The South Asian Times

e x c e l l e n c e i n j o u r n a l i s m
Vol.11 No. 11 July 14-20, 2018 80 Cents New York Edition Follow us on TheSouthAsianTimes.info

South Korea and India to

double trade by 2030

President Trump landed in Brussels on Tuesday a day

after nominating Brett Kavanaugh (inset) to the Supreme Court.

Trump criticizes
Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Sourth Korean President
Moon Jae‑in at the Ceremonial Reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Moon has asked for
India's help in achieving rapprochement with North Korea (Photo: PIB)
EU allies ahead
New Delhi: The leaders of India
and South Korea committed on
Tuesday to lift bilateral trade to
$50 billion a year by 2030, up
Jae‑in met with Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi in New
Delhi, after which they issued a
statement pledging an "early con‑
billion trade goal, and the two
leaders signed an 11‑point agree‑
ment mostly on economic coop‑
eration. Moon's four‑day trip to
of NATO summit
from $20 billion now, as they clusion" to talks on upgrading the India ends on Wednesday, the In a likely win for President, his pick for
both contend with the rise of economic partnership agreement first visit by a sitting South
China. between their nations. Korean president since 2014. Supreme Court will face Democrats
South Korean President Moon The statement cited the $50 Continued on page 4 blitz, but stands to get confirmed
Brussels: President Donald Trump we are expected to defend, are not

Lokesh Muni inaugurates AAPI convention continued to criticize European

Brahmarishi Guruvanand
Swamiʼs blessing event on July 1
Flanked by AAPI President Dr Gautam Sammader and Columbus
at the Hindu Temple Auditorium
Mayor Ginther, Jain guru Acharya Lokesh Muni inaugurated
in Flushing, NY was a divine
AAPIʼs 36th Annual Convention in Columbus, Ohio, held from
July 4‑8. At the conclusion of the convention, Dr Naresh Parikh experience for his followers.
took over as President. (See story on page 7.) First person account
and more pix on page 2.
allies ahead of the NATO summit
in Brussels.
He arrived in Brussels on
Tuesday evening for the summit
scheduled for Wednesday and
Thursday, after which he is expect‑
ed to visit Britain and later meet
Russian President Vladimir Putin
in Finland's capital Helsinki,
Xinhua reported.
"The European Union makes it
impossible for our farmers and
workers and companies to do busi‑
ness in Europe (US has a $151 bil‑
lion trade deficit), and then they
want us to happily defend them
through NATO, and nicely pay for
it. Just doesn't work!" Trump
tweeted on Tuesday evening.
"Many countries in NATO, which
only short of their current commit‑
ment of 2 percent (which is low),
but are also delinquent for many
years in payments that have not
been made. Will they reimburse
the US?" he wrote in another tweet
earlier in the evening.
Even as Trump left Washington
the day after nominating Brett
Kavanaugh tot eh Supreme Court,
Democrats went on the attack
against his pick, but acknowl‑
edged they are unlikely to win the
battle.
Senate Minority Leader Charles
Schumer (D‑N.Y.) has focused his
partyʼs offensive on the risks that
a conservative court could pose to
abortion rights and affordable
health care, while other Democrats
Continued on page 4

OWN YOUR FUTURE

with a degree from SUNY Old Westbury
x More than 60 undergraduate and graduate degrees
x Small classes with exceptional faculty
x A student-centered approach to learning
x Conveniently located in Nassau County
Contact us at: (516) 876-3200 or www.oldwestbury.edu

BAPS YOUTH MEET 15 SPORTS 22 SELF HELP 24 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS 30 excellence in journalism
 2 July 14-20, 2018
Towards Liberation with Laughter
First person account of the blessing event with Brahmarishi Guruvanand Swami
By Ashok Vyas
Flushing, NY: I donʼt recollect any
other event, where people sat for
over five hours quietly and con‑
nected with one speaker. The
blessings event for Gurudev Shri
Brahmarishi Guruvanand Swamiji
was organized by the World
Spirituality Forum at Hindu
Temple Auditorium here on July 1
with lot of love and planning.
The auditorium was full and the
audience was treated by soulful
singing of Sandeep Sehgal and
guided meditation conducted by
Priya Gulecha before the arrival of
Gurudev. A few of his followers
shared their experience of being in
his presence. Then, Swamiji
walked on the stage with his fresh
smile and radiance of joy.
He effortlessly connected with
the audience through his interac‑
tive style. He asked, ʻHave you ever
been in love?ʼ and patiently sought
response from the audience and
then explained that love is visible
on your face and you also carry
the impressions of your dis‑
honest acts. His advice:
abstain from doing
something that
pulls your soul
down, always
be positive
and commit
to deeds that
would lift you
up.
Who would
question such
universal message?
More than the mes‑
sage, it is the messenger,
his energy, his presence and his
willingness to share the fruits of
his sadhana and siddhis freely.
Swamiji is a giver, he says, he is
here to give. There is nothing
more for him to gain or attain. He
refers to mystical or mysterious
Sometimes Guruvanand Swami asked people in the auditorium to clap, laugh, raise their
hands or playfully make offerings to an imagined fire pyre next to their chair.
RELIGION TheSouthAsianTimes.info
aspects of human consciousness
but also connects with practical
side of life.
He has attracted a multitude of
influential and dedicated disciples
in the last 10 years in USA, Canada
and elsewhere.
The founder chairman of
Forsythe Media Group, Kamlesh
Mehta is the first initiated disciple
in this part of the world. In his
words, “We witnessed an extraor‑
dinary flow of supreme energy,
steered by Pujya Gurudev Shri
Guruvanand ji. He was at his best
in giving away his love & mar‑
velously miraculous blessings."
Meanwhile, Gurudev kept up his
level of engaged and uplifting
expression for nearly five hours
without even stopping to drink
water. He kept his audience
focused on his message with
humor, simplicity, compassion and
Gurudevʼs voice is of assurance, ʻI know the place where your want to go and I am here to take you thereʼ.
demonstration of his understand‑
ing about a wide range of issues similar to Vivekanandaʼs at the his unique way: ʻI donʼt want you think twice, but here it was like a
related to life. World Parliament of Religions: “I to reach the destination of libera‑ radiance of light and joy in human
People with different back‑ thank you in the name of the most tion with tears in your eyes, I want form walking towards you to hug
ancient order of monks in the to carry you there with smile and you.
world.” laughter”. International secretary of the
What one also wit‑ In the second part of his dis‑ World Spiritual Forum Rakesh
nessed inside the course, he made people chant Bhargava conducted the event and
auditorium was mantras after him to ʻcut the International coordinator Ashok
manifestation bondage of karmaʼ. Sometimes he Sancheti helped in making it possi‑
of divine would ask people to clap, laugh, ble for people to have the ʻone on
energy, raise their hands or playfully make oneʼ experience of Gurudevʼs ener‑
which offerings to an imagined fire pyre gy. It is not that Gurudev is offer‑
could next to their chair. ing any magic pill for liberation,
empower There are some areas of the sub‑ and does emphasize the impor‑
many peo‑ conscious or superconscious world tance of ʻself‑effortʼ, but the assur‑
ple to go which we donʼt understand, but ance is, he is able, willing and
beyond physi‑ what one could grasp in this ready to engage his energies to
cal limitations guruʼs presence is a kind of light of help his disciples on the path. He
and control the love, love that transcends all encourages everyone to ʻcelebrate
need to drink water or boundaries and seeks to help you lifeʼ and accept all challenges of
delay the need to go out of confront your limitations. life with smiles and laughter. The
the auditorium for other needs. Even after the event ended at internal guide tells us, I am one
grounds, cul‑ Gurudevʼs voice was of assur‑ 10:00pm, many people waited to remembrance away, remember me
tures and religion are drawn to ance, ʻI know the place where you get personal blessings from him. and I am with you.
this sage from India, who wears a want to go and I am here to take He declared he will come to each Ashok Vyas can be contacted at
turban a la Swami Vivekananda. you thereʼ. He offered help one and hug them. Now, with any‑ insight4creativity@gmail.com
Once he also used an expression towards pathway to liberation in body else, you may
At one point he also used an expression similar to Vivekanandaʼs at
the World Parliament of Religions: ʻI thank you in the name of the
most ancient order of monks in the world.ʼ
TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY July 14-20, 2018 3

US to impose tariffs on another $200B in Chinese imports

Washington: The US has ramped
up its trade war with China, list‑
ing $200 billion worth of addi‑
tional products it plans to place
tariffs on as soon as September.
The move comes just days after
the two countries imposed tit‑for‑
tat tariffs of $34 billion on each
other's goods, BBC reported on
Wednesday.
US President Donald Trump
had already threatened to
impose additional tariffs against
China if it retaliated.
The list names more than
6,000 items including food prod‑
ucts, minerals and consumer
goods such as handbags.
The public will have until the
end of August to comment on the
list before the new tariffs ‑ to be
imposed at 10 per cent ‑ come
into effect.
The White House says the tar‑
iffs are a response to unfair
trade practices by China. The US
wants China to stop practices
that allegedly encourage transfer
of intellectual property ‑ design
and product ideas ‑ to Chinese
companies, such as requirements
that foreign firms share owner‑
ship with local partners to access
the Chinese market.
US Trade Representative
Robert Lighthizer said there was
"no justification" for China's
retaliation.
"As in the past, the United
States is willing to engage in
efforts that could lead to a reso‑
lution of our concerns about
China's unfair trade practices
and to China opening its market
to US goods and services," he
said. "In the meantime, we will
US to become global leading
producer of crude oil
T
he U.S. Information Administration (EIA) forecasts in a report on
Tuesday that the United States will become the world' s leading
producer of crude oil if the output remains the current momen‑
tum. Based on the June Short‑Term Energy Outlook (STEO), EIA fore‑
cast U.S. crude oil production to average 10.8 million barrels per day
in 2018, up from 9.4 million barrels per day in 2017, and to average
11.8 million barrels per day in 2019.
If realized, both of these forecast levels would surpass the previous
record of 9.6 million barrels per day set in 1970.
EIA estimated that U.S. crude oil production averaged 10.9 million
barrels per day in June, up 0.1 million barrels per day from the May
level. U.S. crude output has remained above the 10 million barrels per
day mark since February.
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
crude oil production averaged 31.9 million barrels per day in June.
remain vigilant in defending the opposed to the administration's
ability of our workers and busi‑ use of tariffs against China, say‑
nesses to compete on a fair and ing they risk hurting business
reciprocal basis." and the economy without being
Many companies in the US are likely to change behavior.

30,000 cases of NRIs abandoning Indian American legal eagle

wives pending in Punjab
Chandigarh: The Punjab State
Women's Commission on Friday
said over 30,000 cases pertain‑
ing to NRIs from the state aban‑
doning their wives are pending
for disposal and urged the Centre
to make tougher laws to curb the
menace.
Commission
Chairperson Manisha Gulati
met External Affairs
Minister Sushma
Swaraj in New Delhi
and raised the issue
of the plight of such
women who had
"suffered due to
betrayals and
exploitation by NRI
grooms".
Gulati said the
Minister assured her of
necessary action. More than
30,000 legal cases are pending
in Punjab alone, in which NRIs
presumably abandoned their
wives. These exploited women
need help immediately.
If the preliminary inquiry in
India reveals that the concerned
NRI is within the ambit of convic‑
tion, then his extradition process
be initiated immediately and his
Punjab has tens of
thousands of NRIs set‐
tled in other countries,
especially in the United
States, United Kingdom,
Canada and Australia.
passport confiscated till he com‑
pensates his aggrieved
wife.
"This bold deci‑
sion will help save
many lives in
India, particularly
in Punjab, and
alert other NRIs
who want to twist
the law for their
vested interest
without fearing for
its consequences,"
Gulati said. Punjab has tens of
thousands of NRIs settled in
other countries, especially in the
United States, United Kingdom,
Canada and Australia. "The pres‑
ent and previous governments
passed laws to protect women
from exploitation by NRI grooms
but somehow this exploitation
hasn't been curtailed," the com‑
mission chief pointed out.
backs Trumpʼs court pick
Washington: An American constitu‑
tional scholar of Indian‑origin has
proffered a stirring and weighty
endorsement of President Donald
Trumpʼs nomination to the US
Supreme Court of conservative
judge Brett Kavanaugh, whose con‑
firmation process is expected to
roil the countryʼs politics in the
coming weeks before his inevitable
elevation tilts America decisively to
the right for many decades.
Hours after President Trump
made known his choice to replace
retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy
with Kavanaugh, Akhil Amar, con‑
sidered one of Americaʼs foremost
legal minds, pitched in, calling him
a ''superb nominee'' and warning
that any Democratic opposition to
him would be a mistake.
Amarʼs endorsement is remark‑
able because by his own admission,
he strongly supported Hillary
Clinton for president as well as
President Obamaʼs nominee for the
Supreme Court, Judge Merrick
Garland, whose confirmation was
stalled by Republicans.
''But today, with the exception of
the current justices and Judge
Garland, it is hard to name anyone
Constitutional scholar
Akhil Amar has penned a
controversial NYT OpEd.
with judicial credentials as strong
as those of Judge Kavanaugh,''
Amar wrote in a controversial NYT
OpEd, maintaining that Trump had
lived up to his promise to pick
''someone with impeccable creden‑
tials, great intellect, unbiased judg‑
ment, and deep reverence for the
laws and Constitution of the United
States.''
A distinguished law professor,
Amar disclosed that Kavanaugh
was his student at Yale and main‑
tained he ''commands wide and
deep respect among scholars,
lawyers and jurists.'' He urged
Democrats to support Kavanaugh
so that he ''could be confirmed
with the ninetysomething Senate
votes he deserves, rather than the
fiftysomething votes he is likely to
get.'' Republicans hold a 51‑49
edge in the Senate and a few
Democratic Senators from the
heartland states that Trump won
are expected to vote for
Kavanaugh. But Amar made an
impassioned please to other
Democrats, suggesting that their
reading of Kavanaugh may be over‑
wrought.
Many Democrats fear that
Kavanaughʼs conservative creden‑
tials ‑‑ in a bench that is currently
tied 4‑4 between liberal and con‑
servative justices‑‑ will tilt the
court right for the foreseeable
future, allowing a rewriting of
everything from hard won rights
on abortion to same‑sex marriage.
While conservatives rejoiced at
Amarʼs endorsement, many
Democrats and liberals were dis‑
mayed. ''Iʼm embarrassed by the
scratch‑your‑back‑then‑you‑scratch
mine column of Akhil Amar and I
say that as a Yale Law alum and
one of his former students,'' said
Neera Tanden, a Hillary Clinton
acolyte and President of the think
tank Center for American Progress.
 4 July 14-20, 2018
Emirates to operate extra flights for Hajj season
Dubai: Emirates will be operating extra
flights to Jeddah and Medina to help facili‑
tate travel for pilgrims heading to and from
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
Emirates will be operating 33 additional
flights to Jeddah and Medina from 6 to 31
August to support the journey for pilgrims
expected to travel to the Holy City of Mecca
during Hajj this year. These services will
run in parallel with Emiratesʼ regularly
scheduled services to Jeddah and Medina.
Emirates will also be deploying a two‑class
A380 to Jeddah from 5‑14 August, return‑
ing pilgrims back to Dubai and their
onward connections from 26‑31 August.
The Emirates two‑class A380 will offer 58
fully‑flat beds in Business Class and 557
spacious Economy class seats.
These additional flight services are avail‑
able to travelers holding a valid Hajj visa.
This year, top inbound destinations
Emirates is expecting Hajj pilgrims to come
from are Pakistan, Senegal, the United
States, the UK, Australia, Indonesia, the
Ivory Coast and Nigeria. Adil Al Ghaith,
Emiratesʼ Senior Vice President,
Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East
and Iran said: “Hajj travel is an extraordi‑
nary journey for Muslims which leaves
them with a lifetime of memorable experi‑
ences, and we expect over 25,000 pilgrims
India heading for healthcare crisis: Amartya Sen
New Delhi: India spends just a little over
one per cent of its GDP on healthcare and
this is leading the country into "a compre‑
hensive healthcare crisis", according to
Nobel laureate and noted economist
Amartya Sen, who has called for greater
allocation on healthcare in India and high‑
lighted what he calls "three general fail‑
ures" in the country's healthcare segment.
"The fact that India allocates only a little
over 1 per cent of its gross domestic prod‑
uct on public healthcare contrasts sharply,
for example, with nearly three times as
much by China. We reap as we sow, and
cannot expect to get what other countries
achieve by allocating much more resources
Chairman and Co-Founder
Kamlesh C. Mehta
Kamlesh@thesouthasiantimes.info
Co-Founder: Saroosh Gull
President: Arjit Mehta
Arjit@thesouthasiantimes.info
Chief Executive Officer
Shomik Chaudhuri P: 646.498.5122
shomik@shomikchaudhuri.com
Chief Operating Officer
Ginsmon P. Zacharia P: 516.776.7061
ginsmon@hotmail.com
Printed Every Saturday by: Forsythe Media Group, LLC, ISSN 1941-9333, 95 Broadway, Suite 2, Second Floor, Town Center Building, Hicksville, NY 11801 P: 516.390.7847
Website: TheSouthAsianTimes.info Updated Daily
Notice: The South Asian Times is published weekly by The Forsythe Media Group, LLC. POSTMASTER: Send all address notices, subscription orders/payments and other inquiries to The South Asian
Times, 95 Broadway, Suite 2, Second Floor, Town Center Building, Hicksville, NY 11801, USA. Copyright and all other rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be reprinted without the
consent of the publisher. The views expressed on the opinion pages and in the letters to the editor pages are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of The South Asian Times. The editor/
publisher does not warrant accuracy and cannot be held responsible for the content of the advertisements placed in the publication and/or inaccurate claims, if any, made by the advertisers. Advertisements of
business or facilities included in this publication do not imply connection or endorsement of these businesses. All rights reserved.
TURN PAGE
to travel with Emirates this year. With the
significant demand for air travel during this
period, Emirates is deploying extra flights
to ensure more seamless connections for
the scores of pilgrims making their way to
the Holy City of Mecca. During their jour‑
ney, we aim to provide our customers with
the best experience that is aligned with the
pillars of their faith, particularly during this
significant period.” On the ground in Dubai,
Emirates has a dedicated airport team
whose purpose is to seamlessly facilitate
the passenger ground experience for Hajj.
In addition, dedicated check‑in and transfer
counters have been set up for Hajj passen‑
gers transiting in Dubai. In the air, several
initiatives have been planned in keeping
with the values and traditions that pilgrims
uphold when travelling for Hajj. Extra pro‑
‑‑ as a proportion of their respective levels
of the gross national product‑‑ to health‑
care," Sen writes in his elaborate foreword
to "Healers or Predators? Healthcare
Corruption in India", which will be launched
in Delhi.
Sen, a recipient of the Bharat Ratna in
1999, further claims that the entire organi‑
zation of Indian healthcare has become
"deeply flawed", leading the country into "a
comprehensive healthcare crisis". "Despite
being one of the fastest growing economies
in the world, India ranks among the poorest
achievers of good health. The shortfall of
India's health achievements compared with
those of, say, China or Thailand is large and
Managing Editor: Parveen Chopra
P : 516.710.0508
parveen.chopra@gmail.com
Associate Editor
Hiral Dholakia-Dave
hiral@thesouthasiantimes.info
Contributing Editors: Prof. Shivaji
Sengupta, Surekha Vijh (Washington, DC),
Suchitra Srinivas (New Jersey),
Melvin Durai, Dr Prem Kumar Sharma,
Ashok Vyas, and Dr Akshat Jain
New Delhi Bureau
Meenakshi Iyer
Delhi@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
visions will be made to accommodate Hajj
traveler needs such as performing ablu‑
tions, advising passengers about Al Miqat
and Ihram (the phase when pilgrims enter a
state of sanctity) and other arrangements
that will help ease their journey. Emiratesʼ
award winning ice system will also feature
a special Hajj video that covers safety, Hajj
formalities and information about perform‑
ing the Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrims will also
be able to tune into the Holy Quran chan‑
nel. On flights from Jeddah, Hajj passengers
can bring up to 5 liters of holy water
(Zamzam) which will be placed in special
areas in the cargo hold. As with all Emirates
flights, Hajj passengers will enjoy extra
generous Emirates baggage allowance of
up to 35kg in Economy Class, 40kg in
Business Class and 50kg in First Class.
has been growing larger. Even within South
Asia, Bangladesh and Nepal have overtaken
India in health accomplishment, including
in life expectancy. "If India's bad record in
healthcare is not much discussed in the
Indian press, this neglect does not indicate
the presence of a tolerable level of health‑
care in India, but reflects instead the nar‑
row reach of the Indian news media, with
its traditional neglect of elementary educa‑
tion and healthcare," writes the 84‑year‑old
economist. Sen has extensively written on
welfare economics and social justice and in
the given book, he also highlights the plight
of patients suffering at the hands of "pri‑
vate caregivers".
Jaipur Bureau
Prakash Bhandari
Prakash@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Photographs
Xitij Joshi/xitijphoto.com
Cartoonist: Mahendra Shah
Art and Design: Dhiraj Kumar Showaan
Bharat Bhushan Chopra
Consultants
Shomik Chaudhuri, Inc.
Ginsmon Zacharia & Family Inc
Sai Creations Inc, Bhagwati Creations
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Trump criticizes EU allies ahead
of NATO summit
Continued from page 1
labeled Kavanaugh an “extreme” pick whom
Trump was motivated to nominate as protection
from special counsel Robert Muellerʼs Russia
probe.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R‑Ky.)
defended Kavanaugh as thoroughly qualified and
deserving confirmation.
“Judge Kavanaugh possesses an impressive
résumé, an outstanding legal mind and an exem‑
plary judicial temperament,” he said.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck
Grassley (R‑Iowa) said he expects Kavanaugh to
receive a vote on the floor 65 to 70 days from
now, in keeping with recent Senate precedent, and
for his panel to hold confirmation hearings
around Labor Day.
South Korea and India to
double trade by 2030
Continued from page 1
China ‑‑ Asia's biggest economy and a geopolitical
rival to India ‑‑ loomed over the visit.
South Korea regards India as an important
diplomatic and economic partner. Moon, who took
office in May 2017, has turned to the burgeoning
Indian economy to ensure stable growth for his
country by easing its reliance on China.
Seoul's decision to deploy a U.S.‑made missile
defense system prompted retaliatory Chinese
measures that hurt South Korea's economy.
Meanwhile, tensions between India and China
rose last year during a monthslong military stand‑
off at a disputed border region, though the two
sides have adopted a more conciliatory stance
recently.
During Tuesday's summit, Moon asked for
India's help in achieving rapprochement with
North Korea. Modi agreed to work closer with
Seoul on bringing peace and security to the
Korean Peninsula, Moon said at the joint news
conference following their meeting.
India will offer what it can to ease tensions
between the Koreas, Modi told reporters.
New Delhi has sought deeper diplomatic ties
with Pyongyang. Modi dispatched V.K. Singh, a
senior foreign affairs official, to the reclusive
state in May. India worries about nuclear coopera‑
tion between North Korea and nuclear‑armed
Pakistan, which harbors a long running territorial
dispute with India.
News Service
IANS News Service
HT Media Ltd.
Printing: Five Star Printing, NY
Contacts
Editor@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Subscribe@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Advertisements
Advertise@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
P: 516.390.7847, F: 360.323.0036
Website
www.TheSouthAsianTimes.info
TheSouthAsianTimes.info TRISTATE COMMUNITY July 14-20, 2018 5

