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Archives for March 2017

2007 Ajmer blast case: 3 people, including 2 former RSS pracharaks, sentenced for life

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Bhavesh Patel Devendra Gupta

Jaipur: A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court here today sentenced Bhavesh Patel and Devendra Gupta to life in jail in the Ajmer Dargah blast case. The magistrate also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on Patel and 5,000 on Gupta.

The blast on October 11, 2007 in the dargah of Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti at the time of Roza Iftaar, had left three pilgrims dead and 15 others injured. On March 8, the court had convicted Patel, Gupta and Joshi in the case while acquitting others including Swami Aseemanand. Joshi died soon after the blast.

The case was handed over to the ATS Rajasthan and was later transferred to NIA which re-registered the case with the NIA police station in New Delhi on April 6, 2011. There were as many as 149 witnesses in the case and 451 documents were examined and the NIA filed three supplementary charge sheets in the case.

(Agencies)

Turkey steps up fight in Somalia with its biggest ever military base abroad

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An African Union soldier from Uganda looks out over Mogadishu's harbor. [AFP]

An African Union soldier from Uganda looks out over Mogadishu’s harbor. [AFP]

by The New Arab

Turkey will join the fight to defeat Somalia’s al-Qaeda faction by building its largest ever military base abroad in the East African country.

The $50 million base in Mogadishu will open in April and will help the Somali government train 500 new troops a year to fight al-Shabaab rebels.

An on-going war with the Islamist group, al-Shabaab, coupled with a nearly three-year drought has almost crippled the country’s economy – leading to the present day’s famine.

The facility is reported to be around 400 hectares in size and will house three military camps close to Mogadishu’s airport and the Port of Mogadishu.

Turkey has reportedly invested massively in Somalia through reconstruction and infrastructure development – including roads and hospitals – and has helped provide military aid since 2011.

Turkey had planned to train and rebuild the Somali army at the Mogadishu base for years, as troops have reportedly not been professionally trained or routinely received salaries – leading to major security problems in the country.

Turkey faces regional competition in the region from the UAE, which also wants to build up its military presence in the region.

The UAE signed a deal with the Somaliland parliament in February, allowing them to open a military base in the port town of Berbera.

“The military deal with UAE is a clear sovereign matter to reach international agreements with countries and will help our long running bid for recognition as an independent country,” said chairman of the political party UCID, Faysal Ali Warabe Warabe.

The UAE recently expanded its military presence in neighbouring Eritrea, to allow more military ships and aircraft to be based in the port of Assab.

There has been plenty of help for Somalia coming from Turkey in recent weeks.

Turkish Airlines announced on Friday it would send a plane filled with aid to help the millions of people that are facing starvation.

Celebrities and social media users, united under the hashtag #TurkishAirlinesHelpSomalia, raised money in support of famine victims in the country.

“As the only airline that connects Somalia to the world, we’ll be more than happy to deliver your love and assistance to Somalia on your behalf,” one Turkish Airlines pilot said in a video message posted on Twitter on Friday.

A lingering drought has caused widespread food shortages across the south of Somalia, leading to an impending famine status.
UNICEF warned last month that a potential 270,000 children were at risk of severe acute malnutrition due to the drought.

The Somali prime minister tweeted on 2 March that his “priority and first emphasis” was to “assist the people affected by the severe drought and build resilience”.

Laptops, tablets to be banned on Middle East-US flights

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Devices larger than cell phones to be banned from carry-on luggage on flights from eight Muslim-majority countries.

The ban on cary-on electronic devices will affect at least nine airlines, including Emirates and Qatar Airways [AP]

The ban on cary-on electronic devices will affect at least nine airlines, including Emirates and Qatar Airways [AP]

by Al Jazeera

The US is barring passengers on flights originating in eight Muslim-majority countries from carrying any electronic device bigger than a mobile phone, the Department of Homeland Security said.

Senior US officials told reporters that nine airlines from countries in the Middle East and North Africa had been given 96 hours, beginning at 7:00 GMT on Tuesday, to ban the devices from the cabin.

Laptops, e-readers, cameras, tablets, printers, electronic games and portable DVD players are affected by the ban – which applies to direct flights to the United States – but they may still be stowed in the hold in checked baggage.

The DHS said the ban was necessary as “terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation and are aggressively pursuing innovative methods to undertake their attacks, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items.

“Based on this information, Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly and Transportation Security Administrator Acting Administrator Huban Gowadia have determined it is necessary to enhance security procedures for passengers at certain last point of departure airports to the United States,” the statement said.

