Part_1 - South Asian Daily

Transcription

MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
TUESDAY, MARCH 04, 2014
1
Ukraine faces brunt
of Russian forces
OSCAR 2014 SELFIE
ARMED MEN IN MILITARY UNIFORM, BELIEVED TO BE RUSSIAN
SOLDIERS, BLOCK THE UKRAINIAN NAVY BASE IN
NOVOOZERNIY VILLAGE NEAR FEODOSIA, IN CRIMEA.
Ellen DeGeneres posted Oscar Selfie that took over social media. From front row from left, Jared Leto, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep,
Ellen DeGeneres, Bradley Cooper, Peter Nyong’o Jr. In the second row, from left, Channing Tatum, Julia Roberts, Kevin Spacey, Brad Pitt,
Lupita Nyong’o and Angelina Jolie posing for a selfie. - Courtesy: Twitter
OSCAR DETAILS ON PAGE 18
Ontario Taking Further Action
to Reduce Auto Insurance Rates
O
ntario is taking the next
step in its plan to help
reduce auto insurance
rates for consumers by
introducing legislation today
that would protect the province's
nine million drivers and reduce
costs and uncertainty in the auto
insurance system.
"We agreed that rates would
decrease by 15 per cent on
average for Ontario drivers over
the next two years. I am pleased
that within the first six months
we are on track to achieve that
reduction. The measures we're
introducing today will help
further tackle fraud, reduce costs
and continue to lower auto
insurance rates. These measures
build on our previous work and
would help ensure a fair and
affordable auto insurance system
for Ontario drivers," said Minister
of Finance, Charles Sousa
As the next step in the Auto
Insurance Cost and Rate
Reduction
Strategy,
the
government is introducing the
Fighting Fraud and Reducing
Insurance Rates Act to protect
consumers and continue its
crackdown on auto insurance
fraud by:
Transforming the Dispute
Resolution System to help injured
Ontario drivers settle disputed
claims
faster.
Moving
administration of the system from
the
Financial
Services
Commission of Ontario (FSCO) to
the Ministry of the Attorney
General's Licence Appeal Tribunal
would help cut down on consumer
frustration as well as curb financial
and administrative stress on the
system, which can increase costs
and cause rates to go up.
Establishing a transition strategy
for the licensing of health service
providers that bill auto insurers so
that only licensed providers can
get paid directly by insurers.
Reducing the amount of time a
vehicle can be stored, accruing
charges, after an accident without
notice to the driver from 60 days
to a shorter timeframe.
Exploring the establishment of a
special
investigation
and
prosecution unit on serious fraud,
including auto insurance fraud.
The government is also
continuing to explore a
province-wide approach to
oversight of the towing
industry. Consultations with
the industry that are underway
now
will
inform
recommendations that will be
released later this month.
Making auto insurance rates
more affordable for drivers is
part of the government's
economic plan that is creating
jobs for today and tomorrow.
The comprehensive plan and its
six priorities focus on Ontario's
greatest strengths -- its people
and strategic partnerships.
Yudhvir diver ted the attention of
listeners towards the impending
Ukraine crisis as 6,000 Russian
troops have been deployed in that
country with the Russian President Vladimir Putin saying adamantly that Russia is obliged to
protect Russian minority in
Crimea. On the other hand John
Kerry has said in stern words that
the US is keeping all its options
on table while warning Russians
against an incursion in Ukraine
that has all the intentions of capturing the Black Sea peninsula
and repor tedly has already violated its air space.
Yudhvir said it all star ted with a
conflict between the government
and the protesters on economic
issues and has taken the shape
of a full-fledged war in Ukraine.
Due to this aggressive act of Russia, Foreign Affairs Minister John
Baird has asked to call upon an
emergency meeting of G7 nations
sending a clear signal that Russia might lose its candidacy in
the prestigious G8 group. This
statement of John Baird has put
Prime Minister Stephen Harper
and the Conservatives on the fore
front of discussion on Ukraine that
is creating problems for the Canadian passpor t holders. Yudhvir
wondered how can Canada be a
major player in this aggression
and is it not an over ambitious
stance of Canada? What role does
Canada wish to play?
DETAILS ON PAGE 14
Shahid Afridi's nerves of steel
enabled Pakistan to snatch the allimportant Asia Cup match from India
Views of Yudhvir Jaswal
Compiled by Shazia Malik
KAJOL
PANCHAL
Miss India Worldwide Canada 2014
Miss Bollywood Canada 2014
Miss South Asia 2011 (First Runner up)
Education: I am currently enrolled at University Of Ontario Institute Of Technology
pursuing an undergraduate honours degree in Legal Studies. Later, I plan to attend
law school and establish myself as much as possible.
Achievements: Thus far, I feel as if my greatest achievement is making my
parents proud by being on the presidents list throughout my academic years. And
throughout these years, I’ve also managed to take part in pageants, shows,
others events which I am really proud of. Winning the title for Miss India
Worldwide Canada was overall the greatest achievement of my life, which is
unforgettable. With this title, I plan to get more involved, and achieve further success.
DETAILS ON PAGE 4
The February 28 discussion was dominated by theIndia-Pakistan match during Asia Cup that Pakistan sealed in its name
during the brilliant last moments of the match. All the other news
items were put on a back burner. Though Yudhvir planned to
deliberateupon Oscars, new developments as they are shaping
in Ukraine and even on Indian elections in detail but the IndiaPakistan match stayed at the heart of recent discussion.
India lost the all-impor tant Asia Cup match played between the
arch rivals on Sunday by one wicket. Eulogizing all-rounder
ShahidAfridi's massive consecutive sixers, that led to Pakistan's
triumph, Yudhvir said only 'boom-boom' could do such a thing
under immense pressure.
DETAILS ON PAGE 22
CIRCULATED THROUGH : TORONTO, MARKHAM, SCARBOROUGH, RICHMOND HILL, VAUGHAN, WOODBRIDGE, ETOBICOKE, NORTH YORK, MALTON, REXDALE, BRAMPTON, MISSISSAUGA, OAKVILLE, HAMILTON, MILTON, STONEY CREEK, BURLINGTON
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MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
page 3
Ranveer Singh to play pivotal
role in Zoya Akhtar's next
After delivering a hit, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), there is a lot of buzz surrounding director Zoya Akhtar’s
next. And with a star case that comprises popular actors such as Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, Priyanka
Chopra and Farhan Akhtar, the director has her hands full, managing their busy schedules.
Now, we have come to know that since Ranveer is por traying a central role in the film, all the other actors have
had to re-work their calendars around his dates.
A source close to the project reveals, "The film will be going on the floors soon. It is scheduled to release on
June 5, 2015, which also happens to be the first film to hit theatres after the domestic T20 tournament next year.
While everyone else also has major roles, Ranveer’s is the most impor tant one, so every actor has been asked
to work his or her dates around his schedule."
Ranveer has allotted 70-75 days to shoot for this multi-starrer. The shooting for the entire film will go on for 80odd days, out of which Ranveer’s por tions will take up the maximum time.
When contacted, producer Ritesh Sidhwani confirms the news and adds, "Yes, Ranveer will be shooting with us
for 73-odd days, out of the 80-odd shooting days."
Karan Johar on AliaArjun's 2 States liplock:
kissing scenes help to
get opening
The 2 States trailer features Alia Bhatt
locking lips with Arjun Kapoor and its
producer Karan Johar says kissing
scenes help in luring the audience.
Earlier kissing scenes were not included in promos, but it has become a
trend now.
When asked about the same, Karan
said: "It's great these kids of the new
generation are kissing on screen. It's
the new ethos... but senior actors didn't
do this. I like to watch kissing scenes,
it's wonderful. Kissing scenes help to
get opening and people also like to see
it, so it's all about kissing."
The trailer was launched Friday.
Abhishek Var man has wielded the
megaphone for the big screen adaptation of
Chetan Bhagat's bestseller.
This is his directorial debut and Karan said:
"Abhishek assisted me during My Name Is
Khan and I knew he has the sense of aesthetic. I went with my gut feeling."
SHAHID KAPOOR
GOES RUGGED AND
BALD FOR ‘HAIDER’
Shahid Kapoor has shaved of his head
for his upcoming film, ‘Haider’. Shahid
was spotted in an altogether new look
for his new film and he hides his bald
head with a hat as he walked out of
Olive Bar & Kitchen in Bandra with
Abhay Deol.
He has also grown up beard and gets
an altogether new look. The film has
been shot in Kashmir.
“Reading scenes for the final schedule of Haider. Nervous and excited.
Last four days of hair I can run my
hands through. Snowed out Kashmir
calling,” Shahid had posted on Twitter
not so long ago.
Shedding his chocolate-boy image,
Shahid Kapoor spor ts a mature look
for ‘Haider’ starring Tabu and Shraddha
Kapoor. Shahid whose last film
‘R..Rajkumar’ rocked at the box-office
celebrated his 33th bir thday in Goa with
close buddies.
MidWeek
SHAHID KAPOOR
GOES RUGGED AND
BALD FOR ‘HAIDER’
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MidWeek
special report
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
MidWeek
breaking news
Harper to review relations with Russia
Prime Minister Stephen Harper
today issued the following statement on the situation in Ukraine:
"I have this morning directed that,
effective immediately, all planned
bilateral activities between the
Canadian Armed Forces and the
military of the Russian Federation
be suspended. This includes
exercises, such as NORAD's
Exercise Vigilant Eagle, and
scheduled meetings.
"We continue to view the situation
in Ukraine with the gravest concern
and will continue to review our
relations with President Putin's
government accordingly."
Pakistan beat Bangladesh,
thanks to Afridi
PAKISTAN VS. SRI LANKA IN ASIA
CUP FINAL ON MARCH 8
Ford on Jimmy Kimmel Live Show
Cour tesy: YouTube
T
oronto Mayor Rob Ford
made headlines at home
and down south once
again as he appeared on ABC's
Jimmy Kimmel Live Show Monday
night.
Kimmel introduced his guest
as someone"who has tripped,
bumped, danced, argued and
smoked his way into our national
consciousness."
The host started his
interview by asking the mayor
"Why are you here? What good
could come of this?" Questions
that many Torontonians wanted
answered. Ford's reply was
because Kimmel personally asked
him. Ford has been mocked and
poked fun of many times in the
past few months as stories broke
of alleged video thatshows the
mayor smoking crack cocaine.
Kimmel said that a resident
wrote comments about having the
mayor on the show "is a slap to all
Torontonians" and referred to
Ford's "domestic abuse, drunk
driving, racism, homophobia and
inability to tell the truth."
To which Ford's reply was "Is
that all I got? I guess they don't
talk about all the money I've
saved."
Kimmel asked the mayor
about all the apologies that he has
made, to which Ford said "the
apologies are over, I'm moving
on." Coming to the end of the
interview, Kimmel advised Ford to
get some help saying, "If you are
an alcoholic, drinking enough that
he would try crack in his 40s and
you don't remember it, maybe
that's something that you might
want to think about, like talking to
somebody." Ford quickly said, "I
wasn't elected to be perfect, Jimmy, I
was elected to clean up the mess that
I inherited, and that's exactly what
I've done."
SHAHID AFRIDI GOES OVER THE TOP, BANGLADESH V PAKISTAN, ASIA CUP, MIRPUR.
Pakistan beat Asia Cup hosts Bangladesh by three wickets, as
Shahid Afridi made a half century off 18 balls easing Pakistan's
pressure as the team goes into Finals to play against Sri Lanka.
While Afridi's performance included seven sixers and two fours
off 18 balls, left-handed batsman Fawad Alam showed off his
skills by scoring 74 runs off 70 balls which led to a win for the
team with three wickets and one ball to spare.
Afridi said he tried his level best to per form well. "Pakistan
captain Misbah had a lot of faith in him and it was the kind of
situation where he had the license to go for his kind of innings,"
reported IBN Live.
Meanwhile Anamul Haque helped Bangladesh post their record
one-day score of 326-3 by scoring 100 off 132 balls.
"I am not sure what the situation is but if we reach the final it
will be good for us to be in the successive finals,"Misbah had
said after the team won while playing against India. "We will
try to play well in our next game and go for the title."
"They are a good side in their own conditions. We are not relaxed, we will
do our basics right and try to win that game," he had said.
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MidWeek
community
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY GALA
ORGANIZED BY PUNJABI COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES
Courtesy:
www.pchs4u.com
Punjabi Community Health Services
(PCHS) is proud to host its 12th Annual International Women's Day on
Friday, March 21st, 2014. Please join
us at 6 p.m. for a very special night at
the Sagan Convention Centre and
Banquet Hall, located at 7180
Edwards Blvd. Mississauga, Ontario.
This is PCHS' Signature Event to raise
funds for the Family Enhancement
Program which provides services to
the South Asian families in a culturally appropriate manner. On this night,
we will also honour women in our
community with Women in Action
awards. The recipients will be recognized for leading their community
by example. This year we have the
honour to recognize eight extraordinary women who have left a mark in
their own unique manner on their
communities.
Danielle Aubry
Danielle began her career in anti-violence work 30 years ago as a volunteer and progressed to a variety of
roles such as educator, shelter
worker, and therapist. Currently, she
is the executive director of Calgary
Communities Against Sexual Abuse
(CCASA), founding the agency in her
living room in 1994. Her work establishing CCASA as a stable presence
in the community earned her national
recognition in 1998 when she was
awarded one of Canada's Top 40 Under 40 leadership and management
awards.
GinniSethi
GinniSethi, President of Grand Victorian Convention Centre & park inn by
Radisson Plaza Mississauga, and
Chairperson at Black Diamond Entertainments, is a successful, leading businessperson who is making
women proud, everywhere. Ginni and
her husband, HarpreetSethi, both are
a well-known community figure.
