Part_1 - South Asian Daily

Transcription

ANNU GAIDHU CROWNED
MISS INDIA-CANADA 2014
AKHILESH MISHRA, CONSUL GENERAL OF INDIA DELIVERING SPEECH DURING THE INDEPENDENCE DAY
CELEBRATIONS IN TORONTO.
I MORE PICS ON PAGE 4
CIBC POLL: HALF OF CANADIAN STUDENTS NEED
TO BORROW MONEY TO PAY FOR SCHOOL
Toronto - A new CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) poll conducted by Leger finds
that half of Canadian college and university students (51 per cent) must
borrow to pay for their education. Most students are optimistic that they will
repay their debt within five years, yet the majority of them said they expect to
graduate with debt loads of more than $10,000. Further, four in 10 expect to
owe over $25,000 by the time they graduate.
Key findings of the poll include:
" 51 per cent of Canadian post-secondary students have or will need to
borrow money to pay for their education, including tuition, books and living
expenses
" By the time they complete their education, 73 per cent of students expect to
owe more than $10,000
" 40 per cent expect to have more than $25,000 in student debt
" Two-thirds (66 per cent) expect to pay back their debt in five years or less
"It's not surprising that many students need to borrow money to cover the
cost of post-secondary education, particularly those living away from home
or studying a specialized program," says Christina Kramer, Executive Vice
President, Retail and Business Banking, CIBC. "It's important for them to take
the time to review their finances and build a manageable debt repayment
plan so that they won't feel so financially stressed in school and can better
manage debt once they've graduated."
Have a realistic plan to reduce and repay debt
Most students (66 per cent) believe they can pay back their debt in five years
or less, with nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of them being far more optimistic
-- expecting it will take only two years or less to pay off their student loans.
Just 34 per cent said they believe it will take them more than six years to wipe
the slate clean.
"While their intentions are admirable, they may not be realistic," says Ms.
Kramer. "As students graduate and look to start their careers, they will likely
be moving out on their own, saving for a car or a down payment on a home,
or even starting a family. That's why it's important for students to manage the
amount of debt they take on, develop a budget that helps them carefully
manage their spending while in school, and have a plan to pay off debt once
they graduate."
A CIBC poll, released earlier this month, found that the majority of students
(73 per cent) with summer jobs won't make enough money to pay for their
college or university costs and will need to work during the school year to
support their school expenses. Most of them (53 per cent) working this
summer expect to earn between $1,001 and $5,000, with about one quarter
(26 per cent) expecting to earn between $5,001 and $10,000.
ISABELLA KAIF, SISTER OF FAMOUS BOLLYWOOD STAR KATRINA KAIF, HONORING YUDHVIR JASWAL, GROUP EDITOR AND
CEO OF Y MEDIA. COURTESY: REENA DEON
I DETAILS ON PAGE 3
I DETAILS ON PAGE 3
India cancels talks over
invite to separatists,
Pakistan terms it setback
New Delhi, (IANS) Taking a tough stand at Pakistan's engagement with Kashmiri separatist leaders, India Monday called off
the Aug 25 foreign secretary-level talks, terming unacceptable
"the continued effor ts to inter fere" in its internal affairs. Pakistan described the decision as a "setback" to its effor ts to promote good neighbourly relations.
External Affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin conveyed
the Indian government's decision following Pakistan High
Commissioner Abdul Basit's meeting with separatist Kashmiri
leader Shabir Shah in the capital Monday for consultations
before the foreign secretary-level talks.
"Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh's visit to Islamabad for talks
on Aug 25 stands cancelled," he said, adding that the talks
have been called off as "no useful purpose will be served"
by her visit.
In its reaction, the Pakistan Foreign Office said it has been
informed of India's decision to call off the talks "taking exception" to its high commissioner in New Delhi holding meetings with Kashmiri leaders but noted that it is a "long standing practice" ahead of bilateral talks to hold meetings with
Kashmiri leaders in order to "facilitate meaningful discussions on the issue of Kashmir".
Other Kashmiri separatist leaders asser ted they would go
on to meet the Pakistani envoy Tuesday and criticised the
Indian government for calling off the talks over the invitation
to them.
Announcing the decision in a strong statement, Akbaruddin
said that the invitation to "so-called leaders of the Hurriyat
does indeed raise questions about Pakistan's sincerity, and
shows that its negative approaches and attempts to interfere in India's internal affairs continue unabated".
Pakistan should resolve outstanding issues through peaceful bilateral dialogue within the framework and principles of
the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration, he added.
Akbaruddin noted that that the Islambad's "negative apporach"
had come at a time when serious initiatives were being undertaken by the Narendra Modi government to move bilateral ties
forward, including towards the resumption of a regular dialogue
process.
I CONTD. FROM PAGE 5
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
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2014
RUNNING SUCCESSFULLY
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MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
PAGE 3
ANNU GAIDHU CROWNED
MISS INDIA-CANADA 2014
DESK REPORT
Toronto - It was a night of enter tainment, prestige and glamour all
rolled up into one; the 24thannual Miss India-Canada Event, which
was presented by Chevrolet had it all this past Saturday! The sold out
show was truly a memorable experience that those present will remember for years to come.
Zee TV Canada was the associate sponsor this year; and Sears the
Grand Sponsor. At the end of the evening, Annu Gaidhu of Mississauga,
Ontario won the esteemed title of Miss India-Canada 2014. Other
sponsors included Om Financial, Lakeshore Convention Centre, Aurora Collectibles, Quality Street and Bigen Speedy Hair Colour, to
name a few. This year's show will be telecasted next month on Zee TV
Canada, the exclusive broadcast par tner.
With a red carpet entrance, dazzling cocktail hour, and stunning stage
set provided by Hidden Treasures For All Occasions, patrons were
'Wowed' right from the very beginning. The 16 delegates began the
evening with a high-energy dance sequence accompanied by a solo
trumpet player that captivated the audience and kept them in their
seats for the remainder of the evening.
Notable attendees were Senator Dr Asha Seth; Patrick Brown, MP;
well-known VJ from India and past Miss India-Canada title holder,
Ruby Bhatia and various dignitaries from Ontario's judicial system.
Soon after, the opening host, Aashish Rajhans, introduced the emcees for the evening-Karen Johnson, on air television personality, and
Francis D'Souza, Senior Manager and Editorial & Ancohor/Repor ter
3
ANNU GAIDHU
CROWNED MISS
INDIA-CANADA 2014
for City News. They commenced the evening by introducing the distinguished Panel of Judges: Monisha Aurora - HBA/octm.Ed Candidate (UWO); Suby Bhardwaj, Barrister & Solicitor Dr Alkarim Damji,
Physician; Parveen Dhanoa, Associate Styling Manager - Sears
Canada Inc.; Hossein Hassani, Director of Marketing - General Motors of
Canada; Rajesh Jain, Managing Partner, CWD; Huse Madhavji, Actor/Writer
- Saving Hope; Sharon Mejia, Special Projects Manager - Ethnic Channels
Group; Shusmita Sharma, Candidate for Council, Ward 7-Markham.
The judges were then put to the test as each delegate completed the first three
segments: Evening Gown, Talent, and Indian Dress. Next, the emcees announced that Suruchi Srivastava of Toronto, ON won the Chevrolet Spark
Award for Best Performance, Angel Bhathal of Winnipeg, MB won Miss
Photogenic, Natasha Balakrishnan from Brampton, ON won Miss Congeniality Award, Annu Gaidhu won Sears Miss Pure NRG, and Shravya Gunda of
North York, ON won the People's Choice Award.
Organizers, Sanjay Agnihotri and Gautam Sharma were then called upon to
say a few words and present Hollywood rising star, Isabelle Kaif with the
Special Achievement Award for her contribution to independent cinema.
The top 5 finalists were then announced in random order: Jasreen
Cheema of Brampton, ON; Natasha Balakrishnan; Rohini Singh of
Calgary, AB; Annu Gaidhu; Suruchi Srivastava. The final segment of
Question & Answer involved asking each contestant a different question by the panel of judges.
I CONTD. ON PAGE 6
4
MidWeek
special report
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
breaking news
Niagara Cricket & Bollywood Festival was an overwhelming success
Smart Choice from USA won the
coveted $30,000 prize money
Tourism Culture & Spor t that is Canada's only stop on Cricket Council
USA's (CCUSA) circuit of tournaments throughout Nor th America.
Professional teams from the US and India in addition to Canada had
par ticipated in this international T-20 tournament that kick star ted
from August 14 and culminated on August 17. While the qualifying
tournament showcased some of Canada's best domestic talent, the
main draw showcased internationally-seasoned players who played
in front of an overwhelming crowd who cheered some of their favorite
players seating it out for the cup.
The tournament was co-hosted at two venues - the Niagara Cricket
Center, Canada's largest private cricket facility, and John N. Allan
Park in Niagara Falls. Grounds admission for all events throughout
the weekend was free with VIP seating available for purchase.
The event was the brainchild of Tan Qureshi, member of the Niagara
DESK REPORT
Niagara - The Niagara Cricket and Bollywood Festival concluded
turned out to be a huge success with Smar t Choice team of USA
winning the most coveted $30,000 prize money. The event was attended by thousands of cricket enthusiasts who not only enjoyed a
fabulous game of cricket but the awesome Bollywood styled show.
Whereas the Broken Dance group had people tapping their feet, Jes
Reign, the event MC had audiences in splits. Teji Sandhu also entertained the crowd with his melodious voice. The event also featured
Happy Armaan, Rehamt and The Avengers with people savoring a
large variety of Southeast Asian and Mediterranean food.
Teams from all over the world had converged upon Niagara to promote cricket in Canada. The event was suppor ted by The Ministry of
MidWeek
5
Cricket Club who informed that though Canada was once a cricketing
nation and its roots can be traced back to 1890 while the British were
still residing in the country and it remained Canada's national game
but fizzling out soonest. In 2008 after the Ridley College's cricket
program in the country collapsed, the club continued playing its home
games for the two years in Hamilton and kept the dreams of many for
the game alive.
The Niagara Cricket Club has several plans for the coming seasons
as the group sees a huge rise in the interest of people in the game as
a large number of people are migrating from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
and Bangladesh to Canada. Though the club does not have a kids
program but intends to kickstart it by next year as it is becoming such
a rage among South Asian and African youngsters settling in the country. Currently it runs Premier and First Division teams against squads
from the Niagara Cricket Academy in Niagara Falls, Hamilton, Hamilton
Crescent, Oakville, Mississauga, Halton, Stoney Creek and Burlington.
India Cancels talks over invite to
separatists, Pakistan terms it setback
CONTD. FROM PAGE 1
"Indian Foreign Secretary conveyed to the Pakistan High Commissioner today, in clear and unambiguous terms, that Pakistan's
continued effor ts to interfere in India's internal affairs were unacceptable. It was underlined that the High Commissioner's
meetings with these so called leaders of the Hurriyat undermines the constructive diplomatic engagement initiated by Prime
Minister Modi in May on his very first day in office," he said.
Akbaruddin later told CNN-IBN news channel that Sujatha Singh
called Abdul Basit before his meeting with Shah and explained to
him that "this par t of interference in India's internal affairs was
totally unacceptable".a
"Yet the Pakistan high commissioner proceeded and had meeting. Therefore, it led us with no choice but to decide not have
engagement when the atmosphere was vitiated," he said.
The move to cancel the talks also came amid concern in the
government over ceasefire violations by Pakistan over the past
few days. Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, who was in Amritsar,
justified the cancellation and termed the ceasefire violations as
"deliberate".
"With these kind of provocations like the ceasefire violations
and, more seriously, invitation to separatists to meet the high
commissioner, it's for Pakistan to decide what kind of relationship it wants with India," he said.
The cancellation of talks marked another dramatic turn in the
tumultuous relationship between the two countries which had
begun to look up following Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif
attending Modi's swearing in here in May.
The Congress said the Modi government needs to explain why it
decided to have talks with Pakistan in the first place.
Par ty leader Anand Sharma said that Pakistan had not responded
adequately to the issues raised by the United Progressive Alliance government and that was why the composite dialogue process between the two countries was not restored.
"Why India went to the negotiating table. They (the Modi government) have been sending confused signals," he said.
6
MidWeek
community
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
ICCC-BUSINESS RECEPTION FOR
VISITING FKCCI DELEGATION FROM INDIA
Toronto - Community leaders organised South Asian Cultural
Family Picnic to celebrate Independence Days of India &
Pakistan at Lake Avenue School Ground (Riverdale &
Delawana Drive) in Hamilton. Families savored delicious
BBQ and other dishes specially prepared for the event that
culminated on cultural activities.
Melbourne best place to
live in the world; Three
Canadian cities in top 10
Three Canadian cities are ranked in the top 10 of The Economist's
annual ranking of the world's "most livable" cities.
The magazine says its ranking "assesses which locations
around the world provide the best or the worst living conditions" based on five categories: stability, health care, culture
and environment, education, and infrastructure.
Melbourne, Australia, was deemed the most livable city, followed by Vienna. Vancouver and Toronto are a close third and
four th, respectively, while Calgary is tied for fifth with Adelaide.
Seven of the top 10 cities on the list are in Australia or Canada
The top 10 cities are as follows:
"
Melbourne, Australia
"
Vienna, Austria
"
Vancouver
"
Toronto
"
Calgary (tied)
"
Adelaide, Australia (tied)
"
Sydney, Australia
"
Helsinki, Finland
"
Per th, Australia
"
Auckland, New Zealand
ICCC BOARD WITH MINISTER.
More Canadians traveling to US
I
ndo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) organized a business
reception for the visiting delegation from Federation of Karnataka
Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FKCCI), India on 11th August,
2014 at the Cour tyard by Marriott Hotel in Brampton.
S. Sampathraman, President, FKCCI led the Indian delegation comprising 28 representatives from the different industrial sectors including agro processing, diesel generator manufacturer, industrial
raw material and others.
In his welcome remarks, Dharma P Jain, President, ICCC, emphasized the significance of the bilateral visits of business delegations
and the role ICCC has played in promoting bilateral trade and investment between Canada and India in diverse sectors. Mr. Jain, welcome the Indian government’s decision of increasing the FDI cap
from 27% to 49% in defense and Insurance sector and hoped that the
Indian government would also pave the way for FDI in retail sectors
as well in near future.
In his remarks, Mr. Sampathraman said that Karnataka Government
is planning to introduce concessions for the foreign direct investment
for developing industry in the state next year. Canadian companies
can benefit from these concession by star ting joint venture with their
Indian counterpar ts or otherwise.
Hon. Bal Gosal, Federal Minister of State for Spor ts, emphasised that
India is a priority market for Canada and hoped to complete the ongoing negotiations for developing high quality trade, economic growth,
creating more jobs, free market access and to utilize the community
network for fur ther enhancing the trade ties. Both countries are willing to work jointly in sectors such as energy, food security, aviation,
infrastructure and defence.
Mr. Naval Bajaj, Immediate past President ICCC lauded the ICCC initiative in starting the India Missions a couple of years back. ICCC led India
Mission 2013 had a wide range of meetings with the FKCCI and the
Canadian delegates explored the business opportunities in Karnataka.
Mr. K Ravi, Chairman International Businesses, FKCCI appreciated the
Canadian government’s decision to set up a trade office in the city which
will be fully operational next month. It will help to connect the businesses
of the two countries.
Mr. R K Raina, Commercial Consul, Consulate General of India in Toronto,
in his remarks lauded the remarkable work of ICCC in promoting bilateral
trade between Canada and India.
The event was attended by ICCC board members, representatives of City
of Markham, City of Brampton, Brampton Board of Trades, business leaders and ICCC members.
Mr. Tony Chawla, Vice President, Events, ICCC was the master of ceremony and delivered vote of thanks.
ANNU GAIDHU CROWNED MISS INDIA-CANADA 2014
CONTD. FROM PAGE 3
As the anticipation of the winner
grew, the audience was treated
to an electrifying performance by
Canadian born, international R&B
artist, Raghav.
