Max Banner.
Can realtors promote themselves individually by their
name ?
That is a million dollar question. Yes, Independent
Real Estate professionals can adver tise
themselvesunder the Save Max banner. They can put
their pictures on For Sale Signs, Open House signs
and other adver tising Material. They will be promoting
their name in the market with
the strong brand image of
Save Max .
How the realtors can contact
you to Join Save Max?
Realtors can contact our
office to book one to one
appointment with me @ 905216-7800 or email at
RAMAN
[email protected].
DUA
A Personal Message by
Mayor Fennell on the
2013 Ice Storm
"During this Christmas season, I ask all Bramptonians to keep
in their thoughts and prayers those families impacted by the
recent ice storm.
City crews have been working continuously since the ice storm
ended to clear tree debris from streets. Much like when a snow
event occurs, priority is given to higher-volume roads and sidewalks and those areas where safety is a concern.
The City of Brampton will firstly remove stockpiled brush (tree
branches, twigs, etc.) from the curb and streets. Once this is
completed, the priority will be removing damaged limbs.
"Brampton City staff continues to work around the clock with
Hydro One Brampton -and emergency service professionals to get power restored to households. Please take additional
precautions during the power outages to reduce the risks of
fire. "Shelters and warming centres continue to remain open
and available for public use. Our New Year's Eve celebrations
will continue but we are taking additional safety precautions by
eliminating the fireworks display and keeping Gage Park closed.
"Despite this, I know our countdown to 2014 will be another
memorable celebration. I also invite all residents to join me for
my annual New Year's Day Levee at the Rose Theatre.
"I want to extend my sincerest appreciation to our first responders who are working tirelessly to help those in need, and I wish
to fur ther recognize the kindness and compassion of those
Bramptonians who are voluntarily reaching out in suppor t of
their fellow residents following the storm's aftermath. "I will
continue to update all residents with the latest information."
7
8
MidWeek
opinion
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj lived the Mantra of
Sarva Pantha Sambhava, he sowed dreams
for the nation: Narendra Modi in Raigad
O
n Sunday 5th January 2014 Shri Narendra Modi visited the
historic land of Raigad in Maharashtra. Shri Modi paid rich
tributes to one of the greatest sons of India, Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj and visited his Samadhi. He addressed a programme
organised by Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan. Shri Modi affirmed that
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj would always be remembered as a
person who integrated everyone, took everyone along and
worked towards the goal of a Bhavya and Divya Bharat. He
pointed that Chhatrapati Shivaji lived the Mantra of Sarva
Pantha Sambhava. “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was fighting
for the pride of India. His was not a fight to grab power but it
was a fight to save India from slavery,” avowed Shri Modi.
Shri Modi said that he is extremely delighted to come to
Raigad and added that in every part of this historic land there
are dreams that were sown by none other than Shivaji Maharaj.
He stated, “In every part of this land, dreams of a Bhavya and
Divya Bharat have been sown. These dreams are calling us.
Shivaji Maharaj sowed dreams for our nation. Bowing to this
land, it should be our dream to create a Bhavya and Divya
Bharat.” Shri Modi went on to say, “There should be an India
where there is no poverty, where our youth have jobs and
where an Indian can walk with his or her head held high in
every part of the world.”
Shri Modi rightly pointed that only remembering
Chhatrapati Shivaji of the battle field was one thing but it is
equally true that he leaves behind a strong contribution in
the fields of good governance and human management. He
added that Chhatrapati Shivaji realized the importance of the seas
MidWeek
and this was not only for war but also for maritime trade. Shri Modi
recalled the importance Shivaji Maharaj gave to building a navy.
Shri Modi also recalled Shivaji Maharaj’s vision for good
governance be it in irrigation or several other fields.
He stated that foreigners may have described Chhatrapati
Shivaji as anything but in every Indian language Shivaji
Maharaj is remembered. Shri Modi shared that from
Rabindranath Tagore to Lala Lajpat Rai and Veer Savarkar,
every great has remembered Chhatrapati Shivaji. He also
congratulated all the efforts that have been made to share the
greatness of Shivaji Maharaj with the future generations.
Shri Modi concluded his speech with a hope that India be
blessed with good governance, skill and an India that can
contribute a lot to the world. He also sought the blessings of
Jija Mata and Chhatrapati Shivaji for that.
President of the Maharashtra BJP and MLA in the
Maharashtra Assembly Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Leader of
Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council Shri Vinod
Tawde and Shiv Sena MP Shri Anant Geete were present on the
occasion.
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Shri Arun Jaitley on "Truth vs. Falsehood –
The story of Gujarat 2002 Riots"
I
was invited on January 4,
2014 to Pune for the launch
of the Marathi edition of the
book ‘Modinama” written by
Madhu Purnima Kishwar, an
academic and activist. Madhu
has never been a BJP supporter.
If at all I remember her as a critic
of the Party on several occasions
in the past. The English and
Hindi edition of the book are yet
to be released. The Marathi
edition has been printed by
Vineet Kuber of Pune. The book
is based on several months of
research by the author. In
relation to the 2002 riots she has
recorded interviews of several
people and has based the book
on the factual impressions that
she got. While speaking at the
launch function, I referred to
several steps taken towards a
sustained
campaign
(or
conspiracy)
to
implicate
Narendra Modi in the 2002 riots.
I further explained some of these
attempts which collapsed
because they were based on
falsehood. I refer to three
important facts that I mentioned
in my Speech.
The First – Who set fire to
the Sabarmati Express.
It was clear from day one
that a misguided mob at the
Godhra Railway station, of
members belonging to one
community had set
the
Sabarmati Express compartment
No. S-6 on fire. The case was
initially investigated by the
Gujarat Police and subsequently
transferred by the Supreme Court
to the SIT. The trial was
completed based on the SIT’s
investigation which established
that a meeting was held in
Godhra a day prior to the
incident. Fuel was transported
in vehicles to the railway station.
The doors of compartment S-6
were bolted from outside so that
nobody could come out and the
mob armed with weapons had
set the compartment on fire.
A fraudulent attempt was
made by a section of the media
and certain NGOs to allege that
nobody set the fire from outside;
that the fire started inside the
compartment. The trial upon
completion resulted in conviction
of a large number of people against
whom the charge of conspiracy,
rioting and murder was held. The
appeals of the convicted persons
are pending. Notwithstanding
this voluminous evidence, UPA-I
through its Railway Minister Lalu
Yadav appointed a Committee
under the Railway Ministry
headed by a retired judge,
Justice U.C Banerjee, The
Committee came out with a
scandalous report alleging that
the fire could have started inside
the compartment. This report
carried no credibility with the
people and has been consigned
to the dustbin. The judicial
verdict proved every fact of this
report to be false. The
motivation of this false campaign
was established that the Hindu
community had set the compartment
on fire so that the provocation could
lead to riots in Gujarat.
Secondly, the Modi interview
of action-reaction which was never
given. In order to establish that
Narendra Modi was rationalizing the
violence taking place in Gujarat, a
leading national newspaper in the
first week of March 2002 published
an alleged ‘interview’ of Modi. The
said interview quoted Modi as
saying that every action has a
reaction and therefore the post
Godhra violence was justified as a
reaction. Narendra Modi maintained
that he had not given any such
interview. In fact no reporter from
the newspaper had ever met him for
the interview. It was therefore
surprising that the interview could
appear in Question-Answer form
and create an impression that Modi
had justified the violence. The
Gujarat Government wrote to the
newspaper alleging that no such
interview had been given since
nobody from the newspaper had
ever met the Chief Minister. The
statement was not published in the
next 20 days. Thereafter, it
appeared as a letter in the Letters
to Editor column with a
clarification that in fact no
reporter had met Modi or had
interviewed him and the
interview was ‘created’ on basis
of comments and replies of the
Chief Minister which had
appeared on certain electronic
channel.
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
canada
9
FROST QUAKES
SHOOK TORONTO
IP10
Ted Cruz to renounce Canadian citizenship
Prime Minister Stephen Harper
highlights government's 2013
achievements
Courtesy:
PM Stephen
Harper/
Flickr
Commons
COURTESY: AUSTIN CHAMBER/FLICKR COMMONS
U.S. SEN. TED CRUZ
C
anada born U.S. Sen. Ted
Cruz will renounce his
Canadian citizenship any
day now, confirmed reports.
Catherine Frazier, a spokeswoman
for conservative tea party
favourite said he plans to have the
process done soon, confirmed
reports. He "has been fully
focused on fighting for Texans'
values and interests in the Senate
for the last year," Frazier said in an
email to the Associated Press. "He
looks forward to the process being
completed soon." His response
sparked
after
Canadian
immigration attorney Richard
Kurland suggested last week that
the process is relatively simple
and quick and wondered why it
was taking so long for the Sen. "If
he's attempting to bring our system
into disrepute by suggesting it's
lengthy and complex, it's just not
true," said Kurland from British
Columbia in an interview with the
Associated Press. "Revocation is
one of the fastest processes in our
system." Cruz hasn't been in office
for a year but sparked budget fight
last October over health care that
led to a partial shutdown in the
U.S. He is also being mentioned
as a 2016 Republican presidential
candidate. The citizenship issue is
a "thorny" one for Cruz as
Associated Press puts it, after
skeptics claimed Obama was not an
American but a Kenyan. Obama
released his Hawaiian birth certificate
and reports confirmed that his father
was a Kenyan while his mother was
an American. Cruz was born in
Calgary, Alberta.
