08FEB2019 | Vol 10 Issue 45

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2 NEW ZEALAND Friday, February 08, 2019 The Indian Weekender

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 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 08, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 3

How’s the Josh? High Sir!!

Team India celebrates ODI series win in style
¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH Chahal. Part-time spinners Kedar Jadhav and

T
he stylish victory celebration by
Team India after winning One Day
International series against New
Zealand on Sunday, February 3, at Wellington
had once again reaffirmed the fact that Indians
are crazy about cricket and Bollywood.
Soon after lifting the trophy at presentation
ceremony the Team India has just one question
to ask – from the recent Bollywood flick Uri –
“How’s the josh?”
The much-expected response, which also
reflected the popular mood back in India,
mesmerised one and all at the stadium and
beyond, when Team India roared back,
“High Sir!”
The phrase from the Vicky Kaushal-
starrer Bollywood movie ‘Uri: The Surgical
Strike’ has found a lot of popularity after
it was used by a number of politicians
including Prime Minister and Team India
also celebrated the win with the now iconic
movie line.
The icing on the cake for victory celebrations
of the all-conquering Team India was
impromptu Bhangra dance by Shikhar Dhawan.
“Coming here and beating New Zealand 4-1
is a massive achievement. They play very good
cricket, so it is a great take away for us. Last
time we were thrashed 4-0. We didn’t have a
point to prove but we just wanted to play good
cricket, which we have been doing for the past
8-10 months now,” Rohit Sharma said after
the match.
After clinching the five-match One-Day
International (ODI) series, a confident India
will aim to carry the momentum to the three-
Soon after lifting the trophy at presentation
ceremony the Team India has just one question
to ask – from the recent Bollywood flick Uri –
“How’s the josh?”
match Twenty20 International (T20I) series
despite losing in the first match at the same
venue on Wednesday, February 6.
Earlier, Shikhar Dhawan had told reporters
on Tuesday, “We would be looking to win the
series and carry the momentum back home for
the Australia series.”
Veteran India wicketkeeper-batsman
Mahendra Singh Dhoni also returned to the
T20I squad after a long hiatus. The Ranchi
stumper last featured in a T20 match in July.
In the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli
who has been rested, Rohit Sharma will lead
the squad, and in the absence of regular skipper
Virat Kohli who has been rested, Rohit Sharma
will lead the squad.
Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead the
pace attack which comprises of Mohammad
Siraj, Siddarth Kaul, Khaleel Ahmed and all-
rounder Hardik Pandya.
The spin department will consist of chinaman
Kuldeep Yadav and Leg-spinner Yuzvendra
Krunal Pandya might come into the picture
as well.
New Zealand, on the other hand, will miss
the services of opener Martin Guptill. Failing
to recover from a back injury, the experienced
batsman was ruled out of the series.
Guptill had sustained the injury while
throwing a ball during fielding practice on the
eve of the fifth ODI after which he was forced
to miss that contest.
The Kiwi opener underwent a fitness test on
Monday morning where he continued to feel
pain in his lower back. Later, New Zealand
coach Gary Stead confirmed that Guptill will
miss the series.
Bowling all-rounder James Neesham, who
was earlier left out of the T20I squad, has now
been included as Guptill’s replacement.
A lot will depend on the top-four batsmen
-- Kane Williamson, Doug Bracewell, Colin
de Grandhomme and Lockie Ferguson. They
need to click for New Zealand to have the
upper hand.
The middle-order consists of youngsters
Scott Kuggeleijn and Daryl Mitchell. The duo
will be supported by veteran batsman Ross
Taylor.
In the bowling department, it will be
interesting to see the performances of debutant
all-rounder Daryl Mitchell and pacer Blair
Tickner in the absence of star pacer Trent Boult,
who has been rested.
Spinners Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner
have also been included in the squad.
The next match is scheduled to be held in
Auckland’s Eden Park on Friday, February 8.

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 4 NEW ZEALAND Friday, February 08, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Deceased Kiwi-
Indian cricketer to be
repatriated to India
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD File picture of
Hareesh Gangadharan
and family said he did not have any pre-existing
conditions and were at a loss to explain what
The news of the sudden happened.
Preparations to take the body back to India
death of the 33-year-old has started as Dunedin Malayalee Association
Indian-origin cricketer who has come forward to raise funds for the family
at their hour of distress.
collapsed during a game Green Island Cricket Club will be required to
in Dunedin on Saturday, complete an incident report but New Zealand
February 2, has come Cricket’s manager of public affairs Richard
Boock said there was no indication it was a
as a huge shock to the sports mishap, NZ Herald reported on Sunday.
community. “Early indications are that the player has had

G
reen Island Cricket Club all-rounder
Hareesh Gangadharan, originally from
Kochi, in the state of Kerala, was
said to be walking away from the pitch after
completing his bowling when he complained of
shortness of breath and collapsed immediately,
falling to the ground.
However, ensuing frantic efforts by team-
members, some with medical background,
other players and spectators on the ground,
failed to revive Hareesh.
The family of the deceased, expectedly in
complete shock, have decided to take Hareesh’s
body back to his home town Kochi, India.
Hareesh is survived by his wife, Nisha
Hareesh and a three-year-old daughter.
Hareesh had an undergraduate degree in
Computer Science Engineering in Kochi,
India after which he pursued his higher studies
in England where he completed an MBA at
Middlesex University, before joining his wife
after marriage about six years ago.
Hareesh’s close friend Dr Luxmanan
Selvanesan, a former president of Dunedin
Tamil Society living in Dunedin, told The Indian
Weekender, he was one of the first persons to be
called after the unfortunate incident.
“I got a call from the Rajesh Thomas after
the incident. I and Rajesh went to the field
immediately. Repeated efforts of the St John’s
Ambulance team to resuscitate him had failed.
The police were also present at the ground,” Dr
Selvanesan said.
Mourning his close friend’s sudden death,
Dr Selvanesan fought with his emotions while
speaking to The Indian Weekender, expressing
his sorrow of losing a friend.
A picture shared by Luxmanan Selvanasan
with Haressh Gangadharan (right) in an
emotional post on Facebook.
Hareesh came to New Zealand almost six-
years ago and married his wife Nisha who was
already living here. He worked at the Otago
Daily Times publisher, Allied Press in the night
shift and came home early in the morning to
look after his three-year-old daughter while
his wife went to work as a nurse at Southern
District Health Board.
“Hareesh was like my brother; I knew him
ever since he came to New Zealand. He was
bright, hardworking, a family guy, and a very
good sportsman. He played five to six seasons
for his team and was an all-rounder with
brilliant bowling and batting skills.
“After visiting him at the stadium where he
was declared dead, I tried to contact his wife
Nisha who was at work at that time. Hareesh’s
father-in-law and mother-in-law are in New
Zealand who have come here on a family visit,”
Dr Selvanesan added.
Earlier NZ Herald reported that Hareesh’s
emotional teammates described him as an
excellent all-rounder who opened both bowling
and batting, bowling right-arm medium pace
and batting left-handed, and able to swing the
ball both ways.
a heart attack. It is tragic. Everyone is shattered,
both at the club and Otago Cricket. Our hearts
go out to his family,” Mr Brooke said.
“For those unaware of the sad news from
Sunnyvale yesterday afternoon, our collective
heartfelt sympathy goes to the family and
Hareesh had an friends of Green Island Second Grade member
who died as a result of a medical event at
undergraduate degree the ground. Our thoughts are with all those
in Computer Science involved with the match,” Dunedin Cricket’s
post read.
Engineering in Kochi, Green Island Cricket Club’s Facebook
page (Green Island Swamprats) too posted an
India after which he emotional message expressing the shock losing
pursued his higher their bright team member.
“I am heartbroken to confirm the news of
studies in England the very sudden death of our Green Island
where he completed Cricket Club member while playing yesterday
at Sunnyvale. Hareesh Gangadharan suffered
an MBA at Middlesex a medical event and despite all efforts by
University, before teammates, the public and emergency services
he could not be saved.
joining his wife after “On behalf of the Green Island Cricket Club,
we offer our sincere condolences to his wife
marriage about six and family, President of Green Island Cricket
years ago. Club John Moyle said in the post.
“We have enlisted the services of Victim
Support for Hareesh’s team and the Albion
men who were playing at the time. If anyone
Playing against Albion, Hareesh’s team requires any further support, please do not
batted first where he scored 30 runs not out. In hesitate to contact me and I can arrange
the second innings, the team has only been on such services.
the field bowling for ten overs when Hareesh, “Thank you to everyone at the ground
who had bowled two overs, sat down on the yesterday. During such devastation I was
pitch, initially complaining of shortness of reminded of what a superb club and community
breath before losing consciousness. His friends we belong to,” the message read.

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 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 08, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 5

Govt accounts in
good shape as global
risks increase average by 2 per cent over 2019 and 1.7 per
Responsible business with lasting
cent in 2020, with the Euro area and the UK
relationship in the community
below 2 per cent and the US below 3 per cent.
“New Zealand is in a good position to handle
Grant Robertson these threats. Our latest September quarter and Home Loans*
Minister of Finance annual average GDP growth of 0.3 per cent and • Less than 20% deposit? Rakesh Bansal

T
he Government is confident that its
financial position and New Zealand’s
underlying economic fundamentals are
in good shape, as affirmed by Finance Minister
Grant Robertson today, citing the latest Crown
accounts.  in the six months to December were 9.8 per
The Treasury today released the Crown’s
financial results for the six months to December
2018. They show revenue and expenses within
0.4 per cent and 0.9 per cent of the Treasury’s
forecasts, respectively, and a $1.1 billion
OBEGAL surplus on December 31.  payments came in $91 million below forecast in
“The surplus is used for capital investments
and helps us keep Government debt under
control. Net core Crown debt is near forecast at
22.1 per cent of GDP, down from 23.2 per cent
a year ago. The forecasts show the Government
is on track to meet the Budget Responsibility
Rule of reducing net debt to 20 per cent of
GDP within five years of taking office,” Grant
Robertson said.
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it’s important that we are managing the
Government’s finances carefully by running
surpluses and keeping expenses and debt
under control.
“The International Monetary Fund (IMF)
recently released revised global growth
forecasts as risks including the US-China
“We are also getting on with the job of
transitioning away from traditional growth
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 6 NEW ZEALAND
India, New Zealand holds second
Foreign Office consultations
¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH
I
ndia and New Zealand have reviewed the
entire range of bilateral relations including
political, trade and economic ties, during
the second Foreign Office Consultations.
The consultations were held on Tuesday,
February 5, in New Delhi. Mrs Vijay Thakur
Singh, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of
External Affairs led the Indian side while Ben
King, Deputy Secretary, Americas and Asia
Group, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
represented New Zealand.
A media release from the office of India’s
Ministry of External Affairs said, “The two
sides exchanged views on regional and
multilateral issues, including cooperation at the
UN and other international organisations.
“The second Foreign Office Consultations
between India and New Zealand provided an
opportunity to review the entire range of bilateral
relations, including political, trade and economic
ties. India reaffirmed its commitment to working
closely with New Zealand in these areas.”
Meanwhile, it is important to note that the
bilateral relations between the two countries,
which is largely defined by the presence of a
strong vibrant Indian diaspora in New Zealand,
a steadily growing bilateral trade, and the
commonalities of cricket and commonwealth,
is still short of its true potential.
Wellington had previously identified India
as a priority country launching NZ India Inc
Strategy in 2011 with the goal of strengthening
economic, political and security relationships
between the two countries. The initial launch
of India Inc Strategy was followed by two
bilateral visits by the former Prime Minister Sir
John Key.
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India’s Mrs Vijay Thakur Singh, with New Zealand’s
Deputy Secretary (America and Asia Group) Ben
King in New Delhi on Tuesday, February 5.
However, the bilateral relationship has
seemed to not have spurted, as was expected
by many, particularly in the field of trade and
commerce, despite much-visible bonhomie at
the highest level of political leadership between
the two countries. Notably, NZ Prime Minister
Jacinda Ardern had spoken highly about her
first meeting with the Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi on the sidelines of East Asia
Summit in November 2017.
“I had good conversations with a range
of people, but Modi was really engaged,
interested in New Zealand, knew a lot about our
relationship,” Ms Ardern had then responded to
a media query on which world leader had left
Friday, February 08, 2019
High
Commissioner
of India to NZ,
Sanjiv Kohli
High
Commissioner
of New Zealand to
India,
Joanna Kempkers
impression on her whilst on her first appearance
at the global stage.
This was after two visits by former Prime
Minister Sir John Key to New Delhi and
meetings with Indian PM Narendra Modi,
which has been widely reported as warm and
cordial. However, accommodating mutually
competing expectations especially in the dairy
sector has been mostly responsible for the
sluggish if not an altogether stalled progress on
the talks on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
between the two countries.
Similarly, India has long been lobbying
for NZ’s support for securing membership of
Hindi goes to South Island:
First school to open in
Invercargill
¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH
T
he Indian community in New
Zealand’s southernmost city
Invercargill is all set to get the first
Hindi language school in February.
Himani Mishra Galbraith, an early
childhood teacher, who has been living
and working in Invercargill for more than
a decade, is taking upon herself the task of
opening the first Hindi language school in
the southernmost city of NZ.
“We have a small size of community here
in Southland with families often living in an
isolated environment with limited opportunities
of interacting in their own language,” Mrs
Galbraith told The Indian Weekender while
explaining the urge for starting this new school.
“I have observed closely as a teacher and
whanau worker how children from migrant
communities miss out from connecting with
their roots and heritage,” Ms Galbraith said.
“I have seen parents longing to teach their
children Hindi so that they can communicate
with their grandparents in their own language,”
Ms Galbraith said.
Interestingly, the school will have the unique
reputation of being the southernmost school of
Hindi language in the entire Commonwealth (a
group of 53 nations, nearly all of them that were
formerly part of the British Empire).
Speaking further about her passion for
Hindi language, Ms Gailbraith said, “The
Hindi language is my genes as I belong to the
family of well-known Hindi educationists back
in India.
“My maternal grandfather Jagdish Bhagwati
was awarded the Padmashree Samman by the
Indian government, and my mother was post
graduate in Sanskrit language (Sanskrit is a
The Indian Weekender
an elite club – the Nuclear Supplier Group (a
group of 48 countries that restricts the supply of
nuclear material to the non-members).
India desperately needs unrestricted access
to nuclear energy to fulfil its growing energy
needs and assist in uplifting a vast mass of
humanity out of endemic poverty.
Meanwhile, the High Commissioner of India
to New Zealand, Sanjiv Kohli has expressed
satisfaction with the recently concluded second
foreign office consultations.
Speaking to The Indian Weekender, Mr
Kohli said, “These consultations were part of
the institutionalised framework that both sides
have put in place to ensure regular contacts and
thus have an opportunity to engage on a wide
range of issues of bilateral, regional, and global
issues.
“These talks underline the priority we both
attach to widen and deepen our relationship,”
Mr Kohli said.
New Zealand High Commissioner to
India Joanna Kempkers also affirmed similar
sentiments of enhanced priority being given by
both nations to each other.
Speaking to the Indian Weekender Ms
Kempkers, “The talks went well. This was
the second time in my two-year term that we
have sat down with Indian officials to review
the progress in the bilateral relationship
and to exchange views on regional and
multilateral issues.”
“Of course we used to meet previously in
a more ad-hoc way, but the commitment to
meet annually in this format has confirmed the
value of New Zealand and India meeting more
regularly to discuss issues of mutual interest
and importance,” Ms Kepmpkers said.
language of ancient India with a history going
back about 3,500 years, and widely accepted
as the literary language of Hinduism, with
predominant works of Hindu philosophy being
in this language).
“I am committed to working for the Hindi
language, especially with the kids,” Ms
Galbraith said.
“I was a trained teacher back in India and have
taught in schools and colleges before coming to
NZ. So imparting education is something that I
really enjoy,” Ms Galbraith said.
A formal launch ceremony of the new school
is scheduled on Thursday, February 7, at a local
Indian restaurant, with regular classes starting
from Saturday, February 9 at the Waihopi
School.
“The launch ceremony is open for all as long
as we can be informed beforehand,” an excited
Ms Galbraith told The Indian Weekender.
Wellington-based Hindi educationist and
the founder Director of the Wellington Hindi
School, Sunita Narayan, is providing guidance
and support to this upcoming school regarding
curriculum and other educational resources.
All Hindi language enthusiasts in Southland
are encouraged to contact Ms Galbraith directly
on 0221220648.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 08, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 7

Riveting pre-game experience

awaits cricketing fans ahead of When tax brackets go
double header vs India at Eden Park
¡¡ SANDEEP
past their use-by date the policy will put an extra $9900 back into
SINGH
their pocket over 10 years.