ISU scholarship to honor

astronaut Kalpana Chawla
Strasbourg, France: T he
Kalpana Chawla Project for
Innovation, Entrepreneurism
and Space Studies at the
International Space University
(ISU) has been established to
honor the Indian‑American
astronaut Dr. Kalpana Chawla.
T he scholarship project is
focused on developing strong
technical and leadership quali‑
t ies w ith talented Indian
women.
The scholarship is used to
provide funding for Indian
nationals to attend ISUʼs Space
Studies Program (SSP). The
goal is to attract talented
Indian women who are post‑
graduate students with back‑ The Dr. KC Scholarship recipients Anisha Rajmane and
grounds in science, medicine, Palak Singh. The scholarship project is focused on
materials, satellite technology developing strong technical and leadership qualities
with talented Indian women.
and other space‑related areas of
(Source: The International Space University )
fo cus, who also share Dr.
Chawlaʼs selfless and passionate pursuit of neering, space laws and management. She is
education and excellence. also associated with Astro Education Pune
As part of an annual campaign to identify as an instructor and has been engaged in
and assist in funding three exceptional various space‑related activities in the city of
Indian post‑graduate students, scholarship Kolhapur.
endowment fund, Jean‑Pierre Harrison, Palak obtained her bachelorʼs degree in
engineer, pilot, author, and husband of aerospace eng ineering from Manipal
Kalpana Chawla said, “Kalpana would be Institute of Technology, with a strong desire
honored to be associated with this program of being an innovator in the field of aero‑
and having her name associated with the space. She had been working as a research
outstanding opportunities provided to these assistant in the Aerospace Department at
young ladies.” the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur
The Dr. KC Scholarship project announced to develop an aircraft in ultralight aviation
its second and third funded scholars. The with challenging restraints presented in
two scholars are Anisha Rajmane and Palak terms of objective and design. She has been
Singh. performing incredibly and participating in
Anisha from Kolhapur is a production space settlement design and development.
engineer who worked as a trainee engineer She holds interest in research of lifting bod‑
at Manugraph India LTD, Kolhapur in the ies and re‑entry and hopes to work further
field of quality check and inspection. Her on it in the near future. Currently, she is
interest started gradually growing with working on Finite Element Method Analysis
some undertakings on appropriate metals of Bird Strikes.
required for proper functioning of the satel‑ According to Michael Potter, one of the
lites and temperature change, outgassing, scholarship founders, “This is a historic
contamination, erosion, plasma ef fects, moment to achieve an international impact
atmospheric density, solar and nuclear radi‑ with a few select, but very talented Indian
ation have on the satellites and spacecraft. post‑graduate students. India will continue
She has a career objective to work with the to play on the international stage, as it
commercial aerospace sector at a global moves forward leading the development of
level with areas of interests in space engi‑ space technologies and activities.”

The Third Baithak@Consulate was held on July 8, 2018, at the Indian Consulate in
New York. Baithak@Consulate is the Consulateʼs initiative to popularize Indian
classical music & dance through an informal and intimate setting. This edition
featured Madhavi Mudgal, classical Odissi dancer & her team.
(Image courtesy: India in New York/Facebook page)
6 July 14-20, 2018 TRISTATE COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

IN BRIEF
Telangana student shot dead in US Top lawyer Uttam Dhillon
A appointed acting head of Drug
26‑year‑old Indian student from
Telangana was shot dead inside a
restaurant in Kansas City by a sus‑
pected robber. Enforcement Agency
Sharath Koppu, who was pursuing his

Masterʼs degree from the University of
Missouri‑Kansas City (UKMC) was shot on
Friday evening at J's Fish and Chicken
Market where he was working as a part‑
time employee, The Kansas City Star news‑
paper reported.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj
on Sunday condoled the death, saying: "We
will follow this up with the police and pro‑
vide all assistance to the family."
The Kansas City Police has released a
brief video of the suspect inside the restau‑
rant moments before the shooting and
asked for people's assistance in identifying
him. The suspect pulled out a gun and shot
Koppu on his back. He died after being
taken to a hospital.
Koppu, who was a software engineer,
came to the US in January.
Meanwhile, the Telangana government on
Sharath Koppu
(Image courtesy: ndtv.com)
Sunday announced that it was making
arrangements to bring Koppu's body back
to Hyderabad.
The UKMC also issued a statement con‑
doling Koppu's death.
"We offer our sincere sympathies to
Sharath's family and friends in the wake of
this senseless tragedy," the statement said.
UMKC Chancellor C. Mauli Agrawal
offered his condolences.
"Sharath and I share an Indian heritage,
but all of us at UMKC share in the grief such
tragedies bring," Agrawal said on Saturday
evening. (IANS)
U
ttam Dhillon, a top White
House lawyer, has been
appointed as the new
Acting Administrator of the cru‑
cial Drug Enforcement Agency
that combats the smuggling and
use of narcotics in the US.
Dhillon replaces Robert
Patterson, who retired after 30
years of service.
Dhillon, who till recently
worked in the White House as
deputy counsel and deputy assis‑
tant to President Donald Trump,
took up the role of Acting
Administrator of the Drug
Enforcement Agency (DEA) on
Tuesday.
"With one American dying of a
drug overdose every nine min‑
Uttam Dhillon
utes, there can be no doubt that (Image courtesy: financialexpress.com)
we are facing the deadliest drug

IIT Kharagpur to honor 13 illustrious epidemic in our history," Attorney

General Jeff Sessions said announcing
it deserves, Sessions said.
Dhillon is a dedicated public servant

alumni including Indian Americans his appointment.

The work of the Drug Enforcement
who has served with distinction in the
White House, the Department of

I
T Kharagpur will honour thirteen
alumni with the Distinguished
Alumnus Award during its 64th
Convocation on July 20, the institute
said in a statement on Tuesday.
The profiles of awardees include top
Administration is critical to fighting Justice, the Department of Homeland
renowned architect and Prof. Pushpak
this crisis, and President Donald Security, Congress, and as a career fed‑
Bhattacharyya, Director, IIT Patna, also
Trump and he are committed to con‑ eral prosecutor taking on drug traf‑
figure in the list.
tinuing to give it the strong leadership fickers at the highest levels.
Among the outstanding contributors
from the field of industrial research and
development are V. Narayanan,

Prof Dipak Jain appointed new head

academicians and eminent scientists in
India and abroad, a defence profession‑
al and a social contributor, it said.
Among the awardees from academia
are Ashim Kumar Datta of Cornell
University, an expert in the physics of
food, Chaitali Chakrabarti of Arizona
State University, an expert in VLSI, and
Narayan B.T. Mandayam of Rutgers
University, an expert in wireless infor‑
mation network.
Ramesh Jain of University of
California, Irvine, who is also an entre‑
preneur driven by his interests in real
time data, perception, and social net‑
works, Sudipta Seal of University of
Central Florida, a global champion in
ceramics, Haresh Lalvani of Pratt
Institute, an artist‑inventor and globally
PM Modi's asks ʻHotel Motel
Director, LPSC at ISRO, an expert in
cryogenic rocket propulsion technolo‑
gy, Samir V. Kamat, Director General,
Naval Systems and Materials at DRDO,
Santanu Chaudhury, Director, CSIR‑
CEERI, Pilani and Parag V. Havaldar,
who was awarded Oscar in Technical
category last year.
The award list includes exemplary
achievers such as Lt Gen Utpal
Bhattacharyya (retd), a 1971 and Kargil
war hero and management expert, and
Swami Smaranananda, monk, yoga guru
and General Secretary of Yogoda
Satsanga Society of India Paramahansa
Yogananda Path, Ranchi. President Ram
Nath Kovind will be the chief guest for
the Convocation ceremony.
(IANS)
of top Chinese business school
D
ipak Jain, a prominent Indian
professor in the US, has been
appointed as the new head of a
top global business school in China
according to a media report.
Jain, 61, will take over as the
European president of the Shanghai‑
based China Europe International
Business School (CEIBS), replacing
Pedro Nueno who was appointed presi‑
dent in 2005.
Jain, former dean of two of the
world's leading business schools ‑ the
Kellogg School of Management and
INSEAD ‑ will work alongside his
Chinese counterpart Li Mingjun.
"We are targeting any individual who
has an interest in China. Someone who

Patelsʼ to promote Indian tourism might want to work here and perhaps
try and create something here; an indi‑ Deepak Jain, former dean of two of the

P
rime Minister Narendra Modi on
Friday urged the Patel communi‑
ty living in the US to promote
Indian tourism through their hospitality
businesses. Addressing the International
Convention of the Saurashtra Patel
Cultural Samaj in US through video con‑
ferencing, the Prime Minister said, "You
people are known as 'hotel motel patel
wallas'. Can each one of you influence
five people to visit India? Whenever you
get guests in hotel or motel, you can put
five minutes clip on Indian tourism on
TV, when they open the TV they will be
able to see what India is."
PM Modi also praised the non‑resident
Indians or NRIs living abroad for mak‑
ing India proud and said that the
strength and respect of the Indian pass‑
port had increased worldwide.
"NRIs living abroad are making India
proud. The strength and respect of the
Indian passport has increased," he said.
(ANI)
vidual who is trying to build a bridge
between this part of the world and any‑
where else," Jain said.
"This to me is the real CEIBS thing‑
leaders who have an interest in China
or the region," he was quoted as saying
by the China Daily.
Exuding confidence that the new role
will grant him the opportunity to study
a country that he has seen mainly from
outside, Jain said he put forth the
importance of business education to
world's leading business schools ‑ the
Kellogg School of Management in US
and INSEAD in France.
"put structure on unstructured prob‑
lems."
Brought up in Assam, Jain, who lives
in Chicago and works in Shanghai for
10 to 15 days each month, has been
teaching marketing at CEIBS since
September last year when he took on
the president‑designate role. (PTI)
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Dr. Naresh Parikh takes over as AAPI President
Columbus, Ohio: Dr. Naresh Parikh,
a cardiologist, entrepreneur, leader,
and community activist, assumed
charge July 7 as President of the
American Association of Physicians
of Indian Origin (AAPI) as the 36th
annual convention here concluded
with a gala attended by over 1,700
delegates from across the nation.
Along with Dr. Parikh, his execu‑
tive committee consisting of Dr.
Suresh Reddy, President‑Elect; Dr.
Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, Vice
President; Dr. Anupama
Gotimukula, Secretary; Dr. Anjana
Samadder, Treasurer; and Dr. Ajeeth
Kothari, Chairman of the Board of
Trustees, were administered the
oath of office.
Dr Parikh said that as AAPI
President, “I will dedicate my time,
energy and skills to maintain the
integrity of AAPI and promote
membership database and scrub
data. We will work together encour‑
aging and motivating more and
more Physicians and Dentists to
join AAPI and work towards
increase in AAPI membership repre‑
senting all sections, including
women while providing enhanced
membership benefits including lia‑
bility insurance carrier, billing, col‑
lection company, cardiac remote
monitoring, and credit card transac‑
tions through reputed banking serv‑
ices.” He declared his Mission and
Motto for the upcoming year: “As
your president I plan to invoke this
year as the year of progress and
balance.” Dr. Parikh graciously
acknowledged the contributions of
Our democracy under attack: Top Indian-American democrat targets Trump
Washington, DC: Indian‑American
Seema Nanda, the newly‑appointed
CEO of the opposition Democratic
Party's decision‑making body, has
claimed that the US democracy is
under attack and some of its sacred
institutions are being challenged
every day under the Trump admin‑
istration.
Nanda was last month appointed
as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
of the Democratic National
Committee (DNC), the formal gov‑
erning body of the Democratic
Party, making her the first from the
Indian‑American community to lead
operations of a major political party
in the US. She described the last 18
NATIONAL COMMUNITY
36th convention concludes in Columbus, OHIO
Change of Guard at AAPI: Dr. Naresh Parikh receiving the gavel from
Dr. Gautam Samadder (to his right)
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a globally
revered spiritual and humanitarian
leader, led the over 1,700 AAPI
delegates and their families to a ses‑
sion of yoga and meditation at the
AAPI convention on July 6th, 2018.
Dr. Gautam Samadder, his predeces‑
sor. “I have enjoyed serving AAPI
for all these years and it was a true
pleasure this past year working in
months of the Trump administra‑
tion as an incredibly difficult time
for the US. "It is an incredibly diffi‑
cult time in this country. Our
democracy is under attack every
day by this administration that is
really challenging some of our most
basic and sacred institutions that
we've had," Nanda told PTI.
"We see attacks every day on the
free press, vicious attacks on sitting
members of Congress by this
administration. We see corruption.
What is most frustrating about it is
it takes away from the real issues
that the Democratic Party wants to
talk about," she said, adding that
income inequality is greater than it
Dr Naresh Parikh addressing the
convention as incoming AAPI
President, standing next to
his wife, Dr Asha Parikh.
close association with Dr.
Samadder. I have learned much
from him.”
Dr. Gautam Samadder, through a
screened presentation summarized
the many achievements of his year
long presidency, including GHS in
has ever been.
Beginning July 23, Nanda would
be responsible for the day‑to‑day
operation of the powerful DNC.
In her capacity as the DNC CEO,
she would play a key role in party's
winning strategy in the mid‑term
November elections, for which the
DNC has set a target of winning
back the House of Representatives
from the Republicans.
"We are very focused on protect‑
ing our democracy, making sure we
have the institutions that provide
the checks and balances to the gov‑
ernment that have made this coun‑
try so great and open to all and wel‑
come to all," Nanda said.
July 14-20, 2018 7
The new executive committee led by Dr. Naresh Parikh, President; Dr.
Suresh Reddy, President‑Elect; Dr. Sudhakar Jonnalagadda, Vice
President; Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, Secretary; Dr. Anjana Samadder,
Treasurer; and Dr. Ajeeth Kothari, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Kolkata, Health Clinic inauguration Convener for AAPI annual conven‑
in West Bengal, African safari, con‑ tion in 2006. Dr. Parikh was the
tributions to Veterans Obesity and Chairman of the Organizing
Lukemia Society, participation in Committee of Shankar Mahadevan
India Day Parade and Leadership and Sunidhi Chauhan concerts and
seminar. A graduate from Nagpur was instrumental in successfully
Medical College in 1972 Dr Parikh raising money for AAPI.
is a practicing cardiologist in Ambassador Sandeep
Atlanta, Georgia for 30 years, and is Chakravorty, Consul General of
serving as the CEO of Georgia India in New York, in his keynote
Clinic, a multi‑specialty organiza‑ address, praised the contributions
tion, founded in 1998. of Indian American physicians for
Dr. Parikh has been very active their commitment, dedication and,
and lead several local and national especially for contributing to the
level programs for AAPI in the past advancement of Indo‑US relation‑
several years. He has been a Patron ship. AAPIʼs next convention will be
Member of the AAPI Charitable held in Atlanta, GA from July 3‑7,
Foundation since 2006. His organ‑ 2019. And the Global Healthcare
izing skills were highly appreciated Summit is planned for December
when he served as the Chair and 28‑30, 2018 in Mumbai.
Seema Nanda was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
of the Democratic National Committee last month.
8 July 14-20, 2018 NATIONAL COMMUNITY TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Tweak in US policy threatens immigrants

applying for change in status
Washington: It went largely unre‑
marked, just another bland proce‑
dural decision from a government
agency. But a quiet policy change
at the United States Citizenship
and Immigration Services last
month is the next step toward a
nationwide purge of non‑citizens.
On June 28, USCIS announced
that non‑citizens who apply for a
“benefit”–such as an extension or
change of status, a green card, or
citizenship̶would be placed in
deportation proceedings if that
benefit is denied. For years, a crim‑
inal conviction has been required
to be fast‑tracked for deportation.
Now, merely losing your petition
for visa extension, being charged
with a crime, or doing something
DHS considers to be criminal (even
if never arrested or charged)
places you on the same fast‑track.
Once in deportation proceed‑
ings, the non‑citizen must prove
she is eligible to stay in the United
States. She will not be provided a
lawyer; she may be detained,
sometimes with no bond. There is
no right to a speedy trial, nor trial
by jury. Here are a few examples
highlighting the full extent of the
new rule.
Jack, a foreign student, files for
an extension of his visa. Heʼs
always been in status. He moves
off campus, and properly files a
change of address with USCIS (he
even gets the receipt). Later, the
agency sends a request for evi‑
dence to his old address anyway.
Jack never receives it. USCIS
denies the extension of status for
failure to respond. Jack now faces
deportation.
Maria is in the US on a fiancée
visa and files for a green card. Her
US citizen husband has a good job
with health insurance. Before the
green card interview, Maria is
diagnosed with breast cancer. The
officer finds out and denies
Mariaʼs green card, saying sheʼs
likely to become a public charge.
Maria now faces deportation.
Ramiah is a software engineer.
His employer sponsors him for a
green card̶but is then acquired
by another firm. USCIS denies the
petition, saying there is insuffi‑
cient proof the new employer can
continue the sponsorship in the
shoes of the old employer. Ramiah
now faces deportation.
Courtesy: Quartz

IN BRIEF
Chicago community felicitates
musical luminaries Sivamani & Karthik

Consul General of India Neeta Bhushan seen with honored musical luminaries
Karthik & Sivamani [LtoR] Saurin Thakkar, Keerthi Ravoori, Karthik, Sunil Shah,
Sivamani, Paul Pulla, Dr. Vijay Prabhakar & Foram Thakkar Ramesh Chennithala (sixth from left), the opposition party leader in Kerala urged

R
enowned drummer/percussionist
Sivamani & Indiaʼs singing sensa‑
tion Karthik were felicitated at a
dinner reception hosted by Saurin & Foram
Thakkar and co‑hosted by Dr. Vijay
Prabhakar at Fairfield Inn Marriot on June
6th with Consul General of India Neeta
Bhushan serving as the Chief Guest that
attracted the attendance of communityʼs
ardent music enthusiasts.
the NRIs in America to take an active part to defend democracy and freedom in
Bhushan described Sivamani and Karthik as
India. He was expressing his opinion in a dinner meeting hosted by Mohinder
cultural ambassadors who are showcasing
Singh Gilzian, President of INOC, USA. Chennithala is on an official visit to
Indiaʼs music in various parts of the world the US to attend the FOKANA convention to be held in Philadelphia.
and thus promoting Indiaʼs music culture
abroad.
Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, Founder & Director
of Multi‑Ethnic American Task Force pre‑
siding over the eveningʼs celebrations
American firm to pay $100,000 to
described Sivamani and Karthik are giant
musical figures who have embarked on the
settle lawsuit by Indian‑origin employee