Canada Ends 2013 among the Top Growing Economies of the G-7
J
im Flaherty, Minister of
Finance,
reminded
Canadians and investors of
Canada's fiscal and economic
success story on the eve of 2014,
and said he expects this track
record to continue to promote
trade and attract investment
even amidst a volatile global
economy.
"In 2013, Canada's financial
services sector ranked the best
in the world for the sixth year
in a row," said Minister Flaherty.
"With the lowest overall tax
rate
on
new
business
investment in the Group of
Seven (G-7), it is no surprise
that real business investment
in Canada is now well above its
pre-recession peak, while no
other G-7 country has even
recovered to pre-recession
levels."
"Ongoing global uncertainty
and recent examples of the
consequences of continued
and growing deficits in other
countries make it even more
important for Canada to remain
focused on balanced budgets,"
Minister Flaherty added. "The
Government is on track to
balance the federal budget in
2015 and reduce the federal
debt-to-GDP (gross domestic
product) ratio to 25 per cent by
2021."
Both the International Monetary
Fund and the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and
Development expect Canada to
be among the strongest growing
economies in the G-7 in 2014.
In 2013, Canada further
strengthened its international
competitiveness through a
number
of
historic
achievements.
These
accomplishments included an
agreement in principle on a
comprehensive trade agreement
with the European Union, which
will result in Canadian
businesses having tariff-free
access to almost half of the
world economy, and an
agreement in principle to
establish a cooperative capital
markets regulator with Ontario
and British Columbia that will
better protect investors, enhance
Canada's financial services
Climate change activists interrupt Harper's moment
T
wo climate change
activists reached on
stage of an event
attended by Prime Minister
Stephen Harper with two
signs just as soon as the PM
was about to start a question
and answer session in
Vancouver, CBC reported.
Activist Sean Devlin and
ShireenSoofi managed to get
around security and onto the
stage where Harper was
seated to discuss climate
change policies. The duo had
signs, one of them read
"climate justice now" while
other one read "The
Conservatives Take Climate
Change Seriously" with the
line crossed out, reported
CBC News. The president of
the board of the trade, Iain
Black was introducing Harper
when the duo got on the
stage. "I'd like to take a
minute and have some folks
removed from the stage," she
said while Harper reached for
a glass of water confirmed
CBC reports. "It wouldn't be
B.C. without it," Harper said
jokingly. During the session
"I was pleased to meet today
with members of the
Vancouver business
community to discuss the
economy and measures that
our Government is taking to
help Canadian businesses
prosper at home and abroad,"
said Prime Minister Harper
during the session.
"In addition to reducing taxes
and eliminating unnecessary
regulatory burdens and red
tape, our Government is
providing unprecedented
access to international markets,
including through the historic
agreement in principle that was
recently reached with the
European Union on a
Comprehensive Economic and
Trade Agreement," he said.
Once implemented, the
Canada-Europe Trade
Agreement will create
thousands of new jobs for
Canadians and provide
Canadian businesses with
preferential market access to
the EU's more than 500 million
consumers and to its annual
$17 trillion in economic
activity.
sector, support efficient capital
markets and better manage
systemic risk.
"In 2013, the Government
continued to receive a triple-A
credit rating, with a stable
outlook, from all the major credit
rating agencies," Minister
Flaherty said. "It is one more
recognitio n o f t h e f i s c a l
progress made by this
country in recent years, and
Canada's growing reputation
a r o u n d t h e w o r l d . We w i l l
strive to establish a lasting
legacy for the generations of
Canadians to come, and will
continue to be a voice of
economic prudence in a world
that is still recovering from the
Great Recession."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement
highlighting some of the government's significant accomplishments in 2013: "In 2013, our Government delivered on the priorities of Canadians: creating jobs and oppor tunities, suppor ting
and protecting Canadian families, and putting Canada first. "We
know Canadian families work hard for their money; that's why we
kept taxes low. The federal tax burden is at its lowest level in 50
years, and Canadian families are paying less in taxes than in
2006. "We're also looking out for Canadians, among the most
digitally connected people in the world, by introducing specific
measures to promote more choice, lower prices and better service in Canada's wireless and cable television markets.
"And we know that nothing contributes to a better quality of life
than a good job. Since 2009, Canada has created over one million
new jobs, most of which are high-wage positions in the private
sector. "To ensure that Canadians always have the first crack at
available jobs we've improved the Temporary Foreign Workers
Program, and introduced the Canada Job Grant to connect people
with the skills training they need to fill available jobs. "Our Government also understands that spending more than you earn is
not a sustainable path to prosperity. So in 2013 we introduced
measures to reduce the federal deficit, as well as the size and
cost of Government. "As a result of our actions, Canada's economy
remains among the strongest in the world, and we are on track to
achieve a budget surplus in 2015-16. This will allow us to keep
taxes low, and ensure that Government spending on priorities like
health care is sustainable. "In October we reached an historic
trade agreement with the European Union that will create thousands of new jobs for Canadians and give Canadian businesses
from every region of the country preferential access to a halfbillion affluent new customers in the EU. "We also continued to
invest in the bridges, highways, harbours and transit systems that keep
our economy moving. These investments include: supporting small craft
fishing harbours on the East Coast; redeveloping the Lévis ferry area in Quebec; improving the public transit system in Toronto; seeing the completion of
Winnipeg's Centreport Canada Way; building the Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk highway
to the Arctic Coast; and announcing an accelerated timeline for the construction of the new bridge for the St. Lawrence. "Our Government was there for the
people of Lac Mégantic in the aftermath of the deadly train disaster, providing
support for recovery and decontamination efforts, and for the victims of
unprecedented flooding in Alberta. "And we will continue to be there for
children and for victims of crime. That's why we introduced legislation to
crack down on cyberbullying and sexual predators on the internet.
CONTD. ON PG 10
10
MidWeek
canada
FROST QUAKES SHOOK TORONTO
AERIAL VIEW OF DOWNTOWN TORONTO
Cour tesy: Cajie/Flickr Commons
M
any Toronto residents
were woken up by a
loud booming noise in
the middle of the night last week
due to what's being described as
a frost quake.
Overnight temperature dropped
below -20 early Friday morning
resulting into booms as the
moisture in the ground freezes
and expands, putting pressure
on the rock causing a crack.
The phenomenon is also called
cryoseisms.
"Anyone else in #Brampton or
#Toronto just experience that
loud ice quake or sonic boom
thing? that was the loudest one
yet," tweeted a GTA resident,
TejSahota.
"To be honest, we literally
thought that our roof broke or
something. Our house pretty
much shook," he said, Mike
Leibovitz from Thornhill in an
interview with the National Post.
"It was pretty loud.
I mean, the two of us woke up
out of deep sleep, it woke my
daughter up. It definitely was a
boom and my house, my roof was
shaking."
Allison Bent, a seismologist with
Earthquakes C a n a d a t o l d
National Post, frostquakes
are similar to earthquakes but
aren't recorded by Earthquake
Canada's instruments as the
shaking is localized.
"What they are is cracking of
ice or two blocks of ice
moving one against each
other. It happens because ice
expands when it gets cold,"
said Bent.
"So it often happens when it's
extremely cold, like minus 20
o r c o l d e r and particularly if
there's been a sudden drop in
temperature, and especially near
lakes and rivers."
"You can feel the shaking, but
as far as I'm aware there's never
been any damage from a frost
quake," she said, when asked if
they were dangerous.
Secret U.S. security contract puts Canada at risk: NDP
Conservatives must assure Canadians they are being protected
A
secret $10 million
contract between the
U.S. National Security
Agency (NSA) and computer
security firm RSA raises serious
questions for Canada's Public
Safety Minister, according to
New Democrats. Several reports
suggest the contract was designed
to provide the NSA with a "back
door" in encryptions that would
allow it to crack into computer
systems around the world.
"Minister Blaney needs to tell us
if sensitive information from
government, businesses and
ordinary Canadians is at risk,"
said NDP Deputy Public Safety
Critic, RosaneDoré Lefebvre
(Alfred-Pellan). "Such a break
in security would have wideranging implications, so
Conservatives need to assure
Canadians they are being
protected."
While
New
Democrats are concerned about
the extent to which the federal
government relies on RSA for the
security of its computer systems,
they are also questioning what
is being done to protect
businesses and individuals who
may have put their faith in the
firm. "Unfortunately, this
government has a dismal record
when it comes to protecting
privacy," said Doré Lefebvre.
"From the data breaches
involving
the
personal
information of thousands of
Canadians to their online
snooping
bill,
these
Conservatives just don't seem to
get it." The NDP has also sent a
letter outlining concerns that
this contract may allow a foreign
government
to
monitor
communications between MPs
and their staff to Speaker
Scheer-noting that RSA provides
encryption for the House of
Commons.
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
Prime Minister Stephen
Harper highlights
government's 2013
achievements
CONTD. FROM PG 9
We also took steps to ensure that public safety comes first
when authorities make decisions regarding persons found
Not Criminally Responsible on Account of Mental Disorder
(NCR), and we will introduce a Victims' Bill of Rights to
restore victims to their rightful place at the hear t of our
justice system.
"After a decade of darkness, our Government is fulfilling its
commitment to give Canada's armed forces 'more teeth, less
tail.' We launched the Defence Renewal initiative that will
put front-line capability before back-office bureaucracy. And,
from a new fleet of Chinook F-model helicopters, to progress
in the building of new ships for the Royal Canadian Navy,
and the modernization of our light armoured vehicles, we're
delivering the tools our armed forces need.