Ginni is the founder and charter member of an organization of dynamic
women entrepreneurs called WEELITE where she mentors women
starting new businesses. Ginni is an
innovative, tenacious and entrepreneurial businesswoman who has
various awards to her credit. In 2012,
she received the AWIC Women of
Distinction "Helping Hand" award
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
and 'South Asian Business Person'
of the Year Award from the Midweek
News Group. She is one of the honorees of the prestigious "Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal" from the Governor General of Canada. For her generosity & support for women in need
she received the Interim Place "Community Cares" Award. In 2013, she
was also named one of the "RBC Top
25 immigrants". She is on the advisory board of 'Everyday child's global education based charity.
GogiBhandal
Gogi arrived in Canada in 1977 and
immediately became involved in the
Union at her workplace. She has risen
through the ranks is now a Regional
Representative for Ontario at the Canadian Labour Congress. She has
two children, her son is a lawyer and
her daughter works as Change Management Consultant. She has devoted her entire life for the betterment
of the working class.
Silky Singh
Silky Singh is a "proxy poet" and
write poetry in three different languages. Despite the adversities in her
life she persevered in setting up her
own successful business and giving
employment to others. She resides
in Brampton and raising her two
daughters.
Group Award Recipients - Sing "All
of Us" Team for leading the change to
restore Canadian National Anthem
and make the lyrics inclusive by including all of us. These distinguished
women are listed below:
Martha Russell is the President's
executive assistant & book keeper
to a Foundation dealing with systemic issues for women. She has
volunteered with many feminist organizations, like Toronto's Linden
School, LEAF, The Canadian Women's
Foundation, Singallofus.ca and at the
schools of her two children. She is
also an experienced reflexologist.
Beth Atcheson, was a partner at
Cassels Brock and she provides corporate and regulatory advice to financial institutions and charitable organizations, as well as advice on pensions. During that period, she served
as a director of several insurance
companies, as a consultant to the
Ontario Task Force on Insurance
(Slater Task Force), and as a member of the Canadian Human Rights
Tribunal.
Elizabeth Riddell Dixon is Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Centre
for Contemporary International History University of Toronto and Professor Emerita Department of Political Science, Western University. Her
academic specialities include law of
the sea, at present Elizabeth works
on Arctic issues relating to the international use of the Arctic Ocean, She
has published 6 books including one
on the Beijing Conference for Women.
SingAllOfUs.ca is delighted she volunteers with them.
Nancy Ruth, is a feminist activist and
Senator who is considering introducing in parliament, for the 6th time, a
bill that would restore O Canada to
its 1908 gender neutral and inclusive
words. Over 8 years in the Senate,
Nancy Ruth has sat on the banking,
finance, human rights, and science
and social affairs committees.
We are thrilled to have, Dr. Rupinder
K. ToorMangat as our Keynote
Speaker who is the founder of the
North East Calgary Women's Clinic
and also the Founder & Medical Director of the IUD Clinic in Calgary.
HarleenGrewal of Grewal Law Office is the Honourary Chair for the
event. An Anonymous Sponsor, Emerald Medical Practice, Grewal Law
Office and Scotia Bank are the proud
Platinum Sponsors for 2014 IWD
Gala. "Nancy Ruth Very Own Foundation" has come on board as this
year's Gold Sponsor.
There will be great Indian food and
entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
Local businesses as well as politicians and dignitaries and many
prominent women leaders will be in
attendance. Please support us in recognizing the 2014 Women in Action
award recipients and in raising the
funds required to help families in
need.
For more information and reserve
your seat, please call 905.677.0889.
Come join us on March 21, 2014 at
6:00 pm at the Sagan Convention
Centre and Banquet Hall in
Mississauga.
New City Brand Communicates
'Authentic, Aspirational Story'
A new brand for the City of
Mississauga was unveiled today
at a presentation to General Council (GC), together with the corporate repor t and brand implementation plan.
"As our City approaches its 40th
anniversary, Mississauga today
is quite different than the
Mississauga of yesterday, and as
we consulted with stakeholders
across the City, the consensus
was that it was time to refresh
Mississauga's logo and develop
a new brand for the City," said
Janice Baker, City Manager and
CAO. "Our new brand reflects
the excitement that is everywhere
in Mississauga."
According to the repor t, the new
brand communicates an authentic and aspirational story of the
dynamic city Mississauga is today. The brand story is based on
three key ingredients; Welcoming World Culture, Naturally Enriching and Inspiring Possibilities.
A brand launch and implementation plan has been developed to
introduce and build awareness of
the brand among residents and
key audiences. The roll-out of the
new city brand will be carried out
in a cost-effective multi-year plan.
The new logo was designed by
the City's Creative Services team.
"The new "M" logo is a bold and
modern identifier for a young city
on the cusp on something big,"
said Ivana Di Millo Director, Communications. "We are so excited
to be embarking with our par tners
to showcase all that Mississauga
has to offer."
Background
Council requested and approved
staff to complete a Brand Research Project as part of the 2013
business plan. This was also a key
recommendation of the Communications Master Plan (which was approved
by Council in May of 2012). The summary report for the Master Plan identifies the need to develop a strong, unified brand reputation for the City that is
rooted in its strategic vision.
For more information please visit
mississaugabrand.ca or contact David
Ferreira, Project Manager, City Brand
Research
Project,
[email protected].
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
MidWeek
community
MP GILL CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL
STATE VISIT TO INDIA
7
Police Chief Bill Blair saddened
by use of foul language
Written by Shazia Malik
And well how can we live without mentioning Toronto's Mayor Rob Ford
who along with his brother Doug Ford have launched more verbal
attacks against Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair. Meanwhile, Police Chief
Bill Blair has called all these allegations false saying he is saddened to see
the kind of language used against him and he feels insulted. Taking calls of
listeners on Toronto's upcoming elections who wanted Yudhvir's opinion on
the winning side, he said people should look at the economic policies and
election manifestos of various parties and then decide who to vote for. One
thing they must see which party hasplans for infrastructural developments
and not vote blindly. Some listeners complained of high insurance rates in
Ontario and Yudhvir maintained Ontario insurance is extremely expensive;
such issues should be taken up during election time asking leaders to
resolve them. Speaking of Justin Trudeau, he opined his manifesto does not
seem to have anything special. There are all general talks and no specifics
but still he is quite comfortable in his skin at the moment and does not wish
to mess with success, enjoying good stats in Quebec also and the poll
numbers are good for Liberals in Canada.
New Canadian citizens in February 2014
almost double compared to one year ago
MP Parm Gill is happy to
announce that his recent state
visit to India with His Excellency
David Johnston, Governor
General of Canada was a
resounding success.
"I am very pleased to
announce the conclusion of a
successful state visit to India,
which has helped strengthen the
ties between these two great
nations," said MP Gill. A
Canadian delegation undertook
a state visit to India from
February 21 to March 2.
Canada and India have
worked hard over the years to
develop bilateral relations in
many areas, including commerce,
security, education, culture, and
technology. "Canada and India
have made excellent progress in
these fields, and will continue to
build on shared values of
democracy and pluralism,"
remarked Mr. Gill.
Canada had exports of over
$5.2 billion in 2013, that number
is set to grow to $15 billion by
2015
thanks
to
the
Comprehensive
Economic
Partnership Agreement being
finalized between the two
countries. More than 1,200
Canadian businesses are already
active in India, and hundreds
more are pursuing opportunities
there.
While in India, the
delegation met with several
representatives from various
industries, stakeholders, and
levels of government, including
the Prime Minister of India, Dr.
Manmohan Singh. During the
trip Mr. Gill and other members
of the Canadian delegation had
to opportunity to meet with
Indian officials, discussing and
implementing measures that will
improve cooperation and
partnership between both
countries.
"This visit demonstrates
friendship shared by both
countries, and has produced a
number of new and renewed
agreements and partnerships
t h a t C a n a d i a n s c a n l ook
forward to."
More than 19,200 people from 193 countries have become Canadian citizens at citizenship ceremonies held across Canada over
the month of February. This is almost 100 percent higher compared to the
same period last year (February 2013) when approximately 9,980 people
were granted citizenship across Canada. At 220 citizenship ceremonies held
across the country this past month, from school gymnasiums, to Citizenship
and Immigration offices, to city halls and hotel conference rooms, Canada
has welcomed our newest citizens.
"Canadian citizenship comes with rights, responsibilities and a commitment
to Canadian values and traditions. To the number of new Canadians who
have taken the Oath of Citizenship this month, I welcome you to the Canadian
family. Our government will continue to take action to improve the citizenship
process for future new Canadians. We will build on our successes in reforming the immigration system and, with the launch of the Blueprint for Citizenship Improvements, we will improve the citizenship process so newcomers become Canadian citizens more quickly," said Chris Alexander, Canada's
Citizenship and Immigration Minister. These high numbers demonstrate that
the system is becoming more efficient and the backlog of citizenship applications is decreasing, helping more people realize their dream of becoming Canadian sooner. The government's proposed changes
in Bill C-24, the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act, will
also reduce wait times by streamlining the decision-making process for citizenship. It is expected that these changes will bring
the average processing time for citizenship applications down to
under one year and that the current backlog will be reduced by
more than 80 percent by 2015-2016.
8
MidWeek
opinion
Standing with the People of Ukraine
By Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird
FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER JOHN BAIRD PAYS RESPECTS AT MAIDAN MEMORIAL.
Cour tesy: Flickr Commons
W
ithin weeks of the protests starting in November 2013, I
personally walked around Kyiv's Independence Square
to speak directly to the Ukrainian people. Armed with
nothing more than a scarf, I saw first-hand the peaceful nature in
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which the Ukrainian people had gathered to voice their strong
opposition to corruption and cronyism, and the desire of the
Ukrainian people for the respect of the basic principles of democracyfreedom, human rights and the rule of law.
What started as a popular protest against repudiating an
Indian communities are present in all parts of the world. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has also added to the overall growth
According to a survey 25 million Indians are making opportunities of infrastructure. Gone are the days of olden India as was over 40-50
in 183 countries out of 188 countries of the world. Indians can be years earlier. Of late, Indian Education System especially up to
found residing in the remotest corners of the world.
secondary level has taken steep strides and now
Even in a place such asRepublic of Palau, an island
ranked as world class. India is already known for
in the Pacific Ocean which is one of the world's
its knowledge of yoga and meditation, information
remotest and youngest sovereign states, one finds
technology, mathematics and science world
five Indians living there. The enterprising zeal of
over.Foreigners from world over are attracted
Indians is known all over the world and millions of
towards yoga/meditation tourism in many parts
Indians have settled overseas for number of
of India especially Kerala and Himachal Pradesh.
decades. Such earlier settlers have now 2nd and
We, as NRIs must ponder over the issue of
even 3rd generation children who being born and
"Cultural Lag" that is going to effect the our
brought up in the country of settlement, are
children living world over. To tide over such
excelling in their respective fields. However, this
situation, Punjab Govt. has taken lead to inspire
new generation has no relationship with the mother
the NRI's to build world class school anywhere in
country of their father/forefathers India. The youth
Punjab with or without Govt. participation where
is totally ignorant of the customs, the heritage and
NRI's children from world over can study and take
R.P.S. WALIA, LL.B., PCS (RETD.)
the overall new development taking place in India.
up education in residential schools. To facilitate
NRI Helpline Ltd.
Such generationshave no emotional bonding with
the admission in reputed schools in Punjab,
www.nrihelpline.ca
India which is the one of the oldest civilization and
Punjab Govt. has reserved seats for the wards of
known world over for people's warmth and hospitality. If such a NRIs. There is no dearth of quality schools in various parts of India.
growth of the upcoming generation is allowed to be continued, a Byeducating kids in India, we would not only impart quality
situation would come when future generations would call land of education of strong Indian schooling system but at the same time
their father/forefather as LAND OF ALIENS. Younger generations would impart holistic development in our kids by imbibing
have even no concerns for the inherited and acquired properties traditionalvalues with modern outlook.
that parents continue to hold over as bondage to their country of
The outlined thinking is worth consideration and I am sure it
birth.
would not only benefit future generations educationally and
With the advent of newer push to overall growth in the Indian culturally but would also imbibe sense of pride for New India.
economy and boost to infrastructure, India especially North India Incredible PUNJAB and INDIA beckons NRIs to let their wards
now has the pride of latest technology, schools and colleges, malls, have at least school education in India to have lifetime bondage
housing, roads and air connectivity. Advent of technology by with mother country.
Anna Gainey, elected as the new
President of the Liberal Party of Canada
- I want to empower our grassroots, par ticularly our volunteers, and
enable them to have a stronger voice; and;
- I want to strengthen the infrastructure that suppor ts them, both online
and off.
Like you, I will work tirelessly to elect a Liberal government that
stands up for minority rights, that speaks up for the middle class, and
that restores Canada's influence in the world.
This is why I am committed to Justin and to the Liberal Par ty.
Let's make a difference - together!
Thank you.
Anna Gainey
President, Liberal Par ty of Canada
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agreement with the European Union has turned into a much broader
call for the vales of freedom and democracy.
If one seeks to place blame for the savagery and indiscriminate
violence, they need to look no further than the abusive opulence of
the presidential palace. As a leader of a nation, Mr. [Viktor]
Yanukovych held the solemn duty to not just protect the freedoms
of his people, but also the safety of the people. The bloodshed in
Independence Square and throughout Kyiv proved spectacularly
that he failed the people of Ukraine.
Like Canadians, Ukrainians hold plethora backgrounds and
beliefs. However, the common denominator that unites them is their
country, their sovereignty, their flag.
The tears shed across Ukraine were for all Ukrainians. Those
tears, and the lives lost, must not be in vain.
Ukrainians from every corner of their country have their future
in their hands. They want to prove to the world that their unity
cannot be shaken by repression, that their freedom will not be
dismantled with violence and that their aspirations for a nation built
on the fundamentals of democracy will not be curbed by intimidation.
