The Indian Panorama

Year: 2014

  • Indians a rising force in California politics

    Indians a rising force in California politics

    SACRAMENTO (TIP): When Neel Kashkari announced he was running for governor, he became the latest Californian of Indian descent to step onto the political stage, the most recent example of a rising trend in one of America’s most ethnically diverse states.

    Kashkari is part of a surge of second-generation Indians emerging in politics, despite their relatively small population in California. While Sikh Californians have been farming in California’s Central Valley for nearly a century, the last couple of decades have brought a wave of technology workers and entrepreneurs into Silicon Valley, where they have formed a tight-knit, supportive and financially successful community.

    Tapping into that donor base will be key to the Republican Kashkari’s campaign, even if many donors will have to cross party lines to support him. The growing roster of candidates and elected officials of Indian descent includes Democrat Ami Bera, a doctor who holds a Sacramento-area congressional seat; Democrat Ro Khanna, who is challenging for another in the San Francisco Bay Area; Vanila Singh, a Republican who recently announced she is entering the same Bay Area race; and Republican Ricky Gill, who attracted millions of dollars from Indian-Americans in the Central Valley before losing a tight congressional race two years ago.

  • Indian-American physiotherapist sentenced to 10 years in jail

    Indian-American physiotherapist sentenced to 10 years in jail

    MICHIGAN (TIP): An Indian- American physiotherapist has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay over $10 million in restitution for his role in a multi-million dollar healthcare fraud and money laundering scheme.

    Chiradeep Gupta, 39, of Michigan was sentenced by US district judge Denise Page Hood in the eastern district of Michigan. In addition to the 120 months prison term, Gupta was sentenced to serve three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay more than $10 million in restitution, jointly and severally with his co-defendants, acting assistant attorney general Mythili Raman of the justice department’s criminal division said in a statement on Friday.

    Gupta, a physiotherapist and partowner of a home healthcare company, was found guilty at trial in October 2012 of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and three substantive counts of money laundering. The fraud scheme totaled almost $11 million.

    According to evidence presented at trial, Gupta and his co-conspirators submitted false and fraudulent claims to federal social insurance program Medicare through a home healthcare company, which purported to provide skilled nursing and physical therapy services to Medicare beneficiaries in the greater Detroit area.

  • Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

    Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

    STORY: Nelson Mandela walked a long, hard path – how did the world join him?

    REVIEW: Straight away, Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom shows you an icon in a whole new light. Many know about Nelson Mandela’s fight against South Africa’s apartheid, his imprisonment for decades, his faith in non-violence. While this film shows all that, it also shows more, capturing a man who began as deeply confused, full of conflicts and charm, gravity and fun.

    It is as Nelson Mandela moves from being an upcoming lawyer in 1940s Johannesburg, full of jazz bars and pretty girls, courts and cruel cops, a friend telling Mandela he’s becoming a man to watch, to the wry rejoinder, “Maybe I should sell tickets” – to an African National Congress member, addressing demos and blowing up plants, that his character evolves. We then see Mandela grow into the Madiba the world knows. Along the way, Mandela loses more than his freedom.

    Fed up by his philandering, his first wife leaves. His mother is furious while he struggles between pleasures and principles. When Mandela meets Winnie, a tough social worker, his identity becomes sharply defined. He goes from being a light-hearted seeker of joys to a fully determined fighter against apartheid. Mandela and his associates are imprisoned for life – but battling solitude and savagery, Mandela grows larger than life. This fast-moving film extends beyond one icon.

    Alongside Mandela, it follows the anti-apartheid movement itself, from peaceful boycotts to blowing offices up, terrible civil war and a return to peace. It captures the tremendous romance of Africa, its gold-pink vistas as beautiful as blush, its rhythms, vibes and colourful tribes. And it presents fabulous performances. Naomie Harris is brilliant as Winnie Mandela, capturing her seething trauma – imprisoned and tortured, Winnie’s “Don’t touch me” to a policeman chills – her insistence on violent revenge, and her break-up with Madiba.

    Alongside, Idris Elba’s Mandela towers gracefully, full of complexity, yet simple enough to emphasise you cannot hate another without hating yourself. The camerawork skillfully captures individuals and crowds while the soundtrack, from jazz to Bob Marley, makes you live the world’s energy to free Mandela. Watch this – while making you laugh and cry, it takes you on a wondrous walk

  • KATE MOSS NAMED NEW FACE OF ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

    KATE MOSS NAMED NEW FACE OF ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

    Supermodel Kate Moss is the new face of late British fashion designer Alexander McQueen’s eponymous label.

    The 40-year-old fronts the campaign for the label’s spring-summer 2014 collection, which according to the fashion house aims to “capture the iconic British model as an otherworldly woman in a darkly surreal environment”, reports contactmusic.com. In a short film captured by photographer Steven Klein in East London, Moss is seen in a short yellow crop.

  • HILARY DUFF HOLIDAYS WITH ESTRANGED HUSBAND

    HILARY DUFF HOLIDAYS WITH ESTRANGED HUSBAND

    Actress and singersongwriter Hilary Duff went on a family trip with her estranged husband, retired professional ice hockey player Mike Comrie, and son Luca.