"To fur ther defend Canada's sovereignty and long-term prosperity, our Government has been marshalling resources from
across Government to establish and defend the outer limits
of Canada's continental shelf in the Atlantic Ocean and Arctic region. In 2013, the Government submitted two claims to
the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.
"We continued to work with Aboriginal leaders in 2013 to
advance shared priorities, including: providing job and skills
training; improving water and wastewater systems;
strengthening transparency and accountability for First Nation governments; and enhancing the rights and protections
offered to First Nations living on-reserve.
"And Canada continued to play a vital role internationally.
From the deployment of our Disaster Assistance Response
Team (DART) in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, and the provision of humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria, to our ongoing suppor t of initiatives to improve maternal, newborn and child
health in developing countries, Canada is making a tangible
difference in the lives of people around the world.
"In the new year, our Government will build on the achievements of 2013 and continue to seize every oppor tunity to
secure prosperity and security for Canadians. We will do
so by creating jobs and oppor tunities, suppor ting and protecting Canadian families, and putting Canada first."
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
india
11
INDIA ELECTIONS
2014 MID APRIL TO
EARLY MAY IP12
AAP WILL FIGHT 2014 ELECTIONS
Saying that AAP leader Gopal
Rai will head the membership
drive, Yadav said a central core
committee will look into into all
the key aspects of preparation
for the Lok Sabha polls.
"A three-member National
Campaign
Co-ordination
Committee will look into the
manifesto, fund raising and
other functions related to the
polls. The committee will have
AAP national leaders Sanjay
Singh, Pankaj Gupta and myself
as its members initially. We are
going to include more people
later on," he said.
Talking
about
the
manifesto, the AAP member
said, "The manifesto should be
out by March. We will also
encourage a constituency wise
manifesto if anybody can bring
it out."
The AAP leader made it
clear that getting a party ticket
for fighting the Lok Sabha polls
will be an impossible task if the
prospective candidates who
seek tickets are not squeaky
clean in public life. "Anybody
across the nation can fill the
form to contest elections on a
AAP ticket. There will a party
screening committee on state
level. People can apply for
candidature for Lok Sabha polls
till 15 January which will be
then screened at the state level.
AAP will nominate candidates
for Lok Sabha polls once they
clear the screening process,"
Yadav said.
The AAP leader said that
the first list of party candidates
should be available in public
sphere between 15-20 January.
The party is also looking
into possibilities of raising
funds to contest the Lok Sabha
polls.
"We fought the Delhi
elections with Rs 20 crore.
More funds are needed to fight
English edge: Those who speak the language
fluently 'earn 34% more than others'
NEW DELHI: Those who speak English fluently earn up to
34% more than those who don't speak the language, a
recent repor t has found, confirming the link between an
education in English and the scope of employment opportunities.
But given the constraints of cost and access, the number
of those studying in English medium is yet to pick up. Less
than 25% of students of higher education are studying in
English medium in the nor th central region of India,
including Bihar and UP, compared to around 75% in south
India.
Higher education in Indian languages costs between Rs
1,200 and Rs 3, 000 a year, while English medium costs 68 times more, between Rs 8,000 and 15,000 a year. But the
investment is seen as wor thwhile since education in
English is likely to to yield higher wages, says the repor t
authored by Dr Abusaleh Shariff of the Centre for Research and
Debates in Development Policy, New Delhi and Amit Sharma,
research analyst with the National Council for Applied Economic Research.
"Men who speak English fluently earn wages about 34% higher
and men who speak a little English earn wages about 13%
higher than those who don't speak any English," the repor t
said.
According to the repor t, only 20% of the Indian population can
speak in English, and only 4% would be considered fluent.
Where one lives is a key determinant in accessing English
medium education, it found. "Politicians who don't like English
are captains of a sinking ship. Higher education in English
helps us get better integrated into the globalized organized
sector and labour market. Those without access to higher
education in English are being left out," Dr Shariff told TOI.
the Lok Sabha elections," he
said. Revealing its Haryana
plans, Yadav said that the party
is likely to contest in all the 90Assembly seats.
"Elections in Haryana are
scheduled in October. But if it
happens earlier then AAP will
contest the elections on all the
seats of the state," the AAP
leader said.
The Delhi euphoria is yet to
die down within the party circles
as it turned out to be one of the
major causes inspiring the party
to attempt a national footprint.
BJP hits out at AAP over
Bhushan's remarks on Kashmir
New Delhi: Strongly opposing AAP leader Prashant Bhushan's
suggestion on deployment of armed forces in Kashmir with the
consent of people, BJP on Monday hit out at his par ty for taking
a "weak" stand on national security issues and said these cannot be decided by populism or referendum. Stating that it was
"regrettable" that a par ty with national ambitions was adopting a position similar to that of Pakistan and the separatists that was hostile to India's
interests, Arun Jaitley hoped that sensible elements in AAP will seek to
reverse this "soft" stand, otherwise "the slope downwards will be faster than
the movement upwards". "The issues of national security cannot be decided
by populism or referendum. They can only be decided on security considerations. Till such time the infrastructure of terror remains, the presence of the
army in Jammu & Kashmir is essential," the Leader of Opposition in Rajya
Sabha said. Lashing out at the Aam Aadmi Par ty, he said, "It is
Pakistan which has been suggesting the de-militarisation of the
Valley. Some separatist groups have been echoing that demand.
It is regrettable that for a par ty like the Aam Aadmi Par ty which
nourishes national ambitions, should adopt a position hostile to
India's interests," Jaitley said.
12
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
MidWeek
india
13
Only 10% of students have access to
higher education in country
A
ccess to education beyond higher secondary schooling is a
mere 10% among the university-age population in India.
This is the finding of a report "Intergenerational and Regional
Differentials in Higher Education in India" authored by development
economist, Abusaleh Shariff of the Delhi-based Centre for Research
and Debates in Development Policy and Amit Sharma, research
analyst of the National Council of Applied Economic Research.
The report says that a huge disparity exists - as far as access to
higher education is concerned - across gender, socio-economic
religious groups and geographical regions. The skew is most marked
across regions. Thus, a dalit or Muslim in south India, though from
the most disadvantaged among communities, would have better
access to higher education than even upper caste Hindus in many
other regions. Interestingly, people living in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh
and West Bengal - designated as the north central region - and
those in northeast India have the worst access to higher education.
Those in southern India and in the northern region - consisting of
Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand,
Chandigarh, Haryana and Delhi - are relatively better placed in this
regard.
In the age group 22-35 years, over 15% in the northern region
and 13% in the southern region have access to higher education. In
the north-central region, the number is just 10% for men and 6% for
women whereas in the northeast, only 8% men and 4% women have
access to higher education.
The report, brought out by the US-India Policy Institute in
Washington, is based on data from the 64th round of NSSO survey
2007-08. It throws up quite a few other interesting facts. For instance,
among communities, tribals and dalits fare worst with just 1.8% of
them having any higher education. Muslims are almost as badly off,
with just 2.1% able to go for further learning. Similarly, just 2% of the
rural population is educated beyond higher secondary level,
compared to 12% of the urban population and just 3% of women got
a college education compared to 6% of men.
South India offers the best opportunities for socially inclusive
access to higher education including technical education and
education in English medium. For instance, the share of Hindu SC/
ST in technical education in south India is about 22%, and the share
of Muslims 25%. These were the lowest shares among all communities
in south India. But this was higher than the share of most communities
including Hindu OBCs and upper caste Hindus in most other regions.
South India also has the highest proportion of higher education in
the private sector at about 42%, followed by western India where it
is 22%. The northeast has the least privatized higher education sector
and is almost entirely dependent on government-run or aided
institutions.
Not surprisingly, government institutions are the cheapest
places to study at, with annual expenditures ranging from less than
Rs 1,000 to around Rs 1,500, except in north and south India, where
the average is above Rs 2,000. Both private and privateaided
institutions are quite costly, making them difficult to access for the
poor. With little regulation of the quality of education and cost
differentials, the poor and deprived are often trapped in low quality
education, the report points out. It adds that although free education
is provided at school level, it is almost non-existent at higher levels.
The report also compares India's low 10% access to higher
education with China's 22% enrolment and the 28% enrolment in the
US. Since the early 1990s, China's post-secondary enrolments grew
from 5 million to 27 million, while India's expanded from 5 million to
just 13 million, says the report, while emphasising that higher
education has the potential to enhance productivity and economic
value both at the individual and national levels.
"The government has to urgently address the geographical
skew in the availability of higher education facilities in the two regions
of north-east and north-central," says Shariff. "The central region,
comprising Chhattisgarh, MP, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha,
India Elections 2014
Mid April to Early May
Bracing for the big exercise, the
Election Commission is all set
to hold Lok Sabha elections
starting mid-April and spread it
over at least five phases till
early May. The much-awaited
announcement for the polls is
likely to be made by the end of
February or early March, for
which work has already begun,
top Commission sources said.
Along with the Lok Sabha
polls, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha
and Sikkim will go to polls to
elect their new assemblies.
The announcement of the poll
schedule would be done in the
last days of February or at best
the first two-three days of
March.
An estimated 80 crore voters
will be eligible to vote in the
coming elections after new
voters have been added to the
rolls, whose final revision is
underway. A total of 1.1 crore
poll personnel, half of them
being security forces will be
deployed for the smooth
conduct of polls and to ensure
that they are free and fair.
During the 2009 polls, there
were 714 million voters against
671 million voters in 2004 Lok
Sabha polls.