F
a n s National commits to indexing tax thresholds
lucky Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi to inflation in its first term. Under our policy
enough National Party List MP within 12 months of an election the Treasury
to have tickets

to the sold
out Twenty20
double header
at Eden Park
on Friday, 8
February will be treated to a range of activations
as they head into the stadium.
It is no secret that modern sporting fans all
around the world expect to be fully engaged
with the game-day experience from the moment
they arrive in the parking lot until the game is
over.
In this regard the Auckland Tourism, Event
and Economic Development (ATEED) is
partnering with Eden Park stadium to engage
and welcome the cricketing fans ahead of the
Blackcaps and White Ferns doubleheader
versus India on Friday, February 8.
Stuart Turner, Head of Major Events at
ATEED, says the activations at Eden Park are a
fantastic way to welcome fans of the Indian and
New Zealand teams to Auckland.
“It’s no secret that the biggest fans of cricket
hail from India, so it felt like a great opportunity
for us to amplify the buzz surrounding this
tour, especially with so many people of Indian
heritage living here in Auckland.
“We have taken advantage of our connections
from Diwali festival – and inspiration from
classic Kiwi cricketing culture - to create a pre-
game mini-festival to enhance the Auckland
experience for visiting fans and locals,” Mr
Turner said.
“It is also a great opportunity to showcase
Auckland to millions of people around the
world,” Mr Turner said.
ATEED will be hosting fan activations at the
top of swamp walk-off Sandringham Road and
outside of gates A, D and H at Eden Park.
The activations will include Indian musical
and dance performance groups, DJ sets,
social media roaming photographers, roaming
performers, Beige Brigade entertainers, face
painting and photo-boards.
The match is already sold out and tickets will
allow cricket fans to attend both matches.
SCHEDULE
• At 3 p.m., New Zealand’s Women’s
side, the WHITE FERNS, will face
India’s Women’s team.
• At 7 p.m., New Zealand’s Men’s
side, the BLACKCAPS, will
challenge India’s Men’s team.
W
hen the tax brackets were last
adjusted in 2010 there was a
$21,000 gap between the average
wage and the top tax threshold of $70,000.
That gap has narrowed to just $8000 today
and if nothing changes then within a few years
the average wage earner will be in the top tax
bracket. That was clearly not the intent of the
Income Tax Act.
While the tax thresholds have remained
frozen for the past decade, the cost of living
has been rising and under this tax-happy
Government those costs are now accelerating.
Every New Zealand family knows a dollar
doesn’t go as far as it once did.
The effect is known as bracket creep, where
inflation leaves someone worse off even as they
cross into a higher tax bracket. It is taxation by
stealth.
National legislated to change the thresholds
in 2017 but the current Government cancelled
that. It was a mistake. Someone earning
$70,000 doesn’t feel wealthy when all their
costs are rising and they shouldn’t be punished
for thresholds that haven’t moved with the
times.
A National Government will amend the
Income Tax Act so tax thresholds are adjusted
every three years, in line with the cost of living.
For someone on the average wage of $62,000
would be required to advise a new Government
how much the thresholds should be adjusted for
inflation.
The Finance Minister of the day would
be able to veto an adjustment in adverse
circumstances such as a financial crisis but
would then be expected to explain why Kiwis
were falling behind.
When compared to this Government’s
wasteful policies, the impact in lost Crown
revenue is relatively modest. The estimated
$650 million of foregone tax after the first
adjustment is roughly a fifth of the current
Government’s commitment to NZ First’s
provincial slush fund.
We believe that’s achievable, with National’s
prudent and sensible economic policies.
This is only one aspect of National’s policy
programme but it goes to one of our core
beliefs: that ordinary New Zealanders should
be able to keep more of what they earn.
They certainly need every dollar under the
current Government, whose policies have
added to the cost of petrol, rent and electricity
and which is squandering hundreds of millions
of dollars on working groups.
National is committed to helping New
Zealanders get ahead. We won’t allow future
Governments to use inflation as an annual tax
increase by stealth and we’ll cancel new taxes
piled on by the present Government.
••

THE GATEAU HOUSE

Kanwaljit Singh
www.gateauhouse.com 09 274 7744
Queen St / Botany / Mt Eden / Newmarket / Bakshi
Henderson / Glenfield / Albany
National List MP based
in Manukau East

Contact
A 1/131 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland
P 09 278 9302
F 09 278 2143
E Bakshi.mp@parliament.govt.nz
facebook.com/Bakshiks
@bakshiks

bakshi.co.nz

Funded by the Parliamentary Service.

Authorised by Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi MP,
1/131 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe.
This month's special:
Mango Fresh Cream Gateau
 8 NEW ZEALAND
Government’s flaky KiwiBuild Music
veteran
scheme crumbling invites
Dr Parmjeet Parmar
List MP based in Mt Roskill
T
he Government’s flagship housing
policy has been flaky from the get-go,
last week we saw it completely crumble.
  Housing Minister Phil Twyford finally
admitted KiwiBuild is not all it’s cracked up to
be, and he’s not going to reach his target of 1000
homes built in the first year. In fact, according
to the Prime Minister we shouldn’t measure the
progress of KiwiBuild at all and just trust that
there will miraculously be 100,000 homes ready
to go in ten years’ time.
This is from the same Prime Minister who last
week said, ‘what gets measured gets done’.
Clearly that’s only when it suits them because
they’ve also dropped the health and Better Public
Services targets which measured progress across
the public service and ensured the Government
was accountable for the services they delivered
to New Zealanders.
 Targets keep a Government honest. Among
the targets this Government has so far scrapped
are; reducing long-term welfare dependency,
reducing serious crime, improving the way
the Government interacts with the public,
having mothers registered with a lead maternity
provider, reducing the rates of children who are
South Auckland Muslim
Association encourages youth
contribution to community
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
Y
outh members of South Auckland
Muslim Association are actively
involved in several activities that
benefit the extended multicultural community
of South Auckland.
The mosque that is based in on Great South
Road in Otahuhu/Mangere has started several
initiatives to engage its youth, both men and
women in several communities and sports
activities to keep them engaged and close to the
community.
As a part of religious activities, the
association encourages young minds to attend
the five-time scheduled prayers in the mosque
regularly and then try extra-curricular activities
such as learning Quran, sunnah training
and mawlid training sessions for both male
and female members separately on different
schedules through the week.
The mosque beside religious activities
involves the youth in community-led initiatives
like cleaning mosque premises, cutting grass
regularly at the Auckland Memorial Garden’s
graveyard sections, cleaning and healthy
lifestyle promotion drives, sports events, etc.
A team of 15 volunteers from the Jamia-al
Mustafa Masjid under the supervision of Haji
Amin cut different sections of the graveyard
regularly and some members who are involved
in this initiative for almost a decade who not
just work together but also encourage the
teenagers to join them in this noble cause.
“We are also proud of the fact that we have
recently had teenagers show an interest in
assisting SAMA with cutting the grass at the
hospitalised and now how quickly it will deliver
its houses.  woeful uptake. Even the Minister isn’t confident
  Labour first proposed KiwiBuild in 2012.
But halfway through their term they’ve only
delivered 47 houses, while the whole policy
seems to change from week to week. This is
a major embarrassment for Prime Minister
Jacinda Ardern’s Government.
 The Government created an expectation
New Zealanders were going to get access to
a significantly subsidised first home but that’s
not happening. Not only are they struggling to
build the houses, those they are building are too
expensive.
 The Labour Party spent years in Opposition
talking about its solution to New Zealand’s
housing woes. We’re not denying that there
was a problem – under National we were in the
middle of a record residential building boom
but we should have done more. The difference
between us and them is that they mislead New
Zealanders by falsely claiming to have a magic
bullet.
 In what’s become a trend from this
Government, KiwiBuild simply isn’t living up
to the promises this Government made to New
Zealanders.  They’re all talk.
 The work wasn’t done in Opposition, so now
the Government has been left with a policy that
doesn’t stack up.
 KiwiBuild isn’t delivering the types of homes
cemetery,” a SAMA media spokesperson told
The Indian Weekender.
SAMA’s women’s wing has also been very
active in sports events and takes part in netball
tournaments having won on several occasions.
Some of the madrasah children competed in
the NZ Muslim Sports Association Football
tournament last year, against teams from
Muslim Associations from different regions
of Auckland and North Island and had won
medals and trophies for SAMA.
With the holy month of Ramadan approaching
in the next three months, a Hafiz-e-Quran
(a person who has learnt the whole Quran)
attends the scheduled Taraweeh prayers. The
mosque also hosts several open iftar events at
the mosque premises and invites Muslims and
Friday, February 08, 2019
Kiwis want and that’s why we’ve seen such a
that should KiwiBuild deliver more houses, all
of them will sell.
 What is the point in delivering houses for
first home buyers, if first home buyers don’t
want them?
 At the end of the day, the Labour Party
campaigned on delivering 100,000 homes in
10 years. But if the Government can’t organise
1000 homes in one year, how do they expect to
achieve 100,000 over 10?
 While KiwiBuild topples over, the Minister
should be looking at redefining his housing
policy. KiwiBuild needs to go, and Mr Twyford
should set the Resource Management Act
(RMA) in his sights.
 In Opposition Labour rallied against sensible
RMA reform. However, as we’ve seen, New
Zealand needs a bold solution to a law that
has proven to be a planning nightmare, and
KiwiBuild isn’t helping in that aspect. National
will this year put forward a proposal to reform
the RMA which will allow us to get on and build
the houses New Zealanders need.
 The issues with KiwiBuild are more systemic
than teething. New Zealanders want to see real
change and a plan that will actually deliver what
New Zealand needs – more houses.
non-Muslims to join the meal like a family and
know more about Islam and its teachings.
The mosque also participates in the Islam
Awareness Week programme and hosts Open
Day on the last day of IAW event inviting the
extended communities to visit and interact with
the volunteers.
••
The Indian Weekender
aspirants
to learn
classical
music
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
T
here have been tons of shows hosted in
Auckland in the last decade where the
community has witnessed new faces
showcasing their talents in singing, dancing,
and skits or playing musical instruments.
These shows had talents who trained and
practised for years to perfect their performance
and showcase their art in front on hundreds and
thousands.
One such talent in Auckland, who has not
only known in the Auckland but has also
worked with eminent music labels, and music
directors in India. Director of Mohammed Rafi
Music Academy, Amit Sengupta is a musician,
singer, composer based in Auckland who has
organised 14 musical concerts in the city and
has trained and mentored scores of young
musicians through his shows.
Mr Sengupta’s passion for music has never
stopped him from learning more and imparting
the knowledge he possesses to the music
aspirants in the community.
Mr Sengupta, lovingly known as ‘Amit Da’
in the community is inviting budding musicians
to learn different forms of Indian music from
him such as Hindustani Classical, Thumri,
Khayal, Bhajan, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul
Geeti and old Bollywood songs as well.
He specialises in playing and teaching
Harmonium, vocal training or vocal exercises
for which he says pupils training under him and
following his instructions and learnings can
see the difference in their voices in a matter
of weeks.
“I learnt Khayal from Sangeet Acharya
Shailendra Nath Bandhopadhaya of Saini
Gharana, Rabindra Sangeet from Subinoy Roy,
Nazrul Geeti from Khitish Chandra Ghose and
Bhajan and Thumri from Ustad Hilal Ahmed
Khan and I want to impart this knowledge from
my gurus to the people who are passionate about
singing and classical music,” Mr Sengupta told
The Indian Weekender.
Mr Sengupta has directed music for 38
Television Films in India and composed and
directed music for 14 albums, some of them are
produced and released by music giant T-Series.
Some of Mr Sengupta’s compositions have
been appreciated by Pandit Ravi Shankar and
legendary director Satyajit Ray.
Mr Amit Sengupta can be contacted on 0224
249-269 or 09 629 5252.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 08, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 9

Auckland Tamil Association starts Pongal

with community engagement event
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

P
ongal is one of biggest festivals for the
Tamil community across the globe,
especially for the Tamilians livings in
the Indian subcontinent. The day of harvest
is marked by celebratory events, cultural
programmes and a wave of events to spread the
joy of this festival amongst everyone.
The Auckland Tamil Association, the most
active community organisation of the Tamil
speaking community in Auckland, has every
year arranged a cultural event that brought the
whole Tamil community as one, under one roof
to celebrate through music, dance, skits etc.
To get more engagement from the community
and especially amongst the younger generation
of Tamil children and youth who are born here
and grown in Kiwi culture ATA decided to
host a special event that brings the community
members before the cultural event to participate
in recreational activities that connects them
more with the integral values of the Tamil
culture and the essence of Pongal celebrations.
More than 200 community members,
especially women, children and youth gathered
at the Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall on May
Road on Saturday, February 2 to participate in
different activities related to the Pongal festival.
The women participated in the cooking
competition, but this was unlike other cooking
competitions different where the participants
use grains and vegetables such as different
types of lentils, rice, spices and create the
traditional festive snacks and dishes as made
back in Chennai, India.
competition, based on Pongal theme at
the venue.
Speaking to The Indian Weekender, ATA
President Vai Ravindran said, the idea behind
this event was to get the community members
ready and in the groove of Pongal festival.
A reasonable “We have witnessed huge participation
challenge for the from the community members, right from
women who took young children to youth and working men and
upon themselves women who either participated in the pre-event
the task to prepare or supported one another by being present on
traditional food items Saturday morning. This shows their love and
with limited resources commitment to the Tamil culture and how
and presented to a these values can be inculcated amongst the
panel of eight judges younger generation through such activities,”
and the audience who Mr Ravindran said.
judged them based on Echoing similar sentiments, one of the judges
different parameters. too expressed her joy of seeing every individual
The parameters present at the event so enthusiastically making
ranged from the essence of the dishes, competition that once again were judged as their contribution to Pongal celebrations.
presentation, taste, use of different grains, per their looks, difficulty, theme, precision and The results of the competition will be declared
authenticity to Tamilian foods, texture perfection, overall presentation and getting the at the main celebration event on Saturday,
and warmth. rangoli ready within the stipulated time frame. February 9 at the Mt Eden War Memorial from
Besides food competition, women The children, on the other hand, engaged 6 p.m. where the winners and participants will
participated in the traditional rangoli themselves with the drawing and colouring be awarded and felicitated.

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 10 NEW ZEALAND Friday, February 08, 2019 The Indian Weekender

ChCh team ‘Lhotshampa FC’

wins Tenzing Hillary Cup 2019
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

E
ight teams from different regions
of New Zealand gathered with their
supporters at the Crum Park in Titirangi
on Saturday morning, February 2 for the
Tenzing Hillary Football Cup 2019.
The team from Christchurch, Lhotshampa
FC came out victorious at the end of the
tournament keeping their title and winning the
championship for second consecutive time.
The tournament is hosted by different
regions on a rotational basis, and this year
was jointly hosted by FC Khakuri and
Gurkha FC, both Auckland based Nepalese
football clubs.
The final match was held between
Lhotshampa FC and FC Khakuri where the
ChCh team beat the Auckland Club by 2-1.
The match was inaugurated by Lady June
Hillary who kicked the ball at the ground and Wood and Auckland Police’s Ethnic Liasion Tom Gurung from Nepal United FC,
declared the 2019 championship open. Acting Officer Neil Pimenta were invited as guests to Christchurch scored eight goals and received
Honorary Consul of Nepal in New Zealand, the event. the $100 cash award for highest goals in the
Peter Gibbs and other supporting community The Plate Championship was given to Druk tournament, Dhurba Gaire from FC Khukuri
organisations were also present. FC from Palmerston North ($300), Bhutanese as the Best Goalkeeper and Ashish Rai from
“The event was a great success- especially Nelson FC won $500 for Fair Play Team award.
Lhotshampa FC, Christchurch was named the
amongst the youth of our community as it gave Gurkha FC from Auckland took the fourth
Best Player of the Tournament, both receiving
them another opportunity to show their sports place with $300 cash prize, NABOP from Bay
of Plenty scaled to the 3rd position $500. FC $100 in the prize.
talents and amaze the crowd,” Prayash Chhetri, The event was supported by NRNA NZ, New
from the organising team, told The Indian Khakuri from Auckland lifted the runner’s
trophy with $1200 cash prize, and Lhotshampa Zealand Nepal Society, New Zealand Nepal
Weekender.
FC from ChCh defended their title to life the Chamber of Commerce Inc., New Zealand
More than 700 people came to see the
championship trophy again this year and $1800 Nepal Association and GoalNepal.com as
games and cheer the players over the two-day
as the cash prize. Digital Media Partner of the tournament.
tournament at Crum Park. Labour MP Michael

