I was not drunk: Bhagwant Mann

INDIA'S MOST WANTED
CHHOTA RAJAN ARRESTED
DESK REPORT
NEW DELHI- An underworld don wanted for a series of murders and
extor tions, Chhotta Rajan was arrested in Indonesia on Monday. He
has been absconding for over two decades. The arrest was made by
Indonesian police on the request of India’s federal agency, CBI. Chhota
Rajan’s original name was Rajender Sadashiv Nikalje .
Indonesia police arrested someone named as Mohan Kumar and it was later
confirmed that the man arrested is actually a powerful underworld don Chhotta
Rajan. The 55-year-old Rajan has been aid of Dawood Ibrahim and later
turned his rival. According to some reports, CBI was also in touch with
Australian authorities before the arrest and the agency
thanked Indonesian and Australian authorizes for their
prompt action and cooperation. He is likely to be
repor ted to India.
Chhotta Rajan was arrested when he was arriving from Sydney. Australian police had reportedly
alerted the Indonesian police about the Interpol
alert on a passenger coming from Australia.
Rajan’s career in crime began in 1970’s by black
marketing movie tickets.
INDIAN CRICKETER HARBHAJAN SINGH WITH GEETA BASRA DURING LADIES SANGEET CEREMONY AHEAD OF THEIR MARRIAGE
IN JALANDHAR (IANS).
I was not drunk: Bhagwant Mann
The allegations are part of a conspiracy against me
BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
CHANDIGARH - Vehemently rejecting the allegations of coming to a
‘shaheedi samagam’ in a ‘drunk condition’, Aam Aadmi Party leader and
Sangrur MP, Bhagwant Mann said that the allegations are totally wrong and
are part of a conspiracy against him. Terming it a well-planned conspiracy,
Mann said that I cannot even think of going to a religious congregation
drunk. “It is a conspiracy to divert the attention of public from the core
issue of Punjab,” wrote Mann on his facebook page.
Last week, a video was posted on social media sites, claiming to be
from a ‘shaheedi samagam’ at district Faridkot’s Bargari village
where a panthic congregation held in connection with the incidents
of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib. Allegations were made that
Bhagwant Mann came to the ‘samagam’ in drunk condition and
noticing ‘foul smell’ from his mouth, some people sitting on
the state asked him to leave. In the video, he can be seen
leaving the venue.
Mann later clarified that he left the venue, but not because
he was drunk.
He also released a video message narrating his version of the
incident : “Around 12:30 pm I along with Sucha Singh Chotepur,
Prof. Sadhu Singh went to Bargari where the Shaheedi
Samagam was to be held.
I CONTD. ON PAGE 5
LRT link to stop at Steeles
Avenue in Brampton
BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
BRAMPTON - At a crucial meeting held at Brampton’s Rose
Theatre on Tuesday, Brampton City Council voted to terminate
Hurontario-Main Light Rail Transit link at Steeles Avneue. A
motion to suppor t Metrolinx’s Transit Project Assessment
Process (TPAP) approved route, with a minor routing amendment, was defeated 6 to 5.
Following this decision, Council voted in favour of a separate
motion that took the Main Street sur face route nor th of the
Etobicoke Creek through Downtown Brampton permanently off
the table as an acceptable alignment. The motion also directed
the Mayor and Council to engage senior levels of government to
seek funding par tners to implement a “Made in Brampton”
higher order rapid transit plan.
Funded through a $1.6 billion commitment from the Province of
Ontario, Metrolinx will proceed with the project and the HMLRT
will run from Por t Credit in Mississauga to Brampton Gateway
Ter minal at Steeles.
More than 500 people attended the marathon meeting, which
saw a record number of delegates address Council.
“I am disappointed that this is the decision council made,” said
Mayor Linda Jeffrey while talking to media after the meeting.
Including mayor, five councilors-Mar tin Medeiros, Gurpreet
Dhillon, Pat For tini,Gael Miles- voted in the favor of the proposal and six councilors- Grant Gibson, Doug Willans, Jeff
Bowman, John Sproviery, Michael Pallechi and Elain Moorevoted against the proposal.
The crucial meeting to decide the fate of LRT began at 7pm on
Tuesdayand continued till 1am the following day.
Opponents of the project were raising concerns about congestion in downtown area due to a LRT line in the middle of the
Main Street.
A second motion was passed with 7-4 votes to approve the LRT
link ending at Steeles Avenue. Interestingly, Mayor Lind Jeffery
voted in favor of this motion saying that she wanted to keep the
transit on the table.
Proponents of the proposal don’t agree with the argument of
opponents that LRT through the downtown will ruin the look of
the ‘heritage district’. They say that all the big cities in the
world have LRT’s and other such transit projects running
through the cities.
NEW RESIDENCE OF PRIME
MINISTER-DESIGNATE
INDIAN CONSUL GENERAL AKHILESH MISHRA AND HIS WIFE REETI MISHRA WERE HOSTED BY YUDHVIR JASWAL (GROUP CEO
YMEDIA) AND HIS WIFE PREET JASWAL AT THEIR RESIDENCE.
OTTAWA - The Office of the Prime Minister-designate, issued the
following statement informing that the Prime Minister-designate, Justin
Trudeau, his wife, Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau, and their three children
will be immediately relocating to Rideau Cottage, par t of the Rideau
Hall grounds in the National Capital Region. Trudeau and his family
will reside at Rideau Cottage until fur ther notice. The Prime Ministerdesignate will make decisions regarding 24 Sussex Drive once he
has been fully briefed by officials.
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MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2015
MIDWEEK NEWS
NEWS WEEKLY
WEEKLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER
AUGUST 28,
27,2012
2015
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IS AJAY DEVGN
JOINING
POLITICS?
CRICKET LEGEND SACHIN TENDULKAR WITH HIS WIFE ANJALI TENDULKAR DURING THE RELEASE
OF APSARA SANTHANAM`S BOOK, JELLY BELLY IN MUMBAI (IANS).
TOOK BEING WRITTEN
OFF AS A CHALLENGE:
DEEPIKA PADUKONE
MUMBAI, (IANS) Actress Deepika Padukone says she took being written off after a string of flops as a challenge and
worked on the aspects she was criticized for. "I'm really fortunate to be in the movie business - something that
I always wanted to do and something that I'm very passionate about,
which is why even when I was written off, I took that as a
challenge and healthy criticism and worked on that. It's
impor tant that I've enjoyed the people I've worked with,
and I've enjoyed all the various film experiences I've
had," said Deepika Padukone at the Women of
Wor th 2015 event here. The "written off" period
for Deepika was the phase where numerous
of her films after "Om Shanti Om" and
"Love Aaj Kal" had flopped at the box-office. Her career revival is largely
credited to her performance as a troubled woman in "Cocktail", post which
she delivered several hits such as "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani", "Chennai
Express" and "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela". "Hard work is the
key to a lot of things, but also it's impor tant to be passionate or
rather do what you're passionate about. And most impor tantly,
enjoy yourself along the way - this has been the biggest learning.
I've had fun through all the work that I've done and all the amazing
people I've worked with, I've really had a good time," she said. Asked
about the people she would like to thank for standing behind her, she
said: "My family has been very encouraging and supportive,
and I also think people from within the fraternity...
everyone who's given me the opportunity
- right from Farah to Shah Rukh to
Imtiaz who signed me before
my first film released. A lot of
people signed me on without
seeing any of my work."
Deepika will now be seen
in "Tamasha" and "Bajirao
Mastani" later this year.
7,000 LAMPS FOR SALMAN KHAN
MUMBAI, (IANS) Even as superstar Salman Khan's "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo" continues to create immense hype ahead of its release,
a new song titled "Jalte diye" from the for thcoming film will mesmerise viewers with over 7,000 diyas (earthen lamps) picturised in
the sequence.
It took the production team over 150 people to light the diyas and keep them burning throughout the shoot of "Jalte diye", which was
released on Wednesday, read a statement. "Sooraj (Barjatya) under took extensive measures to bring in a royal look to the song. Nearly
150 crew members were present to make sure that the diyas stayed lit," a spokesperson of the film said in a statement. "Prem Ratan
Dhan Payo", which brings together Bollywood's once indomitable team of Salman and Barjatya after 16 years, also stars Sonam
Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Anupam Kher in key roles. The film is set to release on November 12, a day after the festival of lights
- Diwali.
IS AJAY DEVGN JOINING POLITICS?
NEW DELHI, (IANS) Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn, who was in Bihar last week to attend a political rally for BJP leader Sunil Kumar amid
ongoing assembly polls, says he doesn't have any intention to join politics. Asked whether he has any plans to join politics, Ajay, who
was here on Monday to attend the ongoing CII Big Picture Summit 2015, said: "Not at all, that's the first thing I said there. I don't intend
to join politics."
The 46-year-old, who popular in Bihar after his roles in Prakash Jha's "Gangaajal" and "Aarakshan", missed the chance to address a
rally the Bihar due to an "overwhelming turnout" because of which his chopper couldn't land. He later urged organisers to have better
arrangements. Ajay also took to Twitter to apologise to the people of Biharsharif and Nalanda for not addressing the rallies. "Apologies
for not being able to reach the rallies at Biharsharif and Nalanda since the administration did not give permission because of the
unmanageable crowds," he tweeted at that time. On career front, Ajay will next be seen in "Baadshaho", "Son of Sardaar 2" and his
directorial venture "Shivaay".
WHAT'S TRUE SUCCESS FOR HRITHIK?
MUMBAI, (IANS) He has given blockbusters like "Krrish" and "Bang Bang!", but actor Hrithik Roshan believes that the true success of
a man is about his relationship with everyone. "True success of a man is how he is living in other people's hear t... If I am not leaving
any part of me with them, then I have lived a half life. So true success of a man is about his relationship with every one," Hrithik said at the
unveiling of a new line of furnishings by DCTex. Hrithik, who turned a home stylist on the occasion, said: "I am excited to style homes that will help one define,
create and implement an inspiring living space, a flexible but unique environment, staging a property to appeal to wider audience."
SRK to spend 'quiet' 50th birthday
HYDERABAD, (IANS) A 50th birthday usually calls for a huge celebration,
but superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who will touch the half century mark on
November 2, says he has plans for a "quiet" special day with his family.
"I will have a quiet birthday. I will go back to Mumbai on November 1 to
meet my children, because the next day I have to be in Goa for a shooting," said the actor, who has been shooting
the last leg of "Dilwale" here for a month.
"Dilwale" is being touted as SRK's next big
entertainer as it not just reunites him
with actress Kajol on the big screen,
but also with director Rohit Shetty,
with whom he has churned out
a blockbuster like "Chennai Express". Produced by SRK's Red
Chillies
Enter tainment,
"Dilwale", which also stars
Var un Dhawan and Kriti
Sanon, is releasing in December. After turning 50,
Shah Rukh hopes to do as
many as three films in a year.
Age is clearly not impacting either the fervour or the magic of
the actor-producer, who has regaled Bollywood buffs for well
over two decades.
MAA DURGA 'MY KIND OF
WOMAN': SUSHMITA SEN
MUMBAI, (IANS) Actress
Sushmita Sen has said she
would like to emulate Goddess Durga as she is the
epitome of mother, adding that
she was "my kind of woman".
After visiting various Durga
Pooja pandals here, she told
mediapersons
on
Wednesday: "I would
like to emulate goddess Durga as she
is the epitome of
mother and yet a
powerful and fair
w a r r i o r. "
Sushmita was
last seen in
Bengali film
'Nirbaak'.
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MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2015
MIDWEEK NEWS
NEWS WEEKLY
WEEKLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER
AUGUST 28,
27,2012
2015
breaking news
MidWeek
5
I was not drunk:
Bhagwant Mann
US PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA WITH US WOMEN'S NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM AFTER THEIR VICTORY IN THE 2015 FIFA
WOMEN'S WORLD CUP AT THE EAST ROOM OF THE WHITE HOUSE IN WASHINGTON DC (IANS).
Prime Minister-designate Justin
Trudeau meets Ontario Premier Wynne
to discuss how to work together
TORONTO - Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne issued the following statement after holding
joint meeting on Tuesday:
"Earlier today we met at Queen's Park to discuss how the incoming
Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario can work together on issues impor tant to Canadians and Ontarians, including
investing now to create economic growth and jobs.
"At the meeting, we discussed the impor tance of investing in infrastructure. Ontario is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the history of the province, and the new federal
government's commitment to infrastructure investment means we
will be able to work together to do more, faster. We reaffirmed our
commitment to ongoing collaboration and co-operation on climate
change, including plans for the upcoming COP21 meeting in Paris.
"We discussed our commitment to work with First Nations, Métis,
and Inuit par tners, and the incoming federal government's pledge to
call a national inquiry on missing and murdered Indigenous women
and girls. In par ticular, we made progress on our mutual commitment
to build greater retirement security for Ontarians and Canadians. The
incoming federal government and the Government of Ontario will be
active par tners in the national discussion on pension enhancement,
including the CPP and ORPP. "In addition to working together on these
and other issues, we look forward to a new and positive relationship
between the new Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario
- one based on mutual respect, common goals, and shared values,
and one that is committed to making progress on the things that are
impor tant to the people we serve."
INDIA TOPS IN BUSINESS REGULATION
IMPROVEMENT IN SOUTH ASIA
BY ARUN KUMAR
WASHINGTON, (IANS)
Among South Asian economies, India made the biggest
improvement in business
regulations, moving up in the
ease of doing business
ranking from 134 to 130,
according to a new World
Bank Group annual repor t.
India also ranked amongst
the world's top 10 in Protecting Minority Investors with a
global ranking of 8, noted the
"Doing Business 2016:
Measuring Regulatory Quality
and Efficiency" repor t
released here on Tuesday.
The repor t noted that the
Indian law grants minority
shareholders strong protection from conflicts of interest
and provides extensive rights
for shareholders in major
corporate governance.
Effor ts to improve the
business climate in South
Asia accelerated during the
past year, the repor t found
with six of the region's eight
economies implementing
nine reforms during the past
year, compared with six
reforms in four economies
the previous year.
India, the region's largest
economy, implemented two
reforms during the past year,
it said.
In Star ting a Business, for
example, India made significant improvements by
eliminating the minimum
capital requirement and a
business operations cer tificate, saving entrepreneurs an
unnecessary procedure and
five days' wait time.
The electric utility in Delhi
made the process for getting a
connection simpler and faster
by eliminating the internal
writing inspection by the
electrical inspectorate.
And the electric utility in
Mumbai reduced the procedures and time required to
connect to electricity by
improving internal work
processes.
Bhutan and Sri Lanka also
implemented two reforms
each during the past year,
while Afghanistan,
Bangladesh and Maldives
under took one reform each.
The highest number of
reforms were in the areas of
Star ting a Business, Paying
Taxes and Getting Electricity,
with two reforms in each area.
No reforms were recorded in
the areas of Trading Across
Borders, Protecting Minority
Investors, Enforcing Contracts, and Resolving Insolvency.
"South Asian economies have
been advancing steadily in
recent years in improving
their regulatory environment
and making it more business
friendly," said Rita Ramalho,
manager of the Doing Business project.
"In doing so, the region can
stimulate both entrepreneurship and job creation for its
relatively young population,"
she said.
On average, the region's
economies rank best in the
areas of Star ting a Business
(with a regional average rank
of 96) and Protecting Minority
Investors (regional average
rank of 83).
The region's weakest per formance is in the areas of
Enforcing Contracts and
Registering Proper ty. For
example, it takes an average
of 1,077 days to resolve a
commercial dispute through
the cour ts.
The region's top ranked
economy is Bhutan, with a
global ranking of 71, followed
by Nepal (99). Rankings of
other large economies in the
region are: Bangladesh (174),
Pakistan (138), and Sri Lanka
(107).
The repor t noted that globally
85 developing economies
implemented 169 business
reforms during the past year,
compared with 154 reforms
the previous year.
High-income economies
carried out an additional 62
reforms, bringing the total for
the past year to 231 reforms
in 122 economies around the
world.
"A modern economy cannot
function without regulation
and, at the same time, it can
be brought to a standstill
through poor and cumbersome
regulation," said World Bank
chief economist and senior
vice president Kaushik Basu.
"The challenge of development is to tread this narrow
path by identifying regulations
that are good and necessary,
and shunning ones that thwar t
creativity and hamper the
functioning of small and
medium enterprises," he said.
CONTD. FROM PAGE 1
The organizers received us and took towards the stage where I
and Sadhu Singh sat near the stage and Chhotepur ji went to the
stage. People were giving tribute to the mar tyrs. They also
called me to the stage but later, Sant Daduwal announced that
the stage was overcrowded and wouldn’t be able to bear the
weight, so people who were not going to address the audience
must get off the stage as Shri Guru Granth Sahib was being
placed on the stage and any mis-happening would lead to the
disrespect of Shri Guru Granth Sahib.
"Behind the stage I met some young boys. A boy requested me
to meet the victim in Apollo Hospital Delhi. I assured him that I
will visit him and left the venue. All of a sudden, a group of
boys followed me and star ted shouting that ‘he is drunk’. I
chose to ignore them and left the place because it was not the
right place to answer them.”