Favouring a multi-phased
election for a country like that
of India's size and electorate,
poll officials said it is better like
this for "complete satisfaction
of voters". Otherwise it can
lead to "discontentment" in
case of any shortcomings, they
said.
Top poll officials justified
multi-phased polls, saying
some states are to be accorded
special treatment due to their
being extremist-affected like
Jammu and Kashmir and
Chhattisgarh, besides others.
WITH EYE ON CHINA, INDIA AND
JAPAN TO BOLSTER DEFENCE TIES
NEW DELHI: With an eye firmly
on China, India and Japan on
Monday decided to consolidate
and strengthen their strategic
and global partnership in the
defence arena through measures
ranging from regular joint combat
exercises and military exchanges
to cooperation in anti-piracy,
maritime security and counterterrorism.
This came during the
meeting between defence
minister AK Antony and his
visiting Japanese counterpart
Itsunori Onodera. "The two
ministers extensively and frankly
exchanged ideas regarding
regional and global security
challenges, as well as bilateral
defence cooperation and
exchanges. They shared views
on issues relating to peace,
stability and prosperity of the
region," said an official. Onodera
also briefed Antony on Japan's
National Security Strategy and
the National Defence Programme
Guidelines, which were adopted
in December 2013.
Both India and Japan have
long been wary of the
increasingly assertive behaviour
of China, especially in the
contentious South China Sea, as
well as the rapid modernisation
of the People's Liberation Army.
India and Japan will hold
their third "2 plus 2" Dialogue
and fourth Defence Policy
Dialogue in New Delhi this year,
along with the third bilateral
exercise between the Japan
Maritime Self-Defence Force and
Indian Navy to be held in
Japanese waters. The Indian
defence minister will also visit
Japan later this year. The two
ministers agreed to promote
exchanges on UN Peacekeeping
Operations between Japan
Peacekeeping Training and
Research Centre, Joint Staff
College, Central Readiness Force of
Japan Ground Self Defence Force
and Centre for UN Peacekeeping
of the Indian Army. The two
sides will also conduct "expert
exchanges" in counter-terrorism,
humanitarian assistance/disaster
relief between the Indian Army
and Japan Ground Self Defence
Force. The possibility of conducting
staff talks between Japan Air SelfDefence Force and Indian Air
Force as well as professional
exchanges of test-pilots, flight
safety experts and others are
also on the cards.
too needs attention. There is so much talk about a Harvard in
India. I say, give two hoots to Harvard. What we need are
thousands of community colleges that can offer professional
courses so that youngsters can improve their skills and become
employable."
SUPREME COURT REJECTS PIL TO STAY
PROCEEDINGS AGAINST JUSTICE GANGULY
NEW DELHI: The Supreme
Court today refused to entertain
a PIL seeking its direction to stay
all proceedings against its
former judge A K Ganguly, who
is facing allegations of sexual
harassment.
A bench of Chief Justice P
Sathasivam and Justice Ranjan
Gogoi dismissed the PIL, saying
that it cannot interfere in the
issue at this stage and law will
take its course in the matter.
"We have gone through
every word of your averments
and prayers. We are not inclined
to go into it. Its too early to say
anything about it," the bench
said, adding that "let the law take
its own course".
The court was hearing a
PIL, filed by a woman doctor and
Delhi resident M Padma Narayan
Singh, seeking quashing of the
complaint on which a threemember panel of apex court judge
indicted Justice Ganguly,
Chairman of West Bengal
Human Rights Commission, for
unwelcome behaviour against a
law intern.
The petitioner, who is a
senior citizen, alleged that
Ganguly has become a victim of
conspiracy as he, as an arbitrator,
had decided a matter between a
prominent football club of
Kolkata and All India Football
Federation (AIFF) in which the
intern had also participated.
The bench also dismissed
another similar PIL filed on the
issue.
Justice Ganguly, who had
already distanced himself from
the petitions, in a recent
conversation with former
Attorney General Soli Sorabjee
had conveyed his intention to
resign as chairman of the
WBHRC. The former AG told
Ganguly that it was a "wise
decision".
A three-judge
Supreme Court panel had indicted
Justice Ganguly by holding that the
statement of the intern, both written
and oral, had prima facie disclosed
"an act of unwelcome behaviour
(unwelcome verbal/non-verbal
conduct of sexual nature)" by the
judge with her in the Le Meridien
hotel room on December 24 last
year.
14
MidWeek
world
POLAR BLAST BARRELS
ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
Yes, it's winter. And yes, it's cold.
But this is different. Just ask
Richard Thomas, owner of R.
Thomas Deluxe Grill in Atlanta.
He keeps a dozen birds
outside the restaurant and never,
in his 30 years, has he had to
move them inside.
But that's exactly what he
scrambled to do Sunday.
"The weather prediction
made me nervous," said Thomas,
80. "Rather than risk danger to
any of my buddies, so to speak,
I just decided to make that
decision."
As many as 140 million
Americans are bracing this week
for a polar blast that's barreling
across the country, dumping
snow in some places and
shattering records.
Much of the United States
will see the coldest temperatures
in almost 20 years, according to
the National Weather Service.
They are expected to be 30 to 50
degrees below average in some
cities. To put things in
perspective, the weather in
Atlanta
and
Nashville,
Tennessee, on Monday will be
colder than in Anchorage,
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
Bangladesh election:
Ruling Awami League
'wins boycotted poll'
Bangladesh's ruling Awami League has won a violenceplagued general election whose outcome was never in doubt,
according to preliminary results.
The main opposition boycotted the election, resulting in violent clashes at polling stations and extremely low voter turnout. At least 18 people were killed during Sunday's polling,
and dozens have died in the run-up to the election.
Mahfuz Sadique repor ts from Dhaka.
John Kerry ends Mideast trip
without framework deal
Alaska. By Wednesday, nearly
half the nation will shudder in
temperatures of zero or lower,
forecasters said.
The unusual weather is
already causing headaches,
especially for travelers.
Close to 3,000 flights were
canceled Sunday, said the flight-
tracking website flightaware.com,
which tracks cancellations due to
weather, mechanical and other
problems. A man at Logan
International Airport in Boston
told CNN affiliate WCVB that he
will miss two days of a cruise
because he can't get to Florida
as planned to meet the boat.
Another passenger at
Logan was overcome with
emotion as she spoke, her voice
cracking under the stress.
"I just want to go home. I
just want to get back, settled in.
We've been cooped up for two
days," WCVB reported Amy Roy
said.
US: IRAN MAY PLAY A ROLE IN SYRIA PEACE TALKS
JERUSALEM - The United States for the first time on Sunday hinted
that Iran may be able to play some kind of role at proposed talks to
end the war in Syria.
Washington has long opposed calls by Russia and others to allow
Tehran to par ticipate in the talks due to be held in Switzerland on
22 January. It accuses the Islamic republic, the main ally of Damascus, of providing weapons, manpower and cash, as well as
arming Hezbollah militants fighting with Syrian President Bashar
Assad and allowing him to battle an armed opposition for almost
three years. More than 130 000 people have now been killed in the
brutal fighting, with the opposition still splintered and increasingly
taken over by hard-line Islamic groups. US Secretary of State John
Kerry, who has been one of the prime movers of bringing together
the Syrian regime and the opposition at the talks, stressed Iran
could not fully participate without signing up to a June 2012 accord
which calls for a transitional Syrian government to replace the current regime.
But Kerry opened the door to some kind of possible involvement by
the Iranians in the conference, dubbed Geneva 2.
"Could they contribute from the sidelines? Are there ways, conceivably, to weigh in? Can their mission that is already in Geneva be
there in order to help the process? It may be that there are ways that
can happen", he said.
"We're happy to have Iran be helpful", he told reporters in Jerusalem. "Everybody is happy to have Iran be helpful", he added.
Wrangling over the exact make-up of the guest list has been one
issue bogging down the holding of the talks, with UN Secretary
General Ban Ki-moon due to issue the invitations.
Iran's par ticipation "has to be determined by the secretary general,
it has to be determined by Iranian intentions", Kerry said.
Jerusalem: After four days of intense diplomacy, US Secretary
of State John Kerry was heading home Monday, insisting
progress has been made despite failing to agree a framework to
guide Israeli-Palestinian talks.
During his tour, Kerry spent hours locked in separate meetings
with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, as well as making a surprise day
trip to key Arab allies, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
Monday morning, the top US diplomat was briefing Tony Blair,
the Middle East special envoy for the Quar tet of regional peacemakers, at his Jerusalem hotel as he wrapped up his 10th trip to
the region as secretary of state.
Earlier, Kerry met with Israeli opposition leader Isaac Herzog.
With the US remaining tight-lipped about the details, little news
has filtered out about Kerry's proposals to bridge the huge gaps
between the two sides as they seek to draw up the contours of
two states living side-by-side.
But talks appear to have focused on security in the Jordan Valley, on the border between the West Bank and Jordan, as well as
the fate of Jerusalem, which both sides claim as their future
capital.
Not only does Jordan border the occupied West Bank, it also
has a historic role in the guardianship of Muslim sites in Israeliannexed Arab east Jerusalem which is recognised under their
1994 peace treaty.
Saudi Arabia authored a 2002 peace plan which is the basis of
Arab aspirations for any settlements.
Kerry emerged from talks at the secluded deser t residence of
Saudi King Abdullah late Sunday to say he had won the suppor t
of the influential Arab leader.
"His Majesty was not just encouraging, but suppor ted our effor ts and hopes that we can be successful in the days ahead
and believes that this is impor tant for the region and that there
are great benefits that will come to everybody if we're able to be
successful," Kerry said.
