Part 1 - South Asian Daily

MIDWEEK NEWS WEEKLY TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2013

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MANMOHAN SINGH, VLADIMIR PUTIN SLAM STATES BACKING TERROR

Wynne introduces open government in Ontario

Premier Wynne makes an announcement about Open Government Website after she tours Ryerson Digital Media Zone in Toronto Cour tesy: Premier of Ontario Photography

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PUTIN GOES BEYOND PROTOCOL: GIVES 'SPECIAL GIFT' TO INDIAN PM

DETAILS ON PAGE 5

Canada Expands Start-up Visa Program to Include Business Incubators

Toronto: Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander announces a new visa stream to attract foreign entrepreneurs to Canada. "As part of our government's focus on jobs, growth and long-term prosperity, it is critical for Canada to attract the best

entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world," said Alexander. "This new stream will partner Canada's world class business incubators with immigrant entrepreneurs, driving economic growth and placing Canada ahead of its competitors in the global economy of the 21st century."

The launch of a new Business Incubator stream under the Start-up Visa (SUV) Program to recruit dynamic foreign entrepreneurs will complement existing venture capital and angel investor streams. It will attract earlystage and high growth businesses, and entrepreneurs who can contribute to a culture of innovation and commercialization in Canada. Business incubators provide promising entrepreneurs with valuable mentorship, and help them to attract investors and grow their start-ups into sustainable businesses that can create jobs in Canada. "We are honoured to partner with Citizenship and Immigration Canada on this exciting new initiative," said CABI President David McNamara. "Our mission is to

help small businesses grow and succeed. Connecting immigrant entrepreneurs with Canada's accredited business incubators will broaden our respective networks and bring us all to the next level. The possibilities are endless!" Citizenship and Immigration Canada will designate eligible business incubator programs in consultation with the Canadian Association of Business Incubation (CABI). The new stream will begin accepting applications on October 26, 2013. Alexander also announced today that five additional Canadian venture capital funds will soon be designated as SUV partners. An updated list of all designated organizations will be made available on the CIC website as of October 26, 2013.

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A media source from Goa spotted the couple dining along with their Finding Fanny Fernandes costar Arjun Kapoor at one of the finest Greek restaurants in Vagator in Nor th Goa on Sunday night. The eating place has a very romantic atmosphere. Deepika has been in Goa shooting for the film in which Ranveer too, has a cameo. Ranveer was not only seen pecking Deepika on the cheek, but the interesting par t is that one of their common points of discussion was Deepika's ex-boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor and his recent film Besharam that did not fare too well at the box office.

DETAILS ON PAGE 4

SHARIF WANTS U.S. TO INTERVENEINTO KASHMIR ISSUE

DETAILS ON PAGE 5

RANVEER & DEEPIKA MAKE FUN OF BESHARAM RANBIR We all know that Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are seeing each other.

ntario Premier Kathleen Wynne announced Ontario's new Open Government initiative, which will give the people of Ontario a more transparent and accessible government, a move that comes after the controversial cancellation of gas plants. "We need to make information easier to find, understand and use, so that we can design services that deliver better results to the people of Ontario. We must also unlock public data so that you can help us solve problems and find new ways of doing things," she said reported the Star. "I believe that government data belongs to the people of Ontario and so we will make government data open by default, limiting access only to safeguard privacy, security and confidentiality." Opposition PC Leader Tim Hudak was quick to remind Ontarians of the past. "We've had not one but two major gas plant scandals, eHealth, Ornge, Ontario Lottery and Gaming and now the Pan Am Games. How much more evidence do you need that all Liberals care about is themselves?" Hudak said. Earlier this month the Auditor-General showed the cancellation of Oakville and Mississauga gas plants cost $1.1 billion.

On his way to Washington D.C. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Sunday said back in 1999 when he met then U.S. President Bill Clinton he had made it clear that U.S. intervention into Kashmir would've resolved the issue. "I told him if he spends 10 per cent of the time he was spending on Middle East, the Kashmir issue between the two countries would resolve," APP quoted Sharif. Sharif made a stop in London before making his way to Washington to meet with President Barack Obama. The two countries have been in an "arms race for 60 years" quoted Firstpost. "The situation can become dangerous. India has nuclear bomb, so do we; India develops missiles, so do we. There should be a limit to it. We all should think about it," he said Meanwhile, the U.S. has backed away from the Kashmir issue confirmed repor ts. A senior official said "the pace, scope, and character of India and Pakistan's dialogue on Kashmir is for those two countries to determine with each other," reported Midday. "On Kashmir, our policy has not changed an iota," the official said. During the UN general assembly last month Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had referred to Pakistan as "epicentre of terrorism" repor ted First Post. DETAILS ON PAGE 4

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CBI mulls option of closing Coalgate case against Kumar Mangalam Birla NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's strong defence of the allocation of Talabira II coal block to Hindalco has created uncertainty about the fate of CBI's investigation into the matter, with many feeling that it may turn out to be still-born. Sources in the agency acknowledged that with the PM owning up the controversial allocation, they were in a bind. "We can't close the investigation straightaway and, having registered an FIR for alleged misconduct, will have to talk to all people concerned. But we are open to the idea of closing the investigation," said a senior source in the agency when asked about the fallout of PMO's intervention on the high-profile probe. CBI had never ruled out the possibility of investigation being wound up, with senior officials emphasizing at the outset that "FIR is just a primary action in any case" and that "many probes initiated by the agency are shut down". But while closure of investigation was being talked about as a technical possibility, it is now being seen as distinct prospect, with sources in the agency appearing reconciled to abort the probe after seeking legal opinion. A senior CBI officer explained, "According to our enquiry, the joint venture between PSUs and Hindalco was designed to favour the private company, and it involved violation of rules. However, we will take a thorough legal opinion on whether there was criminality in this matter and if there is nothing against Kumar Mangalam Birla, Hindalco Industries Ltd and P C Parakh, there is a possibility that the case will be closed." In what marked a repudiation of the allegation against Birla and former coal secretary Parakh, PMO had said on Saturday, "The PM is satisfied the final decision in this regard was entirely appropriate and based on merits of the case placed before him." CBI had accused Birla and Parakh of conspiring to allocate Talabira II coal block in Odisha to Hindalco, reversing the decision of the screening committee under the coal ministry to award the block to public sector entities Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited. In the FIR, the agency also alleged that the change was to the disadvantage of NLC which had planned to use the Talabira deposits for a power plant it proposed to set up. The charge was rejected by the PMO which said the decision was changed at the instance of Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik who had cited the needs of his state to demand a reconsideration. It dismissed the charge that NLC was adversely impacted by saying that the final decision was arrived at after factoring in the interests of the PSU.

Wynne introduces open government in Ontario

Contd. from Page 3 "I'd rather see the Premier focusing on open access to jobs - giving our young people some hope and future in this great province," he said reported Globe and Mail. "Kathleen Wynne and the Liberals are a bunch of hypocrites. How dare they talk about open access to information when they spent years covering up the gas plant scandal." The focus will be on three areas: open dialogue, so it is easier for people to connect and interact with government through new tools and technologies; open data, so people can access data to solve everyday problems and come up with new ideas; open information, which means creating even more transparency by sharing more information. Ottawa public policy guru Don Lenihan is to chair the Open Government Engagement Team and may report back next spring before election reported Globe and Mail.

Cyclists in Delhi bullied, stalked by death In contrast to the CBI's charge about there being a conspiracy between Birla and Parakh to favour Hindalco, the PMO painted the decision as legit and influenced by the spirit of federalism and the need to generate jobs in Odisha. In fact, the PMO went on to say that it had relaxed the guidelines to enhance Hindalco's share from the block: a fact that even the CBI had not mentioned in its FIR to substantiate the charge of criminal conspiracy between the aluminium major and the coal ministry. Although the PMO emphasized that it did not wish to impede CBI's investigation, sources in the agency said the public rejection of their FIR translated into a clear hint to get off the back of Birla and Parakh.

Sharif wants U.S. to interveneinto Kashmir issue Contd. from Page 3 "India is committed sincerely to resolving all issues with Pakistan, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, through bilateral dialogue on the basis of the Simla Agreement," he had then said repor ted First Post. "However, for progress to be made, it is imperative that the territory of Pakistan and the areas under its control are not utilised for aiding and abetting terrorism directed against India," Manmohan Singh said. Sharif is visiting the U.S. for the first time since 1999 during the Kargil war. Sharif will meet with Obama and highlight the impor tance and resilience of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship and provide an oppor tunity for us to strengthen cooperation on issues of mutual concern, such as energy, trade and economic development, regional stability, and countering violent extremism read a White House statement.