    The family of three headed out for a hike Sunday, reports eonline.com. “Daddy and son Sunday hike,” Duff posted along with a photograph of her estranged husband and their 22-monthold tot walking on a trail. The 26-year-old actress made her first red carpet appearance post-split at the 2014 Grammy Weekend Reception party in West Hollywood, California.

    While she stayed mum on the break-up at the event, she seemed to be in great spirits while chatting and laughing with friends before Lorde performed for guests. A source close to the couple told E! News that the couple’s split was truly amicable and they didn’t call it quits for any particular incident. The duo rather drifted apart over time despite trying couple’s therapy to mend their relationship.

  • AMEESHA FALLS FROM STAIRS

    AMEESHA FALLS FROM STAIRS

    Ameesha Patel badly bruised her hands and legs while shooting for an action scene. A unit source said, “It was a chase sequence in which Ameesha, who is being chased by a man had to rush down a flight of stairs.

    However, while shooting, the guy who was chasing her tripped, dragging Ameesha along with him.” Both got injured in the mishap. A doctor was immediately summoned to the set. “Ameesha’s feet and hands are swollen and she has been advised bed rest,” said a source.

  • SHRADDHA PLAYS A FEARLESS JOURNO

    SHRADDHA PLAYS A FEARLESS JOURNO

    Though director Vishal Bhardwaj tried keeping Shraddha Kapoor’s role and character in ‘Haider’ under wraps, his efforts eventually turned futile.

    Recently, Shraddha was spotted flashing a press correspondent’s card as she started shooting for the project with co-star Irrfan in Srinagar. According to the sources, she plays a journalist in the movie who is not just fearless but also doesn’t mind risking her life for a story. “Her life motto is to bring out truth at any cost,” a source said.

    On the other hand, Irrfan was seen wearing traditional Kashmiri outfits with a special hat. “His role is an important one.” In one of the shots, we spotted Shraddha chasing Irrfan while holding a pen and a diary as if she’s asking him some questions. While Shahid, who will be joining the crew in a day or two, is completely changed from what he essayed in the last leg of the shoot in 2013. “Now he will be bald and clean shaven.

    Since it’s a final schedule of the shoot, Vishal asked Shahid to prepare himself mentally and physically for a vital sequence. Shahid is anxious, and it showed when he posted this on twitter. “Reading scenes for the final schedule of Haider. Nervous and excited. Last four days of hair I can run my hands through. Snowed out Kashmir calling.” Tabu will reportedly join soon. The shooting is currently going on at Residency Road in the city and Press Colony.

    When contacted K Jamsheed, who is a line producer for the film, said, “It’s going to be a long schedule of 20 to 25 days.” He stated that major chunk of the film will be shot in Srinagar, but the unit will move to Pahalgam and other nearby areas soon. Also, the director is not taking any chances with the filming of scenes. Probably he’s not too keen to see the repeat of what happened last time when the students of Kashmir University objected to hoisting of the national flag atop a makeshift bunker, leading to cancellation of the shoot.

  • JAI HO

    JAI HO

    STORY: A braveheart commoner stands up against injustice and spreads a life-changing mantra of the circle of goodness, giving and generosity.

    REVIEW: There is nothing ordinary about this aam aadmi. He rips, roars and ravages the raavans with a single blow – like a Stallone on steroids. Jai (Salman) is an ex-Army officer, who runs a garage part-time and plays incredibly good (looking) Samaritan fulltime, beating up baddies to bloody pulp with anything from hockey sticks, chains, scaffolding and even a mighty pen.

    During one ‘good-deed’ demo, he’s hit by a brainwave – a thought that can change the world! His funda seems profound but is simple. Goodness is redeemable. If someone shows you a random act of kindness, you pay it forward to three people. And they’ll pass on the ‘act of kindness’ to three more each. A multiplier effect on millions – snowballing into a mass junta movement of goodness.

    The film has the heart and the haath (read: fist) in the right place. But there’s more than just ‘do-gooder’ drama in this potboiler with purpose. Jai gets embroiled with a nefarious neta, Dashrath Singh (Danny) and his heavyweight hooligans, who’re a ‘pain in the rear’ of the aam aadmi. It sparks a raging war between the udaas aam aadmi and khaas politicians.

    ‘Jai Ho’- A remake of Telugu film ‘Stalin’ (inspired by Hollywood film ‘Pay It Forward’) resonates with the current mood of the country. Sparking an optimistic hope of a Utopian world. Sohail presents our ‘Hero of the Masses’ fabulously – with all Salmanisms perfectly in place. The premise pompously alerts us of cliches and trappings of a commercial masala fare.

    The screenplay is not as inspiring as the noble message, the story cuts into too many episodes and the underlying idea is repetitive. Tabu and Danny leave a decent impact. Debutante Daisy grooves well and shows impressive confidence. The bone-crunching, blood-splitting scenes are a delight for action addicts. The story is laced with light-hearted humour and massy music.

    Like most Salman Khan films, this one too rests solely on his undeniable superstardom. There is one explosive moment of revelation in the film – when Salman tears off his shirt to show off his greased, stabbed, scarred and sensational sinews. Nothing else matters for ‘bhai’ fanatics. It’s ‘the’ paise wasool moment. Rest assured, they will ‘pay up’ and ‘take it forward’.