The ban will apply to nonstop flights to the US from 10 international airports serving the cities of Cairo in Egypt; Amman in Jordan; Kuwait City in Kuwait; Casablanca in Morocco; Doha in Qatar; Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia; Istanbul in Turkey; and Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, until the threat changes.

“DHS, in close cooperation with our intelligence community partners, selected these airports based on the current threat picture,” read the statement, adding that new airports could be added to the list.

“The new procedures remain in place until the threat changes.”

The procedures will affect nine airlines: Royal Jordanian Airlines, EgyptAir, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad Airways.

Electronic devices will continue to be allowed on all flights originating in the US, whether domestic or international, according to the statement. Approved medical devices may be brought into the cabin after additional screening.

The move comes a week after President Donald Trump’s second bid to curb travel from a group of Muslim-majority nations was blocked by the courts .

US officials speaking on condition of anonymity said the ban was to be implemented in response to an unspecified threat the US government learned of several weeks ago.

The DHS also cited the 2015 downing of an airliner in Egypt, the 2016 attempted airliner downing in Somalia, and the 2016 armed attacks against airports in Brussels and Istanbul as evidence of groups seeking to target commercial aviation, including by attempting to smuggle explosive devices in various consumer items.

“Terrorist propaganda has highlighted the attacks against aircraft in Egypt with a soda can packed with explosives in October 2015, and in Somalia using an explosives-laden laptop in February 2016,” the DHS statement said.

“Terrorists have historically tried to hide explosives in shoes in 2001, use liquid explosives in 2006, and conceal explosives in printers in 2010 and suicide devices in underwear in 2009 and 2012. Within the last year, we have also seen attacks conducted at airports to include in Brussels and Istanbul.”

‘Baggage theft to skyrocket’

Brian Jenkins, an aviation-security expert at the Rand Corp., said there was concern about inadequate passenger screening or even conspiracies involving insiders – airport or airline employees in some countries.

Trevor Jensen, an aviation consultant and former airline captain, told Al Jazeera that keeping a large number of computers with lithium batteries in the hold also presented safety issues.

“I hope that we are not just knee-jerking here and that this is a credible threat – that the safety issues have also been very carefully thought through.”

Jensen questioned why, from a security standpoint, only some airports had been included in the measures.

“If this was a credible threat, I think they would be looking at other airports. Because, why couldn’t you fly from Doha, for example, into Zurich, and from Zurich across [to the US] … there are ways to get around it,” he said.

“Looking at some of these legs, the passengers flying on board are business people who do want to work in-flight. Security is first, but it’s got to be credible. And we’re not getting any more information to support that at the moment,” Jensen added.

Another aviation-security expert, professor Jeffrey Price of Metropolitan State University of Denver, said there was another disadvantage to having everyone put their electronics in checked baggage.

Thefts from baggage would skyrocket, as when Britain tried a similar ban in 2006, he said.

Hotel sealed, manager arrested after beef rumours in Jaipur

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beef-biryani

Jaipur: The alleged dumping of meat pieces in the open by the staff of a hotel here triggered rumours of beef cooking in the city following which the police arrested the hotel manager and another employee.

No beef was found in the hotel which was sealed by the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) as the owner had no licence to operate. The incident occurred late on Sunday night when members of a group, Gau Raksha Dal led by Sadhvi Kamal raised objection over the alleged dumping of meat pieces.

The hotel employees denied that they had thrown any meat pieces which triggered protest by the members, police said today.

Police said there were rumours of beef cooking but no beef was found in the hotel. Senior Health Officer of the JMC Rajendra Garg said that the hotel was sealed as the hotel owner had no licence to run the hotel and restaurant.

The members of the Dal alleged that the hotel staffers were throwing meat in the open and cows were getting sick after consuming the remains.

“The hotel manager Wasim and a cleaner Kasim were arrested under section 151 of CrPC (Arrest to prevent commission of cognisable offences) and were released by a court yesterday,” the police said.

A separate FIR under section 295 A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs)was also registered but no arrest in the case has been made so far.

The police action has been criticised by activists of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL). “The entire action of the arrest of the two employees, registering the FIR and sealing the hotel which was running well only reflects the one-sided Hindutva agenda of the state government,” PUCL General Secretary Kavita Srivastava said.