For all that Ukraine has gone through in the past few months,
Canadians have stood by you. They did so because they saw the passion
in your eyes, the intimidation you felt and the peaceful way you called for
change. Ukrainians of every socio-economic background, age and gender
filled that square-and your message was united.
As I land in Kyiv again, I am reminded of those people. And while the
landscape of Ukraine has changed dramatically since my last visit, the people
have not. If anything, your passion should be invigorated, your desire to
build a better future for Ukraine stronger than ever before. The famous
Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko once wrote:
"We were not cunning, you and I. We walked a true path; there is not
a grain of untruth behind us."
The road to democracy is one that is filled with many cracks
and obstacles. But as Ukrainians will discover, the end of the road is
worth the long journey travelled, worth the trials, worth the tears.
And those lives lost over the past month will be the foundation
upon which you have built your future, and they will never be
forgotten. Shevchenko went on to write, in the famous poem entitled
"It Makes No Difference to Me":
"When Ukraine is lulled to sleep by wicked men, only to awaken
her later, robbed and in flames ... to this I will not be indifferent."
Canada has never been indifferent. Canada will never be
indifferent. Our country will continue to stand with you in your time
of difficulty, and we will walk with you step-by-step in your journey
to democracy.
Should NRI's educate their Kids in India?
SOUTHASIAN 360 DEGREES
6th Annual
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
My name is Anna Gainey and it is an honour to have been elected the
new President of the Liberal Par ty of Canada. I am so proud to be par t
of the leadership team tasked with preparing this great par ty to win
the next general election - and I am excited to begin working with you!
Par t of my role as president is to set priorities. I have two main ones:
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
canada
PM participates in the Prospectors and Developers
Association of Canada International Convention,
Trade Show and Investors Exchange
PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER, JOINED BY RODNEY THOMAS, INCOMING PRESIDENT OF THE PROSPECTORS AND DEVELOPERS
ASSOCIATION OF CANADA (PDAC), PARTICIPATES IN A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION AT THE PDAC CONVENTION
COURTESY: PMO PHOTO BY JASON RANSOM
P
rime Minister Stephen Harper today par ticipated in the Pros
pectors and Developers Association of Canada International
Convention, Trade Show and Investors Exchange, delivering opening remarks and engaging in a moderated question and
answer (Q&A) session.
During the speech and Q&A session, the Prime Minister focused
on the strength of the economy and on measures that our Government is taking to help Canadian businesses that are engaged in
the mining/extractive industries flourish both at home and abroad.
"Canada is one of the world's leading mining nations. The sector
employs tens of thousands of Canadians both in communities
across this country and around the world. Our Government recognizes the impor tance of the industry and has been taking important steps to help make it more competitive and productive. These
measures include suppor ting junior mineral exploration in Economic Action Plan 2014, streamlining the review process for major
economic natural resource projects, lowering taxes and keeping
them low, opening international market access like never before,
and working to match skills training with employer needs," said
Prime Minister Stephen Harper Some of the measures highlighted
included suppor t for junior mineral exploration in Economic Action Plan 2014, Responsible Resource Development and the
streamlining of the review process for major economic projects,
and ensuring the sector has highly-skilled workers by implementing the Canada Job Grant and apprenticeships. The Prime Minis-
ter also discussed our Gover nment's unprecedented effor ts to
increase access to international markets, including the agreement in
principle reached with the European Union on a comprehensive trade
agreement that will greatly benefit Canadian businesses.
Quick Facts
In 2012, nearly 400,000 Canadians were employed in mineral extraction and mining suppor t activities in communities across the
countr y.
Canada is one of the world's leading mining nations. According to
data from SNL Metals & Mining, Canadian-headquar tered mining
and exploration companies have accounted for the largest share
of global exploration spending every year since 2002.
Since 2006, the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit, along with the
basic Flow-Through-Shares program, has helped mining companies, mainly juniors, raise over $5 billion for exploration.
Hundreds of mineral and energy resource projects are underway
or planned over the next 10 years, representing a total potential
investment of $650 billion.
To maximize the value that Canada draws from its natural resources, our Government has introduced significant system-wide
improvements to achieve the goal of "one project, one review" in
a clearly defined time period, streamlined the review process for
major economic projects, enhanced consultations with Aboriginal peoples, and strengthened environmental protection and pipeline and marine safety.
CANADIAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MINISTER VISITS UKRAINE
YudhvirJaswal diver ted attention towards Canada informing that Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister John
Baird is holding talks with the newly appointed Ukrainian Prime Minister, ArsenyYatseniuk, in Kyiv. He is
there to show Canada's suppor t for the new government in this war ravaged country and promised Canada
is willing to build the country's infrastructure, if required.
Crisis reaching lowest ebb in Ukraine:
Keeping Ukraine in focus Yudhvir said that crisis has deepened in that conflict raged country and it seems
as if Russia is already controlling matters. Russian flags are seen hoisted on major buildings in Crimea
that has a 60% Russian speaking population who have been demonstrating against the revolution in Kiev.
In wake of these tidings, President Viktor Yanukovich has flown to Russia but has said that he still is the
legitimate head of the state and cannot be removed from his post with force.
On one hand OleksanderTurchynov, the acting head of state has also warned Russia against any military
operation that could violate Ukraine's territorial integrity. On the other the USA government has warned
Russia against any adventurism in that country saying it is not a Rocky IV movie. Meanwhile, the Russian
President has already given orders for fighter jets to stand by and his forces to be combat ready.
9
PM AND THE AGA KHAN
SIGN PROTOCOL OF
UNDERSTANDING ON THE
CREATION OF A STRATEGIC
PARTNERSHIP IP10
Canada GDP expanded to 2.9
per cent; U.S. 3.2 per cent
Real gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 0.7% in the four th
quar ter, the same increase as in the third quar ter. On a monthly
basis, real GDP fell 0.5% in December.
Final domestic demand rose 0.3% in the four th quarter, as household and government final consumption expenditure increased
while business gross fixed capital formation declined. This was
the second consecutive quar ter that final domestic demand grew
at a slower pace than real GDP.
Household final consumption expenditure advanced 0.8%, led
by increased spending on services and non-durable goods.
Outlays on semi-durable goods were also higher.
Business gross fixed capital formation declined 0.5% in the four th
quar ter after increasing 0.3% in the third quar ter. Business investment in residential and non-residential structures were both
lower, while outlays on machinery and equipment were higher.
Business investment in inventories was $18.1 billion in the four th
quar ter, up from $12.4 billion in the third quarter. Non-farm inventories accounted for most of the added stock.
Expor ts rose 0.4% in the four th quar ter, after a flat third quar ter.
Impor ts increased 0.2% after declining the previous quar ter.
Most major industrial sectors increased production in the four th
quar ter. The output of service industries and goods-producing
industries both increased 0.7%.
Mining and oil and gas extraction grew 1.8% in the four th quarter. Manufacturing was up 0.8%, following two quar ters of essentially no growth. Transpor tation and warehousing services
posted a notable increase. The public sector, the finance and
insurance sector, retail and wholesale trade also increased.
Conversely, construction as well as the agriculture and forestry
sector declined.
Expressed at an annualized rate, real GDP expanded 2.9% in the
four th quar ter. By comparison, real GDP in the United States
grew 3.2%.
Household spending grows at slightly faster pace
Household final consumption expenditure increased 0.8% in the fourth
quarter, up from 0.6% in the previous quarter. Outlays on goods rose 0.9% as
a result of increased spending on semi-durable (+1.5%) and non-durable
goods (+1.4%), while spending on services grew 0.6%.
Outlays on electricity, gas and other fuels (+5.0%) and clothing and footwear (+2.4%) contributed the most to the overall increase in household
spending.
Vehicle purchases were down 1.2% in the fourth quarter, following a 0.4%
decline in the third quarter. Despite this decrease, overall outlays on transport, which also include operation of transport equipment as well as transport services, were up 0.2%.
Lower business investment in plant and equipment
Business investment in non-residential structures fell 1.0% in
the four th quar ter, after increasing 0.6% in the third quar ter.
Investment in engineering structures fell 1.5% while business
investment in non-residential buildings slowed to 0.5% following a 2.7% increase in the third quar ter.
Business outlays on machinery and equipment increased 0.8%
following three consecutive quar ters of decline. Investment in
medium and heavy trucks, buses and other motor vehicles
(+3.8%) and computers and computer peripheral equipment
(+2.8%) contributed to the advance.
Outlays on intellectual proper ty products by businesses declined 0.9% in the four th quarter, following a 1.7% increase in
the third quar ter. Business investment in software was down
3.6%, while mineral exploration and evaluation increased 3.3%.
CONTD. ON PAGE 10
10
MidWeek
canada
PM and the Aga Khan sign Protocol of Understanding
on the Creation of a Strategic Partnership
HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN DELIVERS AN ADDRESS TO PARLIAMENT WITH PM STEPHEN HARPER.
Cour tesy: pm.gc.ca
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and His Highness the Aga Khan today
signed a Protocol of Understanding, committing both sides to regular,
high-level consultations on a range of global and regional issues. The
announcement took place during an official visit to Canada by the Aga
Khan from February 27 to 28, 2014.
The Protocol of Understanding aims to provide a clear framework and
strategic direction for Canada's multi-faceted and strong relations with
the IsmailiImamat. More specifically, it provides for enhanced collaboration through the reciprocal appointment of representatives. It also creates
a formal dialogue process that allows for in-depth exchanges on countries and issues of common interest. By committing both sides to regular,
high-level consultations on a range of pressing global issues, it aims to
solidify the impor tant partnership that Canada has developed with the
Aga Khan and his institutions over many years.
"Canada and the Aga Khan Development Network enjoy a long-standing,
mutually beneficial relationship that covers a wide variety of activities,
with a focus on development and social issues. I am pleased today to
sign a Protocol of Understanding with the IsmailiImamat to formalize our
relationship. By committing to regular, high-level consultations on a range
of global and regional issues, we are helping to solidify the important
partnership that we have developed over many years," said Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
QUICK FACTS
His Highness the Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia
Ismaili Muslims, and founder and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
Many Ismaili Muslims arrived in Canada in the 1970s, fleeing political
turmoil in Uganda. The first permanent Ismaili Centre in Canada was
established in 1985 in Burnaby, British Columbia.
In 2010, the Prime Minister participated in the ground-breaking ceremony
for a second Centre to be located in Toronto, alongside the Aga
KhanMuseum and a landscaped park. These are slated for completion
later in 2014. The two leaders also jointly opened the Delegation of the
IsmailiImamat in Ottawa in 2008.
Canada has a long-standing development relationship with Aga Khan
Foundation Canada (AKFC) - an agency of the Aga Khan Development
Network (AKDN).
The Government of Canada and His Highness are also partners in the
context of the Global Centre for Pluralism, a secular, not-for-profit international research and education centre.
Canadian economy fares better than USA
Another big news during the talk show was Canadian economy
seems to be doing well and it seems that the government's claim
of having $6 billion surplus during the current fiscal would be
achieved. Giving details of the GDP growth shown in the last
quar ter of 2013, the economists had predicted an increase of
2.5% but it grew by 2.9% thus exceeding government expectations - a growth better than the USA market. The boom was tied
to a healthy per formance in the oil & gas and public sectors,
retail, and manufacturing, though agriculture still has to go a
long way.
Moving to Quebec, Yudhvir reasser ted the stance of some cultural minorities (51%) who mentioned in a CBC survey that they
feel insecure in the province and so wish to move away from there
- an allegation denied by Quebec's Premier Pauline Marios.
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
Canada GDP expanded to 2.9
per cent; U.S. 3.2 per cent
CONTD. FROM PAGE 9
Outlays in research and development edged up after eight consecutive quar terly declines.
Investment in housing declines
Business investment in residential structures declined 0.6% in
the four th quar ter, following two consecutive quar ters of growth.
Declines in outlays on ownership transfer costs (-4.3%) due to
weaker housing resale activity, and renovations (-1.0%), contributed to the lower investment in residential structures.
Business investment in new home construction rose 1.5% in the
four th quarter, following three consecutive quar ters of decline.
Government spending advances
Government final consumption expenditure increased 0.4% in
the fourth quar ter, the third increase in a row.
Final consumption expenditures were up for all levels of governments except the federal government (-1.6%).
Business inventories grow
Businesses added $15.0 billion to non-farm inventories in the
four th quarter, compared with a $4.5 billion increase in the third
quar ter.
Manufacturers' inventories of durable and non-durable goods
increased by $3.4 billion and $1.8 billion respectively. Retailers' inventories of durable goods rose mainly as a result of
increased inventory accumulation of motor vehicles (up $3.8
billion). Wholesalers' inventories of durable goods were slightly
lower, after decreasing $1.8 billion the previous quar ter.
Farm inventories, notably grains, accumulated in the four th quarter, but at a much lower level than in the third quar ter.
Expor ts increase
Expor ts of goods and services increased 0.4% in the four th quarter, after a flat third quarter. Expor ts of goods advanced 0.3%,
with farm, fishing and intermediate food products (+11.8%) contributing the most to the gain. Expor ts of metal and non-metallic
mineral products (-2.1%) and motor vehicles and parts (-1.5%)
were notably lower.
Service expor ts increased 0.9%, as travel, commercial and general government services all rose.
Imports up
Imports of goods and services grew 0.2% in the four th quar ter,
after decreasing in the third quarter.
Impor ts of goods advanced 0.4%, with basic and industrial
chemical, plastic and rubber products (+3.0%), aircraft and
other transpor tation equipment and par ts (+6.4%) and motor
vehicles and par ts (+0.9%) contributing the most to the gain.
Imports of metal and non-metallic mineral products (-2.1%) and
industrial machinery, equipment and par ts (-1.3%) were among
the main sources of weakness.