NELSON BUSH FIRE: Government UPDATE : February 7, 5:07pm

support for Tasman confirmed
¡¡ IWK BUREAU
P
rime Minister Jacinda
Ardern, Minister of Civil
Defence Kris Faafoi and
Minister of Agriculture Damien
O’Connor have confirmed initial
Government support for the Tasman
community for people affected by
the fires.
All three Ministers are in
Nelson this morning, travelling
to the Emergency Co-ordination
Centre where the council and Civil
Defence are leading operations, and
to the forward control centre where
the announcement of support was
made.
Jacinda Ardern said that seeing
the fire up close was confronting.
“While I’m immensely relieved there’s been
no loss of life and want to thank all of those
involved in tackling this immense fire, it’s clear
there are going to be some difficult times ahead
until we get the fire fully under control and
people back to their homes.
“I can only imagine how difficult it is to pack
up what you can and to evacuate so I want to
acknowledge the families who have had to do
that – and I want to let you know we are here
to understand how we can help in the days and
weeks ahead.”
Kris Faafoi said the Government had
confirmed an initial commitment of $20,000 to
the Mayoral Relief Fund, which has been set
up by Tasman District Council. Affected local
authorities have significant discretion around
how they choose to set up and administer a fund,
and around the establishment of disbursement
criteria. The funds are in addition to other
support that may be available from the Ministry
of Social Development, Housing New Zealand
and Ministry for Primary Industries.
“Mayoral Relief Funds provide an additional
way to help communities get back on their
feet after an emergency. Local communities
and councils are best-placed to know exactly
what they need so this funding can be used, for
example, to meet the needs of affected families
and individuals, community organisations or
marae.”
Damien O’Connor, who is the West Coast
Tasman MP, said the relief funding would be
welcomed by locals amid a frightening time
and ahead of a big recovery.
“I’ve seen extra Fire and Emergency crews
arriving overnight and this morning and it’s
clear everyone is pitching in to get this blaze
under control and keep people safe.
“Animal welfare remains a key concern
and is being looked at hourly with
the Ministry for Primary Industries
helping people to manage stock
and vets on standby for any injured
animals.
“If you’ve got yourself out and
safe it’s important you do not put
yourself in harm’s way by returning
for animals, as difficult as I know
that will be.”
Kris Faafoi says he will stay in
close contact with the community,
councils and Civil Defence, until
the situation is completely under
control.
“We know this is a distressing
event that has caused massive
disruption in people’s lives. All the
agencies involved are doing what they can
to help and to tackle the fire but we do know
there may be tough days ahead as we better
understand the effects of the blaze and as
displaced residents return to their homes.
“I will be working with my colleagues across
Government and local government to ensure
we do get the right support for communities
where that support is needed.”
Mr Faafoi says the dedication shown by
everyone involved in the response effort has
been brilliant.
“It’s been really heartening to see such
effective coordination between the various
agencies involved in the response effort, and to
see the community show such great support for
one another.
“While there are encouraging signs that the
fire is being contained, it remains a potentially
dynamic situation and we’re keeping a close
eye on conditions.”
Further evacuations
are underway in
the west side of
Teapot Valley.
Approximately
25 properties have
been affected.
¡¡ IWK BUREAU
T his is a precautionary measure because of
the increased fire intensity we have seen
this afternoon. This is a result of increased
wind and humidity.
Police are assisting with evacuation and Red
Cross are on the ground to support residents.
The Civil Defence Centre at St John’s
Church, Wakefield will now remain open. The
Centre can provide welfare information and
help with accommodation for those who need
it. They can also accept pets.
All residents who have evacuated or self-
evacuated are asked to register. For those
who can’t make it to the centre, or don’t need
additional assistance please call 03 543 8400
to register by phone.
Residents are advised to take animals with
them. Some stock can be accommodated at the
Richmond Showgrounds.
Horses, sheep and goats can be
accommodated in empty stables – use the
Campground Gate to the Showgrounds and
follow the road to the stable blocks. Please
leave your name and contact number on the
stable door and provide food for your animals.
There is water available on site.
For sheep and cattle – please call the contact
centre on 03 543 8400 and they can help make
arrangements for you to get access to the
racecourse oval to accommodate them.
 The Indian Weekender
Driving school gears up refugees,
migrants for integration
¡¡ BROOKE JENNER
A
n Auckland driving
school is helping
former refugees
and migrants gain their
independence one licence at
a time.
The Puketāpapa
Community Driving School
(PCDS) has only been on
the road for a year and it is
already speeding to success.
Last Wednesday, Hemangi
Mistry passed her full driver’s
licence test after 22 lessons
with PCDS.
The 38-year-old moved to
New Zealand from India 15
years ago, and has not driven
a car in the last 12 years.
“I’m so happy,” she said.
“They taught me in such a way that
when I booked for my test, I passed
in my first attempt,” Ms Mistry said.
“I’m now an independent woman - I
can go to work and drop my kids to
school and activities.”
“Now that’s my biggest milestone
I’ve covered.”
For migrants like Ms Mistry, a
New Zealand drivers’ licence is a key
requirement when trying to land a
full-time job.
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Friday, February 08, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 11
A former Ms Fernandes said passing her
migrant herself, Ms full licence allowed her to apply for
Maga was one of full-time jobs and the school’s impact
the first to sign up went far beyond simply building a
to the course when driver’s confidence.
it began. “For me, what really struck a chord
She is now the was mainly the one-on-one connect,”
driving school’s she said. “And knowing that the
lead coordinator, money that I put into this programme
and strives to give actually goes back into helping other
back to others like migrants and refugees.”
herself through the She said if it hadn’t been for the
PCDS programme. time volunteered by her mentors at
She said for PCDS, she might not have had the
every four paying courage to get her local licence.
Harry Doig, Puketāpapa Local students, PCDS Ms Maga hopes to help more
Board chairman, cutting the subsidised the migrants like Hemangi and Margaret
ribbon for one of Puketāpapa
driver training for in the future with a new $7000
Community Driving School’s
vehicles on its opening day. one former refugee driving simulator the school is
Photo: Supplied
or young person. fundraising for.
“They’re helping The simulator would help more
mentors, the school teaches
The school’s coordinator, themselves to be job ready and then migrants and refugees get safely
everything drivers need to know -
Amie Maga, said the specialised it’s heartwarming that they know on the road to a successful career,
from Road Code classes and getting a they’re able to support a young she said.
programmes were proving
fundamental in integrating migrants car in gear to mock practical tests and person or a former refugee who needs She would like to see more Kiwis
and former refugees into the licence conversion programmes. extra support,” Ms Maga said. enrol at the school so they could learn
community. PCDS aimed to have 150 learner She said nine refugees have already to be safe drivers and give back to
“Even learning English is a drivers enrolled in its programmes, successfully passed their restricted their community, she said.
struggle,” Ms Maga said. “Learning tests through the school.
but at the end of its first year, it
to drive is another big struggle for Margaret Fernandes migrated to  - RNZ
has helped more than 270 people,
them so we really want to help these New Zealand from Mumbai in 2017
maintains a success rate of over
communities.” and, despite being able to drive on her This story has been brought to
70 percent and has a waitlist Indian licence, she wanted to learn the you in special collaboration with
With four qualified instructors and
the Radio New Zealand.
a team of more than 30 volunteer tallying 200. local code.
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 12 NEW ZEALAND Friday, February 08, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Holi season begins,

draws thousands at the first event in ChCh
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD thumping start engaging the crowd many volunteers at the venue, we Council for their immense support
The first Holi

T
from morning till evening. collected money to donate the Trust,” for Holi,” President of Christchurch
he Holi festival season has
“Many events happen in ChCh, event was held Mr Sharma added. Multicultural Association, Surinder
begun in New Zealand with
but Holi like Diwali has grown on its Mr Sharma further emphasised Tandon said at the event.
the first big event at North
Hagley Park in Christchurch on
merit – people came in hoards and after the ChCh the amount of effort put in by 100
“The Holi event held on Saturday
had a great time with music, colours volunteers to pluck out the petals
Saturday, February 2.
coming as strangers and going as
earthquake in from the flowers on Friday, the eve
was a triple celebration- Holi,
More than 12,000 people attended Waitangi Day (that falls on February
the event called Holi Festival of
friends,” Hitesh Sharma, organiser of 2013 with 1500 of the event and get it ready to be
the event told The Indian Weekender. put into the chopper that showed the 6) and next month’s Race Relations
Colours 2019 from morning 9 a.m.
There were air canons, water guns people, but due same onto the enthusiastic crowd at Day which all have a common sign of
which turned out to be one of the appreciating and promoting harmony,
and canons with powder and liquid to its popularity the Holi event.
biggest Indian festivals celebrated in
colours that people splashed and Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel equality and respect for diverse
Christchurch other than Diwali. over the years
pasted upon one another. delivered the opening address at the ethnicities/cultures.
The first Holi event was held after
The organisers also spiced up the Holi Festival official ceremony, Ethnic Advisor Happy Holi and ‘Holi Hai’ echoed
the ChCh earthquake in 2013 with
event by showering 20 kg of rose Ngai Tahu Sally Pitama gave at the venue besides amazing music
1500 people, but due to its popularity
over the years Holi Festival of
petals on the attendees by a helicopter of Colours Karakia blessings, and President to which men, women, children from
hovering over the venue. of Christchurch Multicultural
Colours has grown exponentially
“We thought of doing something
has grown Council Surinder Tandon addressed
different communities danced and
over the years. The event is equally celebrating the festival of colours.
popular amongst non-Indians as it is
special, something no one had done exponentially the attendees.
and the idea to shower flower petals “There are more than 170 ethnicities
with the growing Indian community
developed. The aim to do so was to
over the years. represented in Christchurch. We
in the city.
highlight the work of Westpac Rescue support to implement the ChCh City
The event was organised by Revel
Helicopters (Trust) who rush to Council’s Multicultural Strategy,
Events by Hitesh Sharma and Sandeep
rescue people at the time of distress
Khanna from SK Production. and one of its goals is to value and
and mishaps.
A giant screen, a massive stage, celebrate Christchurch’s diversity.
“We planned to raise funds for the
dance groups, pumping Bollywood This festival of colours Holi fulfils
Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust,
and English music gave the event a this goal very well. Thanks to City
and through gold coin donations via
 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 08, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 13

Shri Ram-a-thon raises

whopping 43K for charity
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD a cause towards their destination Atatu MP and Minister for Housing

S
Henderson Park. The walkers took a and Urban Development, Phil
hri-Ram-a-thon, an annual break at 359 Henderson Valley Road Twyford and Auckland Councillor
10 km walk event organised Ashram. representing Waitakere, Linda
by the Shri Ram Mandir in The walkers received a warm Cooper. The cheque was presented to
Henderson raised a $43,442.60 on welcome from other community the representatives of the Friends of
Sunday, February 3. members, who, though not Fiji Health Foundation Trustees at the
The annual walkathon event, which particpating in the walk, were event.
is in its third year, had the Friends attending the event with the family
of Fiji Health Foundation as the and friends, through the day.
About Friends of Fiji
chosen charity this year (On earlier The walkers then rested and Health Foundation
occassions, Shri-Ram-a-thon had engaged in several activities planned The Friends of Fiji Health
generated support for charities like for them,starting with seven-a-side Foundation was formed by former
Starship Foundation) football matches with five teams on Fiji medical professionals who
The event had all the elements and each side of Pool A & B. now live in New Zealand and
activities planned for every age group The attendees cheered for their work in the health sector. They
of people. Children took their time football teams named after Fiji take different missions to Fiji to
playing in the bouncing castle and districts and cities such as Rakiraki, provide specialist medical services
participating in the kids’ activities Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi, Nadroga, and perform specialist surgeries
such as face painting, and drawing, Suva, Nasinu, Rewa, and Labasa. not currently available in Fiji. They
marble and spoon race, sack race, also train local staff during their
relay race etc. Spirit of youth missions and work collaboratively
The youth present at the event appreciated with the local government and
participated in the men’s friendly The organsiers were clearly excited medical professionals in Fiji. Some
football tournament, tug-of-war, with the spirited response from the of their achievements to date include
women participated in the penalty community, as reflected in both, the more than 26 major medical and
shooting game, volleyball, and the number of particpants and supporters surgical missions treating more than
senior citizens participated in the turning out for the event and the 2,500 patients.
lawn bowls game that has acquired support generated for the chosen The Foundation has conducted
massive popularity amongst them in charity organsiation – Friends of Fiji more than 25 advanced skills training/
the West of Auckland. The seniors Health Foundation. educational workshops and donating
also played ball and bucket games. The Friends of Fiji Health more than NZ $3m worth of advanced
Fundraising, only one of Foundation in the meantime medical equipment and supplies. operating theatres in Lautoka Hospital laparoscopy anaesthetic equipment in
conducted several medical checkups The Mission is commissioning two and assisting with safer surgeries, Labasa.
the multitudes of goals for the people,
Pravin Kumar, the Managing especially the
Trustee of Shri Ram Mandir seniors and women
Charitable Trust, speaking with The at their stall on ISO 9001
Indian Weekender, affirmed that
CERTIFIED
Henderson Park.
fundraising was just of many goals “I really GCS
that the event had, including engaging commend the
with the community and enhancing participating spirit
diversity and multiculturalism. of the youth, the www.marsden.ac.nz
“The aim of the event, besides children, the women
fundraising, was to promote
multiculturalism, healthy lifestyle, get
diverse community for one charitable
and the seniors
who contributed to
this cause in every SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES AVAILABLE
IT’S ALL ABOUT
purpose and have a good family fun
day,” Mr Kumar said.
manner suitable
to them. The most FEES FREE FOR DOMESTIC STUDENTS
AND YOUR
FUTURE
The walkathon raised the fund; important thing to
final count said 43,442.60 that is a note here is that
massive figure as compared to the they gave their
funds raised in the past. physical presence at
the event and made
Massive public support the event a massive
More than 2000 people from success.
different parts of Auckland attended “The organising
the event –some for the walk, some team of the event
for the carnival fun-family day out, headed by project
and the others for participating in manager Mahendra
different competitive sports and Sharma accessed
recreational activities. every avenue
Shri Ramathon in the past has possible to get
been just a walk event culminating the contribution
into a fundraising drive and speech of the whole
sessions with the participants. This community to the
year, the organisers with the support big event- either
from the Sports Waitakere, Council through a financial
and Friends of Fiji Health Foundation contribution, by
who arranged free medical checkup arranging food,
for the attendees at the event. snacks, water,
The event started with the gathering shade, games, or
of the walkathon participants at Shri even just showing
Ram Mandir on 11 Brick Street, up at the event,”
Henderson at 8 a.m. followed by a Mr Kumar further
prayer attended by National List MP added.
from Te Atatu, Alfred Ngaro, and The event
breakfast for the participants. culminated with
By 9 a.m., the walkathon started the prize giving BUSINESS AND BUILDING AND ELECTRICAL COMPUTING
with hundreds of enthusiastic men, ceremony at the MANAGEMENT CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND IT
women and children clad in different park that was
sports outfits walking proudly for attended by Te
 NEW ZEALAND

Grant applications open

14 Friday, February 08, 2019 The Indian Weekender

to get Aucklanders active

¡¡ IWK BUREAU

A
pplications are open for Auckland
Council’s Regional Sport and
Recreation Grants Programme.
Eligible organisations have until 8 March
2019 to apply for a share of the $508,000
regional fund designed to get
Aucklanders more active, more often.
“Grants will be awarded to sport and
recreation organisations that inspire and
provide opportunities for Aucklanders
to lead healthier and more active
lifestyles,” says Councillor Penny
Hulse, Chair of the Environment and
Community Committee.
“We want to ensure Auckland is a
place where sport and recreation is a
part of our everyday lives. Sport and
recreation make a major contribution to
our quality of life, health and wellbeing;
it’s also great fun and contributes to
stronger communities,” she says.
Applications are invited from
Auckland-wide organisations that are:
organisations with a region-wide
mandate;
regional federations or groupings
of local or sub-regional sports code
organisations;
regional sport and recreation
providers or advocacy groups; or
iwi and other Māori organisations
active in the sport and recreation sector.
Funding is targeted towards
programmes that enable children and
young people to develop skills for
lifelong participation in sport and
recreation, as well as programmes that
support easy and affordable access for
communities with low participation
rates.
Applications will be assessed by
the Environment and Community
Committee for funding decisions, with
funds made available to successful
applicants from July 2019.
The Auckland Council Regional
Sport and Recreation Grants
Programme has been running for four
years and has over this time allocated
28 regional grants and distributed over
$2 million.
Netball Northern received funding
from the 2018/19 grants programme.
“The funding has been instrumental in
supporting Netball Northern’s delivery
of the junior netball programme across
15 sites in Auckland, enabling over
20,000 young people to have fun, learn
netball skills and develop a life-long
love of being active,” says Anita Coy-
Macken, Netball Northern Community
Netball Manager.
“As part of the junior netball
programme we also ran 96 coaching
workshops for 993 participants and
delivered 640 skill development
sessions in schools for 3654 children to
build their netball skills,” she says.
Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/
sportgrant for more information and to
apply. Applications close at 5pm on 8
March 2019.
 The Indian Weekender
FIJIAN CITIZENS TO SOON Fiji PM to attend Pacific
Forum summit
HAVE EPASSPORTS DURING F
THIS TRANSITION PERIOD
F
iji will soon have ePassports
however during this transition
period, the Immigration
Department says the current
traditional passports will be gradually
phased out resulting in likely delays.
Director of Immigration Nemani
Vuniwaqa says the temporary
drawback will be remedied
immediately upon the delivery of
new ePassports.
Vuniwaqa says the current passport
numbers are depleting however the
department will continue to accept
passport applications.
Vuniwaqa says they have some
passport books and issuance will be
restricted to those seeking urgent
medical evacuation abroad and those
submitting justifications for urgent
travels.
People whose passports are about
to expire and still have leaflets are
encouraged to apply for renewals.  Bainimarama says the cycle of
Vuniwaqa says they expect the
ePassports to arrive into the country
in the next 4 to 6 months.
He says for those people that are
requesting for passport renewal, they
will see that the passport is in good
condition, is still readable, visa pages
still available and advise the people
to go through endorsement of the
same passport for next ten years.
Friday, February 8, 2019
Current passports will be replaced with ePassports
People whose passports
are about to expire and
still have leaflets are
encouraged to apply for
renewals.  Bainimarama says the culture
The endorsement will be $55.
Vuniwaqa says the application fees
FIJI 15
iji’s Prime Minister, Frank
Bainimarama, says he will
Although the suspension was
lifted in 2014, Fiji’s leader boycotted
attend this year’s Pacific subsequent meetings, saying
Islands Forum leaders meeting in Australia and New Zealand had too
Tuvalu. much influence in the grouping.
Mr Bainimarama has not However the FBC reported the
attended any of the annual forum prime minister had confirmed he
leaders summits since his country would attend the Tuvalu meeting in
was suspended from the regional August and was offering for Fiji to
organisation in 2009. host the forum summit in 2021.
The culture of torture and
violence must stop - PM
in Fiji and the whole of the Pacific to
get rid of this culture.
While speaking in a High
Level Seminar on United Nations
Convention against Torture in the
Pacific at the Intercontinental Hotel,
Bainimarama says we think to
ourselves that I was hit in school and
it formed me to who I’m today or my
parents beat me and it toughened me
up. Bainimarama says that mindset
creates a tolerance for violence and it
allows it to settle in to all parts of our
day to day lives.
violence needs to end.
for ePassport will change but they Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama
He also highlighted the tough
will advise people once they have it speaking in a High Level Seminar
on United Nations Convention stand the government had to take
in place. against Torture in the Pacific at the as some people continue to call for
The Immigration Department says Intercontinental Hotel.
the return of corporal punishment in
P
that the transition to ePassports will
rime Minister Voreqe schools.
both strengthen border security and
Bainimarama says according to the
streamline customs and immigration,
of torture and violence has a Fijian constitution human rights are
decreases passenger processing time
powerful hold on the mentality of our afforded to all of us regardless of our
and creating an easier, more efficient
people, and work needs to continue standing in society.
travel experience in Fiji.
NZ Deputy
Prime Minister
Winston
Peters to visit
Fiji later this
month
N
ew Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister
Winston Peters will be in the country
later this month.
This was announced by the New Zealand
High Commissioner Jonathan Curr during the
Waitangi Day Celebrations that was held at the
New Zealand High Commissioner’s residence.
Curr says more about the visit will be
revealed later.
He says Peters had promised that New
Zealand’s Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister
would spend considerable time in the Pacific
from 2018 and beyond and this visit is part of
that promise.
He says Fiji will see many of New Zealand
Cabinet over the course of this year. The Waitangi Day Celebrations was held at the
New Zealand High Commissioner’s residence
Curr says he hopes that this will be a this evening. His Excellency the President Major
reciprocal flow of travel with ministers in Fiji General (Ret'd) Jioji Konusi Konrote, Hon. Prime
keen to meet their Kiwi counterparts in New Minister Frank Bainimarama, Cabinet Ministers,
senior government officials and members of the
Zealand. The New Zealand High Commissioner diplomatic corp also attended the event.
says this has to be about more than just turning Tereaty of Waitangi was signed by over 500
up, as there is no point telling everyone you Maori Chief and representative of the British
have a big tanoa if you did not bring any kava. Crown,a nd this marks the beginning of a
Curr says words must be combined with modern New Zealand.
action, delivery and results. The President Jioji Konrote, Prime Minister
He says 2019 will be an exciting busy year Voreqe Bainimarama, Cabinet Ministers, senior
for New Zealand in Fiji. government officials and members of the
Meanwhile, on the 6th of February 1840 the diplomatic corp also attended the event.
 Thought of the week
"The will to win, the desire to succeed,
the urge to reach your full potential...
these are the keys that will unlock
the door to personal excellence."
Editorial –Confucius