Punjab media has also published statements of Bhagwant
Mann’s former colleagues from Aam Aadmi Par ty, making
similar allegations that Bhagwant Mann is a habitual drinker.
Bhagwant Mann’s suppor ters are saying that as he has
emerged as an alternative face to Punjab’s Akali and Congress
leadership, a conspiracy is going on to defame him before the
next assembly elections.
BRITISH SIKHS GIVE
BLOOD TO RAISE HUMAN
RIGHTS AWARENESS
LONDON, (IANS) Sikhs in England will donate blood as
par t of a campaign inspired by a human rights activist in
India to protest the mistreatment of Sikh political prisoners.
Till November 1, Sikhs across the country will visit blood
donation clinics.
An internet campaign has been launched and #SikhBlood
is a hot topic on Twitter, the Bristol Post repor ted on
Tuesday.
A man from Bristol county, Dilawer Potiwal Singh (DP)
said, "I have been moved by the images of Bapu Surat
Singh Khalsa, who is currently on hunger strike in India to
protest against the mistreatment of Sikh political prisoners. Blood donation saves lives and we are sure that
hundreds of Sikhs will par ticipate."
"This is a small sacrifice as compared with Surat Singh's
hunger strike to highlight issues in India," the 45-year-old
resident said.
"I would urge all the Sikhs to donate blood and play their
par t in this campaign," Singh said.
"We have a strong Sikh community in Bristol, so it's
impor tant for all to get involved," he said.
Surat Singh Khalsa is an 82-year-old American resident
and Indian native.
He has been on hunger strike for 281 days in Punjab in an
attempt to raise awareness about the Indian government's
treatment of Sikh political prisoners.
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community
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2015
PATRICK BROWN AND PC CAUCUS HOST THE FIRST
EVER GARBA PARTY TO CELEBRATE NAVRATRI
Ontario PC leader Patrick Brown and MPPs Jack MacLaren, Bill Walker, Steve Clark, Sylvia Jones,
Todd Smith, Rick Nicholls, Ted Arnott with dancers from the Nritya Kala Mandir dance group.
ONTARIO - Recently the Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown and the PC Caucus
hosted the first ever Garba party at Queen's Park to celebrate Navratri. The
REETI MISHRA, CONSUL GENERAL OF INDIA AKHILESH MISHRA, AND PC LEADER PATRICK BROWN.
evening - filled with colour, music, and food - was enjoyed by many prominent members of the Indian community, including Indian Consul General
Hyderabad Foundation's Office Inaugurated in Mississauga
MPP DIPIKA DAMERLA INAUGURATING THE OFFICES OF THE HYDERABAD DECCAN
FOUNDATION OF CANADA.
MISSISSAUGA: The Hyderabad Deccan Foundation of Canada's offices were inaugurated in
Mississauga on Saturday, Oct.25, 2015. MPP
Dipika Damerla cut the ribbon and declared the
offices open.
The Hyderabad Deccan Foundation of Canada
(HDFC), a six year old organization, aims to
promote and preserve the unique culture of
Hyderabad city of India in Canada.
MPP Damerla lauded the effor ts of HDFC and
said that the social capital is essential in
building up communities.
Veteran journalist Haroon Siddiqui, who hails
from Hyderabad and was one of the first
Hyderabadis to arrive in Canada, praised the
perseverance of HDFC despite financial and
other constraints.
He appealed the GTA Hyderabadis to make use
of the new facility and populate it. HDFC
chairman Bashir Beg said the organization will
continue its work of promoting Hyderabadi
language, cuisine, and ar ts in Canada. He
said it is remarkable that HDFC is the only
Hyderabadi organization to have separate
physical space in Nor th America. The
inaugural function was attended by a large
number of people from the area.
Akhilesh Mishra, and representatives from the Indo Canada Chamber of
Commerce, and the Canada India Foundation.
SMARTSAVER INTRODUCES TWO
MONTHS OF WIN-WIN PROMOTIONS FOR
CANADA LEARNING BOND ENROLLMENT
ONTARIO - Smar tSAVER is announcing the launch of a national
contest that will run from November 1 to December 31, 2015 in conjunction with Financial Literacy Month and Education Savings Week.
Join our ethno-specific web-based media briefing, to learn how you can
raise awareness about this exciting opportunity in your community.
The SmartSAVER contest aims to help families save for their children's
post-secondary education by increasing awareness of the Canada Learning Bond, which is a contribution of up to $2,000 by the Government of
Canada into a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). Any child
born in 2004 or later and whose family receives the National Child
Benefit Supplement (has a net family income of $ $44,701 or less) is
eligible to receive the Canada Learning Bond.
"The Canada Learning Bond is a unique opportunity for families to start
saving for their child's post-secondary education - even with zero contribution to their RESP," states May Wong, Executive Director of
SmartSAVER. "Unfortunately, over 1.5 million kids who are eligible to
receive up to $2,000 don't have it because their families don't know
about it or don't know how to get it."
To participate in SmartSAVER's contest, families will be required to use
SmartSAVER's multilingual online application to open a no-cost RESP
with the participating bank or credit union of their choice, and apply for
their child's free Canada Learning Bond. Applicants will be automatically
entered to win one of nine $1,000 weekly cash prizes for the duration of
the contest, November 1st through December 31st. Full contest rules
and regulations can be found at SmartSAVER.org.
MIDWEEK NEWS
NEWS WEEKLY
WEEKLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER
AUGUST 28,
27,2012
2015
community
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO
DINE WITH CELEBRITY CHEF
SANJEEV KAPOOR AT
KHAZANA LAUNCH
DAY OF GIVING
SAMSUNG CANADA MISSISSAUGA EMPLOYEES CONSTRUCTED HOMES ALONGSIDE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GTA.
ONTARIO - Recently more than 550 Samsung employees
across Canada par ticipated in Samsung's annual Day of
Giving. Whether constructing homes alongside Habitat for
Humanity GTA, building support kits with The Shoebox Project or
contributing to a variety of other volunteer activities, Day of Giving
saw Samsung employees in Mississauga, Montreal and Vancouver
benefit multiple Canadian charities and help thousands of Canadi-
MidWeek
ans in need. The Samsung Day of Giving happens twice annually in
North America where 4,000 Samsung Canada staff join in for this
day of volunteerism, resulting in over 30,000 hours contributed to
wor thy causes across the continent. Samsung Day of Giving
in Canada allows employees to give their time and energy to
help make a meaningful impact in Canadian lives on a
national level.
CANADA DRY DIWALIFEST RETURNS
TO BRAMALEA CITY CENTRE
BRAMPTON - Fans of the popular Indian celebrity Chef
Sanjeev Kapoor, who have been following his cookery
shows and trying his recipes for years, now have the
unique oppor tunity to dine with the maestro himself at
the grand launch of his first restaurant in Canada.
Named Khazana, the restaurant will be serving some of
the Celebrity Chef's unique and exclusive recipes with a
contemporary twist, with their flavoursome menu
featuring some very mouth watering delicacies like
Shaam Savera, Puran Singh da Tariwala Murgh, Tandoori
Aaloo Nazakat, Bhati Ka Murgh Boti Kebab and Pakhtooni
Burra among others.
The Dine with Chef Sanjeev Kapoor event itself will be
taking place on November 2 and 3 and will not only give
his ardent fans an oppor tunity to meet the Master Chef,
but also enjoy a welcome drink, three-course meal, photo
oppor tunity and live enter tainment with him.
Located on Airpor t Road, Khazana is a unique South
Asian dining experience bathed in colours of the five
elements - Fire, Water, Ear th, Space and Air - with a
seating capacity of over 250 people. Chef Sanjeev
Kapoor's first restaurant in Nor th America, Khazana,
aims to focus on enhanced hospitality and operational
excellence and to offer families and young professionals
an exceptional Indian fine dining experience with a
luxurious ambience.
Fondly dubbed the "God of Indian food", he was recently
called upon to cater for Indian Prime Minister Narendra
Modi's visit to Dubai. Mr. Kapoor has also been invited
to the White House where he was given a tour of the
historic kitchen, which prepares food for US President
Barack Obama, his family and the guests every day and
had an intensive discussion with the team of White
House chefs.
BRAMPTON LIVE CERTIFICATE
EVENT ON NOVEMBER 4
BRAMPTON - Canada Dry DiwaliFest, Canada's premier Diwali
celebration, returns to Bramalea City Centre (BCC) on November 6,
7 and 8. Following the success of last year's inaugural event with
more than 130,000 visitors coming through the doors of BCC,
there is great anticipation for this year's festivities.
"This event is a great oppor tunity for the next generation of
South Asians to learn about their culture," Mihiri Tillakaratne,
Brand Manager of Canada Dry, explains the reason for this
iconic brand to continue its suppor t of the event. "DiwaliFest
also provides Canadians a chance to learn and embrace
multiculturalism in Canada." Presented by Canada Dry and
organized by Purple Integration, the three-day event offers
many activities - live per formances on a 30-foot stage, rangoli
and traditional lantern display, free sampling, photo booth,
family activities and hourly lucky draw. The program officially
begins on Friday, November 6 at 4pm.
The stage lineup epitomizes culture and excitement with dance
competitions on both Friday (children) and Saturday (team),
Bollywood style musical per formances, a South Asian fashion
show, a renowned chef sharing his insights on preparing exotic
Indian cuisine and appearances by some of the most beloved
mascots. Knights Table, one of Peel Region's busiest food
banks, will once again be the event's beneficiary and visitors
are encouraged to bring non-perishable items to help those who
are in need. "Diwali celebrates light over darkness and good
overcomes misfor tune, it's only fitting that we suppor t the less
for tunate in the community on this occasion," says Henry Chiu
of Purple Integration.
Those who par ticipate in all the festival highlights will get a
chance to enter into a free lucky draw, to be made throughout the
event. Prizes include BCC gift certificates, VIA Rail tickets to
Quebec City, commemorative CIBC Diwali silver coins and many
more. For exciting details of the festival, please visit
www.diwalifestival.ca
LET'S WALK HEALTH TO ACHIEVE OPTIMAL
STRENGTH TURNED OUT TO BE A HUGE SUCCESS
EVENT ORGANISERS, MOHIT CHOPRA (FAR LEFT) AND BALBIR SOHI (FAR RIGHT) WITH THE REPRESENTATIVES OF PEEL REGIONAL POLICE.
BRAMPTON - To enlighten the public on health and safety related
topics within the South Asian community, Mr Mohit Chopra, president
of Dream Care Home Health Services and MrsBalbirSohi, president
of Great Smiles Mobile Hygiene Care organized a community health
event called Let's Walk Health on October 25th 2015 at Chandni Convention Center, Brampton, Ontario.
The event was organized with a focus on health & wellness and to
suppor t this event various organisations and business lent their suppor t. City of Brampton, Brampton Fire Depar tment, Peel Regional
Police, Hear t & Stroke Foundation, Alzheimer's Society of Peel, Stop
Diabetes Foundation, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Punjabi
Community Health Services (PCHS), Roche Diagnostics, ICICI Bank
Canada and Sun Life Financial took par t and various local businesses
exhibited their services. City CouncillorGurpreetDhillon and Brampton
South MP elect Sonia Sidhu were in attendance.
The event was very interactive with organisations setting up booths,
representatives presenting on various health topics and yoga sessions. There was a good turnout and attendees got an oppor tunity to
talk to health professionals. Stop Diabetes Foundation organised free
blood glucose testing and blood pressure testing for attendees. To
learn more about Let's Walk Health, contact Mohit Chopra on 416843-3075 or [email protected]
BRAMPTON - With the help of the Indian Consulate General
in Toronto, New Hope Senior Citizens of Brampton has
organized a live cer tificate attestation event at Grand
Empire Banquet & Convention Centre, 100 Nexus Ave.,
Brampton, ON L6P 2K9, on Wednesday, November 4
from 3pm to 7pm.
It will be a no cost event offering free attestation forms,
tea and snacks. Free seating arrangement is being
offered by the management of the Grand Empire Banquet
& Convention Centre - S. Harbans Singh Sidhu and Gurjit
Singh Sidhu. All retired employees from all the states
and depar tments who require live cer tificate for pensions are welcome.
Guests are asked to bring their passpor ts. Akhilesh
Mishra, Consul General of India in Toronto; Rajesh
Kumar Raina, Consul and Head of Chancery at the
Consulate General of India in Toronto, other staff and
team members will be here to serve all pensioners. For
any further information please contact Shambhu Dutt
Sharma, President New Hope Senior Citizen of Brampton
on: 647-707-7297 and 416-629-5114.
Letter from Akhilesh Mishra,
Consul-General of India on
Consular Camps for
issuance of Life Certificate
Dear friends,
For the convenience of esteemed senior citizens of Indian
origin, the Consulate would be holding special camps to process Life Cer tificate required for continuation of Indian pensions. The details of these camps are given below:Brampton
(i)
On Sunday, November 1 at Soccer Centre at Sandalwood and Dixie from 10am onwards.
(ii)
On Wednesday, November 4 at Empire Banquet &
Convention Centre at 100 Nexus Avenue, Brampton from 3pm
onwards.
Waterloo
On Saturday, November 7 at Columbia Sobeys, 450 Columbia
Street West, Waterloo, ON, N2T 2W1 from10am onwards.
Malton
On Saturday, November 7 at Lincoln M Alexander Secondary
School, Near intersection of Morning Star and Darcel. Adjacent to Malton Community Centre from 10am onwards.
Winnipeg
On Sunday, November 15 at 566 Archibald St. Winnipeg from
10am onwards.
Oakville
On Saturday, November 14 at Halton Regional Police Hqrs,
1151, Bronte Road, Oakville from 10am onwards.
2.
Those who are not able to attend the above camps are
welcome to visit the Consulate on any working day from 9 am
to 5 pm to get the Life Cer tificate. We would like to assure the
community that the issue of Life Cer tificate now only takes
few minutes and no fee is charged for this service. For Life
Cer tificate related query please contact Mr. Sanjeev Khanna,
Vice Consul at his email [email protected] or Cell No. 647408-8813.
3.
I would be grateful if this information may kindly be
widely disseminated to the community through your esteemed
media.
With warm regards and best wishes,
Akhilesh Mishra, Consul-General of India
7
8
MidWeek
opinion
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2015
DON'T RESTRICT US IN DEFENCE
MANUFACTURING SPACE: PRIVATE PLAYERS
BY VISHNU MAKHIJANI
NEW DELHI, (IANS) The Indian government has identified six
areas that private companies can bid for in the defence manufacturing space under the Make in India drive -- which means
replacement of the usual system of tenders and lowest bids -but stakeholders are upset that they can't par ticipate in more
than one sector
Punj Lloyd spokesperson for defence Ashok Wadhawan,
President - Manufacturing, echoed the general feeling in the
industry when he said: "Our recommendation to the task force
(constituted to identify the private players) is that instead of
identifying a few companies per sector, the government should
form consor tiums and award them orders."
The six sectors identified are aircraft and their major systems;
warships of stated displacements, submarines and their major
systems; armoured fighting vehicles and their major systems:
complex weapons that rely on guidance systems; Command
and Control System and critical materials (special alloys and
composites).
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had said in early September
that a task force had been constituted under former Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief V.K.
Aatre to identify the private players to be permitted into the
defence sector. He said it was expected to give its repor t by
month-end.
Parrikar also said there would not be any repetition of players
in the six areas. "There won't be repetition. If X group has been
taken in as a strategic par tner in one segment, it will not be
considered for another segment. It can par ticipate in par tnership for other products," Parrikar had said.
The deadline for submitting the repor t has passed and enquiries
MidWeek
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reveal that it is nowhere near completion. And, it is on the basis
of this repor t that the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP),
which will detail the nuts and bolts of the methodology to be
adopted for involving the private sector, was to be drawn up.
"This is not likely to happen before the first quar ter of 2016,
which means the earliest the private sector can get involved is
mid-to-late 2016," a defence ministry source told IANS, speaking on condition of anonymity, given the sensitive nature of the
subject.
Even so, all does not appear to be lost as the coming together of
60 of the best-known defence companies operating in India,
both domestic and foreign, could signal the end in its present
form of the DRDO, whose roots go back nearly six decades but
which has little of substance to show by way of original
products.
With defence offsets obligations of Rs. 25,000 crore ($4 billion)
expected to accrue over the next seven to eight years, the
formation of the Association of Defence Companies in India will
see a broad-basing of the country's manufacturing base, a
process that is already underway in the small and medium
industries sector
The alliance includes Boeing, Lockheed Mar tin, Bell Helicopter,
Punj Llyod, AgustaWestland, Reliance Defence, the Tatas, Rolls
Royce, Saab, Nor throp Gruman, Rolta, BAE Systems, Dassault,
Honeywell, Thales, Finmeccanica, Hindustan Aerosystems and
Merlinkhawk Aerospace.
At a meeting earlier this month, the stakeholders felt the
alliance would serve as a representative platform, with a
unified voice, on policy matters per taining to the government,
armed forces and state-run enterprises that affect their operations. This apar t, the forum could also promote collaborations,
suppor t improved understanding among the members, pursue
India's strategic needs and deal appropriately with the interests
of all the stakeholders.
This also means there would be greater interaction between the
armed forces and defence manufacturers, something that is
sorely lacking now. This lack of interaction is because the
DRDO, defence manufacturers like Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL) and the armed forces (barring the Indian Navy)
are functioning in silos, each char ting their own course.