Impor ts of services decreased 0.7% in the four th quar ter, the
second consecutive quar terly decline. Impor ts of commercial
services (-0.9%) contributed most to the decline.
Economy-wide income expands at slower pace
Nominal GDP increased 0.8% in the four th quar ter, compared
with a 1.3% gain in the third quar ter.
Compensation of employees rose 1.1% in the four th quar ter
following a 0.7% gain in the previous quarter. Wages and salaries were up in goods-producing industries (+1.4%) and service-producing industries (+1.0%).
Growth in nominal GDP was moderated by a 10.6% decline in
the net operating surplus of financial corporations, which also
fell in the previous quar ter (-1.1%). The net operating surplus of
non-financial corporations increased 0.8% in the four th quar ter,
following a 4.8% gain in the third quar ter.
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
india
11
MODI GOES AFTER
NITISH KUMAR
IP12
Modi addresses conference on economic
growth, emphasizes on policy-driven approach
short
stories
shortstories
INDIAN POLITICS ManpreetBadal allies with
Congress instead of AAP
F
rom employment and
development of villages
to GST and the Federal
structure of India, a series of
concerns surrounding India's
economic and social well-being
were addressed by Shri
NarendraModi at the conference
on 'Economic Growth - The Way
Forward', organized by the
Chartered
Accountants
Association in Delhi, on the
afternoon of 27th February, 2014.
One after the other, Shri
Modi took questions posed to
him, and spoke in detail of his
approaches to address each
concern. While the question on
jobs for youth was duly dealt by
Shri Modi when he spoke of the
effectiveness of the skill
development initiatives started
in Gujarat, and called for the need
to initiate such measures on the
national level, on the question
of PSUs and their tendency to
shut down in the future, Shri
Modi said that the initiative of
professionalizing PSUs in Gujarat
had gone a long way in ensuring
their efficiency and performance
in the long run.
Talking about the concern
on the Federal structure of the
Nation, Shri Modi affirmed the
need to value the states as the
strength of India, rather than
considering them as a weakness.
Stating the relevance and
effectiveness of a system where
the PM and the CMs of the state
worked together, in consultation
with each other, Shri Modi said,
"States are important. And real
time functioning should have the
PM and the CMs of the states
working in tandem. The Federal
structure is important in letter
and spirit, it is our strength."
Shri Modi expressed deep
concern over the current stateof-affairs and how the problems
of corruption, unemployment
and misgovernance were eroding
the Nation. "Coalitions cannot
be blamed. It is about what is the
aim when the government is
formed, and whether it can fulfill
the aims. Sadly there has been
erosion of institutions and the
loss has been India's. We keep
talking about what will happen
after corruption but why can't we
think about having no corruption
at all," said Shri Modi, even as
he affirmed the need for a policydriven approach so as to
minimize the grey areas.
Answering a question on
why the youth from villages had
to go to the cities for job
opportunities, Shri Modi spoke
of the need to ensure equal
growth for all sections of the
society and emphasized on
giving focus towards the
development of villages, as much
as that of the cities. "Why do
the youth have to go to the cities
from villages? Can they get the
opportunities in the villages? I
want to say urbanisation is not a
crisis but an opportunity, seeing
it as a crisis has been wrong.
Also, why just villages, we want
everyone to get opportunities
wherever they are staying.
Aatmagaavki
ho
aursuvidhasheherki ho, this is
what we believe," stated Shri
Modi, while adding that for this,
due focus must also be laid on
developing the agricultural
sector by equipping it with
technological advancements and
thereby
increasing
the
productivity. This way, Shri
Modi said, would ensure that
more jobs could be created in the
agriculture sector. Addressing
the question on whether justice
was being granted to the
common man, Shri Modi cited
the initiative of evening courts
introduced in Gujarat and stated
how the transfer of cases of the
poor to these evening courts had
ensuring in speedy delivery of
justice. He also applauded the
LokAdalats and their efficiency in
ensuring speedy redress of cases.
"We need not be sad about the set
up, we need to transform them and
add life," stated Shri Modi. Shri Modi
also spoke about the BJP's support
for GST (Goods and Services Tax),
but added that right IT infrastructure
was required for proper
implementation of it. "BJP has never
opposed GST. Only that the
preparation on the part of the Centre
is not done. The concerns of the
states must also be addressed," said
Shri Modi.
Offering heartfelt condolences
to the families of those who had
lost their lives in INS
Sindhuratna, Shri Modi duly
acknowledged the valuable
contribution of the soldiers and
said, "Tyag, Tapasya, Balidan.
Ismesenakesamnekisikitulnanahi
ho saktihai. Aisejawanoko hum
namankartehain."
The show received today two more guests - SudheepSangla, a
volunteer working on behalf of AamAadmiPar ty in Canada and
Gulsharan Bobby Sidhu representing Congress. Giving details of the political scene in Punjab Bobby Sidhusaid many
stalwar ts will lock horns in Punjab with Congress. Star ting
from Bhatindaconstituency, Yudhvir said that ManpreetBadal
will lead the Punjab People's Par ty with the suppor t of Congress, and though he enjoys a good following but Congress
should work hard on allying with candidates with clean background.
Congress has long been labeled for not cleansing black sheep
among its cadre such as still forging alliances with Lalu
Prasad Yadav and giving ticket to Sajan Kumar's son must
now follow the suite of AamAadmi Par ty. They should be
eyeing candidates like Navjot Singh Sidhu and HS Phoolka.
Bobby Singh agreed with it saying they respect H.S.Phoolka
for his immense sacrifices in politics and the par ty is doing
its utmost and even bringing in new thinking in the presence
of fresh blood such as Rahul Gandhi. Replying to a question
that AAP might give Congress a tough fight in general elections, he said Congress is has been a national par ty for long
whereas AAP has just entered the arena with no standing in
Punjab whatsoever, thus there is no match between the two.
Ta l k i n g o f o t h e r c a n d i d a t e s s u c h a s M a n i s h T i w a r i i n
Ludhiana many challenges; PreneetKaur, Minister of State
for External Affairs in Patiala are both match winners.
Yudhvir added that it is feared Dharamveer Gandhi, APP's
candidate might give Congress candidate a tough challenge.
Singh did not agree with it saying she has a stronghold in
that constituency. He also said that democracy offers everyone a level playing field and par ties win on the basis of
their strengths that Congress has as it has a fabulous
manifestoand constitution and has served the country for
long with zeal.
Meanwhile,SudeepSinglaa volunteer for AAP Canada declared that AAP is doing well in Canada, especially in
Vancouver. He urged all the Indians to stay away from the
traditional par ties as they have only taken the countr y
towardsbrink of devastation. If the common man of India
thinks that AAP can resolve their issue, they must vote for it
and make India a paradise. Therefore, even after living for
long abroad if Indians wish to return to their country, they
should be happy to make this choice as it will be a country
free of corruption.
Meanwhile, it was mentioned that ArvindKejriwal, was summoned by a cour t in defamation case filed against him by BJP
leader NitinGadkari. Yudhvir said people like Gadkari are rich
enough to hire any lawyer to fight his case but as AAP is
underfinanced, it should set up a legal cell and have enough
finances to fight such cases by hiring the best lawyers of the
country.
12
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
MidWeek
india
MODI GOES AFTER NITISH KUMAR
13
SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR ON NAVAL
ACCIDENTS AND ECONOMIC CONTOURS
BJP challenges Congress to have an open debate on the economic
contours of BJP's economic vision as presented by its Prime
Ministerial candidate, Shri NarendraModi. The Congress, which is
always eager to pick holes on ter tiary points of his speech, has
suddenly gone silent after a clear cut road map presented by
Shri NarendraModi. He presented many ideas for revival of the
economy. Trust as a main tool of bringing investments and
providing stable regime. Quicker decision making with good
governance practices. Policy implementation is more important than
policy announcements. Development can become a people's movement.
Employment creation through public investment in infrastructure and
skilling.Taking advantage of Democracy - Demography - Demand.
In his three speeches delivered in New Delhi yesterday he has
brought on the table the very issue of failures of the UPA Govt. and a
direction for revival of our economy. Let Congress accept the challenges and
start discussion on the ideas he presented.
10 Naval accidents in 10 months shows how our Navy is in bad shape. The
responsibility for this sorry state of affairs is that of the UPA Govt.,
as it consistently neglected this vital arm of our defence forces.
The Naval Chief has resigned.
The Expanding NDA
BJP Prime Ministerial candidate NarendraModirallied in Bihar and
targeted JD-U leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday.
Affirming that the Hunkar rally was not an effor t at showing someone
down but to save the Nation from ruining, Modi shared his point of
focus of ensuring growth and development.
"NDA is expanding and I welcome Ram Vilas ji and Upendraji. This
expansion is not going to stop. Our strength will increase and so will
the woes of others. NDA not only stands for National Democratic
Alliance but is also the National Development Alliance," said Modi.
"It pains me to see only 23 per cent Bihar households have toilets. My
thoughts go to our crores of sisters and mothers," he said.
Addressing the various concerns plaguing Bihar, Modispoke of the
defunct sugar factories, untapped potential of water resources, lack
of employment oppor tunities for the youth, erratic electricity supply
Corruption and inflation
major issues: Kejriwal
Beginning his yatrain Uttar Pradesh APP chief ArvindKejriwal which
has a major focus on LokSabha election, he said the major issues of
the nation are corruption and inflation and only his par ty is prepared
to eliminate these issues.
"This in an oppor tunity to eradicate corruption and inflation and only
AamAadmi Par ty can do this. So ensure that you vote for broom this
and lack of proper sanitation facilities.
"60 years after freedom, we need better sanitation facilities for women.
Can this current government and the government in Delhi give you
jobs? We also need to take AtalBihari Vajpayee ji's river grid project
ahead, but this was not fulfilled by the UPA," stated ShriModi.
Recalling the recent incident of bombing at the BJP's rally in Patna in
October 2013, Modi stated that the explosives had hit the Nation's
"ekta" and "sadbhavna," and bowed to the people of Bihar that inspite
of such threat they had shown the courage to unite and send a strong
message of unity.
"Why were innocent people killed? Those who were killed were from
Bihar only. Those drowned in votebank politics won't understand the
fact that without shanti, ekta and sadbhavna, the nation cannot develop. We need freedom from such thoughts and such leaders as only
then will India progress," said the Gujarat Chief Minister.
time," said Kejriwal.
"Nothing will change if BJP comes to power, country will continue to
bleed because of corruption. Our enemies are price rise, corruption
and communalism and other par ties aren't doing anything about these
issues," he said.
"UP is dominated by caste and religion politics and we want to replace it with politics of development. The state is backward and we
intend to target other par ties over a number of issues plaguing the
state," said senior par ty leader Manish Sisodia, who is accompanying Kejriwal on his tour.
"Corruption, dynastic politics and criminalisation of politics are the main issues
we will target in UP. Also, power is another important issue we intend to target as it
is bigger problem than Uttar Pradesh," said another party leader. Reports confirmed that Kejriwal has mentioned his fight isn't against BJP Prime Ministerial
candidate NarendraModi.
"It is not important to fight against anyone. The most important fight is for the people.
We want to finish hate politics and bring up love amongst people," he
said.
He added there is no "Modi wave"
in the country, which is only a
phenomena created by the Media.
Kejriwal has said he will visit
Gujarat to see the development
in the state.
AAP condemns illegal field
trials for GM crops
Contrary to the decision of his predecessors, the SC appointed Expert
Committee and the Parliamentary Standing Committee's recommendations
At a time when the country is facing an agrarian distress as well
as serious malnutrition issues
due to misdirected policies in
food and farming, it is unfor tunate
that the Congress-led UAP's central government is promoting
false technofixes like GM crops
which neither would solve the issue of farmer distress nor that of
hunger and malnutrition.
On the one hand, scientific evidence and scientists voices on
the adverse impacts of GM crops
to human health and environment
are increasing, and on the other
experiences with BT cotton also
show that the only entity that is
benefiting from the introduction of
GM crops are the big seed corporations which get monopolistic
control over our seed sector.
It is to be remembered that seed
sovereignty is akin to national
sovereignty in an agrarian country like ours and it is unacceptable that the UPA govt plans to
sell our swaraj/sovereignty lock
stock and barrel to biotech seed
companies.
The hasty move by the Union
enviornment
minister
M
VeerappaMoily of permitting open
field trials of hundreds of GM crop
varities across the country in this
regard is highly condemnable. It
is unacceptable that MrMoily
went ahead to give permissions
for these field trials even when a
parliamentary standing committee on Agriculture comprising of
MPs from various political parties including Congress par ty and
other
UPA
allies
had
reccomended against such field
trials. The Supreme Cour t appointed Technical Exper t Committee (TEC) comprising of eminent
scientists also had highlighted the
scientific evidence on adverse
impacts of GM crops and the failure of the existing regulatory system in their final repor t submitted to the cour t in July last year
and strongly reccomended
against any open releases including for experimental trials.
The
haste
with
which
VeerappaMoily is tr ying to approve field trials of risky untested
GM crops before the hon'ble cour t
is going to hold a hearing on the
final TEC repor t in April 2014, just
a month away shows the undue
interest the minister has on getting these GM crops out in to
fields. Read along with the skyrocketing of share prices of companies like Monsanto, the US
multinational seed giant after the
appointment of VeerappaMoily as
Minister for Environment and Forests points to potential scam that is
waiting to be exposed. The history of
GM crops across the world has also
shown the nexus between such unholy alliances between criminal corporations like Monsanto and corrupt
policy makers.
The AamAadmi Party (AAP) condemns the action of VeerappaMoily
to approve these field trials and make
this country a laboratory for risky GM
crops and demand that all field
trials be stopped and an enquiry
initiated on the undue hurry of the
minister's action.