The evening felicitations kicked‑off with
the ʻMusical Saluteʼ paid by Foram & Saurin
Thakkar who together crooned musical
selections from the music that bore the
foot prints of Sivamani and Karthik. Chief
Guest Consul General of India Neeta
Bhushan paid glowing tributes to Sivamani
and Karthik and praised their enduring
contributions in music. She complimented
the musical duo for their outstanding role
in promoting the Indian music to world‑
wide audiences. Consul General Neeta
journey of connecting the world through
music and song. Dr. Vijay Prabhakar along
with the Multi Ethnic American Task Force
[MEATF] team presented Sivamani with a
Congressional citation that honors his con‑
tribution to music; while the association of
Tamil Youth presented Karthik with a
proclamation honoring his singing.
The highlight of the eveningʼs reception
was the presentation of Raga Yaman by
Karthik with the drum accompaniment by
Sivamani.
A
n American firm will pay
$100,000 to settle a discrimina‑
tion lawsuit filed on behalf of an
Indian‑origin employee who was fired for
seeking a transfer to care for his differ‑
ently‑abled son.
Ashok Pai had worked at federal con‑
tractor Camber Corporation and was fired
by the company, which replaced him with
someone more than 20 years younger.
The US Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (EEOC) charged that Camber
violated federal law when it denied Pai a
transfer based on his son's medical condi‑
sified him as "resigned," began processing
termination paperwork and ultimately
fired him for pretextual reasons, the EEOC
said. Camber then replaced Pai, who was
then in his mid‑60s, with a much younger
worker.
The discrimination took place in Cam‑
ber's Virginia office where Pai worked at
an office within the US Department of
Justice.
The EEOC said such behavior violates
provisions of the Americans with Disabili‑
ties Act (ADA) and the Age Discrimination
in Employment Act (ADEA). The EEOC had

Case against Shashi Tharoor is a tion. Camber agreed to pay $100,000 and
provide other relief to settle a disability
filed its suit against Camber in US District
Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

political witch hunt: George Abraham and age discrimination lawsuit filed by
the agency.
after first attempting to reach a pre‑litiga‑
tion settlement through its conciliation

T
he recent court case filed against
Shashi Tharoor, Member of
Parliament is nothing but a political
witch hunt designed to silence a strong and
steady voice of pluralism and democracy,”
said George Abraham, Vice‑Chairman of the
Indian Overseas Congress, USA. “What the
BJP government is engaged in is politics of
personal destruction to demonize and
destroys the opposition by weaponizing the
law enforcement agencies” Abraham added.
Shashi Tharoor served as the Under‑
Secretary‑General and ran and lost the elec‑
tion to the top post at the United Nations.
“The death of his wife is a truly tragic inci‑
dent and but to politicize it through crimi‑
nal prosecution because he is an influential
member of the opposition is a black mark
on India's democracy and the system of
jurisprudence,” said Abraham.
According to the EEOC, Pai's son sus‑
tained catastrophic injuries in a car acci‑
dent as a child and, as a result, has been
disabled for more than 25 years.
Pai sought a transfer to work nearer to
where his son lived and requested leave to
assist with his care.
However, immediately after Camber
management learned that Pai was explor‑
ing the transfer to care for his son, it clas‑
process.
US District Court Judge Anthony Trenga
entered a consent decree resolving the
case. In addition to $100,000 award for
lost wages, the two‑year decree includes
injunctive relief to prevent disability and
age discrimination from occurring at the
company in the future. The company is
also required to post anti‑discrimination
notices at its office locations.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info NATIONAL COMMUNITY July 14-20, 2018 9

Ninth biennial convention brings together

Maheshwari Rajasthanis from world over
Santa Clara, CA: Maheshwari Mahasabha of
North America (MMNA) held its ninth bien‑
nial convention, International Maheshwari
Rajasthani Convention (IMRC), at Santa
Clara Marriott from June 30th through July
3rd 2018.
IMRC 2018 was hosted by MMNAʼs West
Coast ‑ North chapter with the theme of
Rangilo Rajasthan, Suneharo San Francisco,
and Anokho IMRC 2018. The convention is
a forum to ce le brate and preserve
Rajasthani culture as well as to foster rela‑
t ionships w ithin the re lat ive ly small
Maheshwari community living in North
America.
A record‑breaking 750+ attendees from
North America and around the globe con‑
gregated in the heart of Silicon Valley. This
grand event was engineered by an innova‑
tive team of 100+ volunteers who worked
relentlessly over 15 months planning all the
The convention mascots ‑
details. The host committee was led by
Host chapter members raised the entertainment quotient with presentation of a play. Mr Bavlo and Ms Bavli
Vijayshri Choudhary,Convener, Anand Daga
and Vrushali Tapadiya, Co‑conveners, Devu along with eminent business leaders from causes catering to different ages and inter‑ included scintillating Rajasthani folk dance,
Heda, Chapter President, Swapnil Laddha, MMNA community including Suresh ests. The youth group, RAYS, orchestrated Kalbe liya, performed by Aakansha
Chapter Vice President, and Vandana Daga, Deopura, Pratik Gattani, and Vasant Rathi as cultural discussions as well as personal and Maheshwariʼs group. For the finale gala
Sakhi Chair with support from Sureshji well as Snehal Mantri from India. Vimal professional networking sessions. They night, Ravi Jakhotia, otherwise known
Deopura, Chapter Mentor and MMNA Board Sodhani was felicitated with the Lifetime mentored and facilitated discussions for jun‑ around the world as DJ Ravidrums along
of Trustee. Achievement award for his contributions to ior RAYS (13‑20 years of age) to make them with stellar music band Dhwani, turned the
Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded MMNA. better appreciate the Rajasthani culture and ballroom into a concert hall.
the e f forts w ith a personal letter. During the three day event, attendees help them navigate through high school and On a lighter note, the convention saw the
Venkatesan Ashok, Consul General of India were able to engage in a variety of social college life. debut of brand new mascots, Mr. Bavlo and
in San Francisco and Santa Clara Mayor Lisa and cultural activities, enjoy delicious ethnic IMRC 2018 cultural teamʼs vision instilled Ms. Bavli who are tech‑savvy and grounded
Gillmor graced the opening ceremony by cuisine, and participate in intellectually an added sense of pride with Rajasthan and by Rajasthani roots. They cheered our audi‑
lighting diyas (lamps). Distinguished guests stimulating workshops and networking India. The host chapter teamʼs tribute to ences throughout the event with Bay Area
speakers included Padma Bhushan Ved events. Participants gained from breakout India and its diversity on the opening night hospitality. Additionally, a phone app that
Nanda, Ramesh Partani from Akhil sessions focused on health, wellness, tech‑ triggered patriotic sentiments with the audi‑ kept our attendees organized and informed
Bharatvarshiya Maheshwari Mahasabha, nology, investment, life planning, and social ence. The cultural highlight for the next day up‑to‑the‑minute.

DIASPORA

Swraj Paul to donate UK town to be Amritsarʼs twin city in

memory of Maharaja Duleep Singh
substantially to London: A small UK town in the

London zoo, again

East Anglia region of England
w ill become the tw in city of
Amritsar as it ce lebrates the
London: Leading NRI industrial‑ married to his wife Michelle in 125th death anniversary of
ist Lord Swraj Paul has come to 2005. Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last
the rescue of London The Zoo has long Maharaja of the Sikh Empire,
Zoo once again and been planning to with a two‑week‑long Punjabi
will provide a sub‑ restore and festival.
stant ial financial enhance one of its Thetford in Norfolk was home
donat ion for the great treasures ‑ to Duleep Singh and the organiz‑
world‑famous zoo's the landmark ers of the Festival of Thetford & coming to live in Thetford was cultural legacy. This includes his
latest transformation aviary designed by Punjab be lieve the town has not just mere coincidence. family, the political and cultural
project. Earlier, Lord Paul had Lord Snowdon. The strong resonance with the lush From his statue in the town context of the time he was living
Earlier, Lord Paul stepped in to save the aviary is at risk and fields, intense farming activity center, which is almost an exact in, and how this influenced
had stepped in to London Zoo from in urgent need of and livesto ck g razing of the replica of Maharaja Ranjit Thetford and the surrounding
save the London Zoo bankruptcy back in 1993 attention, Mr Paul Indian state. Singh's statue in Company Bagh area today.
from bankruptcy with a 1‑million pound said during his "Elveden Manor in Thetford in Amritsar, to the landscape of The festival will involve a pro‑
back in 1993 with a donation to fund a new speech at an annu‑ was home to the last Maharaja of Norfolk, there seems to be an cession through the town center
1‑million pound children's zoo section in al Paul family cele‑ Punjab for many years and almost karmic connect ion as a collaborat ion between
donation to fund a memory of his late bration held at the T hetfordians are extreme ly between the two places," she Bhangra and Morris dancers and
new children's zoo
daughter Ambika's love London Zoo.
for the place. proud of their unusual resident," said. The festival, a partnership Dhol Drummers and will include
section in memory of T he Caparo explains Seema Anand, a histori‑ project between Essex Cultural Punjabi food stalls, Sikh martial
his late daughter Ambika's love Group chief will be providing a an and storyteller behind a spe‑ Diversity Project (ECDP) and arts Gatka, henna painting and
for the place. He has since been a substantial financial donation, cial 'Punjab to Thetford' film, T hetford Town Council, is storytelling activities along the
consistent supporter of the pop‑ the exact figure to be revealed at which will be screened on the planned as a cultural celebration River Ouse, encompassing the
ular tourist spot in London, a later stage, for the zoo's latest last day of the festival on July 21. as well as an exploration of the town's annual River Festival.
where later his son Angad got transformation project. "But perhaps Duleep Sing h story of Duleep Singh and his (PTI)
 10 July 14-20, 2018
EPA chief Scott Pruitt
resigns over ethics scandals
Washington: President Donald
Trump last Friday announced the
departure of his environment
chief, Scott Pruitt, who faced
ever‑growing ethics scandals
over his spending and conduct in
office.
“I have accepted the resignation
of Scott Pruitt as the
Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA),” tweeted the president,
ending months of speculation
about the future of the man he
had tasked with dismantling for‑
mer president Barack Obamaʼs
green legacy.
“Within the Agency Scott has
done an outstanding job, and I
will always be thankful to him for
this,” added Trump.
Trump told journalists aboard
Air Force One that Pruitt “came
to me and he said, ʻI have such
great confidence in the adminis‑
tration. I don't want to be a dis‑
Statue of Liberty stamp
mistake to cost USPS $3.5 M
Las Vegas: A stamp that mistak‑
enly featured the image of a
Statue of Liberty
replica in Las Vegas
instead of the origi‑
nal New York Statue
will cost the U.S.
Postal Service $3.5
million in a copy‑
right infringement
lawsuit. Las Vegas
sculptor Robert
Davidson, who creat‑
ed the replica Lady The US Postal Service's him to claim copy‑
Liberty in the facade 2011 Statue of Liberty right. Federal Judge
at the New York‑New stamp was accidentally Eric Bruggink sided
based on the replica at
York casino‑resort
the New York‑New York
on the Las Vegas
casino in Las Vegas.
Strip, sued the Postal
Service five years ago over its
2011 "forever" stamp design.
The stamp featured the face of
his Lady Liberty, which his attor‑
neys argued in court filings was
unmistakably different from the
original and was more "fresh‑
Pushing to overturn Roe v. Wade would be 'Big Mistake'
I
n her column for Fox New
Insider, Tomi Lahren, conser‑
vative political commentator
and former television host', wrote:
“Pressing for a Supreme Court
decision to overturn Roe v. Wade
would be a big mistake.
“Yes, the new high court vacan‑
cy is a huge opportunity for con‑
servative values and principles, I
get it. And I understand the pas‑
sion behind the pro‑life move‑
ment. “But to use conservativesʼ
Scandal‑ridden Scott Pruitt survived for months perhaps
because he was doing President Trumpʼs bidding
– dismantling Obama era regulations.
traction.ʼ And I think Scott felt
that he was a distraction.”
The former Oklahoma attorney
general had raised eyebrows for
the $3.5 million price tag for his
round‑the‑clock security, first‑
faced," ''sultry" and even "sexier."
The Postal Service had been
releasing the
stamps for at least
three months before
discovering it was
not an image of the
Lady of Liberty in
New York.
Postal Service
attorneys argued
Davidson's design
was too similar for
with Davidson last
week and agreed his
work was an origi‑
nal design with a more modern,
feminine and contemporary face.
He ordered the Postal Service to
pay $3.5 million to the artist ̶ a
slice of the $70 million the serv‑
ice made in profit from the
stamp.
“We lose when we start messing with
social issues,” says Tomi Lahren,
conservative political commentator
and former television host.'
new‑found power and pull to chal‑
lenge a decision that ‑‑ according
to a new Quinnipiac poll ‑‑ most
Americans support, would be a
mistake.
“This president is winning for
US AFFAIRS
class travel and bulletproof furni‑
ture in his government office.
Trump tweeted that Pruitt's
deputy, the former coal lobbyist
Andrew W hee ler, would take
over as acting head of the agency.
Trump not the end of
democracy, argues book
London: Ever since the rise of
"demagogues and strongmen", par‑
ticularly US President Donald
Trump to the hig hest seat of
power in a democracy, the liberals
have been expressing fears that
the end of democracy may be
nearing.
David Runciman, a reputed pro‑
fessor of politics at Cambridge, in
his new book "How Democracy
Ends" (Hachette India) explores all
the "recent dangers" that have
been pointed out by people from
various walks of life and after a
careful examination of such facets,
instills hope in his readers.
He opens the book by revisiting
the past, the times when democrat‑
ic rights of people were subdued
and then focuses on polarization
of extreme views in the past. He
asks if the situation facing the
United States, or many other parts
the American people on the econ‑
omy, foreign policy, and tax
reform. These are areas that ben‑
efit ALL Americans, regardless of
religion or social beliefs.
“If we continue to focus on
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Atop Statue of Liberty
on the 4th in protest
New York: A woman
who climbed up to the
robes of the Statue of
Liberty to protest the
separation of migrant
families was taken into
custody after a standoff
with police on the
Fourth of July.
The woman, identified
as Therese Patricia
Okoumou, was part of a
group of protesters and
had declared that she
wouldn't come down
until "all the children Therese Patricia Okoumou belongs to
are released," a source Rise and Resist group that protests
with NYPD told CNN. migrant family separations.
The woman is affiliated
Earlier, other protesters
with Rise and Resist. an organ‑
unfurled a banner over a railing
izer of the group, Martin Joseph
around the base of the statue
Quinn, told CNN. .
saying "Abolish ICE!" At least
She will face possible charges
seven people were arrested on
include trespassing, disorderly
Liberty Island and the site was
conduct and interfering with
closed to visitors.
government functions.
of the world for that matter, today much different in their scope than
is a mere repetition of the horror what had been earlier.
movie that we have seen in the Runciman regrets that represen‑
past. In his scintillating chronicle tative governments in recent years
of our times, Runciman maintains have lost the capacity to reinvigo‑
that the current situation is not so. rate themselves.
Donald Trump, according to the But despite all its flaws, democ‑
author, maybe "an old man with racy repairs itself and Runciman
the political personality of a child", acknowledges this fact. One of the
but he is certainly not "a proto‑ facets that he constantly refers to
Hitler". The author contends that is a democracy's capacity to self‑
the current situation is not similar question and self‑correct itself
to the first half of the 20th century every time that it seems to go out
in Europe. of control. Things can go wrong
Similarly, Vladimir Putin, accord‑ but eventually the democratic
ing to the book, presides over a process itself will set it right, he
"parody democracy" in Russia, but says.
there are little similarities between The book instills hope in readers
him and Stalin. Runciman agrees and maintains that even though
that these recent symptoms of things may look pretty messed up
demo crat ic decay may come right now in many countries, pri‑
across as familiar instances to marily the US, eventually they will
many of us, but, according to him, back in place ‑‑ a lesson for future
the problems facing today are voters.
those things ‑ and immigration ‑ the Senate Judiciary Committee,
weʼll sail into 2020 with all three he was grilled on the so‑called
government branches in our con‑ “Trump litmus test” on abortion.
trol. Thatʼs how we get things He responded by te lling Sen.
done for the American people. Lindsey Graham he would have
Thatʼs how we win. “walked out the door” if Trump
“Letʼs go after sanctuary cities, had asked him to overturn Roe.
and push for voter ID laws. We “Even if conservatives decide to
lose when we start messing with go for the Roe v. Wade jugular, itʼs
social issues. unlikely to succeed. Legal tradi‑
“Consider this: When Supreme tion makes it harder to overturn a
Court Justice Neil Gorsuch got to past decision ‑ unless there are
his confirmation hearings with strong grounds for doing so.”
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Trump picks Brett Kavanaugh
for Supreme Court
Washington: President Donald
Trump has picked Brett Kavanaugh,
a federal appeals court judge with
extensive legal credentials and a
long political record, to succeed
Justice Anthony M. Kennedy in the
Supreme Court.
"Judge Kavanaugh has impecca‑
ble credentials," Trump said on
Monday, shortly after announcing
his pick, CNBC reported.
In a primetime announcement at
the White House, the President
praised his pick as a "brilliant
jurist", BBC reported.
T he nominee, a District of
Columbia appeals court judge, is a
former adviser to ex‑President
George W. Bush.
The decision has far‑reaching
implications for America on every‑
thing from abortion to guns to
immigration.
Trump said: "Judge Kavanaugh
has impeccable credentials, unsur‑
passed qualifications and a proven
commitment to equal justice under
the law."
He added: "He is a brilliant jurist
with a clear and ef fective writing
US AFFAIRS
people from more backgrounds to
seek input abut a Supreme Court
nomination.
"I am grateful to you and I am
humbled by your confidence in me."
Judge Kavanaugh has served
since 2006 on the influential US
Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia Circuit.
He previously worked for
Kenneth Starr, the independent
counse l who investigated
Democratic former President Bill
Clinton in the 1990s.
A Yale graduate, Kavanaugh once
If confirmed, Justice Kavanaugh will tilt the court to the right, with clerked for Justice Kennedy, the
far‑reaching implications for America on issues from abortion to man he would replace.
guns to immigration for many years to come. (Photo courtesy AP) Judge Kavanaugh recently voiced
disagreement with a court decision
style, universally regarded as one of Justice Anthony Kennedy, 81, who allowing an undocumented teenage
the finest and sharpest legal minds announced last month that he will immigrant to get an abortion.
of our time." This is the president's retire this summer. He wrote a Minnesota law review
second appointment to the highest At Monday night's announcement, article in 2009 arguing that presi‑
court in the land, potentially allow‑ Judge Kavanaugh said: "Mr. dents should be shielded from crim‑
ing him to shape the US for a gener‑ President, thank you. Throughout inal investigations and civil lawsuits
ation after he leaves the White this process I have witnessed first‑ while in of fice. Analysts say that
House. With reality television‑style hand your appreciation for the vital could have weighed in his favor
suspense, he had kept everyone role of the American judiciary. with the White House, given that
guessing up until the last moment. "No president has ever consulted the Supreme Court may at some
T he appointee would replace more widely, or talked with more point be asked to rule on matters
July 14-20, 2018 11
arising from Special Counsel Robert
Mueller's ongoing Russia‑related
investigation. The nominee must be
confirmed by the US Senate, which
the Republican party narrowly con‑
trols 51‑49.
A nominee needs a simple majori‑
ty of 51 votes to be confirmed.
With Senator John McCain bat‑
tling cancer in his home state of
Arizona, Republicans can currently
only muster 50 votes.
Before a full vote on the chamber
floor, the prospective justice will be
grilled by the Senate Judiciary
Committee in hearings that can go
on for days. Judge Kavanaugh said
he would begin meetings with sena‑
tors on Tuesday. Democrats are cer‑
tain to press Trump's latest nomi‑
nee on the landmark 1973 Roe vs
Wade ruling that legalized abortion
nationwide. Conservative Christians
have long vied to overturn that deci‑
sion, and Trump has previously said
he wants "pro‑life" justices opposed
to abortion rights. The White House
and Republican party wants the
nomination in the bag before
November's mid‑term elections.
 12 July 14-20, 2018 INDIA NEWS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

India, South Korea to further upgrade economic ties

New Delhi: In a bid to further
upgrade bilateral trade and eco‑
nomic ties, India and South Korea
have agreed to further strengthen
their Comprehensive Economic
Partnership (CEPA) following dele‑
gation‑level talks headed by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and South
Korean President Moon Jae‑in
here.
"We have taken an important
step in the form of an Early
Harvest Package to further
upg rade our Comprehensive
Economic Partnership Agreement,"
Modi said in a joint address to the
media along with Moon after the
meeting.
"Keeping in view the future of
our relationship and the rapid
technology changes across the
world, we have decided to set up
an Innovation Cooperation Centre
and form a Future Strategy Group,"
he said.
The India‑South Korea was oper‑
ationalized in 2010 as a result of
of 2017. Modi lauded Korean com‑
panies for not only investing in
India but also creating employ‑
ment opportunities under the
Make in India initiative.
"Korean companies have become
household names in India for their
commitment to quality of their
products," he said.
Following Tuesday's talks, the
two sides also released a Vision
Document to further strengthen
their Special Strategic Partnership.
"Our focus is to further strength‑
en our Special Strateg ic
Partnership," the Prime Minister
said. "Economic and commercial
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Moon ties is an important pillar of this."
Jae‑in at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. (Photo: IANS) The India‑South Korea relation‑
then President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's 70 per cent growth over a two‑ ship was e levated to that of a
visit to that East Asian nation four year period. However, bilateral Special Strategic Partnership dur‑
years earlier. trade since declined to $18.13 bil‑ ing Modi's visit to that country in
Following this, trade and eco‑ lion in 2014‑15, $16.56 billion in 2015.
nomic relations between the two 2015‑16, USD 16.82 billion in The Prime Minister also said that
sides started to gather momentum 2016‑17, which finally recovered India's Act East Policy that seeks to
and bilateral trade in 2011 and posted a positive growth of 30 strengthen ties with Southeast
crossed $20.5 billion registering a percent in the first seven months Asia has natural commonalities
w ith President Moon's New
Southern Policy.
In November last year, Moon
announced his New Southern
Policy that seeks to make the
Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (Asean) regional bloc a
diplomatic and economic partner
as important as the global super‑
powers.
In his address to the media,
Moon said that he is pressing
ahead w ith the New Southern
Polcy that seeks to make India
South Korea's key partner for
cooperation.
"By facilitat ing exchange
between the people of our two
countries, we have decided to
broaden the scope of our mutual
understanding," the South Korean
President said.
India and South Korea signed
seven memoranda of agreement
(MoUs) across dif ferent fields as
part of Moon's visit to India, his
first as President.