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
MidWeek
80 PERTOSA DRIVE, UNIT 12,
BRAMPTON ONT., L6X 5E9
15
16
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
MR JOE B CARVALHO SPECIAL SCREENING
SOHA ALI KHAN AND ARSHAD WARSI
CLASHING EGOS: DID SALMAN STOP
SRK FROM STEPPING OUT OF HIS CAR?
T
heir now-famous hug at
an iftar bash in July last
year notwithstanding,
Salman Khan and Shah Rukh
Khan still prefer to avoid
crossing each other's paths. On
Saturday evening, yet again the
two found themselves shooting
at Mehboob Studios in Bandra.
Salman Khan and Shah Rukh
Khan at Mehboob Studios on
Saturday. Sallu was on Stage No
5 while SRK was on Stage No 3.
Both the stages are adjacent to
each other. While the Dabangg
star was already at the venue
since about 2.30 pm doing a
photo shoot for his NGO, King
Khan arrived around 4. 45 pm for
the promo shoot of an upcoming
film awards event that he is
hosting. Says a source, `Shah
Rukh was slated to arrive for the
shoot at 3 pm, but reached the
venue only around 5.45 pm. He
was as usual accompanied by his
security folk and his staff
members. While the rest came
out of their respective cars, SRK
did not step out of his vehicle
for almost 25 minutes. It did not
take long for onlookers to realise
what was holding King Khan
back. It was the presence of
Salman outside with his team.`
Adds the source, `Only when
Salman had gone back inside to his
shoot that Shah Rukh stepped out.`
Sallu had several visitors on the sets
which included filmmakers Mahesh
Manjrekar and Subhash Ghai
and actor Vatsal Seth. Salman's
brother Sohail and sister Alvira
were also present. The source
added, `Whenever Salman
would step out of his vanity van
17
I was the first one who
talked about Vidya: Madhuri
If Madhuri Dixit oozes talent, she is equally good at recognising and
praising genius. Vidya Balan is the case in point.
Madhuri, who has replaced Vidya in the `Dedh Ishqiya`, says that
she not only likes the latter's body of work, but was also the first one
to talk about her talent.
Seen as conniving, scheming and sensual woman, Vidya wowed all
and sundry with her per formances in Abshishek Chaubey directed
dark drama `Ishqiya`.
Praising the actress, Madhuri said: `Vidya is wonder ful. She is a
lovely actress and I not only liked her in 'Ishqiya', I also liked her in
her first movie ('Parineeta')."
`I was the first one who talked about her in an interview, saying she
is a good actress. I loved her in 'Dirty Picture' and 'Kahaani'. She is
very talented.`
`Dedh Ishqiya` is coming out Jan 10 and it will see Madhuri, 46, in a
completely different avatar. Helmed by Chaubey, the film also stars
Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi, who were there in the original,
along with Huma Qureshi.
Is Ranbir listening?
Kat's going through
holiday sickness
or from the shoot, SRK made sure
that he was not in the vicinity. It
appeared that the staff of the
stars kept tabs on what the other
was doing and kept passing
information about the movements
of the other.` Though Salman and
SRK did pose for the shutterbugs
outside their respective shooting
space, it was only after they made
sure that the other was not
around.
John to reveal the reasons behind his secret wedding?
The newly-married John
Abraham attended an NGO
event along with his parents on
Saturday.
The actor, who recently dropped
a hint on Twitter that he was
married, was however spotted
without a wedding band on his
finger.
At the function, when he was
asked about his marriage,
Johnny boy stated that he will
hold a press conference to
speak about his wedding.
Priya, who is in the US, is
slated to arrive in Mumbai in
February. Looks like the
honeymoon will have to wait.
According to trade sources,
John Abraham's Welcome 2 is
likely to clash with Ranbir
Kapoor's Bombay Velvet at the
box office. Both are scheduled
for a Christmas 2014 release.
Katrina Kaif fell ill during her vacation with Ranbir Kapoor and is
now recuperating in London
Ranbir Kapoor arrived in Mumbai alone from his US holiday with
lady love Katrina Kaif.
The couple had flown to New York to usher in 2014. As it was
extremely cold, Kat couldn't handle the weather and fell ill.
Considering that she was slated to make a stopover in London to
spend time with her family, she decided to extend her stay because
of her health conditions.
Says a source, `Kat couldn't handle the freezing weather in the
US and was down with flu. So she decided to recuperate in
London. She is slated to arrive in Mumbai later this week.`
As soon as Katrina arrives she will start shooting for Bang Bang
with Hrithik Roshan. There is also Jagga Jasoos with Ranbir
Kapoor and Fitoor with Sushant Singh Rajput.
18
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
MidWeek
bollywood
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
19
Movie Review
Upcoming
BOLLYWOOD Movies
ENDRA,
KUMAR, DHARM
CAST: SANJEEV
HAN,
MITABH BACHC
A
I,
N
LI
A
M
A
HEM
& AMJAD KHAN
JAYA BHADURI
AMESH SIPPY
DIRECTED BY: R
RATING: *****
KARLE PYAAR KARLE
RELEASE DATE:
Jan 10, 2013
DIRECTOR(S): Rajesh Pandey
PRODUCER: Suneel Darshan
MUSIC: Rayyan Ameen, Rashid Khan, Prashant Singh,
Mumzy, Meet Bros Anjjan
LYRICS: Rashid Khan, Shakeel Azmi, Kumaar
WRITER : Suneel Darshan
SHOLAY 3D: SHOLAY IN
ANY FORMAT IS SHOLAY!
I
f as Shakespeare told us, a
rose by any other name smells
just as sweet then Sholay in
any format-3D,4D whateverwould remain just the same. An
inviolable classic, timeless , as it
is timely. As the new version ,
spruced up with flying bullets
and thundering hoofs, comes to
us at a time when Dhoom is
trending. So it's Sholay 3D
weighed against Dhoom 3.
Savour
'D'
difference.
Undoubtedly the current films
that seem to make so much
money seem to pale into
flamboyant insignificance when
weighed against the hefty impact
of Sholay.
38 years have passed since
Sholay and its astonishing
lines(Salim-Javed at their
pithiest) created immediate and
enduring history. Yes, the film
opened badly. But then Rome
and Amitabh Bachchan's career
weren't built in day. With each
viewing of Sholay I come away
wiser, richer. Yes, this is what
'Bollywood'
entertainment
should always be, but seldom is.
Rich in drama, vivacious and
vibrant in its characterizations
Sholay about one arm-less man's
two-men army and their battle
against a sadistic dacoit(Amjad
Khan in the most striking screen
debut in the history of Indian
cinema) spawns innumerable
eras of cinematic experience.
It is the most well assembled
screenplay ever. With the
passage of time we can view the
film in episodes-the stunning
train-robbery sequence at the
start, the massacre of 'Thakur'
Sanjeev Kumar's family by
Gabbar and his ragged henchmen
, Dharmendra's 'suicide' drama
from atop a water tower, 'Jai'
Amitabh Bachchan's marriage
proposal on behalf of his buddy
'Veeru' Dharmendra, 'Gabbar'
Amjad Khan's Russian roulette
in the ravines with his trio of
petrified henchmen, 'Rahim
Chacha' A K Hangal's son's
poignant death scene, the
widow'Radha' Jaya Bhaduri's
flashback into a colourful Holi
when she accosts her future
father-in-law with incessant
chatter(Radha could have been
Basanti!), Jagdeep's Soorma
top
10
songs
DEDH ISHQIYA
RELEASE DATE:
January 10, 2014
DIRECTOR(S): Abhishek Chaubey
PRODUCER: Vishal Bhardwaj
GENRE : Drama, Romance, Crime
JAI HO
RELEASE DATE:
January 24, 2014
DIRECTOR(S): Sohail Khan
Bhopali and Asrani's 'angrezon
ke zamaanein ka jailor'
episodes.... each of these and
many others, have a throbbing
autonomous life of their own.
And yet-and here lies the magic
of a monumental classic-all the
accentuated episodes come
together in a compelling
cohesive screenplay which
blows your mind. This is a
revenge story with a supremely
sustained momentum. The
characters show no sign of
aging with time. Dharmendra
and Amitabh Bachchan's
Veeru and Jai are to this day
roguish mercenaries who seem
to convey an endearing
amo r a l i t y i n t h e i r c o n d u c t
even as they emerge as
unlikely heroes in the
Thakur's fight against an
oppressively
cartoonish
outlaw.
There are two romantic tracks
navigated by two very
contrasting
female
characters.
While
Basanti(Hema Malini) never
stops chattering Radha(Jaya
Bhaduri) seldom speaks.
GENRE : Action, Romance
HASEE TOH PHASEE
RELEASE DATE:
February 07, 2014
PRODUCER(S): Karan Johar, Phantom Films
GENRE : Romance, Comedy
Keep ruling, B-Town wishes
1
Film: Ram Leela
NAGADA
SANG DHOL
FILM
SONG
2
Ram Leela
Lahu Munh Lag Gaya
3
R.Rajkumar
Gandi Baat
4
Satya 2
Tu Nahi
5
Tose Naina
Mickey Virus
6
Gori Tere Pyaar Mein
Naina
7
Gori Tere Pyaar Mein
Chingham Chabake
8
Mickey Virus
Ankhon Hi Ankhon Ne
9
Ishk Actually
Aye Dil Bata
10
R.Rajkumar
Saree Ke Fall Se
MOVIE COLLECTIONS
HIT OR FLOP MIDWEEK
SINGH SAAB THE GREAT
AVERAGE
RAM LEELA
AVERAGE
KRRISH 3 (HINDI)
BLOCKBUSTER
BOSS
FLOP
DEEPIKA ON B'DAY
A
ctress Deepika
Padukone got her
name written in
history after giving four
back-to-back hits like
"Chennai Express" and "Yeh
Jawaani Hai Deewani" in
2013. And on her 28th
birthday Sunday, Bollywood
celebrities wished she keeps
ruling the film industry.