Should India Auckland Weather forecast for the week

February 8 – February 14, 2018
be worried Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu

about Brexit? A p.m. A passing A couple Clouds Mostly Sun and Mostly

T
shower in morning of morning and sun, sunny, some clouds sunny
he clock is ticking. Britain is set to leave the European Union on March 29, less than two
place shower showers pleasant pleasant
months from now.
It’ll crash out without a deal if the two sides fail to reach a fresh agreement following
a new vote in the British parliament earlier this week. A no deal Brexit, which is now more likely
23° 24° 25° 26° 26° 27° 27°
than ever, will have catastrophic consequences for the British economy as many business leaders
18° 18° 18° 17° 17° 18° 19°
have warned.
It will also hurt the European Union particularly its largest economy, Germany, which has a
significant market for its products in Britain.
India is closely watching what is increasingly becoming a messy divorce between the UK and
This week in New Zealand’s history
the EU. Many Indian companies which have invested heavily in Britain over the past few years are 8 February 1972
worried. The UK has been seen by Indian firms as a gateway to the European Union. A common Women cricketers triumph
market has so far ensured these companies barrier-free access to the EU countries.
There are more than 800 Indian companies in the UK which employ over 110,000 people.
More than half of them work in just five companies from the Tata group, one of the largest foreign
N ew Zealand’s women cricketers achieved their first test victory at the 17th attempt (their
male counterparts had needed 45). They had lost seven and drawn nine of their previous
tests, all against either England or Australia.
investors in Britain. A no-deal Brexit will directly hit these companies forcing thousands out of
9 February 1770
jobs.
In the past few years, many Indian companies have flourished in Britain like Rolta, Bharti
Cook completes circumnavigation of North Island
Airtel and Aegis Outsourcing. These firms operating in the UK have up to 13 per cent exposure to
revenues earned in the British currency, although from EU the number is as high as 30 per cent.
T he Endeavour’s arrival at Cape Turnagain, halfway between Hawke Bay and Cook Strait,
completed James Cook’s circumnavigation of the North Island and confirmed that it was
not part of the fabled continent, Terra Australis Incognita (‘unknown southern land’).
The pharma sector is another area where Indian businesses have a lot of exposure to the UK.
Brexit is obviously bad news for them. Their revenues will be hit because of the likely weakening 13 February 1974
of the pound sterling. New Zealand soldier's brave sacrifice
Many Indians are also worried of the socio-political consequences of Brexit. A sizable number
of Indians and other South Asians voted in favour of Brexit because politicians from the Leave S ergeant Murray Hudson died attempting to save the life of another soldier during a live
grenade training exercise at Waiouru military camp. For this selfless act, the 35-year-old
received a posthumous George Cross – one of only three awarded to New Zealanderssince the
side promised them easy migration of talent from the former Commonwealth countries. For
medal’s establishment in 1940.
example, Indian restaurant owners were promised they would be able to bring in more chefs after
the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. 13 February 1983
But, in fact, die-hard supporters of Brexit are right-wing groups who hate any immigration. If Lance Cairns hits six sixes at Melbourne Cricket Ground
the British economy suffers and more people are thrown out of jobs, as is widely predicted, such
groups are likely to turn their anger towards non-white people. A t 44/6 in reply to Australia’s 302, New Zealand was heading for an embarrassing defeat
in the second final of the Benson & Hedges World Series Cup when Lance Cairns took
guard with the bat dubbed ‘Excalibur’. Fast bowler Dennis Lillee welcomed him to the crease
But not all Indians are worried. Many will see Brexit as an opportunity for India to be able to
negotiate a favourable trade deal with Britain. India is seen as a priority for such a deal by British by hitting him on the head.
politicians.
India will also see an opportunity in finalising a trade deal with the European Union. India-EU Indian Weekender : Volume 10 Issue 45
Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks were suspended in 2013 after the two sides failed to reach a
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
deal even after six years of talks. Since then the two sides have had summit-level discussions but
Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz
no real progress has been made. Brexit will give the EU an impetus to reopen the FTA talks.
Chief Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz
But despite the lack of an FTA, trade between the EU and India has been growing steadily and
Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz
has doubled in the past decade.
Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz
The EU is India’s largest trading partner at 85 billion euros or Rs 8,500 crore in 2017. However,
Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz
from the EU’s perspective, India is only the ninth biggest trading partner, much behind China. So
Accounts and Admin.: 09-2173623 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz
India has a lot of potential to fill this gap after Brexit.
Sales and Distribution: 021 952218 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz
European leaders, particularly from Germany and France, have been wooing the Indian
government in recent months. Unlike Britain, their countries have no colonial baggage with India. Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher
In the past few years, tourism has also grown rapidly between India and countries in the EU’s is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication
Schengen. Britain has been losing many Indian tourists because of its stricter visa regime.
It would of course, be more in India’s interest if there is an orderly exit of Britain from the EU, Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent

an exit with an agreement to explore a trade agreement. the views of the team at the Indian Weekender

That would help Indian companies to continue to benefit from a common market. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly spoken in favour of Britain staying with the
Printed at Horton Media, Auckland
European Union.
Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.
That is now unlikely despite growing calls for a second referendum. This is because of powerful
Brexiteers in the ruling Conservative Party. The EU leaders have already made it clear they are not
prepared to reopen negotiations on a deal they have already agreed to. So India needs to prepare
for a probable no-deal Brexit.
 The Indian Weekender
India’s budget: Good politics and economics rolled into one
AMIT KAPOOR
A
s was expected, the interim
Budget presented by
Piyush Goyal was not a
traditional vote-on-account by any
means. Contrary to the election-
year convention, a full Budget
was introduced by the government
to appease the voters. And it was
undoubtedly a successful effort.
Howsoever, the scales stood
between the BJP and the opposition
before Piyush Goyal began his
Budget speech, they were tilted in
favour of the former by the time he
ended. The Budget has managed to
appease a majority of the country
through its populist leanings.
The two highlights of the Budget
were the farm income support
scheme doled out by the government
and the announcement of the tax
rebate for income earners below Rs 5
lakh. The former was targeted at the
farmers across the country who had
been reeling under an agricultural
crisis.
The disappointing performance
of the BJP in the rural areas in the
recent state assembly elections had
made it evident that the problem of
farm distress was in urgent need of
redressal. Real rural wages have
hardly increased in the last few
years despite the persistence of low
inflation. This was in contrast to the
promise of doubling farm incomes
by 2022.
The Budget attempts to address
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is back !!
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Friday, February 8, 2019
this problem with an income transfer
scheme for small farmers, Kisan
Samman Nidhi. The scheme intends
to transfer Rs 6,000 a year to farmers
that have less than 2 hectares of land.
To put things in perspective, about 70
per cent of agricultural households
own less than one hectare of land.
Over 120 million small farmers are
likely to benefit from the scheme and
it would cost the exchequer over Rs
750 billion per year.
In the run-up to the Budget,
such ideas had increasingly gained
currency. However, the government
has been more conservative than
most suggestions. Congress President
Rahul Gandhi had made a pitch to
the farmers where he promised Rs
1,500 per month per household. The
1 year fixed*
time and subject
time offer.to bank approval and lending criteria
ex-Chief Economic Advisor, Arvind
Subramanian, had also proposed a
plan that involved a higher transfer of
income and was wider in coverage.
The proposed scheme is also not
sufficient by any standards as NSSO
data shows that farm households with
even the smallest size of land holdings
have an expenditure of nearly Rs
6,000 per month on an average. But,
keeping fiscal constraints in mind, it
seems to be a positive step forward
to begin addressing the farm distress
as it would partly cover the cost of
inputs.
The success of these schemes has
been experienced in Telangana and
Odisha, as discussed in this column
last week.
Vins Grover RFA
027 556 8484
OPINION/EDITORIAL
There are, however, certain
challenges that need to be
highlighted. First, nearly 250 million
out of a total of 850 million Indians
that reside in rural areas are landless
agricultural workers. The scheme
leaves them out of its ambit when,
in fact, they are the most vulnerable
sections of the rural society.
A second challenge lies in the
process of identification and delivery.
It will be an arduous pan-India effort
to identify households that have land
holdings less than two hectares and
ensure that they are connected to
the direct benefit transfer (DBT)
network.
Finally, and most importantly,
even though the scheme is a positive
step to allay the agricultural crisis, it
is not a long-term solution.
The key would be to infuse
structural changes in the sector that
ensure that farmers do not remain
dependent on welfare for sustenance.
The productivity of Indian farmers
needs to be enhanced as I’ve often
argued through this column by
strengthening the country’s food
processing industry, for instance.
Only if Indian farmers become
competitive on the world stage
can the perpetually ailing sector be
extricated from itself.
Meanwhile, the second aspect
of the Budget that generated waves
was the announcement that taxpayers
with annual income up to Rs 5 lakh
will get a full rebate. The tax slabs
were, however, left untouched.
Disclosure statement
Disclosure
statement
0800 700 600
Manoj Singhal AFA
021 987 499 www.financematters.co.nz
17
Nevertheless, over 30 million
individuals will gain from the move.
As a result, the purchasing power
of these individuals will witness
an unambiguous push upwards.
Combined with the income transfer
given to farmers, the demand
conditions of the country will
certainly improve in the process
driving its competitiveness forward.
With a focus on the rural economy
and middle-class Indians, the Budget
has managed to be the perfect
election-year Budget and has also
aimed at driving consumption in the
economy. However, two challenges
remain. First, the government’s
capital expenditure has stagnated and
needs to be consistently increased to
ensure long-term growth. Second,
the fiscal health of the economy
needs to be maintained.
The government has yet again
slipped on its fiscal target this year.
The fiscal deficit of the economy
17
stands at 3.4 per cent as per revised
estimates.
It has been 11 years since the target
of three per cent was supposed to
have been met. If India aims to be
fiscally responsible, kicking the can
further down the road is not the way
to go.
The Budget might have brought
immediate cheer all around and
rightly so, but the nation also needs
to have the longer picture in mind.
Anyhow, at this moment we can say
this is a budget that is good politics
and economics all rolled in one.
available
free of
available charge
free upon upon
of charge request
request
 18 INDIA Friday, February 8, 2019 The Indian Weekender

India, Germany decide to cooperate Cabinet

on water, waste management
I
ndia and Germany on Wednesday
agreed that after their robust
bilateral economic cooperation,
they will focus on the environment
and cooperate on water and waste
management.
“Just like Indo-German Climate
and Renewables Alliance,
cooperation in field of environment
needs to be strengthened,” Anil
Kumar Jain, Additional Secretary in
the Environment, Forest and Climate
Change Ministry said after the
third Indo-German working group
meeting ended here.
Jain, who was heading the Indian
delegation said: “The outcomes
will be taken up to higher level
of collaboration during the Third
Indo-German Environment Forum
which is scheduled in New Delhi
on February 13 where both the
German and Indian Environment
Ministers will meet to come up with
some major announcements.” At the
working group meeting, delegations
from the India’s Environment, Forest
and Climate Change Ministry, and
the Germany’s Federal Ministry for
Environment, Nature Conservation,
and Nuclear Safety discussed
potential cooperation areas in the
field of water and waste management.
Regina Dube, Director-General
for Water Management and Resource
Conservation, who headed the
approves MoU
with UAE on
German delegation, said that the
Indian side have been very supportive
in taking the work ahead.
development
Both sides decided to work
further on developing reference
cooperation in
documents for textile sector, air and
Africa
T
water governance, marine litter,
he Union Cabinet on
waste to energy (incineration), bio-
Wednesday approved
methanation, landfill sites, water
a memorandum of
quality management, training and
understanding (MoU) between India
capacity building of local bodies and
and the United Arab Emirates on
circular economy.
development cooperation in Africa.

Cabinet approves agreement with Maldives on agribusiness The MoU entails setting up of a
framework of cooperation between

T
he Union Cabinet on
Wednesday accorded ex
post facto approval to the an
agreement between the Agriculture
Ministry and the Ministry of
Fisheries, Marine Resource and
Agriculture, Maldives.
It was signed in December last year
during the State visit of President of
Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
to India.
The Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) for
establishing mutual cooperation
to improve the ecosystem for
agribusiness provides for cooperation
in the fields of agriculture census,
agribusiness, integrated farming
system, irrigation, improved
seeds, soil health management,
research, capacity building of local
agribusiness, enhancing knowledge
of entrepreneurs in the areas of food
security and nutrition, developing
climate resilient agriculture system,
establishing facilities to test
pesticide residues.
Under the MoU, a Joint Working
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the Joint Press Statement at Hyderabad House
in New Delhi
Group will be constituted to prepare
plans of cooperation, implement the
tasks determined by the parties and
to indicate the implementation of
the two countries for implementing
development partnership projects
and programmes in Africa, an
official statement said, adding that
the proposal will help strengthen
political and economic linkages
between India and African countries
and thus serve India’s broader
strategic interests.
The Cabinet also approved an
MoU between India and Norway on
the India-Norway Ocean Dialogue. 
The MoU is intended to promote
cooperation in the areas of mutual
interest pertaining to the development
of blue economy, the release said,
adding that Norway is a global leader
in this respect with cutting-edge
technologies and expertise in areas
such as fisheries, hydrocarbons,
renewable energy, sustainable
harnessing of ocean resources and
maritime transport. 
The cabinet also approved
MoU between India and Brazil
on cooperationin the field of
traditional systems of medicine and
activities outlined.
homoeopathy.

From 2019, you will need Aadhaar to file your income tax
The release said that India and
Brazil are rich in biodiversity with a
large range of health practices based

T
he Supreme Court, earlier
this week, said that it was
essential to link Aadhaarwith
the PAN card to file income tax
returns henceforth.
The court was hearing the
government’s plea against a Delhi
High Court order allowing the
respondent to file IT returns for 2018
– 2019 without linking the Aadhaar.
The apex court held that the High
Court’s verdict was based on the fact
that the decision on linking Aadhaar
to vital documents or making
Aadhaar compulsory was pending
before the Supreme Court. It also
said that the respondents will now
have to link their cards to file the
returns.
In a 4:1 verdict, the Supreme Court
in September last year upheld the
constitutional validity of Aadhaar.
It, however, struck down some of its
provisions including its linking with
bank accounts, mobile phones, and
school admissions.
The top court, however, made
it compulsory for an individual to
furnish their unique Aadhaar ID
while filing IT returns.
It also made Aadhaar-PAN card
linking mandatory as well as the
requirement of Aadhaar when
applying for PAN card.
Accordingly, the individuals who
do not link their PAN and Aadhaar
cards would not be able to file ITR.
The  last date for Aadhaar-Pan
linking  is March 31, 2019. In a
notification, the government has
stated that the maximum late fee for
not filing income tax returns is Rs
10,000 per person effective April 1,
2018.
The income tax department may
also send tax-offenders a notice
under section 142(1) for filing ITR.
A five-judge bench headed by the
then CJI Dipak Misra also said that
obtaining the Aadhaar continues to
remain voluntary.  facto approval to the framework
While Justices A K Sikri, A M
Khanwilkar and Ashok Bhushan
were in favour of Aadhaar, D Y
Chandrachud dissented.
on medicinal plants and history of use
of traditional medicine. Ayurveda,
yoga and other traditional systems
are also popular in Brazil.
The cabinet also approved
MoU between India and Finland
in biotechnology, for funding and
implementing ambitious industry-led
innovative and transnational projects
within the broad scope of research
development and innovation.
The Cabinet also gave ex-post
agreement between India and
Indonesia on cooperation in the
exploration and uses of outer space
for peaceful purposes.

Back from US, Priyanka chalks UP plan with Rahul, Jyotiraditya Scindia
P
riyanka had a nearly two-hour-long
meeting with Congress president Rahul
Gandhi and Jyotiraditya Scindia to
chalk out the Congress’s UP game plan.
Priyanka Gandhi took charge as AICC
general secretary of East UP.
A day after she returned to India from a
private visit to the US, Priyanka GandhiVadra,
the newly appointed general secretary of the
Congress, on Tuesday got into the thick of
political action.
She had a nearly two-hour-long meeting
with Congress president Rahul Gandhi and
Jyotiraditya Scindia to chalk out the Congress’s
UP game plan.
While Scindia is in charge of UP West,
Priyanka is the party’s minder’s for UP East.
Priyanka is likely to take charge as the general
secretary on Thursday and later in the day attend
a meeting of the general secretaries and in
charges of states convened by Rahul to discuss
preparations for the Lok Sabha elections.
Scindia would take charge on Wednesday.
Sources said Priyanka is likely to begin her
UP tour from February 11. She is likely to
travel to Lucknow on that day, hold a road show
and address a meeting of UPCC office-bearers.
Party leaders from UP exuded confidence that
she would go to Prayagraj to take a dip in the
Sangam on the occasion of Kumbh Mela. She
along with Rahul may also address a rally in UP
later this month in a show of strength.
 20 INDIA Friday, February 8, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Congress, TDP, CPI, TJS NEWS in BRIEF

may join hands for Lok Amitabh Bachchan urges people to use toilets

B ollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Wednesday unveiled the

Sabha polls in Telangana
The four parties had formed the “Prajakutami” (People’s Front) to take on the ruling
Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) in the December 7 assembly election.
‘Darwaza Band -Part 2’ campaign films, which focus on sustaining the
open defecation free (ODF) status of villages across the country.
Launched by Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Grameen, the campaign is
produced by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, and supported
by the World Bank.