Court extends Chidambaram's AAP again knocks at

interim protection from arrest
New Delhi: A special court here
extended till August 7 the inter‑
im protection from arrest grant‑
ed to senior Congress leader P.
Chidambaram in the Aircel‑Maxis
deal case.
Special Judge O.P. Saini direct‑
ed Chidambaram to join the
investigation whenever required.
The Enforcement Directorate
(ED) had opposed the decision,
say ing the former Finance
Minister and his son were eva‑
sive in their replies and as such
ED would not be able to get to
the truth if they were granted
bail.
ED pleaded that it is doing the
invest ig at ion under the
Prevention of Money Laundering
Act to unearth the larger conspir‑
acy involved in the approval
given by the Foreign Investment
Promotion Board (FIPB) for the
Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram.
Aircel‑Maxis deal. On May 30,
the court granted interim protec‑
tion to P. Chidambaram till June
5 which was leter extended till
July 10. Earlier, the court had
granted interim protection to
Karti Chidambaram from arrest
till July 10 in the same case.
apex court over officers
New Delhi: Amid no let‑up in the
power tussle between the Delhi
government and Lt Governor Anil
Baijal, the Supreme Court on
Tuesday agreed to take up an AAP
plea on the contentious issue of
the management of city's officers,
their transfers and posting.
Rahul Mehra, senior standing
counsel for the Aam Aadmi Party
(AAP) government, tweeted that
the plea had been filed before the
court of Chief Justice Dipak Misra,
seeking an early disposal of all
appeals filed by the Delhi govern‑
ment. Mehra said the bench head‑
T he Central Bureau of
ed by the Chief Justice has indicat‑
Investigation and the ED are
ed that "the matters shall be listed
invest ig at ing how Kart i
before the appropriate bench
Chidambaram allegedly managed
sometime next week".
to get clearance from the FIPB
T he Delhi government
for the Aircel‑Maxis deal when P.
approached the top court as there
Chidambaram was the Finance
was "still confusion over who has
Minister in 2006.
powers in transfers and postings
of officials", Mehra said.
An apex court Constitution
Bench on July 4 ruled that the Lt
Governor was bound to act on the
aid and advice of the Council of
Ministers and that he exercised no
independent powers as the repre‑
sentative of the central govern‑
ment. On July 5, the Arvind
Kejriwal government sent Baijal
files recommending transfer and
posting of of ficials. But the Lt
Governor stonewalled it, saying
the issue involving "Services" was
yet to be decided.
Baijal said the Union Home
Ministry had advised him to keep
exercising powers over "Services"
because the May 21, 2015 notifi‑
cation remained valid until a regu‑
lar bench of the apex court decid‑
ed on it.

We will discuss seat
sharing with BJP: Nitish
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said the
JD‑U will discuss seat sharing for the next Lok
Sabha polls with the BJP when the time comes.
The Janata Dal‑United leader also denied any dif‑
ferences with the Bharatiya Janata Party and said
there were no troubles within the National
Democratic Alliance.
"We will discuss seat sharing for 2019 polls when
the time comes," Nitish Kumar told the media here.
He said this a day after the JD‑U National
Executive meeting in Delhi decided that it would
like to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections with
its coalition partner BJP. "We will sit together at the
right time to discuss seat sharing."
Tharoor appears in Delhi court, gets regular bail
New Delhi: Two days after he was
granted anticipatory bail, Congress MP
Shashi Tharoor was given regular bail
by a city court here in the Sunanda
Pushkar death case.
Tharoor personally appeared before
Addit ional Chie f Metropolitan
Magistrate Samar Vishal at the Patiala
House Courts following summons
issued against him in June.
When Tharoor's counsel moved a
plea seeking regular bail, the court said
that there was no requirement for fil‑
ing it as he was already granted antici‑
patory bail by a sessions court. The
magisterial court accepted his bail
bonds. While granting him the antici‑
patory bail on July 5, the sessions
court directed him not to leave the
country without permission, nor to
tamper with evidence or try to influ‑
ence the witnesses.
Meanwhile, Tharoor opposed the
application of BJP MP Subramanian
Swamy, who has been carrying on a
campaign in the case, for conducting
the prosecution. Tharoor's counsel told
the court that Swamy has no locus to
contest the case.
Pushkar, 51, died under mysterious
circumstances in a hotel room in south
Delhi on January 17, 2014, days after
she alleged that Tharoor was having an
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
affair with a Pakistani journalist.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info INDIA July 14-20, 2018 13

Supreme Court reaffirms death to Nirbhaya convicts

New Delhi: The Supreme Court
has rejected review petitions
filed by three of the four convicts
and upheld the death punish‑
ment in the horrific 2012 gang
rape and murder of a young
Delhi professional who came to
be known as Nirbhaya.
Chie f Just ice Dipak Misra,
Justice R. Banumathi and Justice
Ashok Bhushan said the petitions
lacked grounds for a review.
Convicts Mukesh, 29, Pawan
Gupta, 22, and Vinay Sharma, 23,
had sought recall of the Supreme
Court's May 5, 2017 verdict
upholding the death sentence
awarded by a trial court and con‑
firmed by the Delhi High Court.
The fourth, Akshay Kumar Singh,
31, had not filed for a review.
Pronouncing the judgment,
Justice Bhushan said the review
pet it ion must show an error
resulting in miscarriage of jus‑
tice. He said none of the petitions
prits are taken to the gallows as
soon as possible."
Union Minister for Women and
Child Deve lopment Mane ka
Gandhi said she was "satisfied"
with the Supreme Court verdict
in the case that led to the amend‑
ment of the Criminal Procedure
Code to make rape punishable
with death penalty.
T he convicts, who lived in
Delhi, are now left with another
legal option, seeking a relook at
death sentences through a cura‑
tive petition.
Curative petitions are filed to
Nirbhaya's mother Asha Devi. (Photo: IANS) challenge the death penalty on
the grounds that an evidence or
by the convicts pointed out to an nity to state their cases. a legal point was not argued, vio‑
error leading to miscarriage of The victim's mother Asha Devi lating principles of natural jus‑
justice. The court also said the said she hoped the convicts tice.
hearing on the appeals against would be executed soon. If curative petition is also dis‑
the Delhi High Court judgment "There is more fight ahead, but missed, then a mercy petition
confirming the death sentence we have got justice once again. can be filed before the President
lasted 38 days as de fense We hope that the legal formali‑ of India who takes takes a call on
lawyers were given full opportu‑ ties are taken care of and the cul‑ the basis of the opinion given by
the central government.
The December 16, 2012 gan‑
grape and murder of the 23‑year‑
old paramedic student, Nirbhaya,
the name given to her by the
media which means fearless,
caused global shock and outrage.
T he crime was committed
inside a moving bus in south
De lhi by six drunk people.
Nirbhaya and her male friend,
who survived the attack, had just
finished watching a movie.
The woman was thrown out on
the road, severely injured. She
succumbed to her injuries on
December 29, 2012 at Mount
Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore.
One of the accused in the case,
Ram Singh, allegedly committed
suicide in the Tihar jail. A juve‑
nile among the culprits was con‑
victed by a juvenile justice board.
He was released after serving a
three‑year term in a reformation
centre.

Modi calls Congress ‘bail-gadi'

Jaipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtual‑
ly began the BJP's poll campaign in Rajasthan
and took a dig at the Congress, calling it a
"bail‑gadi" because several of its leaders and
former ministers were out on bail.
Modi was on a day‑long visit to Jaipur to
inaugurate several infrastructure projects
worth over Rs 2,100 crore in Rajasthan and
address the beneficiaries of various welfare
schemes of the central and state governments
in Rajasthan that faces assembly elections
later this year.
Launching a scathing attack on the
Congress, the Prime Minister said the work
being done now by the BJP in the state and at
the Centre could have been done earlier.
"You are aware of the intention of the previ‑
ous governments. It is because of their inten‑
tions, the people are now calling the Congress
a 'bail gadi'. Many senior Congress leaders
and former ministers are out on bail," Modi
said at a public meeting here.
With "bail gadi" sounds like the Hindi word
for "bullock cart", Modi emphasised that by
"bail" he was referring to the relief given by
courts to senior Congress leaders, who are
facing legal battles. He arrived in a special air‑
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara
Raje and Union Ministers Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Arjun
Ram Meghwal in Jaipur. (Photo: IANS/PIB)
craft that landed at the Sanganer airport
where he was we lcomed by Rajasthan
Governor Kalyan Singh and Chief Minister
Vasundhara Raje.
Before addressing the meeting Modi laid
the foundation stone for several infrastruc‑
ture projects, including elevated road project
for Ajmer, water supply and sewerage proj‑
ects in Ajmer, Bhilwara, Bikaner,
Hanumangarh, Sikar and Mount Abu.
He said the central government and the
state government were working together for
the progress of Rajasthan.
"Never forget the tough circumstances in
Vehicles move through the flooded Dadar TT Circle
which Vasundhara Raje took oath in 2013.
during heavy rains in Mumbai. (Photo: IANS)
When she took oath, systems were not work‑
ing properly. She has changed the work cul‑
ture in the state.
"The previous government only indulged in Rains cripple Mumbai,
laying the foundation stone of the projects
and not completing them. "We are working on
ground level not on papers. Our projects are
city under seize
neither delayed nor abandoned. Development Mumbai: Road and rail traffic was disrupt‑ necessary for the second consecutive day.
is our only agenda," Modi added. He also said ed as heavy rains continued to batter In the past 21 days, the city has received
that farmers, women and Dalits are at the Mumbai, its surroundings areas and large nearly 60 per cent of its average seasonal
core of the Bharatiya Janata Party's govern‑ parts of Maharashtra for the fourth con‑ total rains, said the BrihanMumbai
ment schemes. secutive day on Tuesday, officials said. Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Mumbai's lifeline, the Western Railway Areas like Dahisar, Borivali, Malad,
(WR) and Central Railway (CR) suburban Jogeshwari, Andheri, Santacruz, Mahim,
trains, were running late by 15‑20 min‑ Kurla, Parel, Dadar, Chembur, King Circle,
utes due to waterlogged tracks, causing Sion, Wadala, Masjid Bunder, Ghatkopar,
major delays to the morning commuters. Powai, Bhandup and others experienced
Several inbound or outbound long‑dis‑ heavy waterlogging, impeding traffic and
tance trains were either canceled, termi‑ pedestrian movement.
nated en route or diverted on the Mumbai‑ Massive traffic snarls were witnessed on
Gujarat and Mumbai‑New Delhi sectors. the Eastern Express Highway, Western
WR spokesman G. Mahapurkar said food Express Highway and the Eastern Freeway.
packets and water was distributed to thou‑ Besides Mumbai, the adjoining districts
sands of stranded passengers at various of Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR)
stations on the network and efforts were like Thane, Palghar and Raigad also got
on to restore services after the waters heavy rains. Many villages and towns were
receded. flooded or waterlogged since Monday
As a precaution, Education Minister night.
Vinod Tawde advised all school and col‑ Teams of NDRF, SDRF, Fire Brigades and
lege principals to monitor the rainfall posi‑ other agencies were on high alert in
tion in their areas and declare a holiday if Mumbai and all other districts.
 14 July 14-20, 2018
Can US Supreme Court be ultimate
arbiter of justice under Trump?
By Ashok Easwaran
F
ew changes in the US
Supreme Court have pro‑
voked the widespread con‑
sternation of the American public,
especially women, as the recent
exit of Justice Anthony Kennedy.
After his retirement, announced
in a brief and 'gracious' letter to
President Donald Trump was
made public, it came to be known
that the White House had ever so
gently nudged Kennedy to retire,
giving Trump the opportunity to
choose the second Supreme Court
judge since taking office.
There is trepidation that
President Donald Trump has a free
hand to fulfill his campaign prom‑
ise of filling the Supreme Court
with 'conservative judges'.
With the appointment of anoth‑
er conservative judge, the 1973
verdict in Roe vs Wade, which
legalized abortion in the first
trimester of pregnancy, could well
be overturned. Also on the judicial
chopping block could be restric‑
tions on the rights of minorities,
gays and labour unions.
With Trump's appointment last
year of Neil Gorsuch, Supreme
Court conservatives on the bench
outflank the liberals 5‑4. Another
right leaning judge could change
the character of the US Supreme
India can be a global beacon for democracy
By Frank F. Islam
I
n this 21st century, democracy
is descending and autocracy is
ascending in countries around
the world. That is the conclusion
and argument that Yascha Mounk
and Roberto Stefan Foa present in
their article titled "The End of the
Democratic Century" published in
the May/June edition of Foreign
Affairs.
For much of the 20th century, the
United States was the leader in pro‑
moting and promulgating democra‑
cy and democratic values interna‑
tionally. With the Trump presiden‑
cy that leadership has eroded and
virtually disappeared.
The obsessive emphasis on
"America First" and the withdrawal
from involvement with allies and
international agreements combined
with the instigation of trade wars
will only lead to the inevitable con‑
clusion of America being alone and
last. A nation cannot lead from that
position.
There is a significant vacuum that
There is trepidation that President Donald Trump has a free
hand to fulfill his campaign promise of filling the Supreme
Court with 'conservative judges'.
Court for decades to come. It is a
legacy which Trump, and the
Republicans, have salivated over
since the 2016 election campaign.
The appointment of Gorsuch,
and the coming one to replace
Kennedy, is projected by the
administration as necessary to
preserve the legacy of the icon of
judicial conservatism ‑ the late
Justice Antonin Scalia.
But Scalia's pronouncements
have frequently betrayed a jurist
who was not the rabid conserva‑
tive Republicans would have us
believe. Indeed, many of his public
pronouncements show him guilty
of letting reason and rationale
trump conservatism, a cardinal sin
in the Trumpian lexicon.
Can India step forward and begin to fill that vacuum by
leading by example and speaking out on issues central to
democratic values and practices?
must be filled if democracy and the
search for it is to be a defining
characteristic of this century. India
is by far the largest democracy in
the world. In the upcoming national
election to be held sometime in
2019, over 900 million Indian citi‑
zens will be eligible to vote. This
compares to a mere 245 million‑
plus eligible voters the next largest
OP-ED
Scalia was a 'textualist' ‑ who
called those who interpreted the
US Constitution a 'living' or 'evolv‑
ing' document 'idiotic'.
Nevertheless, on abortion he had
this to say: "My view is regardless
of whether you think prohibiting
abortion is good or whether you
think prohibiting abortion is bad,"
he said. "Regardless of how you
come out on that, my only point is
the Constitution does not say any‑
thing about it. It leaves it up to
democratic choice."
To die hard evangelicals whose
boundless faith in Trump obscures
most issues, Scalia's advice to high
school students in 2010 may be
prescient. "Movement is not neces‑
sarily progress," Scalia said, "More
democracy ‑ the US.
The question becomes can India
step forward and begin to fill that
vacuum by leading by example and
speaking out on issues central to
democratic values and practices?
There are some indicators that sug‑
gest that India may not be up to
this task. A Pew Research Center
survey of citizens in 38 nations,
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
important than your obligation to
follow your conscience, or at least
prior to it, is your obligation to
form your conscience correctly. It
is your responsibility not just to be
zealous in the pursuit of your
ideals, but to be sure that your
ideals are the right ones. That is
perhaps the hardest part of being
a good human being: Good inten‑
tions are not enough. Being a good
person begins with being a wise
person."
The US Supreme Court has
played an increasing role in deter‑
mining ‑ or in recent weeks,
undermining ‑ the protection for
immigrants (travel ban), women
(abortion rights) and the working
class (labour unions).
One of the great mysteries of the
2016 election was the unqualified
support for Trump by a significant
number of white evangelical
women. Even in the face of the
'#Metoo' movement and Trump's
consistent profane and public
insult of women, they ‑ along with
white evangelical men ‑ form his
most cohesive block of support.
Trump has revealed in his obvi‑
ous disdain for women. In an
interview on Fox News, he made a
veiled reference to the interview‑
er's menstrual cycles. He has con‑
sistently had problems with a
woman's biological processes. In a
conducted in 2017, found that
"support for a strong leader who is
unchecked by the judiciary or par‑
liament is highest in India;" 55 per‑
cent of those surveyed saw "rule by
a strong leader as a good way to
govern".
That same survey disclosed that
only 8 percent of the respondents
were fully committed to a represen‑
tative democracy, 67 percent were
less committed, 9 percent preferred
a non‑democratic option, and the
remainder were uncertain.
That's the bad news for India's
potential future role as a champion
of democracy. The good news is
there are some strong counter‑indi‑
cators.
While the nature of and participa‑
tion in the 2014 national elections
was not miraculous, it could defi‑
nitely be labeled a big deal ‑ a very
big deal. Consider the following:
The registration for this election
was more than 100 million voters
higher than the 2009 election ‑ an
increase of almost 15 percent.
The elections were held over nine
presidential debate, he called then
presidential candidate Hillary
Clinton's need for a toilet break
'disgusting'. Earlier, he had used
the same epithet for an opposing
female attorney who sought a
break to breast feed her three
month old daughter.
Eighteen months into Trump's
presidency, there are signs of
revolt among women and minori‑
ties, the two groups most affected
by his actions in office.
Four hundred and seventy‑two
women have entered the race for
the US House of Representatives
this year, a record of sorts. Fifty‑
seven women have filed their can‑
didacies for the US Senate.
Political analysts have said that
since a majority of female candi‑
dates are Democrats, it is safe to
presume that many of them are
fuelled by frustration, if not fury,
against the current occupant of
the White House. Another remark‑
able feature of the contestants is
the diversity ‑ it includes more
women of colour than in previous
electoral years, as well as a num‑
ber of immigrants. The elections
in November are likely to be the
first indicator of the degree of
vigour behind the revolt against
Trump. Or more precisely if the
anger and anguish can be convert‑
ed into political capital.
days. The election process required
approximately 1.1 million govern‑
ment workers and 5.5 million civil‑
ian employees to help voters at 1.4
million voting machines in 930,00
polling stations. The voter turnout
of over 66 per cent was the highest
in the history of India's national
elections. Given these and other
factors such as its re‑accelerating
economic development, I believe
India is poised to move centrestage
as an exemplar of and worldwide
advocate for democracy.
There are three key areas in
which India needs to take action in
order to assume that leadership
role:
4 Pursue an intensified agenda of
inclusiveness and economic
equality and opportunity for all
4 Provide effective civic educa‑
tion for students ‑ especially in
the younger years
4 Ensure the free press is com‑
pletely free If India realises that
potential, it will help to bring
about a new dawn for democra‑
cy in this 21st century.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info RELIGION July 14-20, 2018 15

Without completely offering ourselves to the supreme God it is impossible to get that
Eternal Knowledge that ultimately leads to liberation. Similar to the Gajendra youths,
Youths engrossed in saying the rosary (mala)with His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. girls offer lotus flower as a symbol of total surrender to God.