  • Cong rues Rahul resurrecting 1984 riots, giving Modi an edge

    Cong rues Rahul resurrecting 1984 riots, giving Modi an edge

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Congress is concerned that Rahul Gandhi has inserted anti-Sikh riots into the political discourse, shrinking its elbow room to attack Narendra Modi on the issue of anti-Muslim carnage. Rising protests from Sikh groups and the figuring of 1984 riots in news bulletins has put Congress in the firing line of the 1984 riots that was till now confined to individuals like Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler.

    Even in 2009, the drama over anti- Sikh riots was provoked by the limited issue of Congress giving election tickets to Kumar and Tytler before retracting. If the Sikh riots continue to dominate headlines, they could draw parity between Congress and BJP among opinion-makers and a defensive “secular” party would be hamstrung in raising the ante against Modi on the issue of riots. The key worry is the 1984 issue may now figure in every public interaction Modi makes and it would be difficult to duck the issue.

    With each passing day that Congress is having to defend itself, there ruling camp feels it is losing its aggressive edge against Modi. It may be an advantage for the Hindutva strongman who is trying his best to soften his rough edges dating back to anti-Muslim riots and appear a moderate. This has implications for the postelection scenario given that BJP would be needing allies who have “secular” roots. That NCP is already making conciliatory noises in favour of the Gujarat chief minister is an eye-opener.

    There is a sense of regret in Congress that Rahul could not tackle the question on riots effectively.While conceding too much ground, without putting Modi on the defensive on Gujarat riots, his ambivalent response prised open the 1984 issue for debate. Instead, he could have simply referred to the apologies issued by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh 10 years ago. When cornered, he could have apologized in line with senior Congress leaders and settled the issue for good. Many in the party blame the poor background briefing to Rahul for the fiasco.

    Now, there is hope that Rahul would make up for the lapse in the coming TV interviews that are lined up. While leaders are happy that the reluctant leader has finally decided to communicate with the public and interact with the press, they would want him to appear engaged. This when future interactions may not be easy to navigate now that he has bared the chinks in his armour. Amid the post-interview disappointment, a big plus for insiders is that he managed to keep his cool and did not walk out like Modi did with a famous TV anchor. It would have been disastrous PR in the present negative atmosphere.

    COPS USE WATER CANNONS ON IRATE SIKH PROTESTORS
    Rahul Gandhi’s remark on 1984 anti-Sikh riots triggered massive Sikh protest in the national capital

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Over 300 irate Sikh protestors clashed with the police when their agitation over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots turned unruly outside the Congress party’s headquarters in Delhi. The agitators were protesting against the injustice perpetrated on Sikhs in the 1984 riots in Delhi and the slow pace of trial, following Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on the in an interview to a television channel.

    The irate protestors, which mainly included Delhi Sikh Gurudwara committee and Shiromani Akali Dal party members, demanded an apology from the Gandhi scion who said in the interview that ‘some Congressmen were probably involved in the 1984 riots’. Rahul had said in the interview that the Congress government at the time tried its best “to stop the killing” during the riots. The Sikh protesters demanded that he should reveal the names of party leaders involved in the massacre. The protesters waved black flags and climbed onto the barricades placed outside the Congress headquarters by the cops who found it difficult to defuse the protest.

    Water cannons were later used by the cops on the Sikh protesters to quell the agitation. Earlier, Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal too had lashed out at the Congress for “protecting” party leaders involved in the 1984 riots. He reportedly said that instead of taking any action against the tainted leaders, Congress has not only been protecting them but they were being rewarded by the party with pivotal posts.

  • NC-CONGRESS ALLIANCE IN BIG TROUBLE IN J&K, OMAR MAY QUIT

    NC-CONGRESS ALLIANCE IN BIG TROUBLE IN J&K, OMAR MAY QUIT

    JAMMU (TIP): The ruling National Conference (NC)- Congress alliance in Jammu and Kashmir is in big trouble, with credible reports that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah may step down following sharp differences over the creation of new administrative units.

    The alliance may collapse like a house of cards, a big shift from the permanent alliance theory floated for the past over five years. “I don’t want to say anything,” is all Omar Abdullah persistently said, when contacted. Though he refused to comment on the situation that had arisen following the fierce stand taken by the Congress and the National Conference on the issue, a reliable source said “anything is possible”.

    “There is trouble (between the NC and the Congress over the creation of new administrative units),” a highly-placed source privy to behind-the-scene developments told The Tribune on Tuesday evening following hectic confabulations in Srinagar and New Delhi. “Anything can happen,” he said when asked whether or not the Chief Minister would step down. On January 24, Omar had made it abundantly clear to the Congress members of the Cabinet Sub Committee (CSC) on the setting up of new administrative units that he would not step back.

    “Either the Mushtaq Ganai Committee report will have to be adopted or the government will go,” Omar had said. The Ganai Committee had recommended the creation of over 900 new units, including 23 sub-divisions, 57 tehsils, 79 naibats and 773 patwar halqas, in a marked tilt in favour of the Valley. The report did not go down well with the Congress as it was hurting their bastion, the Jammu region. The Congress ministers alleged the report was biased and said a proper study must be done by interacting with the people of all districts.