T
At the event, Amitabh gave a brief background to the development of
he general mood in the
the campaign and mentioned that the campaign talks about how a toilet
Congress, TDP, CPI and TJS
must be used by all, always and under all circumstances (‘har koi, har roz,
seem to favour fighting the
hamesha’), read a PIB statement.
coming Lok Sabha elections together
He also dedicated a re-adaptation of a poem of his father, the late
in Telangana like in the assembly
Harivansh Rai Bachchan to the Swachh Bharat Mission -- “Swachh Tann ,
polls last year, a leader of one of the
Swachh Mann, Swachh Bharat, Mera Parichay”.
parties said Tuesday.
Maharashtra’s Minister for Water Supply and Sanitation Babanrao
The four parties had formed the
Lonikar, Parameswaran Iyer, Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and
“Prajakutami” (People’s Front) to
Sanitation, and other dignitaries were a part of the event.
take on the ruling Telangana Rashtra
Samiti (TRS) in the December 7 Modi to flag off Train 18 on Feb 15

assembly election.
“That seems to be the general
mood right now”, Prajakutami
convenor and Telangana Jana
Samithi (TJS) President Professor M
Kodandaram told PTI when asked if
the four parties would come together
again for the Lok Sabha elections due
by May. Leaders of the four parties
would meet soon, he said.
“We (TJS) met CPI (Communist
Party of India) independently, spoke
to them at length. Met a few Congress
leaders but no concrete ideas or
decisions. Generally exchanged
We feel that our in the election to the 119-member
assembly in which the TRS returned
campaign strategy
to power with 88 seats.
was a big failure (in The Congress came a distant
the assembly election) second with 19 seats, while the TDP
though we had a good got two. The CPI and TJS drew a
agenda. That’s the blank. The BJP, which fought on its
own, bagged one seat. “We feel that
reason for our miserable
our campaign strategy was a big
performance failure (in the assembly election)
though we had a good agenda.
Kodandaram said. That’s the reason for our miserable
P
rime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the indigenously built Train
18, called the Vande Bharat Express, on February 15 from here, a
Railway Ministry official said.
Train 18, the country's first engine-less train manufactured by the Integral
Coach Factory in Chennai, will be flagged off at 10 a.m. from the New
Delhi railway station.
"He will also address people while flagging off the train," the official said
on Wednesday. The passengers travelling from New Delhi to Varanasi in
the executive class will be charged Rs 399 for morning tea, breakfast and
lunch, while travellers in the chair car will need to pay Rs 344 for the same.
While the passengers travelling from New Delhi to Kanpur and Prayagraj
will have to pay Rs 155 and Rs 122 for executive class and chair car,
respectively.
Cabinet approves establishment of Rashtriya
Kamdhenu Aayog

Indian communication satellite

ideas on the current situation,” The Prajakutami came a cropper performance,” Kodandaram said.

U nion Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday

approved the proposal for establishment of Rashtriya Kamdhenu

GSAT-31 launched successfully

Aayog for conservation, protection and development of cows and their
progeny. The setting up of the Aayog will also lead to conservation,
protection and development of cattle population in the country including

I
ndia's 40th communication
satellite GSAT-31 was
successfully put into orbit by
an Ariane 5 rocket belonging to
Arianespace on early Wednesday,
said Indian space agency ISRO and
Arianespace.
According to Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO),
launch of the year,
the telecommunication satellite,
GSAT-31 was successfully
launched on February 06,
2019 from Kourou launch base,
French Guiana by Ariane-5.
The 2,535-kg GSAT-31 would
augment the Ku-band transponder
capacity in geostationary orbit.
According to ISRO, GSAT-31,
with a mission life of 15 years,
will be used for supporting VSAT
networks, television uplinks, digital
satellite news gathering, DTH
television services, cellular back haul
connectivity and more.
The GSAT-31 will provide
continuity to operational services
on some of the in-orbit satellites, I
SRO said. The two Ku-band beacon
downlink signals are transmitted
by the satellite for ground tracking
purpose, it said.
According to Arianespace, it
opened its 2019 mission activity
"For
the first
Ariane 5
our heavyweight
vehicle has once
more performed
flawlessly."
by successfully orbiting a pair of
telecommunications spacecraft -
Saudi Geostationary Satellite 1/
Hellas Sat 4 (HS-4/SGS-1) and
GSAT-31 with Ariane 5 rocket.
Arianespace CEO Stéphane IsraAl
confirmed the success in post-launch
comments from the spaceport's
control room.
"For the first Ariane 5 launch of the
year, our heavyweight vehicle has
once more performed flawlessly," he
was quoted as saying in a statement.
IsraAl said that GSAT-31 was
the 23rd ISRO satellite orbited
by Arianespace and Ariane-series
launchers, tracing the relationship
back to India's APPLE small
experimental communications
spacecraft, lofted in 1981 by an
Ariane 1 version.
He added: "Arianespace is
honoured ISRO has entrusted Ariane
5 for two launches back-to-back, with
the last Ariane 5 of 2018 launching
GSAT-11, and today the first one
of the year 2019, which orbited
GSAT-31!"
With today's success, Arianespace
kicks off a busy launch schedule
in 2019 – which targets up to 12
missions from the Spaceport with the
heavyweight Ariane 5, medium-lift
Soyuz and lightweight Vega.
development and conservation of indigenous breeds.
The Ayog will provide the policy framework and direction to the cow
conservation and development programmes in the country and for ensuring
proper implementation of laws with respect to their welfare.
The step will result in increased growth of livestock sector which is more
inclusive, benefitting women, and small and marginal farmers.
The Ayog will work in collaboration with veterinary, animal sciences
or Agriculture University and departments that are engaged in the task
of research in the field of breeding and rearing of cow, organic manure,
bio gas.
Monaco's tech companies can tie up with India:
President
M onaco's technology and
investment companies can
significantly benefit from the Indian
growth story, President Ram Nath
Kovind said on Tuesday, when
Prince Albert II of Monaco called on
him at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Welcoming Prince Albert to India,
the President said India and Monaco
had always enjoyed a relationship
of trust, friendship and mutually
beneficial cooperation. The current visit imparts a strong impetus towards
taking the relationship to newer heights.
The President said that India-Monaco ties were doing well but there was
scope to do a lot more together.
On issues such as renewable energy, climate change and the environment,
there was a strong meeting of minds between the two countries, the
President said.
"We must prioritize these areas for bilateral cooperation."

Chinese satellite sends image of moon's captures rear side

A
Chinese lunar orbiter has taken a
stunning image that shows the giant
rear side of the moon with a tiny planet
Earth nearby, the media reported.
The image was snapped by a camera aboard
the Chinese DSLWP-B/Longjiang-2 satellite on
February 4.
It might just be the first image of the moon's
rear side together with Earth that we've seen
since another Chinese spacecraft, Chang'e 5T1,
took a shot of both bodies together in 2014, the
CNET reported on Tuesday.
Longjiang-2 had to take a little break
from photography for a few months to avoid
interfering with the landing of Chang'e 4, but it
now appears to be back at it. Getting the image
did take some effort, though.
The Dutch Dwingeloo Radio Telescope in
the Netherlands downloaded it at the agonising
speed of less than one kilobyte per minute.
Earlier in January, Chang'e-4 lunar probe
became the first spacecraft to make a soft
landing on the far side of the moon.
The probe, comprising a lander and a rover,
touched down at the pre-selected landing area at
177.6 degrees east longitude and 45.5 degrees
south latitude on the far side of the moon.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 8, 2019 INDIA ABROAD 21

India protests after 129 students Swedish PMO has a Maharashtra

connection: Nila Vikhe-Patil
arrested in US immigration authorities
A
Marathi-origin 'mulgi' (girl)

I
ndia has urged the US to release
129 students who were arrested
for enrolling at a fake university
set up to expose immgration fraud.
The ministry of external affairs
said it was concerned that its citizens
may have been “duped” into enlisting
at the University of Farmington in
Michigan and called for them not to
be deported against their will.
It said it had made a démarche, a
formal diplomatic request or protest,
to the US Embassy in New Delhi.
“Our concern over the dignity
and well-being of the detained
students and the need for immediate
consular access for Indian officials
to the detainees was reiterated,” the
ministry said.
“We underlined that students, who
may have been duped into enrolling
in the ‘university’, should be treated
differently from those recruiters who
have duped them. “We have urged
the US side to share full details and
regular updates of the students with
the Government, to release them
from detention at the earliest and
not to resort to deportation against
their will.” Undercover agents
with the Department of Homeland
Security had posed as the owners
and employees of the university in
the suburbs of Detroit since February
2017.
has been re-appointed as
an Advisor in the Sweden
Prime Minister's Office in-charge of
the crucial departments of Finance,
Housing and Financial Markets,
her family members said here on
Wednesday.
Nila A. Vikhe-Patil, 32, will be
working with the new Swedish
Prime Minister, K. Stefan Lofven of
the Social Democrat and Green Party
coalition government that assumed
office on January 18. She is the
granddaughter of late Union minister
Balasaheb Vikhe-Patil, who served
under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Gothenburg School of Business,
Vajpayee. and studied economics and law and
Her father, Dr Ashok Vikhe-Patil also acquired a MBA from Madrid's
said that housing and finance are University de Complutense, he said.
crucial portfolios and she would be Joining active politics from a
in-charge of the country's central young age, she has been associated
budget and taxes. with Swedish Young Greens, Green

Tulsi Gabbard officially launches

A member of the Green Party, Party Gothenburg, Green Students
Nila is also an elected member of the of Sweden and on top executive

2020 presidential election campaign

Stockholm Municipal Corporation's positions of the Green Party, now
City Council. part of the country's ruling coalition,
"This is her re-appointment to the Vikhe-Patil added.

T
ulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu
US Congresswoman, has
officially launched her 2020
presidential campaign in Hawaii.
"It is this principle of service
above self that is at the heart of every
soldier, at the heart of every service
member, and it is in this spirit that
today I announce my candidacy for
President of the United States of
America," media quoted Gabbard as
saying said.
"I will bring this soldier's principles
to the White House, restoring the
values of dignity, honour and respect
to the presidency and above all else,
love for our people and love for our
country.
"I ask you to join me, join me
in putting this spirit, this spirit of
service above self at the forefront
and to stand up against the forces of
greed and corruption.
"The road ahead will not be
easy. The battles will be tough. The
obstacles great, but I know when
we stand united by our love for our
people and for our country, there is
no obstacle we cannot overcome.
There is no battle we cannot win,"
said Gabbard, who is not of Indian
descent but comes from a Hindu
family in Hawaii.
The official launch of the
37-year-old four-term Democratic
congresswoman's campaign gives
her presidential bid a chance at a
reset after weeks of discord heading
I will bring this
soldier's principles
to the White House,
restoring the values
of dignity, honour
and respect to the
presidency and
above all else, love
for our people and
love for our country.
into the announcement.
Gabbard, an Iraq War veteran
who gained national prominence in
2016 as an outspoken supporter of
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders'
2016 campaign, will run for President
as an anti-interventionalist Democrat
who supports a populist economic
agenda. While the Congresswoman
has highlighted health care access,
criminal justice reform and climate
change as key platform issues for
her presidential run, her tenure in
Congress has been defined by her
anti-interventionist foreign policy
positions.
Gabbard, who sits on the House
I
Armed Services Committee, is the
only military veteran to declare her
candidacy and could be relying on
her two tours in the Middle East
to differentiate her from many
Democratic presidential candidates,
including Indian and African-
Jamaican descent Senator Kamala
Harris, Senator Elizabeth Warren
and former Housing Secretary Julian
Castro.
She is popular for some progressive
policies, though she received flak
even within her own party over a
2017 meeting with Syrian President
Bashar al-Assad and past positions
opposed to LGBTQ rights.
post. In the previous government,
Nila has handled departments like
small and medium industries, social
development, gender policy and the
central budget for three years," her
proud father said on Nila's unique
distinction.
Born in Sweden, Nila was
educated mostly in Europe, and
holds a management degree from
Indian American to run
for state Senate in 2020
ndian American Representative
Niraj Antani will run for the
Ohio state Senate in 2020.
The Republican, who is currently
serving his third term in the Ohio
House of Representatives, is the
youngest Indian American and
Hindu American elected official
in the US at age 27, the American
Bazaar reported.
He also holds the distinction of
being the second Indian American
elected official in Ohio's history and
also the first Indian American elected
Republican.
Antani, who represents the
42nd district, will run for the open
State Senate District 6, currently
represented by Senator Peggy
Lehner, who is term-limited and
retiring.
However, Nila has not severed
links with the country of her origin
and comes visiting often, the last trip
being in June 2018.
The niece of Maharashtra's
Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna
Vikhe-Patil, Nila's great-grandfather
made history by setting up Asia's
first cooperative sugar factory in
Ahmednagar.
The 6th district, which consists
of Dayton suburbs, has been a
Republican stronghold since 1985.
In a tweet on Thursday, Antani
said: "I just knocked on the first
door of my campaign for state
Senator! Team Antani is pounding
the pavement, talking to voters about
their most important issues. We will
work hard every day to earn the
support of every voter."
If elected, Antani would go on to
become the highest ranking Indian
American elected official in Ohio's
history, and the first Indian American
state Senator in Ohio.
The Ohio Senate is the upper
chamber of the Ohio General
Assembly, the legislative body that
makes all state laws for Ohio's 11.5
million citizens.

TRUMP NOMINEE RAO FACES SCRUTINY OVER PAST WRITING ABOUT RAPE
T
he judicial wars returned to Washington
on Tuesday as the Senate Judiciary
Committee met to consider Neomi Rao,
President Donald Trump's nominee for newest
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's
now-vacant seat on a powerful appellate court
in Washington.
Indian-American woman, Rao, who serves as
Trump's "czar" overseeing regulatory rollbacks,
faced fierce questioning from Democrats not
just for her work in the Trump administration
but for commentary she wrote decades ago as
a Yale University student suggesting women
should change their behaviour to avoid
date rape.
"I cringe" at some of the language, Rao told
the senators during her testimony on Tuesday.
As most every Democratic senator on the dais
mentioned her early writings, Rao stressed that
they occurred nearly "two decades" ago at a
"time of exploration" in college.
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who recently
publicly disclosed she had been a victim of
sexual assault, said Rao's columns gave her
"pause", CNN reported.
In one piece for the Yale Herald written in
1994 titled "Shades of Gray," Rao responded
to an alleged date rape incident on campus by
writing: "It has always seemed self-evident to
me that even if I drank a lot, I would still be
responsible for my actions."
She added: "A man who rapes a drunk girl
should be prosecuted.
"At the same time, a good way to avoid a
potential date rape is to stay reasonably sober."
On Tuesday, Rao said that when she was writing
about the incident she emphasised that rape is
a crime and no one should "blame the victim"
but that she had attempted to make a "common-
sense observation" that there were some actions
a woman could take so it would be less likely
she would become a victim. Rao said she hoped
she has "matured" as a writer and a person.
Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont
seized on her comments and said that as a
former prosecutor, he had dealt with rape cases.
He said he feared her sentiments might lead
some women to be too ashamed to report rape.
Rao responded that she had made it "very
clear" that "rape is a terrible crime for which
men should be held responsible."
 22 WORLD
2018 FOURTH HOTTEST NEWS in BRIEF
YEAR ON RECORD: NASA U
E
arth's global surface
temperatures in 2018
were the fourth warmest
since 1880 and the planet will
warm further, especially since
greenhouse gas emissions are
continuing to rise, NASA and the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA)
have said.
Global temperatures in 2018 were
0.83 degrees Celsius warmer than the
1951 to 1980, according to scientists
at NASA's Goddard Institute for
Space Studies (GISS) in New York.
Globally, 2018's temperatures
ranked behind those of 2016, 2017
and 2015. The past five years are,
collectively, the warmest years in the
modern record.
"2018 is yet again an extremely
US House panel to probe
Trump’s finances, Russia
A
US House panel has
announced that it
would conduct a broad
investigation into President Donald
Trump’s finances and Russia.
House Intelligence Committee
Chairman Adam Schiff said on
Wednesday that the probe would
“allow us to investigate any
credible allegation that to any credible
financial interests or other
interests are driving decision- leverage by the
Russians or the
making of the President or
anyone in the administration”, Saudis or anyone
media reported.
“That pertains to any credible
allegations of leverage by the
Russians or the Saudis or anyone
else,” Schiff told the media after
the House Intelligence Committee’s
first meeting in the new Congress.
In a statement, Schiff said the
investigation would include a
continued probe into Russia’s
actions during the 2016 presidential
election and contacts between
Moscow and Trump’s team, as
well as an examination of “whether
any foreign actor has sought to
compromise or holds leverage,
financial or otherwise, over Trump,
his family, his business, or his
associates”.
Schiff said the investigation,
which could involve additional
congressional committees, would
also look at whether the President
Russia to roll out 2 new missile systems F
T
he Russian Defence Ministry
on Tuesday announced its
plan to develop and deploy
within two years two new cruise and
hypersonic missiles as Moscow's
initial response to the US' decision
to abandon the Intermediate Nuclear
Forces (INF) Treaty .
Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu
said Russia will develop new ground
versions of its intermediate-range
Kalybr cruise missile and hypersonic
missile, Efe news reported.
The INF Treaty was signed in
1987 between the then Soviet Union
and the US on the elimination of
warm year on top of a long-term
global warming trend," GISS
Director Gavin Schmidt said in a
statement on Wednesday.
Since the 1880s, the average global
surface temperature has risen about 1
degree Celsius.
This warming has been driven in
large part by increased emissions into
"That
pertains
allegations of
else
or his associates have
“sought to influence US government
policy in service of foreign interests”
and any potential obstruction into
the various investigations.
Trump reacted on Wednesday
to Schiff’s announcement by
slamming the California Democrat
and saying he has “no basis to do
that”.
“He’s just a political hack trying
to build a name for himself,” Trump
said in the Roosevelt Room on
Wednesday after announcing his
new nominee to be World Bank
President. It’s called presidential
harassment and it is unfortunate.”
Trump’s comments followed
his State of the Union speech
on Tuesday in which he warned
Democrats against undertaking
“ridiculous partisan investigations”.
intermediate-range and shorter-range
missiles. Moscow and Washington
have been accusing each other of
violating the agreement in recent
years amid increasing tensions.
"During 2019 and 2020 we will
develop a new ground variant of
the sea-launched long-range cruise
missile that functioned so well
in Syria," Shoigu said at a press
conference. "Within the same time-
frame we will develop a ground
version of our hypersonic missile."
The sea and air variants of these
missiles were already operational,
Shoigu said, adding that "it will
the atmosphere of carbon dioxide
and other greenhouse gases caused
by human activities.
"Weather dynamics often affect
regional temperatures, so not every
region on Earth experienced similar
amounts of warming," said NOAA.
Warming trends are strongest in
the Arctic region, where 2018 saw
the continued loss of sea ice.
"In addition, mass loss from the
Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets
continued to contribute to sea level
rise. "Increasing temperatures can
also contribute to longer fire seasons
and some extreme weather events.
"The impacts of long-term global
warming are already being felt a" in
coastal flooding, heat waves, intense
precipitation and ecosystem change,"
said Schmidt.
Research promises ways
to tackle organ shortage
W
ith just a few donor stem
cells, a team of Japanese
researchers have grown
functional mouse kidneys inside
rats, an advance that could address
the chronic global shortage of
donor kidneys.
The new kidneys appeared to
be functional, providing proof-
of-concept validation that this
approach could be used to generate
human kidneys inside livestock,
according to the study to be
published in the forthcoming Nature
Communications journal.
For patients with end-stage renal
disease, kidney transplant is the
only hope for regaining quality life.
But many patients never undergo
transplant surgery because of a
chronic shortage of donor kidneys.
Researchers have also been
working on ways to grow healthy
organs outside the human body.
One such method, blastocyst
complementation, has produced
promising results in generating rat
pancreas in apancreatic mutant mice.
Researchers from the National
Institute for Physiological Sciences
in Japan decided to investigate
whether the method could be used to
generate functional kidneys, which
would have much larger application
in regenerative medicine due to the
high donor demand.
allow a considerable reduction of the
new missile's delivery schedule and
overall project cost".
"Our priority is to increase the
range of our current ground missile
systems." Shoigu ordered his
Deputy Defence Minister Alexei
Krivoruchko to begin developing
both weapon projects "in the very
near future" within the multi-annual
budget assignment set aside for
this purpose. Last Saturday, Shoigu
detailed these plans to President
Vladimir Putin after the latter
announced that Russia had also
forsaken the INF Treaty.
Friday, February 8, 2019 The Indian Weekender
Trump nominates David Malpass to head World Bank
S President Donald Trump on Wednesday nominated David
Malpass, one of his top economic advisers and a Wall Street veteran,
to be the next president of the World Bank.
Malpass, currently the under secretary for international affairs at the
Treasury Department, has been a point person in the Trump administration's
trade negotiations with China and has overseen the government's relationship
with the World Bank.
He has also been a longtime critic of the World Bank's lending practices
and business model and has expressed concern about the overreach of such
multilateral institutions.
Trump on Wednesday called him a "very extraordinary man."
The appointment, which must be approved by the World Bank's board,
could prove controversial given Malpass's skepticism of the bank and
concerns that the Trump administration could politicise the role and use it
to curb China's growing influence around the world, The New York Times
reported.
Taste for fat behind human evolution: Study
A
fatty diet provided our early
human ancestors with the
nutrition to develop bigger
brains, finds a study challenging the
widely held view that eating meat
was the critical factor in setting the
stage for the evolution of humans.
The study by Yale University
researchers argued that our early
ancestors acquired a taste for fat by eating marrow scavenged from the
skeletal remains of large animals that had been killed and eaten by other
predators.
"Our ancestors likely began acquiring a taste for fat four million years ago,
which explains why we crave it today," said lead author Jessica Thompson,
anthropologist at Yale.
"The reservoirs of fat in the long bones of carcasses were a huge calorie
package on a calorie-poor landscape. That could have been what gave an
ancestral population the advantage it needed to set off the chain of human
evolution," she added.
While focusing on fat over meat may seem like a subtle distinction, the
difference is significant, Thompson said.
The nutrients of meat and fat are different, as are the means required to
access them. Meat eating is traditionally paired with the manufacturing of
sharp, flaked-stone tools, while obtaining fat-rich marrow only required
smashing bones with a rock, Thompson noted.
The fat hypothesis also predates by more than one million years most
evidences for even basic tool making of simple stone flakes.
68mn girls at risk of genital mutilation by 2030: WHO
I
f female genital mutilation continues at its current pace in countries where
it is prevalent, some 68 million girls are susceptible to becoming victims
of the practice by 2030, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
On February 6, the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female
Genital Mutilation, a UN initiative, the organization urged the international
community to take action against it and warned growing populations in areas
where it is practiced put more girls at risk, Efe news reported.
"Female genital mutilation violates women's and girls' rights. It must stop
now," the WHO tweeted as it marked the day.
The UN earmarked February 6 as a reminder that efforts needed to be
made in order to end female genital mutilation, which affects more than 200
million women and girls, said WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic in Geneva.
Most of the people affected live in about 30 countries in Africa, the
Middle East and Asia, where the practice is bound up in cultural or religious
traditions. Female genital mutilation is the removal of some or all of the
external female genitalia.
Pakistan's former PM Gilani stopped from going abroad
ormer Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani
was stopped from leaving Pakistan after his
name was found to be on a no-fly list, the media
reported.
According to officials, Gilani reached the
Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore on
Tuesday to catch a flight to South Korea where he
was scheduled to attend a conference. But he was
informed at the immigration counter that his name
was on the Exit Control List and he could not leave the country, Dawn online
reported on Wednesday.
Pakistan's anti-graft body, the National Accountability Bureau, had in
September filed a corruption reference against Gilani and several others for
allegedly misusing their authority in an illegal publicity campaign which
caused a huge loss to the national exchequer.
According to the NAB, Gilani and others misused their authority in the
illegal publicity campaign through M/S Midas Pvt Ltd, a Lahore-based
advertising agency handling the accounts of most major political parties.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 8, 2019 SPORTS 23