NEW DELHI: Cycling in Delhi is difficult not just because of poor infrastructure but also because of lack of enforcement in creating space for cyclists and hogging of road space by larger motorized vehicles. This has left the cyclists with just alleys and parks. The cycling community in the capital is very agitated by the accident involving environmentalist Sunita Narain when she was on a cycle near the AIIMS flyover on Sunday. Almost every cyclist, they claim, had had similar experiences and encountered near-death situations. Narain's condition was reported to be stable on Monday. Saurabh Ahuja cycles only around India Gate and Lodi Road, early in the morning. He had been hit by a car while pedaling at Netaji Subhash Place near the flyover. "I was taken to a hospital by a passerby but that experience shook me. I don't want to die cycling. There are no cycle tracks near my place in North Delhi," says Ahuja, a businessman, who used to ride with cycling groups earlier. Preet Chatwal, who works in the hospitality industry, was hit by an Innova a few months ago when he was going from Gurgaon to Faridabad. "I couldn't cycle for a month. I think the government has been wasting a lot of money on making disconnected cycle tracks. In reality, our space is encroached upon by other vehicles and the government doesn't do anything about it," he says. Constant honking to push the cyclist to the edge and bullying by other vehicles is a regular feature. People who don't have a choice are more confident. Giriraj Lal, a driver, says he has learnt to ride very carefully. "Every cyclist has to be careful. There is less space because there are lots of vehicles," he says. Jack Leenars, who runs a bicycle tour initiative in Delhi, feels that most colony roads are safe.


breaking news

Manmohan in Beijing; India, China to sign landmark pact on border cooperation BEIJING: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived here on Tuesday on a three-day visit during which India and China are expected to ink several key pacts, including an agreement on a mechanism to prevent incursions by Chinese troops along the line of actual control. Singh, who arrived here from Russia tonight, will hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday on a host of issues. He will also meet Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the National People's Congress, the Chinese parliament. Besides the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement, a series of pacts are expected to be signed after his talks with Li, officials said. The landmark agreement on border cooperation — expected to be signed on Wednesday — is aimed to avoid faceoffs between the arimes of the two countries like in Depsang valley in Ladakh recently. However, plans for putting in place a liberalized visa regime look elusive. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who arrived here to a warm reception on his three-day visit, will meet Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday after which the border agreement is expected to be signed. Giving indications that decks have been cleared for signing of BDCA, sources said, "Don't ask about the outcomes now. We will give you details tomorrow." The BDCA was cleared by the Cabinet committee on security last week as part of further confidence building measures to avoid incidents along the LAC which has seen many intrusions from the Chinese side. The BDCA also provides for setting up of a hotline between the DGMOs of the

Give small businesses and consumers a break: NDP Once again the NDP is taking action to stop credit card companies from gouging small businesses and their customers. “Two large multinationals control 92 per cent of Canadian credit card transactions and they’re using their monopoly to demand exorbitant fees from small businesses,” said NDP Small Business critic Glenn Thibeault (Sudbury). “We are proposing practical ways to put a halt to these anti-competitive practices.” The NDP proposals include: requesting that an independent body recommend measures to end anticompetitive practices; making the voluntary credit card code mandatory; and tightening credit code of conduct rules for premium credit cards. Conservatives claim to be interested in consumer issues, but then failed to take the opportunity of the Throne Speech to address the real problems facing Canadian consumers. Many other countries have already moved forward on measures to regulate credit card fees charged to merchants. “The Conservatives, like the Liberals before them, are creating policies that will lead to even more inequality,” said NDP deputy Small Business critic Annick Papillon (Québec). “New Democrats are proposing real solutions that will give small businesses and consumers a break.”

Canada Expands Start-up Visa Program to Include Business Incubators Contd. from Page 3 "We are excited about the expansion of the Star t-Up Visa and look forward to welcoming innovators through this program in the near future," said Alexander. The SUV is a five-year pilot program and is limited to no more than 2,750 applications per year. It is designed to attract high quality and select entrepreneurs who can advance the Government of Canada's innovation agenda. In addition to standard admissibility requirements, SUV applicants must meet cer tain program eligibility criteria.

two countries on the lines of the mechanism India has with Pakistan. The deal is expected to be cleared after talks between Singh and Li, who will host a lunch for the Prime Minister. This is the second meeting between the two leaders in five months after the Chinese Premier visited India in May. On Wednesday, President Xi Jinping will also host a banquet dinner for

Singh, signifying the importance attached to the Indian leader's visit. Along with Li, Singh will address business leaders attending the second India-China CEOs Forum being held on the sidelines of the Indian Prime Minister's visit. Ten top Indian industrialists led by Reliance Anil Dhirubai Ambani Group chief Anil Ambani and prominent Chinese industrialists are taking part in the CEOs' meeting.

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Pakistan fires mor tar shells after Shinde’s visit to border JAMMU: Pakistani troops on Tuesday night resor ted to mor tar shelling at several Indian posts and civilian areas along International Border (IB) in Jammu district in a fresh ceasefire violation that came just hours after home minister Sushilkumar Shinde's review of the tense border situation. In the second ceasefire violation of the day, officials said Pakistan rangers opened fresh fire at 7.40pm and pounded several Indian posts and civilian areas with mor tar shells in two forward belts of Arnia subsector triggering fresh panic among the residents. BSF troops on the border retaliated strongly and exchanges are going on in Pinid and Narayanpur forward belts when repor ts last came, they said. During the day, the Pakistani troops shelled several Indian posts along the line of control (LoC) in Hamirpur and Bhimber Gali subsectors of Poonch district, a defence spokesman said. They resor ted to firing and shelling from 1035 hours to 1115 hours, he said, adding Indian troops at the border retaliated resulting in exchanges. Pakistan had also opened fire on two forward posts along the international border (IB) in RS Pura subsector of Jammu district late last night, forcing BSF troops to retaliate. There was no casualty or injury to anyone on the Indian side in the latest firing exchanges, officials said. Firing and shelling along the IB and LoC has claimed the life of one army jawan and injured 11 others since October 14.

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CEPA & Beyond - Canada-India Partnership in Agriculture & Food Processing

(FROM LEFT) DR. BRAJM. SINHA, DR. SHANTHI JOHNSON, MINISTER STEWART, NAVAL BAJAJ, KANT BHARGAVA COURTESY: ICCC

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roundtable on the theme: CEPA and Beyond: CanadaIndia Partnership in Agriculture and Food Processing was jointly organized by Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) and Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI) with support from University of Regina and Ministry of the Economy (ECON), Government of Saskatchewan, at the University of Regina on Friday, October 11, 2013. At the roundtable ICCC was represented by its President Naval Bajaj and Ambassador (Retd.) Kant K. Bhargava, Honorary Advisor of ICCC. Shastri Indo Canadian Institute was represented by Dr. Shanthi Johnson, President SICI and Dr. Braj M. Sinha, a Former President of SICI and Professor, University of


Jointly organized by Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce &Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute with support from University of Regina & Ministry of Economy (ECON) Government of Saskatchewan Saskatchewan. The Regina roundtable brought together a mix of representatives from business, academia, and government. Hon'bleBidhuJha, Special Envoy for International Trade, Government of Manitoba; Mr. Robert Donald, Executive Director, Intergovernmental Affairs, Trade Policy, Government of Saskatchewan; and Ms. Jennifer Evancio, Senior Director, Trade Development, Agri-Value, Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP); addressed the Plenary Session which was moderated by Kant K. Bhargava, Honorary Advisor, ICCC, and Dr. BrajSinha, Former President of SICI. A background note was made available to all roundtable participants on agriculture and food processing. The two sub-groups had comprehensive discussions on: The role of governments, business and industry for building partnership in agriculture and food processing and for promoting food and nutrition security Strengthening cooperation in agriculture research and biotechnology: Interface between academia, industry, business and government The need for more effective and sustained actions in these two areas was highlighted by the participants. In his address, President ICCC emphasized the stellar role that Saskatchewan has in Canada-India trade. "There cannot be a better venue than Regina to discuss agriculture - a sector that dominates bilateral trade between Canada and India. And as everyone here would know, of all the Canadian provinces, Saskatchewan has the most extensive trade relations with India. Till about five years ago, nearly 45%

of Canada's total exports to India came from Saskatchewan, with agricultural goods such as potash, peas, lentils and chickpeas at the top of the list," Bajaj said. He also made a powerpoint presentation to all participants on India Mission 2014 that would be led by ICCC in January 2014 and will be focusing on agriculture, education and energy. You may download the presentation here: India Mission 2014. He invited interested participants from Saskatchewan to join this mission. The roundtable at Regina was part of ICCC's ongoing project called The Future of Canada-India Relations: Unlocking the Full Potential. The main purpose of this project is to examine how best the growing resources, and the potential of the Indo-Canadian community can be harnessed in the progression of bilateral relations especially in the economic field. Chanchlani Foundation is the main sponsor of the project. Pivoted by ICCC, the project seeks to focus on the development of business networks especially for small businesses, educational linkages, science and innovation, biotechnology, energy, agriculture, mining and medicine. ICCC is collaborating with a number of business, trade and academic institutions for this project including the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI), Calgary; the HEC Montreal, Montreal; the PanditDeendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), Gandhinagar; iNDEXTb, Gandhinagar; the World Trade Centre, Bengaluru; Confederation of Indian Industries and the India Canada Business Chamber, Delhi; among others.