(Agencies)

BHARAT PRERNA AWARDS 2017 – IN RECOGNITION OF THE SILENT HEROES

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bharat-prerna-awards-17

BHARAT PRERNA AWARDS 2017 – IN RECOGNITION OF THE SILENT HEROES

Dr. Aneeel Murarka & Manish Murarka – Founders of Ample Missiion held Bharat Prerna Awards 2017 – In recognition of The Silent Heroes – a brilliant & unique initiative to honor the saga of bravery of the “Specially Abled Achievers” of the country who have never been applauded or appreciated for their brave acts. The event saw the presence of Pooja Bedi, Asit Kumarr Modi, Manish Wadhwa, Nitesh Pandey, Sooraj Thapar, Jiten Lalwani, Dilip Sen, Kunika, Poonam Pandey, Avinash Dwivedi, Sambhavna Seth & Namish Taneja, Akshat Singh et al. The idea behind this noble initiative is to honor the saga of bravery of an individual & displayed an extraordinary courage or act which has become an example for fellow citizens to motivate & follow which bought pride to the country. Hence, they have now put together a one – of – a – kind award function, a special recognition & award for all those who have pursued meritorious acts against all odds. Aneel Murarka who is a known philanthropist mentions, “If we take the generally accepted definition of bravery as a quality which knoDDDws no fear, these ordinary people have pursued extraordinary acts of bravery without fearing for life.”

TRAILER OF OSCAR WINNING FILM ‘THE SALESMAN’ RELEASED

Sunil Doshi Presents the Oscar winning Asghar Farhadi film, “The Salesman”, distributed by PVR, will release in India on 31st Mar, 2017. THE SALESMAN has also won the “Best Screenplay” & “Best Actor” award in Festival De Cannes last year. The Iranian director, Asghar Farhadi had earlier also won an Oscar for his film SEPEERATION. THE SALESMAN, written & directed by Asghar Farhadi, featuring Shahab Hosseini & Taraneh Alidoosti is about a couple who are forced out of their apartment due to dangerous works on a neighboring building, Emad & Rana move into a new flat in the center of Tehran. An incident linked to the previous tenant will dramatically change the young couple’s life.

K. R. REDDY ANNOUNCES 2 FILMS ON HIS BIRTHDAY

Director K. R. Reddy (JALAKAR RAAKH KAR DOONGa, AMdANI ATTANI KHARCHA. RUPAYYA, SHESHNAG et al fame) has announced 2 films on his birthday on 15th Mar, 2017. One of the films is a comedy fare while the other is a women oriented film with 3 heroines. He is also in final talks with a big star – actor for another film. The cast & other credits of the films are being finalized.

SALUTING THE SAILORS

Capt. Sunil Nangia Master Mariner & Editor of Sailor Today Magazine hosted “Sailor Today Sea Shore Awards 2017” to recognize & felicitate outstanding achievements & contributions of Seafarers, Shipping Companies & Maritime Organizations. A bevy of celebrities Naved Jaffrey, Chhavi Mittal,
Salil Ankola, Puja Banerjee, Sandip Soparrkar, Sharbani Mukherjee, Ashish Roy, Roma Navani, Jassi, Leena Mogre, Shweta Khanduri, Delnaz Irani, Myrah, Neha Laxmi Iyer et al joined in the celebration, to honor the Merchant Navy. For the first time Mumbai Police Band performed & supported the Merchant Navy. The show was hosted by Umesh Pherwani, Neha Banerjee, Neha Laxmi, Daljit Kaur et al set the stage on fire with their performances. The occasion witnessed the participation of more than 1600 key decision – making shipping entities, representing all major international shipping companies in the region as well as from around the globe, including the Pacific Rim countries, Europe & America. Sailor Today
Sea Shore Awards are non – competitive in nature and aims to felicitate the achievements & outstanding services of seafarers & shipping organizations.

MILIND GUNAJI TURNS GREY FOR ‘SHATIKA – THE UNDRAPED’

Having portrayed memorable roles in his prolific film career, Milind Gunaji is all set to surprise the audience & his fans once again with his next offering, SHATIKA – THE UNDRAPE, a short film directed by young debutante Sritama Dutta. Produced by Aditya Bhardwaj & Publicist turned Executive Producer Vedant Mishra, SHATIKA – THE UNDRAPED. also features Susmita Mukherjee, Harry Josh & Swagata Naik. Milind Gunaji who is known to have played several menacing characters on screen with great aplomb will be seen playing a grey character again in the film. Sritama Dutta met Milind Gunaji on the sets of KAMASUTRA, where she was the Associate Director. In one of her conversations with Milind Gunaji, Sritama had mentioned about Shatika’s story & her desire to direct a short with him. Milind assured her that he will be a part of her next independent project whenever it would commence and years later when he was approached by Sritama, he immediately agreed to take up the project because he whole heartedly supports women empowerment and leaves no stone unturned to spread awareness for the same.