NEWS in BRIEF
India among World Cup favourites: Warne

L
eg-spin legend Shane Warne believes India is one of the favourites to
lift this year's World Cup trophy along with England and defending
champions Australia.
"As I'm putting my #worldcup squad together for my column, I really
believe Aust can win it again. As we have the players for the conditions,
match winners etc. I think England & India go in as hot favourites, but if the
selectors play their part - then the Aussies can 100% win," Warne wrote on
Twitter on Tuesday. The Indians have been in excellent form in limited overs

TEAM INDIA IS DEPENDENT cricket in the recent past. They won 5-1 in South Africa, defeated Australia
2-1 before beating New Zealand 4-1 this year.
The only blemish in their near perfect recent record is a 2-1 loss to England.

ON SPINNERS, THEY CONTROL India bid to host hockey World Cup in 2023

MIDDLE OVERS: MITHALI RAJ A

fter successfully organinsing the men's World Cup thrice, India
on Tuesday announced their bid to host either of the FIH men's or
women's World Cups in 2023.
Australia and New Zealand have also expressed their interests for hosting
the women's World Cup in the January 13-29, 2023 window. Other bids have
been made for the time window of July 1-17 in 2022 by Germany, Malaysia

I
ndian women’s cricket team is
heavily depended on spinners
in the middle overs and they
have not disappointed in the series
against New Zealand’s White Ferns,
ODI skipper Mithali Raj said on the
eve of the three-match T20I series,
beginning on February 6.
Spinners, who adapted to
challenging conditions in the New
Zealand, helped the touring side
clinch the ODI series by 2-1. Ekta
Bisht (3, 32) (2, 14) (0, 29), Deepti
Sharma (2, 27) (2, 51) (0, 19)
andPoonam Yadav(3, 42) (2, 38) (1,
31) worked in tandem to run through
the Kiwi batting in the three matches.
“It is good to see spinners bowling
very well in the series because it is
something lot of people have asked
me earlier — how the spinners are
going to be effective on this soil,
in these conditions. India definitely
has heavily depended on spinners in
the middle overs and they have not
disappointed in the series because
when it came to the first two games,
they controlled the middle overs and
got those wickets for us,” Mithali
told ANI.
With the third game against White
Ferns on February 1, Mithali became
the first-ever woman cricketer to play
200 one-day internationals.
The 36-year-old, who has seen the
hard difficult days when women’s
cricket was not given the due,
considers herself fortunate and
grateful to have come so far, saying,
“I have never seen this coming when
I first took up the bat but yes it has
Harmanpreet Kaur is known as a
powerful scorer
always been an honour and pride to
represent the country for so many
years and seeing women’s cricket go
through the transition.”
“I have had made my debut under
the WCI, now we are under the BCCI.
Today where women cricketers are, I
think young children can look up to
them as role models. The standard
in women’s game has improved
vastly coming from say 150 to 200 to
300 total, it will only get better and
better,” she said.
“I am thankful to all those people
who have had played an important
part in shaping my career. I will
continue to invest in those reasons or
the factors that have kept me going
all these years whether it is adapting
to different conditions or situations
and of course the responsibility of
the team. I have seen highs and lows,
which I believe is part of a long
career,” Mithali said.
India managed only one win when
they last visited New Zealand in
2006, the first time the teams had
ever played a bilateral ODI series
in the Kiwiland. Now 13 years later,
the only remaining players who can
link to the tour of 2006 are India’s
two top cricketers MithaliandJhulan
Goswami.
Coming with a relatively new team
and new setup, Mithali said, “Coming
after 11 or 12 years a lot has changed
over the years in terms of players,
coming under the BCCI, under the
ICC. The number of matches which
has increased has only helped players
who kind of have a form can continue
it and players who are in search of a
form will always have more matches
that they can always get back to.”
The ODI skipper wanted to clean
sweep the series by 3-0 as that would
have put India Women at number two
in the rankings. However, as the team
still has two more series, Mithali is
hopeful to gather more points.
India are slated to play three ODIs,
part of ICC Women’s Championship,
and three T20Is against England. The
series will be hosted at the Wankhede
Stadiumin Mumbai on February
22, 25 and 28. The T20I series will
be played at theBarsapara Cricket
Stadiumin Guwahati on March 4, 7
and 9.
“We are playing England at home,
conditions will be favouring us.
England are a good side, one of the
top teams and they will give us a good
fight. The Indian team is in a good
form, momentum that we would love
to carry in our home series.”
and Spain. India hosted the men's edition in Bhubaneswar last year, but have
never hosted an women's World Cup.
While India and Germany have bid for both men's and women's World
Cups, Malaysia and Spain have bid for the men's tournament.
"FIH is glad to have received such strong bids. This confirms how
appealing our events are. We're looking forward to two great FIH World
Cups, both men's and women's, and a lot of excitement for players and fans,"
International Hockey Federation (FIH) chief executive officer (CEO) Thierry
Weil said in a statement.
Real Madrid registers 3-0 win over Alaves
R eal Madrid romped to a 3-0 win over Alaves at Santiago Bernabeu
stadium here on tallies by Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior and Mariano,
with the squad securing its fifth consecutive victory.
Benzema now has six goals in his last four outings for Real Madrid,
while Vinicius managed to score his second so far for the squad, playing an
outstanding game.
Meanwhile, Mariano once again took the pitch late in the match after being
out since December 6, notching his top-flight goal after taking advantage of a
great centering pass by Odriozola, reports Efe news.
The 18-year-old Brazilian was a key factor in Benzema's goal in the 30th
minute on Sunday night. Just a few minutes later, it was Vinicius again
thrilling the crowd as he dribbled past two defenders but was downed by
Victor Laguardia, who was yellow-carded for the foul.
In the 80th minute, Vinicius was successful in finding the back of the net
before Mariano headed in a diving shot, beating the Alaves goalkeeper for the
third goal of the night in stoppage time.
Dhoni rises in latest ICC ODI rankings for batsmen
A fter scoring three successive half-centuries in the recently concluded
series against Australia, former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni
has moved up three places in the latest ICC rankings for ODI batsmen.
The stumper, who is now at the 17th spot, had scored 51, 55 not out and 87
not out and played a significant role in India's first ever bilateral series win
in Australia.
Meanwhile, Kedar Jadhav also vaulted eight places to be at the 35th position
in the ODI rankings for batsmen. Moreover, regular India skipper Virat Kohli,
who was rested for the last two ODIs against New Zealand, continues to hold
the No.1 spot with 887 points. Rohit Sharma, who stood in as India captain in
the absence of Kohli, is at the second place with 854 points while his opening
partner Shikhar Dhawan is at the 10th spot with 744 points.

Rohit blames poor batting for loss in T20I opener

A
fter his side was hammered by 80
runs in the first T20I of the three-
match rubber against New Zealand,
a disappointed stand-in India skipper Rohit
Sharma felt the lack of partnerships hurt his
side's chances during the run chase.
After an impressive show in the recently
concluded ODI series against the Kiwis, the
men in blue failed to click both with the bat and
the ball on Wednesday as they were bundled out
for 139 runs, thanks to an all-round effort by
the hosts.
Speaking after the match, Rohit said: "It
was a tough game. We were outplayed in all
three departments. We didn't start well and we
knew that 200 wasn't going to be an easy chase
although the grounds are small here."
"But we kept losing wickets and that threw
us off. We have chased such targets in the past
and that is why we played with eight batsmen,
but we didn't have small partnerships and that
made it tough while chasing such a big target,"
he added.
Rohit however, was hopeful that they
would be able to rectify their mistakes in the
remaining matches as his side was capable of
hunting down big targets.
"As a team, we have been good at chasing
down targets which is why we play with eight
batsmen. We believe that whatever the target is
in front of us we can chase it down, but we just
couldn't do it tonight," expressed the stand-in
India skipper.
Meanwhile, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson
acknowledged his team's overall performance
beside praising Tim Seifert, whose 43-ball 84
runs made all the difference on Wednesday.
"Fantastic performance all around, everyone
rose and it was one of those complete Munro were outstanding." fielding too was of high standard," he added.
performances that you search for," Williamson "Daryll Mitchell bowled really well. We Both the sides will now face-off in the second
said adding: "The top-order were superb and had the runs on the board, but the bowling and match of the series on Friday.
we built partnerships that helped us. Seifert,
 24 FEATURES
Cervical cancer risk highest in
middle-aged Indian women: Survey
N
early 50 per cent of middle-
aged women in India were
found to have positive cases
of high-risk human papillomavirus
(HPV) -- the main risk factor for
cervical cancer, says a report from
SRL Diagnostics.
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is
a group of viruses that are extremely
common worldwide. There are more
than 100 types of HPV, of which at
least 14 are cancer-causing (also
known as high risk type).
The virus is mainly transmitted
through sexual contact and most
people are infected with HPV shortly
after the onset of sexual activity.
Two HPV types (16 and 18) cause
70 per cent of cervical cancers and
precancerous cervical lesions.
Analysis of HPV test reports of
4,500 women pan-India between
2014 and 2018, showed that women
aged between 31 and 45 years had
the highest percentage of high-risk
‘6 out of 10 parents do
not monitor the content
kids view online’
A
bout 54 per cent said they had
not changed the password to
their social media accounts
in the past six months, while 31 per
cent said they cannot even recall how
long it had been since they had last
changed their password.
Around 60 per cent of parents
do not monitor the content their
kids view online, revealed a survey
conducted recently in the country.
This is a matter of concern since
children can be exposed to varied
kinds of content online, which may
or may not be appropriate. And
that’s why parental intervention is
necessary. The findings are part of the
2019 Internet Behaviour Survey was
conducted by OLX on the occasion
of Safer Internet Day, observed on
February 5.
A while ago, another survey by
ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers
of Commerce and Industry of India),
in 2014, had revealed that 73 per
cent of children in tier-II cities used
social networking sites, even though
the minimum age group for opening
an account is 13 years. Nearly 82
per cent of parents helped their kids
create social media profiles online.
H E A LT H
HPV at 47 per cent.
This was followed by 30 per cent
of women aged between 16 and 30
years being affected by the risk.
Cervical cancer accounts for one-
third of all global deaths, with 74,000
deaths occurring annually and is
the second leading cause of cancer
PARENTING
The OLX survey further revealed
that 67 per cent of netizens skipped
the terms and conditions or any
other safety or legal guidelines while
signing up to a website or using a
product. About 54 per cent said they
had not changed the password to
their social media accounts in the
past six months, while 31 per cent
said they cannot even recall how
long it had been since they had last
changed their password.
56 per cent of people have also
freely shared their mobile number
on their professional or social media
profiles.
“The internet has come to dominate
our lives like never before. It is in
our interest, therefore, to use it in a
manner that continues to improve
the quality of our lives while staying
safe by implementing the same level
of caution we exercise in the real
world…(This) is a great time to
reflect on our personal attitudes and
behaviours, and make a concerted
choice to take actions that ensure our
own safety and that of our children,”
Lavanya Chandan, General Counsel,
OLX India, said.
deaths among women in India.
However, "cervical cancer is also
the only cancer which is preventable
if care is taken in the initial stage",
said B.R Das from SRL Diagnostics.
"The high mortality rate from
cervical cancer globally could be
reduced through a comprehensive
approach that includes screening,
early diagnosis and treatment
programmes," he added.
Besides vaccination before girls
become sexually active, secondary
prevention can be done by regular
cervical smear of PAP smear which
can pick up any abnormal cells
in the cervix before they become
cancerous.
"While PAP test is much more
likely to miss precancerous cervical
disease, HPV testing is more sensitive
for detecting localised infection and
marginally less sensitive for distant
infection," Das noted.
10 EXAM TIPS FOR PARENTS:
How to help your child study
Y
our child needs your support
during exams, whether it’s
just lending a patient ear or
making sure they keep away from
online distractions. Here’s how you
can support children during exams:
Be familiar with your child’s
exam schedule
We know you’re a busy parent,
which is why some advance planning
helps. Don’t leave it to your son or
daughter to inform you of their exam
timings. Get a printout and pin it up
where you can all see it and keep an
online copy for reference, if required.
This way, you know when they need
to be dropped off at the exam centre.
Avoid arguments
If the bed isn’t made, you’re within
your rights to point it out, but avoid
prolonged arguments over it for now,
since your child needs to focus on
their exams. It’s a team effort and the
family has to pull together and make
sure all energies are devoted to the
task at hand.
Have meals with the family
Chances are, your child is cooped
up in their room for long hours
preparing for their exams. Make sure
they have their meals with the family,
so that they get a break from the
monotony of constant studying. Keep
the dining table conversation light, so
that your child feels refreshed.
Avoid burdening them with
your stress
We know you’re stressed, probably
even more than your child. But when
the exam date nears, it’s time to
back off and let the child be calm. If
you’re still wracked by nerves, vent
to a partner or a friend. Your child is
Friday, February 8, 2019
Excess use of toothpaste by
kids leads to tooth decay: Study
M
Mary Hayes, pediatric dentist in
any young kids who use
toothpaste more than
needed are at an increased
risk of dental fluorosis when they get
older, warns a new study.
Fluorosis is a condition that affects
the teeth caused by overexposure to
fluoride during the first eight years
of life. Fluoride is a mineral found
in water and soil. More than 70 years
ago, scientists discovered that people
whose drinking water naturally had
more fluoride also had fewer cavities.
That led to addition of fluoride to tap
water, toothpaste, mouthwash and
other products. However, the study
showed that when teeth are forming,
too much fluoride can lead to tooth
streaking or spottiness or dental
fluorosis. In addition, the study found
that although experts recommend no
more than a pea-sized amount, about
40 per cent of kids aged three to six
used a brush that was full or half-full
of toothpaste.
"Fluoride is a wonderful benefit
but it needs to be used carefully,"
stressed enough and can do without
you adding to it.
Make sure they get a good
night’s sleep
A good night’s sleep is very
important. Check your child’s
timetable to ensure they have enough
time for a well-earned sleep. This
will calm their nerves and keep them
alert on the big day.
Keep away from digital dis-
tractions
It’s difficult to steer clear of digital
devices completely, but it’s critical
to do so during exam time. Install
parental controls on your child’s
devices so that you can ensure they
keep away from distractions and
focus on doing their best during
exams.
Incentives and bribes
There’s a fine line between an
incentive to do well and outright
bribery. Your child should be
motivated to put their best foot
forward in their exams, without you
offering a bribe, such as an expensive
gift. However, a family meal or
outing is a good idea after the exam
The Indian Weekender
Chicago was quoted by Daily Mail.
For the study, the researchers from
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention included parents of more
than 5,000 kids ages three to 15.
Although the researchers did not
determine how many kids developed
streaked or spotty teeth as a result
of using too much toothpaste, they
recommended children under three
are only supposed to use a smear of
toothpaste the size of a grain of rice,
reported Daily Mail.
Kids aged three to six should keep
it to a pea-sized amount.
Young kids may push for
independence in brushing their teeth,
but kids' toothpaste tastes sweet,
according to the team.
as it will also help take the pressure
off.
Be a sounding board
Ask them how their exam went,
but withhold judgment. Offer to be a
listening post, without blaming them
for anything they’ve got wrong in the
answer sheet. Be encouraging about
the remaining tests and keep them
hopeful about the outcome. Let them
know you’re there to fofer support,
whatever the outcome.
Be available
Make time for your child,
particularly during the important
papers. If possible, if you have leave
left, inform your office and take it
during this time so you can be around
your child. Stay aware of their needs,
whether it’s a spot of revision, a cup
of coffee to perk them up or just being
available to address any concerns.
Maintain a balanced diet and
routine
Whether it’s the daily glass of milk
or almonds, make sure your child
isn’t skipping meals and is eating on
time. Nutrition plays an important
role in keeping energy levels up.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 8, 2019 FEATURES 25
Lip-smacking breakfast recipes that will comfort
your soul and make your weekend more enjoyable
W ho doesn’t love a hearty, yummy breakfast? It’s officially the most
important meal and sets the mood for the day. However, you’ll often
notice how preparing breakfast is sometimes not the easiest task, especially for
the girl-on-the-go, like me. We run a tight schedule and there’s barely any time
to fry an egg, leave alone make something fancy. 
Dal ka paratha  a pan and saute the onion, capsicum,
green chillies, ginger and garlic till
slightly soft but still crunchy. Add
the red chilli powder, soya sauce,
vinegar, 2 tbsp. water, sugar and salt
to taste. When the sauce thickens,
add the fried bread slices. Mix well
so that they are well coated with the
sauce. Serve hot along with veg.
fried rice.
Ingredients: Masala French Toast 
• 1 cup wheat flour (atta) •  Ingredients:
• 2 tsp oil • 3 Bread slices
• 1 tsp salt or to taste • 4 Eggs
• For the Filling: • Cooking oil 
• 1/2 cup dhuli moong dal (husked • 2 tablespoons Milk
green gram) - soaked for 1 hour • 1 tablespoon Red Chilli flakes