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RUSSELL PETERSTHIRD HIGHEST COMEDIAN OF 2013: FORBES

BRAMPTON, ONTARIO COMEDIAN RUSSELL PETERS AT THE ASIAN AWARDS COURTESY: THE ASIAN AWARDS

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ith earnings of $21 million comedian Russell Peters comes in third on Forbes' third highest comedian of the past year. "Thanks to YouTube and a massive global following, Peters is still one of the world's most successful touring

comedians," reported Forbes. "The Canadian-born joker has performed at sold-out concerts from Madison Square Garden to London's O2 Arena, where his 2008 show broke an attendance record of over 16,000 fans. But Peters' remaining challenge is

conquering the American fanscape," reported Forbes along with a smiling picture of Peters. The number was based on estimates, pretax income figures and industry experts reported CBC News. The Bramptonian comedian came in third followed by

Jerry Seinfeld who came in first with an estimate of $32 million and Terry Fator with an estimate of $24million. Peters recently launched his debut on Netflix called "Notorious," which became first Netflix original stand-up comedy.

Council Approves Changes to MiWay Fares as of January 2014 City Council approved changes to MiWay's 2014 fares today. To offset cost pressures in the 2014 transit budget, some fares will increase on January 27, 2014, along with an emphasis on moving toward PRESTO as a method of payment. In an effort to encourage PRESTO use, the adult weekly pass will be discontinued effective January 27, 2014. Customers can use the PRESTO fare card in its place and take advantage of the weekly loyalty program discount. Learn more at: miway.ca/presto The student fare structure is being changed to include high school students only. The student and child categories will remain frozen at the current rate for

two more years. Cash fares will remain the same. A new fare category is being introduced for post-secondary students that will only be available through the

PRESTO fare card. This will align MiWay's fares with other Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) transit fares. Private college students will be included

as part of this new category. A phased fare increase over four years will align post-secondary fares to match adult fares by 2017.

Indian doctors in UK win landmark judgment LONDON: Indian doctors in Britain have dragged UK's independent medical regulator-the General Medical Council to Cour t over serious discrimination. In a landmark ruling in favour of the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO), the Royal Cour ts of Justice on October 18 said GMC whose statutory purpose is to ensure proper standards in the practice of medicine, had not given due regard to the Equality Law and hence a judicial review should be immediately star ted against it. Indian doctors working in the UK had taken the country's top regulatory body, the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), to Cour t over the fairness of the controversial clinical skills assessment (CSA) test—the examination which confirms that a doctor has satisfactorily completed specialty training for general practice and is competent to enter independent practice. An investigation carried out by Professor Aneez Esmail, an exper t on racism in the NHS had found that Indian doctors are four times more likely than white candidates to fail their CSA exam. A review into 5,000 candidates was ordered after ethnic minority students complained the exam was unfair. Professor Esmail has confirmed that an "unconscious bias" exists. On Oct 18, the Cour t said the GMC was answerable for such bias. The judicial review to see whether the CSA examination is flawed and discriminates against international trainees will come up soon against both GMC and RCGP. Speaking to TOI, BAPIO president Dr Ramesh Mehta said: "We have won the case to include GMC in the judicial review. The ultimate accountability for the fairness of such exams lies with the GMC as they are due to ensure that the training and assessment of doctors who are doing post- graduation is fair and equitable. The Cour t has now agreed that GMC too should be in the dock." At present, a huge differential pass rates exist between Indian doctors and the UK graduates in the new CSA assessment introduced in 2010. RCGP figures for 2010-11 indicate that the failure rate for Indian medical graduates is 63.2%, compared with 9.4% of UK graduates. BAPIO said: "The huge differential pass rate is unjustified while all the trainees have gone through the same three year training". BAPIO solicitors have argued that the case 'demonstrates unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010', and warn that oppor tunity for bias occurs during face-to-face assessments in which it appears that 'a physician's intellectual ability is judged on the basis of how well he/she speaks native English'. The CSA is a practical test in which trainee GPs are assessed by an examiner while they treat actors in a mocksurgery setting. A British Medical Journal study had just recently confirmed that white doctors in UK are almost three times more likely to land a hospital job than ethnic minority doctors (13.8% versus 4.8%).

Sikh student in US not allowed on bus for wearing kirpan

Credit River Parks Strategy to Connect People to Centrepiece of City's Parks and Open Space Network

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ississauga Council has endorsed in principle the City's "Credit River Parks Strategy" -- a comprehensive 25year Master Plan to develop, conserve and manage the largest and most diverse continuous natural area in the City of Mississauga. "We've now got a plan to preserve our City's most valuable natural asset," said Mayor Hazel McCallion. "This is a wise investment over time that will make the Credit River accessible; it will connect our residents to our natural environment and provide recreational opportunities that will contribute to the health, wellbeing and quality of life of Mississauga residents." According to the report, the goal of the "Credit River Parks Strategy" is to guide the planning, development, conservation and management of a continuous system of publicly-owned and publicly accessible parkland and natural areas along the Credit River. The Master Plan area contains 37 parks, covers a 27 kilometer (16.75 mile) segment of the Credit River including 650 hectares (1600 acres) of City-owned or managed parkland and natural areas. "Residents and stakeholders told us that it was extremely important for the City to preserve and enhance the natural heritage features of this asset," added Laura Piette, Parks and Forestry director. "They want to connect with and have access to this area for a number of passive and active recreational uses such as cycling, walking, hiking, canoeing and kayaking as part of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle." The study included community engagement and consultation with more than 1,000 people providing input through outreach initiatives such as public meetings, interviews with residents, a bus tour and several web-based surveys. In addition, the City also consulted with key stakeholders including landowners, the Credit Valley Conservation Authority and First Nation representatives.

The strategy identifies cost estimates and a phasing plan for capital expenditures during the next 25 years of the plan. All items will be referred to the City's annual business planning and budget process for Council's review and prioritization. Implementation is estimated to cost $79 million (2013 dollars). The study will position the City to pursue future partnerships and external funding. Background: The Credit River Parks Strategy recommends a number of enhancements and actions to reach its vision of a continuous trail system as outlined in an implementation plan which is guided by the following principles: Natural Heritage - Re-establish a viable, self-sustaining, natural ecosystem by protecting, maintaining and enhancing the natural features and functions of the Credit River Parks system; Cultural Heritage - Recognize and promote the protection, restoration and celebration of cultural heritage, including archaeological resources. Identity - Enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors by creating diverse, vibrant and appropriate places for social, recreational and educational opportunities, while being sensitive to the ecology. Sustainability - Explore partnerships and other funding opportunities to establish a connected system of trails linked to transit and promote cycling and walking in the parks system. Also, incorporate low-impact development and sustainable construction techniques when building new or retrofitted park facilities. Policy and Regulation - Be consistent with existing policies and regulations across all jurisdictions and levels of government. Recreation and Tourism - Encourage compatible recreation and tourism activities with the area's cultural and natural heritage such as hiking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching and angling.