boys and girls attend

10,000 BAPS youth meet
Atlanta, GA: What does it take to
shape generations of young people
into thriving members of society,
both now and in the future?
Over the last five years, the youth
of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha sur‑
veyed children for personal perspec‑
tives to better understand difficul‑
ties in decision‑making. Guided by
this data, the theme of the 2018
North American Youth Convention
was developed as “Moksha”, mean‑
ing ʻultimate liberation.ʼ
The concept of Moksha was pre‑
sented in the convention in a practi‑
cal and contemporary manner
wherein programming focused on
of Hindus in
the importance of purpose, sincere
ent unpreced ented in the history
The 10‑day ev ok place in Atlan
ta.
effort, perseverance, prayer and North America to
introspection as core components of Maharaj.
senior swamis from India, Sadguru youth
character. The convention led them The BAPS Swaminarayan
Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami and that making good choices lies in a
on a path of knowledge that illumi‑ Sanstha (BAPS) is a world‑
Pujya Anandswarupdas Swami, as balance between confidence and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj blesses the
nated the relevance of spirituality in wide spiritual and humani‑
well as others from across North humility. Sejal Maisuria, a volunteer
tarian organization that is
delegates of the Youth Convention live from
everyday life and the role it can play from Scarborough, Canada, com‑ Sarangpur, Gujarat. He is seen here telling the
America, simplified how to make dedicated to community
in defining a higher purpose. mented, “Coming to conventions like story of ʻGajendra Mokshaʼ ‑ a Puranic legend.
Moksha‑centered decisions in every‑ service, peace, and harmo‑
Over 10,000 children and youth this broadens your horizons and you
day living. They explained that living ny. His Holiness Mahant Swami an international spiritual and
between the ages of 8 to 22 were learn how so many others have dealt
life with moksha as goal leads to an Maharaj is the sixth and current humanitarian organization with
split into three groups and partici‑ with issues like peer pressure.”
elevated experience of daily interac‑ spiritual successor of Bhagwan over 3,300 centers worldwide.
pated in three‑day programs from The experiences the delegates had
tions and an unfailingly optimistic Swaminarayan. He succeeded Contact: BAPS North American
July 1 to 10 at the Hyatt Regency will inspire them to lead a life
perspective of life and the world Pramukh Swami Maharaj, under Headquarters, email:
Hotel in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. aligned with the values and teach‑
around us. Delegates experienced a whose leadership, BAPS grew into media@na.baps.org
The first such mammoth event of ings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The
grand multi‑faceted stage program
Hindus in North America was built convention was inspired by His
where the life and challenges of sev‑
around Moksha as lifeʼs greatest Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj
eral characters were portrayed cre‑
pursuit that generates unwavering and His Holiness Mahant Swami
atively and practically as they navi‑
happiness to be experienced here
gated everyday scenarios that
and now. This broad theme led to a Children engaged in the
brought out dilemmas of desires
social conversation around “Moksha sessions at the convention.
versus values. Instead of looking
Now” theme. The delegates learned
for instant gratification,
that the means to achieve Moksha
the young adults
could also allow them to enjoy the
were asked to
world, especially when every task
contemplate
and activity undertaken focuses on
various per‑
keeping God and the Guru in mind.
spectives
The comprehensive concept of
that could
Moksha was taught by explaining
lead to a
the efforts and context of Dharma
higher way
(roles and responsibilities), Artha
of life. The
(worldly pursuits), and Kama Sadguru Pujya Ishwarcharandas Swami and Pujya
convention
(desires). Anandswarupdas swami guide the youths
taught
Speeches and presentations by at the Youth Convention
children and
 16 July 14-20, 2018
Would a Priyanka Chopra-Nick
Jonas marriage be sustainable?
By Subhash Jha
M
any, many years ago, the
doyen of Marathi‑Hindi cin‑
ema V. Shantaram was told
by his daughter, the actress Rajshri,
that she wanted to marry her
American boyfriend Greg Chapman.
Shantaram was at that time in the
midst of pre‑production for a film
called "Boond Jo Ban Gayee Moti". He
stared at his daughter with disbeliev‑
ing eyes, unwilling to accept that she
would betray her father in this way.
"And the best thing was,
Shantaramji wasn't worried about Raj
‑‑ her pet name ‑‑ marrying an
American. He was only worried about
his film. He quickly told his daughter
to do whatever she wanted to and
signed Mumtaz to play the lead oppo‑
site me," recalls veteran actor
Jeetendra, a close friend of Rajshri.
Her last film in India "Suhaag Raat"
was with Jeetendra who visits his pal
Raj even now when he is in the US.
Rajshri's marriage to Greg
Chapman has lasted for more than
35 years. Once she moved to the US
with Greg, she never looked back,
never had a hankering to return.
I don't know if Priyanka Chopra would
marry her American boyfriend. I can't see her
giving it all up like Rajshri to make a life in
the US, unless Priyanka's mother plans to
make Nick her ghar‑jamai (house husband).
Would Nick Jonas, a hot favorite gay icon in
the US, actually want to forge a marital
alliance with our Desi Girl?
Something tells me this relationship lacks
Cop‑mafia stories are
really romantic: Saif
A
ctor Saif Ali Khan, who has
entertained Bollywood buffs
with a slew of family dramas,
comedies and thrillers in his over two
decades long career, says he finds cop‑
mafia stories ‑‑ a genre he is exploring
in Netflix series "Sacred Games" ‑‑
romantic. The actor has himself pro‑
duced films like "Go Goa Gone", "Agent
Vinod" and "Cocktail". If he had to pro‑
duce content for the dynamic world of
digital entertainment platforms, Saif said:
"Given an opportunity, I would have pro‑
duced something exactly like this ('Sacred
Games') for a platform like Netflix.
"It would not be a family drama or a
love story but a cop‑mafia story set in
Mumbai because I think such stories are
really romantic. It is interesting to watch
how the lack of opportunity that the poor
suffer makes them develop their set of sur‑
viving strategy.
"Such elements make it a romantic story
for the international audience... How they
(the poor) get into the crime scene.
Universally, we can relate to a situation that
exists between rich and poor, people with
legitimacy, ingenuity, and yes, there is
always a story there."
ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD
Actress Priyanka Chopra with
rumored boyfriend Nick Jonas.
the staying‑power of the Rajshri‑Greg
alliance. I will tell you why. For one, Greg had
nothing to do with show business. He had no
clue Rajshri was a star in India when they
met in the US.
In my experience, marriage of showbiz
celebrities work best when the spouse is
totally detached from the entertainment
world. Nick and Priyanka are on the same
side of the celebrity circus. Not good.
ed with
Khan is occupi
Actor Saif Ali am es".
"Sacred G
Netflix series
The story of "Sacred Games" is adapted
from Vikram Chandra's book of the same
name. The novel takes you into the life of
police officer Sartaj Singh and into the crim‑
inal underworld of Ganesh Gaitonde, the
most wanted gangster in India.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Mithun's son, wife get bail,
son's wedding postponed
A
court in New
Delhi granted
anticipatory bail
to Bollywood star
Mithun Chakraborty's
son Mahaakshay and his
wife Yogita Bali who
have been booked for
rape and cheating.
Meanwhile,
Mahaakshay's wedding
scheduled to be held in a
hotel in Tamil Nadu's
Ooty on July 7 has been
postponed, a hotel offi‑
cial said.
Granting bail to the vet‑
eran actor's wife and son,
Special Judge Ashutosh
Kumar asked them to fur‑
(R) with
nish a personal bond of Rs Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty
son Mah aaks hay (c).
1 lakh with two sureties of
the like amount.
The court has directed them not to tamp‑ In her complaint, the woman also stated
er with evidence or influence witnesses and that Yogita threatened her with dire conse‑
to join the investigation whenever required quences if she continued her relationship
and co‑operate with the probe agency. with Mahaakshay.
A woman has alleged that Mahaakshay on Meanwhile, the hotel staffer, who did not
the pretext of marriage, cheated and raped want to be identified, said that the wedding
her. She alleged that when she got preg‑ "got postponed and not cancelled. The fam‑
nant, he gave her a medicine that led to an ily members are in Mumbai. They are not
abortion. here"
'For Here or To Go':
Strikes the right chord
F
or Here or To Go" is director
Rucha Humnabadkar's debut
feature film that highlights
the anguish of immigrants who are
trying to settle in America. It res‑
onates the feelings of most Indian
Americans who are frustrated with
the US immigration restrictions and
are pained with the thought of mov‑
ing back to India.
This light‑hearted comedy drama
is set against the backdrop of the
2008 recession and aftermath of
the 2011 episode that made immi‑
gration laws more stringent and the
plight of the immigrant more acute.
The narrative is seen through the
eyes of Vivek Pandit (Ali Fazal), a
young, Mumbai born, Silicon Valley
software professional who is
REVIEW
allured by the American
Dream.
The writing by Rishi S.
Bhilawadikar is sincerely honest
and touches your heart at several
instances. It aptly captures the
flavour of "ABCD" ‑ American Born
Confused Desi, DCBA ‑ Desi
Actor Ali Fazal portrayed as a young
Confused By America and FDIA ‑
software professional is charming.
Frustrated Desi in America". In
short, the writing brings to the fore "per‑ dency with equal fervor. Omi Vaidya as
sonal choices" and "how it feels to run out the south Indian Laxminarayan is good
of options". but stereotyped. Mounted astutely with
It encapsulates the voices of those 1.5 moderate production values, the film will
million Indian immigrants working in the definitely appeal to non‑resident Indians
US. Ali Fazal as Vivek. Pandit is charming. or cinema lovers who are keen about
He displays his cheer fulness and despon‑ cross‑over films.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Sonali battling cancer; Bʼwood
hopes for speedy recovery
A
ctress Sonali Bendre shared that
she has been diagnosed with a
"high‑grade cancer", and is under‑
going treatment in New York.
Ever since the actress posted the news
about her health on Twitter and Instagram,
prayers and wishes have been pouring in
for the actress from the film fraternity.
In a long post, Sonali said: "Sometimes,
when you least expect it, life throws you a
curveball. I have recently been diagnosed
with a high grade cancer that has metas‑
tized, which we frankly did not see coming.
"A niggling pain led to some tests, which
led to this unexpected diagnosis. My family
and close friends have rallied around me,
providing the best support system that any‑
one can ask for. I am very blessed and
thankful for each of them," she added.
The actress, who made her debut in the
Hindi film industry with "Aag" in 1994,
recently stepped down from judging a reality
TV show "India's Best Dramebaaz".
She is undergoing treatment in New York,
and is optimistic about the future. Sonali is
married to producer Goldie Behl. They have
one son Ranveer together.
"There is no better way to tackle this, than
to take swift and immediate action...What has
helped has been the immense outpouring of
love and support I've received over the past
few days, for which I am very grateful.
I'm taking this battle head on, knowing I have
3FBEZ
GPS
B
EBZ
GVMM
PG
GBNJMZ
GVO

BU
B
QSJDF
ZPV
DBO
BPSE
-*33
(FUBXBZT


PFS
EJTDPVOUFE
USBJO
UJDLFUT
QMVT
BENJTTJPO
UP
XFU
BOE
XJME
EFTUJOBUJPOT

MJLF
4QMJTI
4QMBTI
XBUFS
QBSL
BOE
UIF
CFBDI
1MBO
ZPVS
BEWFOUVSF
OPX
BU


NUBJOGPMJSSHFUBXBZT
ULTIMATE BOLLYWOOD
Actress Sonali Bendre made her
4.
Bollywood debut with "Aag" in 199
the strength of my family and friends behind
me," she added.
The news shocked stars, who took to
Twitter to express their views.
"Godspeed, love and strength to a true
fighter and a solid soul," filmmaker Karan
Johar said. Actress Divya Dutta also posted
"Dearest dearest one, remember you always
with a girl wit so much strength and will
power! Loads of prayers for you! Get well real
soon! Big big hug", while Riteish Deshmukh
wrote: "Deeply saddened and shaken by this
news. Praying for your speedy recovery and
good health".
© 2018 Metropolitan Transportation Authority
July 14-20, 2018 17
Bollywood bowled
over by biopics
N
eerja", "M.S. Dhoni: The
Untold Story" and
"Sanju". Not to miss
"Dangal" and "Mary Kom".
What's common?
They are all biopics ‑‑ inspir‑
ing stories of heroes sans
greasepaint for which actors
like Aamir Khan put on a pro‑
nounced paunch to play for‑
mer wrestler Mahavir Singh
Phogat and Priyanka Chopra
learnt the art of boxing to tell
Actor Sushant Singh Rajput in a still from
the tale of five‑time world
“M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story”.
champion M.C. Mary Kom.
"The first and foremost reason for filmmak‑ characters (on which the films are based),"
ers making biopics is that they largely want said Saksena. Biopics do mostly create fire‑
to explore the fan following of a celebrity ‑‑ works at the box office. The most recent
from actors to sports stars to any legendary example being Ranbir Kapoor‑starrer "Sanju",
figure," Wave Cinemas Vice President Yogesh which reveals the "many lives" of actor Sanjay
Raizada said. Dutt. There are more in the pipeline, includ‑
Biopics, however, aren't a new phenome‑ ing films on ace badminton player Saina
non, Ashish Saksena, Chief Operating Officer‑ Nehwal, Olympic gold medallist and now‑
Cinemas, BookMyShow, pointed out. retired shooter Abhinav Bindra, former Prime
"If one goes back in time, we had a biopic Minister Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister
on Dr. Kotnis called 'Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Narendra Modi and Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi.
Kahani' as early as 1946. Will there ever be an end to it?
"While filmmakers definitely find good sto‑ "No. The industry finds a new persona to
ries to tell through biopics, the other major play every decade. There is no dearth of leg‑
reason for their success is that audiences are ends or icons in our country. The biopic trend
already familiar with, and can relate to, the is here to stay," said Raizada.
 18 July 14-20, 2018 FEATURE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

New Delhi: Indian Railways set for a

Swanky, superfast Indian

giant technology leap! Engine‑less
trains till now have been limited to
metro networks and suburban travel
in India, but now the worldʼs largest
railway network is all set to roll out

trains ready to roll

its first self‑propelled semi‑high
speed train set for inter‑city travel.
A ʻMake in Indiaʼ initiative, Train
18 and Train 20, also boast world
class facilities. The Indian Railways
is planning to unveil these new trains to
gradually take the place of the widely
used Shatabdi Train and Rajdhani
Express.
But why TRAIN 18 and TRAIN 20
numbers? Well, Train 18 will launch in
a monthʼs time this year while Train 20
would be unveiled in the year 2020.
The two new trains are expected to go
up to a speed of 176 kilometers per
hour, and being called ʻthe fastest train
in Indiaʼ.
Travelers can enjoy world class tech‑
nology alongside benefits inside the two
trains. This includes flat screen or LED Indian Railways will launch engine‑less Train 18 (left) & Train 20 to replace Shatabdis and Rajdhanis.
screens, latest lighting system, and GPS.
This train type is the first in history of
India to introduce the automatic door sys‑
tem at the train stations. Features in the
Even the train toilets would be a newer two world class
type with bio‑toilets that are vacuum trains include flat
screen or LED
based. The six motor coaches enables the
screens and
train to move faster.
automatic door
A ʻMake in Indiaʼ initiative, Train 18
system at the
would cost about Rs 2.50 crore per coach. train stations.
Train 20 cost is around Rs 5.50 crore per
coach.

DISPLAY CLASSIFIEDS

HOUSE FOR SALE

Plainview 3/4 BRS. 2 BTHS to-
tally updated Kitchen California
Split level house, large property,
close to all.
Open House Sat/Sun June 9&10.