Shri
Ram
Vilas
Paswan'sLokJanshakti
Par ty has decided to ally
with the BJP and be a
par t of the NDA. Additionally, a large number
of political leaders, eminent citizens and political groups are extending
their suppor t to the BJP
either by coming to the
par ty or aligning with the
NDA. The groundswell in
ARUN JAITLEY
support of the BJP/NDA Leader of Opposition, RajyaSabha
and NarendraModi is
clearly visible. When certain political groups identify themselves with
the NDA their area of influence may be confined to a particular State.
However, their joining sends a larger political signal. When the BJP
announced NarendraModi as its Prime Ministerial candidate the first
reaction of some friends in the media and political observers was that
the party would now find it difficult to get allies. They felt that the party
would be politically isolated. When there is a groundswell of support,
a party can even live in a 'splendid isolation'. However, that was
never to be. A strong BJP has capacity to attract more friends and
allies than a weaker BJP. This groundswell of support which is visible
in the BJP rallies is the game changer. It sends a message loud and
clear of which way the wind is blowing. Today, those who had left the
BJP in States like Gujarat and Karnataka have all returned adding to
strength of the party. In states like Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra,
Bihar and Tamil Nadu we have significant allies. There are several
states in which electoral tie-ups before the elections or political tieups after the elections are both possible and probable. I had always
believed that a strong BJP will lead to a stronger NDA. How to
strengthen the NDA requires a lesson from Atalji's book. A three party
NDA in 1996 became a 24-party NDA in 1998. To attract regional
allies, one has to accept and respect India's federal and diverse character. What is significant today is a combination of popular
suppor t, increasing number of allies and the social character
of the expanding alliance. All this signals a new change.
14
MidWeek
world
Baird Wraps Up Successful Trip to Australia
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
short
stories
shortstories
Canada Champions
Education for Children in
Fragile and ConflictAffected Countries
EMPHASIS ON STRENGTHENING ACCESS TO
QUALITY EDUCATION AND PROVIDING SAFE
LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER JOHN BAIRD MEETS AUSTRALIA'S PRIME MINISTER TONY ABBOTT
COURTESY: FLICKR COMMONS
F
oreign Affairs Minister John Baird today wrapped up a
substantive and highly productive series of meetings in
Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.
The trip concluded with a speech to the Australia-Canada
Economic Leadership Forum, a conference bringing together key
government and business figures to promote trade and cooperation
between the two countries.
While in Australia, Baird met with Prime Minister Tony Abbott,
Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop, Treasurer Joe Hockey and
Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek.
Their discussions focused on Canada and Australia's
comprehensive bilateral relationship, as well as on common
challenges and opportunities throughout the Asia-Pacific region
and beyond.
The meetings provided an opportunity to tackle key issues,
including promoting democracy and religious freedom, preventing
early and forced marriage and supporting child and maternal welfare.
"We have a shared interest in a stable, rules-based international
order," said Baird, speaking alongside Julie Bishop at the Economic
Leadership Forum. "Canada and Australia need each other in this
new world more than we sometimes realize."
"Our shared future prosperity depends now more than ever on
making maximum use of everything that our great nations have in
common," added Baird.
Chinese Defense Minister calls
on Muhammad Nawaz Sharif
Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said that China and
Pakistan enjoy a unique relationship. He deeply appreciated the Chinese suppor t for the projects included in the China-Pakistan Economic corridor in the recent Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting. Prime Minister made these remarks while talking to Chinese
Defense Minister General Chang Wanquan who called on him at PM
house.
Prime Minister said that China-Pakistan economic corridor would not
only benefit both nations, but transform the region's economy and
dovetail perfectly with the strategy of developing and connecting the
south and central Asian regions of the world.
PM said that Pakistan deeply values China's suppor t on issues of
Pakistan's national security and territorial integrity. Solid foundation
for our time tested and all weather friendship is provided by strong
mutual trust, excellent cooperation and convergence of views on regional and global issues, PM added.
PM said that Security of Chinese nationals is an utmost priority for
Pakistan and government has taken all possible steps to provide
them security.
PM expressed his confidence that Pakistan-China cooperation, including in the field of defence will continue to grow to the benefit of
both the countries.
Chinese Defence Minister reiterated his governments suppor t for
Pakistan.
The meeting was also attended by Defense Minister KhawajaAsif and
Special Assistant to PM Mr. Tariq Fatmi.
During a panel discussion co-hosted by Aga Khan Foundation
Canada and the Global Par tnership for Education, Lois Brown,
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, the Honourable Christian Paradis, emphasized
today that Canada, working with its experienced par tners,
is ensuring that children, especially girls, have access to
quality education and safe places to learn, play and grow.
"Canada recognizes that education is crucial to improving
the future of children and youth, especially for those who
are living in difficult circumstances," said PS Brown. "Access to quality education has a life-saving and life-changing impact, and can play a role in accelerating progress in
fragile states."
Close to 200 humanitarian, development and education specialists par ticipated in 'Education at the Margins: Reaching
Children in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States', a panel discussion focused on how to best suppor t education in conflict-affected and fragile states. More than half of the 57
million children who are not attending school live in such
countries.
"Education provides hope for millions of people trying to
overcome the detrimental effects of conflict and to improve
their quality of life," said Khalil Z. Shariff, Chief Executive
Officer, Aga Khan Foundation Canada. "But physical buildings alone do not provide a solution. Quality education-from
pre-primary through to university-requires knowledgeable
teachers, community suppor t and government commitment.
Aga Khan Foundation Canada, working with the Government
of Canada, is transforming the lives of vulnerable children
through its education programming."
"The Global Par tnership for Education is uniquely suited to
have an impact in fragile and conflict-affected states," said
Alice Albright, Chief Executive Officer, Global Par tnership
for Education. "In 2013, nearly 50 percent of our funding
went to fragile countries and those affected by conflict."
"The Government of Canada is an impor tant member of the
Global Par tnership for Education and is active on its Board
of Directors and technical committees. We are looking forward to continuing our productive cooperation with Canada.
Education is the cornerstone for success in most endeavours
to improve health, lower child mor tality rates, strengthen
civil society, and defuse conflict. Without it, gains in economic oppor tunity and the eradication of inequalities are
elusive."
"In conflict-affected and fragile states, education provides
an impor tant safe space, a sense of normalcy for children,
a forum for reconciliation and peace, as well as hope for the
future," said David Morley, President and Chief Executive
Officer, UNICEF Canada. "Canada has been a committed par tner in education and we look forward to continuing our work
together to ensure all children, especially those that are
hardest to reach, have access to quality education."
Ukraine faces brunt
of Russian forces
CONTD. FROM PAGE 1
He said the burning question of the hour is what are the interests of the West or US in this matter? Will the already fragile
Middle Eastern region be affected by this situation? Will it
also affect France and Germany? He mentioned the crisis
has already resulted in gold prices hikes while pushing
stocks down. But one thing is for sure that Europe, being fed
on Russian oil and gas, will see rise in oil prices if sanctions are slapped on Russia. The move will benefit US as it
will star t selling its oil with a possibility of getting the ban
lifted on US oil expor ts.
He also touched on a possible NDP-Liberals merger in the
coming days. Keeping the focus on the country he pointed
towards a new kind of synthetic identity fraud that is surfacing in Canada and has resulted in billions of dollars in
losses to Canadian economy. Earlier people were stealing
others credit cards, now they are issuing fake cards under
fake names to make quick bucks. In a recent repor t a number of trucks were bought from Alber ta under fake driving
licences and dumped in Middle East incurring a huge loss
to the Canadian government. Yudhvir also talked about the
possibility of Ontario taking over TTC.
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
MidWeek
80 PERTOSA DRIVE, UNIT 12,
BRAMPTON ONT., L6X 5E9
15
16
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
17
SUNNY SIDE DOWN!
MAIN TERA HERO FILM PROMOTION
Censors want Sunny Leone's
cle@vage blurred in song
T
KAPIL SHARMA, ILEANA D'CRUZ, ALI ASGAR AND VARUN DHAWAN
AAMIR KHAN'S LIFE UNDER THREAT
BUYS BOMBPROOF CAR
I
f sources are to be believed,
Aamir Khan now enjoys the
distinction of owning the
most expensive car in
Bollywood. It seems that the
actor's recent purchase, a
Mercedes Benz S600 that he
has been travelling in of late, is
a 'special protection' car.
What's more, sources say that
the actor, who is the third person in the country - after PM
Manmohan Singh and industrialist Mukesh Ambani - to own
this model, made this expensive purchase in a bid to tackle
security threats.
Says a source, `After the first
season of Satyamev Jayate,
Aamir Khan received a few
threats as he had openly talked
against female foeticide, medical malpractices and honour
killings in the show. He then
decided to purchase this expensive bombproof car. There are
a lot of people out there who
own bulletproof cars, but his
bombproof car is a customised
model and it is specially made
for VVIPs.` The actor was first
spotted in this car when he
he Central Board of Film Cer tification (CBFC) recently asked the
producers of Ragini MMS2 to blur out actress Sunny Leone's
cleavage in the song Chaar Botal Vodka that also features
singer Yo Yo Honey Singh. A source from CBFC says, `When they
approached us with the song, we told them in a straightforward
fashion that the song will be cer tified for adult viewing only. This
is because it has a lot of skin show and the camera keeps zooming in
at Sunny's cleavage.
So we asked them to blur out the cleavage scenes.` It seems that the
film's producers have given in to CBFC's demands; the source says
that CBFC has now given the song a U/A certificate. However, another
source - a unit member - says that audiences can watch the unblurred version of the song online. `They have
blurred cleavage scenes but this has
been done only for television.`
Another industry insider says
that showing cleavage
onscreen is commonplace these days.
`Top actresses are
known to bare their
cleavage all the time
and a recently released
film was in the news
thanks to its lead actress who wore a low
neck blouse. Sunny is
being singled out because of her
past,` says
this source.
Bigg Boss Ex-Contestants,
Sangram Singh And Payal
Rohatgi Ready To Wed
dropped in at a suburban fivestar for a par ty. It is being said
that the car cost him around Rs
10 crore.
The source adds that Aamir had
initially informed the police
about the threats and even re-
ceived police protection, but
under pressure from his family
and close friends, he had to
place an order for this car.
`The second season of his
s h o w, S a t y a m e v J a y a t e , i s
scheduled to hit TV screens
from March 2, and its episodes
may throw light on issues such
as governance, corruption and
the Lok Sabha elections this
year. So he was advised to take
no chances,` says a source
close to the star.
U TURN: WHY SALMAN IS BEING DIPLOMATIC?
Superstar Salman Khan, who unveiled Academy-award winning
musician A R Rahman's new album 'Raunaq' here, today gave
full marks to the lyrics penned by Union Law Minister Kapil Sibal
for the musical composition.
'Raunaq' is a unique collaboration between the legendary
musician and the Central minister, who wrote all the songs for
the album. "It is a great pleasure to be here for this launch.
The songs are nice. I think Kapil sir is amazing and Rahman
is average," Salman said with a chuckle.
The album has more than seven songs and are sung by best
of ar tists in the industry including Lata Mangeshkar and
Shreya Ghoshal among others. Speaking at the launch,
Salman said there is one thing common between him and
Rahman, which is 'Jai Ho', the title of his latest release.
'Jai Ho' is also the most popular track from Rahman's Oscarwinning film 'Slumdog Millionaire'. On working with the
Bollywood superstar, Rahman said, "We did work together on
'Yuvvraj'. He has to do films that I like. There has to be an
extraordinary film for us to come together."
To which Salman said, "When you (A R Rahman) will work for
us... Hope we work together."
Sangram Singh and Payal Rohatgi
first met on the sets of a reality
show Survivor India in 2011, and
since then have been in a committed relationship.
Both Sangram and Payal took their
relationship further and got engaged
on February 27, 2014 and are likely
to wed towards the end of 2014 or
early next year. “Payal and I have
been together for three years. We
are sure about each other’s feelings. The kind of simple conventional background that I come from
doesn’t allow me to be with a
woman without giving her and the
relationship the sanctity that they
deserve,” said Sangram Singh.
“We exchanged rings at a temple
in a simple ceremony and took our
relationship to the next level. Only
the immediate family members
were present,” informed an elated
Payal. Post the engagement Payal
Rohatgi took to Twitter to announce
her engagement with Sangram
Singh. Payal tweeted, “Today on
this
auspicious
day
of
Mahashivratri I am engaged to my
jaan Sangram Singh. Thank you
Lord Shiva for your blessings always.” The wedding, says Sangram
Singh, is planned for winter.
“It can be any time from November
2014 till January 2015. I’m only too
happy to marry Payal. I am very
lucky to have her in my life. People
said she is not the right soul mate
for me. But tell me, why do we look
for Sita when none of us is Ram,” said
Sangram, who is very sure about his
choice.
Sangram says his family in Haryana
has accepted his choice of a life partner.
“Payal took charge of me, taught me
how to talk and dress among the socalled elite. Though she is very glamorous and urbanized, I found out about her
family problems and that she was a
bread earner for her family. She
touched my hear t. Payal seemed
right for me.” said the much in love
Sangran Singh.