    The Cabinet Sub Committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand was constituted last June and was first asked to give its report by January 15. It could not start its work in time because of the firing in Gool and the communal violence in Kishtwar and was given subsequent extensions till January 24 and then till January 31. Omar had warned he would wait till January 31 and then implement the Mushtaq Ganai report even if he had to exit the government.

    The Congress view is that an exercise of such a magnitude cannot be done in a hurry. The Congress wants nearly 3,000 new administrative units. The argument: it wants to strike a regional balance, which it alleged the report ignored. The National Conference wants the Congress to list out the loopholes in the report. If Omar resigns, he would be seen as a “political martyr” who sacrificed the chair for the sake of the people, since the new units were aimed at decentralising power centres and bringing the administration to the doorstep of the people.

    The Congress line would be “it did not allow injustice to prevail”. Both sides appear to be playing vote bank politics in election year. The government’s fall would lead to Governor’s Rule in the state and the Assembly elections would then be held alongside the Parliamentary polls in April. Having sensed a Valley-centric tilt in the Ganai Committee report, the NC is pitching for its implementation as it has strong pockets in the Valley. The Congress seems to have seen through the NC game and feels the Ganai report is a political poison for the party in the Jammu and Ladakh regions.

  • SC refuses to review verdict criminalising gay sex

    SC refuses to review verdict criminalising gay sex

    NEW DELHI (TIP): The Supreme Court reaffirmed the validity of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), under which sexual acts among LGBTs (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender population) are a criminal offence attracting a maximum punishment of life sentence.

    The Delhi High Court had diluted Section 377 of the IPC on July 2, 2009, holding that homosexual acts among consenting adults in privacy were no crime. However, the Supreme Court set aside that verdict on December 11, 2013, making such acts illegal once again. The Central Government and 34 others had come to the SC seeking a review of its ruling.

    The SC rejected their pleas today. “We have gone through the review petitions and the connected papers. We see no reason to interfere with the order impugned. The review petitions are, accordingly, dismissed,” a Bench comprising Justices HL Dattu and SJ Mukhopadhaya said in a brief order. The Bench also rejected the petitioners’ plea for oral hearing.

  • Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh resigns

    Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh resigns

    MUMBAI (TIP): Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh has resigned from service and is said to be prepping to contest the general elections.

    The 1980-batch IPS officer, who was due to retire next year, is reportedly considering contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha polls either from Mumbai or Uttar Pradesh, his native state. “So far I worked for a limited jurisdiction, for Mumbai Police, for Mumbai city. Now I would like to expand my area of operation and I would like to devote my time and my energy for social harmony, national reconstruction and world peace,” Singh said.

    “I want to do something for the nation. I have not decided to join any party. You will get to know about this in a few days’ time,” he added. Singh has received several police awards, including a special service medal for extraordinary work in the Naxal-hit areas of Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

  • MURUDESHWAR: THE OFFBEAT BEACH GETAWAY

    MURUDESHWAR: THE OFFBEAT BEACH GETAWAY

    Asmall coastal town in Karnataka, it used to be highly unlikely that Murudeshwar was on the travel wish-list for any one other than the inhabitants of Karnataka state. But the times are a changing now. Coupled with accessibility and the increased desire of visiting off-beat destinations, people have started venturing further south of beach haven, Goa, to Murudeshwar. Scuba diving has been another reason for this destination becoming popular over the past couple of years.

    Climate
    The summers in Murudeshwar are hot and extend from March to May. The winters are quite pleasant and do get as chilly as it can possibly get on the Indian west coast.This makes the months of Oct to Mar the perfect time to visit Murudeshwar. Leaving aside the monsoon months of July to September, anytime is a great time to visit here.

    Food
    Being a religious town, it is not easy to come by non-vegetarian restaurants in Murudeshwar. The Sea Lounge at RNS Residency is a great place to sit and have a meal given its ambience and view but does not serve non-veg or alcohol. You can however come down here for a juice or milkshake in the morning or afternoon. Naveen Beach Resort is probably the only one in the main town where you get both alcohol as well as non-veg food and is therefore the one most popular amongst tourists. Definitely go here for seafood.Naveen Beach Restaurant is a great place to have breakfast with its traditional south indian fare. They have amazing dosa, upma, meduwada, etc.


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    Places of interest
    Murudeshwar is a small little beautiful beach town with loads of tourists visiting to see the temples and to take a dip in the holy waters of this town. The town is in fact named after Lord Shiva.

    Shiva temple
    Murudeshwar is home to the second tallest Shiva statue in the world. Standing enormously tall at 123 ft, this statue is the main reason thousands of tourists throng to Murudeshwar.

    Raja Gopura
    At 18 to 20 storeys high, this tower was built by Mr R.N Shetty, a very well known businessman and philanthropist in Murudeshwar. To me it seemed like he practically owns the town. This Raja Gopura was built with a viewing gallery on the 18th floor so that everyone could witness the spectacular views from a height as well as get a great view of the statue of Lord Shiva.

    Murudeshwar beach
    While the beach is beautiful just as any other beach is to me, it is lined with small, cheap food stalls, crabs, garbage and locals who stare at you enough to make you uncomfortable. So Murudeshwar beach is preferably best scene from afar. However a trip to the beach really early in the morning might not be a bad idea.