NEW YORK: A Sikh student in the US was not allowed to board a bus because he was wearing a knife called kirpan, a symbol of his faith, media repor ted. Harsimran Singh, a student of University of California in Davis, said he was not allowed to board an Amtrak bus Saturday because the driver was against Singh wearing the ceremonial knife. The student said he has travelled for the last two years with the knife in full view and had not had any issues till the incident on Saturday, CBS News repor ted Wednesday. "They don't say anything. They always wish me safe travel, and they continue on with their business... they didn't see me as a potential threat," Singh said. According to the report, bus driver Al Smithee got concerned at the presence of a weapon on the bus. "I'm doing 70 miles an hour down the freeway, and he slits my throat, and I crash and wreck, and kill five other people or oncoming traffic. You don't know," he was quoted as saying. Smithee then called the police who then told Singh that he could board the bus if he stowed the kirpan. But Singh did not agree and decided against the trip he had planned to visit his family.

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LET'S OPEN UP GOVERNMENT IMMIGRATION WAIT TO NEW POSSIBILITIES TIMES ARE UNACCEPTABLE Open letter to the FOR NEW CANADIANS people of Ontario by A constituent comes into my Markham office, angry and upset that his mother has been denied permission to visit Canada for her granddaughter's wedding. Why, he says, should he as a hard-working Canadian taxpayer be denied this basic right that is so important to his family? Another constituent is frustrated that he has already waited more than two years, and his wife has still not gained admission to Canada. He has yet to see his infant daughter who is too young to fly to Canada on her own. His question: "How long does this government think my marriage will last when they keep us apart for so long and we have no idea how much longer it will take?" Such reactions are not confined to Markham. They happen every day across the

country, especially in regions with high concentrations of new Canadians. Few experiences are as painful or emotionally draining as being forced to endure long and unpredictable wait times to be reunited with loved ones. Moreover, Canadians are right to be frustrated and angry, as these wait times have increased dramatically. According to the immigration department's own numbers, average wait times for family class reunification from India tripled between 2007 and 2012, rising from 9 months to 27 months. The situation for China was even worse, as average waiting times rose from 7 to 39 months over the same period. According to the department's current web site, average wait times for spouses and children exceed two years for three

BY JOHN MCCALLUM MP for the riding of Markham-Unionville and Liberal Critic for Multiculturalism, Citizenship and Immigration countries (Pakistan, Kenya, Singapore), and they exceed one year for at least four additional countries (Sri Lanka, India, Philippines, Jamaica).

Parents and grandparents have been barred from applying for landed immigrant status, and for those who applied before the ban was imposed, average wait times are well over five years. For visitors, it takes 69 days to process a visitor's visa from Pakistan and 133 days from Turkey. We understand that Canada's capacity to absorb new immigrants is limited. We also understand that there are some bad apples who seek to abuse the system. Nevertheless, the horrendous increases in wait times over the past five years constitute an undue hardship for new Canadians. It is high time the government devoted the necessary resources to fix this situation, yet there was not even a mention of the problem in the recent Speech from the Throne.

Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

Governor General of Canada, David Johnston delivered the Speech from the Throne to open the second session of the 41st Parliament and outline our Government's agenda

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Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne Cour tesy: by Premier of Ontario Photography/Flickr Commons

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GOVERNOR GENERAL OF CANADA, DAVID JOHNSTON AT SPEECH FROM THE THRONE Cour tesy: pm.gc.ca "Two and a half years ago, Canadians gave our Government a mandate to create jobs, keep taxes low, and help make our streets and communities safe for families," said Prime Minister Stephen Harper. "Despite ongoing global uncertainty, Canadians now have a unique opportunity to build on our ingenuity, our immense natural wealth, and our values and stability, to secure our future and our children's future. "Our Government will deliver on the commitments made in the Speech from the Throne by creating jobs and opportunities for Canadians, supporting and protecting Canadian families, and putting Canada first," added the Prime Minister. "This is Canada's moment; we will seize it together to help ensure that hard working Canadians prosper." Some of the key measures that the government will undertake under each of its three principal themes include: Creating Jobs and Opportunities for Canadians: Balancing the budget by 2015 and reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio to pre-recession levels by 2017; Reducing the cost of the federal government to ensure that taxes remain low; Completing reforms to the Temporary Foreign Workers Program to ensure that Canadians always have the first chance at available jobs; and, Expanding trade with the European Union by concluding a

Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, as well as with markets in Asia and the Americas. Supporting and Protecting Canadian Families: Supporting greater competition in the wireless sector by addressing roaming costs on networks within Canada; Providing Canadians with the opportunity to choose the combination of television channels they want by requiring that they be unbundled; Taking steps to address geographic price discrimination against Canadians; and, Supporting victims of crime and punishing criminals by introducing the Victims' Bill of Rights and legislation to address cyberbullying. Putting Canada First: Providing the Canadian Armed Forces with the tools they need to defend Canada's sovereignty and vital interests; Providing further support to help meet the needs of veterans, including helping them secure jobs and reintegrate into civilian life; Further strengthening the immigration system, including introducing a new model to select immigrants based on the skills that Canadian employers need to expand their businesses and the economy; and, Honouring Canada's Confederation as we approach our historic 150th anniversary in 2017.

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To the people of Ontario, We live in an exciting time when new technologies and fresh ideas can be harnessed to create power ful change. In this interconnected world, governments must find new ways to inform and engage the people they represent. I want Ontario to lead the way, re-imagining what's possible through our own Open Government initiative. To get this process star ted, I've asked each of our 27 ministries to develop a plan on how they will become open and engaged. And we've brought together an exper t team that will lead a province-wide discussion about how we, as a government, can be more open in everything we do. We need to make information easier to find, understand and use, so that we can design services that deliver better results to the people of Ontario. Par t of this process will be the use of innovative models of public engagement, giving you a greater say on a range of items, including transit, regional economic development, and fiscal responsibility. We will also create a central space online where people can find information about government consultations, get engaged in that process, and express their ideas on government policy. We must also unlock public data so that you can help us solve problems and find new ways of doing things. I believe that government data belongs to the people of Ontario and so we will make government data open by default, limiting access only to safeguard privacy, security and confidentiality. To get there, we will open up data sets on our open data por tal on issues such as gridlock, student achievement and wait times. To help prioritize the order that data sets are made available, we will publish an inventory of potential open data so that people can vote on the information they would like to access. By putting data online for fresh analysis, we can spark innovative discoveries that could help grow our economy and improve peoples' lives. Our Open Government initiative will help create the transparent, accessible government that the people of Ontario deserve. Over the months and years to come, we'll be bringing forward additional initiatives that will improve transparency, accountability, and connectivity. I want to work with you to create meaningful change, both inside our government and across the province. It's par t of our plan to govern for One Ontario, where every voice counts. Together, let's do government differently.

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canada

VOTERS FATE OF CENTRE MONTH

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WILL DECIDE TORONTO NEXT IP10

Quebec separatism back in spotlight

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ONTARIO'S YOUTH

ATTENDEE AT ST-JEAN-BAPTISTE DAY PARADE IN MONTREAL EARLIER THIS YEAR WAVING THE QUEBEC FLAG COURTESY: SAM-KYNMAN-COLE/FLICKR COMMONS

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arper government is getting ready to challenge Bill 99 in a court case that governs Quebec separatism law, that governs the province's right to decide its fate regarding separating from Canada. The bill was passed thirteen years ago and states that the Quebec is the only one who can decide to be separate by a provincial vote by its people. As per law, if a referendum vote gets over 50 per cent, the province can go its own way. The federal government challenged the bill by basing

the argument that Quebec law is governed by the Canadian constitution. Bloc Québécois, Daniel Paillésaid it should be up to the province to decide if it wants to be part of Canada or separate reported National Post. "By addressing Bill 99, passed by the National Assembly, the federal government directly attacks the right of Quebec to decide its future," said Bloc Québécois leader Daniel Paillé, in a statement. "Just as the federalist parties in Ottawa agree to prevent Quebecers can define their

common values by the threat of prosecution, they also intend to deny Quebec's right to decide its political future. By refusing to recognize the main attribute of a nation is the right to self-determination and the recognition of the Quebec nation in the House of Commons is only a smokescreen, "concluded Daniel Paille Alexandre Cloutier, PQ's intergovernmental affairs minister said the federal government demanded an "exceptional response" on Twitter last weekend. The Bill was passed in 2000 with then

PQ premier Lucien Bouchard in response to Clarity Act passed by federal government that set out conditions under which Parliament could negotiate Quebec to secede reported CBC News. In 2006, when the conservatives came to power a motion was passed that declared "Québécois as a nation within a united Canada," reported CBC News. "The traditional position of the government of Canada in this litigation is well known," said Carl Vallée, the prime minister's spokesman, in the email exchange with CBC News.