Patrons waited in complete silence as Francis and Karen announced the results from the accounting firm of Kunjar Sharma
and Associates. The Second
Runner-up
was
Suruchi
Srivastava, the First Runner-up
was Natasha Balakrishnanand
this year's MISS INDIA-CANADA
2013 was Annu Gaidhu.
Annu was born and raised in the
beautiful city of Mississauga, as
the youngest daughter of three
siblings. Dreaming big, believing
in oneself and always having a
positive attitude has been a philosophy of hers which has kept
her to remain grounded, confident and focused for this year.
Currently, Annu is in her last year
completing her bachelor's degree
at Ryerson University majoring
in Child and Youth Care. Her ambition in becoming a child and
youth care worker originates from
a genuine desire she has to make
a positive difference in people's
lives.
Annu considers one of her proudest accomplishments is becoming
Toronto's youngest certified yoga
instructor at the age of 23. She has
an infectious passion for teaching
yoga and has trained adults and
children for over five years now.
As a first generation Indo-Canadian,
family and heritage have always
been important to her. It has been a
dream come true to proudly represent her Indian culture and to celebrate diversity woven into the
Canadian mosaic as the new Miss
India Canada 2014.
After the show, Sanjay Agnihotri
remarked: "This certainly was the
most successful Miss IndiaCanada event to date. We were
honoured to have Chevrolet back
on board and Zee TV Canada with
us as our television partner. And of
course, the Chevrolet Spark as
our Grand Prize; the various special guests and dignitaries that
attended, the incredible talent
that the delegates showcased on
stage has made this year's show incredibly special. Moreover, we are
overwhelmed with the support we
received from the community this
year. Since next year we are celebrating 25 years, the team and I are already planning for next year-it is
going to be something special!"
Canadian residents took 2.9 million overnight trips abroad in
June, up 0.9% from May and the highest level since record
keeping began in 1972.
While overnight travel to overseas countries decreased 0.2% in
June, overnight travel by Canadian residents to the United
States rose 1.4% compared with May. This was almost entirely due to a 2.7% increase in overnight car travel. Overnight plane trips from Canada to the United States decreased
0.4% over the same period.
Same-day car travel from Canada to the United States was up
2.2% from May as Canadian residents took 2.6 million trips.
Travel to Canada by US residents rose 0.5% compared with
May to 1.7 million trips. While overall overnight travel decreased 0.5%, overnight car trips by US residents reached
578,000 in June, up 1.6% from the previous month. Sameday car travel also increased 2.6% to 606,000 trips.
Residents of overseas countries made 430,000 trips to
Canada in June (+0.3%), the highest number since record
keeping began in 1972.
In June, 8 of the top 12 overseas markets recorded increases
in travel to Canada compared with May. The largest percentage increase was in travel by residents of India
(+5.5%), followed by a 3.2% increase in travel by residents
of the United Kingdom. Australian residents took 26,000 trips
to Canada (+2.4%), the highest monthly figure ever from
that country.
Source - statscan.gc.ca
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
community
Gagan Soni of Brampton wins a Free 'Air
Ticket' Prize in UAE Exchange Promotion
MidWeek
7
'India-born top Maths
prize winner was
remarkable': Teacher
By Quaid Najmi / Kolhapur (IANS): Mathematics genius Subhas
A. Khot who got the Rolf Nevanlinna Prize, a top Maths award in
the world, has an "extraordinary academic talent and remarkable concentration power", his school teachers recall.
"We are very proud of his achievement which has brought
global name and fame to his alma-mater. On his next visit
home to Ichalkaranji in December, we have planned a public felicitation for him," a pleased Gopal G. Kulkarni, principal Venkatrao High School, Ichalkaranji, told IANS.
Khot was a student at the Marathi medium school in the
secondary section between 1987-1993 - and was the brightest in all spheres of academics, Kulkarni said, adding that
around half a dozen of his erstwhile teachers still teach
here.
Khot's maths and science teacher, Vaman G. Gogate, now
79 and retired, clearly remembers how his favourite student excelled in academics throughout his academic career.
"He had a special love for maths and science, but was the
best in all other subjects. He had extraordinary academic
talent and remarkable concentration power. I always knew
that he would some day achieve top glory and fame," Gogate
told IANS.
The simple, but bright and helpful boy met all expectations
in 1993 when he topped the Kolhapur Division SSC Board
exams with a total score of 94.57 percent, and later topped
the IIT-JEE in Mumbai and did his MSc in Maths before going to Princeton University for his doctorate.
Khot, 36, is now a professor in Computer Science Depar tment at New York University's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences. He bagged the prestigious Nevanlinna
Prize for his "prescient definition of the 'Unique Games' problem, and leading the effor t to understand its complexity and
it pivotal role in the study of efficient approximation of optimization problems".
Besides Khot, another Indian-origin academician Manjul
Bhargava won the Fields Medal - both awarded by the International Mathematical Union at the International Congress
of Mathematicians 2014, in Seoul, South Korea Wednesday.
"He called me up this morning to give the news and I felt
very happy that he remembered us in the midst all the international attention he is getting," Gogate said.
Gogate recalled how Khot would come to his home daily for
studies, along with another group of 20-25 students.
"He would come with the textbooks, read the day's chapters, think, debate and discuss with his classmates, hammer out solutions and answers and go back," said Gogate,
who retired in 1994 from Venkatrao High School.
According to Gogate, Khot never believed in exercising options like solving any five out of 10 questions in the final exams for 100
marks. "He would solve all the 10 questions or 200 marks worth,
in the same allotted time, and with complete accuracy aided by his
excellent handwriting in both Marathi and English," he said with
a smile. In fact, at Gogate's suggestion, the young Khot even
studied all religious works in Hinduism, Islam, Christianity
alongside his regular academics!
UAE Exchange Canada launched a promotion wherein
all participants entered a raffle to win an Air Ticket.
The promotion announced its first winner for the
month of June 2014- Mr. Gagan Soni.
Mayor Susan Fennel was there to give away the Air Ticket prize. Mr
Ajit Paul- President of UAE Exchange Canada was present on the
occasion and congratulated the Winner. " We believe in rewarding
and surprising our consumers!"- smiled Mr. Gurpreet Singh Bedi,
Country Head for UAE Exchange Canada.. Also present were Mr.
Gurpreet Singh Bedi- Country Head, UAE Exchange Canada, Mr. Rajesh
P.V- VP Operations, Mr. Amarpreet Singh- VP Marketing and other
key team players from UAE Exchange Canada.
About the promotion:
Customers of UAE Exchange living in Canada now stand a chance to
win return air tickets to a country of their choice. Promotion is valid
from 1stJuneto 31stAugust, 2014. So for those who wish to take a
chance this promotion is still on.
Three lucky customers of UAE Exchange stand a chance to travel to a
country of their choice, this season. In its effor ts to get closer to its
customers, UAE Exchange, the leading remittance and foreign exchange brand,launched the "Send money &win air tickets" promotion.
Customers,who make a transaction between 1st June and 31st August, 2014, qualify for this promotion. A total of three draws will be
held during and after the contest period and three winners will be
chosen and given return air tickets to a country of their choice.
During the ceremony, Mr. Ajit Paul, President - UAE ExchangeCanada
said, "Our customers are the reason for our existence and success
today, and every initiative of ours is taken to offer maximum value
addition to them. Whether it is through our products and services or
through our promotions, our aim has always been to connect our
customers with their loved ones."
UAE Exchange is well-known for its excellent customer service and
widest network among remittance brands with over700 branches in
32 countries across five continents serving over 6.5million customers. Strong correspondent relationship with over 150 global banks
fur ther adds to the might. With eightbranches in Canada, customers
can walk in to the nearest one to address their multiple financial
requirements viz. money transfers, currency exchange, bill payments,
and more, under one roof.
UAE Exchange Canada also offers online money transfer through www.money2anywhere.com
The launch was conducted in the presence of Senior Officials of UAE
Exchange, special invitees and the Media.
For more information, visit http://uaeexchange.com/canandhttp://
blog.uaeexchange.com
To participate in our exciting contests, join us on Facebook by logging
on to www.facebook.com/uaeexchange.canada
Twitter premieres Michael
Jackson's new video
New York (IANS): If you are a die-hard fan of later singer Michael
Jackson, do not miss a new video that was released on
microblogging site Twitter on Thursday.
His Twitter account released a shor t film titled "A Place With
No Home" as one of the first music videos to premiere on the
social platform.
The video was available for Twitter users exclusively for 12
hours, star ting 7.30am on Thursday.
"Music is the No 1 most-discussed subject on Twitter in the
US and 50 per cent of all of our users follow at least one
musician," Shavone Charles, a Twitter spokesperson was
quoted as saying.
"Music fans from around the globe flock...to discover and
discuss new music in the moment," she added.
The video was also broadcast in the middle of New York
City's Times Square.
"A Place With No Name" is the first music video to launch on
Twitter. Michael Jackson's Twitter account has a staggering 1.5
million followers.
8
MidWeek
opinion
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
Modi's foreign policy: Good beginning
in protecting core national interests
BY SHIV SHANKAR MUKHERJEE
Narendra Modi's visit to Nepal, the first by an Indian prime minister in 17 years, has received kudos from all stakeholders and commentators on both sides of the border and, most importantly for India, from the
public in Nepal.
What is far more important than the agreements signed or aid promised is the
broad vision that was unfolded by the prime minister, of the commitment of
his government to take India-Nepal relations to a higher plane, with respect
for Nepal's sovereignty, and it's equality in partnership regardless of the
asymmetry in size, to never interfere in Nepal's internal affairs, and to promote meaningful cooperation guided by trust and friendship.
While two-and-a-half months into governance is admittedly too short a timeframe to make informed judgments, enough has taken place in the realm of
India's international relations to try and assess what core principles guide the
prime minister. At the very outset, then Prime Minister-designate Modi invited the SAARC heads of government to his swearing in ceremony. A
masterstroke this; in one fell swoop he highlighted the overriding importance
India gave to its neighbours, underlined his commitment to SAARC as a
vehicle for regional cooperation
(deliberately overlooking its woefully inadequate record so far) and brought
the Pakistan prime minister here, not as a visiting superstar as was the
policy of Manmohan Singh's UPA, but firmly in a regional template.
Almost unnoticed but very significant were the invitations issued to the prime
minister in-exile of Tibet and to Mauritius. Certainly China would have noted
the first, as it was obviously meant to, and the second was a sound decision
to extend a fraternal hand to a small country that is of great strategic importance to us in more ways than one.
The prime minister's first foreign trip to Bhutan is equally useful in understanding his priorities. He quite correctly ignored the vociferous chants of the
self-appointed foreign policy wonks who wanted him to fall in with strong
Japanese signals to make that country his first port of call. The message was
MidWeek
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Cricket
CANADIAN PROFESSIONAL
CRICKET (CPC)
6th Annual
CPC Inter-City Cricket Cup Starting June 2013
6 Months of Non-stop cricket action
Events
7th Annual
Midweek Southasian Awards 2013
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clear: we see Japan as a key partner, especially in being a part of an IndiaJapan-US grouping to serve our security interests in the face of the aggressive policies of China to seek a virtually veto-owning dominance in Asia. But
Bhutan remains an all-weather friend that has demonstrated its readiness to
go the extra mile to protect India's security at considerable risk to itself, and
the visit was India's tribute.
Continuing with the aim of watching "what they do, not what they say" the
signals to China are revealing and encouraging. China is and will remain for
the foreseeable future India's most important and difficult foreign policy challenge. Even the threat posed by a terrorist nation-state like Pakistan would be
reduced by multiples were it not for the oxygen it gets from China, diplomatically, politically and militarily, down to creating and nurturing it's nuclear
weapons programme.
China's purposeful moves to increase its own and reduce India's space in
neighbouring countries of crucial importance to India's interests is a clear
indicator, along with its unswerving and lethal backing of Pakistan, that China
is determined to keep India's options squeezed and limited. It's a difficult
tight-rope walk for India and while we engage diplomatically and commercially, (China is now our largest trading partner in goods), we must find and
keep ready whatever leverages we can identify to deter a powerful neighbour
from active hostility and military adventurism.
The firmness displayed in insisting and getting the US to agree to a meaningful bilateral visit rather than the photo-op of a meeting on the sidelines of the
UN General Assembly meet has had it's impact on its president - witness
preparatory visits of its secretary of state, commerce secretary and the
defence secretary with the signalling of bipartisan support thrown in earlier
by the visit of Senator John McCain.
Modi has shown that he is not interested in sulking over the silly American
decision on denying his visa or letting irritants like the Khobragade episode
and the spying brouhaha stand in the way of bringing relations back to strategic partnership levels, to which the Americans seem to have responded in
good measure.
In the WTO, India was right in insisting that subsidies are important for the
Indian farmer and the poor, just as it is for the American or European farmer
who are by far the most heavily subsidised in the world. On criticism about
India's stand on the Gaza crisis, the statement by Sushma Swaraj that New
Delhi does not wish to join the blame-game in this huge political and humanitarian crisis as we have friendly relations with both sides was the simple
truth,and the vote in the UN Human Rights Commission offered the needed
balance,and was not the u-turn alleged by tunnel-visioned critics.
Modi has done well in pursuing our national interests through our
foreign policy, which is the only criterion for basing judgment.
He must now ensure that implementation of policies and promises made take top priority, and make clear that laziness and
procrastination in government and public sector circles will not
be tolerated, so that we can undo the image we have created
among our friends in Africa and Asia that "India promises, but
China delivers".
(Shiv Shankar Mukherjee is a for mer Indian ambassador. The
views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at
ssm1849@yahoo.co.in)
Ipsos Reid news
INDIAN PLAYERS SHOULD HAVE
20-20 VISION OF TEST CRICKET
By Veturi Srivatsa
Ask any player anywhere in the world and he will say Test cricket is the
ultimate. But today - though he may not openly admit it - he knows in his heart
that his Twenty20 performance is far more important.
It may sound nonsensical yet the aspiring cricketer has started believing that
the easiest way to get into the limelight is through the shortest format of the
game.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni and most of his teammates may not accept that
Twenty20 cricket has started hurting their Test status. People will still hail
Dhoni as the captain who won the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup, the 2011
World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy besides manipulating India to the
No.1 position in Test cricket.
India's Test players look like the youngsters who got hooked on junk food, not
knowing the real taste of the spread of a festival feast. They have mostly been
brought up on Twenty20 stuff and they are struggling to come to grips with the
delicacies of Test cricket.
Any diplomatic explanation for India's abysmal performance will not serve
the purpose. We have to accept that this is their strength now and it is not good
enough to consistently perform at least overseas. See the disparity between
tough sides and the weak.
England lost their first Test against India on their last tour here and bounced
back to take the series 2-1 whereas India took a 1-0 lead and then disintegrated to allow England to come back with a vengeance to make it a nocontest winning 3-1.
There is a message for India in the steamrolling, play your Test cricket
mostly on your cart-tracks back home and be happy mauling the opposition.
There was a time when Sri Lanka used to be their favourite whipping boys,
arranging tours at short notice, and now they found the West Indies.
The Caribbean team was here last October to celebrate Sachin Tendulkar's
retirement and they will be here again in two months, this time to soothe
Indian feelings and to help them forget their England nightmare and tell the
world that they have recovered well enough to take on Australia.
How the Indian players wish they could change their game as quickly as
some of us, the media, could in hindsight with 20-20 vision. How easy it is to
roll out adjectives, epithets and pour scorn at a team that shows little stomach for a fight. Victory is always historic and great and defeat is shameful.
Even if one has to show some sympathy, how can the Indian think-tank
explain Sri Lanka beating England on the strength of their spin just before India
got there. India took two spinners whose batting credentials may have weighed
in their favour and yet they didn't play their best spinner.
Also how could you drop Shikhar Dhawan at Old Trafford just when he was
finding his feet though scoring 31 out of an opening stand of 40 and 37 at
Southampton unless for sentimental reasons to play a senior colleague
Gautam Gambhir for having brought him on the tour? How can a team that
depends on its bowlers to get runs and also bowl the opposition out twice
prosper?
Every time India visit England, Australia and South Africa hopes are raised
and if the team doesn't measure up to expectations the players are panned
mercilessly, perhaps, in some cases justifiably. Don't forget cricket is a team
game and can't be depending on one or two batsmen to score runs and a
couple of bowlers to deliver.