18
MidWeek
hollywood
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
OSCARS 2014: RED CARPET
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio
IDINA MENZEL
CATE BLANCHETT
EMMA WATSON
BELOW IS THE LIST OF ALL THE
OSCAR WINNERS OF 2014
12 Years a Slave
Matthew McConaughey (Dallas
Buyers Club)
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club)
Best Actress in a Supporting Role Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave)
Best Animated Feature
Frozen (Chris Buck, Jennifer
Lee, Peter Del Vecho)
Best Cinematography
Gravity (Emmanuel Lubezki)
Best Costume Design
The Great Gatsby (Catherine Martin)
Best Directing
Gravity (Alfonso Cuarón)
Best Documentary Feature
20 Feet from Stardom (Morgan
Neville, Gil Friesen, Caitrin Rogers)
Best Documentary Short
The Lady in Number 6: Music
Saved My Life (Malcolm Clarke,
Nicholas Reed)
Best Film Editing
Gravity (Alfonso Cuarón,
Mark Sanger)
Best Foreign Language Film
The Great Beauty (Italy)
Best Picture
12 Years a Slave
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Matthew McConaughey (Dallas
Buyers Club)
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Cate Blanchett (Blue Jasmine)
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club)
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave)
Best Animated Feature
Frozen (Chris Buck, Jennifer
Lee, Peter Del Vecho)
Best Cinematography
Gravity (Emmanuel Lubezki)
Best Costume Design
The Great Gatsby
(Catherine Mar tin)
Best Directing
Gravity (Alfonso Cuarón)
Best Documentary Feature
20 Feet from Stardom (Morgan
Neville, Gil Friesen, Caitrin Rogers)
Best Documentary Short
The Lady in Number 6: Music
Saved My Life (Malcolm Clarke,
Nicholas Reed)
Best Film Editing
Gravity (Alfonso Cuarón, Mark
Sanger)
Best Foreign Language Film
The Great Beauty (Italy)
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Dallas Buyers Club (Adruitha
Lee, Robin Mathews)
Best Original Score
Gravity (Steven Price)
Best Original Song
Let It Go – Frozen
Best Production Design
The Great Gatsby (Catherine
Mar tin, Beverley Dunn)
Best Animated Short Film
Mr. Hublot (Laurent Witz,
Alexandre Espigares)
Best Live Action Short Film
Helium (Anders Walter, Kim
Magnusson)
Best Sound Editing
Gravity (Glenn Freemantle)
Best Sound Mixing
Gravity (Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri,
Christopher Benstead, Chris Munro)
Best Visual Effects
Gravity (Tim Webber, Chris
Lawrence, Dave Shirk, Neil
Corbould)
Best Picture :
Best Actor in a Leading Role:
Actor Matthew Conaughey (wearing Chopard) and model
Camilla Alves.
Actress Jennifer Lawrence attends the Oscars held at Hollywood &
Highland Center on March 2, 2014 in Hollywood, California.
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Original Screenplay
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Best Original Score
Best Original Song
Best Production Design
Best Animated Short Film
Best Live Action Short Film
Best Sound Editing
Best Sound Mixing
Best Visual Effects
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Original Screenplay
12 Years a Slave (John Ridley)
Her (Spike Jonze)
Dallas Buyers Club (Adruitha
Lee, Robin Mathews)
Gravity (Steven Price)
Let It Go – Frozen
The Great Gatsby (Catherine
Mar tin, Beverley Dunn)
Mr. Hublot (Laurent Witz,
Alexandre Espigares)
Helium (Anders Walter, Kim
Magnusson)
Gravity (Glenn Freemantle)
Gravity (Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri,
Christopher Benstead, Chris Munro)
Gravity (Tim Webber, Chris
Lawrence, Dave Shirk, Neil Corbould)
12 Years a Slave (John Ridley)
Her (Spike Jonze)
Actor/musician Jared Leto
Nominee for Best Actor in "12 Years a Slave" Chiwetel
Ejiofor and his guest arrive
MidWeek
bollywood
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
19
Movie Review
Upcoming
BOLLYWOOD Movies
GULAAB GANG
RELEASE DATE:
Mar 07, 2014
STAR CAST: Madhuri Dixit, Juhi Chawla, Mahie Gill, Shilpa
N AKHTAR,
CAST: FARHA
RAM KAPOOR,
VIDYA BALAN,
I
ILA ARUN, RAT
PURAB KOHLI,
AGNIHOTRI
Y
ET CHAUDHAR
DIRECTOR :SAK
RATING: ***
Shukla, Tannishtha Chatterjee
DIRECTOR(S): Soumik Sen
PRODUCER(S): Anubhav Sinha
'SHAADI KE SIDE EFFECTS'
SIDE EFFECTS OF THIS SHAADI ARE ADORABLE
TOTAL SIYAPAA
W
STAR CAST: Ali Zafar, Yaami Gautam, Anupam Kher, Kiron Kher
ell before going ahead with the dissection of recently
released Farhan Akhtar, Vidya Balan starrer 'Shaadi Ke
Side Effect' I would like to eulogize movie director Saket
Chaudhary, for showing the courage of unscrambling the mysteries
and intricacies of complicated phenomenon called "Shaadi". And
complicated because even after the passing away of numerous eons
ever since the evolution even the apex most literati have failed in
unsnarling the convolutions of this "societal tradition" despite its
being a necessary evil (obviously for men). Anyhow, after making
his mark with the prequel puckish rom com "Pyaar Ke Side Effect"
where he redefined love with altogether diverse shades of life, this
Saket took the status of relationship a level higher and focused on
the institution of marriage. And in his this attempt Saket has
thoroughly relied up on the cut and thrusts of real life matrimony. As
the Shaadi Ke Side Effects marks its onset it begins with a direct pick
taken from Four Christmases, but as the narration flows ahead
viewers get to know about the association of Sid (Farhan Akhtar)
who is still a struggling musician, and Trisha (Vidya Balan) who are
now married. For this happy go lucky couple everything remains
fine till the time they a new member in their family. Post which Trisha
turns into a full time home maker where as Sid is still trying his level
best to slip into the boots of an ideal father, where his sole intention
to establish an equilibrium between his role of an ideal father, his
marital bonding with his wife besides his professional life. After
failing in all his attempts of succeeding in coping with all this mess
Sid turns towards Trisha's brother-in-law Ranvir (Ram Kapoor), who
is considered as a perfect husband and father by Trisha's mom (Rati
Agnihotri), to seek the magic mantra of being a perfect family man.
So, does Sid succeeds in quest or ends up being a marionette of
circumstances? To know watch this Farhan and Vidya starrer marital
rom-com "Shaadi Ke Side Effect". There is no denying the fact that
Saket's previous cine outing i.e. "Pyaar Ke Side Effect" had an out
of the box concept beneath it, but this doesn't hold true for "Shaadi
Ke Side Effect" entirely. Although Saket has tried do deployed a
1
2
Dedh Ishqiya
Dil Ka Mizaaj Ishqiya
3
Yaariyan
Baarish
4
Dhoom 3
Malang
5
Yaariyan
Meri Maa
6
Hasee Toh Phasee
Ishq Bulaava
7
Gunday
Mann Kunto Maula
8
Hasee Toh Phasee
Zehnaseeb
9
Gunday
Tune Maari Entriyaan
10
Heartless
Main Dhoondne Ko Zamaane Mein
MOVIE COLLECTIONS
HIT OR FLOP MIDWEEK
JAI HO
AVERAGE
YAARIYAN
SEMI HIT
DEDH ISHQIYA
FLOP
DHOOM 3
BLOCKBUSTER
BEWAKOOFIYAAN
Mar 14, 2014
Kapoor
DIRECTOR(S): Nupur Ashtana
PRODUCER(S): Aditya Chopra
MUSIC DIRECTOR(S): Raghu Dixit
GENRE: Action / Drama
RAGINI MMS 2
RELEASE DATE:
March 21, 2014
STAR CAST: Sunny Leone, Parvin Dabas, Sandhya Mridul,
Anita Hassanandani
PRODUCER(S): Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor
'Kochadaiyaan' starring Deepika
Padukone and Rajnikanth to be
released in six languages
ZABAAN
JALE HAI
SONG
PRODUCER(S): Neeraj Pandey, Shital Bhatia
STAR CAST: Ayushman Khurana,Sonam Kapoor,Rishi
Film: Dedh Ishqiya
FILM
March 7, 2014
DIRECTOR(S): E Niwas
RELEASE DATE:
Shahid Kapoor behind
Sonakshi Sinha’s weight loss?
top
10
songs
huge amount of "Hatke Factor" in the script and have even banked
upon the real life reference points to make "Shaadi Ke Side Effect"
identifiable cine delight, but in spite of that the plot of the movie
fails in inducing any never seen before kind of feel. Humour or
rather hilarity pertaining to marital life certainly keeps your jaws on
job for entire first half, but soon after the advent of second half even
that USP of movie parts from the premise making it run of a mill sort
of over stretched cine cantata. Despite Shaadi Ke Side Effects' being
an average cine tale it's the scripting part which does wonders for
the movie and keeps viewer's attention uni-directed towards the big
screen. In fact it won't be wrong to say that it's the scripting only
which compels the viewers to connect with the onscreen
proceedings. Be it the droll dialogues with tons of hilarity in them or
the smartly crafted confabs of husband and wife, everything elevates
the relatability coefficient of the movie.
RELEASE DATE:
F
Although Shahid Kapoor and
Sonakshi Sinha continue to deny
that they are anything more than
co-stars, they are fooling no
one. Since R..Rajkumar, at every
outing Sona seems to be looking
more trim. According to our
source, she owes her new,
shapely figure to beau Shahid.
He is very fitness conscious and
carries his mini-gym everywhere
he travels. His dedication
towards his workouts has rubbed
off on Sona and clearly he is
proud of the effort she is putting
in. When Karan Johar brought
up the topic of Sonakshi’s weight
on his show, Shahid was quick
to defend the actress saying she
was ‘curvy’. Isn’t that sweet?
or the first time in the history of Indian Cinema, the muchawaited period film "Kochadaiyaan" featuring Tamil
superstar Rajinikanth and Bollywood actress Deepika
Padukone in the lead, would be released in six different
languages.
The movie will be released in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Punjabi,
Bhojpuri and Marathi, a release here said.
The film would be sent to the Censor Board during the third
week of this month and it is scheduled to be released during the
summer season, it said.
This is the first time in Indian Cinema history that a movie is
getting released in six Indian languages,it said.
Meanwhile, Karbonn Mobiles, one of the movie's sponsors, is
planning to undertake a massive marketing campaign for the
film. Hoardings and banners of the movie will be displayed at
3,650 Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd petrol outlets in
Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
"In Chennai alone, over 100 hoardings are planned to be set
up", it said.
The audio and trailer of the movie would be released at a function
in Chennai on March 9 in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu languages. A
new model of Karbonn Mobiles would also be launched on that
day, it said.
Eros International and Media One Global Entertainment, are the
producers of the movie, which is directed by Rajinikanth's
daughter, Soundarya R Ashwin. The music is scored by double
Oscar winner A R Rahman and sound recording by another Oscar
winner Resul Pookutty.
The movie also has actor-politician R Sarathkumar, Bollywood
actor Jackie Shroff, Tamil actors Adhi, Nasser, actress and
danseuse Shobhana, the release added.
20
MidWeek
bollywood
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
I don’t know if I’ll ever get 5 Duck lipped actresses
OF BOLLYWOOD
married: Nargis Fakhri
How do you manage in India all by yourself, without any family members nearby?
After coming to India, I have felt the loneliest I have ever been in my life. I
don't have a support system here. I miss having my mom and close friends
around. Thank God for Skype and Face-Time, which keep me connected...
but interacting digitally can't come close to the feeling of being hugged by
my mom or getting together for a meal with my friends on the same table. My
manager helps me with everything over here, and I consider her a friend.
What's your defense mechanism to cope with criticism?
I read about human psychology, practise balance and accept that everything
and everyone in our lives is transient. One day, people will criticise you and
the next day, they will praise you. My motto is never to hold on to anything.
I accept, and then let go; not just the negatives but the praise too. Or it'll get
to my head.
Are there any downsides to being a part of the glamour industry?
My job is not as glamorous as it seems. There is a lot that I have gained but
there's also a lot that I have lost. I love acting; it is a beautiful craft and a very
interesting life experience, but there are side effects to it. It's a tricky space
for me to live in and adjust to. So, there's still a constant battle in my head
about what I really want out of life.
You almost married someone you had met at a nightclub...
If you are referring to my ex-boyfriend, we met at a nightclub and fell in love
after six months of dating. We moved in together for four years, had a
house, a dog, cars... it was absolutely picture perfect. He told my mom that
he wanted to propose to me. But I wasn't ready. I felt like I had more to do
in life. I needed to keep travelling; I wanted more than a picture-perfect life.
I wanted adventure, uncertainty and excitement. So I packed my bags and
left. That was eight years ago, and I don't regret it one bit. See what
happens if you take a chance - you become a Bollywood star!
You've lived in many countries. Are you a nomad at heart?
I've always been very independent. I have been travelling for the last
eight years. My home is me; I can live anywhere and everywhere. I get a
thrill out of moving to different countries. This is the first time that I have stayed in one place for so long. I still get itchy feet, and constantly
daydream and make plans for where I will run off to next... Right now, I'm thinking of backpacking through South America for a year!
You recently said you may never get married...
This line of work doesn't allow you enough time to get to know someone well. Plus, I am a very independent woman. I make my own money,
have an education. I'm well travelled and cultured. I don't feel marriage is a necessity. I have seen way too many unhappy married couples
in my life. I've never encountered a single marriage that has made me want to buy into the institution. I'm not saying I don't need love. I do,
but I'd rather focus on my career and myself right now. I won't compromise, so I don't know if I would ever marry.
The rumours about you dating Uday Chopra haven't stopped yet...
There is nothing to say to that. When people ask me questions about him, I just ask them, 'do you think it's appropriate for me to ask you
what colour underwear you are wearing?'
I plan to join politics soon:
RAKHI SAWANT
THE CONTROVERSY QUEEN RAKHI SAWANT WAS RECENTLY
IN TOWN FOR THE PROMOTION OF HER FIRST MOVIE,
KATTA TANAAT DUPATTA PAR, AS A PRODUCER. IN A FREEWHEELING CHAT WITH PATNA TIMES, RAKHI SPOKE TO
US ABOUT HER CAREER, RELATIONSHIP AND FUTURE IN
POLITICS...