U of T Mississauga opens doors to help students choose the right university Mississauga: The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) is opening its doors to give high school students, their parents, friends, teachers and guidance counselors a chance to learn more about one of the world's finest universities. Fall Campus Day, to be held Sunday, October 27, will feature two academic fairs and showcase UTM's student services and organizations between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., with a special session about navigating the application and admission process at 3 p.m. Dedicated one-hour sessions will be held on business, forensic science, life sciences, the humanities, careers & experiential learning, professional programs, financial aid and CCIT (Communication, Culture, Information and Technology) between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Guests can also take tours of the award-winning, state-ofthe-art facilities such as the Instructional Centre, the Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre, the Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre (library), science labs, Theatre Erindale and student residences. They can also treat themselves to lunch or snacks at various campus eateries. "Choosing the right university is a huge decision," says

Associate Registrar, Admissions and Recruitment, Lorretta Neebar. "One of the best ways for students to make an informed choice about which university to attend is to visit the campuses they are interested in. The University of Toronto Mississauga's annual Fall Campus Day is a great place to start." U of T Mississauga offers 143 programs that lead to U of T bachelor's, master's and PhD degrees. In addition to traditional arts and science programs, students can enrol in unique business administration, communications, biotechnology, visual culture, behavior, learning and forensic science programs. Neebar says that non-students are also welcome to attend Fall Campus Day. "This is a great opportunity for members of the community to learn about the impact that U of T Mississauga has on the city," Neebar says. For details, directions and to register for Fall Campus Day, visit www.utm.utoronto.ca/fcd

NDP BILL TO ADDRESS PRECARIOUS EMPLOYMENT AND UNPAID INTERNSHIPS Today's urban workers need better suppor t, according to NDP MP Andrew Cash. Cash, the MP for Davenpor t, is introducing a new Private Members Bill, The National Urban Worker Strategy, to better suppor t workers who are unable to gain permanent full-time jobs with benefits and job security. "It used to be you could get a job out of school, work for the same company for your entire work life, and make enough to raise a family - and then retire with a pension. Today, all that has changed," said Cash. "We need new laws and policies that reflect the reality of work in the 21st Century." Recent repor ts show the number of Canadians who are self-employed, on shor t term contract, or working multiple par t-time jobs has reached new heights. With the youth unemployment rate double the national average, many young Canadians are working for free as unpaid interns. Cash's Urban Workers bill's key proposals include: improving access to Employment Insurance; studying options such as income averaging for workers with fluctuating incomes; increasing access to a livable pension; and, preventing the misuse and abuse of unpaid interns.

The Ontario government's new Youth Jobs Strategy will help create 30,000 job oppor tunities for young people across the province. Premier Kathleen Wynne announced the strategy during a visit to Conestoga College in Cambridge today. The strategy creates four new funds to help young people across the province find work, build job skills and star t their own business: The Youth Skills Connections Fund - Available for par tnerships that match up young people with industry, not-for-profits and academic leaders to help them build career skills and secure industry jobs. The Ontario Youth Innovation Fund - Provides internship opportunities for graduate and post-graduate students, and helps postsecondary students launch star tups by funding campuslinked business accelerators. The Ontario Youth Entrepreneurship Fund - Increased funding for existing programs such as Summer Company and new programs to suppor t the growth of youth-led companies with training, mentorship and seed financing. The Ontario Youth Employment Fund - Launched in September, this fund helps employers offer four- to six-month job training placements for youth. This fund has already helped more than 1,200 young people. Helping young people of all abilities and backgrounds succeed in the workforce is par t of the Ontario government's economic plan to invest in people, invest in infrastructure and suppor t a dynamic and innovative business climate.

Harper's Throne Speech fails to change channel from scandal: NDP Harper's Speech from the Throne failed to change the channel away from Conservative scandal and mismanagement, according to Official Opposition Leader Tom Mulcair. "For seven years they've failed to take action to help consumers, so today's words ring hollow to Canadians," said Mr. Mulcair. "This is the same tired government mired in ethical scandals - and now trying to use consumer issues to hide their inaction, misconduct and economic mismanagement." Despite youth unemployment soaring and nearly 300,000 more people unemployed today than before recession, today's Throne Speech failed to lay out a jobs plan or take concrete action to create good middle class jobs while Canadian families still facing uncer tain economic times. It will take more than copying some of the NDP's consumer policies to make Canadians forget about the Senate expense scandal - because Canadians know the Conservatives have failed to deliver in the past. "Canadians can see through these cynical Conservatives tactics. They know only New Democrats can be trusted to put everyday Canadians first and give the middle-class a fair break."

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VOTERS WILL DECIDE FATE OF TORONTO CENTRE NEXT MONTH

NDP PICKED LINDA MCQUAIG (ON LEFT) AS THEIR CANDIDATE WHILE LIBERALS CHOSE CHRYSTIA FREELAND (ON RIGHT) TO RUN FOR TORONTO CENTRE RIDING. COURTESY: TWITTER


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rime Minister Stephen Harper announced Sunday that byelections in four ridings including the Toronto Centre riding will be held on Nov. 25. The ridings include Bourassa in Quebec, Provencher in Manitoba, Toronto Centre in Ontario, and Brandon-Souris in Manitoba. The Toronto Centre riding will see a tough battle between Liberals and NDP after the seat was left empty by Bob Rae. Provencher in Manitoba was left vacant after cabinet minister Vic Toews retired from federal politics after being an MP for that riding for over 12 years reported the Star. Bourassa was left empty after resignation of MP Denis Coderre who held the riding for 16 years. EmmanuaelDubourg, a former member of National Assembly is representing the Liberals in the riding and competing against StéphaneMoraille, who is a lawyer and singer in a pop band. Rida Mahmoud is the Conservative candidate in the riding. Linda McQuaig for the NDP is a former Star columnist, and is running for the New Democrats for Toronto Centre whileChrystia Freeland, an international journalist is representing the Liberals in the same riding. The Toronto Centre byelection is an important one to see which parties will emerge as an alternative to Conservatives in the next national election in 2015 confirmed reports. "We are focused on Canadians; on enhancing and championing the prospects of middle class Canadians, seniors and youth; on raising the bar on openness and accountability, as we did by publicly disclosing our travel and hospitality expenses; and on fighting for an inclusive, united Canada where our diversity is held up as a strength and never a weakness," said Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau in a statement. "Liberals are taking every by-election seriously. I have travelled across this country and I have heard Canadians' calls for something new, something better."

CANADA REACHES HISTORIC TRADE AGREEMENT WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canada and the European Union (EU) have reached an agreement in principle on a comprehensive trade agreement that will significantly boost trade and investment ties between the two partners, and create jobs and opportunities for Canadians. This is the biggest, most ambitious trade agreement that Canada has ever reached. It covers most aspects of the Canada-EU bilateral economic relationship, including trade in goods and services, investment, and government procurement. It also grants the flexibility to include areas of mutual interest beyond those that have traditionally been included in Canada's trade agreements, such as regulatory cooperation. "This trade agreement is an historic win for Canada," said Prime Minister Harper. "It represents thousands of new jobs for Canadians, and a half-billion new customers for Canadian businesses." The Agreement will provide Canada with preferential market access to the European Union's more than 500 million consumers. Canadian workers in every region of the country including in sectors such as fish and seafood; chemicals and plastics; metal and mineral products; technology; forestry and value-added wood products; automotive; advanced manufacturing; and agriculture and agri-food - stand to benefit significantly from increased access to this lucrative 28 country market which currently generates $17 trillion in annual economic activity.

The elimination of approximately 98 per cent of all EU tariff lines on the first day of when the Agreement comes into force will translate into increased profits and market opportunities for Canadian businesses of all sizes, in every part of the country. For example, the elimination of EU tariffs in the agricultural sector and the fish and seafood sector will mean that lobster fishermen in the Maritimes, maple syrup producers in Québec, apple growers in Ontario, grain producers in the prairies, cherry growers in British Columbia and arctic char farmers in the Yukon who export to the EU will see their bottom lines improve. The trade negotiations with the European Union on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement are the most transparent and collaborative trade negotiations Canada has ever conducted. From the outset, provinces and territories have been active participants, and municipalities and stakeholders from across the country from a variety of sectors have been consulted regularly. Input from the general public has also been sought, including as early as December 20, 2008, in the Canada Gazette. Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada's website has also been open to consultations from Canadians at all times throughout the negotiations. "Businesses, provinces and territories have been crucial partners in reaching this point in the negotiation," added the Prime Minister. "That is why we have been able to deliver on our commitment to reach an agreement that is in the best

Prime Minister Stephen Harper (left) met with President of the European Commission, José Manuel DurãoBarroso in Brussels to reach a Canada-EU trade agreement interest of Canadians." Now that an agreement in principle has been reached, both parties will seek to conclude the formal agreement and undertake a legal review of the document. Once the final agreement is signed, it will then need to be ratified by respective parliaments.