Celebrities like Karan Johar,
Sonu Sood, Farah Khan and
Priyanka Chopra took to
Twitter to wish her.
Karan Johar: Happy
Birthday Deepika Padukone.
More power to you! Have
another spectacular year!
Loads of love.
Sonu Sood: Happy birthday
Deepika Padukone. Keep ruling
always. Stay blessed. And don't
forget to bring your cake on the
sets.
Farah Khan: Happy birthday
Deepika Padukone. Stay
blessed! Love you lots.
Priyanka Chopra: Happy
birthday Deepika Padukone!
Lovely to have known an
amazing friend like you. Have a
super year babe! Love always.
Manish Malhotra: Happy
birthday gorgeous Deepika
Padukone. Have a super
year.
Boman Irani: Happy
birthday Deepika Padukone,
may you stay blessed. Have
a super year.
Nargis Fakhri: Deepika
Padukone happy birthday
beautiful lady. May god bless
you always.
Uday Chopra: Happy birthday
Deepika Padukone. Lots of
love. Have a great one!
Bipasha Basu: Happy birthday
Deepika Padukone! Shine on.
Love!
Riteish Deshmukh: Happy
birthday Deepika Padukone have a fantastic day ahead - big
hug.
Huma Qureshi: Happy birthday
Deepika Padukone. Much love,
luck, joy and success.
20
MidWeek
hollywood
Kate Winslet likes playing ordinary
characters to avoid make-up hassle
Diaz, Bullock and Aniston
wish to team up for 'mother
of all chick comedies'
Oscar-winning film producer
SAUL ZAENTZ DIES
P
movie
producer,
instead
specialised in complex literary
adaptations that Hollywood
studios generally found too
intricate to put on film.
Since moving into film with
1972's low-budget country-music
drama 'Payday', Zaentz produced
just 10 movies, giving him a
remarkable three-for-10 batting
average on Best Picture wins at
the Oscars.
Among Zaentz's other films were
the 1978 animated version of 'The
Lord of the Rings', which later
paved the way for the
blockbuster live-action trilogy.
He also brought out the 1986
Harrison Ford drama 'The
Mosquito
Coast';
1998's
acclaimed 'The Unbearable
Lightness of Being', which costarred 'The English Patient'
Oscar winner Juliette Binoche;
and 1991's 'At Play in the Fields
of the Lord', a critical and
commercial flop despite a cast
that included Kathy Bates, Tom
Berenger and John Lithgow.
Born February 28, 1921, in
Passaic, New Jersey, Zaentz
earned a degree in poultry
husbandry
from
Rutgers
University. During World War II,
he served in Africa and Sicily
and aboard troop ships in the
North Atlantic and Pacific.
After the war, Zaentz attended
business college and moved to
San Francisco, where he worked
for a small record distributor and
later joined jazz producer Norman
Granz, working on recordings
and concerts. Zaentz entered the
movie business after growing
bored with his successful
recording-industry career, which
included the Fantasy Records
label he bought in 1967.
Zaentz is survived by four
children: Dorian, Joshua,
Athena, and Jonnie; seven
grandchildren,
and
his
nephew.
Embarrassing to strip for film roles:
Gwyneth Paltrow
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow
does not enjoy stripping
down for film roles and
finds it embarrassing too.
The 41-year-old actress,
who donned a skimpy black
lingerie for a bedroom scene
in the movie 'Thanks For
Sharing' earlier this year,
Meryl Streep's August: Osage
County wins four awards at
Capri Festival Home
Meryl Streep and Julia
Roberts' new film August:
Osage County was given a
huge Oscars boost after it
picked up four awards at the
Capri, Hollywood Film
Festival on Wednesday.
The movie adaptation of
Tracy Letts’ play about a
dysfunctional
family’s
reunion was named Film of the Year, while Streep picked up the
Best Actress award and the movie cast won the Best Ensemble
prize, Contactmusic reported.
Streep’s co-star Chris Cooper picked up Lifetime Achievement
Award at the festival.
Kate Winslet has confessed
that she likes playing
characters who aren't
supposed to look beautiful,
as she hates sitting in the
make-up chair for long
hours. The 38-year-old
actress told Glamour
magazine that she loves
asking make-up artists not
to make her look nice or to
make her face look rounder.
The Titanic star said that
it's less to think about if her
look is raw and it means less
being fiddled with by makeup artists.She added that
this way she gets the best
of both worlds - that side of
it for her job and the
dressing up bit for the red
carpet.
roducer Saul Zaentz, who
won three best picture
Oscars, has died at the
age of 92. He had been suffering
from Alzheimer's disease and
died at his San Francisco home,
his nephew and longtime
business partner Paul said,
reported Variety. Zaentz began
his career as a music producer,
before turning to filmmaking at
age 50.
He won the Best Picture
Academy Awards in 1976 for 'One
Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest', in
1985 for 'Amadeus' and in 1997
for 'The English Patient'.
Zaentz was not prolific as a
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
said she found the
experience embarrassing
because she is much more
conservative in real life,
reported Contactmusic.
"Doing the lingerie
striptease, I'm not sure
exactly how you would
classify that, but it was very
Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Aniston and Sandra Bullock have
expressed the desire to star in the "mother of all chick
comedies" together. A source told Radar Online that 20 years
after they all became household names, the forty-something
actresses are hunting for a funny script that would give them
all meaty roles. The source noted that although there isn't a
script or concept in play just yet, the film could do for girl
comedies what The Avengers did for superhero movies.
The success of movies like The Heat and Bridesmaids has
shown that female buddy comedies are the hottest thing going
and the trio would love to work together and rake in box
office gold, the insider added.
Martin Scorsese credits
Leonardo DiCaprio for
'rebooting' his career
Martin Scorsese has credited Leonardo DiCaprio for saving
his Hollywood career.
Scorsese, who is famous for cult classics such as Raging Bull,
Taxi Driver and Goodfellas, said that the Titanic star has given
him a whole reboot and energy to make films in the past 10 or
12 years, the Daily Express reported.
The 71-year-old director who has recently worked with DiCaprio
on latest film The Wolf Of Wall Street said that the 39-year-old
actor restored his 'movie mojo'.
Scorsese also talked about his bond with DiCaprio and said
that there's a great trust in their relationship, professionally
and personally.
Gal Gadot needs training to
become Wonder Woman
Actress Gal Gadot will undergo an intense physical training to
prepare for her role as Wonder Woman in the Man Of Steel
sequel. The Fast & Furious star was cast as the female
superhero in Batman vs. Superman earlier this month and was
criticised because of her skinny figure.Gadot brushed off the
controversy during an interview aired on TV show Good
Evening with Gai Pines, reports contactmusic.com. "I represent
the Wonder Woman of the new world. Breasts... anyone can
buy (them) and everything is fine," said the Israeli star, adding
that she is doing intense workouts, including martial arts. "It's
the physical preparations that I'm starting now. A very serious
training regimen - Kung Fu, kickboxing, swords. I'll gain body
mass," she said.
embarrassing. I was not
comfortable at all, but, you
know, it was a good
challenge for me to put
myself in a situation that I
would never be in in my own
life.
"I'm not an exhibitionist like
that. And it was a challenge.
I'm this other woman and I'm
really going to go for it. And
it was fine," she said.
The Oscar-winning actress
also praised her co-star,
Mark Ruffalo, for helping
her to stay calm during
filming.
"Mark is so lovely. He made
it very easy."
Jennifer Lawrence almost
died on film set
Hollywood actor Jennifer Lawrence was almost choked to death by a
fog machine while filming The Hunger Games: Mockingjay in Atlanta.
“It was horrifying!” showbizspy.com quoted a source as saying. “Filming
came to an abrupt halt when this fog machine broke and began spewing
so much dense smoke during a tunnel sequence that Jennifer literally
disappeared from sight, and everybody panicked,” the source added.
In the scene, Lawrence’ character leads people staging a mass rebellion
through a long tunnel that suddenly fills with smoke. But when one
machine malfunctioned, the actor and the others started choking and
were unable to fight their way out of the smoke. They could only be
located by sounds of coughing and gagging. “An assistant director
screamed, ‘Shut off the smoke machines, get those big fans running...
and get Jennifer out of there!’” said the source. “After several scary
minutes, a rescue crew found the star and carried her out, hacking and
gagging.
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
MidWeek
bollywood
I was the first
one who talked
For almost three years, I
was jobless: Arshad Warsi
Actor Arshad Warsi says he refused to do a film with
renowned director Mira Nair because he had to audition for it, something which he doesn't know.
A B O U T
V I DYA :
MADHURI
If Madhuri Dixit oozes talent, she
is equally good at recognising
and praising genius. Vidya Balan
is the case in point. Madhuri,
who has replaced Vidya in the
Dedh Ishqiya, says that she not
only likes the latter's body of
work, but was also the first one to
talk about her talent.
Seen as conniving, scheming and
sensual woman, Vidya wowed all and
sundry with her performances in
Abshishek Chaubey directed dark
drama
Ishqiya.