Just two instances would suffice here: The Arjun main battle
tank (MBT) and the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) are still not
fully operational after more than four decades of development
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as their specifications continue to change due to the designers,
manufacturers and the users not being on the same page.
The Indian Navy managed to buck the trend because it established its own design organisaiton more than five decades ago
and today has under construction not only a 45,000-tonne
aircraft carrier - the largest vessel to be built in the country but also two more nuclear-powered submarines in addition to
one that is undergoing sea trials.
Thus, in a situation where the DRDO was established to reduce
dependence on impor ts, India still impor ts 70 percent of its
military hardware. With the entry of private players, competitiveness will be the new mantra and the DRDO will have to
quickly play catch-up or totally lose its relevance.
Modi's strongman image losing its lustre
BY AMULYA GANGULI
YUDHVIR JASWAL
“
THE ALLIANCE INCLUDES BOEING,
LOCKHEED MARTIN, BELL HELICOPTER,
PUNJ LLYOD, AGUSTAWESTLAND, RELIANCE
DEFENCE, THE TATAS, ROLLS ROYCE, SAAB,
NORTHROP GRUMAN, ROLTA, BAE SYSTEMS,
DASSAULT, HONEYWELL, THALES,
FINMECCANICA, HINDUSTAN AEROSYSTEMS
AND MERLINKHAWK AEROSPACE.
AT A MEETING EARLIER THIS MONTH, THE
STAKEHOLDERS FELT THE ALLIANCE WOULD
SERVE AS A REPRESENTATIVE PLATFORM,
WITH A UNIFIED VOICE, ON POLICY
MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE
GOVERNMENT, ARMED FORCES AND STATERUN ENTERPRISES THAT AFFECT THEIR
OPERATIONS. THIS APART, THE FORUM
COULD ALSO PROMOTE COLLABORATIONS,
SUPPORT IMPROVED UNDERSTANDING
AMONG THE MEMBERS, PURSUE INDIA'S
STRATEGIC NEEDS AND DEAL
APPROPRIATELY WITH THE INTERESTS OF
ALL THE STAKEHOLDERS.
The expression of concern by President Pranab Mukherjee twice in less than
a month over the deteriorating law and order situation is unusual for any head
of state, especially if he holds a largely ceremonial position.
Because of his stature, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will not be able to
brush aside his views as those of a "Nehruvian" or a "Leftist", as it has done
with regard to the protests by the 40-odd writers who are also upset, like the
president, about the signs of intolerance.
The BJP's other ploy of saying that the vandals are being arrested will not be
convincing since, as the Shiv Sena's acts of criminal intimidation show, a
few hours' detention followed by a release on bail are not a sufficient deterrent.
What is needed if the Narendra Modi government is serious about restoring
order is a harsh step against the offenders such as the clamping of sedition
charges on Hardik Patel in Gujarat.
Yet, similar threats by saffron storm-troopers, including BJP MP Sakshi
Maharaj, who said that unless leaders change their mindset, they can be
beaten up "in full public view", have gone unpunished.
All that the BJP has done is to ask such purveyors of hate in the Hindutva
camp to be more restrained. It doesn't take much political insight to see that
such demonstrations of "minimum governance" will do little to bring the lawbreakers into line.
The latter are also probably encouraged by the description of the various
tragic incidents as "small" by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief
Mohan Bhagwat.
It is obvious that the BJP is caught in a bind. It is one thing to use a law
redolent of colonial rule against a pesky political adversary, or let the Central
Bureau of Investigation lose against an activist like Teesta Setalvad for having stood by the riot victims in 2002, and quite another to discipline the party's
ideological brethren.
Even if the BJP succeeds in reining in the hate-mongers in its own ranks, it is
virtually helpless where the rowdies of an ally like the Shiv Sena are concerned.
Although the BJP knows that the Sena's long-standing tactic of blackening
faces will besmirch its own image, Maharashtra's political arithmetic
makes it practically impossible to break the ties with the champions
of Marathi manoos, whose leader, Uddhav Thackeray, has insolently
pointed out that the Dadri lynching brought more shame to the country
than the spraying of ink.
The government cannot be unaware that the disregard for law shown
by the worshippers of cows, killers of rationalists, opponents of India-Pakistan cricketing ties and others with such limited, violenceprone agendas will spread the feeling of unease among the average
law-abiding citizens and of terror among the minorities.
Moreover, the vir tually daily litany of shocking incidents, including
the rape of children and burning alive of Dalit infants by upper caste
men, will tarnish India's reputation abroad and make prospective investors think twice before sinking their money into a country where
the police appear unable to control the rampaging hoodlums.
There is little doubt that because of these "sad" and "unfor tunate"
incidents, as Modi said about the Shiv Sena's hooliganism in Mumbai,
his strongman image is losing its lustre.
He had built it up and sustained it within the limited confines of Gujarat,
but is evidently unable to do so in the much larger national arena.
His challengers are undoubtedly aware that the geographical spread of
their lawlessness - lynchings in UP and Himachal Pradesh, killings of rationalists in Karnataka and Maharashtra, blackening of faces in Mumbai and
Delhi - can make the task of imposing order difficult.
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DISCLAIMER: THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THIS PAGE ARE THE PERSONAL OPINIONS OF THE AUTHORS.THE INFORMATION, FACTS OR OPINIONS APPEARING IN THE
ARTICLES DO NOT REFLECT VIEWS OF MIDWEEK AND ITS MANAGEMENT AND SO THE PAPER DOES NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR THE SAME.
MIDWEEK NEWS
NEWS WEEKLY
WEEKLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER
AUGUST 28,
27,2012
2015
canada
MidWeek
9
CONSUMER PRICES ROSE BY
1.0% IN SEPTEMBER AFTER
INCREASING BY 1.3% IN AUGUST
ONTARIO PREMIER KATHLEEN WYNNE TOOK A TOUR OF HIGHBURY CANCO IN LEAMINGTON, AND OBSERVED ITS GROWTH
SINCE 2013, AFTER ONTARIO GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED FUNDING FOR THE PLANT (PREMIERPHOTOS).
Wholesale trade down by 0.1% in August
ONTARIO - Wholesale sales edged down 0.1% to $55.3 billion in August. Declines in four subsectors, in par ticular the machinery, equipment and supplies subsector, accounted for the decrease. Higher
sales in the miscellaneous subsector par tially offset these declines.
In volume terms, wholesale sales decreased 0.5% in August.
In August, four subsectors recorded declines. Together, these
subsectors accounted for 72% of wholesale sales. Following two consecutive gains, the machinery, equipment and supplies subsector
decreased 2.4% to $11.0 billion, its lowest level since April 2014. The
computer and communications equipment and supplies industry (6.9%) led the subsector's decline, more than offsetting the gain in this
industry in July. Impor ts of electronic and electrical equipment and
par ts were also lower in August.
Following two consecutive gains, the motor vehicle and par ts
subsector declined 1.2% to $10.1 billion. All of the subsector's industries contributed to the decrease, led by the motor vehicle industry (1.3%). Despite the decline, year-to-date sales for the subsector were
7.9% higher compared with the same period in 2014.
Sales in the food, beverage and tobacco subsector declined for a
second consecutive month, down 0.4% to $10.7 billion in August. In
dollar terms, the food industry (-0.3%) contributed the most to the
decline, although all industries in the subsector recorded lower sales.
The miscellaneous subsector rose 4.3% to $7.3 billion, its highest
level in four months, led by gains in the agricultural supplies industry
(+15.7%). Sales in the building material and supplies subsector
rose 1.0% to $7.7 billion in August, more than offsetting their decline
in July. The lumber, millwork, hardware and other building supplies
industry (+3.8%) accounted for the gain in August. Sales in the farm
product subsector rose 6.9% to $690 million, offsetting most of the
decline in July. In August, sales were down in six provinces, which
together accounted for 82% of wholesale sales. Ontario contributed
the most to the decline. Following two consecutive gains, sales in
Ontario decreased 1.1% to $27.7 billion.
Sales decreased for the eighth time in nine months in Alber ta, down
0.9% to $6.6 billion. The machinery, equipment and supplies subsector
and the food, beverage and tobacco subsector contributed to lower
sales in all three Maritime provinces. Both Nova Scotia, down 2.6% to
$770 million, and New Brunswick, down 2.3% to $528 million, recorded a second consecutive decrease in August. In Prince Edward
Island, sales declined 7.1% to $60 million following three consecutive gains. Sales in Saskatchewan rose for the first time in eight
months, up 9.3% to $2.3 billion, their highest level in four months.
Sales in Newfoundland and Labrador were up 11.8% to $451 million,
mostly offsetting their decline in July.
Petition to rename Calgary airport as Stephen J. Harper International
DESK REPORT
CALGARY - An online petition is circulating to rename the Calgary International Airpor t after outgoing prime minister Stephen J. Harper.
The petition was created by R.Cur tis Mullen and it already has more than two thousand signatures.
Stephan Harper is originally from Ontario and moved to Alber ta in seventies to work in the petroleum industry. He has a permanent home
in Calgary, and was re-elected as MP for the riding of Calgary Heritage.
And not everybody agree with this and another petition is circulating to counter this petition and same numbers of people have signed the
counter-petition.
Some other airpor ts have been named after former prime ministers, including Montreal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airpor t,
Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Airpor t and Saskatoon's John G. Diefenbaker International Airpor t. and each of those airports
were renamed in honour of the former prime ministers after the leaders had died.
MPP HARINDER MALHI, BRAMPTON MAYOR LINDA JEFFREY, TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS CENTRE NAZEM KADRI AND OWNER
MOHAMED FARIK AT THE OPENING OF PARAMOUNT FINE FOODS (HARINDERMALHI.ONMPP.CA).
ONTARIO - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.0% in the 12
months to September, after increasing 1.3% in August. The
smaller year-over-year increase in the CPI in September compared with August was mostly attributable to an 18.8% yearover-year decline in gasoline prices in September, following a
12.6% decrease the previous month.
Prices were up in seven of the eight major components on a
year-over-year basis in September, with the rise in the CPI led
by higher prices for food. Increases in the household operations, furnishings and equipment index and the shelter index
also contributed to higher consumer prices. The transpor tation
index, which includes gasoline, recorded its 11th consecutive
year-over-year decline.
Consumers paid 3.5% more for food in September compared
with the same month a year ago. Prices for food purchased
from stores were up 3.9% year over year in September. Prices
for fresh vegetables increased more on a year-over-year basis
in September (+11.5%) than in August (+7.7%). The meat index rose 4.4% year over year in September, following a 6.3%
increase in August. In the 12 months to September, prices for
food purchased from restaurants were up 2.7%.
The index for recreation, education and reading increased 2.5%
in the 12 months to September, after rising 2.1% the previous
month. This acceleration was led by the traveller accommodation index, which was up 10.8% on a year-over-year basis in
September, after increasing 7.4% in August. Tuition fees were
up 2.8% in September compared with the same month a year
earlier.
The clothing and footwear index was up 1.2% in the 12 months
to September, after rising 2.1% the previous month. The transpor tation index declined 3.5% in the 12 months to September,
after decreasing 2.3% in August. This larger year-over-year
decrease was mainly attributable to gasoline prices, which fell
7.9% on a month-over-month basis in September, a larger
monthly decrease than the index recorded in the same month
the previous year. In contrast, the purchase of passenger vehicles index was up 1.6% in the 12 months to September, after
increasing 0.6% in August.
Consumer prices rose in eight provinces in the 12 months to
September. Saskatchewan posted the largest increase, followed
by Manitoba, Alber ta and British Columbia. The CPI in Prince
Edward Island registered its 10th consecutive year-over-year
decline. In every province, prices for gasoline decreased more
on a year-over-year basis in September than in August. The
Bank of Canada's core index was up 2.1% in the 12 months to
September, matching the increase in August. The seasonally
adjusted core index was up 0.1% on a monthly basis in September, after increasing 0.2% in August.
Ontario to invest $17 million in
critical infrastructure improvement
ONTARIO - Ontario is investing $17 million to replace the Kent
Street Bridges on Highway 417/Queensway in 48 hours this
weekend. Star ting tomorrow evening a crew of approximately
170 workers will use state-of-the-art rapid bridge replacement
technology to lift, move and replace the 50-year-old, 400-tonne
bridges. This method will speed up construction time, reduce
traffic disruptions by avoiding ongoing lane closures, minimize
harmful effects to the environment and save the province approximately $2.4 million in traffic management costs.
Ontario's long-term infrastructure plan will help connect regions, develop new economic opportunities and improve quality of life for
Ontarians by supporting critical infrastructure projects in cities, towns,
and rural and remote communities all across the province.
Improving highways, roads and bridges across the province is part of
the government's economic plan to build Ontario up. The fourpar t plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's
history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.
"The replacement of the Kent Street bridges will improve access to
downtown, and is welcome news to our community. This is the eighth
bridge in Ottawa that has been replaced using rapid replacement technology, which saves time and minimizes disruption for local
residents. "- Yasir Naqvi, MPP Ottawa Centre
"Rapid bridge replacement allows us to quickly update infrastructure with less disruptions to the community and the environment than traditional bridge replacement methods. This
project is proof of our government's commitment to making the
daily commute and quality of life better for Ontario residents."Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transpor tation
QUICK FACTS
" The Kent Street Bridges on Highway 417 carries about 160,000
vehicles per day.
" Aecon Construction of Toronto, Ontario was awarded the bridge
replacement contract at a value of $17 million.
" Ontario is investing $2.5 billion in road and bridge construction projects this year, creating or sustaining approximately
25,000 jobs.
" Ontario has used rapid bridge replacement technology at eight
locations on the Ottawa Queensway including Island Park in
2007 and Clyde Avenue in 2008, Carling Avenue Eastbound in
2011, Kirkwood and Carling Avenue Westbound in 2013, Vanier
and Lees in 2014, and Kent Street in 2015.
416-907-4420
10
MidWeek
canada
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2015
Ontario Strengthening Laws to Stop
Sexual Violence and Harassment
ONTARIO - Ontario has introduced legislation that would help build a province where everyone is free
from the threat of sexual violence and harassment, and would strengthen suppor t for survivors.
The legislation would help deliver on commitments in It's Never Okay, the government's ground-breaking
action plan to stop sexual violence and harassment. If passed, the Sexual Violence and Harassment
Action Plan Act would make workplaces, campuses and communities safer and more responsive to the
needs of survivors and to complaints about sexual violence and harassment. The Act would:
" Require every publicly assisted college and university and private career college to have a stand-alone
sexual violence policy and to review it -- with student involvement -- at least once every three years
" Enhance requirements for sexual harassment prevention programs and create specific employer duties
to protect workers, including a duty to ensure that incidents and complaints are appropriately investigated
" Remove the limitation period for all civil proceedings based on sexual assault -- and, in cer tain cases,
sexual misconduct or assault -- so that survivors can bring their civil claims forward whenever they
choose to do so
" Eliminate the limitation period for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence to make a compensation application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board
" Shor ten the time it takes to end a tenancy agreement for people experiencing sexual or domestic
violence, to make it easier for survivors to flee abuse.
MIDWEEK NEWS
NEWS WEEKLY
WEEKLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER
AUGUST 28,
27,2012
2015
MidWeek
india
11
EDUCATION, HEALTH COSTS
ROSE MORE THAN RETAIL
INFLATION: ASSOCHAM
SIKHS STAGE A DEMONSTRATION TO PRESS FOR ACTION AGAINST THOSE INVOLVED IN DESECRATION OF A GURU GRANTH
SAHIB IN NAGPUR (IANS).
GOVERNMENT TO ACHIEVE 3.9 PER CENT
FISCAL DEFICIT TARGET: JAITLEY
NEW DELHI, (IANS) Finance Minister Ar un Jaitley on Tuesday
exuded confidence that the government will achieve the fiscal
deficit target of 3.9 per cent in the current financial year.
"I have consciously kept this year a very modest target of 3.9
per cent. The manner in which tax revenues and expenditure are
moving, I don't think this will be difficult to meet," Jaitley said
here at the five-day India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS).
He said there was a better collection of revenues during the
first six months of the current fiscal, and that he hoped the
same for the remaining two quar ters of 2015-16.
Jaitley ruled out any possibility to slash expenditure either of
state governments or that of various central ministries.
"I don't think this year we have to cut down expenditure of either
state government or public expenditure of the central ministries
as it is moving ahead of our target as far as indirect taxes are
concerned," the minister said.
The targets for the next three years have been set at 3.9 per
cent for 2015-16, 3.5 per cent for 2016-17, and 3 per cent for
2017-18.
Jaitley said the government would make all effor ts to pass the
goods and ser vices tax (GST) bill in the for thcoming winter
session of parliament.
On disinvestment front, the minister said there were challenges, par ticularly on account of global prices of metals,
which constitute large par t of India's gross domestic product
(GDP), not doing well.
"And therefore, I think it doesn't make sense divesting at a time
when prices are low," Jaitley said.
The Narendra Modi government had budgeted to mop up
Rs.69,500 crore through disinvestment by March 2016.
The minister, who also holds the por tfolios of corporate affairs
and information and broadcasting, said his government was
working on fur ther simplifying the norms per taining to the
foreign direct investment.