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india

CONG MP MASOOD DISQUALIFIED FROM RAJYA SABHA

ASARAM'S SON NARAYAN SAI SHAVES BEARD, DODGES POLICE IN AGRA

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anted in a rape case, Asaram Bapu's son Narayan Sai hid in a disciple's house in a posh Agra locality, hundreds of kilometers away from the locations Gujarat Police was looking for him. But when he caught the whiff that police could catch up with him in Agra too, the godman's son shaved off his long flowing beard and slipped away in the dark of night just a day before police raided the house in Alok Nagar. People in the locality confirmed that Sai had arrived there a black Toyota Fortuner and stayed in the house for four days. But since his escape, even house owner Laxman Das Sevakani and his family have left, after locking the entrance. Agra Senior Superintendent of Police Shalabh Mathur said they had provided all possible support to the Gujarat Police team that arrived in Agra to arrest Sai. Meanwhile, a senior woman Indian Police Service (IPS) officer posted in Surat has allegedly received an anonymous call threatening to kill her if she continues to search for Narayan Sai, wanted in a sexual assault case lodged against the father-son duo by two Surat-based sisters. An FIR was registered in this

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Cong MP Masood disqualified from Rajya Sabha Convicted Congress leader Rashid Masood on Monday became the first MP to lose his seat after the Supreme Cour t struck down a provision that protects a convicted lawmaker from disqualification on the ground of pendency of appeal in higher cour ts. The 66-year-old Mr. Masood was held guilty in a case of corruption and other offences in September. His conviction was the first after the Supreme Cour t struck down a provision in the electoral law that provided immunity to MPs and MLAs from immediate disqualification. Sources said the notification formally announcing a vacancy in the Rajya Sabha following Mr. Masood’s disqualification was issued by Rajya Sabha Secretary General Shumsher K. Sheriff. A copy of the notification has been sent to the Election Commission for necessary action, the sources said. Lok Sabha MPs Lalu Prasad and Jagdish Sharma, both convicted in the fodder scam, are set to be formally disqualified as the Lok Sabha secretariat is likely to follow suit.

MODI DOES A U-TURN ON TREASURE HUNT regard on Sunday at Umrah police station in Surat. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Shobha Bhutade, who is monitoring the investigation of the complaint lodged against Sai at Jehangirpura police station, received an anonymous call on October 16, Umrah police inspector C K Patel said on Monday. The caller threatened her "not to search for Sai otherwise they will shoot her," Patel said. Patel said based on the call details, the number has been

traced to one Jashrat Singh from neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. "We are going there for investigation. Only after reaching there and conducting a thorough probe, can we ascertain the motive behind the call. The caller may not have used his own SIM card or phone for the call," he said. Sai, who is absconding, has been accused by the younger of the two sisters, of repeated sexual assaults

between 2002 and 2005 when she was living in their Surat ashram. Sai's father Asaram, 72, was brought to Ahmedabad last week on a transit remand from a court in Jodhpur, where he was lodged in a jail since August in another sexual assault case. He is currently in police remand till October 22 in a sexual assault case, lodged by the elder of the two sisters. Sai and his father have been booked for allegedly raping two siblings from Surat between 2002 and 2003.

Days after criticising the treasure hunt in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Monday took a U-turn and praised seer Shobhan Sarkar based on whose dream the Archaeology Survey of India (ASI) is carrying out excavation in Unnao district. “Sant Shobhan Sarkar ke prati anek varsho se lakho logo ki shraddha judi hui hai. Main unki tapasya aur tyag ko pranam kar ta hu (lakhs of people have reposed faith in seer Shobhan Sarkar over last many years. I salute his austerity and renunciation),” Mr. Modi said in a tweet. Stressing on the need of getting back black money stashed away abroad, Mr. Modi demanded that the Centre should come out with a white paper on it. “Bharat sarkar se agrah kar ta hu ki woh videsho mein jama kale dhan ke sambandh main ek white paper prastut kar desh ki janta ko ashwast kare (I urge the Indian government to come out with white paper on black money deposited in other countries and assure the people of the nation),” Mr. Modi said in the second tweet.

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world

Egyptian PM condemns deadly attack on Copts

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gypt’s interim Prime Minister has condemned an attack outside a Cairo Coptic church that killed three people, including an 8-yearold girl, pledging police would do everything possible

to bring the perpetrators to justice. Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi said in a statement on Monday that the attack on Sunday night was a “callous and criminal act”. The attack t o o k p l a c e i n t h e Wa r a a

neighbourhood of the Egyptian capital, when masked gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on a wedding party outside a Coptic church, killing a man, a woman and the child. Since

a popularly-backed military c o u p o u s t e d t h e c o u n t r y ’s I s l a m i s t P r e s i d e n t i n J u l y, there have been stepped-up a t t a c k s a g a i n s t E g y p t ’s Coptic Christians and their churches.

France summons US ambassador over spying report LUXEMBOURG/PARIS: France summoned the US ambassador on Monday to protest allegations in Le Monde newspaper about large-scale spying on French citizens by the US National Security Agency. The allegations that the agency was collecting tens of thousands of French telephone records risked turning into a diplomatic row just as US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Paris for the start of a European tour over Syria. "I have immediately summoned the US ambassador and he will be received this morning at the Quai d'Orsay (the French foreign ministry)," French foreign minister Laurent Fabius told reporters on the sidelines of an EU meeting in Luxembourg. Earlier, France's interior minister, Manuel Valls, said Le Monde's revelations that 70.3 million pieces of French telephone data were recorded by the NSA between Dec 10, 2012 and Jan 8, 2013 were "shocking." "If an allied country spies on France or spies on other European countries, that's totally unacceptable," Valls told Europe 1 radio.

Bobby Jindal forms group to win 'war of ideas' WASHINGTON: Louisiana's Indian-American governor Bobby Jindal, a potential 2016 Republican presidential candidate, plans to create a policy-focused nonprofit group to help Republicans shed their image as "the par ty of no." The group called "America Next" would produce detailed proposals for how conservatives would improve health care, education and energy policy if they were in charge again, Jindal told Politico, an influential politics focused Washington news site. Jindal, whose term as chairman of Republican Governors Association ends next month, complained that his par ty has focused excessively on criticising President Barack Obama without saying what it would do instead.

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5 killed in suicide attack on train in Pakistan At least five persons were killed and 16 others injured when a suicide bomber on Monday struck a Quetta-bound Jaffar Express train in Pakistan. The train, which depar ted from Rawalpindi, was passing through Dera Murad Jamali district of the restive Balochistan province when the blast occurred causing damage to at least four coaches of the passenger train. Emergency and rescue team were dispatched to the site. Security personnel reached the site and cordoned off the area, as a probe into the incident went underway. Media repor ts quoted officials as saying that “human remains” have been found from the blast site, leading to believe that a suicide bomber attacked the train.

Nawaz Sharif meets US Secretary of State John Kerry

Visiting Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday met U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and discussed a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, the State Depar tment said. “Secretary Kerry’s meeting with the PM (Sharif) is their third in three months, and continued the robust dialogue on our shared goal of a stable, secure and prosperous Pakistan,” a statement issued by the State Depar tment said. Sharif is in Washington on a four-day official visit to the U.S., and is scheduled to meet President Barack Obama on October 23. He is accompanied by a high-powered delegation that includes Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sar taj Aziz and Foreign Secretar y Jalil Abbas Jilani. Monday’s discussions covered a broad range of domestic and regional issues including peace and security, counterterrorism cooperation, collaboration on Pakistan’s energy sector, increasing bilateral trade and investment and the common interest of a secure, stable Afghanistan, it said. “Both sides agreed on the impor tance of our continued counter terrorism cooperation, and that extremism is countered in par t by oppor tunities arising from greater economic stability. “To that end, the U.S., Pakistan’s largest trading par tner, remains committed to an economic relationship increasingly based on trade and investment,” the statement said. Meanwhile, the Obama administration has requested the U.S. Congress to resume the security assistance to Pakistan, which now stands at 305 million U.S. dollars for fiscal year 2014, a drop of 35 per cent as compared to the 2012 fiscal. The drop is because the Administration has not asked for a renewal of temporary Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund (PCCF), which was star ted in the year 2009, a senior administration official told PTI.