On this tour you didn't have a Rahul Dravid to give heart to the teammates like
he tried to do four years ago scoring three hundreds to give some respectability to the totals. All that we got to hear is the deficiencies in front-foot and
back-foot play with temperament thrown in. Yes, you can't be experimenting
with your slip catchers in England. Again in Twenty20 you have no use for
slip-catchers so how do you find specialists in Tests.
One thing is for sure, Gambhir's intensity is best left for Kolkata Knight Riders
and Rohit Sharma continues to be exasperating. After spending almost an
hour-and-half at the wicket and scoring 28 he can't be getting out the way he
did, that too to Moeen Ali, England's spinning find. The sad truth is he will
score so heavily on India pitches he will force his way back in. Someone
should drill into him that he should go in with uncluttered mind and iron out
technical glitches. That is if the selectors still have time for him.
Likewise, someone should also find out what's wrong with Mohammad
Shami who left the Indian shores as the leader of the Indian attack and
returning anything but that.
India made one point clear -- that they are a side for the shorter versions.
They did not bat 50 overs in four innings and they were in such a tearing hurry
to catch up with Twenty20 Champions League that they played nine overs
more than 20 in their last Test innings.
What is the way forward?
Convert most of the players from the present Test side into India A and send
them to Australia, South Africa and New Zealand and pick players who have
done well on the recent India A tour of Down Under for the winter tour of
Australia. Some players need to be protected for the World Cup, too.
As for Dhoni, he protected himself as a batsman but not as a wicketkeeper.
Once his keeping is questionable, his place as captain becomes untenable.
(Veturi Srivatsa is a senior journalist. The views expressed are personal. He
can be reached at v.srivatsa@ians.in)
DISCLAIMER: THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THIS PAGE ARE THE PERSONAL OPINIONS OF THE AUTHORS.THE INFORMATION, FACTS OR OPINIONS APPEARING IN THE
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MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
canada
Today more men and women who were born in
India serving in Canada's Parliament than at any
other time in our country's history: PM Harper
PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER DELIVERS REMARKS AT INDIA'S NATIONAL DAY GALA.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered the following remarks at India's
National Day Gala in Brampton:
"I want to thank everybody for that warm welcome and just tell you how
delighted I am to be here."Thanks of course to our masters of ceremonies, to
Parm Gill and Angie Seth for kicking us off tonight.
"Also special greetings to all guests from all levels of government who are
here with us tonight, both Canadian and international, to Consul General
Mishra.
"Particularly to my colleagues from the Government of Canada, and I know
they've already been introduced."There are way too many for me to name but
look we've got a great turn out. "I'd like them all to stand up one more time.
"Give all my colleagues from the Parliament of Canada your warm greeting.
"You will know ladies and gentleman that our Government has, in fact we're
proud to have, eight Canadians of Indian descent serving in our caucus.
"In fact, there are today more men and women who were born in India
serving in Canada's Parliament than at any other time in our country's
history."Let me also just recognize a few people who worked so hard to make
this occasion such a tremendous success. "Obviously first, my introducer,
for her leading role in helping to drive the organization of this great event - she
asked me 67 times to attend - let's give her one more round of applause, my
introducer, Dr. Senator Asha Seth.
"Now to be fair, the Senator was working with a great team, so let's also show
our appreciation once again to the other members of the Canada India Friendship Group and to members of the Advisory Board."Thank all of them for their
great work in putting this tremendous event together.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen, I know tonight we're a couple of days early but
I would like to personally wish each of you, I would like to in fact wish all IndoCanadians a very happy India Independence Day. "In a matter of days, Prime
Minister Modi will do, for the first time, what each of his predecessors have
done: raise the deep saffron, white and green flag of India above the Red Fort
in New Delhi.
"So, on behalf of the Government of Canada and indeed, I know, all of the
people of Canada, let's extend our best to Prime Minister Modi and the Indian
people as they mark 67 years of independence."Now ladies and gentlemen,
Canada's relationship with India is special because despite the great differences between our two countries, we have growing economic ties, we have
vast people-to-people ties, and all of these things are cemented together by
common values: democracy, justice, pluralism, peace, human rights, the
rule of law.
"And in what is a very uncertain and divided world, it is comforting to know
that Canada has certain friends, like India, who share these values.
"Now ladies and gentlemen, in preparation for tonight's event, I could not help
but reflect on how much has changed here in Canada and around the world
since my first visit to India back in 2009."Five years ago, our Government
was navigating Canada through the midst of the worst global economic crisis
since the Great Depression.
"Indeed, much has changed. "With regards to the global recession, whereas
Canada was the last G-7 country to feel its impact, we have been the first
country to recover from it."And today, despite challenges and uncertainties
around the world - challenges and uncertainties that do continue to impact us
- Canada's economy is strong, it is growing, creating good jobs and opportunities for hard-working Canadians.
"There are more Canadians working today than at any time in our country's
history. "Today, Canada is also widely rated as the best country in the G-20 in
which to do business. "We have the soundest financial sector in the world.
"And we have the most prosperous middle class, among significant developed economies."We have lowered taxes and, next year, years ahead of
other countries, we are going to balance the budget here in Canada.
"Now thinking again back to my trip to India in 2009, Canada then had free
trade agreements with only five countries in the entire world."Since then, we
have expanded that by almost 10 times."Today, we have free trade agreements, agreements in principle, with 43 countries.
"Put another way, Canada has secured free trade agreements with nearly a
quarter of the world's countries, and Canadian businesses are going to have
tariff-free access to more than half of the total global economy, including, as
you know, with the European Union and the Republic of Korea.
"Now it's my hope - it's our Government's hope - that over the years to come
Canada and India will continue to develop our own economic and trading
relationship.
"And that is, of course, another area where things have changed greatly since
2009."We can rightly say that the chill that characterized relations between
Canada and India for decades is a thing of the past.
"Before our Conservative Government came to office, Canada's relationship
with India had been essentially frozen for most of the period since the
1970s."Since taking office our Government has worked hard to revitalize and
strengthen Canada-India relations.
"We have concluded a Social Security Agreement, an historic Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, and we have launched our own bilateral Canada-India
free trade negotiations.
"Know that our Government will continue to work to break-down barriers that
hinder bilateral trade and investment, and that senior members of our Government will continue to visit India."Just a couple of years ago I had the great
fortune, as the Senator mentioned, of returning to India."Because one trip was
obviously not near enough to even to scratch the surface of that large, ancient
and fascinating civilisation.
"In fact, my second trip to India was the longest bilateral visit any Canadian
Prime Minister has ever made to any country in the world."And we have been
following up on that - we now have eight Canadian consular and trade promotion offices operating across the Republic of India, a number we are looking
to add to.
"These offices are helping to facilitate visa and immigration applications, and
they're helping to create more opportunities for Canadian businesses in places
such as New Delhi and Bangalore, Chandigarh in Punjab, and Ahmedabad in
Gujarat.
"The state of Gujarat in particular - the state where Prime Minister Modi
served as chief minister for more than a decade - is home to some of the
brightest and best entrepreneurial minds in the world.
"Our Government sees tremendous potential for growth in collaboration with
this regional economic powerhouse and we have been working hard to make
this a priority for several years.
"Canada was pleased to serve as an official partner for Vibrant Gujarat
2011."And two years later, at Vibrant Gujarat 2013, not only did Canada serve
as an official partner, but Minister Jason Kenney travelled all the way to
Gujarat to represent Canada at the summit and to address all of its attendees.
9
CANADA'S START-UP
VISA - ATTRACTING
ENTREPRENEURS TO
CANADA IP10
"Ladies and gentlemen the bottom line is this: the bottom line is that the
friendship between Canada and India is stronger, it is stronger than it has ever
been and that is something that we all, in both of our countries, should be very
proud of.
"Now ladies and gentlemen you should also know that our Government's
efforts to strengthen Canada-India relations go beyond expanding bilateral
trade and investment, for example, through immigration reform.
"Canada's past has been shaped by the millions who came from elsewhere
and Canada's future will depend on the millions yet to come.
"Yet, for far too long, previous governments, as you know, chose to ignore
problems in Canada's immigration system as if they would just fix themselves.
"Instead, the problems only intensified and the wait times got longer.
"Back then, if you had applied to become a permanent resident from India you
could expect to wait five or six years for your application to be processed.
"It was that bad.
"As the immigration backlog grew, so too did the irritation of those patiently
waiting their turn.
"Worse still, economic opportunities were denied not just to individuals from
India, to immigrants, but to Canada itself.
"When our Government took office, we immediately got to work and tackled
those problems head on.
"And I should tell you, ladies and gentlemen, that our Government's reforms
have been working and they have been working well.
"Today, the permanent residency approval rate for applicants from India is
more than 85 per cent.
"I should add that these men and women don't have to wait another four or five
or six years for their residency because our Government has reduced processing times for recent applicants down to just one year.
"In 2005, fewer than twenty-five hundred student visas were granted to Indian
students.
"Last year, our Government granted more than fourteen thousand such visas.
"More Indian students than ever before are studying at Canadian universities,
and because our Government has made it easier for these bright young
minds to qualify for permanent residency and to work, we hope these students, many of them, will stay and put their Canadian degrees to use right
here in Canada.
"Our Government has also made the CAN+ program in India a permanent
feature of our immigration system, meaning that persons who have travelled
to Canada or the United States in the recent past can be fast-tracked for a
visitor visa.
"Our CAN+ program has a 95 per cent approval rate, making more Indians
able to visit Canada as tourists or to do business.
"By the way, did I mention ladies and gentlemen that this newest change to
our immigration program was just announced by Chris Alexander last month
in New Delhi, during his first trip to India as Canada's new Minister of Citizenship and Immigration - congratulations!
"Look we all know that immigration enriches this country, and our
Government's ongoing reforms mean that more immigrants will be able to
contribute to their maximum of their capacity, and that is good for everyone.
"Today, India is Canada's top source country for immigrants.
"And of course, this explains why Canada's Indo-Canadian community is
more than 1.2 million strong and continuing to grow.
"The Indo-Canadian community has a proud and rich history in our country.
"This community - the Indo-Canadian community - is comprised of ordinary
people doing extraordinary things in business and in finance, in academia
and medicine, in technology and agriculture, to list just a few areas.
"I want to give you just one example.
"Close to ten years ago, Naval Bajaj came to Canada from India with only
$600 in his pocket.
"But he had big dreams, and he had energy and ambition.
"And ladies and gentlemen, in Canada, he also had opportunity.
"With hard work and determination, Naval eventually became a business
consultant with 7-Eleven Canada and he is also a business owner himself.
"He has led two trade missions for Canada back to his home country.
"And he was the youngest ever elected president of the Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
"He also happens to be a member of the Canada India Friendship Group
Advisory Board.
"Now ladies and gentlemen, I tell you that in my travels across Canada I meet
many people like Naval.
"Men and women relentlessly pursuing their goals to build a better, more
prosperous life for themselves and their families, and helping this country
immensely in the process.
"In fact, I know that this room is full of people just like that.
"In my travels, I have also observed that wherever Indian immigrants settle,
wherever they choose to put down roots, to start businesses, to raise families, be it Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Toronto or right here in Brampton, not
by coincidence, those places thrive.
"I believe this is because Indo-Canadians possess a strong ethic of work and
education, and an unwavering commitment to faith and to family.
"And these are the things that underlie not only the Indo-Canadian community's
success, but Canada's success as a country as well.
"So look, let me just conclude tonight - I know you're all anxious to get on with the
meal - let me just conclude by taking this opportunity to thank each one of you.
"To thank all of you for choosing Canada.
"Thank you for contributing to Canada.
"Thank you for loving Canada.
"Because whether you've been here for one, 10 or 50 years, Canada is your
country.
"Again, congratulations everyone on this tremendous event, and thanks once
more for the invitation."
416-907-4420
10
MidWeek
canada
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
Prime Minister Stephen
Harper spoke with Barack
Obama, President of the
United States
The leaders exchanged views on the developments in Iraq and the
importance of providing support to the Iraqi people, including through
humanitarian assistance. They agreed on the need to confront the barbaric actions of the terrorist organization ISIS/ISIL and Prime Minister
Harper expressed his strong support for U.S. air strikes against the
terrorists as well as ongoing humanitarian relief efforts. Prime Minister
Harper indicated Canada stands ready to offer additional help, and that
Canadian officials will work with their counterparts to identify ways in
which Canada can continue to support the humanitarian effort. Both
leaders shared their hope that a new Iraqi government would be able to
unite behind an inclusive government to counter the current crisis. They
agreed to stay in close contact on this matter.
Majority (53%) of Canadian
Parents Believe Cruises are an
Ideal Family Vacation
PEOPLE AT THE 2014 YOGATHON IN VANCOUVER, CANADA. PARTICIPANTS FROM 46 CITIES AROUND THE WORLD GATHERED TO
RAISE FUNDS FOR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION. (IANS)
Canada's Start-up Visa - Attracting
Entrepreneurs to Canada
Minister Alexander meets with local business leaders in Kitchener-Waterloo
Kitchener, ON - Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister, Chris
Alexander, met with Kitchener-Waterloo-based business incubator
Communitech and other business leaders to discuss the Star t-up
Visa and its potential for attracting entrepreneurs to Canada who have
the vision and ability to build innovative companies that can create
jobs and long-term prosperity.
The roundtable aimed to build on the momentum of Alexander's visit
to GrowLab Ventures in Vancouver last month, where he welcomed
the first two successful applicants under Canada's Star t-up Visa Program. Alexander discussed the impor tance of the program with a
number of local business leaders and encouraged organizations to
continue their effor ts in identifying exciting star t-up opportunities, as
well as the dynamic entrepreneurs behind them, with the help of the
Star t-up Visa.
Launched last year, the Star t-up Visa Program brings together Canadian venture capital funds, angel investor groups and business incubators with entrepreneurs from abroad.
The Star t-up Visa Program is an impor tant par t of the government's
plan to build a fast and flexible economic immigration system, with a
primary focus on meeting the new and emerging needs of the Canadian economy.
Quick facts
"
The Star t-up Visa Program, the first of its kind in the world, links
experienced Canadian private sector firms with innovative foreign
entrepreneurs who want to launch their star t-up companies in Canada.
"
In July, the first successful applicants were welcomed to
Canada after gaining the suppor t of GrowLab Ventures of Vancouver.
"
In January 2015, CIC will launch a new electronic application
management system called Express Entry, which will offer a faster
and more effective way to welcome economic immigrants to Canada
than ever before.
Quotes
"Our government is focused on long-term prosperity and economic
growth for all Canadians. The Star t-up Visa Program is helping to
attract innovative entrepreneurs to Canada who can help create jobs
and meet the needs of Canada's labour market. We will continue to
work with business leaders who can suppor t creative business ideas
and help Canada compete on a global scale."
Chris Alexander, Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister
"We choose the best and we want them to star t, grow and succeed
here in Waterloo Region. The Star t-up Visa Program helps us attract
and keep the best entrepreneurs from anywhere on the globe."
Doug Cooper, Managing Director, Communitech HYPERDRIVE Seed
Accelerator
Toronto - With children out of school and vacation season in full swing,
Canadian parents are always looking for fun family plans, while many
see hopping aboard a cruise ship as a perfect plan, according to a new
survey conducted by Ipsos Reid on behalf of tripcentral.ca. Majority
(53%) of Canadian parents believe a cruise would be the ideal vacation
for their families, bested only by all-inclusive sun vacations (76%) and
theme parks (64%) but ahead of nature vacations (52%), major city
stays (49%), culture or history vacations (46%), organized tours (44%)
or some other vacation (25%). Cruises get thumbs up from parents
despite only a quarter (26%) of moms and one in three (31%) dads having
actually taken a cruise at some point in their life. Even their children believe
they can be a great vacation experience as one in ten 13-15 year olds (13%)
and 16-19 year olds (12%) rate cruises as their ideal vacation. Cruises may
be seen as ideal among parents because it gives all family members the
freedom to spend time together or venture off on their own given general
offerings on cruise ships. Four in ten (39%) moms and three in ten (30%)
dads indicate that they would let their kids, aged 9-12, venture off on their
own on a cruise ship, while a majority (54%) believe they would be
'comfortable' (12% very/42% somewhat) using a babysitting service
for an evening, while a minority would be 'not comfortable' (18% not at
all/28% not very) doing this.