GURMEET CHOUDHARY & DEBINA BONNERJEE TO ADOPT 2 GIRLS!

Gurmeet Choudhary & his wife Debina Bonnerjee are now ready to embrace parenthood. During the auspicious Holi week, the actors drove down to Jarampur, a small village in Bihar (Gurmeet’s hometown) and adopted 2 girls ​Pooja & Lata, aged 6 & 9. Gurmeet’s parents – mother Anmol, who is a Hindi school teacher & father Sitaram who is a retired army officer are settled there and that’s where Pooja, an orphan, was living with her uncle & 1st cousin Lata. But last year Lata’s father passed away and the 2 girls moved in with a distant relative. “After hearing about their plight from my mother I discussed them with my wife. Debina agreed with me that it was time to give the kids a home, a deserving education & my last name,” says Gurmeet. The initial plan was to support them financially but then remembering his own childhood in Jarampur, which was without electricity for months during the monsoons and where life was difficult without proper amenities, Gurmeet decided to adopt them. “We will be going to Jarampur for the final signatures after Holi. It is a 2- day process. Everybody, including my parents, keeps asking me when I’m planning a baby. Its official now, I’m bringing home 2 daughters and we couldn’t be more excited”.

TITLE CHANGED FROM ‘THE MOTHER’ TO ‘MAATR – THE MOTHER’

Apparently the makers of THE MOTHER decided to change the title of their movie to MAATR – THE MOTHER as another movie titled MOM starring Sridevi and produced by Boney Kapoor is in the offing. Movie titles, as we all know, are aggressively fought over, but here there has been a relatively peaceful change in name. Of course, other than the title, there is little common between the 2 movies. While Sridevi’s MOM, traces the fragile relationship between a stepmother & daughter; MAATR – THE MOTHER is a hard -hitting drama based on one of the most gruesome crimes committed against women – Rape! Director Ashtar Sayed confirmed “We were planning to use the title THE MOTHER for our film but that title was not available. Also earlier made a movie titled MOTHER 98 and we didn’t want any connect in the audience’s mind with that. Moreover, we were aware that Boney Kapoor was also making a movie titled MOM. So we felt that MAATR – THE MOTHER was the best for our film.” MAATR – THE MOTHER’s storyline revolves a mother’s love for her daughter transcends everything, taking on the corrupt system & societal impediments. MAATR – THE MOTHER, the producers believe will help create awareness about a heinous crime and some empathy amongst the viewers for rape survivors. In Sridevi’s MOM the actress plays a stepmom in conflict with her 18 – year – old daughter (Pakistani actress) Sajal Aly.

HIMANSH KOHLI SUPPORTS “SAVE GIRL CHILD” INITIATIVE

Himansh Kohli who shot to fame with YAARIYAAN recently walked the ramp for supporting a social cause called “Naari Shakti”. The cause works for spreading the message to save girl child.The actor was the showstopper for designer Kirti Rathore. Speaking about his association Himansh says, “Every girl deserves the right to live the way they want and pursue their dreams. This is my small contribution towards creating awareness for saving the girl child.”

DIANA PENTY SAYS THAT ‘LUCKNOW CENTRAL’ IS A STORY SHE RELATES TO!

Diana Penty, who was last seen in HAPPY BHAG JAYEGI last year, will be seen playing an NGO worker who puts the prisoners on the path of reform in LUCKNOW CENTRAL. The movie produced by Nikhil Advani and marks the directorial debut of Ranjit Tiwari, will see Diana share the screen space with Farhan Akhar for the 1st time. “I met Farhan for the 1st time when we were shooting the look test for LUCKNOW CENTRAL and then when the whole cast came together for a few readings. I had a meeting with Nikhil Advani and when he told me about LUCKNOW CENTRAL in brief, it immediately piqued my interest. The next day I got a full narration of the film and was convinced that this is a story I wanted to be part of. We did a reading the day after. Before I knew it, I had landed the role and was shooting for the look test!” “What makes LUCKNOW CENTRAL special besides its storyline is the coming together of a stellar cast. When you’re in the midst of such fine talent, you’re bound to gain some,” she adds.