Call 718-753-4772
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Sharif sentenced to 10 years for
graft, daughter gets 7
Islamabad: Dealing a severe blow
to the Pakistan Muslim League
(Nawaz) ahead of the general elec‑
t ions, former Prime Minister
Nawaz Sharif was sentenced to 10
years in prison while his daughter
Maryam Nawaz was handed a
seven‑year jail over graft charges
in the purchase of overseas prop‑
erties.
Sharif, who is currently in
London along with his daughter,
called the charges "politically moti‑
vated". He said he had been pun‑
ished because he tried to turn the
course of the country's 70‑year
history.
The verdict was delivered by the
accountability court in the
Avenfield corruption case, which is
related to the Sharif family's own‑
ership of four flats in the posh
Avenfield House in London.
Sharif, a three‑time Premier, was
earlier disqualified from standing
for his PML‑N following conviction
in corruption cases. His brother
Shahbaz Sharif now heads the
party and is running in the July
vote. The court ordered Sharif to
Iran denies
training Afghan
Taliban militants
Taliban militants captured after an
operation in Afghanistan (file).
Tehran: Iran denied allegations
that it was training
Afghanistan's Taliban militant
group.
Such "fake and undocument‑
ed" allegations are aimed to
wage "a psychological war" and
damage friendly relations
between the Iranian and Afghan
governments, the Iranian
Embassy in Kabul said in a state‑
ment, according to Xinhua news
SUBCONTINENT
A supporter with a picture of former PM Nawaz Sharif.
pay a fine of $10.6 million while
Maryam Nawaz was fined $2.6
million. Her husband Captain
Safdar Awan was given one‑year
sentence.
Accountability court Judge
Mohammad Bashir announced the
verdict after several delays. Sharif
was sentenced for "owning assets
beyond income and one year
(included in the 10‑year term) for
not co‑operating with the National
Accountability Bureau. He will
agency. Iran seeks to promote
international efforts to support
the Afghan government and
reduce its people sufferings, the
statement said.
British daily The Times quoted
unnamed Taliban and Afghan
officials as saying that hundreds
of Taliban militants are receiv‑
ing advanced training from spe‑
cial forces at military academies
in Iran.
serve his sentences concurrently.
Maryam Nawaz received jail
term "for abetting a crime and one
year (included in the 7‑year term)
for not co‑operating ‑‑ again to run
concurrently. The Sharif family
insists that they had purchased the
apartments through "legitimate
financial resources".
T he former Premier and his
daug hter are currently w ith
Sharif's wife Kulsoom Nawaz, who
is receiving cancer treatment, and
India closely following
Maldives situation: MEA
New Delhi: India said it is closely
following the evolving situation in
the Maldives and it is a matter of
concern that institutions like its
parliament and the judiciary are
not allowed to function properly.
"We have been closely following
the evolving situation in the
Maldives. The announcement of
elections in the Maldives at a time
when the democratic institutions
including the Majlis and the judici‑
ary are not allowed to function in a
free and transparent manner is
indeed a matter of concern," said
External Affairs Ministry
spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.
Ex-Pakistan PM doubts legitimacy of elections
Islamabad: Former Pakistan
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan
Abbasi raised doubts over the
legitimacy of the July 25 elec‑
tions.
"I have doubts about the trans‑
parency and fairness of the elec‑
tions," the 59‑year‑old politician
who held the office from August
2017 to June 2018 told Efe news
in Bhara Kahu on the outskirts of
Islamabad.
"We have had a history of non‑
democratic rule in Pakistan and
July 14-20, 2018 19
Coming to Pakistan to face prison: Sharif
F
ormer Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced he was return‑
ing to Pakistan following the 10‑year prison sentence handed
to him by the accountability court, saying he has been pun‑
ished because he tried to turn the course of the country's 70‑year his‑
tory. Sharif, along with his daughter Maryam Nawaz ‑‑ who was also
handed seven‑year prison time ‑‑ held a press conference in London
hours after the verdict in the Avenfield corruption reference was
announced.
The three‑time Premier said that if the punishment for "demanding
respect for the vote is jail, I am coming to face it", adding that he will
"not be a slave to those who violate their oath and the Constitution of
Pakistan". "I promise that I will continue this struggle until Pakistanis
are not free of the chains that they are kept in for saying the truth,"
he said. Sharif, however, did not give any specific time or date for his
return to Pakistan. He said that the deteriorating health of his wife
Kulsoom Nawaz, who is receiving cancer treatment in London, as the
reason for him not being able to return immediately.
Safdar is in Pakistan but was Court. The Avenfield corruption
reportedly unable to attend. case is among the multiple graft
According to the verdict, all cases filed against the former
three have been barred from Premier and his children by the
engaging in politics for 10 years ant i‑corrupt ion bo dy on the
and four properties in London will Supreme Court's directives in the
be confiscated by the Pakistani landmark Panamagate verdict last
state. They have 10 days to appeal year which disqualified then Prime
the verdict at the Islamabad High Minister Sharif.
and the rule of law, before the
elections are conducted," he added.
Elections are due in Maldives in
November this year. However, with
a number of prominent opposition
figures of the country put behind
bars, former President Mohamed
Nasheed living in exile and defunct
parliament and crippled judiciary,
there is a big question mark over
free and fair elections. The latest
Indian External Affairs Ministry crisis in Maldives began in
spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.
February this year when President
"We have urged the government Yameen Abdul Gayoom of the
of Maldives to return to the path of Progressive Party of Maldives
democracy and ensure credible (PPM) declared a state of
restoration of the political process Emergency.
interference in elections was
common in the past.
The last two elections were rel‑
atively free of interference and
we were hoping that this time it
would be a much better process
but unfortunately, that has not
been the case."
Abbasi came to power after his
predecessor, Nawaz Sharif, was
disqualified from office by the
Supreme Court for not declaring
the earnings from a company run Former Pakistan Prime Minister
by his son. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
 20 July 14-20, 2018
US attitude during denuclearization
talks 'regrettable': N Korea
Seoul: North Korea expressed regret
over the attitude of US negotiators
during talks to work out details on
how to denuclearize the Korean
Peninsula as agreed to by their
leaders in their recent summit
meeting.
In a statement issued by a North
Korean Foreign Ministry
spokesman and carried by the
Korean Central News Agency, North
Korea lashed out at the US for seek‑
ing "unilateral and forced denu‑
clearization" from Pyongyang.
The statement came hours after
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
wrapped up his trip to Pyongyang
aimed at hashing out measures to
implement the June 12 summit
agreement in Singapore, during
which their leaders agreed to work
towards complete denuclearization
of the Korean Peninsula.
The North statement contradicted
the version of events given by
Brazilian judge blocks
ruling to release Lula
Sao Paulo:
Brazil's judi‑
ciary has
issued con‑
tradictory
orders over
the contro‑
versial
imprison‑
ment of ex‑
president
Luiz Inacio
Lula da
Silva, who
was convict‑
Brazilʼs ex‑president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was
ed of cor‑
convicted of corruption.
ruption and
sent to jail in April. A federal
court judge ruled in favor of an
appeal and ordered Lula be
released immediately. That
decision was denied by another
federal judge, Sergio Moro, who
oversaw the investigation that
helped put Lula behind bars,
Xinhua reported.
Moro questioned Judge
Rogerio Favreto's competence
as he dismissed the ruling,
Brazilian news network Globo
reported on its website.
"Judge Sergio Moro... said the
judge on duty did not have the
authority to order Lula's
release," the agency said.
Earlier Favreto, who sits on
Federal Regional Court 4 in the
city of Porto Alegre, accepted
an appeal by three deputies
belonging to Lula's Workers'
Party (PT) and called for his
North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un.
Pompeo just hours before. He had
said progress was made during the
talks. It was the first time he had
visited North Korea since the
Donald Trump‑Kim Jong‑un sum‑
mit.
The North's spokesman said: "We
expected that the US side would
"urgent" release from a federal
police holding facility in
Curitiba, capital pf Parana state,
where he has served three
months of his sentence.
Federal Judge Joao Pedro
Gebran Neto, who also sits on
Federal Regional Court 4,
issued an order to overrule
Lula's release.
"I determine that... the federal
police of Parana abstain from
carrying out any action that
changes the collegial decision"
that led to Lula's conviction and
sentence, Gebran Neto wrote.
The pushback sparked anoth‑
er call from Favreto for Lula's
release. "I order the IMMEDI‑
ATE compliance with the judi‑
cial measure to free the defen‑
dant, under penalty of punish‑
ment for non‑compliance with a
judicial order," Favreto wrote.
INTERNATIONAL
come with productive measures
conducive to building trust in line
with the spirit of the North‑US sum‑
mit and (we) considered providing
something that would correspond
to them.
"The US just came out with such
unilateral and robber‑like denu‑
Brexit Secretary David Davis resigns
London: David Davis, the man
responsible for overseeing the
UK's exit from the European Union
(EU) has resigned, citing irreconcil‑
able differences with Prime
Minister Theresa May.
In a resignation letter sent to
May, Brexit Minister Davis said it
was looking "less and less likely"
that the Conservative‑led govern‑
ment would be able to deliver on
its "manifesto commitment to
leave the Customs Union and the
Single Market", reports CNN.
Davis said he was "unpersuaded
that our negotiating approach will
not just lead to further demands
for concessions", and said the
national interest required some‑
one in his position to be an "enthu‑
siastic believer in your approach,
4 of 13 boys trapped in Thai cave extracted
Chiang Rai (Thailand): Four boys
emerged from the cave in north‑
ern Thailand where 12 young
footballers and their coach had
been trapped for more than two
weeks, a rescuer said.
The rescued boys were taken to
a field hospital near the cave in
Thailand's northern Chiang Rai
province. Helicopters were seen
hovering above the cave site,
reports Xinhua news agency.
The boys were flown to the hos‑
pital by helicopters.
Thirteen foreign cave diving
experts entered the cave to launch
the rescue operation at 10 am on
July 8.
The 12 footballers, aged
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
N Korea committed to
denuclearization: Pompeo
Tokyo: Visiting US Secretary of
State Mike Pompeo said North
Korea had reaffirmed its commit‑
ment to denuclearization during
his recent trip to Pyongyang.
At a joint press conference with
his Japanese and South Korean
counterparts, Taro Koko and
Kang Kyung‑wha,Pompeo
described his talks in North
clearization demands as CVID, dec‑
laration and verification that go
against the spirit of the North‑US
summit meeting," he added, calling
the talks "really disappointing".
CVID stands for complete, verifi‑
able and irreversible dismantlement
of North Korea's nuclear pro‑
gramme, an oft‑cited demand by
Brexit Secretary David Davis
resigned citing irreconcilable
differences with the British PM.
and not merely a reluctant con‑
script". "The general direction of
policy will leave us in at best a
Trapped young footballers seen in a cave in Chiang Rai.
between 11 and 16, and their
coach, 25, went missing in the
cave in Chiang Rai province on
June 23. They were located on a
Korea as "very productive" and
these were in "good‑faith", adding
that Pyongyang had agreed to
the destruction of a missile facili‑
ty, reports Efe news.
He also said the sanctions
against the regime would remain
in place until it has completely
dismantled its nuclear weapons
program.
Washington for Pyongyang.
The spokesman apparently reject‑
ed the US demand and reiterated
Pyongyang's call for a "phased" and
"synchronous" approach, saying
that it would be the shortest way to
realize a nuclear‑free Korean
Peninsula, Yonhap news agency
reported.
weak negotiating position, and
possibly an inescapable one," the
minister wrote in the letter.
In her response, May said she
was sorry he had chosen to leave
the government "when we have
already made so much progress
towards delivering a smooth and
successful Brexit".
May's government agreed on a
"business friendly" plan for Brexit
which was announced at the end
of a crucial summit. It seeks to pre‑
serve frictionless goods trade for
the EU and avoid border checks
and tariffs, most feared by manu‑
facturing companies.
Davis' resignation also comes as
May is preparing for a key state
visit by US President Donald
Trump later this week.
small cliff about four kilometres
away from the cave entrance
when the search entered the ninth
day on July 2.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
US, China trade war begins
Beijing: A trade war between China and
the US ‑‑ the world's largest economies ‑‑
began as the two sides started slapping
additional tariffs on each other's goods,
worth nearly $70 billion, a development
that could impede global economic recov‑
ery.
As planned, Washington began taxing
818 Chinese goods worth $34 billion to
punish Beijing for allegedly playing
underhand in trade practices and pressur‑
ing US companies to hand over their tech‑
nologies for doing business in China.
Beijing, which denies these charges, was
swift in responding in kind after the first
tranche of planned US levies on Chinese
goods announced by President Donald
Trump kicked in.
"After the US imposed its tariffs, China
also took effective measures," said
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson
Lu Kang.
Even though neither Lu nor the Chinese
Commerce ministry gave details about the
scales of tariffs, Beijing has plans to slap
punishing levies 545 US products worth
$34 billion a year that range from soy‑
beans and lobsters to sport utility vehicles
and whiskey.
The duties slapped by the US will make
Chinese cough an additional 25 per cent
on products such as industrial machinery,
medical devices and auto parts.
Reacting to the tariffs, the Chinese
Commerce Ministry said: "The US has
ignited the largest trade war in economic
history. "The Chinese side, having vowed
not to fire the first shot, is forced to stage
Samsung to make India a global export hub: Modi
Noida: The world's largest mobile factory
unveiled by South Korean tech giant Samsung
in Noida will not only generate more jobs but
also make India a global export hub, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.
Inaugurating the new facility spread over
129,000 sq metres at Sector 81 here, Modi
said Samsung will export 30 per cent of the
handsets made at the Noida factory to other
markets. "India is currently second in terms
of phone manufacturing. Out of 120 mobile
factories, 50 are in Noida only. Altogether,
over 400,000 people are working in those
units and Samsung is spearheading this with
a workforce of 70,000 people.
"The new facility with give direct jobs to
1,000 people, taking the existing workforce
at this plant to 6,000. The best part is that the
company will export 30 per cent of the hand‑
sets made here to other markets," Modi told
the gathering here. The Prime Minister said
BUSINESS July 14-20, 2018 21
Tribunal upholds Cyrus
Mistryʼs sacking by Tata Sons
Mumbai: In a significant ruling, the National ly immediately. "The ruling of the National
Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Monday Company Law Tribunal is disappointing
upheld the October 24, 2016 decision of the although not surprising. We will continue to
Tata Sons Board of Directors dismissing its strive for ensuring good governance and
then Chairman Cyrus Mistry. protection of interests of minority share‑
While Mistry's office termed holders and all stakeholders in
the tribunal decision as "disap‑ Tata Sons from the wilful brute
The US has ignited the largest trade pointing", hinting they would rule of the majority," office of
war in economic history, said China. approach the higher tribunal, Cyrus Mistry said in a state‑
Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata ment.
counter‑attacks to protect the core nation‑
Trusts called it as judicial The NCLT ruled that the Tata
al interests and interests of its people."
"forthrightness". Sons board of directors was
Beijing lodged an additional complaint
"The judgement of the NCLT, competent to remove the exec‑
with the World Trade Organization over
delivered this morning has utive Chairman and that Mistry
tariffs under Section 301.
been a vindication of the was ejected as the board mem‑
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the
actions that Tata Sons felt bers had lost confidence in
US had blatantly violated the WTO rules.
obliged to take in October Former Tata Group him. Rejecting Mistry's plea to
"It will surely impact the global trade
2016. It is a reinforcement of Chairman Cyrus reinstate him on the Board of
order, trigger global market fluctuation
the principles and forthright‑ Mistry. Tata Sons, the NCLT pointed
and impede economic recovery,"
ness that prevails in our judi‑ out that he (Mistry) had open‑
spokesperson Lu Kang said.
cial system, which should make all of us ly gone against the Board, and hence against
"More multinational companies, SMEs
proud of our country and its democracy," the company.
and ordinary consumers will be impaired
said Tata in a statement. "The judgement has T he much‑awaited verdict of NCLT
and many industries in the US have
only re‑af firmed and vindicated that Tata Mumbai by a Special Bench comprising B.S.V
realised that it is them that will bear the
Sons and its operating companies have Prakash Kumar and V. Nallasenapathy came
consequences."
always acted in a fair manner and in the best in a petition filed by Mistry after he was
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said no one
interest of its stakeholders. The Tata Group abruptly ousted as the Tata Sons Chairman,
will win by fighting a trade war. He said
has always been committed and will contin‑ creating an upheaval in the Indian corporate
China never initiates trade disputes, let
ue to be committed to transparency and world. Mistry later quit from the board of six
alone provoking a trade war. However, if
good corporate governance of global stan‑ other Tata Group companies but challenged
the other side provokes a trade war by
dards," said Tata Sons Chairman N. the Group and his successor, the former
imposing additional tariffs, China will def‑
Chandrasekaran in a statement. Interim Chairman Ratan Tata's decisions,
initely take countermeasures. Meanwhile,
"Tata Sons hopes that a finality will be before the NCLT.
EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia
given to the judgement of NCLT, Mumbai by Official sources indicated on Monday that
Malmstrom called the escalation of tariffs
all concerned in the larger interest of com‑ Mistry was likely to challenge the NCLT ver‑
between the US and China "worrying" and
panies, the shareholders and the public," dict before the National Company Law
"clearly damaging" to the world economy.
Chandrasekaran added. But finality is unlike‑ Appellate Tribunal, New Delhi.
the new mobile manufacturing unit will make
India‑South Korea relations stronger as
Samsung's biggest global R&D centre was
already here.
"Almost every middle class Indian family is
using at least one Korean product. Samsung
has a distinct space in India. India is going
through digital transformation and I encour‑
age more companies from South Korea to
come and invest here," Modi noted.
Launched in the presence of Modi and
South Korean President Moon Jae‑in who
took the Metro to reach the facility, the plant
will help Samsung India double its annual
mobile production capacity to 120 million
units by 2020. President Moon Jae‑in said the
new facility will create a new era for India‑
Korea ties. "I am happy to see Korean compa‑
nies participating in India's digital transfor‑
mation and I have full support for them," the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, South Korean President Moon Jae‑in and Uttar
South Korean President told the gathering. Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Noida. (Photo: Amlan Paliwal/IANS)
 22 July 14-20, 2018 SPORTS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

France beat Belgium Croatia will be fresh for

semi final: Coach
1‑0 to book final spot Moscow: Croatia have
the vitality to beat
power left for the
Eng lish," Xinhua
England in their World news agency report‑
Cup semi final despite ed quoting Dalic.
playing in two consecu‑ "We will not stop,
tive matches that have we will try to play
gone to extra‑time and to get the best out
penalties, coach Zlatko of ourse lves. We
Dalic said. have two matches
After overcoming to play, we are very
Denmark on penalties in motivated, we will
the last 16, Croat ia g ive our all," he
defeated hosts Russia in said.
another shootout. Croatia's head coach Zlatko Dalic. W hile Croat ia
On Wednesday, endured a grueling
Croatia will confront England at Moscow's 120‑minute battle against Russia, England
Luzhniki Stadium for a place in the final progressed to the last four with a relative‑
on July 15. "Of course there is some ly straightforward 2‑0 win over Sweden.

Brazil's exit 'saddest moment'

Centre‑back Samuel Umtiti headed home from close range in the
51st minute that proved to be the winner.
St. Petersburg: France edged past Belgium
1‑0 to book their place in the final of the
FIFA World Cup in a rip‑roaring semi‑final
clash here on Tuesday.
Centre‑back Samue l Umtiti headed
home from close range in the 51st minute
and that proved to be the winner in a
match littered with goal‑scoring opportu‑
nities.
Belgium played with a lot of gusto as
skipper Eden Hazard led from the front
making jinking runs throughout the game
down the right channel.
But the goal would just not come for the
Roberto Martinez‑coached side who were
in the semis for the first time since 1986.
France, who will play the World Cup
final for the first time since 2006, will
either take on England or Croatia in the
summit clash on Sunday.
The match began at a breakneck pace
with Belgium bossing possession initially
only for the French to catch up.
Kylian Mbappe danced forward inside
the first 10 seconds and crossed low for
Antoine Griezmann who failed to get on
the end of it.
Hazard then put in a dangerous cross
which was turned behind by Umtiti. It was
an end‑to‑end af fair as Kevin De Bruyne
lobbed a pass to Hazard who shot past the
post.
France took time to work Belgium goal‑
keeper Thibaut Courtois who smothered a
Blaise Matuidi effort in the 19th minute.
Then, moments later, at the
other end, Hazard's goal‑
bound shot was flicked over
the bar by the retreating
Raphael Varane.
Hugo Lloris was forced into
a brilliant save at the other
end too when his Tottenham
teammate Toby Alderweireld
took aim after a corner.
For France, Olivier Giroud
and Griezmann came
close to scoring after the
half‑hour mark
before Benjamin
Pavard was set
up by the brilliant Mbappe only for
Courtois to stick his leg out and divert the
ball.
It was travesty that both teams went
into the break locked goal‑less.
Belgium fell behind minutes into the
second period when Umtiti leaped ahead
of Marouane Fellaini to head home a cor‑
ner taken by Griezmann.
Belgium probed on numerous occasions
as Lukaku came the closest to scoring in
the dying minutes of the game after De
Bruyne's stunning lofted pass teed the
Manchester United striker up.
Six minutes of injury time provided
Belgium with hope but France ran the
clock down and almost made it 2‑0 as
Griezmann and then Corentin Tolisso's
shots were well saved by Courtois.
of career: Neymar
Neymar
kneels
after the
quarter‑final
match
between
Brazil and
Belgium in
Kazan, Russia.
(Xinhua/Bai
Xueqi/IANS)
Kazan (Russia): Neymar has described He was also widely lambasted for his
Brazil's elimination from the FIFA World Cup behaviour on the pitch amid claims that he
as the "saddest moment" of his football resorted to play‑acting to trick referees.
career. The five‑time world champions and The 26‑year‑old refused to speak to jour‑
tournament favorites exited football's show‑ nalists after Friday's match and made no
piece event after a 1‑2 quarter‑final loss to mention of the criticism on Instagram.
Belgium, reports Xinhua news agency. "I'm very happy to be a part of this team,"
"I can say that it's the saddest moment of the post continued. "I am proud of everyone.
my career," Neymar said on his Instagram Our dream was interrupted but it remains in
account on Saturday. "It cuts deep because our minds and in our hearts."
we knew that we could go far and make his‑ Brazil's players and officials left their hotel
tory, but it wasn't to be this time." in Kazan on Saturday afternoon and are due
The Paris Saint‑Germain star, who spent to arrive in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday morn‑
three months on the sidelines with a broken ing. Croatia will be sweating on the fitness of
metatarsal before the tournament, struggled goalkeeper Danijel Subasic after he played
to capture his best form in Russia with just through the latter part of the quarterfinal
two goals in five matches. with a hamstring injury.

Cricket

India defeat England to win T20I series

Bristol: India rode on Rohit
Sharma's unbeaten century and
Hardik Pandya's four‑wicket haul to
breeze past England by seven wick‑
ets at the County Ground to clinch
the three‑match T20I series 2‑1
Chasing 199 for victory, Rohit
remained not out on 100 of f 56
balls, and including 11 fours and
five sixes. This was the right‑han‑
der's third century in the game's
shortest format, making him just
the second player to make three
tons.
Put in, England posted 198/9
despite making a blistering start
thanks to medium pacer Pandya's
heroics with the ball. The 24‑year‑
old returned career‑best figures of
4/38. In reply, India made 201/3 in
18.4 overs.
Pandya also played an unbeaten
14‑ball 33‑run cameo as skipper
Virat Kohli (43; 29b; 2x4, 2x6)
missed out on a half‑century.
This was India's sixth successive
T20I series win. Rohit looked at his
imperious best from the get‑go,
even though Shikhar Dhawan's lean
patch continued at the other end as
the left‑hander flicked a poor David
Willey (1/37) delivery down the leg
side to Jake Ball (1/39) at short fine
leg.
At the halfway stage, England
were 111/2 but Pandya then dent‑
ed England's surge as Morgan top‑
edged a back of a length delivery
which Dhoni smothered, clattering
the stumps in his follow through,
and Hales was caught behind.
Later, Stokes holed out to Kohli at
mid off and once again in the same
over Bairstow, who was looking
good after smacking two fours and
sixes, nicked a half volley to the
keeper.
The rest of the batsmen could not
take England past the 200‑mark but
still posted a more than par total.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Proved our worth by Nadal returns to Wimbledon quarterfinals
working hard: Russia coach
Sochi: Russia coach
Stanislav Cherchesov
spoke highly of his
team despite the
penalty shootout
loss to Croatia in the
World Cup quarter‑
finals here.
"We trusted our‑
selves. We could
only prove our worth
by working hard,"
Cherchesov said at
the post‑match press
conference.
"I believe that peo‑
ple did not only start
trusting us but they
are in love with us.
The entire country Russian coach Stanislav Cherchesov.
of Russia is in love Hosts Russia made history as they
with us," he added. advanced to the top eight for the
Hosts Russia made
history as they
advanced to the top eight for
the first time.
"People know what the
Russian national team is
worth. We hope we have
turned the situation for the
better," the coach noted.
Dipa wins gold at
Artistic Gymnastics
World Challenge Cup
Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar.
Mersin (Turkey): Ace Indian
gymnast Dipa Karmakar
made a rousing comeback as
she bagged gold in the
women's vault event at the
Artistic Gymnastics World
Challenge Cup here.
The Tripura girl, who
returned to action after two
years due to injury, scored
14.150 to clinch the yellow
metal. Dipa had topped the
qualification round with a
score of 13.400.
The 24‑year‑old has also
qualified for the balance
SPORTS July 14-20, 2018 23
London: Spain tennis great Rafael
Nadal defeated Jiri Vesely of the
Rafael Nadal.
Czech Republic 6‑3, 6‑3, 6‑4 to to
book a place in the quarterfinals of
Wimbledon for the first time since
2011 when he went on to the final.
The two‑time Wimbledon champion
was untouchable on serve against
Vesely in the first two sets and con‑
ceded service only once, in the sixth
game of the third set on Monday,
reports Efe.
Nadal, who has yet to drop a set in
the 2018 edition, will play either
Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina or
Gilles Simon of France in the last
eight.
The 17‑time Grand Slam champion
is the only left‑handed player left Serbia's Novak Djokovic. Nadal's run in the second round of
alive in the tournament after beating After exiting in the second and first the 2015 edition and he withdrew
Vesely and seeing Switzerland's rounds in 2012 and 2013, the from the 2016 tournament with an
Roger Federer eliminate Frenchman Spaniard reached the round of 16 in injury.
Adrian Mannarino. 2014 before succumbing to Last year, Nadal lost to Gilles Muller
The last of Nadal's five Wimbledon Australia's Nick Kyrgios. of Luxemburg in a five‑set thriller in
finals was in 2011 when he lost to Germany's Dustin Brown ended the round of 16.
first time.
In this World Cup, Russia
crushed Saudi Arabia 5‑0 in
the opener, beat Egypt 3‑1,
before losing 0‑3 to Uruguay
to finish second in Group A.
They upset Spain on penal‑
ties in the round of 16.
beam finals by finishing third
in the qualification with a
score of 11.850.
Dipa had to sit out for two
years after undergoing sur‑
gery for Anetrior Cruciate
Ligament (ACL) injury.
The lengthy lay‑off period,
which started after the 2016
Rio Olympics, also kept her
out of the Gold Coast
Commonwealth Games held
earlier this year.
Dipa will now feature in the
Indian gymnastics squad at
the upcoming Asian Games.
 24 July 14-20, 2018 SELF HELP TheSouthAsianTimes.info