    Netrani Island – Scuba diving & snorkelling
    A boat ride of around an hour and fifteen minutes from Murudeshwar beach gets you to Netrani Island. This is a small island, one that you don’t really need to get down on to. The boatmen will keep the boat parked close by to the island and you can jump in with a snorkel mask and have some fun. I’d recommend giving scuba diving a try. It is probably the next best thing to travelling into outer space as a lot of people say.

    How to get there
    By air
    The nearest airport is Mangalore at 165 kms away. It probably doesn’t make sense for people to fly in to Mangalore and then drive to Murudeshwar unless they’re coming from far up north and are really constrained on time.

    By rail
    Murudeshwar is well connected on the Konkan railway line with a few trains daily connecting it to Goa and onwards to Mumbai.

    By road
    The journey from Pune to Murudeshwar is over 600 kilometres. We left in a friend’s car at 7:45am, not bad considering our targeted time of departure was to be 6:30am. While getting out of Pune, head in the general direction that you would to go to Goa. You could go up till Goa and then drive southwards but it is a better idea to travel through the interiors of Karnataka via Hubli and reach Murudeshwar directly. The time taken for this journey was around 11 hours with enough leisurely tea and eats stops.

  • 40 Muslim rebels killed in Philippine offensive

    40 Muslim rebels killed in Philippine offensive

    MANILA (TIP): Philippine troops have killed at least 40 Islamic fighters and captured a rebel stronghold with a bomb-making facility in a two-day offensive against insurgents opposed to a new peace deal, military officials said Thursday.

    President Benigno Aquino III said the military launched the assault to protect villages after Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement fighters staged attacks in southern Maguindanao province. Troops were aiming “to seriously degrade their abilities to again act as spoilers,” Aquino told reporters.

    The rebels involved in the fighting have opposed peace talks between the government and the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which were concluded over the weekend in Malaysia. They have promised to continue their uprising because the Malaysian-brokered talks would not lead to a separate homeland for minority Muslims in the south. Regional military spokesman Col. Dickson Hermoso said 12 of the slain rebels have been identified with the help of village leaders, while others were found buried in graves in and near Ganta village in Maguindanao.

    The fighting left one soldier dead and 12 others wounded by bombs hidden around a mosque and by rebel mortar fire, Hermoso said. After two days of attacks, army troops captured a key rebel stronghold Wednesday that spanned two villages in a swampy mountain foothill in Maguindanao where the insurgents made bombs and carried out combat training. Several bombs and materials for making explosives were seized by troops, Hermoso said. “It’s like a bomb factory,” Hermoso said. “We don’t negotiate with groups like this who threaten innocent civilians. We run after them to enforce the law.”

    The offensive, which was supposed to end Wednesday, would be extended up to Saturday as troops pursue the retreating rebels, who have split into smaller groups, he said. Rebel spokesman Abu Misry disputed the military report, saying there have been no deaths and only seven insurgents had been wounded in army shelling and helicopter rocket fire. About 10,000 villagers have fled the fighting, which underscored the difficulty of ending violence in the country’s south.

    Aside from the main Moro rebel group that concluded negotiations Saturday with the government for a new Muslim autonomy deal in the south, at least four other smaller insurgent groups threaten the peace in the region. Those groups include the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement and the smaller but more brutal Abu Sayyaf, which is notorious for bombings, kidnappings for ransom and beheadings. Aquino said the new peace deal would bring the government and the 11,000-strong main Moro rebel group together to pursue outlaws who have long thrived in the conflict.

  • Justin Bieber charged with assault in Canada

    Justin Bieber charged with assault in Canada

    TORONTO (TIP): Canadian police charged Justin Bieber on January 29 with assaulting a limousine driver in Toronto in December, the latest in a string of legal troubles for the young pop star.

    The incident happened in the early hours of December 30, when the limousine picked up six people including Bieber, 19, outside a Toronto nightclub, police said in a statement. Bieber struck the limousine driver on the back of the head several times during an altercation on the way to a hotel, police said.

    The driver got out and called police, but Bieber left before they arrived, according to the statement. A Canadian lawyer for the pop star issued a statement that said Bieber is innocent and because the matter is before the courts, it would be inappropriate to address the specifics of the allegation. Bieber’s legal team expects the matter will be treated as a summary offence, the equivalent of a misdemeanor in the United States. The pop star is scheduled to appear in a Toronto courtroom on March 10.

    Bieber was charged after appearing at a Toronto police station on Wednesday evening. He arrived in a black SUV and was met by a crowd of journalists and screaming fans, who braved temperatures of minus 10 Celsius (14 Fahrenheit). Wearing a baseball cap on backwards and hooded black coat, Bieber was mobbed by photographers and fans pushing for a closer look as bodyguards and police officers cleared a path for him to enter the station.

    Facing florida charges

    Bieber has been in trouble with authorities in the United States this month. He was charged with driving under the influence in Miami after police say he was caught drag racing a rented Lamborghini. Police said Bieber told them he had taken prescription medicine, smoked marijuana and consumed alcohol.

    According to court records, he pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to those charges. If convicted, Bieber could face up to six months in prison, although experts say he is likely to receive a lighter sentence because it would be his first offence. Bieber is scheduled to make a court appearance on February 14 to formally answer those charges. He was also charged with driving on an expired license and resisting arrest.