NITZ KAKKAR TO LAUNCH NEW SONG “YAAD” WITH CHARLIE CHAUHAN

Nitin aka Nitz Kakkar is an acclaimed singer and has performed at numerous stage events, private events & college festivals. Some of the praiseworthy tracks that he has sung are “Naughty Girl” from Zee music Company, besides “Tere Bin”, “Baarish”, “Bann Meri Girlfriend” & “Aj Fir Teri Yaad”. During the launch of “Naughty Girl”, lyricist Sameer said, “It’s these youngsters’ time. All of these kids are full of talent and only need to be given a chance.” Now, Nitz Kakkar is all set to launch his new song featuring Charlie Chauhan. It’s a sad song, sung & composed by Nitz Kakkar & lyrics penned down by Garima Anand. Charlie Chauhan is a popular television actress known for playing the lead role of Ela in the teen drama BEST FRIENDS FOREVER and also role of Mukti in the popular youth show KAISI YEH YAARIYAAN. She was also seen playing an important role in an anthology series YEH HAI AASHIQUI. Meanwhile, Chauhan started. WAher career with the popular MTV reality show MTV ROADIES 7, and later had also participated in another reality dance show NACH BALIYE 5. Titled as YAAD, the Nitz Kakkar’s song featuring Charlie Chauhan will be out in April this year.

SINGER MOHIT GAUR LAUNCHES
YOUTUBE PROJECT “MOHIT KE STORYSONGS”

The cute & heart throb Singer Mohit Gaur who got fame through Star Plus show INDIA’S RAW STAR and landed in the acting space by the Channel V’s Musical show ISHQ UNPLUGGED. Now the singer / actor Mohit is crooning for his fans as he came with his own YouTube project named MOHIT KE STORYSONGS, where every month he will upload one StorySong, written, composed & sung by him. Till now he has already entertained his fans with his 2 Story songs which are getting huge response from the viewers. He also showcases some amazing engagement practices from his Facebook page via weekly live video chat session #SuperSundayWithMG every Sunday at 9pm. Mohit ensures he responds personally to all his fans criticism & appreciation he receives on his Social media especially on Youtube. Mohit Gaur says, “This year, I am going to follow my dreams of delivering all the songs I have lined up for my fans.”

RONIT ROY INDULGES HIS PHOTOGRAPHY OBSESSION ON ‘SARKAR 3’ SETS!

Ronit Roy who will be seen in SARKAR 3, sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan for the 1st time, got to unleash his inner mobile photographer on the sets!. The actor apparently loves clicking candid pictures of his co – stars, and spent much of his free time between shots clicking unusual pictures of Amitabh Bachchan, Amit Sadh and more, from all sorts of angles! As seen in these quirky on the set images, Ronit took many clicks on his unsuspecting co – stars on his personal phone and also indulged in a selfie with Mr Bachchan himself! Says Ronit, “I was very taken in by the set design which transported me to an era gone by. It was quite surreal. Add to that the presence of Mr. Amitabh Bachchan in deep thought. It was quite magical so i wanted to capture those moments for myself to remind me of this when my memory starts failing me!”! Sarkar 3 releases on 7th Apr, 2017.

HOLLYWOOD CALLS OUR DESI GIRL PRIYANKA CHOPRA THEIR MOST BANKABLE BADASS!

The Apr, 2017 cover of Marie Claire International pays tribute to the rebels, risk takers & power players and their unwavering renegade style. And who better than Priyanka Chopra to represent that as she persistently proves that there is truly nothing she can’t do! Referring to her as “Hollywood’s Most Bankable Badass”, Marie Claire features Priyanka Chopra on the cover dressed in a fiery, fierce red ensemble. From presenting at the Oscars & the Emmy’s, to being named as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time Magazine, the country’s highest paid actress with her talent, passion & drive truly exemplified what it meant to be a go – getter. She is now all set to turn on the heat, as the villainess in Baywatch, also starring Dwayne Johnson & Zac Efron. As the film is all set to release worldwide this year, Marie Claire International now touting her as Hollywood’s Most Bankable Badass, holds testimony to how our very own Desi Girl has wowed the Wild Wild West. Referring to her as one of the biggest stars in the world, the Hollywood star welcomed Priyanka to the badass dysfunctional Baywatch family.

SALMAN KHAN & SONAKSHI SINHA ALL SET TO ROCK “DA BANG – THE TOUR”, IN AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND!