Praising the actress,
Madhuri said: “Vidya
is wonderful. She is a
lovely actress and I
not only liked her in
Ishqiya, I also liked
her in her first movie
(Parineeta)." “I was
the first one who talked about her in
an interview, saying she is a good
actress. I loved her in Dirty
Picture and Kahaani. She is very
talented.” Dedh Ishqiya is
coming out Jan 10 and it will see
Madhuri, 46, in a completely
different avatar. Helmed by
Chaubey, the film also stars
Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi,
who were there in the original, along
with Huma Qureshi.
Aamir Khan to direct again after Taare Zameen Par
Till date, he has moved behind
the camera only once to direct
Taare Zameen Par (2007). And
although the film went on to be a
big hit — earning both
commercial and critical acclaim
— Aamir Khan is yet to take up
his second directorial venture.
But now, the actor has finally
zeroed in on a
script, largely thanks to his
brother, Faisal Khan. Not many
know that Aamir ’s younger
brother reads many scripts that
the star gets and also helps him
in selecting projects.
“Yes, I do have a script that I
want to direct. The script that my
brother Faisal found for me —
because he reads scripts for me
— is beautiful. I’ve bought the
rights and kept it aside and will
make it at a future date,” confirms
Aamir. Interestingly, the Khan
brothers had heard the narration
of Dhoom:3 together and the
latter felt that his brother should
21
"I have never given an audition for a role in my career so far. I
don't know how to do it. If somebody asks me to give audition I
get completely flustered. Like Mira Nair, I love her, she is a
lovely person, she called me twice, and told me to give audition.
I told her I can't give it and that she can show some of my
movies to the concerned person," Arshad told .
"She had first called me for 'Shantaram' and for one more film, it
was a Bengali detective film. If a time ever comes that without
giving an audition I cannot get the film, I will be jobless. I can act
in a film but I cannot audition," he said.
Arshad, who made his acting debut in 1996 with 'Tere Mere
Sapne', says he has never asked for a role or movie from any
filmmaker. "I have never expressed my desire to work with
anybody or never called up anybody or asked for a job. I am
thankful to God that I have never reached that stage. May be
some day if I need to do it, I will do it but not as of now. I also
believe that if you fit the role, the director will call you," he said.
"I only had one problem in the beginning of my career, for almost
three years I was jobless but not after that. I might sound
pompous but I practically refuse at least a film or two a day...I
take up few which I like," he added.
Arshad will be seen next in Vishal Bharadwaj's 'Dedh Ishqiya'
alongside Naseeruddin Shah, Madhuri Dixit and Huma Qureshi.
The film releases on January 10.
MALLIKA SPEAKS FOR
WOMEN'S SAFETY
Actress Mallika Sherawat feels there is a strong need to address women's safety and security.
do the film. Although Aamir and
Faisal have finalised a script for
the star’s next directorial venture,
the film isn’t taking off anytime soon.
“I’m very clear that I don’t want to
direct right now, because I feel that
(now) I’m peaking as an actor, doing
work that’s exciting me and I don’t
want to stop that growth. I don’t want
to put a curb on it,” says Aamir,
whose first directorial project had
won him a National Award.
So, is there any truth that he will
take up direction after Rajkumar
Hirani’s P.K.? “No, right now I’m
only concentrating on my work
as an actor, so I won’t be doing it
after P.K. It takes me 2-3 years to direct
a film, which means not acting for
that much time. Already my fans
complain about the low frequency
of my films, so I can’t be directing
now, but I will eventually,” says
Aamir.
Huma Qureshi mum on Anurag
Kashyap-Kalki Koechlin's separation
ACTRESS HUMA QURESHI IS MAINTAINING A GUARDED SILENCE OVER SPECULATIONS THAT SHE WAS THE
CAUSE BEHIND SEPARATION OF FILMMAKER ANURAG KASHYAP AND HIS ACTRESS WIFE KALKI KOECHLIN.
B
uzz in Bollywood is that growing proximity
between Huma and Anurag was the cause
behind the marital discord between the filmmaker
and Kalki. However, the actress, who won the critical
acclaim in her debut film 'Gangs of Wasseypur' in 2012,
has been maintaining that she was not dating the
filmmaker. "I had to say what I had to. I made my stand
clear so there is nothing new to add," Huma told PTI
when asked about her relationship with Anurag.
Recently actor Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne have
announced their separation and Arjun Rampal was seen
as the reason behind the break up.
Though Arjun cleared the air, Huma is non-committal
on the issue. "I don't want to comment on other people's
life. That is not right. If I had to (comment) I would
have. I have made my stand very clear (that) there is
nothing new to add," the actress said. Huma said she
was not personally bothered about negative media
coverage but is concerned about her family's reaction.
"It doesn't bother me but I get hurt if my brother or
family gets affected by it. I honestly think if someone
writes something about you it doesn't become truth. As
long as my family is aware (about) what is happening in
my life, then it doesn't bother me much. I get upset at
that time (when things are written) but then it passes,"
she said. There were reports that Huma is throwing
attitude and acting pricey, especially with the media.
Recently, she made fun of a senior reporter who was
stammering while interviewing Huma for her upcoming
film 'Dedh Ishqiya'. "I don't know where it all came from...
It was a joke and may be someone just wrote something.
I am pretty media friendly. I get scolded also for being
media friendly," she added. In 'Dedh Ishqiya', Huma will
be seen alongside Madhuri Dixit, Nasserruddin Shah
and Arshad Warsi. The film releases on January 10.
"Right now as we speak, there's a woman suffering abuse!
Every minute we don't do something, effects the life of a
woman!" Mallika tweeted Sunday.
Mallika, who has featured in movies like "Murder" and
"Welcome", was last seen on television in a reality show "The
Bachelorette India - Mere Khayalon Ki Mallika".
Why Shah Rukh couldn't
have fun with his children
AFTER WRAPPING UP WORK, SUPERSTAR SHAH
RUKH KHAN WISHED TO SPEND TIME WITH HIS
CHILDREN. BUT DUE TO THEIR BUSY SCHEDULE,
HE COULDN'T HAVE FUN WITH THEM.
"Did lots of work today. Meetings, shootings, discussions
and back home, but the kids are busy...bah! Guess it's Jack's
dull day. All work and no play," Shah Rukh tweeted Sunday.
The "Chennai Express" superstar, who is married to Gauri
Khan, has son Aryan, daughter Suhana and surrogate son
AbRam.
On the work front, 'Badshah' Khan is busy shooting for Farah
Khan-directed " Happy New Year", a musical heist, which also
stars Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Sonu Sood and
Boman Irani.
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MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014
Australia's attack proves
fitter, faster and deeper
‘
AUSTRALIA'S TRIUMPH WAS ACHIEVED ON THE BACK
OF AN ATTACK WHO PROVED THEMSELVES THE
FITTEST, FASTEST AND PERHAPS EVEN THE BEST OF
ANY ASHES BOWLING ENSEMBLE
MICHAEL CLARKE HOLDS THE ASHES ALOFT AFTER AUSTRALIA COMPLETE A 5-0 WHITEWASH IN SYDNEY
WORLD CUP 2015 Team India - Yuvraj,
Sehwag, Gambhir & Harbhajan - IN or OUT
A
fter 14 years Yuvraj
Singh has been unable
to seal a place in the
side and questions are now being
asked whether he can make
another comeback at all.
When he burst on the scene
in circa 2000, Yuvraj was
arguably the most exciting talent
in India, matched only by
perhaps Virender Sehwag who
came a couple of years later. A
prolific performer in the under19 age group, he was widely and justifiably then - hailed as
arguably the most naturally
gifted player since Sachin
Tendulkar.
He had panache and style;
the gift of timing and also power
to go with it - and a brilliant fielder
to boot. Those who saw him in
his early years predicted a long
and productive career for Yuvraj.
My own estimation was at least
8000 Test and 10000 ODI runs.
After 14 years, he has 8329
ODI runs, which is not bad, but
only 1900 in Tests, which is
staggeringly poor for a player of
his caliber. Inexplicably, his
career has moved in fits and
bursts.
When he has been in form,
he has been destructive. Alas,
more often than not, he has
struggled for consistency and
relinquished his place in the side
every now and then - in Tests
now almost permanently.
By common consensus, he
is a terrific match-winner in
limited overs cricket. His batting
in the 2007 T20 World Cup was
exhilarating, especially the six
sixes in an over from Stuart
Broad which set the cricket world
ablaze. He was also the fulcrum
of the team which won the 2011
World Cup, succeeding with
both bat and ball.
After a memorable 2011 ICC
World Cup, in which his Manof-the-Series
performance
helped India claim the title,
Yuvraj was picked for five ODI
series. Three ODIs against
Pakistan in December 2012 (34
runs, avg: 11.33), five against
England in January 2013 (runs:
126, avg: 25.20), six against
Australia in October 2013 (runs:
19, avg: 4.75), three against West
Indies in November 2013 (runs:
99, avg: 49.50) and two against
South Africa in December 2013
(runs: 0, Avg: 0).
His form in the three Ranji
Trophy matches this season
(runs: 116, avg: 23.20) too is not
encouraging.
The
aforementioned figures clearly
illustrate the fact that Yuvraj is
fighting the most difficult battle
of his cricket career. There are
some who say that his battle with
life-threatening cancer has
drained Yuvraj completely and
that he has a very little
motivation left to play cricket.
But people who have seen him
bat over the years would want
the 32-year-old to contribute
more to the Indian cricket, want
him to play another defining role
at the 2015 ICC World Cup.