Source: Ipsos Reid
Two-Thirds (68%) of Pre-Retired
Boomers Have Not Discussed All
Aspects of Retirement with Their
Spouse or Partner
Toronto - A new study conducted by Ipsos Reid on behalf of RBC and their
annual Retirement Myths & Realities Poll, reveals that most Canadians
aged 50 and older who are not yet retired have yet to discuss all the facets
related to retirement with their significant others. Only one in three (32%) preretired boomers has discussed all of the following topics with their spouse or
partner:
" Travel plans
" Financing retirement
" Activities
" Living situation
" Life management in result of significant other passing away
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
india
MidWeek
11
MAMATA LEAVES FOR
SINGAPORE TO ROPE IN
INVESTMENT IP12
Over 100 Bihar villages
flooded, rivers rising
Patna (IANS): Flood water has entered over 100 villages in Bihar,
forcing people to abandon their homes, and rising water level in
most rivers is posing a threat to many other villages, officials
said Friday. All the inundated villages are in flood-prone districts
of Bagha, Gopalganj, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Supaul, Saharsa,
Khagaria, Darbhanga and Madhepura.
Principal secretary of state disaster management depar tment
Vayasji one name) said major rivers in nor th Bihar, especially
the Kosi, Gandak, Kamla Balan and Bagmati, are in spate following heavy rains in their catchment areas in Nepal. They are
posing a threat of floods.
"Situation may worsen in the next 24 to 48 hours. Keeping this in
view we have sounded high aler t in districts of north Bihar," he
said. A water resource department official said: "Water entered
these villages after levels rose in all the major rivers following
heavy rain in the state and the catchment areas in Nepal."
An official said that standing crops worth crores of rupees have
been damaged and road communication snapped at several
places. However, Bihar Water Resources Development Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary said all embankments are safe and
there is no need to panic.
The unemployed youth who hurled a shoe at Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal during an Independence Day function in Issru
village, 20 km away from Ludhiana talks to media at Khanna on Aug 15, 2014. The shoe missed Badal.
(Photo: IANS)
NGO WRITES TO MAHARASHTRA
CM OVER AID FOR FARMERS
Nagpur (IANS): An NGO in Maharashtra Monday wrote a letter to
the state government to declare aid for the farmers before the
pre-election model code of conduct comes into force in the next
few days.
In an urgent letter to Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, the Vidarbha
Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS) has urged him to immediately announce aid for the farmers, including waiver of loans and seeds
for the third round of sowing in view of failed monsoon in Vidarbha
and Marathwada regions.
The VJAS communication came three days after over 10,000 farmers, tribals, farm-widows and youths staged a protest march for
their demands in Yavatmal.
"Now, farmers in each of the worst-affected 325-odd villages shall
sit on indefinite hunger strike from Sep 5, at the height of the
ensuing Ganeshotsav festival," VJAS chief Kishore Tiwari said.
He claimed that at least 22 districts in the state, mostly in Vidarbha
and Marathwada regions, have had little or no rainfall during the
peak sowing season of June-August.
Consequently, in most areas two rounds of seeding went waste
and in other areas even third seeding was lost as rains continued
to elude these regions, pushing the farmers into fur ther distress.
"After the Election Commission announces the dates for the state
assembly elections, maybe within the next few days, no aid will
be distributed in view of the model code of conduct that will be
enforced. We have requested the chief minister to act in the farmers' interest before that," Tiwari said.
BJP reluctant to table women's reservation bill: AIWC
New Delhi (IANS): All India Women's Congress president Shobha Oza
Monday said the BJP government was reluctant to table the women's
reservation bill in parliament and this was in stark contrast to its election
manifesto that stressed on women's emancipation.
She said the AIWC will hold a "Sankalp Diwas" August 20, the bir th
anniversary of Congress leader and former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi,
and press for 33 percent women's reservation in the Lok Sabha and state
assemblies.
"The UPA government had got the women's reservation bill passed in
Rajya Sabha but the Bharatiya Janata Party did not allow the then government to table the bill in Lok Sabha. They disrupted the house," Oza told the
media here.
She said if the BJP was serious about women's empowerment, as it had
pledged during the election campaign, it should table the bill in the next
session of parliament.
Oza assured that the Congress would support such a move by the government.
"BJP talked big on women's issues but you can see they did not do
anything to that effect in parliament. We hope they table the bill in the next
session of parliament. Our party will support them. The BJP cannot make
any excuses in this matter as they enjoy majority in the house," she said.
She added that 8,000 workers of the AIWC will form a human chain on
August 20 and press for the issue.
She credited Rajiv Gandhi for having conceptualised the very policy of
granting reservation to women in elected bodies.
"It was due to Gandhi's efforts that 33 percent seats were reserved for
women in local governance which was later enhanced to 50 percent
during the UPA regime," Oza noted.
Reliance Digital launches dual
SIM 3G handset
New Delhi (IANS): Reliance Digital Thursday launched Reconnect Quad Core 4.7" dual SIM 3G smartphone, priced at Rs.12,999,
a company statement said here.
Reliance Digital is the consumer durables and information technology concept from Reliance Retail, a unit of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL). RIL also owns Reliance Jio Infocomm.
The device ensures better power-saving through efficient media
processing and has flexibility to handle the media formats of the
future, thereby enhancing user interfaces.
It comes with a powerful 2000 mAh Li-Ion battery that delivers
better multimedia experience with music playback time of eight
hours, four hours of video playback, a talk time up to six-seven
hours and a standby time of 225 hours, the statement added.
Rajya Sabha passes
constitution amendment bill to
end collegium system
New Delhi (IANS): The Rajya Sabha Thursday unanimously
passed the Constitution (99th Amendment) Bill to do away with
collegium system of appointing Supreme Court and high court judges.
The bill, and the National Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, 2014, seek
to put the proposed judicial appointment commission and its entire composition in the statute. The bill got the support of 179 out of 180 MPs present in
the upper house, while Ram Jethmalani (Independent) abstained. "People
want talented people to become judges," Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad
said while winding up the debate on the bill. Speaking on the bill, Finance
Minister Arun Jaitley said it restores the original spirit of the constitution. "Through this bill, the government seeks to restore the spirit of the
original constitution. In simple English, this means that the president
and the government will appoint judges to the Supreme Court," said
Jaitley. "It goes back to the constitution and Article 124 which says
Supreme Court judges should be appointed by the president," he said.
Passage of this bill was crucial for government's confidence as it
does not have a majority in the upper house. It has only 59 MPs
in the 245-member house.
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Shops in Delhi's walled city
stop selling US-linked products
New Delhi (IANS): Gaza is impacting the national capital in more
ways than one. Revlon, Loreal, Garnier and other products with
US brand names, which till a month ago had quite good sales,
are off the shelves of Mohammad Iqbal's store in Delhi's old
quar ters.
Iqbal says he can't afford to incur losses, but his conscience
does not allow him to make profits from the sale of products
linked to the US - a country he says is "abetting Israel" in wiping
out Palestinians in the Gaza strip.
In the Matia Mahal area of the walled city, many shopkeepers
and residents have boycotted selling and buying US-linked products to show solidarity with Gaza, where about 2,000 people
have been killed in the month-long conflict with Israel. "I have
stopped ordering US-linked cosmetics since I cannot feed the
(US) economy which helps Israelis in killing innocents in Gaza,"
Iqbal, 51, told IANS. The trigger for the latest Israel-Hamas clash
in Gaza was the alleged abduction and murder of three Israelis
that were blamed on Hamas, with thousands of its members
being rounded up. The US is a long time ally of Israel, the Jewish
state carved out of Palestine in 1948. It has maintained its suppor t for Israel, which Hamas refuses to recognise.
Bihar teachers get education
degrees before birth!
RANJEET KOHLI, DIRECTOR OPERATIONS COCA-COLA & GURDEEP SINGH KANDHARI, DIRECTOR WAVE BEVERAGES PVT. LTD. ON THE LAUNCH
OF A NEW PRODUCT IN AMRITSAR. (IANS)
ISL grassroots workshop to train million kids
Kolkata (IANS): Aimed at scouting and nurturing a million budding footballers, the
Indian Super League (ISL) Sunday kicked off its ambitious Grassroots Development Programme with a three-day workshop here.
All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Technical Director of Academies and Director
Coach Education Scott O'Donnell, who is supervising the programme, said the ISL
will play a catalytic role in raising the sport's profile in the country.
"There is no doubt the ISL and the involvement of international stars including the
likes of Michael Chopra and Freddie Ljungberg will play a big role in raising the
game's profile in India. Indian football is now getting into the newspapers and the
media, this is what you need," said O'Donnell.
"The aim at working at the grassroots is to make kids enjoy the game and its
following increases. We want as many boys and girls to come forward. The
programme aims to train at least a million kids."
Under the programme, each of the eight ISL franchises have pooled Rs.2 crore and
appointed development managers and officers entrusted with the responsibility of
scouting and training budding talents.
O'Donnell and Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Grassroots Working Group member Piet Hubers held a theory session Sunday with the development managers and officers as a part of the initiative.
"It's not only about the basic skills of football but also about the approaches the
trainers need to adopt while scouting and training the kids. The theory session
involves lessons on the technical aspects of the game and scientific approaches
about motivation, fitness training etc," said an ISL official.
"Contribution of the franchises towards the programme was one of the basic
qualifications during bidding because our aim is to take the game to every nook and
corner of the country." The next workshop is expected to be held in New Delhi or
Mumbai at the end of the month.
MAMATA LEAVES FOR SINGAPORE
TO ROPE IN INVESTMENT
Kolkata (IANS): Expressing hope that talks during her Singapore
visit can open new possibilities, West Bengal Chief Minister
Mamata Banerjee Sunday night urged everyone, especially the
media to be positive of her trip which is aimed at roping in investment for the state. Interacting with mediapersons at the Netaji
Subhas Chandra Bose International Airpor t here, the chief minister said "talks and dialogues can open new possibilities".
Asking the media to think positively, she asked them "don't you
want development of Bengal?" Banerjee said she was going on
tour abroad after long years. "And that too in an Asian country. Let
us be positive about the visit." In a bid to tap big ticket investment
for the industry-starved eastern state, Banerjee flew off on a sixday trip to the sovereign city state around midnight Sunday.
Patna (IANS): Imagine getting a B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education)
degree before turning 21 or even before being born? Strange as
it may sound, that's exactly what has happened in Bihar in at
least 95 cases.
The state government had appointed 34,540 trained teachers on
a regular basis in 2011-12 after the Supreme Cour t ordered this
in 2010. But soon after they were appointed, the education depar tment received a number of complaints that some of the teachers had used forged degrees to get jobs.
"In view of this, an inquiry was ordered and, much to our surprise, it was found that 95 teachers got their B.Ed. degrees either
before their bir th or much before attaining the age of 21," an
official said. Take, for instance, Shivnarayan Yadav, who joined
as a teacher in a school in Madhepura district. He received his
B.Ed. degree five years before he was born, the dates on his
bir th cer tificate and degree show. Another teacher, Priti Kumari
in East Champaran, received her B.Ed. degree three years before she was born. Similarly, Indu Kumari and L.B. Singh, school
teachers in Saran and Saharsa districts, received their B.Ed.
degree seven years before they were born! All those who had
used fake cer tificates to get jobs had been fired, R.S. Singh,
joint director of Bihar's Primary Education Depar tment, told IANS.
"The depar tment was shocked to find that they used forged degrees to get teacher's jobs," he added. Last month, Bihar Education Minister Brishen Patel said over 1,000 contractual teachers
used fake degrees to get jobs in government schools. The state
government recruited 142,000 teachers on contract basis for
Classes I to 12 between 2006 and 2011.
80 PERTOSA DRIVE, UNIT 12,
BRAMPTON ONT., L6X 5E9
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13
ANTARCTIC ICE MELT MAY
ACCELERATE SEA LEVEL RISE
ISLAMABAD: SUPPORTERS OF PAKISTANI POLITICAL LEADER IMRAN KHAN WAVE FLAGS AS THEY TAKE PART IN A PROTEST AGAINST THE
COUNTRY'S RULING PAKISTAN MUSLIM LEAGUE-NAWAZ IN ISLAMABAD, CAPITAL OF PAKISTAN.
PIC: XINHUA
Assange says he will leave
Ecuadorian embassy
London (IANS/EFE): WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange Monday said
he will "soon" leave the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where he
has taken refuge over the past two years to avoid extradition to Sweden. "I am leaving the embassy soon," said Assange in a joint news
conference with Ecuador's Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino here.
The 43-year-old admitted the difficulties of living in a small room,
without being able to go outside because he would face arrest, could
affect his health.
The Australian journalist dismissed that his depar ture was related to
his hear t and lung problems.
Assange, who is wanted in Sweden for questioning over alleged sexual
assaults on two women, was granted asylum at the Ecuadorian embassy in London in August 2012.
Assange Monday regretted that there had been no advances in the
Swedish investigation and repeated several times no charges had
been filed against him, in Sweden or Britain, while he denied having
assaulted the two women.
However, his spokesman did not give much credit to the departure of
Assange from the embassy.
"The world is not coming to an end," Kristinn Hrafnsson, Assange's
spokesman, told repor ters, adding that "the plan, as always, is to
leave as soon as the British government decides to honour its obligations in relation to international agreements".
For his par t, Patino said Ecuador would maintain Assange's status as
a political refugee and would continue its dialogue with Britain and
Sweden to find a solution.
"The time has come to free Assange and for his rights to be respected,"
he said. Britain Monday reiterated its willingness to find a diplomatic
solution to a "difficult and costly" situation, the foreign ministry spokesman said.
But despite the protection of Ecuador, Britain refuses to give the journalist a safe-conduct that would allow him to travel to Ecuador.
Assange feared that if he faced the Swedish justice, Stockholm would
extradite him to the US, where he is wanted for the publication on
Wikileaks in 2010 of diplomatic correspondence denouncing US
abuses in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Sweden to increase humanitarian aid to Iraq
Stockholm (IANS): The Swedish government will increase
suppor t for Iraq by 50 million Swedish Krona ($7.3 million),
Defence Minister Karin Enstrom said Monday.
Enstrom said it is increasing its humanitarian aid to Iraq in the
wake of the growing crisis in the country, Xinhua repor ted.
The defence minister, along with Minister for International
Development Cooperation Hillevi Engstrom, said the latest
package was in addition to the 95 million Swedish Krona, the
country has already spent on humanitarian aid for those under
attack by the Islamic extremists.
The ministers added that Sweden would send aid workers and
equipment to Iraq to help those who are in refugee camps.
Two staff members are also being added to the Swedish
embassy in Baghdad to help monitor the situation.
Engstrom said Sweden would coordinate its effor ts with the UN
and the EU to reach out to those in need.
Pakistan court will not intervene in present crisis
Islamabad (IANS): Pakistan Supreme Cour t Monday said the ongoing political crisis in the country should be handled by the government
and decided not to intervene in the matter, media repor ted.
The cour t submitted that the ongoing political crisis and alleged violation of fundamental rights ensuing from the impasse between the
government and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) are a matter for the government to decide, the Dawn online repor ted.
"It is for the government to handle," a five-member bench headed by Chief Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk said about the ongoing sit-in.
The petition was filed last week by Supreme Cour t Bar Association (SCBA) President Kamran Mur taza.
During Monday's hearing, Attorney General Salman Aslam Butt had said that fundamental rights are being violated.
"We are the guardians of the constitution, we have taken oath under the constitution. We cannot permit any deviation... this is our
obligation," Justice Mian Saqib Nisar said.
Nisar maintained that the petitioner has to submit a comprehensive statement.
The petitioner argued that the current political impasse is adversely affecting all spheres of national life and such a situation may
embolden some elements to take undue advantage of the situation and to resor t to unconstitutional measures.