Whilst Sonakshi Sinha is gung ho on the release of her next film Noor, she seems even more excited to be travelling for the Salman Khan “Da -Bang – The Tour to Australia & New Zealand, which is clashing with the release dates. Sonakshi considers Dabanng as her gift to her by Salman Khan. Says Sonakshi “No words can describe how special DABANGG is to me and I love live performances so I’m glad that one of the biggest International Tours of 2017 is called “Da – Bang – The Tour”, which is similar to my debut film,, which holds a special place in my heart. If the script has Rajjo in it you can be assured it will be played by me and no one else” She adds “My closest friend got married in Sydney, and now I will be performing there. I love the energy that comes with performing live and am looking forward to the tour in Australia & New Zealand. I enjoy watching the shows of Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, & Justin Bieber. Their production value is always outstanding. I assure you that if the DABANGG Jodi is together again it will be great”

AMIT SADH CAST BY AMITABH BACHCHAN IN ‘SARKAR 3’!

The megastar has added another creative feather in his career cap. It has been revealed that he had a major role to play in Amit Sadh’s presence in SARKAR 3. The talented young star was cast by Mr. Bachchan. It was he who recommended Amit for the character of Shivaji to RGV and that’s when he went to meet RGV! Mr. Bachchan was confident he was best suited for the role. Amit Sadh plays the role of Shivaji Nagre alias Cheeku, the highly arrogant & volatile grandson of Sarkar. Besides Amitabh Bachchan, SARKAR 3 stars Ronit Roy, Manoj Bajpayee, Amit Sadh, Jackie Shroff & Yami Gautam with Rohini Hattangani in titular roles. Well, not everyone gets as lucky as Amit Sadh to be personally recommended by the stalwart himself! Says Amit, “I was extremely pumped when i got a call from RGV Sir’s office to play the character. SARKAR 3 is one of the most exciting films I’ve worked on!! I am very fortunate enough to have worked with Mr Bachchan and it has been a great learning experience!” Amit Sadh’s character in the film seems to have been inspired by Aditya Thackeray.

AKSHAY KUMAR IN BOTH ‘MOGUL’ & DIVYA KHOSLA KUMAR’S FILM

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Bhushan Kumar recently announced the biopic of his father Gulshan Kumar titled MOGUL with superstar Akshay Kumar in the lead to be directed by Subhash Kapoor. While MOGUL will begin shoot end of 2017, Akshay will also be a part of Divya Khosla Kumar’s next directorial film. Bhushan Kumar says, ‘To make my father’s biopic is an extremely emotional feeling for me. It’s not just a film. My father is my guiding force in life and this film is my tribute to him. Akshay playing my father was my 1st choice. When I took the film to Akshay, he not only said a yes immediately, but also never even once discussed monies. Just like me, he too loves his father and for him being a part of MOGUL is an emotional decision. Akshay will also be a part of my wife Divya Khosla Kumar’s directed film. Divya has been working on her script. While Akshay has liked the structure & zone of the film, Divya still wanted more work done. She is in no hurry and given that Akshay is a superstar, she doesn’t want to leave any stone unturned to give him the best script. She wants to take more time to develop it to her complete satisfaction post which they will start shooting for the same.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir issue: SC advises to settle dispute outside court; Muslim groups

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New Delhi/Lucknow: Muslim organisations, including Babri Masjid Action Committee were today sceptical about the Supreme Court’s suggestion for talks to resolve the Ayodhya dispute, saying attempts at out-of-court settlement in the past have been unsuccessful. “We are ready with Chief Justice (of India) mediating… we trust him. We are also ready we if he nominates a team for hearing the matter. But out of court settlement is not possible. If SC passes an order in this regard, we will look into it,” said Zafaryab Jilani, Convenor of the Committee which is a party to the case.

His comments came against the backdrop of the apex court earlier in the day asking parties concerned to sit together to arrive at a consensus on Ayodhya issue, which has been dragging for decades. “It is a sensitive and sentimental issue and it’s best that it is settled amicably,” the SC observed. Jilani said that going by his experience of last three decades, he feels that the matter cannot be settled outside the court and referred to unsuccessful negotiation attempts made during the tenures of former Prime Ministers Chandrashekhar and P V Narasimha Rao. “Let them hear us, we are prepared. But we are not ready for out of court settlement,” Jilani said.

“In 1986, talks started between the then Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamkoti and President Muslim Personal Law Board Ali Miyan Nadvi but it failed. “Later in 1990, Prime Minister Chandrashekhar, UP Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat talked but no results came. PM Narasimha Rao also constituted a committee and attempts of talks were made through Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahai but in 1992 the mosque was demolished,” he said.