NEW DELHI, (IANS) Costs of education and health services
have risen much higher than the retail, or consumer price
indexed (CPI) inflation for September, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) said.
"With severe shor tages of education and health facilities in
the public sector, the middle class has to depend on private
sector schools, colleges and hospitals and their costs have become quite high," the industry chamber said in a statement here.
"While the annual increase in prices of these services may not
show huge rise, the base price of such facilities is so high that it is
becoming increasingly difficult for a large number of people in cities
and small towns to afford them," said Assocham secretary general
D.S.Rawat. He also urged that public expenditure on health and
education be raised significantly, both at the central and state levels.
The Assocham study showed that prices of goods and services
consumed on a daily basis are growing beyond the comfort level for
most Indians. Other items of middle class consumption like meat,
fish, milk and milk products, have also seen significant price increase of between 5 and 5.5 percent. India's retail inflation for September increased to 4.41 percent, from 3.74 percent recorded for the
previous month, on the back of higher food prices. Overall food
inflation was higher in September, at 3.88 per cent compared to
2.2 per cent in August. Contributing most to food inflation in
September were pulses, which were costlier by nearly 30
per cent, followed by meat, fish, milk and milk products, the
CPI rates for all of which were over 5 per cent. "While the RBI
has in the last instance reduced the policy rate by 50 basis
points, the average transmission is not above 30 bps despite
so much of prodding by the government and the Reserve
Bank of India," Assocham said.
GEETA SYMBOL OF INDIAPAKISTAN UNITY: PRANAB
NEW DELHI, (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday
described Geeta, a young Indian woman who returned home
after spending years in Pakistan, as a "symbol of India-Pakistan
unity". The president met the deaf-and-mute 23-year-old at the
Rashtrapati Bhavan and blessed her.
"You are the daughter of both our countries, a symbol of IndiaPakistan unity. God has listened to your prayers," a Rashtrapati
Bhavan statement quoted Mukherjee as telling her.
The president thanked Bilqis Bano Edhi and the Edhi Foundation for
their good work in Pakistan. Geeta was about 11 years old when she
crossed into Pakistan in 2003 by mistake. Pakistan Rangers handed
her over to the Edhi Foundation, a social welfare organisation
that has looked after her since then.
Hardik's sedition case to stay,
supporters threaten suicide
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi participates in a procession organised on Valmiki Jayanti at Red Fort in New Delhi (IANS).
AHMEDABAD, (IANS) The Gujarat High Cour t on Tuesday
turned down a petition to quash sedition charges against
Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel,
even as his three suppor ters threatened to set themselves on
fire if he is not set free by October 29.
Justice J.B. Pardiwala earlier in the day rejected the plea
filed on October 20 by Hardik Patel's father Bharat Patel, a
BJP activist, days after Hardik's five-day police remand in
Surat. Simultaneously, three youngsters from the Patidar community
- one word for the Kadwa and the Leuva Patels - threatened to immolate
themselves in front of the state legislative assembly if the government
did not let off Hardik Patel by Thursday. Bharat Patel, Vijay Patel and
Pratik Patel from Tenpur village of Aravalli district in nor th Gujarat
submitted a memorandum to an official, warning the state
government that if the sedition charges against Hardik Patel
were not dropped, they would set themselves on fire before
the state assembly building in Gandhinagar.
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UNITY IN DIVERSITY PRIDE
OF INDIA: MODI
PUNJAB CHIEF MINSTER PARKASH SINGH BADAL AND DEPUTY CHIEF MINSTER SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL DURING PROGRESSIVE PUNJAB SUMMIT IN MOHALI (IANS).
SUSHMA SWARAJ PITCHES
FOR EXPANSION OF UNSC
NEW DELHI, (IANS) External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on
Sunday advocated reforms to the United Nations Security Council
and pointed out that neither India with nearly one-sixth of the
world's population nor the largest continent Africa in terms of
number of countries were on board. She said the United Nations
continued to be a "representative of the world order of 1945".
"A major issue in this context is that of UN Security Council
reforms. The Security Council continues to be representative of a
world order of 1945. It is inconceivable that the Security Council
today does not have any permanent representation from Africa,
which is the largest continent (in terms of number of countries),"
Sushma Swaraj said while addressing the third India-Africa Editors'
Forum meeting here. She said it was also incomprehensible that
India, which represents almost one-sixth of world's population and
has all credentials to be a permanent member of the Security
Council, was still out of it. "We all need to work together to remove
this anomaly and the media has an impor tant role in this," she said.
The minister said developing countries were ar ticulating similar
views and concerns as the UN celebrates its 70th anniversary this
year. Sushma Swaraj said 2015 has been a historic year for
pushing forward south-south cooperation.
"We celebrated the 60th anniversary of Asian-African conference
and the 10th anniversary of the new Asian-African strategic
par tnership at Bandung (in Indonesia). We worked together in the
finalisation of the post-2015 Development Agenda," she said.
Welcoming the par ticipants of India-Africa Editors' Forum at the 3rd
India-Africa Forum Summit, the minister said the unprecedented
par ticipation was testimony to the deep historical bonds that India
shares with Africa. The summit will begin on Monday and end on
October 29.
AAP takes out candle march to protest atrocities on Dalits
NEW DELHI, (IANS) Aam Aadmi Par ty (AAP) workers led by senior leader Dilip Pandey and MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj took out a candle
march at Jantar Mantar on Sunday to protest atrocities against Dalits in Haryana. The party demanded immediate sacking of union
minister V.K. Singh for his comments against Dalits.
"V.K. Singh's remarks on Dalits are disgraceful. He should be arrested and sacked," Pandey said. Many AAP legislators joined the
candle march and condemned the recent murders of two Dalit children in Sunped village of Haryana's Faridabad district, and the
custodial death of a 14-year-old minor Dalit boy at Gohana (Sonepat).
On Monday, a delegation of the AAP will meet the national SC/ST Commission and submit the fact-finding repor t prepared by the team
of par ty MLAs, who had visited Gohana where a Dalit boy, Vinod, was found dead in mysterious circumstances.
The team found that the boy was picked up by the local police of Gohana in Sonepat district and his body was later dumped at the house
of his relatives. AAP representatives who visited Gohana include Delhi's Social Welfare Minister Sandeep Kumar, legislators Rajinder
Gautam, Rakhi Birla, Vishesh Ravi, Prakash Jarwal, Raju Dhingan and Manoj Kumar.
BJP's defeat in Bihar polls certain: Lalu Prasad
PATNA, (IANS) The defeat of the BJP in the Bihar assembly elections is cer tain since the poor, Dalits,
OBCs, EBCs and Muslims had decided to vote for the grand alliance of Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya
Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, RJD chief Lalu Prasad said on Tuesday. "There is no BJP wave in
Bihar and its defeat is cer tain," Lalu Prasad said at a press conference here. The RJD chief said
people, including the Dalits, Other Backward Classes and Extremely Backward Classes had identified the BJP as anti-reservation. "The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has told the Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP) to end reservation for Dalits and OBCs but it was exposed by us," he said. He said no one could end reservation
till he and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar were alive. "I challenge the RSS, BJP and Modi to deny that RSS ideologue
M.S. Golwalkar in his book 'Bunch of Thoughts' opposed reservation for Dalits and OBCs. They should burn Golwalkar's
book in public if they strongly favour reservation and are not against it," the former chief minister said. Lalu Prasad
also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for using language, which the RJD leader said, no
one expected from the country's PM.
Union minister
opposes use of
armed forces
against Maoists
KOLKATA, (IANS) Dubbing left-wing
extremism as a "socio-economic issue", union minister V.K. Singh on
Sunday said he was opposed to the
use of the armed forces in tackling
Maoists in the various states. "Armed
forces need to be deployed wherever
the country's borders are concerned
or in regions where people endeavour to secede from the Indian
union," said the minister of state
for external affairs. "This
(Maoism) is a socio-economic
problem; an issue concerning
lack of infrastructure and others
and the existing resources are
sufficient to tackle them," said the
former army chief while addressing a function at Raj Bhavan here
after the release of the Hindi version of his autobiography. Recalling a meeting with the then union
home minister P. Chidambaram in
the aftermath of the 2010 Maoist
attack in Dantewada in
Chhattisgarh in which 76 troopers were killed, V.K. Singh said
he then rejected the minister's
suggestion for the deployment of
the army to tackle the rebels.
"During
the
meeting,
Chidambaram asked me why don't
you allow deployment of the army in
Naxal-affected areas? To which I replied, the job of the armed forces is
not to fire on their own countrymen,"
he
said.
"The
minister
(Chidambaram) did not like my opinion and since then he hasn't spoken
to me," V.K. Singh said.
NEW DELHI, (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described diversity as the pride of India and the key to development. In his "Mann ki Baat" radio address, Modi also said he
was excited about inaugurating an Ambedkar Bhavan in London next month.
In his nearly half-hour speech, the prime minister did not
mention any of the recent incidents of violence including the
lynching of a Muslim man in Uttar Pradesh over rumours that
he ate beef. But he underlined that India was a diverse country, "and this diversity is the pride of India... Peace, harmony
and unity... these are the key to development".
Modi also recalled Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose bir th
anniversary falls on October 31, and said he made a huge
contribution to India's unity.
"He had a dream for a united India, and he succeeded in doing
that geographically." The prime minister added that the 'mantra' of unity should "constantly be a par t of our thought,
behaviour and expressions".
Modi said the government had bought the house where B.R.
Ambedkar used to live in London. "I will be making a trip to
Britain a day after Diwali. I am looking forward to my trip. I'll
inaugurate the Ambedkar Bhavan in London, which is now the
Indian government's proper ty," he said. "For the Dalits, oppressed, poor, who spend their lives with difficulties, Baba
Saheb Ambedkar Bhavan will be an inspiration that with will
power all difficulties can be overcome," he said. Modi said
governments in India provide scholarships to students from
Dalit, tribal and backward communities to study abroad. "The
government of India and state governments give scholarship
to bright students who want to go abroad for studies. The
Indian government also encourages such Dalit youth," he said.
KEY AFRICA-INDIA FACTS,
STATISTICS COMPENDIUM
TO BE RELEASED IN IAFS
BY HADRA AHMED
ADDIS ABABA, (IANS) The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII) will launch "Africa-India: Facts & Figures 2015",
focussing on the sectors seeing the maximum engagement,
on the margins of the India-Africa Forum Summit in New
Delhi.
UNECA executive secretary Carlos Lopes, and CII director
general Chandrajit Banerjee will launch the publication here
on October 28, the penultimate day of the IAFS, which is
being held October 26-29. Lopes said that release of the
publication was timely.
"This third India-Africa Forum Summit, to which 54 African
countries are invited, is expected to result in a deeper engagement between India and Africa. For would-be investors
from both India and Africa, we are pleased to showcase the
width and breadth of investment potential," he said.
The compendium is based on an acknowledgement that India and Africa share a common understanding of a number of
key sectoral issues such as micro, small and medium-scale
enterprises and on importance of regulatory frameworks to
spawn new ways of doing business.
India and Africa also share common objective of enhancing
collaborative research and strengthening science and technology institutions, an official release said.
DEBT-RIDDEN MP FARMERS
FIND RELIEF IN DEATH
BHOPAL, (IANS) A number of farmers in different par ts of
Madhya Pradesh are today faced with a life they cannot
comprehend. They say they have suffered loss of crops,
and received no relief -- barring through the embrace of
death.
Lalan Yadav of Damoh district on Friday committed suicide by pouring Kerosene and setting himself on fire in
his fields as he found the crop loss was too much for him
to bear. Surender Lodhi in Sagar city was another. He had
taken a loan before sowing his crops. But after his crops
were ruined this season due to scanty rains, his hope to
repay the loan lay shattered. He hanged himself to death.
Hardly any day passes when there is no repor t of a farmer
committing suicide in the state.
Farmers contend that the leaders of the ruling Bharatiya
Janata Par ty make big promises of helping them but nothing happens in reality. Besides, many politicians make
such hur tful statements af ter visiting them that it appears
they are making a mockery of the farmers' plight. Madhya
Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has assured all possible help for the farmers, but assistance or
debt relief is yet to come.
"Due to dismissive attitude of the government towards
farmers' plight, these people are compelled to commit
suicides," Congress leader Ajay Singh said. Badal Saroj
of the Communist Par ty of India-Marxist here says: "The
reason behind rising number of farmers' suicides is that
the person (Shivraj Singh) who claims being son of a
farmer does not understand the agony of farmers."
Aam Aadmi Par ty's spokesperson Alok Agarwal said the
assurances of relief given to farmers sound fraudulent.
Farming has turned a loss-making business as farmers
fail to recover even the basic in-put costs and their debt
keeps on rising.
"The government should fix price of crops one and half
times the cost calculated as per Swaminathan
Committee's recommendations. Effor t should be made to
reduce farmers' debts," he added. As many as 141 tehsils
(sub-districts) have been declared drought-affected in the
state. The Madhya Pradesh government has sought
Rs.15,000 crore help from the central government, which is
yet to come, officials say.
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Congress raking up Lalit Modi
issue as diversionary tactic: BJP
NEW DELHI, (IANS) The BJP on Friday dismissed Congress'
charge that the central government was trying to protect former
IPL chief Lalit Modi by seeking his "extradition" and not "depor tation" from Britain, and accused the opposition par ty of
using the issue as a "diversionary tactic".
"Instead of answering serious questions raised by the
Bharatiya Janata Par ty on huge financial irregularities in Young
India company in which Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi hold
shares, the Congress is diver ting the issue by talking about
Lalit Modi issue that is already settled," union minister Prakash
Javadekar told repor ters here. He said that Young India took
loan from a firm involved in black money deals and questioned the manner of acquisition of Associated Journals, which
owns expensive real estate in many cities. "They must divulge to the country their magical formula like land grab cases
and Young India model of making money, that enrich the near
and dear ones of Congress leaders," he said. Javadekar also
refuted the charges that Modi government did not do enough to
bring back Lalit Modi to face the country's law.
SIKH CHILDREN DURING A RELIGIOUS PROCESSION IN THE PARIKARMA OF THE GOLDEN TEMPLE ON THE BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF
FORTH SIKH GURU RAMDASS JI (FOUNDER OF AMRITSAR CITY) IN AMRITSAR (IANS).
Dengue outbreak showed up government
failure on health, sanitation fronts
BY SHAMSHAD ALI
NEW DELHI, (IANS) Dengue may be on the wane in the capital but
patients who were victims of the deadly mosquito-borne disease that
till some weeks had the capital in its vice-like grip blame medical
negligence and lack of civic awareness for the post-monsoon blight
every year.
The total number of dengue cases in the capital has crossed the
12,500 mark, with 32 deaths, municipal authorities admitted earlier
this week. "I was feeling a bit under the weather with high fever and
vomiting and suspected dengue infection but the attending doctor at a
government hospital prescribed me some general medicines and
asked to visit OPD the next day. By the next morning, my condition
turned critical and I was rushed to the hospital," Mahesh Sharma, a
resident of south Delhi, told IANS.
"The attending doctor did not take the matter seriously, he claims. "I
had severe allergy on my palms which were symptoms of dengue,"
Sharma added. "On my four th visit to the hospital, one of the doctors
advised me to do some tests. The results came in and I was diagnosed with dengue but by then, I was severely affected with the deadly
disease," he pointed out.
Patients feel that the dengue treatment at government hospitals is
mediocre when compared to private clinics. The casual attitude and
callousness on the par t of some doctors in government health centres - especially in the rural areas - make matters worse.
"Unlike city dwellers, we do not have access to the cutting-edge
healthcare. We cannot afford to travel to urban areas for treatment or
go for expensive tests. Most of the time, we leave the fate of the
dengue patients to god," narrated a farmer from a remote village in
Uttar Pradesh. People in the remote areas do not even have basic
information about the symptoms of this disease.
"Every year, we have this alarming situation and the government alone
cannot be expected to do everything for us. Unless we remain vigilant
in our own colonies and ensure water is not collected anywhere and
ensure regular spraying of insecticide is done by civic bodies, such
diseases cannot be defeated," Rachna Kucheria, a general physician
practising in Delhi, told IANS here.
Last year Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a nationwide cleanliness campaign or Swachh Bharat Mission.
"But it should not become a mere PR exercise. The state and the
people should be practical and strive together to defeat this deadly
disease," Kucheria added.
According to the statistics collected till October 17 by the areas under
the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, they have recorded 2,659 dengue cases -- the highest in Delhi -- while areas under the East Delhi
Municipal Corporation have recorded 1,551 cases. The Nor th Delhi
Municipal Corporation recorded 2,638 cases. The areas under the
New Delhi Municipal Council recorded 197 cases. The official toll of
dengue in the capital stood at 32, but the unofficial deaths confirmed
by various hospitals stood at 85. The first dengue-related death in the
capital was recorded on August 5.
INDIA, AFRICA MUST SPEAK IN ONE
VOICE FOR UNSC REFORM: MODI
NEW DELHI, (IANS) India and Africa must continue to speak in one
voice for reforms of United Nations Security Council and global
financial institutions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. In a
written interview with African journalists at the Editors Forum of the
third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) here, Modi said that the
world is undergoing political, economic and technological transition
on a scale rarely seen in recent history.