For Barack Obama, a frustrating health care rollout WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama is expected on Monday to address the problem-plagued rollout of his signature health care legislation, which has suffered an embarrassing star t with a cascade of computer problems plaguing online sign-ups for health insurance. The rough rollout has been a black eye for Obama, who invested significant time and political capital in his first term getting the law passed, with the goal of insuring millions of Americans without coverage. Administration officials say more than 476,000 health insurance applications have been filed through federal and state exchanges. The figures mark the most detailed measure yet of the problem-plagued rollout of the insurance marketplace. However, the officials continue to refuse to say how many people have actually enrolled. And without enrollment figures, it's unclear whether the program is on track to reach the 7 million people projected to gain coverage during the six-month sign-up period. Obama will directly address the technical problems with the health care websites on Monday morning during an event in the White House Rose Garden, according to the White House. Officials said the president finds the glitches unacceptable and will outline for the public steps the administration is taking to address the troubles. Obama will be joined during the event by people who have already enrolled in insurance programs through the new exchanges. The administration has not said how many people have enrolled during the first three weeks of sign-ups. The Health and Human Services Depar tment repor ted Sunday that it "is bringing in some of the best and brightest from both inside and outside government to ... help improve HealthCare.gov. We're also putting in place tools and processes to aggressively monitor and identify par ts of HealthCare.gov where individuals are encountering errors or having difficulty using the site, so we can prioritize and fix them."

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Heavy smog hits north China city; flights cancelled

As nor ther n China entered its high-smog season, one city’s visibility was less than half a football field on Monday and the manager of jazz singer Patti Austin said she had cancelled a Beijing concer t because of asthma likely linked to pollution. Winter typically brings the worst air pollution to the region because of a combination of weather conditions and an increase in the burning of coal for homes and municip a l h e a t i n g s y s t e m s , which usually star t on a specific date. For the nor thern city of Harbin, the city’s heating systems kicked in Sunday, and on Monday visibility there was less than 50 meters, according to state media. Primary and middle schools and some highways were closed, said authorities in the city, which is in China’s nor thernmost province bordering Russia. At least 40 flights flying to destinations in southern China and Beijing among

others had been cancelled or postponed at Harbin’s Taiping International Airport on Monday morning. Some of the city’s buses also stopped running, the official Xinhua News Agency said. The density of fine par ticulate matter used as an indicator of air quality was more than 24 times higher in Harbin than the level considered safe by the World Health Organization. The PM2.5 density was above 617 micrograms per cubic meter, according to official readings. A safe level recommended by WHO is 25 micrograms per cubic meter. Austin’s management team said the 63-year-old singer had been treated in hospital on Friday morning for the asthma attack in combination with respiratory infection. She returned to her hotel later Friday to rest, but she was unable to physically perform at her concer t scheduled for

Beijing on Friday evening. Her Saturday night concer t in Shanghai went ahead. On the morning ahead of her concer t Friday, Beijing’s air was visibly polluted, with the city’s environmental monitoring centre warning children, the elderly and those with respiratory illnesses to reduce outdoor activity. China’s major cities have some of the world’s worst smog. The government was long indifferent to the environment as it pursued economic development, but has begun launching some anti-pollution initiatives after mounting public frustration. Last month, China’s Cabinet released an action plan that aims to make a small reduction in the country’s heavy reliance on coal to below 65 percent of total energy usage by 2017. According to Chinese government statistics, coal consumption accounted for 68.4 percent of total energy use in 2011.

Indian Chinese families ask Manmohan to end visa ‘discrimination’ As Prime Minister Manmohan Singh begins his visit to China on Tuesday, more than 100 families are calling on the Indian government to remove what they say are “discriminatory” visa policies that effectively prevent Indian citizens who are married to Chinese spouses from raising their families in India. Around 150 families — most of whom are residing in China or other countries because of difficulties faced in relocating to India — are considering putting forward a petition to the Indian government to overhaul visa restrictions, according to several families who spoke to The Hindu. Their main objection is to a long-standing rule that bars Chinese citizens — or anyone whose parents, grandparents or even great-grandparents were Chinese nationals — from acquiring PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) status, which is granted to most other foreign nationals who marry Indian citizens. The families also pointed to “exasperating” bureaucratic hurdles involving inordinate delays in applying for entry visas; inconsistent application of rules across different Indian Consulates and Embassies, both in China and other countries; and difficulties in renewing visas at Foreigner Regional Registration Offices (FRRO) in India. Visa issues have received prominent attention ahead of Dr. Singh’s visit to Beijing, where he will hold talks with the Chinese leadership on Wednesday. Earlier, both countries were expected to sign an agreement on liberalising the visa regime for business and tourist visas. Even that agreement, according to recent repor ts, has been put on hold by the Union Cabinet at the last minute, and it now faces an uncer tain fate. Families say unlike business visas, there is no ostensible “security threat” angle for families. “If the government considers every Chinese spouse as a security threat,” as one Indian resident in China put it, “this is simply discriminatory.” The names of those interviewed for this ar ticle are being withheld, as the persons involved were concerned that their visa applications might be affected.

Afghans to decide on U.S. overstay in November

A national meeting to discuss the fate of a future security deal with the United States will be held in the third week of November, officials said on Saturday. It will decide if the U.S. and its allies will keep troops in Afghanistan after 2014 or pack up and leave. Sadeq Mudaber, a member of the convening commission, said that the consultative assembly of tribal elders, or Loya Jirga, will start at some point between November 19 and 21 and could last as long as a week. He expected up to 3,000 people may attend. Jurisdiction issue U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and President Hamid Karzai a week ago reached an agreement in principle on the major elements of a deal that would allow some American troops to stay on after 2014. But Mr. Karzai had said the issue of jurisdiction over those forces must be debated by the Loya Jirga.


COMMONS PANEL ASKS CAMERON TO ‘BOYCOTT’ CHOGM

The House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee in its repor t ‘Role and Future of the Commonwealth’ has sharply criticized the decision to hold the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka, and has called upon Prime Minister David Cameron to boycott the meeting. “We conclude that continuing evidence of serious human rights abuses in Sri Lanka shows that the Commonwealth's decision to hold the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Colombo was wrong,” the Repor t concluded. “We are impressed by the clear and for thright stance taken by the Canadian Prime Minister, who has said he would attend the Meeting only if human rights were improved. The UK Prime Minister should publicly state his unwillingness to attend the meeting unless he receives convincing and independently-verified evidence of substantial and sustainable improvements in human and political rights in Sri Lanka.” The committee referred to the observations of the Commonwealth Advisory Bureau made after the last CHOGM conference held in Per th in 2011 warning against holding the 2013 meeting in Sri Lanka. It repor tedly stated that Sri Lanka was " boasting about defeating terrorism on home soil, whilst standing accused by others of only doing so through gross human rights abuses, possibly tantamount to war crimes."


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80 PERTOSA DRIVE, UNIT 12, BRAMPTON ONT., L6X 5E9

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YASH CHOPRA MEMORIAL AWARDS

ANUSHKA SHARMA

RANI MUKHERJEE

SRI DEVI

HEMA MALINI

AKSHAY DOESN’T WANT TO BE LIKE SRK, HRITHIK?

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ollywood's khiladi and now Boss, Akshay Kumar has apparently said no to play a super hero on the silver screen. Akki, who is known for his stunt and martial arts, has maintained the khiladi image over the years and seems like he has no intention of shedding the tag. According to a report in zoom, Akshay is not thinking of playing a superhero like his contemporaries SRK and Hrithik. He was apparently approached to play one but Akki turned down the offer. While Shahrukh played a superhero in Ra.One, Hrithik played one is Krrish and now will play a superhero once again in Krrish 3. Both the actors have tasted success and gained popularity playing larger than life characters. So why is Akshay saying no?