For all that, his form has
been frustratingly flip-flop form
in the last couple of years. True,
he suffered from a debilitating
ailment after the World Cup
which would have finished off
the career of a less hardy player
- both in body and mind. But
while his comeback was heroic,
his performances since then
have been lukewarm.
The last 3-4 months have
been particularly shallow for
Yuvraj has squandered several
opportunities, especially in the
ODI series against Australia. He
was unfortunate to get only one
match in South Africa, but in a
short series, he should have
been on his guard.
Although short in stature,
Gambhir has always presented
himself as a fierce character both
on and off the pitch. He is not
the one who would shy away
from giving it back to the
opponents, who try to nudge him
the wrong way. And the 32-yearold is fighting it out to get his
place back in the Indian side.
Gambhir has led the Delhi
side in the ongoing Ranji Trophy
season, and despite his side
failing to reach the knock-out
stage, he has shown how
serious he is to turn the tide. In
nine first-class matches this
season, Gambhir has 712 runs at
50.85, including two hundreds
and three fifties.
Gautam Gambhir on Sunday
clarified that all the rumours
about his differences with India
captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni,
or the famous dispute between
Dhoni and Virender Sehwag is
nothing but an 'imaginative mind
working overtime'.
Gambhir told Mumbai
Mirror, "All this friction within
the team is nothing but
someone's imaginative mind
working overtime. I have said
this before and I will say this
again that there is nothing wrong
between me and MS Dhoni or
Viru bhai, Yuvi and Harbhajan. It
is just a coincidence that we're
not in the team for various
reasons like form and fitness but
to look beyond all this is nothing
but being disrespectful to the
intentions of the players."
The 32-year-old batsman,
who was relegated from the
Grade A of the Board of Control
for Cricket in India (BCCI)
contract list to Grade B, says that
he is not the only cricketer trying
to make a comeback.
Virender Sehwag, the
swashbuckling opener, who was
once an integral part of the
Indian team in all formats of the
game, has been struggling with
his form for quite some time now.
First, Viru's poor form made him
sacrifice his place in the Indian
team and now when he is trying
to get his form back by playing
first-class cricket, his willow has
it seems left him stranded.
These days Sehwag has
been playing in Indian domestic
league (Ranji Trophy) but has
not been able to do anything
noteworthy yet. In the last seven
Ranji games while representing
the Delhi side, he only managed
to score a fifty against Vidarbha.
It is unfortunate to see a
batsman like Sehwag (who once
upon a time gave even the best
of the bowlers in the world a run
for their money) struggle with
his batting. In the last 13 innings,
he scored merely 234 runs in all.
He has certainly lost his mojo.
Harbhajan, who is a veteran
of 101 Test matches has had a
FOR BEST DEALS AND INFORMATION SEE PAGE 29
At the instant Australia's Ashes sweep was completed and a
sapping 10-Test marathon concluded, this unchanged, united
and all-conquering team split briefly into a couple of cliques.
As Michael Clarke, his deputy Brad Haddin and the rest of the
batsmen converged in the middle of the SCG, the final wickettaker Ryan Harris entered into a tight embrace with his fellow
bomb hurlers Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon.
Their moment was fleeting but significant, for a triumph plotted
in England and consummated in Australia had been achieved
on the back of a bowling attack that repeatedly laid waste to the
tourists, in doing so proving themselves the fittest, fastest and
perhaps even the best of any Ashes bowling ensemble. Clarke
had no hesitation dubbing his men the best pace attack in the
world. A little private par ty was cer tainly merited.
Australia's achievement is stunning in its enormity, and should
be lasting in its impact. England have been left a smouldering
wreck, not so much a team as a group of once proud but now
bedraggled cricketers. Australia have a platform from which to
push for the sustained success so craved by Clarke and all
those above him on Cricket Australia's chain of command. To
be No. 1 in the world seemed a ridiculous ambition when the
Ashes still sat in English possession. It is a rather more realistic goal now, largely because of the bowlers Australia can call
upon. Six months ago, at the outset of these dual series, England seemingly held most of the advantages. Theirs was a
hardened, experienced and talented team, led calmly by Alastair
Cook and managed with rare precision by Andy Flower. They
had stability, confidence and possession of the Ashes urn on
their side, with memories of victory over Australia at home and
away to help sustain them through the ensuing trials.
In the other dressing room at Trent Bridge, Australia were a
team struggling to find themselves. They had a new coach in
Darren Lehmann, a captain in Michael Clarke who had to wrestle
with his own back ailment and the deficiencies of his off-field
leadership, and a motley group of players sorely lacking in confidence
after a mauling in India or, in the cases of Brad Haddin and Chris Rogers, reestablishing themselves in the team at a time many had considered past
their best-before date. There seemed very little reason to expect the Ashes
would be changing hands in the near future. Yet there was one reason for
Clarke and Lehmann to harbour some hope, and also to take a longer view
of the contest to come. While England's success had been based on strong
foundations, their bowling attack could not claim to possess the same level
of depth or surfeit of speed Australia had to call on. The visiting pace sextet
who posed at Nottingham castle in the days before the first Test looked a
strong one, and as yet did not include Mitchell Johnson, deemed
surplus to the squad selected.
roller-coaster ride in his 15-yearinternational career. Graeme
Swann's sudden decision to
retire might have taken everyone
by surprise but spinner
Harbhajan Singh feels that for an
Indian cricketer, the decision to
quit doesn't happen overnight as
the pressures and demands are
much higher in this cricket-crazy
country. "I don't know what were
the conditions that prompted
Swannn to take such a huge
decision but it doesn't happen
like that for an Indian cricketer. I
am not comparing the pressures
and rigours but if any Indian
cricketer takes such a decision,
he will be under intense media
scrutiny which at times can get
very difficult," Harbhajan said
on the sidelines of Punjab's Ranji
Trophy game.
It can be argued with some
justification that Yuvraj has
done no worse than Suresh Raina
who finds himself on the flight
to New Zealand later this month.
Indeed rumours abound that is
only because Raina enjoys
captain Dhoni's benevolence.
With Shikhar Dhawan and
Rohit Sharma scoring tons of
runs in ODIs, it might take time
for Gambhir to don the Indian
blue jersey. But as MS Dhoni
said before the South Africa series,
they are keeping a close eye on
Gambhir as far as the opening slot
in Tests is concerned. But for that,
he will have to score many more
runs in whichever form he plays.
With age on their sides, the
challenge for both Yuvraj and
Gambhir will be to keep
themselves physically fit and
mentally tough. And knowing their
past record, we should not be
surprised if both make a positive
comeback to the Indian team.
sports
MAHELA JAYAWARDENE HAS FOUGHT HIS WAY OUT OF ADVERSITY BEFORE, BUT THIS IS PERHAPS THE FIRST TIME HIS
PLACE IN THE SIDE HAS COME UNDER QUESTION
Mahela under the microscope after
HORROR TEST
O
ut three times off the last three balls he has faced, all to a 22year-old on debut. It can't feel great to be Mahela
Jayawardene right now. Perhaps, given that he became a
father only a month ago, there is only so low he can feel, and to his
credit cricket has never consumed him to the extent it defines so
many other players. But it is the kind of Test match a 36-year-old
really does not want to have, not even if he owns more than 10,000
runs and 30 hundreds, not even if he has been a no-brainer choice in
every Sri Lanka side for 15 years.
That he let Misbah-ul-Haq's paddle sweep slip through his fingers
after having anticipated the shot so cleverly in the first innings will
only strengthen whispers that Jayawardene's mind remains sharp
but his reflexes and hand-eye coordination are beginning to wane.
After all, besides the wristy flicks and slow-motion drives,
Jayawardene has also taken more international catches than any
other fielder. If he takes 17 more in Tests, he will surpass Rahul
Dravid's record in the format. If it seems ludicrous to even consider
dropping Jayawardene, that's because it is. Detractors point to an
average of 22.27 in his last nine away Tests, stretching back to May
2011, but omit the vital innings he has played at home since.
Jayawardene's record outside Asia is famously poor, but he has
played in 53 of Sri Lanka's 66 Test victories - second only to Muttiah
Muralitharan who played in 54. It would also be a mistake to assume
runs in Sri Lanka means runs on flat pitches. Galle is as stern a Test
‘
TWIN FAILURES IN THE ABU DHABI TEST LEFT MAHELA
JAYAWARDENE WITHOUT A HALF-CENTURY IN HIS LAST
14 INNINGS. AT 36, HE FINDS HIS PLACE IN SRI LANKA'S
TEAM UNDER QUESTION FOR THE FIRST TIME
of batting technique as the Gabba or Headingley. Of Jayawardene's
record 2698 runs at the Sinhalese Sports Club, over half have been
in wins and just over 8% in losses. Yet, there is significant stress on
Jayawardene as he seeks to contribute in the remaining matches.
Forces within the team's governing body have gathered against him
for some time, and while chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya has been immune
to such pressures in his 11 months in office, he will find Jayawardene's
inclusion harder to justify if the batsman has a poor series. The young
players' rich returns in the first Test also tighten the tourniquet on Jayawardene.
He was the only batsman in the top seven not to get a start in either innings,
and if the likes of Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal sustain success
on their own, the inspiration and encouragement of an older man at the other
end becomes less necessary. Nothing makes a senior player seem beyond
his best like younger, less-decorated batsmen enhancing the magnitude of
his failure.
Adversity has coaxed the best from Jayawardene before, even if he has
rarely faced the sort that challenged his future in the side. He is by some
distance the lead contributor to the Sri Lankan subset of great Test innings.
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MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014