"We have four times as many member countries in the United
Nations as we had at its inception. Awareness of rights and
aspirations for progress is more widespread now. Global power
is more distributed," he said, adding hence, global political,
economic and security institutions must become more democratic, inclusive and representative of the world.
"No institution will have that character today, if it does not give
voice to Africa or the world's largest democracy, constituting
one-sixth of humanity. That is why we ask for reforms of the
United Nations Security Council and global financial institutions. India and Africa, constituting one-third of the global
population, must continue to speak in one voice for these
reforms," he said.
Modi said the digitally networked world is changing the character of the global economy while threats to peace and security
have become more complex, unpredictable and undefined."In
many ways, our lives are becoming globalized, but fault-lines
around our identities are growing. Terrorism, cyber and space
are entirely new frontiers of threats, oppor tunities and challenges. Climate change is a pressing global challenge.
"The developing world is dealing with complexities of a new
wave of urbanization. Yet the global order, its institutions and
our mindsets continue to reflect the circumstances that existed
at the end of the last World War," he said, adding these institutions must be reformed in order to remain effective and relevant
in the new era. "If global institutions and systems do not adapt,
they will risk irrelevance. We might have a more fragmented
world and our collective ability to deal with the challenges and
changes of our era will also be weakened. That is why India
advocates reforms in global political, economic and security
institutions," he said.
Arm Dalits for self-defence,
demands Republican Party of India
NAGPUR/MUMBAI, (IANS) Taking a strong view of the growing attacks on Dalits in the country, the Republican Par ty of
India on Friday demanded that the Dalits be given firearms for selfdefence. If police and government were unable to stop targetting of
Dalits, they should issue licensed firearms to the Dalits for their
protection, RPI president Ramdas Athavale said in Nagpur.
The MP said attacks on Dalits took place during the UPA government's
rule also and continued under the NDA government rule. "So there is
no option for the Dalits but to defend themselves," he said. Athavale
and RPI executive president Uttam Khobragade also criticised union
minister V.K. Singh for using an analogy of dogs while commenting
on Thursday on the killing of two children of a Dalit family in a Haryana
village. "That a person like V.K. Singh, who was once the army chief,
should make such a statement is indeed regrettable. I shall speak to union
Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to
arm Dalits," Athavale said. Taking umbrage at V.K. Singh's remarks,
Uttam Khobragade in Mumbai demanded that the union minister be booked
under the law meant to prevent atrocities against Dalits. The duo listed
several incidents of violence and atrocities against Dalits across the
country in the past few years, including in Maharashtra, to justify their demand for arming Dalits.
DELHI GOVERNMENT, LG
SPAR OVER TRANSFER,
'INTIMIDATION' OF OFFICIALS
NEW DELHI, (IANS) Delhi's AAP government on Friday
slammed Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung for allegedly "intimidating" senior officers and "shunting out an honest bureaucrat
fighting against graft". Jung said the officer was transferred at the
Centre's behest. The government vowed to stand by its bureaucrats
and announced the setting up of a panel of three ministers to "protect
bureaucrats from political victimisation".
Transfer and posting of senior bureaucrats in the national capital has been a sore point between the Aam Aadmi Par ty government and the lt. governor, with both claiming the power. In
a damning charge on Friday, the Arvind Kejriwal government
said Jung had threatened several senior officers with dire consequences, including police action, "if they refuse to par take
in the exercise of obstructing the functioning of the Delhi government". It also questioned why Delhi's Value Added Tax Commissioner Vijay Kumar, who cracked down on organised tax
evasion syndicates, was "shunted out. Why was he suddenly
relieved by the hon'ble LG, keeping the chief minister also in
the dark? This is not a transfer. This is shunting out of an
officer who was fighting against corruption and against deeply
entrenched vested interest," the AAP government said in a
statement. Jung responded by saying that he relieved Kumar
at the behest of the Centre. On the charge of browbeating officers, Jung said he would not like to comment in view of several
episodes of "poor treatment meted out by the elected government to the
top bureaucrats". The decision to constitute the Group of Ministers, which
would be chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, was taken at
a cabinet meeting on Friday, an official statement said. The government said the panel - including ministers Satyendra Jain and
Gopal Rai - shall be authorised to take all steps required to
protect officers, including providing legal suppor t to them, at
government cost.
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US CITIZENS FREED
IN COMMANDO
RAID IN IRAQ
AN INJURED GIRL IN PESHAWAR BEING TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AFTER A SEVERE EARTHQUAKE HIT AFGHANISTAN AND AFFECTED
NEIGHBOUING PAKISTAN BADLY ALSO (IANS).
US FIRST LADY ANNOUNCES $70MN FOR
PAKISTANI GIRLS EDUCATION
WASHINGTON, (IANS) US First Lady Michelle Obama has announced
$70 million aid to educate girls in Pakistan, a USAID statement said.
"Building on Pakistan's commitment to double education spending,
the US will be investing $70 million to educate adolescent girls in
Pakistan," US First Lady Michelle Obama said on Thursday at a White
House event she hosted for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's wife
Kalsoom Nawaz.
According to a statement, USAID's Let Girls Learn in Pakistan
programme will provide $70 million to new and ongoing USAID
programmes benefitting more than 200,000 adolescent girls aged
between 10 and 19 years. "With this funding we're going to be building
more than a dozen schools and rehabilitating hundreds of others,"
said the first lady. Mariam thanked Michelle for her suppor t to
strengthen Pakistan's education sector.
Let Girls Learn will seek oppor tunities to foster public-private par tnerships and collaborate with other development par tners to advance
girls' education and empowerment. It will serve as a platform and
catalyst for broader political and social commitment to strengthen
adolescent girls' education and empowerment in Pakistan. Let Girls
Learn is a US Government initiative that involves the Depar tment of
State, USAID, the Peace Corps, and others to ensure adolescent girls
get the education they deserve.
GHANI, NATO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON AFGHANISTAN
KABUL, (IANS) Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg exchanged views on the situation and
the alliance's cooperation with the conflict-ridden country, the presidential palace said on Friday.
While assuring the alliance's continued support for Afghanistan, the NATO chief said that following the recent US decision to maintain the
level of troops in Afghanistan, more NATO-member states would follow the step to continue their military suppor t within the framework
of NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission in Afghanistan, Xinhua news agency repor ted.
In the wake of increasing militancy and the brief capture of Kunduz city by Taliban late in September, US President Barack Obama said
last week Washington's plans to keep 5,500 US troops in Afghanistan into 2017 and to maintain the current 9,800 forces throughout most
of next year. Obama had previously planned to reduce the current level of troops in Afghanistan to around 5,500 by the end of 2015 and
withdraw all troops by the end of 2016 when his presidency comes to an end, leaving only about 1,000 soldiers to provide security for US
diplomatic mission in the country. Germany and Turkey have welcomed the US decision and announced to keep troops in Afghanistan
within the framework of NATO-led RS mission. Ghani, during the telephone conversation, said Afghanistan attaches great impor tance to
its relations with NATO, stressing that NATO's cooperation is significant in strengthening his country's security forces capability.
During the talks, both sides agreed that Afghanistan sends a high ranking delegation to Brussels to explain the Afghan government's
reforms and development programmes with regard to defence and security. NATO member states will discuss the modality of alliance
cooperation with Afghanistan in its conference on December 2 in Brussels, the statement added.
BAGHDAD, (IANS/AKI) American citizens were among 70
people freed when American and Kurdish commandos
raided an Islamic State prison near the nor thern Iraqi town
of Hawija, the Al-Arabiya TV channel reported.
Kurdish peshmerga fighters made up almost half the freed
hostages, who included civilians and an Iraqi judge who
was earlier caught by militants from the so-called Islamic
State jihadist group, Kurdish sources said. One US service
member was killed in the operation and five Islamic State
militants were captured and at least 10 were killed, according to US and Iraqi officials.
The American soldier's death marks the first US combat
fatality in Iraq since US President Barack Obama launched
operations against the IS earlier this year. General Lloyd J.
Austin III, the head of US Central Command, called the raid a
"complex and highly-successful operation" and offered his
condolences to the family of the US soldier who was killed.
Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said that US commandos and Kurdish peshmerga troops launched the operation to
rescue hostages who "faced imminent mass execution". The
hostages included 20 members of the Iraqi Security Forces,
Cook said. The American forces who took par t in the raid
were members of the US Army's Elite Delta Force, officials
said. While American commando operations have taken
place in Syria, none had previously been confirmed to have
happened within Iraq.
Russian, US, Saudi Arabian,
Turkish FMs seek solutions
over Syria conflict
VIENNA, (IANS) US Secretary of State John Kerry met his
Russian, Saudi Arabian and Turkish counterparts here on
Friday to explore a political solution to put an end to the
crisis in Syria. The meetings were held weeks after
Russia's air strikes against extremist group Islamic State
(IS) in Syria, and Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's visit to
Moscow this week, Xinhua reported.
Kerry consulted with foreign ministers Sergey Lavrov, Adel
al-Jubeir and Feridun Sinirlioglu, striving to find a diplomatic
solution to end the conflict. However, the US and Russia
have differences in terms of the role of Syrian President
Bashar al-Assad in the country in the future. Bashar alAssad's unexpected visit to Moscow seems to have sent a
message to his foes that he remains Syria's legitimate
authority. The civil war and the rise of IS in the country have
forced thousands of people to leave the country, many of
whom are coming to Europe seeking asylum. Russia said
it star ted air strikes in Syria after the Russian Federation
Council, the upper house of parliament, granted President
Vladimir Putin the right to send troops abroad following a
request by Bashar al-Assad.
16
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2015
WHO UNNERVES
SHAHID KAPOOR?
Jacqueline Fernandez at the launch of British Airways first 787-9 flight to New Delhi in Indian style in New Delhi (IANS).
ROHIT SHETTY RECREATES
'DDLJ' MAGIC, SRK THANKFUL
MUMBAI, (IANS) To mark 20 years since the release of
Bollywood's iconic onscreen couple Shah Rukh Khan and
Kajol's cult classic "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (DDLJ),
filmmaker Rohit Shetty has made a special video for the
fans of the romantic film to relive the magic that the Aditya
Chopra directorial had created. Shah Rukh has thanked
Shetty for his effor t.
In the video, which was posted on the official account of
Yash Raj Films on YouTube on Tuesday, Kajol can be seen
reminding Shah Rukh that their film has completed 20
years since its release. Shah Rukh, on the other hand, can
be seen pretending to be unaware about it. After which, she
stops talking to him.
Later Shah Rukh impresses Kajol by saying the film's
famous dialogue: "Raj agar ye tujhe pyar kar ti hai to ye
palat ke dekhegi." After that, he proposes to her by giving
her a rose. The duo then thank everyone for their love and
suppor t for the film. Shah Rukh and Kajol are returning to
the silver screen together with Shetty's "Dilwale" after a
hiatus of five years. Shah Rukh, who last worked with
Shetty in the 2013 film "Chennai Express", later thanked
him for recreating the "DDLJ" moment for him and Kajol.
"Hear tfelt thanks to Rohit Shetty for doing this. It's like
'Dilwale' to 'Dilwale' every 20 years. And thanks AIB for
clean lines," he tweeted. "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge",
which released on October 20, 1995, also featured Mandira
Bedi, Anupam Kher, Amrish Puri and Farida Jalal.
South African team after winning the fifth ODI against India and winning the series 3-2 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai (IANS).
NEW DELHI, (IANS) Shahid Kapoor, who will be seen for the first time alongside his father Pankaj Kapur in Vikas Bahl's romantic comedy film "Shaandaar",
which released on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra on Thursday, says
he was "very nervous" while sharing screen space with the veteran actor but
later had "fun" shooting with him. "I was very nervous to work with him but
my dad is very kind. So he helped me feel more comfortable and after a
couple of days we both had fun," Shahid told IANS here. "He doesn't have any
expectations. I hope I've lived up to Vikas' expectations because he is the
person whom I'm trying to live up to in any way. With dad it was an honour to
share screen space with him," the 34-year-old added. "Shaandaar" is a
kind of "family film" for Shahid as it also marks the debut of his half-sister
Sanah Kapoor. Asked whether he saw any hidden talent in her while
working in "Shaandaar", Shahid said: "Her talent is not hidden, it's there
for the world to see. She's so talented and so good. She good this role by
auditioning for it on her own merit. So, I'm very proud of her." Shaandaar
also stars actress Alia Bhatt. The romantic comedy is Shahid's first film
after his marriage to city-based girl Mira Rajput in July. The "Kaminey"
actor said that he didn't do "quirky" and "entertaining" love stories after
"Jab We Met" because it was "rare to find content which is unique and
fresh in this space."
But with "Shaandaar", he felt "all the characters were new and the world that
he (Vikas) wanted to create of
destination wedding was quite
fairytalish. It's something
which I've never experienced before in films. It's
a movie that is accessible to everybody," he
added. Shahid also
said that after doing a
intense and dark
film like "Haider",
"Shaandaar" was a
per fect "change" for
him. "After having
done a film like
'Haider', which is
very intense and dark,
it was the best and
biggest possible change
that I could make to go
from a genre like 'Haider'
to
a
film
like
'Shaandaar'. I've a lot
of faith in Vikas as a director. I feel he
is extremely talented," he
said.
South Africa crush India by
214 runs to win ODI series
BY ARITRA CHOWDHURY
Mumbai, (IANS) Powered by centuries each from Faf du Plessis,
AB de Villiers and Quinton de Kock, South Africa registered a
mammoth 214-run win over a spiritless India in the fifth and
final One-Day International (ODI) match at the Wankhede Stadium here on Sunday to clinch the series 3-2.
Fighting the heat and humidity, du Plessis struck 133 off 115
balls, de Villiers smashed 119 off 61, and opener de Kock hit
109 off 87 balls to put the visitors in the driving seat in the
crucial contest with a massive score of 438/4 in 50 overs.
In reply, despite a fighting 58-ball 87 from local batsman Ajinkya
Rahane and 59-ball 60 from Shikhar Dhawan, the hosts were
bowled out for 224 in 35.5 overs.
For the visitors, young pacer Kagiso Rabada (4-41) and experienced seamer Dale Steyn (3-38) were the pick of the bowlers.
Chasing a mammoth target of 439, India got off to a modest
star t with openers Dhawan and local boy Rohit Sharma in good
touch. Playing his first ODI in his home ground, Rohit struck
three boundaries before giving his wicket away to Kyle Abbott
in the fifth over.
India suffered their second blow with incoming batsman Virat
Kohli (7) falling in the eighth over -- caught by wicker-keeper
de Kock after nicking an outside off-stump ball to have India
struggling at 44/2.
Rahane joined hands with Dhawan to try something different
after two quick wickets.
The duo managed to help India cross the 100-run mark in the
17th over. After striking a couple of boundaries and sixes, the
112-run par tnership for the third wicket was broken when
Dhawan was caught by Hashim Amla off Rabada in the 24th
over. Suresh Raina (12) too didn't last long as he was bowled
around his legs while trying to flick the ball off Rabada.
Set batsman Rahane too depar ted in the 27th over, followed by
Axar Patel (5) and Harbhajan Singh (0) to end India's hopes of
clinching the series.
I CONTD. ON PAGE 21
18
MidWeek
bollywood
Movie Review
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2015
hollywood
TRUE SEXINESS IS IN THE
MIND: MONICA BELLUCCI
T, SANAH
POOR, ALIA BHAT
CAST: SHAHID KA
PUR,
A SETH, PANKAJ KA
KAPOOR, SUSHM
, DILJIT
, SANJAY KAPOOR
NIKI ANEJA WALIA
DOSANJH
BAHL
DIRECTOR: VIKAS
**
'SHAANDAAR': AVANTGARDE GONE AWRY
BY TROY RIBEIRO
Treated like a fantasy film with a back-drop of an ostentatious
Indian wedding, Vikas Bahl's "Shaandaar" is actually the story
of a father-daughter bonding. With a love story being an
essential ingredient for a commercial Hindi film, that too, is
thrown in for good measure.
Bankrupt and on the verge of penury, the wedding, is a
business deal, pouts the matriarch of the Arora family, Kamala
(Sushma Seth) during a family conference that consists of her
three sons: Vipin (Pankaj Kapur), Viren and Vinay (Sagar
Arya), daughter-in-law Geetu (Niki Walia), grand-daughter
Isha (Sanah Kapoor) and an orphan girl Alia (Alia Bhatt) who
has been adopted by Vipin.
Jagjinder Joginder (Shahid Kapoor) is the wedding planner
who arrives to ensure the smooth execution of this big-fatSindhi wedding. Predictably so, he falls in love with the
orphan Alia. Isha, Vipin's daughter, is the sacrificial goat in
the family and is being betrothed to Robin (Diljit Dosanjh),
brother of a rich Sindhi businessman Harry Fandwani (Sanjay
Kapoor).
If the plot and premise of the film seem promising, it is the
execution of the tale that is flawed and is the film's undoing.
Mounted on a lavish scale, the essence of the simple and
somewhat sweet messages are lost, in the quagmire of
cinematic gimmicks. Also, the screenplay padded with basic
animation and remixed songs like "Neend na mujkho aaye" or
"Eena, Meena Deeka" does nothing to boost the pace and
content of the film. Humour comes in the form of absurd
dialogues and situational moments with gags, which make the
film appear more like a theatrical show with disjointed acts.