He said after the demolition, the then Muslim Personal Law Board President Rabe Hasan Nadvi had sought a written proposal from Shankaracharya of Kanchi in which he said Muslims should leave claim on three mosques, which was not acceptable. The Secretary General of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Maulana Wali Rahmani, said, “We have trust in the Chief Justice and if he is there we are ready for talks.” “Talks were held earlier also but it can be initiated again. But talks should not be long,” he added.

Maulana Khalid Rashid of the AIMPLB alleged that the attempts in the past to resolve the issue were foiled by political parties. “Negotiation have been made in the past a number of times between the two parties. But each time, political parties foiled our attempts…(So), we are of the view that let the Supreme Court decide once and for all,” Maulana Khalid Rashid of the AIMPLB said. Rashid, however, said the Board respects the gesture of the CJI and the sentiments of Hindus.

“If the parties wants me to sit with mediators chosen by both the sides for negotiations, am ready to take up the task. Even the services of my brother judges can be availed for the purpose,” Chief Justice J S Khehar, who headed the SC bench, said today. The Allahabad High Court, had in its verdict on September 30, 2010, directed three-way division of the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya. The verdict was challenged in the apex court.

(Agencies)

India home to 101 billionaires, Mukesh Ambani tops list: Forbes

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New York: India is home to world’s fourth highest number of billionaires with Reliance Industries chief Mukesh Ambani leading the club of more than 100 super rich Indians, according to a new list released by Forbes magazine.

 

The Forbes list of the ‘World’s Billionaires’ 2017 consists of 2,043 of the richest people in the world who have a combined net worth of USD 7.67 trillion, a record 18-per cent increase over the past year.

The list has been topped by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates for the fourth year in a row. He has been the richest person in the world for 18 out of the past 23 years. Gates has a fortune of USD 86 billion, up from USD 75 billion last year, followed by Berkshire Hathaway chief Warren Buffet with a new worth of USD 75.6 billion.

Amazon’s Jeff Bezos added USD 27.6 billion to his fortune; now worth USD 72.8 billion, moving into the top three in the world for the first time, up from number five a year ago.

US President Donald Trump is ranked 544th on the list with his net worth of USD 3.5 billion.
India is home to 101 billionaires, the first time it has has more than 100 super rich individuals.

The US continues to have more billionaires than any other nation, with a record 565, up from 540 a year ago. China is catching up with 319, Germany has the third most with 114 and India has the fourth highest number of billionaires.

There are nearly 20 people of Indian-origin who have made fortunes in various nations across the world, led by UK-based Hinduja brothers ranked 64th with USD 15.4 billion net worth, Indian-born tycoon Pallonji Mistry, who controls the 152-year-old Mumbai-headquartered engineering giant Shapoorji Pallonji Group at the 77th spot with USD 14.3 billion net worth and petrochemicals major Indorama co-founder Sri Prakash Lohia at the 288th spot with USD 5.4 billion net worth.

Mistry’s younger son Cyrus is embroiled in a legal battle with the Tata Group after he was suddenly ousted as chairman of Tata Sons, a position he had held since 2012. Ambani, 59, leads the pack of Indian billionaires, coming in at the 33rd position with a net worth of USD 23.2 billion.

Forbes said the “oil and gas tycoon” sparked a price war in India’s hyper-competitive telecom market with the launch of 4G phone service Jio last September. His younger brother Anil is ranked 745th with a net worth of USD 2.7 billion.

The younger Ambani sibling “orchestrated the merger of his Reliance Communication’s telecom business with that of rival Aircel, controlled by Malaysian billionaire Ananda Krishnan. The combine, which awaits regulatory approvals, will be the country’s fourth-largest mobile phone operator,” Forbes said.

Next on the list of Indian billionaires is ArcelorMittal chairman and CEO Lakshmi Mittal on the 56th spot with a net worth of USD 16.4 billion. Forbes said the Indian steel baron regains his status as the world’s second richest Indian on an uptick in steel prices and demand. “The world’s biggest steelmaker also got a reprieve from import tariffs on steel imposed by the US and Europe and a one-time USD 832 million saving from a new labour contract signed last year with its US workers,” it added.

The list includes only four women billionaires from India, led by Savitri Jindal and her family at the 303rd position with a net worth of USD 5.2 billion. “After declining last year, the fortune of steel and power clan, whose matriarch Savitri Jindal chairs the OP Jindal Group, rose as steel prices recovered,” Forbes said.

Smita Crishna-Godrej from the Godrej clan is ranked 814th followed by Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (973) and Leena Tewari (1030), chair of USV India which specialises in diabetic and cardiovascular drugs.