    Also on Wednesday, an online petition asking the administration of President Barack Obama to deport Bieber from the United States following his Miami arrest passed the 100,000-signature threshold required for a White House response. Bieber is unlikely to be deported because federal law dictates that a visa can only be revoked or denied for a conviction of a violent crime with a minimum one-year prison sentence.

  • Raj links: British PM’s ancestry traced to Kolkata

    Raj links: British PM’s ancestry traced to Kolkata

    LONDON (TIP): British PM David Cameron’s ancestry has been traced to India, specifically Kolkata. This comes just months after Prince William was found to have Indian blood in him and a direct descendent of an Indian woman.

    An exhaustive analysis into the Cameron’s ancestry has revealed that he and comedian Al Murray are cousins connected through William Makepeace Thackeray, the author of Vanity Fair. William was born in Kolkata on 18 July 1811. He was sent to England in 1815 after the death of his father.

    Speaking exclusively to TOI, Myko Clelland, family historian said, “Documents from the British Raj that were made available online on Wednesday by the British Library shows that both Cameron and Murray’s family were very high up in the East India Company and for generations the two families administered India. Records then show that they inter married and the blood lines mixed making Murray and Cameron distant cousins.”

    Records published online by leading family history organization “Findmypast” shows that Cameron is William’s first cousin five times removed through his direct ancestor John Talbot Shakespear. Murray is William’s great great great grandson. Shakespear is Cameron’s great great great great grandfather and William’s uncle. He was a senior civil servant with the East India Company. William wrote about East Indian civil servants and colonial adventurers.

    “His characters may have been inspired by Cameron’s relatives,” the experts said. His father Richmond Thackeray was born in South Mimms, Hertfordshire and travelled to India in 1798 aged 16 to work as a writer (civil servant) with the East India Company. He later rose to the position of secretary to the Board of Revenue. His mother Anne Becher was the second daughter of John Harman Becher who was also a secretary (writer) for the East India Company.

  • Nurse wins Britain’s top literary award

    Nurse wins Britain’s top literary award

    The Shock of the Fall – the story of two brothers dealing with schizophrenia by first time author and mental health nurse Nathan Filer has edged past some of the established names in modern day storytelling to win the 2013 Costa Book of the Year – one of UK’s most prestigious literary prizes.

    Announced on Tuesday, Filer won against some well known writers including Kate Atkinson who was the bookmaker’s favourite for Life After Life. Filer (32) is a writer and lecturer in creative writing at Bath Spa University. He is a qualified mental health nurse and for many years worked for the mental health service in Bristol where he still lives. The Shock of the Fall was subject to an eleven-way auction and bought by HarperCollins for a substantial six figure sum.

    Filer said, “I wrote this book because I want to share it, I wasn’t writing it for myself. I always wanted people to read it and winning this means more and more people will read it so I’m absolutely delighted by that.” Filer beat biographer Lucy Hughes-Hallett for The Pike, poet Michael Symmons Roberts for Drysalter and author and political cartoonist Chris Riddell for Goth Girl and the Ghost of a Mouse to win the prize and a cheque for £30,000. Rose Tremain CBE, chair of the final judges, said, “This book stood out in a very good list.

    The voice in which the author has chosen to tell his story is perfectly aligned with the subject matter and was very well sustained to the end.” She added, “The book is exceptionally moving without being sentimental – we’re very much hoping there will be more from this writer.” The Shock of the Fall tells the story of Matthew and Simon, two brothers who are separated yet united by a tragic accident. Exploring themes of loss, grief and mental illness, the novel transports the reader directly into the mind of Matthew and his slow descent into madness as he confronts his role in the childhood death of his older brother 10 years ago.

  • OBAMA VOWS TO ACT ALONE ON ECONOMY

    OBAMA VOWS TO ACT ALONE ON ECONOMY

    WASHINGTON (TIP): Declaring that 2014 can be the “breakthrough year” for America and the US is “better-positioned for the 21st century than any other nation on Earth”, US President Barack Obama warned the country’s lawmakers on January 28 that he would use his executive powers to boost economic recovery and narrow the gap between rich and poor if they did not move on critical legislation.

    Obama used his fifth State of the Union address, the first in his second term, to challenge Republicans in a gridlocked Congress that he feels has thrown sand in his economic agenda, urging them to pass laws relating to minimum wage, immigration reform, and tax code, among other issues, to take advantage of the growing momentum in the US economy.

    “For the first time in over a decade, business leaders around the world have declared that China is no longer the world’s number one place to invest; America is… and over half of big manufacturers say they’re thinking of insourcing jobs from abroad,” Obama told lawmakers in a 70-minute address that contained an upbeat assessment of the US economy, even as he railed about stagnant wages — while the rich got richer — because of divisive politics in Washington.

    “So let’s make that decision easier for more companies. Let’s end incentives to ship jobs overseas, and lower tax rates for businesses that create jobs right here at home,” he added, warning that while he was eager to work with Congress on legislation, he would take executive steps whenever and wherever he could to expand opportunity for Americans. The president’s tone could result in a sharp uptick in Washington’s confrontational politics where legislators jealously guard their law-making privileges.