POLITICALLY CORRECT
Rakhi has been staying away
from controversies for quite
some time now. "Yes, I have been
quiet for the past two years. I
was not involved in any
controversies because I want to
change my image completely
now. I don't want people to think
that I do everything for publicity.
The main reason behind this
image makeover is that I plan to
join politics," she says.
Talking about her career in
politics, Rakhi says "Mujhe desh
ka neta toh banna hi hai aur
elections main kahin se bhi
ladun, samaj seva karna meri
priority hai. Rahi kiss state se
ladne ki baat, toh main toh har
jagah popular hoon mujhe kisi
bhi state se ladwa lo. Main nahi
jaanti main kaun si party join
karungi. Agar mujhe pasand nahi
aaya toh mein apni party khud
banaugi."
Rakhi was a part of another
political controversy when
recently she was compared to
former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal
by politician Udhav Thackery
when he said that Rakhi could
have ruled Delhi better. "Udhav
ji ne bilkul sahi kaha hai. If I had
been the Chief Minister of Delhi
I would have taken it to new
heights. Kejriwal ab lalchi ho
gaye hain. I don't think he is the
right person to rule the country."
HAPPILY SINGLE
Rakhi who has been in news in
the past for her love life too,
says she is consciously
refraining from getting into a
relationship. "I am very much
single. I want to enjoy my
freedom now and don't need a
life partner. Marriage is not on
the cards for now and if anything
ever happens, everyone will get
to know," she says, adding, "I
would also like to clarify that I
never said I want to marry Rahul
Gandhi as I was quoted
sometime back. I only said I like
him and he is a very good leader
and that's it. The statement was
presented in a wrong manner to
spoil my image."
BIHAR CALLING
Talking about her maiden project
in Bhojpuri cinema as a producer,
Rakhi says, "Jab maine dekha ki
Bhojpuri mein C grade ki filmein
banti hai toh maine socha ki main
ek aisi film banau jo bilkul
parivarik ho aur kaafi achhe
budget ki bhi ho."
She adds, "I want Nitish ji to give
subsidy for Bhojpuri cinema
because this is where the Ganga
flows from, and this is where our
roots belong to. Women don't
watch Bhojpuri movies because
of its obscenity, so I wanted to
make a family movie. My
production house has already
produced 5 movies. At present I
am focusing on direction. I really
like this new phase of my life. I
have some of my scripts
pending."
NO TV TALES TO TELL
On being quizzed about her
upcoming projects, Rakhi says,
"I am doing a few Marathi
movies. Frankly speaking, I am
waiting for good projects to
come my way. I already have B
and C grade movie offers, but I
don't want to do any of them. As
far as work on TV goes, I have
ruled the television for almost six
years. I was the queen of
television. Mere jaane ke baad
hi Kapil Sharma or Aamir Khan
aaye. Agar main hi kaam karti toh
unko mauka kaise milta. Ab
mujhe bhi toh thoda rest
chahiye."
Anushka Sharma: Much has been
said and written about Anushka
Sharma's lip job. The actress was
slammed by many experts for her new
enhanced look. Anushka even went
to the extent of issuing an open letter
revealing that this was just a
temporary measure to enhance her
lips for her upcoming film 'Bombay
Velvet'. Virat Kohli, who is much in
news for his alleged closeness to
Anushka has also expressed his
displeasure over Anushka's lip-job
news. But let's admit, Anushka looked way more luscious without
this lip job. Anushka ranks number one in our duck lipped
actresses list.
Ever since her first release 'Rockstar'
opposite Ranbir Kapoor, Nargis has
been in news for just two reasons and that has nothing to do with her
acting! While her alleged relationship
with the not-so-successful Uday
Chopra has been making rounds for
sometime now, her lips too have been
very important agenda among
twitterattis. In an interview with
Glamsham, Nargis even admitted that
she uses lip plumpers to give her lips
a fuller look. Though we have not
been able to decide whether or not her duck lips are sexy, we can
only say one thing at this point, if not for her lips madam Nargis
you'd have never been in news!
Sofia Hayat shot to fame with her
Santa Claus pictures where she posed
in a skimpy outfit and called herself
'Santa'. Sofia grabbed headlines after
she lodged an FIR against Bigg Boss
7 inmate Armaan Kohli accusing him
of manhandling her. Apart from all this
what has kept her in the news is her
luscious looks and frame. Sofia is said
to have undergone numerous plastic
surgeries. But like many other
cosmetic experts, even we can't say if
her lips are 'sexy' anymore.
One of the sexiest and most versatile
actress in Bollywood today,
Chitrangada comes fourth in this list.
Known for her dusky complexion
and perfect pout, Chitrangada has
never shied away from locking lips
on screen. A master of her craft, she
has time and again grabbed eyeballs
for locking lips on screen. While
many would like to call her lips as
the 'sexiest' lips in Bollywood many
seem to think it bears resemblance
to a duck's lips.
Koena Mitra: Koena Mitra is the
perfect example of a plastic surgery
gone wrong. The actress underwent
an expensive surgery to give a fuller
look to her lips, but the outcome
shocked many including her. Koena
Mitra's lips are far from a perfect pout.
But they do resemble a duck's lips.
The actress came out clean in an
interview with TOI talking about her
lip implants which went totally
wrong.
PREITY EXCITED TO BE IN US
Actress Preity Zinta is happy to be in US and will be
attending the Spring Charity Ball.
The Spring Charity Ball 2014 began
in California, US, March 1 and will
conclude Sunday. "Always excited
to be in the US even though the
flight feels longer everytime. Hope
I make it to the Spring Charity Ball
without passing out," Preity posted
on Twitter. The 39-year-old had
earlier said that she feels "totally
zonked" because of the jet lag and
wished she was attending a
Sleeping Beauty Ball. "Landed in
California and it's pouring down rain.
Now in SFO and (I) am totally zonked with the jet lag. Wish was
attending a Sleeping Beauty Ball," she posted.
The actress was last seen on the silver screen in her maiden production
"Ishkq In Paris", which didn't garner much success at the box office.
SRK MORE POPULAR ABROAD
THAN EVEN TOM CRUISE
Earlier, desi films found favour in markets like USA, UK, Canada, UAE
and Malaysia. However, in recent times, markets like Australia, New
Zealand, Germany, South Africa and several others have also woken
up to our cinema. Distributor Girish Johar says, "The overseas market
is very lucrative. It is known that Mumbai and Delhi-Uttar Pradesh
contributed maximum to the box office of a Hindi film. Now, we can see
that in the case of some films like 3 Idiots, Ram-Leela and Dhoom 3,
America is the third largest contributor to the box office of a Hindi film."
A trade source says Dhoom 3's collection from the US is bigger
than the entire domestic box office collections of films like Shuddh
Desi Romance and Kai Po Che. Also, earlier, films of Yash Chopra,
Rajkumar Hirani and Karan Johar found favour overseas.
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
MidWeek
bollywood
Ali Zafar composes impromptu
FOR HIS NEXT
Inspired by the story of his upcoming film, Total Siyapaa, actor-writer-singer Ali Zafar has composed — impromptu — a lively romantic number for it.
21
Madhuri
does
heavy-duty action
Madhuri Dixit-Nene has done some heavy-duty
stunts in her for thcoming Gulaab Gang.
T
he story revolves around
a series of unfortunate
events that befall a
Pakistani man while visiting his
Indian girlfriend's family, leading
to some outrageous situations.
However, the song, which has a
generous mix of Punjabi, has
been shot only for the digital
media.
Indians and Pakistanis
After the entire shoot was over,
an idea struck Ali — to write a
song on the mindset of his
character Aman. He chose to call
it Asha as that's the name of
Yaami's character in the film,
which releases March 7. The
video of the song has been shot
in black and white to make it look
more appealing.
ALIA CAME INTO THE
WORLD WHEN BOMBAY WAS
BURNING: MAHESH BHATT
This birthday will indeed be special for Alia Bhatt, who got a lot of appreciation for her
latest outing.
However, the actress, who will turn 21 on March 15, is unaffected. "I am the same
person," she says.
Her filmmaker dad Mahesh Bhatt recalls how Alia was born during turbulent times.
"Alia came into this world in 1993, around the time Bombay was burning. The city was
engulfed in riots."
From naked yoga guru to TV actor: Vivek
N
aked yoga guru who became famous after his participation in Bigg Boss Season
7, Vivek Mishra was in Lucknow recently, enroute Bahraich, which is his
hometown. Mishra is now set to make his television debut as an actor.
BIGG BOSS GAVE ME INSTANT VISIBILITY
"I had signed contracts with Bigg Boss producers in seasons 5 and 6 as well, but I
was put on hold and never given entry into the house. I finally got to go inside the
house in Season 7. Bigg Boss gave me instant visibility in a week's time. People have
started recognising me. And so, I will now be seen in two TV shows: one is Tere
Chehre Se Nazar Nahi Hatati on and Anjaani Raahon Mein," shares Vivek.
CAN'T DO NAKED YOGA ONSCREEN
"I am the first yoga guru who conducts naked yoga classes in India and probably
this is what excited the channel and they wanted me to go inside the Bigg Boss
house and do that particular act on camera, not realising that BB is a prime time show.
Naked yoga is practiced inside four walls, by two people and not on screen. My
refusal to perform before the camera was probably the reason why I was evicted midweek, though my contract was for two weeks," says Vivek. But what exactly is naked
yoga all about? "Naked yoga is all about accepting your body the way it is.
The actress plays the protagonist Rajjo, who heads a group of
women fighting for their rights in Hindi heartland. The film,
produced by Anubhav Sinha along with associate producer
Mushtaq Shiekh, has been directed by Soumik Sen. And, not
just Madhuri, even her co-stars Divya Jagdale, Priyanka Bose
and Tannishtha Chatterjee performed high-octane action
without taking help from stuntmen or body doubles. Says
Madhuri, "I had undergone training in Taekwondo, so it became
a little easy for me to do action. But none of us used body
doubles; we performed the stunts on our own."
PARINEETI-ADITYA
GROWING CLOSE
P
arineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapur seem to be hitting it
off with each other, say sources. The two actors, who are
single and eligible to mingle — should they choose to, after
their initial round of friendship — have been cast together in a
Habib Faisal film. They reportedly enjoy spending time with
each other on the set and off it. Their friendship is still in the
nascent stage. Not to forget, it has often been hinted that
Aditya also has a special equation with his 'Aashiqui 2' costar, Shraddha Kapoor.
Incidentally, when Parineeti dropped by at the Bombay
Times office for the promotion of 'Hasee Toh Phasee',
she did casually bring up Aditya's name as one of the
brightest young talents in Bollywood.
Other young actors who were recently caught in these
awkward three-way friendships are: Deepika Padukone,
Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma; Deepika Padukone,
Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. Of course, with time,
t h e i r c h o i c e s b e c a m e a l l t o o c l e a r. P a r i n e e t i s a i d ,
"Anupam (Kher) sir, Aditya and I were like a unit of three.
Always together. Eating, prepping, doing everything. It
is one of the closest friendships I have and I will keep
for life :)"
SHAHID AFRIDI'S NERVES OF STEEL ENABLED PAKISTAN TO
SNATCH THE ALL-IMPORTANT ASIA CUP MATCH FROM INDIA
AFGHANISTAN PULL OFF
LANDMARK UPSET
‘
AFGHANISTAN 254 FOR 6 (STANIKZAI 90*,
SHENWARI 81) BEAT BANGLADESH 222 (MOMINUL
50, NABI 3-44, HASSAN 2-26) BY 32 RUNS
SHAHID AFRIDI IS JOINED BY TEAM-MATES AFTER WINNING THE MATCH, INDIA V PAKISTAN, ASIA CUP, MIRPUR
MOHAMMAD HAFEEZ PUT TOGETHER A PERIOD OF RISK-FREE
ACCUMULATION FOR PAKISTAN
CONTD. FROM PAGE 1
With Pakistan requiring 10 runs from 5 balls, celebrations were already
underway on the Indian side that was confident they had won the match. But
with two sixers back to back, Afridiwho was his belligerent self,changed the
complexion of the game.
Praised the role of Pakistan ODI captain Mohammed Hafeez, Yudhvir pronounced that heled the team from the front and provided a solid stand to his
team when it required the most. Going one step further and paying tribute to
the wizardry of former Pakistani captain and all-rounder WasimAkram, Yudhvir
said it always has been a treat to watch Wasim as a bowler,MoeenKhan now the coach of Pakistani team - asthe wicket keeper and ShahidAfridiin the
field who has been the victim of very harsh criticism due to his recent
performances. But he said the Pakistani cricket management always
believed in his talent and what he did on Sunday, no one else could have
done it. Many callers moaned the absence of Yuvraj, Harbhajan and
Sehwag, but Yudhvir very graciously admired Afridi saying he is the go to
man for Pakistan in crisis and can deliver for his side on any given day.
Meanwhile, according to an earlier Asia Cup prediction about the winner
of Asia Cup, Yudhvir said that they were and are still betting on Sri Lanka
that has 80% chances of going home with the trophy,Pakistan 60%
andIndia 50%. However, with the recent win, Pakistan's chances of success have risen to 70% and India only a dismal 5%. India can only bounce
back if Pakistan loses against Bangladesh and India castles
Afghanistanthat has just received theODI status. Otherwise,Kohli will be
guiding his side home.
Under the same cricket fervor, some callers criticized the young India
captain ViratKohli saying may be he miscalculated the situation and did
not bring Mohammed Shami in the last over who could have been a better
choice. Yudhvir defended the captain's decisions who kept on shuffling
bowlersbut the bowlers did not show any clear thinking. He said Ashwin
gotSaeedAjmal out in the beginning of the over and had he ousted Afridi, Kohli
would have been admired for his captaincy but unfortunately it was not his
day. It was Afridi's day, who sailed the team through with his calm demeanor,
confidence and stayed focused without getting tense though the hot tempered
Pathan is criticized forthrowing his wicket away carelesslyon a bad day. He
added there is no doubtPakistani bowlers are fantastic and bowling always
has been their strength with Imran Khan, who was an icon, WasimAkram,
WaqarYounis and then even ShoaibAkhtar. He also pointed out that Indian
team lacks enthusiasm that was seen in the times of former India captain
SouravGanguly, for whom he has a lot of respect. Today besides Kohli all the
other players stand in the field expressionlessand this kind of a slipshod
attitude can cause consequences.