London (IANS): The ice discharge from Antarctica could become the
largest contributor to sea level rise much sooner than previously
thought, says a study. "If greenhouse gases continue to rise, ice discharge from Antarctica could raise the global ocean by an additional 137 centimetres in this century already," said lead author Anders
Levermann, a climatologist and professor at the institute for physics
and astrophysics of Potsdam University, Germany. "Now this is a big
range - which is exactly why we call it a risk," he added. Antarctica
currently contributes less than 10 percent to global sea level rise and is
a minor contributor compared to the thermal expansion of the warming
oceans and melting mountain glaciers. It is Greenland and especially
the Antarctic ice sheets with their huge volume of ice that are expected
to be the major contributors to future long term sea level rise, the study
noted. According to the study, the computed projections for this century's
sea level contribution are significantly higher than the latest projections
by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on the upper
end. "Even in a scenario of strict climate policies limiting global warming in
line with the 2 degrees Celsius, the contribution of Antarctica to global sea
level rise covers a range of zero to 23 cm," researchers emphasised. While
the study signifies an important step towards a better understanding of
Antarctica in a changing climate and its influence on sea level change within
the 21st century, major challenges still remain. "Datasets of Antarctic bedrock topography, for instance, are still inadequate and some physical processes of interaction between ice and ocean cannot be sufficiently simulated yet," Levermann added. Rising sea level is widely regarded as a
current and ongoing result of climate change that directly affects hundreds of
millions of coastal dwellers around the world and indirectly affects billions
more that share its financial costs. "Pulling together all the evidence it
seems that Antarctica could become the dominant cause of sea level
rise much sooner," Levermann concluded in a paper that appeared in
the journal Earth System Dynamics.
Middle Eastern IT companies
eye new Kerala hub
Kochi (IANS): The IT corridor of Kochi in Kerala is expanding to
neighbouring regions with Infopark at Cherthala shaping up as a hub
for IT companies from Gulf Cooperation Council and other Middle
East countries.
The Infopark Cherthala, about 30 from here in Kerala, which is being
developed as a spoke of Infopark Kochi, has attracted mid-segment
companies, mainly from Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE, by providing
the best-in-class infrastructure facilities and leveraging its proximity
to Kochi. "The Infopark Cherthala, designed for low-cost operations,
has emerged as a much sought after destination for IT companies from
the Middle East. We are developing the park to accommodate more
companies for which tenders will be floated to invite private participation in developing IT campuses in the park," said Infopark CEO Hrishikesh
Nair. Currently, 15 companies are operating at the sprawling park, which
offers a slew of facilities and concessions to companies planning to set
up their shops there.
"We will be soon scaling up our operations at the park by increasing our
strength from 50 to 100," said Bobby Kuriakose, director of Kuwaitbased Path Solutions, which provides financial software services like
core banking and mobile and internet banking for the Islamic banking
industry. The park with its current 2.4 lakh sq.feet built-up area offers
plug-and-play facilities and warm shell options for companies looking for bigger space.
Russia prepares 5th-generation
fighter for India
Moscow (IANS/ITAR -TASS): Russia's United Aircraft Corporation
(UAC) has completed the front-end engineering design of the Fifth
Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) for India's Air Force, UAC president Mikhail Pogosyan said Friday. The UAC is preparing the contract
on the aircraft's full-scale development for signing, he told ArmsTass. "We have completed the front end engineering design stage,"
he said. "The work on the preparation of the contract on the FGFA fullscale development is now in progress," he added.
The FGFA development and production is a major project of RussianIndian military-technical cooperation.
The two sides signed the corresponding agreement in Moscow in
October 2007. In December 2010, Russia's Rosoboronexport arms
exporter, Sukhoi company and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signed
a contract on the aircraft's front end engineering design development. Since January 2012, a group of India's specialists has been
working in Russia, and Russia's specialists in India. The two sides
have established the required information exchange.
FGFA is developed on the basis of the Russian PAK FA fifth-generation fighter project. However, it will differ from the prototype to meet
Indian Air Force's specific requirements.
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MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
Iranian missile programme
non-negotiable: Rouhani
Tehran (IANS): Iran's missile programme is non- negotiable
and will not be discussed in the nuclear talks with the western
powers, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said here Sunday.
In a meeting with Yukiya Amano, the visiting director-general of
the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rouhani said
Iran's missile capability is by no means negotiable at any level
of talks, Xinhua repor ted.
"Iran is serious in its nuclear talks with the world powers and
the IAEA, and it does not want anything beyond its right to enrich
uranium for peaceful purposes," he said.
To be transparent over its nuclear programme, Iran has provided the means for IAEA to observe its "peaceful" nuclear activities, he said, adding that "Iran will only agree with the legal
observations of the UN nuclear watchdog within the framework
of the NPT directive".
Amano arrived in Iran Saturday night to discuss with the Iranian
officials the continuation of cooperation between Iran and the
UN nuclear watchdog within the "cooperation framework" signed
earlier.
The IAEA chief's visit came ahead of the IAEA's Aug 25 deadline
for Iran to provide the agency with a new set of information on
its nuclear programme.
SIERRA LEONE MEDICAL WORKERS PARTICIPATE IN A TRAINING WITH CHINESE MEDICAL TEAM IN FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE. (IANS)
SAUDI ARABIA'S GRAND MUFTI
CONDEMNS TERRORISM
Riyadh, (IANS) Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulaziz Al al-Sheikh Tuesday
termed extremist militant groups as "the first enemy of Islam" and stressed that the
ideas of extremism and terrorism do not belong to Islam at all.
Referring to the Islamic State Sunni extremist group and Al Qaeda-affiliated groups
in a statement titled "Foresight and Remembrance", the Grand Mufti said more
dangerous ideas are those ideas that are being marketed in the name of religion,
the official Saudi Press Agency reported. "These foreign groups do not belong to
Islam and Muslims adhering to it, but they are an extension of the Kharijites who
were the first group that deviated from the religion because they accused Muslims
of disbelief due to their sins and allowed killing them and taking their money," Al alSheikh said. The Grand Mufti, who is also general president for Scientific Re-
searches and Fatwa, noted that the tolerance of Islam is one of the characteristics
of Islamic Sharia and the largest one of its objectives.
"We call in this regard to unify and coordinate educational and developmental
efforts to enhance the thought of moderation stemming from our true Islamic
Sharia through formulating a complete plan with clear objectives and an executive
plan that achieves those goals as a concrete reality," the top cleric added.
The highly influential Grand Mufti's comments come in the wake of Saudi Arabian
crackdown on supporters of foreign terrorist organisations such as Syria's Al
Nusra and Al Qaeda and its affiliated groups, in the country.
Last week, Saudi Arabia donated $100 million to the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre
(UNCTC) in its efforts to curb terrorism.
WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY: UN RENEWS COMMITMENT TO RELIEF WORK
United Nations (IANS/WAM): UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has renewed the world body's commitment to life-saving relief
effor ts, and called for honouring the "heroic aid workers", who rush bravely to help people in need, and those who died doing so.
"On World Humanitarian Day, we remember their sacrifices, and we recognise the millions of people who count on humanitarian workers for their very
survival," Ban said in his message on World Humanitarian Day (WHD) being celebrated Tuesday under the theme this year of 'The World Needs More'.
"Too many people have died or suffered from deliberate attacks. Humanitarian workers and their families are hit hardest by these crimes. But they are
also felt by millions of others," the UN chief said.
"Last year, more humanitarian workers were kidnapped, seriously injured or killed than ever before. This is an outrage"
Noting that in recent weeks, dozens of humanitarian workers -- including members of the UN family -- have lost their lives in South Sudan and Gaza, the
UN chief lambasted the attacks on such workers which, he said, hindered the ability of people in desperate need to receive lifesaving assistance.
"Children go unvaccinated. Sick and wounded patients go untreated. Those forced from their homes are left without food, water or shelter - exposed to
violence, disease or other threats," Ban stated.
The World Humanitarian Day falls Aug 19, the day in 2003 when special representative of the secretary-general to Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, and 21
aid workers were killed in the bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad.
Israel, Palestinians renew truce but see risk of more Gaza violence
The chief Palestinian delegate to truce talks with Israel warned on
Tuesday that Gaza violence could erupt anew unless progress is made
toward a lasting deal ahead of a midnight deadline in Egyptian-brokered
talks. After a last-minute agreement was stuck to extend by 24 hours
a deadline to reach a truce, Azzam al-Ahmad, senior leader of President Mahmoud Abbas's mainstream Fatah movement, said there had
been "no progress on any point" in talks aimed at resolving the Gaza
conflict.
"We hope that every minute of the coming 24 hours will be used to
reach an agreement, and if not (successful), the circle of violence
will continue," Ahmad said.
He accused Israel of "manoeuvring and stalling" as gaps on key issues continued to dog effor ts to achieve a long-term deal between
Israel and militant groups in the Gaza Strip, dominated by Hamas
Islamists, which would allow reconstruction aid to flow in after five
weeks of fighting.
An Israeli government official said Israeli delegates were still in Cairo
poring over details of a possible deal, although the par ties had not yet
agreed a draft.
"The Israeli delegation has been instructed to insist on security requirements. The moment there is an agreement, the cabinet will be
called for discussions," said the official, who asked not to be identified. Senior Hamas official Moussa Abu Marzouk accused Israel of
stalling and insisted in a post on his Twitter account that his group
"will never cede any" demands for a comprehensive deal.
A senior Palestinian official in Gaza said sticking points to an agreement were Hamas's demands to build a seapor t and an airpor t, which
Israel wants to discuss only at a later stage.
Israel, which launched its offensive on July 8 after a surge in Hamas
rocket fire across the border, has shown scant interest in making
sweeping concessions, and has called for the disarming of militant
groups in the enclave of 1.8 million people.
UN MISSION CONDEMNS
CLASHES IN TRIPOLI
Tripoli (IANS): The UN mission in Libya condemned Sunday the
escalation in confrontations between rival militias in the capital
city of Tripoli, calling on all par ties to respond positively to its
ceasefire effor ts.
"The United Nations Suppor t Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) condemns the grave escalation in the military confrontations in
Tripoli and its suburbs," Xinhua quoted UNSMIL as saying in its
statement.
"The Mission strongly denounces the shelling of residential
neighbourhoods, which has inflicted casualties among civilians, forced them out of their homes and caused damage to
proper ty."
The Mission also deeply regretted that there was no response
to the repeated international appeals and its own effor ts for an
immediate ceasefire. However, it still appealed to all par ties to
cooperate with its effor ts to end the bloodshed and stave off
further losses and to expedite tackling the current crisis, star ting with a cessation of fighting, the statement added.
24 LISTERIA CASES
DETECTED IN DENMARK
Copenhagen (IANS): At least 24 cases of listeria bacteria infection have been detected in Denmark, health authorities said
Monday.
According to the State Serum Institute (SSI), the number includes four more Danish people, who were confirmed to have
been infected with listeria, Xinhua repor ted.
A Hedehusene-based sausage company has proved to be the
main source of the infection, the institute said.
Although the company is closed and all suspected products
have been recalled. SSI expects that more cases may continue
to pop up in the coming weeks as it typically takes several
weeks for symptoms to surface.
A total of 12 people have been believed to be died as a result of
the listeria outbreak so far.
Some 30 products, including variations of cold cut sausages,
salami and hot dogs have been withdrawn from the market.
Regulatory control over listeria is now tightened, ministry of
food, agriculture and fisheries said.
Listeria is a bacteria found in soil, water and in the intestines of
some animals. The bacteria can also live in food processing plants
and unlike other germs, it can survive refrigeration. Symptoms of
listeria include weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever.
US terms cancellation of IndiaPakistan talks 'unfortunate'
As India called off foreign secretary-level talks with Pakistan
over its envoy's meeting with Kashmiri separatists, the US
termed the cancellation "unfortunate" and said it continued to
suppor t their efforts to improve bilateral relations.
"It is unfor tunate that planned talks between India and Pakistan
have fallen through," State Depar tment spokesperson Marie Harf
told repor ters Monday in response to a question. "We continue
to suppor t effor ts by India and Pakistan to improve all aspects
of their bilateral relations, and that is a position we will continue
making clear to both par ties here," she said.
Indian foreign secretary Sujatha Singh was to travel to Islamabad on
August 25 to hold talks with her Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Chaudhry
after a gap of two years, but cancelled the visit after Pakistan High
Commissioner Abdul Basit's meeting with the separatists. "I think irrespective of why either side says the talks were cancelled, or why in
fact they were cancelled, what matters now is that both sides take
steps to improve their bilateral relations," Harf said.
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Upcoming star in Canadian
field hockey from
Brampton- Parmeet Gill
DHARMENDRA AND GIPPY GREWAL IN THEIR UPCOMING PUNJABI MOVIE “DOUBLE DI TROUBLE”.
CENSOR BOARD REFUSES TO REVISE
MARDAANI'S A CERTIFICATE
Even after Aditya Chopra allegedly spoke to officials, the board has
reiterated A rating in keeping with current guidelines
Did non-implementation of the new Censor Board guidelines come in
the way of Mardaani getting a U/A cer tificate? It appears to be so as
the Rani Mukerji-starrer has gone on to become the first film under
the Yash Raj Films banner to bag A cer tification. Says a source close
to the banner, `After the Central Board of Film Cer tification (CBFC)
told makers the film will get an A cer tificate, Aditya Chopra had a chat
with some CBFC officials before the cer tificate was issued. He wanted
to know why the film couldn't get a U/A cer tificate since the subject is
such that the film can be seen by children of the age of 12 years and
above. But Chopra was told that it wouldn't be possible as the theme
was adult and that present guidelines did not have a category for 12
years and above.''
The makers apparently tried to convince they would promote the film
keeping the content in mind. Rafiq Gangjee of YRF says, `We told the
Board that we would put 'Not Recommended for Children below 12' in
all our publicity material and show it at the star t of the film so as to
ensure that parents are sufficiently informed. However, the Censor
Board explained to us that this was not legally possible, so we have
accepted their decision.''
He adds that their request for a U/A cer tificate was not for just one
scene or dialogue, which can be deleted or modified as required.
`This request was put for th in keeping with the stipulation of the
board. We want to help communicate the film's message to those
Upcoming star in Canadian field hockey from
Brampton- Parmeet Gill
Canadian born Parmeet Gill has been chosen from Ontario in Canada Junior field
hockey team par ticipating in Youth
Olympic games which are being held
in Ninjang, China from
Aug17th to Aug 27th -2014
10 teams including
Canada, Australia, Germany, Spain, South Africa, New Zealand, Zambia, Mexico, Bangladesh
and Pakistan are par ticipating in Field Hockey
at Youth Olympic
games
Parmeet star ted
to play hockey
at the age of 6.
He
has
played many
national and
local hockey
tournaments.
He has won many
awards including the best
player award. In 2012,
Parmeet played in Ontario
Hockey team in BC which
won the national championship of Canada. Ontario team
won after 18 years in field
hockey.
I CONTD. ON PAGE 21
WHOA! 'SINGHAM' AJAY
SLAMS 'DEVIL' SALMAN
young girls who, in our opinion, are at an age where they need to be
aware and be informed about this serious issue of human trafficking.''
What the proposed guidelines entail
As per the proposed guidelines, films can be cer tified as being suitable for children of 12 years and above, and for people aged 15 years
and above. This has been done keeping in mind the sensibilities of the
viewers to different types of language, content and the extent of nudity
and violence.
Actors Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Jackie Shroff, filmmaker Farah Khan, actors Boman Irani, Sonu Sood, Vivaan Shah, Shahrukh
Khan, singers Shekhar Ravjiani and Vishal Dadlani during the trailer launch of film Happy New Year in Mumbai
As expected, Ajay Devgn-starrer "Singham Returns" received a
roaring response on its opening day, registering a collection of
Rs.32.09 crore on day one.
The Independence Day offering, directed by Rohit Shetty, has
got a positive feedback from critics as well as audiences. It
released Friday.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh confirmed the figure, and tweeted
Saturday: "#SinghamReturns packs a SOLID PUNCH.
Collects 32.09 cr nett on Fri. BIGGEST OPENER OF 2014 (so
far). India biz."