New book tells you Easy ways to boost your

how to be happy like familyʼs veggie intake
Laughing Buddha N
utritious, delicious and
low‑calorie, vegetables
should be the star play‑
er of all your meals. But some‑
times providing veggies for your

A
new book with the jolly Laughing enlightenment into the reader's life by family can be time consuming
Buddha, whose large potbelly sym‑ fostering an understanding of some of the and costly. Luckily, there are a
bolizes happiness, good luck and most important laws that, according to number of simple ways to boost
abundance, on its front cover explores the the author, govern our world and the uni‑ your veggie intake, and it all
secret universe of happiness and the vari‑ verse. starts in your grocery storeʼs
ous ways one can go The author freezer aisle.
about experiencing it. explains how to use 4Go frozen. Frozen vegetables
Titled "Zen And The these valuable les‑ are often one of the most
Art Of Happiness", it sons to achieve hap‑ affordable options and the quickest to potatoes, rice and pasta 1‑2 times per
is written by Chris piness. prepare, reducing time spent slicing and week.
Prentiss, who has pre‑ The book also dicing on busy weeknights. Whatʼs more, 4Be mindful : Dining out can be espe‑
viously authored at turns inspiring at by opting for frozen veggies, your family cially tricky territory for those looking to
least a dozen books moments while will likely reduce its food waste. Frozen eat more vegetables. Be mindful of what
on Chinese philoso‑ poignant and philo‑ vegetables are easy to store for long you order. Read the menu carefully and
phy and personal sophical at others. periods of time, and recent studies have ask questions. Many restaurants are
growth. Setting the The author tells the found that freezing actually helps lock happy to make substitutions to accom‑
record straight, the readers that they nutrients in. modate your preferences. For example,
author explains that "are the authors of 4Swap it out: Little ones and even some see if you can replace a side of fries with
"Zen" is a Japanese every next moment," adults can be resistant to certain vegeta‑ a garden salad or sautéed seasonal veg‑
word meaning medi‑ highlighting that bles at first. But there are ways to incor‑ etables like green beans.
tation. It is, the author things done in the porate them into family meals with no 4 Get creative: Whether youʼre hosting
highlights, a journey past may have been one the wiser. Consider cooking with a barbecue, attending a potluck or sim‑
of exploration and done with little con‑ vegetables that offer the look, feel and ply making your family dinner, consider
revolves around sciousness of what taste of traditional starches such as rice, reducing calories in salads and sides by
"experiencing life in results they may pasta and potatoes. For example, Green upping your vegetable intake in these
the here and now. At bring but he insists Giantʼs frozen Veggie Swap‑Ins line, dishes. Make an Italian pasta salad out of
the same time, Zen is that everything that which includes Green Giant Riced zucchini or carrot spirals. Swap out tradi‑
also about removing happens here Veggies, Green Giant Veggie Spirals and tional rice with riced cauliflower to make
the dualistic distinctions between "I" and onwards will be a result of what the read‑ Green Giant Mashed Cauliflower are easy a simple pilaf. Create a tasty alternative
"you," between "subject" and "object", and er does from now on. go‑to items in any kitchen for quick fami‑ to traditional potato tots with such prod‑
between our spiritual and ordinary every‑ Among the subjects covered in the book ly meals. Indeed, 52 percent of American ucts as Green Giant Veggie Tots. The pos‑
day activities. are adapting to lifeʼs inevitable changes, consumers who noted they had pur‑ sibilities are endless.
"The Zen of doing anything is doing it dealing with stress in a healthy way and chased Green Giant Swap‑Ins products Are you looking to simplify your fami‑
with a particular concentration of mind, a nurturing happiness on a daily basis. within three months of taking the sur‑ lyʼs clean‑eating routine and increase
calmness and simplicity of mind, that Written with wit and clarity, "Zen And vey, said they have introduced the prod‑ your vegetable intake? With a few tips
brings the experience of enlightenment The Art of Happiness" (Manjul India) uct into their kidsʼ meals without their and tricks, you can incorporate broccoli,
and, through that experience, happiness," explores several such facets about happi‑ kids knowing they werenʼt traditional beets, squash and more into your fami‑
notes the author. ness and the various ways of going about potatoes, rice and/or pasta, and 49 per‑ lyʼs diet while saving time and money in
The goal of the book is to help bring achieving and experiencing it. cent admit to swapping these items for the process.

New to Parenthood?
Is your retirement income protected? 9 questions to ask Smart Tech Can Help

W
hen it comes to retire‑
ment planning, anxiety
comes with the territo‑
ry. Will you be able to maintain
your lifestyle in retirement? Will
you have enough to cover your
monthly bills without depleting
your savings? Are you at risk of
outliving your money? While such
concerns are common among
Americans approaching retire‑
ment, protecting part of the money
that youʼve saved to ensure month‑
ly income for life can make a dif‑
ference in your confidence about
the future, suggests a new study.
A new survey by the Alliance for
Lifetime Income looked at the
emotional and physical well‑being
of Gen X and Baby Boomer house‑
holds and compared those with
some form of protected lifetime
income, such as an annuity and/or
pension, to those that were unpro‑
tected and relying solely on sav‑
ings and Social Security.
Eighty‑eight percent of protected
households say they are confident
that their retirement money will
help them achieve their lifestyle
goals, while only sixty‑three per‑
cent of unprotected households
feel confident.
“The American retirement dis‑
cussion has traditionally focused
on accumulating assets rather
than how to turn some of those
savings into a guaranteed monthly
income that will last as long as you
do,” says Colin Devine, educational
advisor at the Alliance for Lifetime
Income. “People donʼt realize that
Social Security is estimated to
replace only about 40 percent of
the average personʼs income,
which leaves millions of Americans
vulnerable to outliving their hard‑
earned savings.”
To get confident about your
financial plan for retirement,
Devine says that you should under‑
stand all your options for protect‑
ing a portion of your retirement
income from the impact of market
volatility and longer lifespans.
The Alliance outlines nine key
questions that you should ask your
financial advisor to make sure that
youʼre on track to having the life‑
time income you can count on for
the retirement you want:
1. Why is protected monthly
income in retirement important?
2. How much protected monthly
income will I need in retirement?
3. What if my expected monthly
income is less than what I need to
last my lifetime?
4. What is an annuity?
5. Are there costs associated
with guaranteed protected
income?
6. What if I need access to my
money in an annuity?
7. Can annuities help protect me
from investment losses?
8. How do I know that my pro‑
tected income is safe?
9. Are there other strategies for
protected monthly income?
“Discussing these topics with
your financial advisor can help
you become better informed about
your income planning options,
putting you one step closer to cre‑
ating a financial plan that delivers
what you need to live the life you
want in retirement,” says Devine.
Donʼt succumb to anxiety about
your financial future. With the
right knowledge, you can help
ensure a comfortable retirement.
Being a new mom or dad can be
tough. But smart tech is revolutioniz‑
ing the way parents care for their lit‑
tle ones, alleviating common parent‑
ing worries, such as sickness, the
baby sleeping through the night and
proper feeding.
Eighty percent of American adults
use or would use smart products to
help care for a new baby, according
to a recent survey commissioned by
leading faucet manufacturer, Moen
and conducted online by Harris Poll
in April 2018. The poll investigated
what parents are anxious about and
how smart tech can make their job a
little easier.
Why are smart home products so
popular? From the bathtub to the
nursery, smart technology can help
parents keep their babies safer and
provide peace of mind. With smart
tech to the rescue, you too can
enhance your parenting skills while
spending more time enjoying your
newborn.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info LIFESTYLE July 14-20, 2018 25

Universal oneness through music – Montea Albouy

By Ashok Vyas Montea started to sing in French on tions, thoughts and being spiritually con‑
YouTube and people started connecting to nected to each other.”

One of Montea Albony's new albums
is 'India' drawing influences
from traditional Indian music
L
istening to Montea Albouy trans‑
ports you to the space of joyful
expansion. Her singing is rooted in
the influence of her culture. She grew up
in France and speaks French but she has
always been attached to her roots in
Madagascar. She tells you, “Madagascar is
an island located in the Indian Ocean and
many people donʼt know about it.” Her
ancestors are from Africa and Southeast
Asia. She grew up with music, singing
came to her naturally as her mother was a
singer and father a guitarist.
This 24 year old singer came to New
York to pursue an MBA in International
Business Administration but her love for
music and singing also came with her. She
had experienced the power of music to
connect and communicate during family
reunions. She realized music is powerful
and spiritual, it takes you beyond all barri‑
ers. Soon technology came to her aid.
her. The fact that she could share her cul‑
ture and the bond of understanding
beyond words made her realize that
ʻmusic is her calling.” Her music describes
her journey, her story, her challenges in
Paris, in NY and how spiritual awareness
helped her connect with others around
her.
The real big break came for her in Feb
2018, when she got the opportunity to
sing at the APOLLO, now, she is ready
with her album ʻEVM”, which stands for
ʻEcoute Ma Voixʼ (French), which means
ʻListen to my voice.”
As a writer what made it even more
interesting for me is the fact that one
number of her new albums is called ʻIndiaʼ
wherein she is planning to use traditional
Indian music influences for the song.
Montea says, ʻFor me, music is a univer‑
sal language that brings people together,
it is the best way to express feelings, emo‑
She also talks about studies that deal
with relationship between music and
mood. She wants to use music for spread‑
ing encouraging words and message of
love to the world.
It is fascinating to learn from this young
singer, who has never been to India, that
ʻlistening to Indian music and world music
in general helps me rediscover my own
culture.ʼ The more she is exposed to world
music in New York, the more she is con‑
vinced about commonality between differ‑
ent cultures. Montea wants to make more
and more music of that kind, which help
us spiritually connect with each other.
Montea plans to go to India in near future
to learn more about Indian culture and
spiritual dimensions of life. This passion‑
ate and talented young singer is creatively
working towards helping people spiritual‑
ly connect with each other and promote
the message of love.

Becoming US
citizen very
difficult, rare:
Kumail Nanjiani
Los Angeles: Pakistan‑origin
actor‑comedian Kumail
Nanjiani
says it took
him over a
decade to
get his per‑
manent res‑
idence in
the US.
Nanjiani
on Monday
Actor comedian
night
Kumail Nanjiani
tweeted: "I
feel like people think immi‑
grating to the US is super
easy. The gates are wide open.
Nothing could be further from
the truth. It took me 15 years
to get my Green Card. Getting
any kind of visa is difficult.
Becoming a citizen is extreme‑
ly difficult and rare."
His tweet comes in the wake
of the controversy around US
President Donald Trump's pol‑
icy about illegal immigrants.
Trump and his administra‑
tion have come under heavy
criticism for adopting a zero‑
tolerance approach to people
illegally crossing over the
American border from Mexico,
with officials currently sepa‑
rating parents from their chil‑
dren as they are taken into
custody.
Nanjiani has carved his own
niche in the film and comedy
world, but it was "The Big
Sick" ‑‑ on an interracial cou‑
ple which deals with cultural
differences after the woman
becomes ill ‑‑ which pushed
him into prominence. (IANS)
Miss America former winners,
officials split over leadership
Los Angeles: Thirty former Miss Miss America winners said to the looks and sex lives. Haskell faced petition, Hopper said that there
America winners and state pag‑ newspaper The Press of Atlantic severe after effects of the scan‑ are always those who disagree
eant officials are split over the City that they fully support dal which further resulted in his with or find it hard to accept
leadership of the organization Carlon and other board members and other board members' resig‑ change, organization welcomes
after a December scandal. as they have worked tirelessly to nation. "those who want to move for‑
Representatives from 22 state move the program forward. The new leadership of the ward and be a part of a revital‑
pageants had signed a petition According to the newspaper, organization has gone through ized program dedicated to pro‑
calling for the resignation of the Miss America Organization several changes. In June, MAO viding scholarships and opportu‑
new Miss America board, includ‑ (MAO) is regrouping after a announced the election of three nities to all young women."
ing Chairwoman Gretchen December scandal in which new board members, following Supporting MAO, former Miss
Carlson and President and CEO emails surfaced showing that the resignations of Jennifer America winners said: "We hope
Regina Hopper. CEO Sam Haskell and others Vaden Barth and Valerie Crooker the voices of our majority can
Following the petition, former mocked winners' intelligence, Clemens. On asking about the and will be heard."
Testosterone boosts men's choice of higher-status products
New York: Ever wondered why men tend testosterone and others were placebos.
to prefer status symbols, like a luxury car Participants were shown two logos of
or brand‑name denim? A higher level of apparel brands selected to match their
testosterone ‑‑ male sex hormones ‑‑ perceived quality but differ in status.
(Image
could explain the association, say Those who received a dose of testos‑
courtesy:
researchers. terone were significantly more likely to
penntoday.
The study underscores a biological fac‑ prefer the higher‑status brands.
upenn.edu)
tor, testosterone, at play in the choice of The results serve as a foundation for
products conveying status. Giving men a forecasting consumer behavior, Nave
single dose of testosterone can increase noted.
their preference for higher‑status
goods, said lead author Gideon Nave,
assistant professor, at the University
of Pennsylvania.
A luxury product, say, a fancy
watch, tells the same time as an inex‑
pensive digital one but carries with it
a signal of social status, he noted.
The study supports previous
research that connects transient
increases in testosterone levels to a
rise in behaviors aimed at boosting
social rank.
The study, published in Nature
Communications, covered 243 men
aged between 18‑55. Each partici‑
pant received a gel to apply to his
upper body; some gels contained
26 July 14-20, 2018 HERITAGE TheSouthAsianTimes.info

The Magic of Vedic Mathematics Part 22

Rediscovered half a century ago by the Puri Shankaracharya Bharati Krishna Tirtha, Vedic Mathematics is a lightning fast mental math
system. We continue to serialize from ‘The Curious Hats of Magical Maths’ book that makes learning the system easy.

Continued on page 27
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Want to sponsor a foreign national for a Green Card…
By Michael Phulwani, Esq.
& Dev B. Viswanath, Esq.
P TALK
rogram Electronic Review
Management (PERM) is
the system used to
process labor certifications in
order to obtain an EB‑2 (Non‑
NIW) or EB‑3 employment‑based
immigrant petition classifications.
The labor certification process is
always completed by the employ‑
er and not the foreign beneficiary.
During this process the employer
files an application broadly stat‑
ing that it is not possible to find a
qualified U.S. worker to fill the
position, based on the minimum
requirements and duties of the
job and the prevailing wage for
that geographical area of employ‑
ment, and therefore, the particu‑
lar foreign employee is desired
for their ability to fulfill the
requirements and accept the prof‑
fered wage. In order for the appli‑
cation to be approved the employ‑
er needs to go through a recruit‑
ment process for employees in
the U.S. to see if there are any U.S.
workers available that are mini‑
mally qualified.
Upon approval, the US
Department of Labor (DOL) certi‑
fies there are no U.S. workers who
Continued from page 26
IMMIGRATION July 14-20, 2018 27
You need a Labor Certification First!
requirements must be reasonable. date in the appropriate visa cate‑ The estimate of time from begin‑
The job must have existed before gory, then an alien may submit ning to end will take about 7 to 9
the foreign employee was hired. his or her I‑485 application or months. It starts with a prevail‑
An employer is not allowed to finalize Immigrant Visa ing wage request, followed by the
are able, willing, qualified, and
require qualifications that are not Processing through a consular recruitment process and the filing
available to fill the open position
a legitimate part of the job only to post. Currently, priority numbers of the labor certification. The
and the foreign employee will not
benefit the likelihood of the for‑ are current for most counties for waiting period for the certifica‑
affect the wages and working
eign national being successful. employment‑based visa applica‑ tion may take up to several
conditions of the U.S. employees
The sponsoring employer must tions, which means immigration months and Petitioning
who are employed in a similar
show that the company is finan‑ processing will be able to move Employers should consider the
position. The labor certificate will
cially stable and can afford to forward much quicker. However, wait times and the possibility of a
only be approved if the wage
hire the employee. The financial notably, this is not the case for DOL audit to make sure that the
offered to the foreign employee
ability to pay the foreign employ‑ nationals of India, China, the labor certification recruitment
meets the DOL prevailing wage
ee must exist at the time of filing Philippines, or Mexico, nationals was done correctly.
standards.
the labor certification and must of which are all on long waiting On the road to a green card, in
The labor certification is very
continue up until the employee lists. employment based situations, the
extensive because the DOL wants
obtains their green card. In order The Labor Certification process labor certification is, in most
to prevent reducing the wages for
to show financial stability, the is a detailed and long process. cases, the first step.
American workers and the failure
employer may be required to sub‑
of an employer to offer the pre‑ Dev Banad Viswanath is the Principal
mit their financial records.
vailing wage to the foreign Attorney of The Banad Law Offices PC in the
Priority dates are used to identi‑ United States, and Banad Immigration in
employee will most likely risk the
fy when a foreign national may India for which Attorney Michael Phulwani is
approval of the application. The
apply for an adjustment of status also affiliated as Of Counsel. With Offices in
requirement of labor certification
using Form I‑485, or for an immi‑ Manhattan, Queens, Bangalore, and Mumbai,
is not required for National the firm is able to assist clients with all facets
grant visa through consular pro‑
Interest Waiver (NIW) petitions of the immigration process, including
cessing. The priority date is estab‑
under the EB‑2 category, and is Employment Visas, Consular Visa Assistance,
lished after the I‑140 petition is
also not needed for EB‑1, EB‑4, or Student Visas, Removal & Deportation, US
approved and is the first date of Citizenship and Green Card Applications
EB‑5 category of petitions.
filing the labor certification. If an based on Family or Employment. Dev B.
The job opportunity must be for
immigrant petition has been Viswanath can be reached at
full time employment and must
approved and the priority date Dev@Banadlaw.com and 718‑361‑5999.
be located in the U.S. The job
falls within the updated cut‑off
Answers
Extracted from ʻThe Curious Hats of Magical Maths ‑ Vedic Mathematics for
Schools Book 1ʼ by James Glover, with permission from Motilal Banarsidass
(MLBD). Founded in 1903, they specialize in Indology books. For more
information, Mr R.P. Jain, email: mlbd@mlbd. com.
US distributor: southasiabooks@gmail.com
To be continued in the following issues of The South Asian Times.
 28 July 14-20, 2018 HUMOR TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Funny Side by Nury Vittachi

The safest places in the world

F
ive years ago I lived in a housing
estate that was so safe that I didn't
even own a front door key. Our only
line of defence against evil was a deeply
confused dog which barked at family mem‑
bers and gave strangers a friendly licking.
(My wife tells me to be kind, since dogs
have brains the size of walnuts, but I argue
that a walnut would be cheaper and more
ef fective, since you can throw it at people
and it never needs its poop picked up. But
whatever.)
Safe places to live were on my mind after a
reader sent in a news report about what is
being called "the safest place in the world".
Eibenthal is a village with a little church in
the mountains of Romania. Inhabitants hang
money in bags on lampposts. The baker
passes by, takes the money and leaves food
behind.
But there are super‑safe places every‑
where, if you know where to look. India has
Shani Shingnapur, a famously low‑crime
town of 3,000 people in Maharashtra where
most houses don't even have doors, let alone
locks.
This columnist wrote about it a few years
ago when a bank was built there. Townsfolk
ordered executives at UCO Bank to follow
tradition and have no locks on its doors. The
bankers thought this was a bit unusual for a
bank, but were willing to cooperate. You
could imagine the discussion:
Townsfolk: "You must follow our tradition
and not lock the doors of your bank."
Bankers: "Well, okay. It's your money."
Townsfolk: "Wait. Maybe we need to talk
about this a bit more."
The only grumble came from local police,
but they could have taken inspiration from
Sark, an island near England which main‑
tained a tiny security presence.
In the 1970s it was invaded by France.
T he invasion fleet consisted of one
Frenchman. The defending army consisted
of a part‑time policeman, who arrested the
Frenchman without harming him. As wars
go, it was rather sweet. (You can't say that
about a lot of wars.)
Even the United States, which the media
paints as a land of guns, has super‑safe
places. Wikipedia says top of the list is
Irvine, California, which had 0.8 of a murder
in the most recent year counted. How can
you have 0.8 of a murder? Did the guy's hair
survive or something?
Now here's the thing: You can create indi‑
vidual safe spots. Over the years, this col‑
umn has received dozens of news reports
about armed robbers who failed because
their would‑be crimes didn't fit the ambi‑
ence.
Example: In 2012, a masked man entered
a bar in the Netherlands and leveled a gun
at people inside. Lost in the usual fog of
drink and chatter you find in European bars,
they ignored him. The whole thing is on
YouTube, including the deflated robber's sad
exit.
At a bank in Kowloon, Hong Kong, staf f
told a raider than they were far too busy to
be robbed. He nodded and left the counter.
The whole thing was marvelously civil.
Now I am not saying that our generation is
creating a crime‑free world. Given the
propensity of snacks to disappear in this
columnist's house, I can't even create a
crime‑free apartment. Who took my walnut?