The callers also pointed out that theIndian side lacks a good opening pair like
Ganguly and Tendulkerwho contributed spritely for their team andworld-class
death bowlingthat could have changed the game in India's favour. He mentioned the ongoing match being played between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan
and admired the guileful spells of their bowlers such as LasithMalinga who
are game changers. One caller opined that India lost because of bad wicketing
by Kartik but in any case India was short of 15 to 20 runs. Yudhvir said that
though Indian side has young and talented players like Rahane and Rayudu
but they do not show the requisite skills.Many missed the presence of Yuvraj's
wanton aggression in batting and Harbhajan's fabulous spin who always
mustered games for India under Ganguly's motivationalleadership. Yudhvir
said the captain and the coaches cannot teach good players how to play
cricket but certainly give them tips to stay on top of their game.
Giving a little history of popularity in cricket in India, Yudvir mentioned that
cricket became popular in the country during 1984 when Doordarshan started
showing live matches. Everyone started idolizing Sunil Gavaskar and then
Sachin Tendulkar due to the heroic innings they played during their careers.
Also, India does not have bowling wickets. Wickets in India aid batsmen
more thus they lack good bowlers.On an optimistic note, a caller said that
another important match between the arch rivals will take place on March 21
during the T20 World Cup series and they are keeping their fingers crossed
that India wins.
Yudhvir supported the emotion but added that ODIs have become very fast
games and good teams such as that of South Africa and Australia even make
350 to 345 in a day at quick pace even during Test matches. One caller was
of the opinion that there should be more India-Pakistan matches for the thrill
they bring to the game as was seen in the recent match. Yudhvirpointed out
that last year around Christmas time two T20s and a Test was played between India and Pakistan that Pakistan wonbut he does not see a lot of
matches between the two as India is now more inclined towards England and Australia due to the troika established between them but
suppor tedmore matches between the two traditional rivals. In fact
Yudhvir has been stressing upon the need of including Pakistani players in IPL as they bring enormous joy to the game.
There was also some discussion on Indian skipper M.S. Dhoni's
fatewho is being tried in cour t. Talking of Dhoni,Yudhvir said that he
has been extremely rigid on his decisions, never showing any appetite to change players according to the game, never motivated his
teammates or liaised with them in the ground though he always kept
his cool. But players require a captain's confidence in their game to
not only give their best but grow as professional cricketers. One
called also mentioned about match fixing in this game as India lost, a
possibility completelyruled out byYudhvir who said that one should
not cook conspiracy theories unless otherwise proven. Once again he
admired ShahidAfridi saying even if the match was fixed, he could not
hit two sixers in succession. Theumpiringduring this game also came
under scanner and the need for high profile empires in international
matches was stressed upon.
SHAHID AFRIDI IS MOBBED BY HIS TEAM-MATES, INDIA V
PAKISTAN, ASIA CUP, MIRPUR
The indomitable spirit that has characterised Afghanistan's sharp
rise in world cricket shone brightly in Fatullah. Playing in the
Asia Cup for the first time, Afghanistan not only defeated Bangladesh,
the Test-playing hosts, they almost managed to sneak out a bonus
point too. Bangladesh, who took 28 matches to register their firstwin against a major side, were left embarrassed by a younger
cricketing nation playing only its fourth match against a major team.
The foundation of the historic win was laid by a stunning 164-run
stand for the sixth wicket between Asghar Stanikzai and Samiullah
Shenwari that lifted Afghanistan from 90 for 5 in the 27th over to a
competitive 254. The Afghanistan bowlers then ensured they maintained the intensity and produced an all-round bowling performance to
shock the hosts.
Stanikzai and Shenwari had come together at a stage when Bangladesh
spinners were busy closing all escape doors, but they went through a
careful rebuilding phase till the 40th over, before exploding in the last 10
to amass 107 runs - easily their best performance in the final overs.
The stand was broken on the penultimate delivery of the innings when
Shenwari was run-out for 81, but Stanikzai stayed unbeaten on 90 off
103 balls. Bangladesh, who had a firm grip on the proceedings for 80%
of the innings, fell apart in the last 20%.
Rubel Hossain was smashed for 40 in his last four overs, Abdur Razzak
and Arafat Sunny were whipped for 25 and 19 in their last two and Ziaur
Rahman was taken for 16 as Stanikzai and Shenwari hit 12 fours and
four sixes in the last 10 overs, beating the 88 they scored against
Scotland in 2009.
Bangladesh's hopes of a quick turnaround through their batting were
dashed almost as soon as the chase started. Stanikzai and Shenwari's
energy had spilled over to the their bowling too. Shapoor Zadran generated enough pace in his first over to rattle the openers. He capped it off
with a wicket off the fifth ball that cut Shamsur Rahman into half and
sent his offstump cartwheeling. Bowling from the other end, Hamid
Hassan surprised Anamul Haque with his pace and trapped the opener
lbw. The storm that had hit Bangladesh in the first innings was showing
no sign of abatement. The hosts were down to 1 for 2, and the control
they had on the game after opting to bowl, was all but lost. It was clear
at the toss that Bangladesh, who were without three first-choice players, were going to put Afghanistan through a trial by spin as Mushfiqur
responded to the slowness in the Fatullah pitch by including an additional
spinner. Arafat Sunny, the left-arm orthodox bowler, was brought in to replace
the injured Mashrafe and was the second spinner to bowl inside the first 10
overs. Sunny removed the two batsmen who had been busy putting up a
resistance since the fall of Mohammad Shahzad in the third over. Karim
Sadiq lobbed a leading edge back to Sunny in his second over. In his next
over, Sunny dismissed Najibullah Zadran with one that slipped under the
massive gap between the batsman's bat and pad. Afghanistan
slipped to 43 for 3 in the 14th over.
SA'S CLASS OF 2014 HITS THE RIGHT NOTE
Sri Lanka sits at the top of
points table in Asia Cup
The South Africa players lift the World Cup trophy, Pakistan v South Africa, Final, Under-19 World Cup, Dubai.
On the eve of the Under-19 World Cup final, Ray Jennings was an
unhappy man. The South Africa coach had stormed off a training session because he felt his players had gotten complacent. Jennings
was clear that he didn't come all the way to the UAE to settle for
second place and that message had to be drilled into all his players.
Jennings, always a hard taskmaster with every high-profile side he
has managed, decided to get tough, with a "firm talk."
"Yesterday I really lashed into the side because I needed them to
refocus," Jennings said. "I think there was a satisfaction factor because none of the players had made a semi or a final. I just sensed
they were going through the motions. I called the side and told them
about the satisfaction level and I turned away and said we have to
practice and move on. The players got the fright of their lives."
On Saturday evening, Jennings was a relaxed man. Sitting outside the
dressing room, he had deliberately detached himself from the celebrations. The country had just broken the hoodoo of not winning a
world tournament since 1998 at the senior and junior level. For
Jennings, who had seen his side lose the 2008 final to India, a monkey was off his back.
Given that South Africa hadn't dropped a single game all tournament
coming into the final, Jennings knew that if his players took their eyes
off the ball in the final, it could still prove fatal. South African teams
have had to live with the dubious tag of 'chokers' ever since they were
readmitted into international cricket and a defensive Jennings felt that
his country didn't deserve to be rubberstamped with that tag.
"I've always found it very strange as the national coach that the market or the media has said the South African sides have choked. That to
me is really pathetic," Jennings said bluntly. "Maybe Pakistan choked
today or India choked in the tournament. The media needs to use the
word in context of the situation. Now the monkey is off the back, we
can go on and move on to next phase. Knowing SA and our players I
believe our character in the national setup is not a choking character
and we are fighters and we fight till the end. The choking tag has
never sat well with me and the media just tries to latch on to our
team."
The homework that the South Africans put in extended well beyond
the nets. After Jennings cracked the whip, the players watched video
clippings for hours at the hotel, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the Pakistan players. Their in-depth analysis came to fruition as the bowlers sent Pakistan crashing to 131. Chasing a paltry
target in conditions favouring the bowlers too required systematic
planning. Jennings put out a white board near the pavilion where he
had written out targets for every five overs and compared it to what
was achieved. He knew that all it took was to match Pakistan's top
two par tnerships to get close to the score.
The fulcrum of South Africa's campaign, culminating in a mature knock
in the final, was the captain Aiden Markram. The 2012 final witnessed
captain's innings from Unmukt Chand and Will Bosisto and Markram
continued that tradition. He ended the tournament as the third highest
run-getter and the highest for South Africa. Markram's celebration
was the polar opposite of Virat Kohli's over-the-top war cry in 2008.
After the post-match presentation, Markram took a call on his mobile
phone and sat in solitude on the outfield till he finished. He needed his
alone time and wasn't dragged away.
Markram said the moment had yet to sink in. His par tnership with
Greg Oldfield, after they were 28 for 2, was the decisive one. He said
he wasn't just batting against 11 Pakistanis, but plenty more in the
par tisan crowd. As Markram's career progresses, he will have to get
used to playing in front of plenty more. Though the stands were far
from full, this was an experience in itself for him.
"Till the last runs are scored, there is a potential problem around the
corner," Markram said. "When you are 28 for 2, there are lots of
thoughts that go through your head. The par tnership with Greg Oldfield
was a crucial one. His role today has been very under the radar and
hasn't been praised, but I thought he batted really well and I am happy
we built that par tnership."
Malinga is our "go to man" under pressure: Mathews
FATULLAH: Sri Lankan captain
Angelo Mathews today heaped
praise on Lasith Malinga, who
played a crucial role in his side's
12-run win over Pakistan in the
Asia Cup opener, and said the
right-arm fast bowler has been his
"go to man" under pressure
situations. Malinga took a brilliant
five-wicket haul under pressure
after opener Lahiru Thirimanne hit
his second ODI century to help
Sri Lanka script a thrilling win over
Pakistan in their opening match at
the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali
Stadium. "Malinga is the best
bowler for us and has been in the
past few years. Whenever we are
under pressure he is our go to man
and he did it again," Mathews said
at the post-match presentation
ceremony. Asked whether
Malinga was underbowled today,
Mathews replied: "Well, maybe I'll
try to bowl him more."
Malinga produced a sensational
spell of death bowling, picking up
key wickets at crucial junctures,
to ensure the win for his side with
seven balls to spare.
Chasing an imposing 297 for
victory, Pakistan were on course
best today, he said did enough to
secure the win for Sri Lanka.
"At the moment, I not bowling at
good rhythm but I am really happy
to take the five wickets. In the last
two games and the first half of
today's game, I didn't bowl too
well," he said.
for a remarkable victory before
Malinga came up with a fiery spell
to bowl out the 'Men in Green' for
284 in 48.5 overs. Malinga first sent
back dangerman Shahid Afridi (4)
and well-settled skipper Misbahul-Haq (73) in a span of three
deliveries in his eighth over before
returning back to dismiss Saeed
Ajmal (10) and Bilawal Bhatti (18)
in his final over to finish with
figures of 5 for 52. Mathews felt
Sri Lanka were little short of their
target considering the start they
got today. "I still think we were 20
runs short considering the start
(Lahiru) Thirimanne and (Kumar)
Sangakkara gave us," he said.
"But in the past we've won these
close games and it was good to
come out on top again."
Even though Malinga, who was
adjudged man-of-the-match,
conceded that he was not at his
ANGELO MATHEWS SLAMS THE BALL OVER THE TOP,
AFGHANISTAN V SRI LANKA, ASIA CUP, MIRPUR
Sri Lanka has reached at the top of tables point in Asia Cup
after winning the all-impor tant match against India today. In
an awe-inspiring match that kept people on their toes, Sri
Lanka beat India that seemed trapped in front of the wickets
due to the superb bowling of Sri Lankan bowlers and a ton by
Kumar Sangakara. Though the spinning duo RavindraJadeja
and R. Ashwin kept India's hopes high for a win but the whole
team collapsed without impressing cricket lovers who were
considering India as a favourite side in today's match.
Sangakarakept his calm, pulled up his socks up and helped
the team clinch victory by two wickets.
Yudhvir once again stressed that the Indian side does not
have many match winners and termed Indian fielding 'pathetic'. Though the score of 264 was very defendable but the
Indian side faltered making too many blunders. The community was fuming on India's defeat saying they do not have any
reliable batsmen in middle order and the task of saving
matches has become even more daunting in the absence of
Dhoni and Yuvraj.
Comparing the two titans of the tournament - India and Pakistan Yudhvir said Pakistan has some of the best bowlers such
as SaeedAjmal best but their batting lineup lacks consistency,
while India has the best of batsmen but lack world class
bowlers. Though India has a talented bunch of boys but it is
essential for the captain to comprehend when and where to
place them in the team but sadly the captain has been involved in other errands. For a team like India, he alleged that
a captain's role is vital as the coach seems to have no say
either in managing the players or in their selection.
Ramancalled the match disappointing and was of the view
that India is the most unpredictable teambut can click at any
time, faltering at 70 runs on a given day but making a challenging total on other occasion. Giving details of the Asia Cup
matches, Yudhvir said that tomorrow Bangladesh takes on
Afghanistan; and India will face Pakistan on Sunday. The
Midweekfacebook page will continue its live updates and live
discussions during all these matches.
24
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
WORLDWIDE RELEASE ON MARCH 7TH

Part_1 - South Asian Daily

Transcription

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