The movie is a sequel to "Singham", which turned out to be a
blockbuster in 2011. It also stars Kareena Kapoor.
Another trade pundit Komal Nahta tweeted upon the sequel's
release: "#SinghamReturns a surefire hit. Will be Ajay's bigest
hit so far. Business will be far more than 'Singham'."
The film, co-produced by Ajay Devgn Films, Rohit Shetty
Productions and Reliance Entertainment, features Ajay as
inspector Bajirao Singham whose mission is to weed out
corruption. It is catching the audiences' eye with its gripping
story, high-octane action and power-packed performances
backed by catchy dialogues.
18
MidWeek
bollywood
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
Actress Vidya Balan distributed 'Smartcanes' to the visually
challenged at St. Xavier's College. (IANS)
Will Ranbir-Kat, RanveerDeepika get married this year?
ARJUN KAPOOR AND DEEPIKA PADUKONE DURING THE LAUNCH OF “FANNY RE” SONG.
HAIDER AND BANG BANG ARE BOTH VERY
DIFFERENT FILMS: SHAHID KAPOOR
Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor,whose upcoming film Haider is set to
clash with superstar Hrithik Roshan's Bang Bang on October 2, feels
that both the films can sustain together because they cater to different
audiences. "I saw the promo of Bang Bang and I loved it and I will
definitely go and see the film. I wished good luck to Hrithik. It is a fiveday weekend, the five-day holiday period is coming after a long time
and I think any big holiday weekend is good enough for two films to
sustain. Two big films can release (together), there is no problem,"
Shahid said in an interview.
While Vishal Bharadwaj's Haider is a desi adaptation of William
Shakespeare's Hamlet, starring Shahid, Tabu, Irrfan Khan, Kay Kay
Menon and Shraddha Kapoor, Bang Bang, directed by Siddhar th Raj
Anand, is a remake of the hit Hollywood movie Knight and Day, with
Hrithik and Katrina Kaif in the lead.
"I think if 'Haider' is black then 'Bang Bang' is white. What Haider is
offering you that 'Bang Bang' can't offer and vice versa. We are confident about our film. Our film is not very expensive so we have nothing
to lose. So getting a five-day weekend is fantastic for a film like ours,"
Shahid said.
The actor feels that both the films are of different genres and will cater
to audiences with different tastes. "I don't think there is going to be
any confusion for people. If people want to see something edgy, different and out-of-the-box then they will see Haider and if people want
to see something enter taining, fun and a potboiler then they will see
'Bang Bang'. Had there been two similar kinds of films then it would
be a different scenario but that is not the case here," he added.
'MARY KOM' STRUGGLES FOR
A RELEASE IN MANIPUR?
In April this year, Rani Mukerji got married to producer Aditya Chopra at
a private ceremony in Italy. And from the looks of it, the much-loved
couple’s wedding was one of the many unions that will take place in
2014. Perhaps the nuptials between Dia Mirza and her fiancé, Sahil Sangha,
will mark the next Bollywood wedding. Reportedly, the ceremony will be
held in Delhi on October 18. Apparently, it will be a private affair that will be
attended by the couple’s families and close friends. On July 31, Dia tweeted:
“Thank you for all the good wishes. Both our families are overjoyed! A wedding that we’ve truly waited for (sic).”
Also preparing to take the marital vows are long-time lovers, Soha Ali
Khan and Kunal Kemmu. Last month, Soha tweeted: “It gives me great
happiness to share with you all that Kunal proposed to me in Paris with
the most perfect ring in the world and I said yes (sic).” Soha admits that
her mother, Sharmila Tagore, has already started planning for the wedding, and is scouting for the venue and menu. Talk is rife that Bipasha
Basu is also set to get married to her boyfriend, Harman Baweja, soon.
Recently, Bipasha confirmed her relationship on Twitter. Apparently, her
parents had their first formal meeting with Harman’s parents in January
this year. And a few days ago, Harman was reportedly part of her father’s
birthday celebration, and hobnobbed with her family. Also, Ranbir Kapoor
and Katrina Kaif are rumoured to be readying for the nuptials.
Shahid Kapoor in the Hindi
remake of Magadheera?
IRONICALLY, BOXER MARY KOM'S BIOPIC STARRING PRIYANKA
CHOPRA MIGHT NOT RELEASE IN HER OWN STATE
Five-time boxing champion Mary
Kom is hopeful that the film based
on her life will be screened in
Manipur, her home state. She
says, `We are trying very hard
for this to happen, but the movies
association and underground
groups should allow it. It looks
difficult but we will speak to the
government about the same.''
In September 2000, Revolutionary Peoples Front, which has
been fighting for a separate independent socialist state of
Manipur, issued a ban on the use
of Hindi and the screening of
Hindi films and TV shows. They
even conducted raids and confiscated thousands of video cassettes of Hindi films. Several cinema halls preferred to shut down
rather than face attacks by the
militant group for screening Hindi
films.
Utpal Borpujari, a filmmaker from
Assam, says, `In today's
globalised world, such bans have
no meaning as everyone can access films through DTH networks
and the internet. There's no point
in banning films from a par ticular language or culture except
perhaps scoring some political
brownie points for the militant
He is gearing up for the release of Vishal Bhardwaj's Haider
and has given nod to Raj and Krishna DK's Farji, Vikas Bahl's
Shandaar and Abhishek Chaubey's asyet-untitled next.
And that's not all. Mirror has learnt that the actor will be stepping into Ram Charan's shoes in the Hindi remake of SS
Rajamouli's 2009 Telugu hit Magadheera.
Co-starring Kajal Aggarwal, the historical romance was the
story of bike stuntman who recalls his previous life as a warrior in love with a princess.
According to a source, Sajid Nadiadwala has bought the rights
of the film and Shahid has liked the concept.
"Sajid who is celebrating the super success of his directorial
debut, Kick, plans to mount the film on a lavish scale," adds
the source.
While Sajid remained unavailable for comment, Shahid was
evasive on the subject, saying he doesn't like to discuss
projects till he star ts shooting for them. However, he admitted
to Mirror that he has seen the original. "Yes, I have seen seen
Magadheera and really loved it," he stated.
Nysa Devgn turns film-maker
group involved.
It will be in the spirit of things if
the film, Mary Kom, gets released
in Manipur so that Manipuris can
see how the story of one of them
has been told on a large canvas.
And why only Mary Kom, films
from any language should be
screened wherever there is a
market for it. Even if one concedes, for argument's sake, that
Bollywood films are a 'bad influ-
ence' on Manipuris, does it mean
that the rich Manipuri culture is
so weak that it can get affected
by such films? It's best is to let
people decide about these
things.`
Kangana Ranaut rejects Italian film with Massimiliano Gallo
The actor, it has been repor ted, is being offered many films, and is
extremely choosy when it comes to selecting projects. So, although she has signed an Indo-French
movie, she has opted out of an Italian
film offered to her opposite actor
Massimiliano Gallo. Kangana was offered the lead role while
she was pursuing a film-making and
screenplay-writing course in the US.
"Director Edoardo De Angelis got in touch
with her, but she said that she’d take a
call only after returning to Mumbai," reveals a source close to the actor.
Kangana, too, was initially delighted with the development. The
actor, in an earlier interview, told us, "I was offered the lead role
opposite Massimiliano. I am still contemplating it because I have
almost six projects lined up, and that has me booked till the beginning of 2016." But now, we have come to know
that she has rejected the film. "Kangana read
the script, liked the subject and communicated
it to the makers. However, she opted out of
the project in the second week of August citing date issues. The film is to go on the floors
in the next two months, and she didn’t want to
disrupt her prior commitments," adds the
source.
When contacted, the actor’s spokesperson
confirms the developments, saying, "Yes,
Kangana was offered the role opposite Massimiliano in an Italian
film, but had to turn it down as her dates are completely blocked."
Many star kids tend
to follow in the footsteps of their parents. And the latest
one who seems to
be doing so is Ajay
Devgn and Kajol’s
daughter, Nysa. The
11-year-old is already working on
her maiden project
— a shor t film.
"It is par t of a school
assignment, and has
got nothing to do with
the real world of
films. She is quite
excited about it as she will be working on it with her close
friends. Like all proud parents, Ajay and Kajol are also very
thrilled about it," says an insider close to the family, adding that
"Ajay has only shared this news with a few close friends and
family members".
Ajay couldn’t be reached for a comment, but earlier this month
he did reveal to us that Nysa is interested in films. "My daughter
is into movies, music and gymnastics," he had said.
Although Ajay’s primary interest lies in acting, he made his
directorial debut with U, Me Aur Hum in 2008. He is preparing to
direct his second film now.
Incidentally, Nysa’s grandfather, Veeru Devgan, had also directed a film titled Hindustan Ki Kasam (1999).
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
MidWeek
bollywood
19
Upcoming
BOLLYWOOD Movies
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'SINGHAM RETURNS'
DOUBLE DI TROUBLE
RELEASE DATE:
August 29, 2014
STAR CAST:
DHARMENDRA AND GIPPY GREWAL
DIRECTOR(S):
Smeep Kang
GENRE:
Comedy
An ordinary cop saga strictly for action junkies
With Independence Day falling on a Friday, probably there wouldn't
have been a better day of release for the second installment of
Rohit Shetty's much celebrated super-cop franchise Singham. Even
from viewers' perspective what else could have been better than
seeing an action packed cine saga circumscribed by the lanyard
of patriotism around it. And probably this was the reason why
Rohit zeroed down 15th of August to unveil this action packed
cine enterprise "Singham Returns". Starring Ajay Devgn, Kareena
Kapoor Khan, Amol Gupte, Dayanand Shetty, Anupam Kher, Sameer
Dharmadhikari the movie opened amid a jam packed occupancy
at the multiplexes.
Well as far cop cape sagas are concerned then the genre has
already turned into an over-exploited territory, but in-spite of that
this ilk of movie making still accrues a top notch in the priority
list of Bollywooders who alter it as per their need and demand of
the era. And it's because of this fascination for this genus of movie
making that some sail on the skiff of the remakes whereas other
opt to bogey on the yacht of sequels, Rohit Shetty's 'Singham
Returns" safely falls in the latter categor y. Although "Singham
Retur ns" was purpor ted to be the sequel of 2011 blockbuster
Singham, but in reality it has nothing in common except our very
own hot headed larger-than-life super cop Baji Rao Singham.
Anyhow let's have a look at the premise first. After abrogating
Jaikant Shikre in Goa (obviously not depicted in the movie) now
Baji Rao Sigham (Ajay Devgn) has shifted to Mumbai, where a
nexus of black money, electoral skulduggery is operational under
the patronage of a political leader Prakash Rao (Zakir Hussain)
and Swamiji (Amole Gupte). But Singham get a sniff of this immoral yoke only when an officer of his squad is found dead in a
drowned ambulance carrying a gargantuan amount of cash. So in
order to prove the rectitude of his colleague and get hold of those
behind this entire conspiracy Singham begins his quest for the
truth. So does Singham succeeds in his mission, and what else
he faces in the path? To know watch "Singham Returns".
Well probably many of you (including those who are die hard fans
of Rohit Shetty-ism) will agree that unveiling a sinewy story had
neither been the hallmark nor the for te of Rohit Shetty, who usu-
top
10
songs
Film:
1 SAMJHAWAN
Humpty
Sharma Ki Dulhania
FILM
SONG
2
Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania
Saturday Saturday
3
Hate Story 2
Aaj Phir
4
Kick
Jumme Ki Raat
5
Enter tainment
Johnny Johnny
6
Kick
Hangover
7
Ek Villain
Galliyan
8
Enter tainment
Veerey Di Wedding
9
Ek Villain
Banjaara
10
Kick
Yaar Naa Miley
MOVIE COLLECTIONS
HIT OR FLOP MIDWEEK
ENTERTAINMENT
SUPERHIT
AA GAY MUNDE UK DE
SUPERHIT
SINGHAM RETURNS
SUPERHIT
KICK
BLOCKBUSTER
EK VILLAIN
SUPERHIT
MARDAANI
ally prefer to make is cine-vessel sail either at the power of larger
than life action sequences or at rib tickling potency of humor.
Even with "Singham Returns", Shetty preferred to play safe by
making his protagonists per form on a very basic and highly predictable script. However this time for change this time with
"Sigham Returns" he somehow managed to entrench a social
message while unfurling the nexus of black money, blind faith,
electoral skulduggery etc in his cine plot. But in-spite of that there
is no denying the fact that despite blending together some socially relevant cine flavors Rohit has failed in coming up with
something which could have been far more superior in quality.
Be it amalgamation of redundant romance between our super-cop
Singham and his lady love Avni, or those bland humor chunks
everything just diminishes the overall appeal of the movie, which
could have easily turned into an explosive action saga otherwise.
In-fact if we thoroughly scrutinize the entire plot of the movie,
then with a few new plots embedded in it, "Singham Returns"
looks like a restructured guise of its prequel, with much lower
dose of enter tainment in the offering. And on the name of entertainment it only has those flying cars and scudding antagonists.
In nutshell on premise front all that could be said about "Singham
Returns" is that with super high degree of predictability and some
obtruded cine constituents it ends up being a mossy cine
chronicle.
Undoubtedly so far we have seen that whenever Rohit dishes out
something in the form of a movie it somehow manages to emerge
as a crowd charmer, but this time the maestro of action and comedy may end up disappointing many of his admirers. That's because be it insipid drama, obtruded song sequences or those
strangely feeble rhetoric chunks of Sajid Farhad everything diminishes the the benchmark which was set by the first edition of
Singham. As far as flow of the narration is considered then in both
the halves it looks thoroughly oxymoron with a sheer oblivion
about the concept of "pace consistency". But it's that Rohit Shettyistic kind of high octane action and Ajay's onscreen presence
which keeps fans gazes glued to the big screen despite so many
discrepancies prevailing in the plot.
On cinematographic front Rohit along with DoP Narendra Rahurikar
and cinematographer Dudley has raised the bar drastically by
capturing the Mumbai milieu and those death defying action sequences with utmost excellence, but that in no manner deems
"Singham Returns" to be addressed as an stupendous enter tainer.
Infact it would have been great, had Rohit tried to look beyond his
safe zone and would have tried to have a tryst with something out
of the box.
Even in the editing depar tment movie's editor Steven Benard has
failed in using his shears appropriately. And I am saying so because there are numerous sequences in the movie like those
extended catwalks of Ajay with "Singham, Singham" running in
the background and some of the overstretched action sequences
RELEASE DATE:
August 22, 2014
STAR CAST:
Rani Mukherjee
DIRECTOR(S):
Pradeep Sarkar
GENRE:
Action / Drama
RAJA NATWARLAL
RELEASE DATE:
August 22, 2014
STAR CAST:
Emraan Hashmi, Humaima
Malick,Paresh Rawal,Kay Kay Menon
DIRECTOR(S):
Kunal Deshmukh
GENRE:
Action / Drama
BANG BANG
RELEASE DATE:
Oct 02, 2014
STAR CAST:
Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Danny
Denzongpa, Javed Jaffrey, Pawan
Malhotra
DIRECTOR(S):
Siddharth Anand
PRODUCER(S):
Fox Star Studios
HAPPY NEW YEAR
RELEASE DATE:
STAR CAST:
Oct 23, 2014
Shahrukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika
Padukone, Sonu Sood, Boman Irani, Vivaan Shah, Jackie Shroff,
Kareena Kapoor, Anurag Kashyap, Vishal Dadlani, Dino Morea
DIRECTOR(S):
Farah Khan
PRODUCER(S):
Gauri Khan, Shahrukh Khan
which unnecessarily add to the length of the movie.
As stated above music of "Singham Returns" is nothing more than redundant condiment incorporated in the movie merely for heck of it. And the
worst part is that, it is neither appealing nor plausible.
Well as far as performances are concerned then just like its so called prequel,
"Singham Returns" is also an out and out Ajay Devgn cine affair in every manner.
In-fact I personally feel that when it comes to playing a cop then there is no one
better than Ajay, who always seizes your attention when he steps out in a Khaaki.
In "Singham Returns", Ajay once again performs his part with conviction and
succeeds in making viewers' go gaga over him and overlook the discrepancies
prevailing in the movie.