Laughter is the Best Medicine

BEST
RATE
FOR
INDIA
AND
PAKISTAN

New York Head Quarter

422‑S Broadway
HICKSVILLE
By Mahendra Shah
NY 11801

516‑827‑1010 Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and

humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the
immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons.
Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info ASTROLOGY July 14-20, 2018 29

Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874

By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899
psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com

JULY 14‑20, 2018

ARIES: Your efforts on the social front
are likely to bear fruit. Things are like‑
ly to move your way on the professori‑
al front. Academically, you are likely to fare
well. Work related worries are likely to dis‑
appear, as you keep your efforts on. Family
front will become a source of great solace. A
chance encounter with someone can blos‑
som into romance. Family may accompany
you to an overseas destination, as you com‑
bine business with pleasure. Health remains
good.
TAURUS: An elderly may seek your
help. Fatigue is likely to become a
thing of the past as you adopt a new
fitness regime. You will need to tighten your
grip at work to prevent a situation from get‑
ting out of hand.
Financial skills of some can be much in
demand this week. You may not feel up to
doing a time consuming job at home. First
step is likely to be taken by some in arrang‑
ing a marriage.
GEMINI: Someone may desperately
seek your help, so donʼt disappoint.
You will be able to maintain the
tempo of your work on the professional
front. Family may appear extra loving and
caring. Buying a new vehicle is on the cards
for some.
Young couples can enroll for an adventure
trip and enjoy the thrills. You will manage to
rent out your property for a nice sum. An
overseas trip can become a reality for some.
Health remains satisfactory.
CANCER: You may have to be thor‑
ough in whatever you undertake at
work. Those going steady on the sly
run the risk of their af fair getting discov‑
ered. You may find parents indif ferent to
your needs, but that may not be entirely
true. Some of you can have a tough time in
kicking a bad habit. Paying off creditors may
appear difficult.
Property matters should not be touched this
week. Donʼt accompany anyone, who is a
speed freak.
LEO: This is not the right time to pur‑
sue an issue that has been pending
for long. You will be able to manage
your finances well to buy a luxury item.
Donʼt indulge in rumour mongering about
someone as you can be at the receiving end.
You can be given thumbs up for implement‑
ing ideas at work. Lover may resent your
proximity to someone you are friends with.
Those travelling long distance should be pre‑
pared for contingencies.
VIRGO: You will manage to get your
way on the academic front. Chance of
getting posted out on promotion
looks bright. Superiors are likely to bank
upon you for bagging a lucrative deal.
Feeling that nobody attempts to understand
you will disappear as you look at things from
a dif ferent perspective. Vet an investment
advice thoroughly even if it is by a financial
expert. You can be desperate for meeting
lover and can even skip college or office for
it!
LIBRA: You are likely to meet up
with someone this week, who has
promised to help you. Some resched‑
uling may be required at work due to a new
development.
You can go all out to impress someone to
improve your career prospects. A romantic
evening is on the anvil for some. Those out
of touch may make efforts to refresh their
skills. Some of you will feel fulfilled by giving
to charity. Your initiative will bring you back
in shape.
SCORPIO: T he week proves to be
fruitful and you are likely to achieve
much both personally and profession‑
ally. Your contribution to a workplace proj‑
ect can be lauded by the hig her ups.
Showing concern for a family elder will win
you the brownie points you so desperately
want.
Great improvement in your monetary situa‑
tion is indicated. Wedding vows can be taken
by those in a long‑term relationship.
SAGITTARIUS: You may get involved
in a bitter battle with someone and
spoil your weekend. Some develop‑
ments on the domestic front may not be to
your liking. A child or family youngster may
question your authority. You can be made
responsible for something at work that you
dislike. Business travel is likely to prove tir‑
ing. A loss making venture may turn prof‑
itable and improve your financial situation.
Partner may not be in talking terms with
you.
CAPRICORN: Whatever you intend to
do this week, plan it carefully. You
are likely to get involved in renovat‑
ing or setting up your house. A competitive
environment can prove unsettling, but you
will be able to hold your own. Those feeling
burdened should not shy away from delegat‑
ing the responsibilities. You may have to
cater to the moods of spouse. Some of you
can be presented an opportunity to go on an
all‑expenses‑paid trip. Go in for a new fitness
programme.
AQUARIUS: Chances of adopting
some new fashion trends cannot be
ruled out for some. You may go out
of the way to appease someone, whom you
have upset recently. Professionally, you are
likely to excel and rub shoulders with the
best. Planning something exciting with fami‑
ly is on the cards. A gift can be lavished upon
you by lover.
Adhering to a good routine will help you in
negating ill health. Financially, you will not
face any problems.
PISCES: You may have to keep the
pros and cons in mind before commit‑
ting. This is a good time to pursue
matters pertaining to health. You are likely
to get a chance to invest in a sound scheme.
A stressful situation on the domestic front
will be successfully overcome. Peak physical
fitness will make even strenuous activities
seem like childʼs play. You will be able to
make perfect moves to move up the career
ladder. Persuasiveness will win you love!

14th July, 2018
Traits in you: Your guiding star,
Mercury makes you practical, intel‑
ligent, distinguished, responsive,
unique and dashing individual. You
possess friendly and cooperative.
However, you should control your
being impatient and short‑tem‑
peredness.
Health this year: You may remain
tensed for the health of your
spouse.
Finance this year: You will be in
financial gain this year as your busi‑
ness will grow. This will enhance
your confidence. You will be able to
settle down your legal matters this
year and find peace from the
results.
Career this year: You will find new
proposals and work assignments
this year. Some of you may get good
increments and promotions as well
in your professional life. If you are a
sportsman or an artist, you can
expect fame towards the end of the
year.
Romance this year: Your relation‑
ship with your partner might get
ruined due to minor issues. If you
have never been in a relationship,
this year may be lucky for you as
you will have an emotional and
romantic attachment.
15th July, 2018
Traits in you: Venus being your
ruling planet of fers you with a
charismatic personality and intelli‑
gence. You will always find peace of
mind.
Health this year: You may find
blessings of a sacred person to
remain physically and mentally
healthy.
Finance this year: You may find
your friends helpful enough to sup‑
port you financially. You may get
influence from one of your female
friends, which will bring new dimen‑
sions to your life. You have to ignore
ANNUAL PREDICTIONS: FOR THOSE BORN IN THIS WEEK
them who approach you for loans
and financial assistance.
Career this year: As a vivid learn‑
er, you will get the chance to move
ahead of others when it comes to
new technology. However, you have
to work on your nature of being
lazy, moody. You should control
yourself from interfering in the
affairs of others.
Romance this year: Your partner
will be with you in every situation
you are in. You will be relieved with
the helping hand of your partner.
16th July, 2018
Traits in you: Your ruling planet
Neptune makes you full of energy,
ambition, and honesty. You like to
enjoy independence in your life to
the maximum. You have a sharp
memory to memorize whatever you
study. Being innovative and born
talented, you have all the capabili‑
ties to impress others. However, you
need work on your nature of behav‑
ing impatient and unpredictable.
Health this year: You may need to
take extra care of your health as the
movement of your planet may make
you fall sick throughout this year. It
is advised to practice yoga and med‑
itation in a regular basis. It will not
only improve your mental health
but also make you physically fit.
Finance this year: If you are into
business, this year will prove to be
very lucky for you as you w ill
expand your business by launching
new and profitable ideas. You will
gain enough money if you invest in
stocks.
Career this year: You have the
best time to take important deci‑
sions for your professional life this
year. It is advisable for you to gath‑
er knowledge and information on
various topics. You need to make
new and long lasting contacts to get
help in future. You will try your
level best to achieve your desired
goals.
Romance this year: Your romantic
af filiation with your partner may
make your bond more stronger. You
may plan to get married this year.
17th July, 2018
Traits in you: You are bestowed
with the characteristics such as
energetic, realistic, dependable,
hardworking, and highly disciplined.
Your duties and responsibilities
bear the most value than anything
else in your life. However, you have
to look after your nature of behav‑
ing stubborn and showing jealousy
at wrong situations.
Health this year: You will enjoy a
sound health. However, you may
suf fere from minor backaches due
to sitting more time in work.
Finance this year: Though there
will be an improvement in your
financial status this year, you will
end up increasing your expenses as
well. If your decision of investing
comes correct, you may be benefit‑
ed or else you may lose your money.
Many of your friend and relatives
may visit you this year. They may
bring you gifts in form of money.
Career this year: You need to con‑
centrate on projects that would
bring long term gains rather than
bothering about small projects.
Some of you may get opportunities
to get new employments.
Romance this year: You may find
this year romantic enough to make
your year pleasing and happy.
18th July, 2018
Traits in you: Being under the
influence of Mars, you are blessed
with dignity, sensitiveness, courage,
confidence and diplomacy. You are
born simple and helpful. You need
to work on your nature of becoming
impatient.
Health this year: You will take
help of spirituality later this year for
the betterment of your mental
health. However, you will remain
healthy physically.
Finance this year: You should not
spend too much money to buy luxu‑
ry. This may land you in financial
crisis later in the year. The peace at
your home may get ruined to finan‑
cial crisis and health issues. Though
you may face a dif ficult t ime
regarding to money earlier this
year, you will find a solution or a
new source of income later, which
would solve your financial prob‑
lems.
Career this year: You may bring
huge changes in your professional
life this year. You may expect a
transfer or promotion in the middle
of this year. Those who are on a for‑
eign trip in the second half of the
year will find the trip enjoyable and
exciting.
Romance this year: You will be
enjoying a disturbed relationship
with your partner as you would not
be able to show required care and
concern. If you are unmarried, you
may decide to remain so for at least
two years.
19th July, 2018
Traits in you: Your star Sun makes
you active, dynamic, confident,
responsible and a talented. You have
the scope to learn new things and
create new ideas. However, you have
to take care of your nature of behav‑
ing improvident and dominating.
Health this year: You will remain
healthy provided you get your
checkup done regularly.
Finance this year: You will find
new money making opportunities
pretty result oriented if you concen‑
trate on you work and give your
best. Your assumptions on pretty
things may not help you gain any‑
thing rather it would make you feel
miserable later. You may invest on
land or house for better returns.
Career this year: You will not take
enough time to complete your pend‑
ing tasks this year. You will find
your job interesting enough. You
may excel in your domain and get
appreciated from your higher man‑
agement with a better salary hike.
Romance this year: You will enjoy
a very good relationship with your
spouse this year. Your romantic
relationships will be strengthened
this year.
20th July, 2018
Traits in you: As you are ruled by
Moon, you are blessed with charac‑
teristics such as imaginative, smart,
trustworthy, generous and authori‑
tative person.
Health this year: You may go for a
pilgrimage to attain peace and men‑
tal comfort. This year you will suf‑
fer from various minor health issues
and this will keep you disturbed.
Finance this year: This year will
bring you job security and financial
stability. You need to deal with your
money carefully to avoid loss. Your
assumptions in taking hasty deci‑
sions may cause financial loss to
you. If you are a businessman, you
may get into new contracts to
enhance your business. If you get
into any overseas venture, you may
be befitted financially from it.
Career this year: Being an excel‑
lent professional, you will be recog‑
nized as a very ef ficient resource
and people may seek your advice
and support. However, you have to
avoid being selfish and moody.
Romance this year: This year is
the perfect time for you to be in an
emotional relationship or you may
get married.
30 July 14-20, 2018 SPIRITUAL AWARENESS TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Happiness is a state of mind

parents had to move in with us. We
were already crowded before but
now with six of us living together
in that small space, it is unbearable.
I cannot take it anymore. I feel like
screaming!”
T he wise man thought for a
moment and asked, “Do you have a
cow?”
The woman said, “Yes, we do.”
He said, “I advise you to bring the
By Sant Rajinder Singh cow into the hut to live with you
for a week and then come back to
Ji Maharaj
see me.”
only we who are suffering.
Next time we think things
We think we know what is best
are going badly and that for us. How many times have we
God is not properly listening tried to intervene with our two
to us, we should sit back, cents to find that when we tried to
take a deep breath, and change our situation, we made
things worse? T hen, we regret
relax. We should give God a what we have done and wish we
chance to let things happen could make things go back to the
and observe patiently. We way they were.
will find when all is said and done that God On the spiritual path, one of the
lessons we need to learn is accept‑
worked things out for the best in the end.
ing the will of the Lord. Life would
collected all the chickens from the A week later, the woman be so much easier if we accept that

L
ife is filled with many chal‑
lenges and sometimes, under
pressure, people crack. They
feel they can no longer stand all
the problems facing them.
Sometimes people feel they have
the worst job in the world. Others
feel they have the worst health
problems; they feel no one could
be plagued with as many physical
problems as they have. At some
time in our lives, we feel that no
one could have things as bad as we
have.
There is a folk tale about a wise
man who lived in a forest. People
would travel far and wide to seek
him out for answers to their prob‑
lems. One day, a woman came to
him for advice.
He said, “My dear, what can I do
for you?”
She said, “Things are terrible at
home. I live in a small hut with my
husband and two children. The hut
is barely large enough for the four
of us. I wanted a bigger house but
my husband is not doing well at
work and cannot af ford anything
larger. As times are bad, my hus‑
bandʼs father lost his job, so his
The woman was puzzled. She
thought that since he was a wise
man, there must be some magic in
bringing the cow into the house, so
she did what he said.
The next week was horrible. It
was so crowded in the house that
every time the cow turned around,
all the six family members had to
change their seats. When they tried
to sleep, the smell was intolerable
and it would moo throughout the
night, waking them all up.
After the week passed, the
woman returned to the wise man
and began shouting at him, “What
have you done? I came to you to
make things better and now I am
more miserable than before. Your
advice did not work.”
He thought for a moment and
asked, “Do you have any chickens?”
“Yes,” she said.
He told her, “Take them into the
hut with you for a week.” She did
not understand how this would
help, but since he was a wise man,
and everybody in her village found
his advice helpful, she thought she
would give this a try.
When she returned home, she
backyard and moved them into the
house. For the next week, the
chickens were flying around the
hut, landing on everything and
making a mess of the place.
After a week, she returned and
cried, in tears, “You must be crazy.
Your advice is terrible. It is impos‑
sible to live in the hut now. The
cow turns around and knocks into
us. The chickens fly all around the
hut. My in‑laws are always choking
from the smell and complaining
about how bad it is living with us.
The children find chicken feathers
falling into their food. My husband
is constantly fighting with me over
the living conditions in our home
and says, “It is all your fault!”
T he wise man thought for a
moment and said, “My dear, go
home and try one more thing. Take
the cow and the chickens out of
your hut. Then, come back to me in
a week.”
The woman was fed up with his
advice but thought she would give
it one last chance. She returned
home and pulled the cow out of the
house. She took the chickens out
and returned them to the backyard.
returned to the wise man.
“How are things now?” he asked.
“Thank you so much! You are
truly wise. Since I removed the cow
and chickens from the hut I feel so
much happier. Things have become
so peaceful.” The wise man smiled.
The woman returned home and
lived happily with her husband, her
children, and her in‑laws.
This story illustrates that we are
often unhappy with our situation
until we find that things could
always be worse. We think our job
is horrible, until we lose it and find
that life is harder without an
income. We think our health is bad
until we spend time in a hospital
and find people in worse condition
than we are. We think our family
members are bad until we find our‑
selves alone and realize how diffi‑
cult life is without them. We always
feel the grass is greener on the
other side.
The woman learned that what
she thought was bad was actually
not so bad when she saw how
much worse things could be. It is
human nature to think that every‑
body else has it so good and it is
God knows what is best for us. If
we examined the times in our lives
that we interfered with Godʼs will,
we may have discovered that we
messed things up terribly on our
own and prayed to God to return
things to the way they were.
Next time we think things are
going badly and that God is not
properly listening to us, we should
sit back, take a deep breath, and
relax. We should give God a chance
to let things happen and observe
patiently. We will find when all is
said and done that God worked
things out for the best in the end. If
we reflect, we would find that if
God had listened to our complaints
and let us do things our own way,
things may not have been in our
best interest at all.
Happiness is a state of mind. If
we think that God is not doing
what is best for us, we will always
be unhappy. If we would realize
that we are living according to
what God wishes for us and that
God is giving us what is best for us,
we would always be happy and
content.
(For more visit www.sos.org)

TEACHING BY EXAMPLE
fight each other. However, after a only way to bring about change,
few days in which the adults teaching by example rather than
flapped their ears, raised their by mere words. If we want to see a
trunks, and made loud noises, the positive change in others and in
By Sant Rajinder Singh who had gone to Africa to study
On the spiritual teen elephants began to settle our family, neighborhood, commu‑
Ji Maharaj the behavior of elephants. They down. Over time, they became nity, society, or country, then we
came across an area in which a path, two qualities to well behaved and their wild need to set an example. In the

A
ll too often people are
quick to pass judgment on
others without knowing
their full story. They may be quick
to criticize someoneʼs actions,
believing that their perspective is
correct and that they understand
all the circumstances. In turn, how
many of us are willing to withhold
judgment and put ourselves in the
shoes of another person? How
many times have we passed judg‑
ment on others only to later find
that they had a good reason that
justified their actions? Along the
same lines, if we want others to
change their ways, telling them
will have little effect unless we are
examples of that behavior.
In this connection, there is a
true story from the animal king‑
dom about a team of researchers
pack of elephants was running
wild. As the research team set up
telescopic cameras to observe the
animals from a distance, they saw
that every day the elephants were
fighting with each other, running
over trees and destroying their
environment. They had studied
other elephant packs before and
never saw such chaotic and wild
behavior. On further investigation
they discovered that the group
was composed of all teenage male
elephants. There were no adult
male elephants in the group.
When they checked with the local
inhabitants in the village why
there were no adult male ele‑
phants in the pack, the villagers
explained that poachers came into
the village and killed all the male
adults for their ivory.
inculcate are
patience and
understanding.
These are aspects
of leading a
nonviolent life.
The researchers saw that the
teenage male elephants had no
adult male role models from
which to learn. Curious to see if it
truly made a difference, they
arranged to have some male ele‑
phants brought in from another
area. The first thing the male
adults did was to flap their ears
and raise their trunks. Next, they
began to make loud trumpeting
sounds. In the beginning, there
was no change and the teen ele‑
phants continued to run wild and
actions subsided.
The researchers realized that on
their own, the teen elephants had
no role models and did not know
how to behave. Once the male
adults were introduced into their
pack, the teens had role models
and began to be disciplined.
In the same way, as parents, we
teach our children through loving
discipline and by setting an exam‑
ple. Our children do not believe in
our words alone but in what they
see us do. They copy our own
good and bad habits because that
is the example we set. Similarly,
when we are in a position to train
or teach others̶whether we are
teachers, parents, employers, or
citizens imploring others to be
conscientious̶we must first set
an example ourselves. That is the
words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the
change you want to see in the
world.”
On the spiritual path, two quali‑
ties to inculcate are patience and
understanding. These are aspects
of leading a nonviolent life. Those
who are nonviolent are patient.
They do not rush to criticize or
accuse someone. With empathy
they try to think of how the world
looks through other peopleʼs eyes.
If each of us could treat others
with patience, love, and under‑
standing, this world would be
more peaceful and loving. When
we are patient and understanding,
we never have to go to sleep at
night worrying if we did the right
thing. We will know that when we
have patience and understanding,
we are acting in a noble way.
TheSouthAsianTimes.info July 14-20, 2018
TheSouthAsianTimes.info July 14-20, 2018