MALAI CHICKEN TIKKA

• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds • Coriander leaves (Dhania) 
• 1/8 tsp turmeric powder • 1/4 tablespoon Black pepper
• 1 pinch asafoetida powder
• 1/2 tsp chilli powder • 1 Onion , finely chopped

Luscious chicken bites prepared • 2 tsp oil • 2 to 3 Green Chillies 

• 1 tsp salt or to taste Directions: 
To begin, beat the eggs in a mixing
• Ghee as needed

with a creamy cheese marinade

bowl. Add milk, beat it again and
 Directions: 
make sure that it is mixed properly.
Sieve the flour and knead to a soft
Add chilli flakes, salt and black

W
hether barbecued or grilled, this chicken preparation is known for its mild flavour. dough by adding enough water. Keep
pepper. Once it is done, heat oil in a
aside.  Drain the dal and cook in 1
Often described as a ‘melt in the mouth’ experience, chicken pieces are marinated in a delicate blend of wide pan. Take a bread slice, dip it in
cup of water. Heat oil in a pan; add
spices and rich cheese. The delicate aroma of nutmeg and cardamom complements the creamy marinade and the egg mixture and put it on the pan.
the cumin seeds, asafoetida.  When
the satin softness of the chicken. Spread some onion, green chillies
the seeds splutter, add the cooked
Prepation Time: 10 min and coriander on the top of bread and
dal, salt, turmeric powder, chilli
Marination: 2 hours to pour some egg mixture on it again.
powder and mix well.  Cook until
overnight Turn the bread and let the other side
the dal mixture is dry. Let it cool. 
Cooking Time: 45 min also cooked properly. Once it turns
Break small rounds of the dough.
light brown in colour, take it out of
Serves: 4 / Taste: Mild 1 Roll each round a little flat and place
the stove and it is ready to be served. 
some filling in the centre.  Close
INGREDIENTS:
from all sides and roll as thin as you Open Toast With Egg, Tomato
• 500g boneless chicken, cut
RECIPES

can without tearing.  Heat a tawa & Spinach 

into bite-sized pieces (griddle), and fry the parantha with Ingredients:
• 2–3 green chillies
ENTREES

the ghee, till brown on both sides.

• 1/2 cup coriander leaves,
finely chopped Bread Manchurian 
• 1/2 cup cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup cream
• 2 Tbsp ginger paste
• 1 Tbsp garlic paste
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
• 1/4 tsp salt, to taste Bamboo • 2 Bread slices
skewers (soaked in water and • 2 Eggs
then wiped) • 15 Spinach Leaves (Palak)
Ingredients:   • 1 Tomato
• Oil, for basting
• 6-7 bread slices • 1 teaspoon Black pepper powder
• Chaat Masala, to sprinkle
• 1/2 tbsp. maida • 1 teaspoon Red Chilli flakes
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp. cornflour • Cooking oil
METHOD • salt and pepper to taste  Directions:
For the Marinade • oil to shallow fry To begin with the Open Toast with
• Grind green chillies and • For the sauce:  Egg, Tomatoes And Spinach recipe,
coriander into a paste, set • 2 onion, diced heat the skillet and add 2 tablespoon
aside. • 1 capsicum, diced oil, as the oil heats up add tomato
• Combine grated cheese and • 3-4 garlic, minced slices and grill them for a minute and
• 1 tsp. ginger, minced remove them. In the next step to the
cream in a deep bowl and
• 2 green chillies, chopped same skillet add chopped spinach
mash together with a fork,
• 1 tbsp. soya sauce leaves and a pinch of salt to it and
ensuring that it forms a paste sauté till the spinach leaves wilt.
without any lumps.
44 | India’s Most Wanted Recipies Ruby Dhillon
• 1 tsp. vinegar
Remove the spinach from the skillet
• Add ginger, garlic, green • 1/2 tsp. red chilli powder
and gently toast the bread slices. 
chilli paste, cardamom powder, black pepper powder • 1/2 tsp. sugar
• 30-40 mins, basting with oil and turning them once, After toasting the bread now pour
and salt to the cheese mix. Mash and mix again so that • salt to taste
then cook the other side of the chicken for 15-20 mins one egg in the skillet, cook till the
there are no lumps in the mixture. • 2 tbsp. oil whites get cooked. Add black pepper
or until it’s cooked through.  Directions: 
• Add the chicken bites to the cheese mixture, mix • Serve with sprinkled Chaat Masala and a squeeze of and salt to the egg and remove it
Make a thin batter with the from the skillet. To arrange the open
thoroughly to ensure that the chicken is fully coated. lemon juice. Tastes good with Mint Chutney and a cornflour, maida, pepper, salt and faced toast with egg, tomato and
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 Side Salad. water. Keep aside. Dip the bread spinach. Place one toast and add half
hour to marinate, or overnight.
slices in the batter and shallow fry part of the spinach to it. Add 4 slices
Ruby's Tip: This Chicken can also be cooked on the them on a tawa on both sides along of tomato on each corner of the toast
To Cook barbeque or grill. with 1 tsp. of oil till golden in colour. and place the fried egg on top of it.
• Preheat oven to 200ºC. You can remove the Chicken pieces from the skewers Do it the same way with the other For the second toast repeat the same.
• Thread 3–4 pieces of chicken on each skewer and and arrange on a serving plate or serve individually bread slices and chop them to bite To garnish the Open toast add chilli
arrange on a large baking tray, lined with foil. Bake leaving the Chicken skewers size pieces. Keep aside. Heat oil in flakes on top of the fried egg. 
in the oven for
26 TIME OUT Friday, February 8, 2019 The Indian Weekender

CROSSWORD NO: 5 ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK'S QUESTIONS

SUDOKU NO: 5

HITORI NO: 5 QUIZ QUESTIONS NO: 5

Hitori – a logic puzzle with very simple rules and challenging solutions. Can you
eliminate numbers until there are no duplicates in any row or column? 1. What is the name of the Paranoid Android in
Objective / Rules. Eliminate numbers until there are no duplicates in any row Douglas Adams’ ‘Hitchhiker’s Guide to the
or column. Eliminate numbers by marking them in Black.
You are not allowed to have two Black squares touching horizontally or Galaxy’?
vertically (diagonally is ok). Any White square can be reached from any 2. In a standard UK Monopoly game, the green
other (i.e. they are connected).
set consists of Bond Street, Regent Street and
which other?
3. Who created Snoopy?
4. What does UNESCO stand for?
5. After how many years would you celebrate
your crystal anniversary?
6. Which sign of the zodiac would you be if your
birthday was on the 18th October?
7. Who was the first famous non-royal to appear
on a UK postage stamp?
8. Which birthstone is associated with the month
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE NO: 5
See how many differences you can find in the right or left photo. of May?
9. Which measurement of speed is equivalent to
one nautical mile per hour?
10. Of what is semiotics the study?
11. Where in the human body would the limbic
system be found?
12. Which type of mammal is a gelada?
13. Which part of the body is affected by Gorham’s
Disease?
14. What is the collective noun used for a group of
grasshoppers?
15. Of what is phonology the study?
16. “For every action there is an equal and opposite
reaction.” Whose third law is this?
17. The MMR vaccine protects against which three
diseases?
18. Which two letters of the alphabet make up the
chemical symbol for mercury?
19. An ‘epiphyte’ is an organism that grows on the
surface of what?
20. A ‘light breeze’ of between 4 and 7 miles
per hour would read as which number on the
Beaufort Wind Force scale?

2 (0 = calm, 12 = hurricane)
Send us stories, drawings, poems
rubella (German measles) 18. Hg 19. A plant (Eg. moss or lichens) 20.
all reasonable answers) 16. Sir Isaac Newton 17. Measles, mumps and
cloud 15. Sounds (within a language and across languages – accept and other contributions by your little
heart monkey and found only in Ethiopia) 13. Bones/skeleton 14. A
ones along with their photographs
for this page. E-mail us at reporter@
and symbols 11. In the brain 12. Monkey (Sometimes called bleeding-
Libra 7. William Shakespeare (in 1964) 8. Emerald 9. Knot 10. Signs
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation 5. 15 6.
Answers: 1. Marvin 2. Oxford Street 3. Charles M. Schulz 4. United indianweekender.co.nz
 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 8, 2019
Beauty trends which are
already a BIG HIT this year
A
fter all that forecasting and waiting, check out what’s hot among the beauty trends currently.
Last year was all about beauty experiments, and this year seems to be even more
interesting with a variety of trends from all over the globe. Almost a month and a half
into the new year, and there are about top 5 glam beauty trends that we are already obsessing over.
Check out these trends and get on top of the game girls!
 Bold eyes with natural skin
2 019 seems to be all about sporting a fresh,
clean and natural look with steamy bold
eyes. Pops of colour, glitter, metallics, and
colour-blocking are apt options for the eyes
while keeping your skin minimalistic, so that it
actually looks like natural skin.
Blushed cheeks
S
eems like top celebrities like PeeCee and
Shay Mitchell are loving the rosy cheeks
and a hint of blush on the nose for a sexy,
flushed look. Using some pinks and corals
instantly gives you that feminine and natural
looking flush. Also, you can try a cream-based
formula to achieve the natural finish.
90’s inspired lips
A ll those of you who cannot get enough
of bold red and nude lips, make some
space in your vanity for an uber cool brown
Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and fengshui
consultant based in India with a global presence through the online channels. She is available for
consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha.com or contact
at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +91-9716145644 • www.askmanisha.com
liner which has made its comeback this year.
The ones in the market today give you the retro
warm undertone which is easier to use.
All-in with the liner
T his year, we have already come across
many variations of the eye-liners. From
the classic cat eye to geometric shapes, use any
possible colour as there is a plethora of liner
styles which you can try.
Face framing hair-pins
T his is one of those 90’s trends which has
made a huge comeback among others.
The face-framing retro hair pins are definitely
giving us the rocking 90’s vibe. Sport a pair
of studded or the classic crystal oversized pins
framing your face to instantly amp up even the
most simple hairstyles.
FEATURES 27
08 February 14 February | By Manisha Koushik
ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20)
You are likely to enjoy the right mix of work and pleasure on the professional
front. Good preparation on the academic front will make revision easy. Giving a
sympathetic ear to spouse is advised to enhance love and understanding. A short trip
proves exhilarating. You earn enough to splurge, so don’t miss out on shopping this
week! Actors and stage artists may have money showered on them. Figure conscious
people will find it beneficial to adopt a different diet. Lucky Number: 9/ Lucky
Colour: Indigo
TAURUS (Apr 21-May 20)
It may be difficult to catch hold of someone, who is important for a legal transaction,
but perseverance will pay. Don’t only focus on the important on the academic front. If
loneliness seems overbearing, it is time to look for a life partner. A long-term romance
will provide immense fulfillment. Politicians and businessmen can find the week
profitable. A scheme that you want to invest in is likely to give good returns. Avoid
strenuous workouts. Lucky Number: 8 / Lucky Colour: Green
GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21)
This week, a fantastic time can be expected in the company of the ones you love. You
are likely to keep work related issues on the back burner. Lonely hearts are likely
to be bitten by the love bug soon. Aftermath of a festival or ceremony will be as
exciting! A financial transaction may turn in your favour, if you make the right moves.
You remain in a positive frame of mind on the academic front. Lucky Number: 1 /
Lucky Colour: Light Yellow
CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 20)
If you keep on the right side of the right people, you are likely to get immensely
benefitted. Customs and income tax officials reap rich rewards. An overseas journey
is indicated for attending a wedding or ceremony. You will be adequately prepared on
the academic front, despite your misgivings. Longing for lover may bring passions
to the fore. Children will be a source of much joy this week. Good investment
opportunities will have to be seized the moment they arise. Lucky Number:15 / Lucky
Colour:Royal Blue
LEO (JuL21-Aug 20)
You are likely to indulge in image makeover, just to impress others. Office hours
may get extended this week, as you get additional work. Take advice of subordinates
with a pinch of salt. Your fears will be laid to rest as the one you secretly love sends
positive signals. A marriage is in the offing for the eligible. A financial crisis may
make you take rash decisions. A fitness regime may get going in fits and starts. Lucky
Number: 7 / Lucky Colour: Lemon
VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 23)
Delegating an important responsibility to someone irresponsible at work may get you
into hot soup. Pressure may mount on you on the academic front. An important piece
of information will help you in winning your love. Your charm and confidence will be
enough for lover to shed reluctance in going out with you! A legal case that you are
embroiled in threatens to suck all your savings. Your hard work manages to get you a
well toned body. Lucky Number: 17 / Lucky Colour: Lavender
LIBRA (Sep 24-Oct 23)
People who matter will be appreciative of your befitting gesture. Your communication
skills are likely to impress the one you are out to impress! Those in insurance, travel
and education fields enter an excellent time. Savings will come in use for buying a
new gadget or automobile. Success on the professional or domestic front will put all
health problems in the background. A balanced diet and regular workouts will keep
you fit and on the move. Lucky Number: 2 / Lucky Colour: Light Purple
SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22)
You are likely to share a special equation with a youngster. Meeting someone after
a long will prove immensely satisfying. Luck favours you on the romantic front.
Something you have achieved or are about to achieve on the academic front promises
to open many doors for you. Arrears are likely to get paid soon. Government officials
can expect a windfall soon. You will have it easy at work this week. There is no better
alternative than home food. Lucky Number:8 / Lucky Colour: Chocolate
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Don’t offend or hurt anyone, even if you feel wronged, as it may show you in bad
light. Guard against overconfidence on the academic front. Don’t escalate office
rivalry, as it serves none. Your suspicious nature will get you on the wrong side of
partner. Excellent financial prospects are seen for young MBAs. A health tip from an
expert will do wonders in regaining a slim and trim figure. Eat right to come back in
shape. Lucky Number:18 / Lucky Colour: Sandy Brown
CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 21)
Pulling strings to get what you desire will make things easy for you. A short break
from the routine is indicated and will prove most refreshing and rejuvenating. Partner
will be more than willing to travel with you. Your decision to take the initiative on the
romantic front hits the bullseye. Getting money from a least expected source is likely.
A family youngster will be instrumental in furthering the business. Opt for healthy
food and adopt an active lifestyle. Lucky Number:7 / Lucky Colour: Lemon
AQUARIUS (Jan 22-Feb 19)
If you gain from betting or playing the stocks, consider it as a one off achievement.
You are likely to pace the way for someone’s smooth ride on the professional front
and earn appreciation. Love that had been given up for lost returns to illuminate your
life. Mutual appreciation club will be in full swing between you and lover. Managers
and technocrats can expect a positive development on the financial front. Work
towards achieving total fitness. Lucky Number: 1 / Lucky Colour: Light Yellow
PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20)
You are likely to get an excellent opportunity on the professional front. Don’t let it
slip out of your fingers. A promise kept by lover will gladden your heart. You will
find care and concern bestowed upon you by partner simply overwhelming. A new
partnership is set to take business to a newer height. Getting choice posting is possible
for the uniformed personnel. A healthy way of life entails many sacrifices, but the
fruits are always sweet! Lucky Number:2 / Lucky Colour:Baby Pink
 28 ENTERTAINMENT Friday, February 1, 2019 The Indian Weekender