Kareena remains overshadowed by her male counterpart in whole of the movie,
but in-spite of that she manages to make her presence feel. As far as antagonists'
league is concerned then Amole Gupte tries his level best to fit in the shoes of
poseur and immoral Swamiji, but goes overboard quite often. Zakir Hussain as
Gupte's is good. Anupam Kher, in small yet important role succeeds in leaving a
pleasing impact.
Besides suppor ting cast comprising of Mahesh Manjrekar,
Dayanand Shetty, Ganesh Yadav, Sameer Dharmadhikari, Ashwini
Kalsekar, Sharat Saxena et al too succeeds in doing justice to
their respective characters.
20
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
Gavaskar, Ganguly
ask selectors to
take tough decisions
New Delhi (IANS): Former captains Sunil Gavaskar and Sorav
Ganguly have blasted the Indian
team and said it was high time
for the selectors to take some
tough decisions following the
embarrassing 1-3 Test series
loss to England.
Ganguly said the team had
shown "no effort, no heart, no
fight."
"There have to be some harsh
decisions. The selectors' outlook
has to change - when you pick
your players, when you identify
talent, these are the things you
have to look for: who gets runs
for you in difficult circumstances,
who gets runs for you when the
chips are down, who gets runs
for you when you are 50-5,"
Ganguly told Headlines Today.
Citing the example of Australia,
Gavaskar said successful teams
have the ability to take tough decisions when they are down in
the dumps.
"One of the reasons why Australia have clawed back to the top
spot is that they take tough calls
and that is the need of the hour
for India," he said.
Gavaskar was upset that the
young Indian team was refusing
to learn from past mistakes.
"Even till two days, I was defending the team. But you see them
today, they have made the same
mistakes over and over again. It
means the team is not learning.
Do they care about it? I don't
know," Gavaskar was quoted as
saying by NDTV after India suffered a 1-3 Test series loss to
England Sunday at The Oval in
London.
Gavaskar wondered how much
rope could be given to young players before taking a tough decision. "Most of these players
have played in South Africa, New
Zealand and England. How much
of a rope do you give a young
player? I think somewhere down
the line some firm decisions
have to be taken. I don't know if
they will be taken," he said.
Kardec scores late
winner for Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo (IANS): Alan
Kardec scored his fifth goal
in seven matches as Sao Paulo
defeated local rivals Palmeiras 21 in Brazil's Serie A football.
The 25-year-old former Benfica
striker netted an 89th-minute winner Sunday after Palmeiras forward Henrique had cancelled out
Alexandre Pato's opener at the
Pacaembu stadium.
The result lifted Sao Paulo to fifth in
the standings with seven wins and
five draws from 15 matches.
Meanwhile, much maligned striker
Fred missed a penalty in
Fluminense's 0-2 loss to Botafogo
at the Maracana stadium. Daniel
and Pablo Zeballos were on target
for the Botafogo.
Fred, who retired from international
football after scoring just once in
Brazil's disappointing 2014 World
Cup campaign, sent his 88thminute spot-kick wide after Rafael
Sobis was brought down by Julio
Cesar.
In other matches Sunday, Atletico
Paranaense held Sport 1-1,
Figueirense drew 2-2 with Atletico
Mineiro, leaders Cruzeiro beat
Santos 3-0, Gremio overcame
Criciuma 2-0 and Vitoria drew 0-0
with Chapecoense.
ENGLAND CELEBRATE THEIR 3-1 SERIES WIN AFTER A CRUSHING INNINGS WIN INSIDE THREE DAYS AT THE OVAL.
I DETAILS ON PAGE 21
Indian batsmen were like lambs to the slaughter: Boycott
London (IANS): Former England
captain Geoffrey Boycott has
slammed the Indian team for their
pathetic display with both bat and
ball in the humiliating 1-3 Test series
loss to England and said the batsmen
were like "lambs to the slaughter".
"India were pathetic when they had to
bat and bowl on two seaming, swinging pitches at Old Trafford and The
Oval. Their batsmen lacked application and the technique to handle
two of the best Test bowlers in the
world in James Anderson and
Stuar t Broad. On these sor t of
pitches they are a handful for any
batsmen and these talented kids
had no experience of such conditions," Boycott wrote in his column
in The Daily Telegraph.
"The Indian batsmen were like lambs
to the slaughter. Last winter England
supporters did not enjoy our team
getting annihilated and embarrassed
by Australia with matches finishing
early," he said.
Boycott also doesn't like the idea of
having a five-match series. "Backto-back Tests gave them no county
cricket to try to find form or confidence. Cricket administrators the
world over are only interested
in how many international days
they can cram into any summer season so that they can sell the rights for
more and more television money,"
he said. Boycott feels one-sided series
are not good advertisement for the game
and he wants to see more hard-fought
series.
"It is not a good advert for Test cricket
when series are so one-sided. We
want to see a hard-fought contest,
to enjoy the ebb and flow of a
match, swaying from one side to
the other, and hopefully England
coming out on top at the end. Not
just one-sided hammerings," he
said.
Boycott was happy with the performance of batsmen Gary
Ballance and Jos Buttler, but was
far from being impressed with
opener Sam Robson.
"The good things we have learnt
are that Gary Ballance is mentally strong and up for the challenge of batting at three. Joe Root
has found his per fect place at
five. Jos Buttler showed some
real batting composure at Old
Trafford and the Oval...But Sam
Robson, the opener, I am sorry,
his footwork and judgement outside off stump is not good enough.
We have to find someone better
for the sterner Tests to come
against Australia in England, Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates
and South Africa away," he said.
The legend doesn't believe that
England would be preparing simi-
lar pitches for the Ashes next
summer and if they do, matches
would last just two days.
DHONI HINTS AT QUITTING AFTER SERIES DEFEAT
London (IANS): India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni hinted at stepping down as the captain following
his team's 1-3 Test series loss to England.
India lost The Oval Test by an innings and 244 runs here Sunday, triggering questions over Dhoni's future as the India
captain. Asked if he has taken the team as far as he could, Dhoni said: "Maybe, yes."
"You'll have to wait and watch. If I'm strong enough or not strong enough, you'll have to wait and get the news," Dhoni was
quoted as saying by BBC Test Match Special.
Dhoni, 33, took over the Test team in 2008 after leading India to an emphatic win in the inaugural World Twenty20 in 2007.
He has led the team in 58 Tests with a record 27 wins. Under Dhoni, India topped the world Test rankings from late 2009
until the summer of 2011, a period in which he also led the team to victory in the World Cup.
But India's slide started with surrendering their No.1 Test rankings with a 4-0 whitewash in England in 2011.
In the current series, India took a 1-0 lead by winning the Lord's Test. But from then on things worsened for the visitors,
who suffered three consecutive losses, including two innings defeats. They failed 200 in five consecutive attempts that
ended with them being bowled out for 94 inside 30 overs at The Oval here Sunday.
"The last three Tests, we were not up to the mark," said Dhoni, who has scored 4,808 runs in 88 Tests. "We never
competed. Today's batting was a reflection of a loss of confidence. It's disappointing."
"Right from the start, our batsmen haven't performed - it was the lower order. Later on in the series, when the lower order
didn't perform, we saw there wasn't enough runs on the board," said Dhoni.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar also blasted the team for the tame surrender.
"I don't know what to say. What can you say? You can get angry, say harsh things, but what good will it do? If you do not
want to be playing Test cricket for India, quit. Just play limited-overs cricket. You should not be embarrassing your country like that," said Gavaskar.
India's last five Test series:
July-August 2014: England (away) - lost 3-1 (5 Tests)
February 2014: New Zealand (away) - lost 1-0 (2 Tests)
December 2013: South Africa (away) - lost 1-0 (2 Tests)
November 2013: West Indies (home) - won 2-0 (2 Tests)
February-March 2013: Australia (home) - won 4-0 (4 Tests)
Over 1,000 athletes eyeing Asian Games berth in Patiala
Patiala (IANS): Fresh from their
campaign in the Commonwealth
Games in Glasgow, Indian athletes are keen to grab Asian
Games ber th at the Federation
Cup National Athletics Championships star ting Saturday here at
the National Institute of Spor ts
(NIS).
The four-day championships assumes a lot of significance as it
will serve as the selection trials
for the Indian athletics team for
Asian Games 2014, to be held in
South Korean city of Incheon, Sep
19-Oct 4.
Traditionally, the Asian Games
have been the most rewarding in-
ternational competition for Indian
athletics. Since 1951 when the
Asian Games were launched, Indian athletes have won 219 medals out of a total of 534 medals
won by Indian contingents at the
mega event.
There are high expectations from
the Indian athletes to return with
an impressive haul of medals this
time around, too. This year's Federation Cup has attracted a record
number of entries. Around 1007
athletes, including 733 men and
274 women, will be competing in
the 2014 Championships.
Two international walk race referees, from Malaysia and Indo-
nesia, have been especially invited by the Athletics Federation
of India (AFI) to officiate in the race
walk events, where India is considered to be an emerging force.
"This year's Federation Cup assumes special impor tance because the performance of the athletes here will be used as a guideline for selection to the Indian athletics team for the Incheon Asian
Gam e s , " s a i d A F I p r e s i d e n t
Adille Sumariwala.
As expected, the competition in
the throw events - especially
women's discus throw - promises to create a buzz with an
exciting line-up in the offing.
CWG 2010 gold medallist
Krishna Punia, triple medallist
in the CWG (2006, '10, '14)
Seema Antil and teen sensation
Navjeet Kaur Dhillon, who won
the bronze in the 2014 IAAF
World Junior Championships,
will be in the fray for the title in
the women's discus.
"I'm looking forward to the 2014
Asian Games and the Federation Cup
should provide some exciting competition to launch the preparation,"
said Krishna, the first Indian women
to win a gold in the Commonwealth
Games.
CWG 2014 bronze medallist in
men's triple jump, Arpinder
Singh seemed confident and
raring for more.
"I was aiming for the gold in the
Commonwealth Games, but
things didn't turn out the way I had
planned. I hope to do better at the
Asian Games. I've grown up as an
athlete at NS Patiala and I hope to
live up to the expectations at the
Federation Cup."
Other star athletes who will be
watched closely here are 2010
Asian Games bronze medal winner Tintu Luka, who has been recently nominated for the Arjuna
Award, women jumper Sahana
Kumari and Mayookha Johny,
among others.
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
21
Saad Shaikh and Avy Bath
gearing up for Ontario Beach
Volleyball Championships
Fun and football at a Live Your Goals festival in Canada.
Photograph cour tesy of Canada Soccer/Tony Lewis.
INDIA BEFUDDLED AS ENGLAND
COMPLETE HUMILIATION
“
England 486 (Root 149, Cook 79, Ballance 64)
beat India 148 (Dhoni 82, Woakes 3-30) and
94 (Jordan 4-18) by an innings and 244 runs
India might have been transpor ted to another world, a world so unfamiliar that their senses were befuddled, their physical prowess lost,
their lifetime's knowledge entirely inadequate. One by one their batsmen came and went as they underwent the third heaviest Test defeat
in their history.
This is an Indian side built on immense wealth and hubris, which has
become used to a feeling of power, which has come to view its early
history as an aberration, yet they were pover ty stricken against an
England side once again relishing perfect swing and seam bowling
conditions.
India batted as if they had no sense of time and place, but for the
record on August 17, 2014, in south London, they foundered to 94 all
out in only 29.2 overs. Against the same England side that was beaten
by Sri Lanka in a two-Test series in May, India have insisted on five
Tests crammed into six weeks and once the series turned they had no
respite.
Less than four weeks ago, India secured an historic win at Lord's to
go 1-0 up in the Investec series. They have since been trounced three
times: by 266 runs at the Ageas Bowl, by an innings and 54 on a
relatively quick pitch at Old Trafford, and now by an innings and 244
runs.
England's 3-1 series win was secured in a quite remarkable transformation. When it was indicated that Alastair Cook was a captain under
pressure, it was clear that the media meant MS Dhoni; when the
coaching influence of Peter Moores was questioned, obviously what
should have been written was Duncan Fletcher. "We were laughing
about it," Cook said. "Everything we planned went perfectly."
Not since 1977 have India been dismissed for less than 200 five
times in succession. Since they made 178 in the second innings in
Southampton, they have been dismantled for 152, 161, 148 and, finally, for 94 by an England attack that, as well it has bowled, must
have viewed the disintegration as barely credible.
There were so many images that India will not want to recall, but their
misery was encapsulated in the last act of the morning session when
Gautam Gambhir, his Test career perhaps at an end, jogged off the
outfield at The Oval in pouring rain seconds after pointlessly running
himself out.
Gambhir, sent back by Cheteshwar Pujara after envisaging a suicidal
single to shor t midwicket, was beaten by Chris Woakes' direct hit, the
last act in a shor t pre-lunch session of 6.1 overs which also saw
India lose M Vijay, their staunchest batsman in the series, lbw to a
lavish inswinger from James Anderson.
The rain relented to allow a restar t at 2.30pm; by 4.30pm all that was
left was the rigmarole of a presentation ceremony - a ceremony in
which India had to watch Anderson, their bête noire, collect the Man
of the Series award. India now have a week to regroup, or merely to
measure out their life with coffee spoons as TS Eliot had it, before an
ODI series in which they will still regard themselves as favourites,
What next? MS Dhoni has a lot to think about
although such is their large turnover between Test and ODI squads
that about half the squad are heading home.
In good times, Pujara and Virat Kohli have the talent and patience to
bat for days. At The Oval, they could have fallen to vir tually any ball.
Pujara's hands were strikingly low for such conditions to combat the
rising ball; Kohli has looked fallible outside off stump throughout the
series, a series in which India's gilded young batsman has made 134
runs at 13.4. He has the talent to conquer English conditions, but this
failure will sit heavily on him. For six overs, Pujara and Kohli resisted, their stand of 21 the highest of the innings. Then Pujara pushed
gravely forward at an outswinger, almost as if bowed in prayer, and
edged to the keeper. Surprisingly, considering the mayhem that followed, it was Anderson's last wicket, leaving him three behind Ian
Botham's England record of 383 Test wickets and no Test to make up
the shor tfall until the Caribbean next April.
Broad and Anderson bowled beautifully, Broad picking up Ajinkya
Rahane five overs later. Gary Ballance's brilliant diving catch at third
slip, springing to his left to rescue a chance that might easily have
fallen shor t, exemplified another gulf between the sides: India's close
catching had become increasingly atrocious.
That India's candle was burning as if in pure oxygen was apparent when Dhoni
followed in the next over, a push off his hip against a back-of-a-length delivery from
Chris Woakes that was snaffled by Sam Robson at short leg. Cook, who has
become more prone to attacking fields as England's superiority has become apparent, must now reflect that they are rather fun.
UPCOMING STAR IN CANADIAN FIELD HOCKEY
FROM BRAMPTON- PARMEET GILL
CONTD. FROM PAGE 17
Parmeet with his hard work and dedication towards hockey got selected in the Canadian Junior
field hockey team for Youth Olympics in China. The Canadian Junior Hockey team has the
following players
" Parmeet Gill
" Liam Manning
" Floyd Mascarenhas
" Braedon Muldoon
" Balraj Panesar
" Brandon Pereira
" Vikramjeet Sandhu
" Amrit Sidhu
" Harbir Sidhu
Parmeet Gill plays with our local Canadian field hockey and Cultural club. The community is
proud of the youngsters who are doing so well in at National and International level.
Midweek Newspaper would also like to compliment the parents for the suppor t to young
sportspersons and hope more players will join Hockey and other sports to make their parents
and community proud.
DESK REPORT
Toronto - When you win, it makes for a phenomenal story. When you win
again the story grows and it gets better. But staying undefeated for an
entire year, get you noticed.
The story of this year's Ontario Beach Volleyball Championships was
one of the two 14-yearold middle school students. While most kids
their age are gearing up
for high school, Saad
Shaikh and Avy Bath
are busy preparing for
volleyball tournaments.
They spend each weekday, training in the
summer. On the weekends they reap the rewards. In fact, the challenge this time around
was not even the part
about winning.