    Obama announced an executive order raising minimum wage for workers employed by federal contractors to $10.10/hour, and urged businesses across the country to follow suit without waiting for legislation. Many lawmakers are reluctant to back this move believing it will adversely affect businesses and their ability to add jobs. In an address that was light on foreign policy and did not contain any reference to India, Obama also outlined a new paradigm on overseas wars, saying he will not send US troops into harm’s way unless it is truly necessary, nor will he allow them to be mired in open-ended conflicts.

    “We must fight the battles that need to be fought, not those that terrorists prefer from us — large-scale deployments that drain our strength and may ultimately feed extremism,” he added, effectively signaling an end to the Bush-era policy of taking on terrorists on their home turf. Specifically on Afghanistan, he said a small force of Americans could remain in the country with Nato allies to carry out two narrow missions: training and assisting Afghan forces and counterterrorism operations to pursue any remnants of al-Qaida. According to a CNN/ORC International survey, only three in 10 Americans think Obama should make unilateral changes to deal with major issues. Forty-four per cent of respondents had a very positive reaction, with 32% saying they had a somewhat positive response and 22%with a negative response.

  • South Sudan to try rebel leaders, risking ceasefire

    South Sudan to try rebel leaders, risking ceasefire

    JUBA (TIP): South Sudan released seven rebel detainees January 30 but vowed to put on trial key leaders accused of launching weeks of fighting, a move likely to threaten a fragile ceasefire.

    The sides implemented the ceasefire last Friday, but combat has only eased, not ended, with reports of continuing clashes and a worsening humanitarian crisis that has left thousands dead and forced almost 800,000 to flee their homes. Four leaders remain in custody in South Sudan, facing trial for attempting to topple President Salva Kiir after fighting broke out in the capital Juba on December 15.

    Kiir accused his sacked deputy Riek Machar and other former officials of fomenting a coup against his government. Eleven ex-officials were arrested, while Machar — who denied any coup plot — fled. Fighting quickly spread across the country. Aid groups say up to 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict, although many fear more may have died. United Nations aid chief Valerie Amos wrapped up a three-day visit Wednesday to the war-torn country, where she saw the results of over six weeks of bloodshed, with horrific atrocities reported to have been committed by both sides.

    “The future of South Sudan rests on all the people being able to work together,” she said, after a tour in which she saw food stores looted of tonnes of food aid, in devastated towns where workers were still burying those recently killed in the fighting. The fighting has seen waves of brutal revenge attacks, as fighters and ethnic militia use the violence to loot and settle old scores. South Sudan’s Justice Minister Paulino Wanawila said Tuesday that the four men in detention will face trial while three others, including Machar, will face justice if caught.

    “If someone violates the law you don’t go and torture that person, you prosecute that person according to the law,” he said. ‘Things may get worse before they get better’ But the release of all the prisoners has been a key demand of the rebels, and Kenya’s foreign ministry said it was “still negotiating for the release of the remaining four.” The United States urged Juba to free the remaining detainees to help boost political reconciliation, as it welcomed the releases as an “important step towards an inclusive political dialogue”. John Luk Jok, a former justice minister, spoke on behalf of those released, who appeared in apparent good health.

    “We don’t feel bitter, we only feel sad that the crisis in our country is happening just after our independence,” he said. “We don’t see our president as our enemy.” Many fear the conflict has slid out of the control of political leaders, with ethnic violence and revenge attacks between the Dinka people of Kiir and the Nuer of Machar, the country’s two largest groups. Over 76,000 civilians are still sheltering inside UN peacekeeping bases. Government and opposition rebels are still fighting for control in key areas, with the United Nations calling the situation “fragile”.

  • Ukraine lawmakers offer protester amnesty

    Ukraine lawmakers offer protester amnesty

    KIEV, UKRAINE (TIP): Ukraine’s Parliament has passed a measure offering amnesty to arrested protesters, but only if demonstrators vacate most of the buildings they occupy.

    The measure, passed on January 29 after nearly 12 hours of negotiation, was not supported by the opposition parties driving the two months of protests that pushed the country into crisis. Protesters occupy at least three buildings in the Ukrainian capital which they use as dormitories and operation centers, and are key support facilities for the extensive protest tent camp on the city’s main square.

    With temperatures dropping as low as minus 20 Celsius (minus-4 Fahrenheit) during the night, continuing the protests without places to shelter would be virtually impossible. Along with the logistical issues, the amnesty offer is likely to offend protesters because they regard it as fundamentally illegitimate in the first place, and the authorities are showing no sign of addressing any of the issues at the heart of the protests. Viktor Chumak of the opposition party Udar said Wednesday that 328 people have been arrested in the course of the protests and “are hostages of the authorities,” the Interfax news agency reported.

  • Space tour? Chinese not allowed: UK firm

    Space tour? Chinese not allowed: UK firm

    Chinese nationals have been banned from flying on the commercial space flights operated by Virgin Galactic over fears that the rocket technology being implemented will be stolen.

    This is due to the fact that the British firm will be launching its craft from the US, where strict antiespionage regulations introduced during the Cold War still restrict the privileges of citizens from countries such as China, Iran and North Korea. Because Galactic’s craft are powered by rocket engines it is seen as a potential military technology and covered by the US’s International Traffic in Arms regulations.