NEHA DHUPIA: Daughters are

special: Amitabh
Fat shaming does
M
egastar

not bother me
Amitabh

Bachchan on

A
ctress Neha Dhupia, who has been trolled for her weight, says fat shaming does not bother her Monday penned a
even a bit. She does want the trolling to stop not just for celebrities but for everyone. Several heartfelt post for his
Bollywood personalities like Sonam K Ahuja and Nimrat Kaur came out in support of Neha daughter Shweta
and lauded her for spreading such an “important message”.  Bachchan Nanda
On Saturday, the former beauty queen and reality TV judge Neha tweeted a photograph of a as her debut novel
magazine cover, with a photograph of herself and a caption reading: “Neha Dhupia shocking "Paradise Towers"
weight gain post pregnancy”. has become one of
To which, the “Tumhari Sulu” actress responded: “I don’t owe anyone an the best-selling "Nothing
explanation because fat shaming like this doesn’t bother me one bit.  fiction books. brings
“But I do want to address this as a larger problem because fat shaming needs to Praising greater pride to
stop for everyone not just celebrities. As a new mom I want to be fit, healthy and S h w e t a a father than this
energetic for my daughter.”  Neha, who is married to actor Angad Bedi, said that for the achievement of a a c h i e v e m e n t ,
she works out everyday.  Big B took to social media
daughter."
“Sometimes twice a day because for me... fitness is a priority and not ‘fitting and wrote: "Nothing brings
into’ society’s standards regarding looks. And I hope in the future people
greater pride to a father than this
are kinder to each other while making such vapid and vile comments,” the
achievement of a daughter. Daughters are special.
38-year-old added. Neha and Angad surprised everyone with their hush-
From this little 'ghunghat (veil)' to the 'best seller'."
hush marriage in May last year. They confirmed her pregnancy in August.
Along with the post, the proud father also shared
Sonam also posted: “You are beautiful no matter what anyone says.”
Actress Nimrat Kaur says she put out “such an important message. a childhood photograph of Shweta, who can be seen
More power to you”. Sophie Choudry said: “Proud of you Neha! It’s an carrying a red colour veil on her head.
important, positive message for all the women reading this... And an even Shweta's book was launched on Amitabh's 76th
more important message for those vapid, pathetic journalists who amaze birthday last year. It is a heart-warming slice-of-life
me with the low levels they continually stoop to. novel set in an apartment building in Mumbai.
To this, actress Rakulpreet added: “It’s high time people start Apart from being the author of the novel, she also
respecting and value women for who they are than how they should stepped into the world of fashion by launching her
apparently look.” fashion label MxS with designer Monisha Jaising.

Priyanka Chopra: Working with Madhuri, Anil

together is a dream: Riteish
Always wanted to add A
ctor Riteish Deshmukh
says it was a dream for
It is jointly produced by Inder

Nick's name to mine

him to work with actors
Madhuri Dixit Nene and Anil
Kapoor together.

A
ctress Priyanka Chopra always wanted to add singer Riteish will be seen sharing
and husband Nick Jonas' name to her own, screen space with the two
and says it doesn't take anything away from veteran actors for the first time
her identity. Priyanka changed her Instagram handle in the forthcoming movie Total
to Priyanka Chopra Jonas after getting married to the Dhamaal.
singer in December. She opened up about her decision The Housefull actor posted
when she appeared on "The Tonight Show Starring a selfie on Twitter with the two
Jimmy Fallon" to promote her Hollywood movie stars on Friday and
"Isn't It Romantic". captioned it: “Smiles
"I always wanted to add his name to mine say it all... It was
because I feel, like, you know, we are becoming my dream to
family. And I'm a little traditional and old school work Madhuri
like that," Priyanka is seen saying in an episode's Dixit Nene
clip, which had surfaced on the Internet. (and) Anil
She also said it doesn't "take away my identity. He Kapoor...
gets added to who I am". But getting
She has a nickname for the couple in her mind as well. to work with
"I have a celebrity nickname. But it is not taking off. It is Prick both of them
(Priyanka and Nick). It is so cool and unique. Nick also doesn't in the same film,
like it and it is not catching on," she said. that is a dream.
The actress is also working on her memoir titled Love them both.”
"Unfinished". Total Dhamaal is
"I am writing the book this year. I am excited about it. It is the third film in the comedy
about all feelings through my career and getting married. In the entertainer franchise Dhamaal. Kumar along with Ashok Thakeria
last two-three years, I found my feet a lot more as a woman and The second was Double Dhamaal. and Ajay Devgn.
as a person. I am not so insecure. So, thought it is the right time It is directed by Inder Kumar. Riteish also has two more films
to delve into things before I change my mind and go back into my The film also stars Ajay Devgn, in his kitty – Marjaavaan and
shell," she said. Arshad Warsi and Jaaved Jaaferi. Housefull 4.

Michael Jackson to get musical tribute in India soon

M
ichael Firestones I AM KING: The
Michael Jackson Experience” – a
live concert paying tribute to late
King of Pop Michael Jackson – will reach
India in March.
After entertaining people across the
world, I AM KING - The Michael Jackson
Experience will be held across seven shows at
Mumbai’s National Centre for the Performing
Arts (NCPA) and Bengaluru’s St. John’s
Auditorium from March 13 to March 17.
Online ticketing platform BookMyShow
along with event company L.A.T. (Live At
The) is bringing the show to India, read a
statement.  “Thriller” and “Human nature”.
Having performed to fans worldwide and
in Las Vegas, the show will feature Jackson
tribute artistes dancing on some of his
popular hits.
The shows will feature talented musicians,
Broadway and Las Vegas dancers.
The performance will be led by Firestone,
hailed by fans and critics for aping MJ’s
look and style. It will feature renditions of
Jackson’s hits including “Bad”, “Billie Jean”,
Kunal Khambhati, Head- Live Events and
IP, BookMyShow, said: “Michael Jackson
was not just a legendary pop artiste, but a
phenomenon that took the world by storm.
His music and dance styles find home in
every corner of India and we are absolutely
delighted to bring the show to the country.”
 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 1, 2019 ENTERTAINMENT 29

RADHIKA APTE Never felt objectified while doing

reveals how she and special numbers: Malaika Arora
A
ctress-model Malaika Arora says she
her husband Benedict never felt objectified while doing special
numbers in Bollywood.

Taylor make up after From "Chaiyya chaiyya", "Maahi ve", "Kaal

dhamaal", "Munni badnaam hui" to "Anarkali

having fights disco chali", Malaika has done several special

numbers for Bollywood projects.

B
"I have always said that we shouldn't tag
eing in a relationship is a huge responsibility for
them or label them as item songs. I have done
both partners. Both will have to give proper time
so many songs and one thing that I would like
and nurture it to grow well in future.
to share is that I never felt objectified in any of
While it’s not easy to maintain relationships, many
the songs," Malaika said.
people simply walk away calling it quits.
"I have done all the songs willingly. I have
When it comes to maintaining long-distance
done the songs knowing what the situation
relationships, there are many who have failed. But there’s
is. But if anybody does feel objectified with
one actress who is a complete pro at it and has given
the songs then it is important for them to come Adding to Malaika's statement, Sophie said:
us major relationship goals. It’s none other than actress
forward and speak. But personally speaking, I "I also don't want to call them 'item numbers'
Radhika Apte!
loved the experience of doing all the songs," she because it reduces their importance... The special
The Padman actress is happily married to Benedict
added. song is made on grand scale and it is there to
Taylor who is a London-based musician.
Malaika expressed her views while interacting promote the film... Great music and dancing is
The couple got hitched in a private ceremony 8
with the media at the launch of Sophie Choudry's a huge part of Bollywood culture, so we should
years ago and is enjoying their marital bliss even after
new single Ajj naiyo sawna on Tuesday. consider it as a special song and celebrate it."
living in two different countries.

Today’s actors are lucky to have

While Radhika is a popular Bollywood actress, is
most of the time staying in India, her husband work
in London. But the duo travels once in a month to
each other’s countries.
During her recent media interaction with fashion talent to use: Karisma
K
Cosmopolitan, Radhika spoke at length about her arisma Kapoor believes that the new
marriage, husband and how she maintains a balance generation of actors are blessed to have
between this. a huge pool of design and style talent to
Talking about how she and her husband behave in choose from.
a mature manner to resolve conflicts between them, Over the years, Karisma’s own fashion sense
the Sacred Games star said, “Well, every has evolved.
relationship, be "Well, it an LDR or a “I think it’s a great compliment,” Karisma
GCR, goes every through ups and said on the sidelines of the Lakme Fashion Week
downs. relationship, be it Everyone has Summer/Resort 2019.
an LDR or a GCR, disagreements “Even though I am not actively doing films,
and fights. goes through ups and people like my fashion sense. In that sense, it’s
It’s the downs. Everyone has same for us. a personal style that has evolved over the years.
Our golden disagreements and rule is that “Earlier, we had to wear what we were told
we never fights." hang up on each in movies. Overtime, then I had a say in what I
other. I think it’s a very rude and wanted to wear and what I didn’t want to wear.
insulting thing to do. Today, there are so many talented designers and
When we’ve had a fight, we just end up saying, I don’t stylists out there, and today’s generation (actors)
wanna talk to you right now’, or Bye, we’ll speak later’. are very lucky to have the talent that they can
And within minutes, you’ll catch both of us trying to call use,” added the charismatic beauty.
each other simultaneously. She turned showstopper for Jaipur-based
It doesn’t even matter whose fault it was, we both designer Punit Balana’s line ‘Maya’.
apologise. Calling his style “innovative and creative”, chance to local artists to showcase their talent
Not speaking for long periods of time because of Karisma praised the fact that the designer uses along with his own. His line ranges from western
disagreement can aggravate the situation. We always let go eco-friendly fabrics and dyes. silhouettes to Indian styles and they are very
of the fights, and forget about what had happened." “The most important thing is that he gives a wearable,” Karisma said.

Deepika is true light of my life: Ranveer Singh Patralekhaa helps

A raise funds for
ctor Ranveer Singh calls his wife and actress Deepika Padukone
the most amazing person and one of the finest actors in the world,
and says she makes his life worth living.
cancer patients
"
Ranveer opened up about his relationship with Deepika in a letter,
CityLights" actress Patralekhaa is lending
posted on Deepika's website -- which was launched on January 5. her support to an NGO to raise funds for
"I find it particularly challenging to articulate all my feelings about cancer patients, and feels it is important
her, and even though I find language to be a limiting means to express to spread awareness about the
myself, I shall try. disease.
"I can safely say I'm the closest person to her in this world. "Besides doing our bit
I know her deeply as a person and I've collaborated closely for the cancer patients, I
with her as a professional," Ranveer said. honestly feel we should
"Deepika nurtures a universe within herself: of love, also address the cause
compassion, kindness, intelligence, beauty, grace and as a serious issue,"
empathy. Patralekhaa said in a
"These qualities make her a true and authentic artiste -- statement.
she is one of the finest actors in the world," he added. "Most of the stories
Praising her inner strength, the actor said: "Her discipline that we get to hear or read are
and commitment is unparalleled. Her path-breaking incredibly heart-wrenching. I feel active
achievements have changed the game time and again. A participation will really work wonders,"
woman so righteous and full of virtue, that she commands she added. The actress lent her support by
respect." planning a visit to a Bandra-based NGO on
"She inspires me to be the best man I can possibly be. She Monday to meet and interact with cancer
patients in an attempt to raise funds for them.
makes my life worth living. She is true light of my life," he
According to a source, Patralekhaa "intends
added
to work closely with cancer patients and strive
The actors, who have worked together in films like
to spread awareness about the health risks,
"Padmaavat", "Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela" and "Bajirao
urging people to take care of their health and
Mastani", got married in Italy in November last year. avoid things that increase the risk of cancer".
30 FEATURES Friday, February 8, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Travel Special Feature

Holi 2K19 February 28
Time: 12 p.m. onwards
Venue: Auckland CBD, Waterfront
Hosted by Auckland International Buskers
Festival & SkCity Live
World Class Talent will be hitting the streets
of Auckland, New Zealand for the Nineteenth
time over Auckland Anniversary Weekend
MAURITIUS:
The island of wonders
2019. Acrobats, magicians, comedies, unicycle
champions and more will rendezvous around
Auckland’s CBD and waterfront to create the
electrifying atmosphere that is the Auckland
International Buskers Festival!.
Date: Sunday, February 10
Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Venue: Hare Krishna Temple, 1229 Coatesville- Auckland Lantern Festival
Riverhead Highway, Kumeu, Auckland Date: Thursday, February 14- Sunday,
NZ’s largest Holi Festival. February 17
See details on our FB page / event and website Time: 7 p.m. onwards
www.holi.org.nz Venue: Auckland Domain, Hosted by What’s
On in Auckland
Takapuna Food, Wine &
I
The Lantern Festival is back, celebrating 20
years! Come and enjoy New Zealand’s largest f you are looking for a cool holiday destination, the ideal place to visit is the small island of
Music Festival 2019 Chinese festival, celebrating the year of the pig, Mauritius—a glorious island nation floating on the expansive waters of the Indian Ocean.
from Thursday 14 – Sunday 17 February, in the
Auckland Domain. Be entertained and dazzled Often, the word Mauritius remains unknown to several people.
Being a small island compared to large countries such as the United States of America and France,

Date: Saturday, February 16

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Venue: Smales Farm, 72 Taharoto Road
Takapuna, Auckland
The Takapuna Food, Wine & Music Festival
returns to Smales Farm on Auckland’s North
Shore Saturday February 16th 2019! This
boutique urban festival is set to provide another
amazing experience presenting a collaboration
of some of the best international and local acts,
New Zealand wineries and craft breweries,
popular eateries and food vendors, creative
artists, spectacular performers and more. All
tickets include a souvenir Festival cup and are
on sale now from www.takapunafestival.co.nz.
Event hosted by Highlife Entertainment.
New Zealand’s
International Yoga Festival
2019
Date: Friday, February 21- Monday, Feb 24
Time: 10 a.m. & 10 p.m.
Venue: Kawai purapura, 14 MIlls lane,
Auckland
Tune in to Yoga, Meditation, Music, Dance
Over 100 entertaining, inspiring and thought
provoking workshops & activities| Pop up Temple
| Live music and performances on two great
stages | Vegan food and fully catered experience
| Accommodation available. Rejuvenate yourself,
refine your practice and reset your clock for the
year ahead in New Zealand’s most complete
Yoga retreat in 20 acres of unspoiled native bush
intriguingly hidden yet close to road and public
transport on Auckland’s North Shore. Buy your
ticket now and pay later!
We are now accepting Genoapay. You pay over
10 weeks. No interest. No fees.
Auckland International
Buskers Festival 2019
Date: Friday, January 25- Sunday,
by hundreds of handmade Chinese lanterns,
music and dance performances, martial arts
demonstrations, traditional Chinese art and craft
– there’s a range of activities for all ages. Plus, it’s
free to attend!
If you’re all about the lanterns and less about
the crowds, be sure to head to the Domain
on 14 February for the lantern appreciation
night (there will be no stalls, live entertainment
or food on this night). Keep an eye out for the
full festival programme, available in 2019. For
more information on the Auckland Lantern
Festival, visit www.aucklandnz.com/lantern, and
follow What’s on in Auckland Facebook page!
Hare Krishna Food Festival
Date: Saturday 9 February 2019
Time: 4 PM – 8 PM
Venue: 1229 Coatesville-Riverhead Hwy,
Kumeu, Auckland 0892, New Zealand
The Hare Krishna community has long been
coined as ‘the kitchen religion’. If you have ever
experienced Hare Krishna cuisine, then you will
certainly know why!
The aim of this Festival is to provide that special
food experience to the wider public in a food
festival format on our beautiful property in
Kumeu, Auckland.
For those of you who attend our Holi Festival of
Colours - this festival is at the same location.
* Entry/parking is free - all welcome !
* All food will be Vegetarian / Vegan
* Family Friendly with activities for kids
Mauritius is somehow left behind. If you are wondering where Mauritius is situated, the Indian
Ocean is the sea which surrounds it. Neighbouring both Reunion Island and Rodrigues, Mauritius is
classified as a developing country.
However, Mauritius has achieved greatness in every way possible, whether economically,
ecologically and technologically.
This exotic island country is unique in
its natural beauty, and the exclusive white
sandy beachescoupled with turquoise blue
waters attract tourists from all around the
world. Mauritius is also a great destination
for newly weds and young couples.
The island exudes romance, and the
exquisite resorts complement your stay
beautifully. In sightseeing, trips to the
Casela Bird Park, Ile aux Cerfs and
Pamplemousses Park are just wonderful, and the coral reefs beckon to adventure freaks.
You can have great fun here by getting in on the different aquatic sports like sailing, parasailing,
diving and especially scuba diving that gives you a wonderful view of the world under water.
Aside from the colourful marine life, the island offers tourists plenty of history, culture, wildlifeand
even some exquisite trekking trails higher in the mountains.
Top attractions include—Tamarind Bay, Port Louis, Le Vanille Crocodile Park, Belle Mare
Beach, Black River Gorges National
Park and Domain du Chasseur among
others.
And once you’ve got your fill
of sightseeing and adventure,
Mauritius will plough you with
the best cuisines from around the
world—dishing up the most delicious

The most visited Indian news French, Chinese, Indian and African
delicacies (inherited from the rich

website in New Zealand with the smorgasbord of flavours that the island offers.
and diverse lineage of its people),
foodconnoisseurs will be delighted

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Beaches in Mauritius
* Coming to Mauritius without going to the beach is definitely a waste of sun. Despite an

options, email at unpredictable weather, the temperature remains quite warm in Summer. The sun is up, no clouds
passing by, a gentle breeze lift – a perfect day to go to the seaside alone or with your family. If you

sales@indianweekender.co.nz are a fan of sun tanning, kindly bring in sun screen especially if you have a fair complexion. This
will help to protect you from dangerous UV lights.
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