Coach Jessy Satti
says: "It was interesting to see how guys would do after all of their success. A lot of the time,
especially in the younger age groups, kid's let the success get in their
head. Or even worse, they get down on themselves when things change
and don't go their way."
Avy and Saad did just fine
Due to point differential, the duo came into the tournament ranked second despite not dropping a single set the entire season. It seemed this
was all set to change as Saad and Avy were down 12-18 in the first set
of the provincial finals. Their opponents were coming off a close semifinal victory against Saad and Avy's Pakmen teammates and were full of
confidence going into the match. Avy and Saad did not let this phase
them. They pulled off seven straight points en route to a 21-19 victory. In
the second set they would cruise to a 21-16 victory and keep their 2014
Beach undefeated streak alive.
"The boys really stayed focused, even when they were down," says
Satti. "They stuck to the basics, passing and serving, and didn't let their
emotions get to them."
When asked about their come back in the first set, the team is quick to
divert the praise. "Our indoor coach, Smith, really taught us to fight
back," says Shaikh. "With the lessons that we learned from him throughout the year, giving up was never an option." This is the second year in a
row that Avy and Saad have won the prestigious event. Last year, they
were the 13U provincial championships. In indoor, the duo is part of a
Pakmen team that is the defending indoor provincial champions.
With the win, Saad and Avy become the fifth straight Pakmen team that
has won the 14U beach provincial championships. It is been quite a year
for Saad Sheikh and Avy Bath. The 14 year old David Leeder Middle
School students are coming off a provincial championship, and are
already looking ahead to Canada's National Championships. Being motivated as ever, the team is determined to be Canada's best team. With
Nationals coming up in a few weeks, it is safe to say that their volleyball
story is far from over. The OVA ranks teams based on how many points
they have. By competing in an older division, teams can accumulate
more points. First place in 14U could be worth 100 points, while fifth
place in 15U would be worth 150 points.
I need more races: Bolt
Rio De Jaeiro (IANS): Usain Bolt admitted he lacked sharpness
after taking gold in a 100-metre race in Rio de Janeiro Sunday.
The six-time Olympic champion clocked 10.06 seconds to beat
Britain's Mark Lewis Francis (10.42) and Jefferson Liberato of
Brazil (10.44) on the Copacabana beach track, Xinhua repor ted.
"I had a poor star t but I regained some of my poise later in the
race," said Bolt, who was competing in his first individual 100metre race of the year. "I felt a bit heavy. I need to compete in
more races. I will be in better shape after that."
The 27-year-old thanked the suppor t of thousands of locals who
willed the Jamaican on to victory.
"The energy here is great. Thank you everybody, it was fantastic."
Brazilian Rosangela Santos won the women's event in 11.33
seconds ahead of Jamaica's Schillonie Calver t and Carmelita
Jeter of the US.
Visa woes for Pakistani squash players
Islamabad (IANS): Pakistani players were forced to miss the
Professional Squash Association's CIMB Malaysian Open Squash
Championship since they were not issued visas by the Malaysian High Commission.
A Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) official said that the federation had applied for visas well in time by Aug 11 but the Malaysian High Commission, along with other foreign mission offices,
were closed for the past week due the protests marches by
political par ties here in the capital, repor ts Xinhua.
The PSF had planned to send its three top players Nasir Iqbal,
Danish Atlas and Farhan Zaman for the competition in Kuala
Lumpur that star ts Monday and will end Saturday.
The official said the world rankings of the Pakistani players would
now take a hit by missing this tournament.
Kiplagat warms up for Chicago Marathon in style
Nairobi (IANS): Kenya's Commonwealth Games 10,000 metres
silver medallist Florence Kiplagat warmed up in style for the
2014 Chicago Marathon slated for Oct 12 with a stunning win at
the County Pensions Fund (CPF) Nairobi Diamond 10-km run.
Kiplagat finished the 10-km course in a time of 31:42.0 to win
prize money of $3,000 and a diamond with an undeclared value
here Sunday, repor ts Xinhua.
Irene Chebet was placed second in a time of 31:45.0 whereas
third place went to Alice Aprot who stopped the clock in 31.46:0.
"I missed competing at the African Championships in Marrakech,
Morocco, because of visa problems and I was happy to have a
race in Nairobi to do speed work," Kiplagat said during a postrace interview.
22
MidWeek
RANDEEP HOODA: I’M NOT
USED TO BEING A PART OF
THE RS 100 CRORE CLUB
bollywood
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
MAHESH BHATT UPSET WITH
NEPHEW EMRAAN HASHMI
Mahesh Bhatt upset with nephew Emraan Hashmi for choosing a rival
studio's film over the one by his "parent company".
When Emraan Hashmi decided to allot 10 days to promote his upcoming film Raja Natwarlal, the move did not go down well with the
Bhatts-- Mahesh, Mukesh and Vikram. Reason: They wanted these
dates to wrap up their supernatural thriller, Mr. X, with the actor. Now,
they will have to get fresh combination dates from the rest of the cast
for the shoot. When contacted, Emraan's uncle, Mahesh Bhatt, didn't
mince words, saying, "He did inform me about this change in plans but he
still caught me off-guard. Without taking away from his efforts, I have to say
that I am the architect of Brand Emraan. We are his parent company and
deserve his loyalty more than anyone else."
Interestingly, Raja Natwarlal's director Kunal Deshmukh is also a Bhatt protege and this is his first film outside the camp. Emraan responded to Mahesh's
outburst saying, "Bhattsaab has been and always will be my mentor. But he
forgets that he was the one who told me that in the end only success matters,
be it through fair or foul means. I am going all out for Raja Natwarlal as it is
a good film and I want it to succeed. Bhattsaab should be happy
because I am following his teachings."
Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh are like
elder brothers who look out for me
Its way past Cinderella hour in India, but across the globe in Canada,
the day is just peaking and Randeep Hooda is busy filming Deepa
Mehta's Beeba Boys, earlier titled Inland. And he's thrilled to be working with a foreign crew in a different country with an Oscar nominated
director.
"Deepa's a rock star, she keeps me on my toes. If any laziness has
crept in over time, you gotta banish it," he laughs, longdistance from
Toronto.Randeep is hoping this film will cut across borders and appeal to the Indian diaspora."It's about the journey of a man, a Jatt Sikh
called Jeet Johar. It's a hero's role, larger than life, yet grounded, with
hear t and soul," he says.
Any other actor would have been cut up about missing the celebrations, as his latest release Kick makes box-office history back home,
but Randeep reasons that the distance helps him view the film's success objectively.
"I knew that given bhai's (Salman Khan) phenomenal pull and Sajid
bhai (producer-director Nadiadwala) making the film with no expenses
spared, it would be a blockbuster. What surprised me was Sajid bhai
coming to me with such a cool role when he could have chosen any
big name and bhai accepting me as a co-actor and a friend," he admits candidly. Earlier in the year, he'd watched Alia Bhatt hijack Highway. Kick comes as a bonus to balance out the disappointment.
"I'm not used to being a par t of the Rs 100 crore club and I'm over the
moon. But there's no doubt that it is because of bhai that so many
people are watching the film and along with him, liking me too," he
says, adding his biggest takeaway as an actor is that the audience
has accepted him in roles as diverse as Bombay Talkies, Highway
and Kick. "Now I hope that some of these people come to see my
smaller films, Rang Rasiya and Main Aur Charles."
Before he arrives, his team is there to check that everything is in
order. A hush settles over the room when he arrives after the
appointed hour. Apologising for his late-coming because he has
been awake until 6 am, working on the post-production of his
Independence Day release Singham Returns, he wastes no further time. As he settles down to answer queries about his latest
labour of love, you find yourself getting immersed in his enthusiasm. Oblivious to the recorder that is taping him, the filmmaker
holds for t on his brand of commercial cinema... something that
he truly believes in.
In one of your earlier interviews to Bombay Times, before Chennai
Express crossed the `200 crore mark, you said your newfound
hotshot status means nothing to your mother. Does she still call
you to change fused bulbs, like she did earlier?
Yes, my mother still asks me to change fused bulbs. That will
never change because she will never change. To her, I'm her son
first and everything else is secondary. Frankly, I do not want
anyone around me (especially close family, friends or my team)
to change their attitude towards me. It keeps me grounded.
ACTORS HUMAIMA MALIK AND EMRAAN HASHMI ON THE SETS
OF JHALAK DIKHHLA JAA 7 DURING THE PROMOTION OF THEIR
FILM RAJA NATWARLAL IN MUMBAI.
Fight over Meena Kumari
The biopic of Tragedy Queen Meena Kumari has taken a sad
turn.
Shashilal Nair (director of the infamous Ek Choti Si Love Story)
returns to the arclights with the film. But all is not well between
Nair and the producer of the film, Tajdar Amrohi, the son of the
late filmmaker Kamal Amrohi and Meena Kumari's stepson.
Tajdar, who has re-booted his father's banner, Mahal Pictures,
under a new name, Kamal Amrohi Pictures, clashed with the
director over the por trayal of the actress' life.
When contacted, Tajdar confirmed that Nair and he are not on the
same page as yet. "He wants to take cer tain cinematic liber ties
but I am not playing to the gallery. I know we are not making a
documentary but we have to stick to the truth," he asser ted.
To begin with, Tajdar and Nair have not agreed on the choice of
actress to play the film icon onscreen. Also, the two men are on
the opposite sides of the fence when it comes to zeroing in on the
film's title.
" Nair also wants a few song situations which I am not comfor table with," says Tajdar, adding, "Actually, besides the heroine
and the title, there are several other things that need to be shown
in correct perspective. Creativity doesn't mean that you tell a
warped story."
Mirror has it that the last argument between the filmmaker and
the director happened while they were discussing a scene where
Kamal Amrohi, while returning from an award ceremony with
Meena Kumari, dismisses her award as a small achievement.
Comedians at the sets of India's Got Talent session 5 (IANS)
Actor Om Puri with wife Nandita Puri and son Ishaan during the screening of Hollywood film The Hundred-Foot Journey in Mumbai (IANS)
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
entertainment
KAREENA KAPOOR GETS A COSTUME
CHANGE FOR HER WAX STATUE
MidWeek
23
HOLLYWOOD
news
Sylvester Stallone wishes luck
to Indian Rambo
New Delhi (IANS): Sylvester Stallone's "The Expendables 3" is
set for Friday release in India and the Hollywood action star
wishes "luck" to "Indian Rambo" Ajay Devgn and his new film
"Singham Returns".
The two films were supposed to hit the screens Aug 15, but the
face off was avoided.
"I think we are releasing against the Indian Rambo in India. Best
of luck to 'Singham' and Ajay Devgn," the "Rambo" star said in a
statement.
"The Expendables 3" will release in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu,
other than English, in India Aug 22.
"Singham Returns", on the other hand, has already minted
Rs.53.14 crore in the first two days of its release.
Martin fell for Lawrence's laidback personality
Kareena Kapoor comes faces to face with her wax figure from 2011 after donating a new red sari with a gold trim that she wore from
the film Ra.One, at Madame Tussauds in London.
Back in 2011, Kareena Kapoor Khan joined an elite group of Bollywood
stars when her wax statue was installed at the famous Madame
Tussauds museum in London, UK.
When the statue was first unveiled, it was dressed in the actor’s
costume from the popular number, Mauja Hi Mauja, from Jab We Met
(2007). But now, the figurine is getting a makeover.
The statue will now be dressed in the sari that Kareena was seen
wearing in the song Chammak Challo from RA.One (2011).
"Kareena was glad when she was informed of the costume change.
She also felt that it had been a while since the statue was unveiled in
her Jab We Met outfit. She was happy that the Chammak challo sari
was chosen for the statue’s new look," says an insider.
Interestingly, Kareena had gone to London to celebrate her husband
Saif Ali Khan’s bir thday on August 16. She was present at the museum when her statue’s new avatar is unveiled.
When contacted, Kareena told us from London, "It’s always a pleasure to see the statue. We wanted to dress it up a bit so the red sari
from Chammak Challo felt perfect."
Los Angeles (IANS): Singer Chris Mar tin repor tedly got attracted
to actress Jennifer Lawrence because of her laid-back personality.
Friends believe she's good for him following his failed marriage
with Gwyneth Paltrow, whom he split from in March, repor ts
femalefirst.co.uk.
"Jennifer is loads of fun and they can't stop laughing when they
are together. Chris feels he is dating someone who has everything he's been missing out on in the past 11 years," a source
was quoted by The Sun newspaper as saying.
Paltrow, 41, is known for her healthy diet and strict fitness routine, while Lawrence, 24, smokes and enjoys pizza.
And Mar tin repor tedly feels the "Hunger Games" star has given
him a "new lease of life."
Lawrence and Mar tin first sparked rumours they were dating
after they were spotted having deep conversation at the afterpar ty for Coldplay's Royal Alber t Hall gig in London in July and
they have reportedly spent the last six weeks texting each other.
Kate Moss parties with Madonna
Cannes (IANS): Model Kate Moss partied with singer Madonna
at her 1920s-themed bir thday par ty organised here over the
weekend.
The "Frozen" hitmaker turned 56 on Aug 16.
Moss joined Madonna in celebrating her bir thday at a lavish
par ty at a private villa here, where the two were pictured cosying
up together, repor ts contactmusic.com.
Madonna posted the photo of herself wearing a beaded black
dress next to the model, who was clad in a strappy black gown,
on her Instagram account Sunday.
She captioned the image: "Bow down Bitches!
#whatitfeelslikeforagirl.(sic)"
Her children -- Lourdes, 17, Rocco, 14, David, 8, and Mercy, 8 - also attended the bir thday bash.
Chris Brown, Karrueche Tran reunite
Los Angeles (IANS): Singer Chris Brown and Karrueche Tran
have fuelled speculation they are back together after being recently pictured getting affectionate.
The on-and-off couple - who were believed to have ended their
three-year relationship for good earlier this month - were spotted together at a charity football game here Aug 16 and seemed
more in love than ever, repor ts contactmusic.com.
Ahead of the game, Brown shared on Instagram: "It's going down!
Team Breezy vs. Quincy (Jones') team (sic)".
Tran was seen cheering on the singer from the sidelines, before
they embraced on the field and were openly affectionate as they
left the game.
Later in the evening, Brown posed for a selfie with the model as
the drove through the city.
Actors Nicholas Tse (L) and Gao Yuanyuan at a press conference
of the film But Always in Beijing, China (IANS)
Actress Megan Fox promoting her movie Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtles in Mexico. (IANS)
At Courteney's wedding Ed
Sheeran to be best man?
Los Angeles (IANS): Singer Ed Sheeran is likely to be the best
man at the wedding of actress Cour teney Cox and musician
Johnny McDaid.
Sheeran had introduced the two and he is expected to take on the
impor tant role when the couple exchange vows later this year,
repor ts femalefirst.co.uk.
"Not only is Ed great mates with Johnny, he is a close friend of
Cour teney's. Ed said yes immediately when asked. Johnny's
other best pal, singer Foy Vance, is also an usher," said a source.
"It's between him and Ed for best man - they'll probably share it,"
added the source.
McDaid proposed to Cox, who has 10-year-old daughter Coco
with ex-husband David Arquette, in June after just six months of
dating.
No violence or 'dirty comedy' in
Jackie Chan's film
U.S. actors Cameron Diaz (R) and Jason Segel (L) pose for
photographs during a red carpet event in Mexico City. (IANS)
A figure of Buddha within the Baiqoi Monastery in Gyangze
County, southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (IANS)
Los Angeles (IANS): Actor Jackie Chan says he wants his movies to have "plenty of action, but not violence" and wants to stay
away from dir ty comedy.
The "Rush Hour" actor considers the films he directs to be like
his children, and he has a very strict set of guidelines, repor ts
contactmusic.com.
"When I direct, the film is like my baby. I have to make sure there
is comedy but no dir ty comedy and a positive message," he
said.
"I like people to believe the stunts are real - it's not like 'SpiderMan' or 'Iron Man'... I only use a tiny bit of special effects.
"I want it to be believable, so where I used to do a triple kick, I
now just do one. Eventually there will be no kicks. There has to
be plenty of action, but not violence," he added.
24
MidWeek
MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY
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