    “We have had calls from people in China but we have to tell them we can’t accept them if they only have a Chinese passport,” said Hong Kong-based Virgin Galactic salesman. “We advise them on how they can make themselves eligible for a space tour. For example, they can get another nationality’s passport or they can apply for a (US) Green Card.” The news certainly deprives Virgin Galactic of access to a huge potential market of wealthy Chinese businessmen willing to pay the $250,000 ticket price for a space flight, but the company might also have more substantial problems. the independent

  • Libya interior minister escapes assassination bid: Report

    Libya interior minister escapes assassination bid: Report

    TRIPOLI (TIP): Libya’s interior minister escaped unscathed from an assassination attempt in Tripoli on January 29, the LANA news agency reported.

    Seddik Abdelkarim, who is also deputy prime minister, was in his car when “unknown gunmen fired a barrage of bullets” at the vehicle, the agency said, adding that no one was killed or wounded in the attack.

    Libya has grappled with widespread unrest since rebels overthrew and killed long-ruling dictator Moamer Kadhafi in a Nato-backed uprising in 2011.

  • London ‘Run for Unity’a Grand Success: Jolly

    London ‘Run for Unity’a Grand Success: Jolly

    Gujarat Leader Amit Thaker mandated for organizing ‘Run for Unity’ globally

    NEW DELHI (TIP): Encouraged by the success of London Run for Unity, OFBJP Convener Vijay Jolly announced January 29 that “Run for Unity” programs will be organized in various countries soon.

    Jolly mandated OFBJP Co-Convenor & Gujarat leader Amit Thaker to coordinate globally the “Run for Unity” programs. Thaker will plan, propose, organize & coordinate all such programs in close association with OFBJP units in USA, UK, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Nepal, Mauritius, Canada, Kenya, Nigeria etc.

    Jolly claimed that “RUN FOR UNITY” recently organized in London attracted a large crowd of NRI’s. The UK program was organized by “14 – Unity” a young professional group in UK led by dynamic Nachiket Joshi, OFBJP Central Committee Member (Bharat) and permanently based in London. Gujarati, Punjabi and English British leaders participated along with young boys & girls.

    Over 1000 strong crowd and participants walked in pouring rain wearing raincoats & carrying umbrellas in severe cold London weather, stated OFBJP leader Vijay Jolly. Cheering for “Modi” and national unity, wearing T-shirt of Sardar Patel’s image, the ‘London Run for Unity’ was flagged off by Bob Blackman, British MP & Chairman of All Party Parliamentary Group for British Hindus.

    Bob, in his speech on the occasion pledged British support for Modi and hoped that trade between UK & India will increase “ten -times” in case Narendra Modi became PM of India. Muhammad Butt, leader of London Council, Lord Sardar Singh, Virendra Sharma South Hall MP, C.B. Patel Chairman Asian Voice & Gujarat Samachar, Lalu Bhai Parekh (OFBJP, UK President), Councilor Darshan Grewal (OFBJP-UK Vice President), P.G. Patel Chairman SPMS, UK, Mahendra Jadeja Sec. Gen. of NCGO, C.J. Robheru, Narendra Thakran, Vinod Halai, Dr. M. Ambekar etc. participated in the historic program in London.

  • JAYA TO STAND TRIAL IN INCOME TAX CASE

    JAYA TO STAND TRIAL IN INCOME TAX CASE

    NEW DELHI (TIP): In a major setback to Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, the Supreme Court rejected her appeal against prosecution by the Income Tax department for not having filed tax returns between 1991 and 1994.

    The apex court verdict now paves the way for prosecution against Jayalalithaa who will now stand trial in Tamil Nadu. The court has also ordered the trial be completed within 4 months.

    In 1996-1997, Income Tax authorities had field criminal cases against Jayalalithaa and her associate N Sasikala for not having filed tax returns for the assessment year 1993-94. Jaya’s contention that she had not filed returns as she did not have any taxable income during that year and that there was no tax evasion was rejected by the Income Tax department, which argued that filing of tax returns was mandatory.

  • CONGRESS MLA DISRUPTS KEJRIWAL CONFERENCE, CALLS HIM A CHEAT

    CONGRESS MLA DISRUPTS KEJRIWAL CONFERENCE, CALLS HIM A CHEAT

    NEW DELHI: A Congress MLA Thursday today disrupted Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s press conference saying that the Aam Aadmi Party government were biased against Muslims and called him a cheat.

    Demanding an SIT probe into the Batla House encounter, Asif Mohammad Khan lashed out at Arvind Kejriwal saying why was the Delhi government not demanding a probe in the controversial Batla House encounter. NDTV quoted the MLA saying: ‘Today they refused to take any action on the Batla House encounter.

    Why make promises when you will not take any action? In your (AAP’s) manifesto – the Batla House encounter was a point.’ The Congress MLA accused Kejriwal of not being concerned about Muslims and said that the AAP backtracked on their promise on a judicial probe into the Batla House encounters.

    “He (Kejriwal) had promised the people of Okhla that he will probe the Batla House encounter case, and had even distributed handbills saying the same,” said Khan, adding that Kejriwal is now backtracking from his promise. Arvind Kejriwal held a press conference in the capital to mark a month’s completion by his government in Delhi.