Also making the list is Wipro chairman Azim Premji (72), Adani group founder Gautam Adani (250), Bajaj Group chair Rahul Bajaj (544), investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala (939), Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy (1161), chairman emeritus of Dabur Vivek Chand Burman (1290), Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani (1290), Wockhardt chair Habil Khorakiwala (1567), Mahindra group chief Anand Mahindra (1567), property tycoons Niranjan and Surendra Hiranandani (tied at 1678) and Yes Bank head Rana Kapoor (1795).

Founder of mobile wallet Paytm Vijay Shekhar Sharma is ranked 1567 with his net worth of USD 1.3 billion. Forbes said Paytm was “one of the biggest beneficiaries of the government’s decision to demonetise 86 per cent of India’s rupees and move to a cashless economy”, notching up 200 million registered users and five million transactions daily.

Making his debut on the list at 814th spot is Acharya Balkrishna, friend of yoga guru Baba Ramdev, who holds 97 per cent stake in the fast-growing consumer goods firm Patanjali Ayurveda. His net worth is USD 2.5 billion.

Forbes said Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg moved up to number five for the first time, after his fortune rose USD 11.4 billion in 12 months. Meanwhile Carlos Slim Helu of Mexico, once the world’s richest man, fell to number six, the first time he’s been out of the top five in a dozen years. There were 195 newcomers.

China had the most new ten-figure fortunes with 76. The US was second with 25. The list has 56 billionaires under age 40, down from 66 last year, after some aged out and others dropped below the USD 1-billion mark. Seventy-eight people fell off the list, including 33 from China, 7 Americans and 9 who are still super wealthy but share their wealth among extended family members and therefore are not eligible for these ranks.

(Agencies)

Pakistan PM orders reopening of Afghanistan border

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Pakistan has decided the to reopen its crossing with Afghanistan as a ‘goodwill gesture’.

The crossings were at first closed in February following attacks in Pakistan which authorities claim have links to Afghanistan [EPA]

The crossings were at first closed in February following attacks in Pakistan which authorities claim have links to Afghanistan [EPA]

by Al Jazeera

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has ordered the immediate reopening of border crossings with Afghanistan, more than a month after they were closed.

Pakistan sealed the Torkham and Chaman crossings on February 16, after a string of suicide attacks killed more than 130 people across the country, blaming the violence on Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and other armed groups.

The closure left hundreds of thousands of people and lorries carrying food and other goods to Afghanistan stranded at the two major crossings of Torkham and Chammans.

“We have taken this decision on humanitarian grounds,” a statement from Sharif’s office said on Monday.

The statement said that, while the government had evidence that “anti-Pakistan elements” were present on Afghan soil, keeping the border closed was against the interests of ordinary people.

“We hope that the Afghan government will take all necessary steps to prevent the reasons why we undertook these steps [of closing the border] from recurring,” it said.

Pakistan had temporarily reopened the border crossings for two days in early March to allow visitors with valid visas on both sides to return home.

Afghanistan has long blamed Pakistan for giving sanctuary to Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network leaders on its soil. Pakistan, though, accuses its northwestern neighbour of allowing Pakistani Taliban elements to operate in Nangarhar and other provinces.

Pakistan’s Minister of Defence Khwaja Asif said the border was being used “as a thoroughfare” by Pakistani Taliban fighters.

But Afghan ambassador to Pakistan, Omar Zakhilwal, argued that closing it served no purpose “except to harm ordinary people and traders on both sides”.

The Torkham and Chaman crossings are major arteries for $1.5bn in trade and commerce between the two neighbours. The Torkham crossing alone is used by about 15,000 Afghans every day.

An appeal to our readers

by

Shaheen Raaj

Shaheen Raaj

This is to inform to all concerned that our Entertainment Editor Shaheen Raaj aged 65 has recently suffered 2 major tragedies.

15 days ago he had a fall from a first-floor spiral staircase and fractured his right forearm. And last Friday midnight he suffered a paralysis on the left side of his body.

Right now he is in a private hospital in Virar. He will have to undergo treatment for both at least for a month and then complete bed rest for 3 months. The total expected cost is about Rs. 1 lakh. So here is an ardent appeal to help him out in this hour of crises.

Shaheen Raaj is a senior film Journalist serving the film industry since last 40 years. He was in Bangalore for 10 years and now he is settled in Mumbai.

Those willing to donate, please send your donation to the following account:

Allahabad Bank (Virar Branch)
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