In an otherwise convoluted and slow-paced film, where the
plot meanders aimlessly, what keeps you hooked are the good
per formances by the ensemble cast. While Pankaj Kapur as
always is in control, yet, offers nothing exceptional by way of
per formance, it is his daughter, Sanah Kapoor as Isha who
makes an impact in her maiden film. With an author-backed
role, she is a sincere and uninhibited actor, who holds her stead
among veterans and charms you with her simplicity and
confidence.
Shahid plays the exuberant Punjabi wedding-planner to per fection and is equally the Prince Charming to the insomniac Alia,
whether it is keeping her company at night or taking her horseriding. Alia, is her usual confident and energetic self, offering
nothing new to her character. She dances with gusto and
per forms competently, but her role has shades of her of t-seen
characters. Sushma Seth, seen after a hiatus, por trays the
dominating dowager astutely, lighting up the screen with her
magnetic personality.
Sanjay Kapoor as the loud, obnoxious, gun-flaunting Sindhi,
Harry Fandwani, in his gold attire is far from funny, but delivers
effectively. Niki Walia makes her presence felt with a poorly
etched character. Diljit Dosanjh as the boorish, all brawn no
brain Robin is competent. His obsession with his eight and a
half pack abs rather than with his bride-to-be, is amusing. And,
Sagar Arya as Vinay Arora with limp limbs shines in a predictably written cameo as the family's fashion designer.
Visually, the film is a delight with elaborate and opulent sets,
picturesque locales and wondrous camerawork. The music is
elementary with most of the songs having no contribution
towards the progression of the narration. But never theless, they
are well-choreographed especially Gulabo and the one which is
captured in black and white. Overall, you've seen the best of
Director Vikas Bahl's "Shaandaar" in the film's trailers that hit
the marquee months ago. The full length film offers nothing new
and in fact disappoints.
LOS ANGELES, (IANS) Actress
Monica Bellucci, who appears opposite Daniel Craig in the new Bond
movie "Spectre", has claimed a
woman's age has no bearing on her
sexual appeal. The 51-year-old star
said it's quite natural for young
men to be attracted to
older women, while
adding: "We should not
be worried about age
when it comes to love and
attraction,"
reports
mirror.co.uk.
"Just as younger women are attracted to older men, it shouldn't be
considered strange that men in their
20s and 30s are drawn to older
women. It's the chemistry and energy between men and women that
counts... True sexiness is in the mind, the imagination, not in the age of the
body," she said. Bellucci is the oldest Bond girl in the history of the iconic
film franchise, but she isn't bothered by her age. "This is a beautiful
and rich period from a professional point of view. As far as my
private life is concerned, I'm a mother with two daughters, and so I
don't have much time to rest! "But I feel very energised right now
and I've gained the kind of wisdom over the years where I'm
able to appreciate all the beautiful and small things that are
par t of everyday life," she said.
Justin Bieber previews dancefilled video for 'Sorry'
LOS ANGELES, (IANS) Singer Justin Bieber has given his
fans the first look at what appears to be the music video of his
new single, "Sorry". On Wednesday the singer posted on Instagram
a 15-second preview starring a group of female
dancers, reports aceshowbiz.com. However, the
Canadian pop star is nowhere to be seen in the
sneak-peek. Instead, the dancers take the spotlight with their bright-coloured outfits while making some energetic choreographed moves as
the track plays in the background. A collaboration with Skrillex and Blood Diamonds,
"Sorry" is scheduled for release on Friday, as the second single off Bieber's new
album "Purpose" that's due out on November 13.
MIDWEEK BOX
OFFICE REPORT
PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA 2 39.25 CR
SHAANDAAR
35.0 CR
JAZBAA
25.04 CR
CALENDER GIRLS
13.2 CR
WEDDING PULLAV
6.2 CR
top
10
songs
SONG
FILM: PREM RATAN
DHAN PAYO
1
PREM RATAN
DHAN PAYO
FILM
GULAABO
SHAANDAAR
SHAAM SHAANDAAR
SHAANDAAR
MATARGASHTI
TAMASHA
MAIN HOON HERO TERA
HERO
PREM LEELA
PREM RATAN DHAN PAYO
PARTY KARNI HAI
WEDDING PULLAV
DJ BAJEGA TO PAPPU NACHEGA
KIS KISKO PYAAR KAROON
AAJ KI PARTY
BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN
TING TUNG BAJE
SINGH IS BLING
HIT OR FLOP MIDWEEK
PREITY ZINTA WITH THE PARTICIPANTS OF PARAGLIDING WORLD CUP 2015 AT BILLING IN BIR OF HIMACHAL PRADESH (IANS).
SHAANDAAR
PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA 2
JAZBAA
CALENDER GIRLS
WEDDING PULLAV
HIT
AVERAGE
AVERAGE
AVERAGE
AVERAGE
MIDWEEK NEWS
NEWS WEEKLY
WEEKLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER
AUGUST 28,
27,2012
2015
MidWeek
bollywood
19
NEED MORE EXPERIENCE TO
DO TV SHOW, SAYS ALIA
SINGER MIKA SINGH PAYS OBEISANCE AT THE GOLDEN TEMPLE IN AMRITSAR (IANS).
HORROR HASN'T GOT
ITS DUE: BIPASHA
MUMBAI, (IANS) Actress Bipasha Basu, who has featured in
horror films like "Raaz" and "Alone", says the genre needs
encouragement. "I don't like to follow the norm - the
typical way of doing things. I've never done it and I
like to be a little unpredictable. But the only predictability in my case has been that I am still suppor ting
and encouraging a genre (horror) which has still not
got its due respect.
"It's a genre which is still experimental but very
exciting so I am suppor ting what I am good at,"
Bipasha said here on Tuesday regarding her
horror show "Darr Sabko Lagta Hai". Why did
she choose horror to begin her journey on
television? "I didn't want to do the predictable
dance and music reality judging show which is
also a lot of fun to see. And I think this (horror)
is right up my alley, it's my home turf... horror
and it's a genre which needs encouragement,"
she added.
Salman Khan is getting
better with age: Shamita
MUMBAI, (IANS) Actress Shamita Shetty finds
superstar Salman Khan, who will turn 50 in December, "still super hot. Salman doesn't look 50
from any angle. I think he is getting better with
age. He is still super hot," said Shamita. She
is all geared up for Life OK's "Prem Ki Diwali",
where she will be seen in the opening dance
act for the promotion of Salman and Sonam
Kapoor's "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo" on TV.
"I am doing the opening act with lamps. I have some interaction scenes
with Salman Khan," said Shamita. The "Zeher" actress, who hasn't
been doing films for a while, says she is missing Bollywood and has
promised that "you will see me soon on the big screen". There were
rumours about her making a comeback on the silver screen with her
sister Shilpa Shetty's home production."I don't think that she (Shilpa
Shetty) has any production. She is focusing on other things right now,
not the production house," said Shamita, who prefers a silent Diwali.
"Diwali is really a happy time. It's a festival of lights, that's the only
time when the entire family comes together and celebrates together.
I will celebrate Diwali in a traditional way," she said.
The show will be aired from October 31 on &TV. Bipasha will be
playing herself in the show and her par t has been
directed by "Go Goa Gone" directors Raj Nidimoru and
Krishna D.K. About "Darr Sabko Lagta Hai", she said:
"It's got a very modern and contemporary take on
horror. It's not something that you've seen - the
style of shooting, the directors who have been
roped in to make these shor t films ... everything is very new-age."
About her shift from films to TV, she said: "TV
is a very big medium for every actor. From
Shah Rukh Khan to Amitabh Bachchan to
Salman Khan everybody is on television. So
why should the actresses lag behind? "It's
been five years since I've been planning to
do something on television. The way the
Indian television is expanding and the kind
of content we're showing, we're actually
moving away from the typical Indian
television. So for me it was very exciting."
RICHA CHADHA SIGNS
FOR 'SARABJIT'
NEW DELHI, (IANS) Actress Richa Chadha, who
is currently waiting for the release of her for thcoming film "Main Aur Charles", has signed a
role for the film "Sarabjit", which is directed by
"Mar y Kom" famed director Omung Kumar.
"Yes, they have approached me for a role and I
will be doing it. However, at this point of time
legalities and paper work is being done and I can't comment anything
more," Richa said in a statement. The "Fukrey" actress will be seen
essaying the role of actor Randeep Hooda's wife in the upcoming
biopic, which is said to be based on the Indian who died in a Pakistani
jail. "But yes, it's true I am offered the role to play Randeep's wife and
I will sign on the dotted lines soon. Its an interesting role and cant
wait to talk more on the same," she added. The film is based on
Sarabjit Singh, an Indian farmer who was convicted of terrorism and
spying in Pakistan, was sentenced to death. He was attacked by
inmates at a prison in Lahore in April 2013, and died a few days later.
The film also features actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who will be
seen playing the role of Sarabjit's sister Dalbir Kaur.
NEW DELHI, (IANS) While many
Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh
Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Salman
Khan and Shahid Kapoor have
tasted success in the telly world,
actress Alia Bhatt feels she needs
"many more years in the Indian
film industry" to do a TV show. The
"Highway" actress says TV requires a "lot of body of work.
"For me to do a TV show you need
a lot of body of work. Like for Amit
ji (Amitabh Bachchan), he is a
superstar, who can hold that together. For me, I need many more
years in the Indian film industry to
hold a TV show together," Alia,
who has appeared on TV mostly
for film promotions, told IANS.
"You need a big body of work to
hold a TV show on your shoulders.
Its not in terms of shooting length.
It's for you to be well known and
well appreciated by fans so that
you can hold a TV show," added
the 22-year-old, who stars alongside Shahid Kapoor in filmmaker Vikas Bahl's romantic comedy
"Shaandaar", which released on Thursday on the occasion of
Dussehra.
Apparently, Alia signed "Shaandaar" much before she did "Highway" and Bahl came into limelight with Kangana Ranaut starrer
"Queen". Asked what urged her to take up this film, Alia explained:
"What I really liked about the concept is that Vikas came to me with
only five lines. He said that it's a love story of two insomniacs, there
is a destination wedding, there are some four characters that seem
completely crazy to me.
"The world that he was describing turned out very fairytale type
where there were castles, horses, stars and dragonflies. I felt that
the world was unique. The story was entertaining, fun and sweet.
Also there was this father-daughter relationship between Pankaj
(Kapur) sir and me, which I found very interesting," she added.
Alia also described "Shaandaar" as the "first time destination wedding film" in India. "We all are very well aware that 'shaadi' (wedding) films do really well in our Indian film industry. 'Shaadi' is such
an important moment for all of us in our lives. We really go all out to
celebrate a wedding.
"Destination wedding people have not really touched upon. There is
always 'shaadi', but not like the one we are showing in the film,
where all of us go to a destination and live under one roof. This is
something that Vikas has touched upon for the first time," she added.
Asked whether she would be marrying someone from the film fraternity or would like to tie the knot to someone from a non filmy
background just like Shahid, Alia, who earlier regarded 31 as the
right for marriage, said: "I think time will tell. I can't predict the
future at this moment."
SRK receives autographed copy
of 'The Alchemist' from Coelho
MUMBAI, (IANS) Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was
elated to receive an autographed copy of acclaimed writer Paulo
Coelho's "The Alchemist". "&,when you want something, all the
universe conspires in helping u to achieve it.Thx @paulocoelho
This is so special," SRK posted on Twitter along with images of
his signed copy of the book.
Coelho's autograph read, "Dear Shah Rukh Khan, a master of
acting. With my admiration". Earlier this month, SRK sent
across a collection of his films to the Brazilian author, who has
written several books such as "Brida" and "Eleven Minutes"
and "Adultery", to introduce him to the world of Hindi films.
"What a Monday morning gift, @iamsrk! Now I need to know
where to star t," Coelho had tweeted, along with an image. In
the photograph, DVDs of Shah Rukh's films like "Swades",
"Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna", "Ra. One" and "Om Shanti Om" were
seen sprawled on the floor. Earlier this year, Coelho praised
Shah Rukh's 2010 film "My Name is Khan", saying it is the best
film that he has watched this year.
IRRFAN IS SHOOJIT
SIRCAR'S 'SUPERSTAR'
MUMBAI, (IANS) Shoojit Sircar found Irrfan Khan "terrific" in
Meghna Gulzar's "Talvar". The filmmaker says that he is a "superstar" and calls him "one of the best actor" in the entertainment
industry. Irrfan, who was last seen onscreen in "Jazbaa" alongside
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, played the role of CBI officer Arun Kumar
in "Talvar", which was based on the 2008 murder of 14-year-old
Aarushi Talwar and her family's domestic servant Hemraj.
Irrfan, who worked with Sircar in comedy-drama film "Piku", took
to Twitter on Friday to share a quote of Sircar. "@ShoojitSircar:
#Talvar ..and @irrfan_k you r just terrific..Undoubtedly you are
one of the best actor we have..And you are my superstar too," he
tweeted. Irrfan will also be seen in Hollywood film "Inferno" alongside Tom Hanks. Directed by Ron Howard, the thriller is set to
release on October 14 next year.
SRK'S 'FAN' LOGO LAUNCHED
KRANTI PRAKASH JHA, NEETU CHANDRA AND ASHISH VIDYARTI DURING A PRESS CONFERENCE TO PROMOTE THEIR UPCOMING
FILM `ONCE UPON A TIME IN BIHAR` IN NEW DELHI (IANS).
Mumbai, Oct 23 (IANS) Production banner Yash Raj Films on
Friday unveiled the logo of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh
Khan's upcoming film "Fan". The logo, which features various
images of Shah Rukh's fans, was launched on the official page
of Maneesh Sharma's directorial film on Twitter. "We're ready
to unleash #FAN power like never before. Here's our OFFICIAL LOGO
made of FANS! Are you in it? #FANLogo," read the post. Shah Rukh also
shared his excitement on the micro-blogging site. He tweeted: "Ok our FAN
team being so stingy stingy and showing such little bits of the film. Chalo
abhi logo hi sahi." Fan, which also stars Waluscha De Sousa, Illeana
D'Cruz, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Ali Fazal among others, is slated to
release on April 15 next year.
20
MidWeek
bollywood
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2015
AKSHAY KUMAR HOLIDAYING
WITH LITTLE PRINCESS
Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Khemu during premier of Disney India's stage musical 'Beauty and the Beast' in Mumbai (IANS).
Will do three films a year: Shah
Rukh Khan's birthday resolution
BY NIVEDITA
HYDERABAD, (IANS) For over two decades, the magic of his acting,
persona and charm has regaled Bollywood buffs, and the saga continues. Shah Rukh Khan, who turns 50 on November 2, said that last
year he was a little lazy by just doing one film. But now, the superstar
says he has pledged to do three films in a year on an average as soon
as he completes the first half century of his life.
"I want to do as many films as possible before I die," the 49-year-old
said on a light note to a few invited media representatives on the sets
of "Dilwale" at Ramoji Film City here.
"It has been four to five years that I have become producer... we made
'Chennai Express', 'Happy New Year', 'Om Shanti Om' and they took a
lot of time. I star ted feeling that in the last one year, I am not doing
much films that I can actually do. I am just doing one film in a year,
and I'm feeling lazy."
"I want to do different roles. So, I decided that from the age of 50-55,
I want to do 15 very nice films and that will include popular films,
offbeat films, mad films and many more. I will do many different
films. I want to do three films a year. Ek film mein mann ke liye karna
chahta hu, ek tann ke liye aur ek dhan ke liye (I want to do one film for
the mind, one for my physical capability and one for money)," he
added.
Directed by Rohit Shetty, "Dilwale", produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, will see the magical pair of Shah Rukh and Kajol coming
together again on the silver screen, and recreating their onscreen
chemistry.
A dekko of that was given to the scribes invited to the set, which
seemed like it's being used as SRK's home in the movie. The walls
had photographs of the 'Badshah' of Bollywood, with Varun Dhawan,
who plays a key character in the film.
Shah Rukh, along with other cast members of the film, offered a
sneak peak into the film with a 20-minute video footage.
It created a long-lasting impact with scenes that included a song
sequence shot with SRK and Kajol in Iceland; an action sequence of
SRK; few comic scenes involving Johnny Lever, Sudhir Mishra and
Varun Sharma, and of course, scenes and songs featuring Varun and
Kriti Sanon. The team has been shooting the last leg of the film in
Hyderabad for a month.
KAJOL IN 'COMFORT ZONE' WITH 'DILWALE'
BY NIVEDITA
HYDERABAD, (IANS) One of Bollywood's most loved actresses, Kajol,
who will be back on the big screen with "Dilwale", says she was in a
"comfor t zone" working with Shah Rukh Khan and director Rohit Shetty,
and that she chose the film for its "unpredictable" element.
Asked about what made her say 'yes' to the film, considering that she
is often quite "choosy" when it comes to selecting her movies, Kajol
said: "I wanted to do something which is unpredictable...and this film
is definitely not predictable. I wanted to do something that I have not
done before and I really liked the role and character in this film."
The fact that it has Shah Rukh as a co-actor and Rohit Shetty as a
director made it her "comfor t zone", she said. "I think that matters a
lot. I think that made a difference." Kajol spoke during an exclusive
media interaction with select scribes at the Ramoji Film City, where
the last leg of Rohit Shetty's directorial is being shot.
Bollywood buffs are looking forward to the film, given Kajol and Shah
Rukh's roaring onscreen chemistry, a proof of which lies in films from
"Baazigar" to "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge" to "My Name Is Khan".
Together, they have made people believe in the magic of love. The
actress says working with Shah Rukh, who is also one of her closest
friends in the industry, is not only a joy, but also a learning process.
Kajol was asked to describe how she and SRK have changed as
individuals from the time they worked together in 1993 released film
"Baazigar" till now. A lot, she said. "I think I have changed for better
and we have become better people and better actors today. As far as
Shah Rukh is concerned, he is such a technically superior actor. He
is one of the best actors we have today.
"Every time I work with him, I learn more and more from him. I learn
more from watching him, working with him -- whether it is technically or emotionally. Working with him is pleasure, joy and a learning
process," added Kajol, who promises to steal the thunder once again
with her onscreen chemistry with the actor in "Dilwale".
The team's cast and crew was present here for a meet-and-greet with
select media persons, who were given a chance to witness the shooting of the film at Ramoji Film City.
They also gave a sneak peek into what's in store in "Dilwale", which
is produced by Red Chillies Enter tainment, via a 20-minute video
footage, which suggested that there will be dollops of romance, comedy and action in the upcoming enter tainer. Also featuring Varun
Dhawan and Kriti Sanon, "Dilwale" is set to release on December 18.
'Chalk N Duster' within mainstream cinema: Shabana Azmi
MUMBAI, (IANS) Five time national award winner Shabana Azmi,
very selective when it comes to do a film, will be seen as a Marathi
teacher in "Chalk N Duster" which she says is a film well within the
ambit of mainstream cinema. The film also stars Juhi Chawla.
On a location shoot of an impor tant sequence of the film Rishi Kapoor
here on Friday, Shabana told media persons that "Chalk N Duster" is
mainstream cinema. "I want to emphasize 'Chalk N Duster' is within
the main stream cinema. There is lot of enter tainment and a human
story which is being told about these two teachers."
"One of which is played by Juhi and one is by me and is about what
teachers have to go through because of the machination of the character played by Divya Dutta. So I
think this film will provide entertainment as well as food for
thought," she added.
Asked about the inspiration for her
character, Shabana said: "I have
so many favourite teachers but
none of them were like the person I am playing in the movie. I
have a bhabi who is an actress
named Sulabha Arya and I have
based my character on her very
closely." Sulabha Arya is the famous 'Kanta ben' from SRK's film
"Kal Ho Na Ho" and ex-wife of cinematographer Ishan Arya, whose
first cousins are Shabana and
Baba Azmi. Presently Sulabha
Arya is busy with TV show
"Begusarai" where she is playing
a very important role. Directed by
Jayant Gilatar and produced by
Amin Surani, "Chalk N Duster"
also stars Divya Dutta, Zarina
Wahab and Girish Karnad.
MUMBAI, (IANS) It's family time for Akshay Kumar! The actor,
who has been shooting for director duo Sajid-Farhad's upcoming comedy film "Housefull 3" in London, is now off for a
holiday with his wife Twinkle Khanna and his daughter Nitara,
who he refers as a "little princess". Akshay took to Twitter on
Friday to share a photograph of him and Nitara standing inside a pool looking at the beach. "Beach, great weather and
my little princess by my side...just what the doctor ordered
#goodtimes #beachbaby," he captioned the image. Apart from
Nitara, Akshay and Twinkle, who got married in 2001, also are
parents to son Aarav. Menwhile, "Housefull 3", which also
stars Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline
Fernandez, Nargis Fakhri and Lisa Haydon, is a sequel of
2012 film "Housefull 2". The film is slated to release next year.
Fun facing camera with
nephew Arjun: Sanjay Kapoor
NEW DELHI, (IANS) Actor-producer Sanjay Kapoor, who was
seen essaying the role of a Sindhi business tycoon in Vikas
Bahl's latest directorial "Shaandaar", says it would be "great
fun facing the camera" with his nephew Arjun Kapoor. "I enjoyed working with Arjun as a producer in 'Tevar' and tomorrow if I get an oppor tunity to work with him as an actor it will
be great fun, facing the camera with Arjun," Sanjay told IANS
over phone from Mumbai. The "Auzaar" actor, who has been
a par t of the Hindi film fraternity for over two decades, says it
would be "great fun" to produce and act in films with Arjun,
Sonam and Harshvardhan, who is soon going to make his debut in
Bollywood. "I would love to produce films with Arjun, Sonam, Harshvardhan
(Kapoor) and I would love to act...it will be great fun," he added. Asked
when will the whole Kapoor family be seen together onscreen, Sanjay
said: "All of us together? Boney will have to be a producer of a film like
'Hum Paanch', 'Mahabharata' or 'Ramayana' because if you want to bring
the whole family together then a film has to be something like that."
LABH JANJUA FOUND DEAD
AT MUMBAI RESIDENCE
MUMBAI, (IANS) "London thumakda" fame singer Labh Janjua
was found dead at his residence in Goregaon (West) on Thursday morning, police said. He was found dead in his bedroom
when his maid came for her routine work. Labh's body was
taken to Cooper Hospital for post mortem and the police was investigating further as his sudden death raised several questions. Labh Janjua
sang for numerous Bollywood films like "Pyaar Ke Side Effects", "Dev.D",
"Singh is Kinng", "Partner", "Queen" and "Garam Masala". Labh also
crooned for Akshay Kumar's latest release "Singh is Bliing".
Aamir applauds Unicef-ICC
partnership for cause
MUMBAI, (IANS) Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, who is
Unicef Ambassador for South Asia, has applauded its decision to associate with the International Cricket Council (ICC),
the global governing body of cricket, over a five-year Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) par tnership to "promote the
cause of under privileged children".
The "PK" actor took to Twitter on Thursday to share the news
with his fans."Am very happy that the ICC and Unicef have
joined hands to promote the cause of under privileged children across the world. #Unite4Children," Aamir tweeted. The
collaboration between Unicef and ICC is aimed at using the
popularity of cricket for social good. This par tnership provides Unicef a critical platform to reach millions of children,
adolescents and their families and positively impact their lives.
MCA DONATES RS.1 CRORE
FOR DROUGHT RELIEF
MUMBAI, (IANS) The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) on
Sunday handed over Rs.1 crore to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for drought relief. Mumbai batsmen
Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane handed over the cheque to
Fadnavis on behalf of the MCA at the Wankhede Stadium here
in the presence of MCA president Sharad Pawar during the
innings break after South Africa posted a massive 438/4 in 50
overs against India in the fifth and final One-Day International
(ODI). This is the second successive year of drought in
Maharashtra. MCA vice president Ashish Shelar on October
18 declared that the association will donate the amount in the
last match of the ODI series. "The Maharashtra government
has already announced drought. Therefore, today (October
18) the MCA in a meeting has decided to give Rs.1 crore as
relief fund to tackle the drought," Shelar told repor ters.
India missed Ashwin in the
later part of series: de Villiers
INDIAN CRICKETERS ROHIT SHARMA AND AJINKYA RAHANE ON BEHALF OF MUMBAI CRICKET ASSOCIATION (MCA) HAND
OVER A CHEQUE OF RS ONE CRORE TOWARDS CHIEF MINISTER'S RELIEF FUND TO MAHARASHTRA CHIEF MINISTER DEVENDRA
FADNAVIS IN PRESENCE OF MCA PRESIDENT SHARAD PAWAR AT WANKHEDE STADIUM IN MUMBAI (IANS).
South Africa crush India by
214 runs to win ODI series
CONTD. FROM PAGE 17
For skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (27), it was too onerous a task.
Earlier in the day, opting to bat first, the Proteas started their proceedings
on an aggressive note with de Kock and partner Amla (23) handling the
Indian pacers Bhuvneshwar and Mohit Sharma comfortably on the batting friendly wicket.
But pacer Mohit came back strongly to give the hosts the first breakthrough in the fourth over. Amla was trying to cut the ball and got a thin
edge which safely found the hands of wicket-keeper Mahendra Singh
Dhoni. South Africa's score was 33/1 then.
Du Plessis, who has three fifties in the past four matches, and de Kock
made it look too easy as they simply toyed with the Indian medium
pacers and the three spinners -- Harbhajan, Amit Mishra and Axar.
India had their best chance in the 16th over to dismiss de Kock when the
left-hander was on 58 but some sloppy fielding by Mohit, denied bowler
Amit the wicket.
They brought up team's 150 in just the 23rd over.
But a bowling change by Dhoni worked as Suresh Raina as de Kock
trying to hit over long-off found Virat Kohli. At this juncture, South Africa
were 187/2 in 26.5 overs following the culmination of an 154-run stand
between the duo.
The fall of the wicket did not bother the visitors as skipper de Villiers
made it look easy as he got off to a blinder of a start.
Du Plessis and de Villiers brought up their 250 in the 36th over as the
latter took only 34 balls to reach his fifty.
Their fluent batting brought up the 100-run partnership for the third wicket
in 77 balls.
Even though du Plessis was struggling with cramps and was unable to
run quickly between the wicket, he made it up by hitting big shots after
his century.
After he went back to the pavilion retired hurt, an 164 run-partnership for
the third wicket ended. David Miller (22 off 12) punched some powerful
shots later in the innings to put up the highest ODI score by any team at
this stadium, the previous being 358/8 made by New Zealand against
Canada in 2011. The mammoth total proved too tall a target for India, as
they were bowled out for 224.
HAVE NOT BEING ABLE TO GET A
GOOD STRIKE BOWLER: DHONI
MUMBAI, (IANS) After a 3-2 defeat to South Africa in the OneDay International (ODI) series, India skipper Mahendra Singh
Dhoni on Sunday said his team is lacking a good strike bowler
who can deliver well and pick wickets specially at the death
overs. "We have not being able to get a good strike bowler. We
are lacking in consistency in terms of death bowling. I think it is
something which is important to sit and analyse upon. We have
been struggling with it for quite some time. We have tried all
our options," Dhoni said at the post match press conference.
"It was a very good batting wicket. There was very less turn for
spinners. You rarely see bowler going for so much runs. I will
have a word with the bowlers now," he said.
Powered by centuries each from Faf du Plessis (133), AB de
Villiers (119) and Quinton de Kock (109), the visitors put on a
massive score of 438/4 in 50 overs and bowled out a spiritless
India for 224 in 26 overs to register a mammoth 214-run win at
the Wankhede Stadium here. Dhoni said that Sunday's fielding
effor t by his team was the worst he has seen in ODIs.
"This is the worst fielding effort I have ever seen. 439 runs to chase are very
difficult. Coming into bat with such a huge target really puts pressure. They
batted really well. We wanted to give it a try and go for the win but it was a
too big a total to chase," he said.
SUNIEL SHETTY AND RAHUL ROY AT THE OPENING MATCH OF CORPORATE CRICKET BASH SEASON 2 BETWEEN MUMBAI
HEROES AND CEOS OF BIG CORPORATES IN MUMBAI (IANS).
MUMBAI, (IANS) South Africa skipper A.B. de Villiers believes India missed star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in
the later par t of the series, as the 29-year-old was ruled out of
the One-Day International (ODI) series due to left side strain
he sustained in the first match in Kanpur.
"India did miss Ashwin in the later part of the series. He is a
champion bowler. But I think injuries do happen in the game...
as we missed Morne Morkel in the later par t of the series,"
de Villiers said at the post match press conference.
Powered by centuries each from Faf du Plessis (133), de
Villiers (119) and Quinton de Kock (109), South Africa visitors registered a mammoth 214-run win over a spiritless India at the Wankhede Stadium here on Sunday.
On the first bilateral series win against India in the country,
de Villiers said: "It was a complete performance with the bat
and ball from us. I am proud of the performance. We kept
things simple which was good. We haven't won a bilateral
series here before and it's a proud moment."
The 31-year-old rated Du Plessis's innings as the best among
the other knocks. "Faf came in at a time when the Indian
spinners were getting some spin out of the pitch. He didn't get
the appreciation he deserved. The knock he played I felt was
best among the other hundreds," he said.
The skipper also praised De Kock for delivering after going
through a tough phase. "I am very happy for De Kock. I am a
fan now. He is young, has played domestic cricket and come
back into the team and delivered. I am proud of his performance," he said. For South Africa, young pacer Kagiso Rabada
(4-41) and experienced seamer Dale Steyn (3-38) were the
pick of the bowlers on Sunday. "He (Rabada) is an amazing
bowler. He loves to learn and the potential he has shown is
incredible. It's never easy touring India. It was a great series," de Villiers said. Rabada, who impressed in the series
named Steyn, Andrew Flintoff, Glenn McGrath and Mitchell
Johnson among his idols.
Have not being able to get a
good strike bowler: Dhoni
MUMBAI, (IANS) After a 3-2 defeat to South Africa in the OneDay International (ODI) series, India skipper Mahendra Singh
Dhoni on Sunday said his team is lacking a good strike bowler
who can deliver well and pick wickets specially at the death
overs.
"We have not being able to get a good strike bowler. We are
lacking in consistency in terms of death bowling. I think it is
something which is impor tant to sit and analyse upon. We
have been struggling with it for quite some time. We have
tried all our options," Dhoni said at the post match press
conference.
"It was a very good batting wicket. There was very less turn
for spinners. You rarely see bowler going for so much runs. I
will have a word with the bowlers now," he said.
Powered by centuries each from Faf du Plessis (133), AB de
Villiers (119) and Quinton de Kock (109), the visitors put on a
massive score of 438/4 in 50 overs and bowled out a spiritless India for 224 in 26 overs to register a mammoth 214-run
win at the Wankhede Stadium here. Dhoni said that Sunday's
fielding effor t by his team was the worst he has seen in ODIs.
"This is the worst fielding effor t I have ever seen. 439 runs to
chase are very difficult. Coming into bat with such a huge
target really puts pressure. They batted really well. We wanted
to give it a try and go for the win but it was a too big a total to
chase," he said.
"We are not shor t of motivation. We are struggling with a
seaming all-rounder. Our lower order batting is on the lighter
side when it comes to facing top quality pace bowlers," he
said.
In the five-match ODI series, Dhoni tested his players by
changing the batting order often. "We have changed the batting line-up to see who fits in well in the batting slot. We are
looking for the solution and I hope we will come up with a
solution soon."
When will Lalit Modi be brought
back, Congress asks Centre
NEW DELHI, (IANS) The Congress on Friday asked the central
government to specify a time frame for bringing back former
cricket IPL chief Lalit Modi to the country and alleged that he
enjoyed the patronage of the ruling NDA dispensation. The
Enforcement Directorate has said it wishes to question the
former Indian Premier League chief on money laundering
charges. "The government should tell us when it will get Lalit
Modi back to the country," Congress spokesperson Randeep
Singh Surjewala told repor ters here. He said the Congress
would raise the issue inside and outside parliament. Former finance minister P. Chidambaram wrote to the British authorities two
years ago, calling for the deportation of Lalit Modi over money laundering charges, Surjewala said, adding that the then UPA government
wanted Lalit Modi to be brought back to face the law.
INDIAN GOLF TEAM NINTH
AT NOMURA CUP
LAMPRE-MERIDA'S SACHA MODOLO CELEBRATES AFTER CROSSING THE 4TH STAGE FINISH LINE OF THE 2015 TOUR OF HAINAN
INTERNATIONAL ROAD CYCLING RACE IN CHENGMAI, CHINA (IANS).
ISL: MUMBAI BEAT GOA AT HOME
MUMBAI, (IANS) Sunil Chhetri and Frederic Piquionne found the net
in either half as Mumbai City FC defeated table-toppers FC Goa 2-0
at the DY Patil Stadium here on Sunday. Chhetri gave Mumbai the
lead by conver ting a penalty in the 33rd minute after Goa defender
Raju Gaikwad had pulled Frederic Piquionne from behind inside the
penalty box. Piquionne (48th minute) scored the hosts' second goal
shor tly after the break when he headed in a cross from Juan
Aguilera.
Mumbai are now sixth on the eight-team tablke with seven points
from five matches. Goa continue to hog the top spot with 10 points
from six games. The visitors, however, had star ted on a strong note
with Narayan Das firing wide after a speculative shot from outside
the box early on. Leo Moura also shot over the bar for the Goans
moments later.
Goa almost took the lead in the ninth minute, but Raju Gaekwad's
flick from a corner was headed wide by Victorino Fernandes.
Mumbai City FC's first threatening moment came in the 13th
minute. Sony Norde's deflected cross fizzed across the Goan
penalty box before going out of play inches from the far post. The
hosts star ted growing in confidence as the game went on
The breakthrough came cour tesy a brilliantly taken Chhetri penalty
after the referee adjudged that Piquionne had unfairly been brought
down in the box. Chhetri confidently stepped up and did the rest,
bagging his third goal in as many matches.
He could have scored agains just minutes later, but for Goa
goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani pulled off a brilliant save. Chhetri
was having a major influence on the game by this stage and
minutes later he played in Piquionne who was denied by another
excellent save by Kattimani.
Goa almost scored near the hour mark when Fernandes was played
through on goal with just the keeper left to beat. His shot failed to
meet the target though, after an on-rushing Mumbai custodian
Subrata Paul did just enough to put him off. Paul denied Fernandes
again in the 66th minute by diving low to his right.
FC Goa head coach Zico made several changes in an attempt to
turn things around, bringing in Mandar Rao Dessai, Joffre and
Romeo Fernandes. Mumbai however, were in no mood to let
their advantage slip as marquee player-cum-coach Nicolas
Anelka decided to come on himself and see the remainder of
the match out.
FRENCH CHAMPAGNE ANNOUNCES TO
RUN FOR FIFA PRESIDENCY
PARIS, (IANS) Frenchman Jerome Champagne, a former deputy secretary general of FIFA, confirmed on Friday his candidacy for the
presidential election of the global football governing body, to be held
on February 26. "With determination and respect, I come before you
again as candidate for the presidency of FIFA. The events of the past
few months have renewed my determination to be a candidate," Efe
quoted Champagne as saying. Champagne, who was deputy secretary general of FIFA between 1999 and 2010, tried to run for FIFA in the
recent elections, held last May, but did not formalise his candidacy
as he did not get the necessary endorsement of five associations.
Before the closing date for nominations, which will be next Monday,
fellow French Michel Platini, the European football body president
who is suspended by FIFA for 90 days, Jordanian Prince Ali Bin Al
Hussein and the former Trinidad and Tobago team captain David
Nakhid, have confirmed joining the election.
The Belgian fought back to break the World No 166 in the very next
game to restore parity and force the tie-break. Unforced errors from
Myneni and some lovely passing shots saw Mer tens breaking Myneni
at 15. In the tie-break, Mer tens raced away to a 4-1 lead. But his joy
was shor t lived as the Indian re-invented himself to level at 5-all and
then claimed two points from 6-all to seal the match.
Myneni will take on tournament top seed Adrian Menendez-Maceiras
of Spain in the semi-finals. Adrian had little problem in ousting Ar thyr
De Greef of Belgium 6-3, 6-4. The second semi-final will pit second
seed James Ward of Great Britain against Daniel Nguyen of the United
States. The Briton defeated Indian Sanam Singh 6-3, 6-2 and Nguyen
accounted for No Alessandro Bega 7-5, 6-4.
In the doubles semi-finals, wild card entrants John Paul Fruttero and Vijay
Sunder Prashanth ousted the third seeded pair of Ti Chen and Dane Propoggia
to move into the final. They will take on the second seeded Indian pair of
Saketh and Sanam in the final to be played on Saturday evening.
Results:
Singles (Quar ter-finals): (1) Adrian Menendez-Maceiras (ESP) bt
Arr thur De Greef (Bel) 6-3, 6-4; (3) Saketh Myneni (Ind) bt (5) Yannick
Mer tens (Bel) 6-3, 7-6 (6); Daniel Nguyen (USA) bt Alessandro Bega
(Ita) 7-5, 6-4; (2) James Ward (Gbr) bt Sanam Singh (Ind) 6-3, 6-2.
Doubles (Semi-finals): (WC) John Paul Fruttero (USA) / Vijay Sunder
Prashanth (Ind) bt (3) Ti Chen (Tpe) / Dane Propoggia (Aus) 6-3, 3-6,
10-8; (2) Saketh Myneni (Ind) / Sanam Singh (Ind) bt (4) Gerard
Granollers Esp) / Adrian Menendez-Maceiras (Esp) 6-4, 7-6 (3).
Saketh lone
Indian in semis
of AirAsia
Open tennis
BENGALURU, (IANS) Saketh
Myneni was the last Indian
standing at the AirAsia Open
$50,000 Challenger tennis
event at the KSLTA Cour ts here
on Friday after defeating fifth
seed Yannick Mer tens of Belgium 6-3, 7-6(6) to move into
the semi-finals. The tournament third seed, who last week
claimed a Challenger title in
Vietnam, was workman-like in
the first set, claiming it without any fuss. However, the
Belgian was not one to throw
in his towel and fought tooth
and nail. Both players held
onto serves in the first 10
games before Mer tens was
broken in the 11th game. Even
there, the World No 183 fought
hard but found his higher
ranked opponent a step ahead.
ABU DHABI, (IANS) The Indian Golf Union (IGU) team of Aman
Raj, Samarth Dwivedi, Rahul Ravi and Harimohan Singh scored
two-over 218 to finish ninth on day one of the Asia-Pacific Amateur
Golf Team Championship, Nomura Cup at the Yas Links Golf Club
here on Friday. Japan and Chinese Taipei shared the opening round
lead at 18-under 198. The lowest three scores of the four count towards the team total in each round. A total of 27 nations are competing in the event. In the individual category, Patna's 19-year-old Aman
Raj and Bengaluru's Samarth Dwivedi, 22, who have both represented India together at Malaysian Amateur and Asia-Pacific Amateur Golf Championship in Hong Kong this year, were tied ninth after
shooting matching two-under 70s. Bengaluru's Rahul Ravi shot
six-over 78 while Delhi's Harimohan Singh carded 12-over 84
to finish 70th and 88th, respectively.
SANIA-MARTINA WIN WTA
FINALS OPENER
SINGAPORE, (IANS) Top tennis combine of Sania Mirza and
Mar tina Hingis got off to a winning star t at the year-ending $7
million WTA Finals, being played on the hard courts of the Singapore
Indoor Stadium here.
The Indo-Swiss pair took just an hour and 15 minutes to defeat American sixth seeds Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears 6-4, 6-2 in the
red group of the round robin league format on Monday.
Sania, who won the prestigious tournament last year with Zimbabwean Cara Black, and Martina broke the American combination
once in the first set, which was enough for them to take the lead in the
match. The top seeds, who are also individually the two highest
ranked players in the world, not just saved six breakpoint opportunities the Americans had earned, they also broke Raquel and Abigail
twice to seal the second set and the tie.
The Indo-Swiss pair will next take on Czech seventh seeds Andrea
Hlavácková and Lucie Hradecká in the second match of the round
robin. The WTA Finals is an annual event played by the top-8 players/
pairs of the year who are divided into two round robin groups -- red
and white. The top-2 of each group progress to the semifinals and the
following winners to the finals. The championship is generally considered the fifth most prestigious event on the women's tour after the
four Grand Slam tournaments. It also has the largest prize money
and ranking points after the Grand Slams.
Saina loses to Ratchanok in
French Open quarters
PARIS, (IANS) Leading Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal suffered
a stunning defeat in straight games against Ratchanok Intanon
of Thailand in the women's singles quarter-finals of the $275,000
French Open Superseries here.
Top seed and world No.2 Saina lost 9-21, 15-21 in 39 minutes against
2013 world champion Ratchanok at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin to
bring an end to the Indian campaign at the tournament. With this win,
20-year-old world No.7 Ratchanok improved her head-to-head record
to 4-6 against the 25-year-old Olympic bronze medallist and 2015
World Championships silver medallist.
Saina was not at her best on Friday and Ratchanok pounced on
every mistakes and weaknessess shown by the Indian. The
Thai held a 6-4 lead initially that swelled to 10-5 as she bagged
four consecutive points. Ratchanok employed her trademark
deceptive shots and Saina had no answer to them. She was not
good at net-play and movement, too.
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS
NEWS WEEKLY
WEEKLY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER
AUGUST 28,
27,2012
2015
23
Golfer Veer runner-up at MCB
Indian Ocean Amateur
BEL-OMBRE (MAURITIUS), (IANS) India's Veer Ahlawat scored
two-over 74 to finish runner-up in the MCB Indian Ocean Amateur Golf Open at the Heritage Golf Club here on Tuesday.
Another Indian in the fray, Bengaluru's Jaibir Singh finished
ninth after submitting a card of three-over 75 in a competition
that had 53 players from Mauritius, Reunion Island, South Africa, Switzerland and France in a 54-hole stroke play event.
Ahlawat had a poor star t to his final day and was four-over after
three holes. However, he got his game together to finish the
round at two-over for the total of four-over 220.
The 25-year-old Jaibir, who was par t of the victorious Indian
team of the 12th SAARC Team Championship in June this year,
put in his best score of the week of three-over 75 for the total of
17-over 233.
South African Paul Boshoff adapted his game to compensate
for an injured knee to score a scintillating three-under 69 for a
total of two-under 214 to clinch the winner's trophy.
SEHWAG JOINS ALL-STARS
T20 SERIES
DR HITENDRA MAHAJAN AND DR MAHENDRA MAHAJAN CYCLING AWARD WINNERS FROM NASHIK, CALLED ON PRIME MINISTER
NARENDRA MODI IN NEW DELHI (IANS).
ISL: FC Pune City beat Kerala
Blasters FC 3-2 to climb to top spot
PUNE, (IANS) FC Pune City produced a thrilling performance to edge
past visitors Kerala Blasters FC 3-2 in the Indian Super League (ISL)
second season match at the Balewadi Stadium here on Tuesday to
jump to top spot in standings.
Pune's Kalu Uche scored in the 16th and 23rd minute and Kerala's
Mohammed Rafi, who had opened the scoring in the first minute,
levelled things up with his goal in 30th minute, but Tuncay Sanli's
surprise strike in the 72nd minute ensured the home side three points.
With this win, Pune climbed to top of points table with 12 points from
six games, having won four and lost two.
On the other hand, Kerala find themselves struggling after suffering
their four th consecutive defeat and are placed at the bottom of the
table with just four points from six games, with one win and a draw.
The game got off to a dream star t for the visitors with Rafi opening the
scoring for the Sachin Tendulkar co-owned team in the very first minute
of the game.
The home side wasn't prepared to sit back after the early setback.
With some aggressive play, it gave a perfect reply with Uche levelling
things up in the 16th minute.
Nickey Shorey played a vital role in helping his side make a comeback. The left back's cross was met by Uche who conver ted it into the
far post in style.
In the 23rd minute, superb team work by Pune helped them go 2-1 up
with Uche scoring his second of the night.
The visitors didn't wait too long as Rafi netted his second and made it
2-2 just before the half-time.
Soon after 45th minute, both the sides went on positive run of play, but
it was in the dying minutes of the game that Sanli surprised all but
netting the third goal for the home side to seal the match in their
favour.
Pune next face FC Goa on October 30 in a away match, while Kerala
take on Chennaiyin FC at home on October 31.
Eying Olympic medals, sports ministry ups financial parameters
GUWAHATI, (IANS) Spor ts Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said here on Tuesday that the government has made upward revision of
various financial parameters under the Scheme of Assistance to National Spor ts Federations (NSF) to boost the preparation of Indian
athletes for the 2016 Rio Olympics, enhancing the medal hopes of the country.
Sonowal said that as per the revised norms, the amount for holding National Championships has been revised from Rs.2 lakh to Rs.5 lakh
for seniors, Rs.7 lakh for juniors and to Rs.10 lakh for sub-juniors, adding that this will help in identifying young spor ting talent.
"In order to promote traditional tournaments, a new provision of assistance of up to Rs.5 lakh each for such events has been made. Such
tournaments will be identified by a committee of exper ts. Assistance of Rs.25 lakh will be available for holding prestigious tournaments
in India," said Sonowal, adding that this will help improve the quality of tournaments.
The minister further said it has been decided that senior players and coaches will be allowed to travel by air, in economy class, for a
distance beyond 500 km.
"Similarly, junior players will be allowed to travel by air in economy class for a distance beyond 1,200 km. Sub-junior players will be
allowed to travel by AC III tier," he said
Earlier air travel was not admissible and senior players used to travel by AC II tier and junior and sub-junior players by sleeper class for
domestic competitions. "Air travel has also been allowed for coaching camps and competitions held in the north-east. Similarly, athletes
from nor th-east will be allowed air travel from their coaching camps to and from Kolkata," Sonowal said adding that medical insurance
of Rs.5 lakh and personal accident policy of Rs.25 lakh for athletes has also been allowed.
"For international events held in India, the quantum of financial assistance has been enhanced from Rs.10 lakh to Rs.30 lakh per
tournament. The assistance can be utilised for boarding, lodging, transpor tation, rent of play fields, cost of consumable equipment,
cer tificates, medals, awards and prize money. Prior to the revision, there was no provision of assistance for prize money," the minister
said. He added that the salary of various suppor t personnel has also been substantially hiked.
"High performance specialist coaches with a remuneration up to Rs.2 lakh per month can be engaged by Sports Authority of India (SAI)
or NSFs for spor ts disciplines included in mega events. The salary of chief coach has been enhanced to Rs.1.5 lakh per month. Higher
salary will also be allowed in specific deserving cases. The salary of other coaches has also been enhanced from Rs.30,000 to
Rs.75,000 per month," he added.
DOUBLES WINNER INDIA`S SAKETH MYNENI AND SANAM SINGH DURING THE PRIZE DISTRIBUTION CEREMONY OF ATP
CHALLENGER TOUR AT KSLTA, IN BENGALURU (IANS).
MUMBAI, (IANS) Recently retired Indian batsman Virender
Sehwag has become the latest high profile player to confirm
his par ticipation in the inaugural Cricket All-Stars series, copromoted by Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne.
The All-Stars matches will be played in several cities across
the US next month with the first game scheduled for November
7 in New York. The event will then move to Houston on November 11 in and Los Angeles on November 14.
The 37-year-old Sehwag announced his retirement from international cricket last week and joins a host of former India
internationals who will play in the US including V.V.S Laxman,
Sourav Ganguly and Ajit Agarkar.
"Warm welcome to my friend (Sehwag) and a batsman with his
distinct style! Sehwag joins us at T20AllStars, 10DaystoGo,"
Tendulkar tweeted on Tuesday.
However, Sehwag is the only player still playing domestic
cricket. He has also signed up for the Masters Champions
League, another tournament featuring retired players, expected
to be held in January 2016 in the United Arab Emirates.
"Sehwag , Welcome to the cricketallstars buddy !!!! See you in
NY (New York) and congrats on a wonderful career champion,"
Warne tweeted on Tuesday.
However, his decision means Sehwag will miss par t of
Haryana's Ranji Trophy campaign. Sehwag scored a century in
his most recent match for them, against Karnataka in Mysore.
While the former Delhi Ranji batsman will surely miss
Haryana's next match against Assam, star ting November 7, it
also appears unlikely that he will be back in India in time for the
one after that, against Odisha on November 15.
Anirudh Chaudhary, secretary of the Haryana Cricket Association, said the batsman had said he would miss one game, which
they were "absolutely okay" with.
"Every match he is par t of this team is huge for this team. Every
interaction with him benefits the players. We are looking at him
mentoring the players and our objective is achieved by his
presence around the squad," Chaudhary was quoted as saying
by ESPNcricinfo on Tuesday.
"Once a player has announced his international retirement,
anything he contributes at Ranji level we should gleefully accept," he said.
In a career spanning over 15 years in international cricket,
Sehwag featured in 104 Tests and scored 8,586 runs at a staggering average of 49.34.
In 251 One-Day Internationals (ODI), he amassed 8,273 runs at
an average of 35.05. He also scored 38 international hundreds.
Tendulkar, Warne want T20
cricket at Olympic Games
LONDON, (IANS) Batting great Sachin Tendulkar and legendary
leg-spinner Shane Warne have called for Twenty20 cricket to
become an Olympic spor t.
Cricket has not featured since 1900 but the International Cricket
Council (ICC) is meeting the International Olympic Committee
(IOC) next month to discuss a possible bid.
"I'd love to see it as an Olympic spor t and, who knows, down
the track it might be," Australian Warne was quoted as saying
by BBC on Monday.
Former Indian batting superstar Tendulkar said: "I think it's a
great idea and I reckon T20 is the best format for it."
Warne and Tendulkar are captaining rival teams in a series of
three Twenty20 All Star matches in the United States in November as they seek to use their fame to help globalise the game.
Their backing for an Olympic bid will increase the pressure on
the ICC to reverse its resistance to the concept on the grounds
that it might dilute the spor t's existing competitions, such as
the World Cup and World Twenty20.
Following its board meeting in October, the ICC announced that
its chief executive David Richardson and director Giles Clarke
would hold talks with the IOC in November.
Tendulkar, who scored 15,921 runs in 200 Tests and 18,426
runs in the One-Day Internationals (ODIs) between 1989 and
2013, believes T20 is the ideal format for making the spor t
accessible at the Olympics.
"It's the most acceptable format for people who don't have any
knowledge about cricket or the ones who need an introduction to
cricket," said the leading run-scorer in Tests and ODIs.
"The game is over in three hours and it's like any sport -- you go to a
stadium and after three hours you get back to your work," the 42-yearold from Mumbai added.
Warne, who took the highest 708 wickets in 145 Tests and 293 wickets in 194 ODIs, also favours T20 but is not opposed to indoor cricket
being the chosen format.
"If it advertises the game of cricket and the skill and athleticism that
are involved in a game of cricket, then great," said 46-year-old
said. "I haven't seen a game of indoor cricket for a long time
so I don't know how good indoor cricket is at the moment. But
the last time I saw it, it was fantastic -- so hopefully they have grown
a different skill for it," he said.
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