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CORRUPTION HAS SPREAD LIKE CANCER AND WE NEED CHEMOTHERAPY: SUNNY

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o mark Sunny Deol’s birthday on October 19, the makers of Singh Saab The Great, directed by Anil Sharma, released a special patriotic track. Called Bali Hamesha Bakri Ki Di Jaati Hai Sher Ki Nahin, the song has Sunny say the dialogue, “Saade wich thoda Gandhi bhi, (Sardar) Patel bhi, Bhagat Singh bhi.” Sonu Nigam has composed the music for this number, which also unveils the look of the film’s heroine, ex-Miss India Urvashi Rautela. The starcast includes Amrita Rao, Prakash Raj, Johnny Lever and Anjali Abrol and the story talks of a principled man’s fight against corruption. Telling us about the song’s relevance in the film, Sunny says, “The song portrays reality and the happenings around us. Though the song just gives a peek into the story, it shows the importance of family values and relationships between the wife and her husband, brother and sister and the values that one needs to imbibe as an individual.”

Nargis Fakhri to don a bikini in 'Main Tera Hero'

Hrithik juggling schedules for Sussanne’s birthday? Hrithik Roshan, who usually hosts a dinner for his wife Sussanne on her birthday, has plans to do something similar this year too. Sussanne turns 35 on October 26. And, as per Hrithik’s Krrish 3 promotion schedule, he should be in Dubai that day. But the light-eyed superstar has requested his management team to ensure he lands in Mumbai by noon on his wife’s special day because he intends to play host at a dinner in her honour. As in previous years, the guests expected to attend this occasion will include Shah Rukh Khan and his wife Gauri, Sussanne’s siblings along with Abhishek Kapoor and Pragya, Uday Chopra and a few other common friends of the couple, reveals a source.

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he 'Rockstar' actress Nargis Fakhri will be seen in a two-piece in David Dhawan's 'Main Tera Hero' starring Varun Dhawan in the lead role. Nargis would be the next heroine to join the bandwagon of bikini beauties. Starting from Kareena Kapoor to Kangana Ranaut, many Bollywood beauties donned two-piece in the movies. Nargis will be styled up by fashion stylish Shyamali Singh. David Dhawan likes to represent his heroines in a hot and sexy manner. Says a David loyalist, "He made Kangana wear a bikini in Rascals. DETAILS ON PAGE 20

FOR BEST DEALS AND INFORMATION SEE PAGE 36

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Movie Review

Upcoming

A ALI AN JOSHI, SOH CAST: SHARM JAAFERI KHAN, JAAVED RAZ HAIDER DIRECTOR: FA RATING: ***

BOLLYWOOD Movies BOSS RELEASE DATE:

18-Oct-2013

STARING: Akshay Kumar, Aditi Rao Hydari, Shiv Pandit, Mithun Chakraborty, Danny Denzongpa, Johny Lever, Parikshit Sahani, Ronit Roy

Anthony D'Souza

DIRECTOR(S):

PRODUCER: Ashwin Varde WRITER : Anthony D'Souza, Siby K. Thomas, Udaykrishnan

RAM LEELA RELEASE DATE:

15-Nov-2013

STARING: Randeep Singh, Deepika Paduokne

DIRECTOR(S): Sanjay Leela Bhansali PRODUCER: Sanjay Leela Bhansali WRITER : Siddhar th-Garima

'WAR CHHOD NA YAAR' BRAVE CONCEPT, ENGAGING WAR SATIRE

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olitical satires are easily the most difficult genre of comedy in cinema. They have to serve up a telling lesson to self-serving politicians while providing audiences with a good laugh. We had Kunal Roy Kapoor attempting one of 'dose' in The President Is Coming. But that's it. Full credit to writerdirector Faraz Haider for going into the war zone and emerging from the battle-scarred scenario with his sense of humour intact. War satires are extinct in a country that takes cross-border matters dead seriously. Though War Chhod Na Yaar is a very one-sided view of barbed-wire offences, it does nevertheless fire some mirthful missiles at politicians on both sides who make mileage out of the mythical animosity between the two countries.In the middle of the crackling tension of Indo-Pak differences there suddenly comes the cackling sound of loud laughter breaking the eerie silence of the desertscape where ammunition is aimed at both

ends. Sitting in No Man's Land across the barbed fence are the two squadron leaders from both ends played smartly by Sharman Joshi and Jaaved Jaaferi playing cards, exchanging jokes and making light of one another's country's ongoing burden of being borderline belligerent . That the film is shot in the Rajashtan deserts serves the film's locational purpose creating a battle-ground realistically, if not opulently. Faraz Haider has scripted a plot that tickles border-line tension . There are passages of breezy bantering between Joshi and Jaaferi.Both actors possess subtle acting skills that they put here to potent use as two armymen who bond across the border even as war escalates overnight. The soldierly bonding over the barbed wires is a heartening thought, not quite executed with the finesse that ,say, J.P Dutta would have invested into his border-line satire. War Chhod Na Yaar is a film with a large heart. 'Hate war, not the warrior' seems to be the subtitled

top

10 songs

Film: Phata Poster

1 MAIN RANG Nikhla Hero

SHARBATON KA

FILM

SONG

2

Shuddh Desi Romance

Gulaabi

3

Phata Poster Nikhla Hero

Tu Mere Agal Bagal Hai

4

Boss

Par ty All Night

5

Chennai Express

1234 Get On the Dance Floor

6

Besharam

Besharam (Title)

7

Boss

Boss (Title)

8

Phata Poster Nikhla Hero

Janam Janam Reprise Version

9

Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai 2

Ye Tune Kya Kiya

10

Prague

Botal Khol

MOVIE COLLECTIONS HIT OR FLOP MIDWEEK GRAND MASTI

HIT

JOHN DAY & HORROR STORY

FLOP

SHUDDH DESI ROMANCE

SEMI-HIT

SATYAGRAHA

BELOW AVERAGE

9 ELEVEN RELEASE DATE:

2013

STARING: Chandrachur Singh, Jatin Lalit, Anaida, Shibani Kashyap, Ishq Bector, Sahila Chadda, Alexx, O Neil, Riyaz Gangji

DIRECTOR(S): Manan Singh Katohora PRODUCER: Narain Kumar Mathur, Sadhna Mathur WRITER : Manan Singh Katohora

MUKTI RELEASE DATE:

2013

STARING: Sunil Shetty, Rimi Sen, Shabana Azmi

DIRECTOR(S): Ajay Phansekar PRODUCER: Ajay Phansekar

24X7 RAFTAAR slogan of this anti-war satire. Rather than taking long-shots of battle-ground images,mercifully the debutant director goes easy on the gun-shots and preaching to focus more on the personal interaction between soldiers from both sides. The crossborder antakshari culminating in the Pakistanis crooning Yeh mera India I love my India is a cleverly designed episode, though much too obvious an effort at taming the enemy. Then there is a sequence where Indian soldiers unleash a poultry of roosters across the barbed fence to trap their opponents. Barb re barb! The problem creeps into the blithe narrative when the Pakistani army-men and politicians are shown largely as bumbling imbeciles, if not outright jokers .Dalip Tahil's triple role as the Pakistani president, the Chinese premiere(whose native tongue is translated into Punjabi in Navjot Sidhu Singh's voice, heh hen) and the American President's yankee-accented aide, ceases to be funny beyond a point. Not that this sort of stand-up comedy material renders itself effectively to cinematic laughter in the first place. Nonetheless, credit must go to the writerdirector for attempting to show the utter futility and the

underlining farce that define cross-border aggression. Some of the episodes in the film are neatly written . The actors add a layer of conviction to the satire.The under-rated underused Sharman Joshi puts up a convincing show as an Indian soldier trying to keep his and his army's spirits high in the face of violence.Why don't we see more of him?Jaaved Jaaferi who was effective as a snarling villain in last week's Besharam puts up another bravura act as Sharman's colleague from the other side of the firing line. Soha Ali Khan playing a television journalist modelled on Barkha Dutta (not again!) gets into the satirical spirit with ease. The film has a vast cast of comic performers. But I must make special mention of Mukul Dev as an Afghani infiltrator who gets it wrong each time.Mukul's accent and comic timing are fodder for the funny-bones. Very rarely do we get a chance to smile about the grim reality of war. This film gives a nimble twinkle-eyed satirical slant to the scourge of war. Warm and wellpackaged with intelligent performances War Chhod Na Yaar flounders when it abandons the human aspect to get into the nuclear zone. Then it's time to groan. Ab kya 'missile' doon main tumhare shabaab ka??!!!

RELEASE DATE:

2013

STARING: Emraan Hashmi, Neha Dhupia, Sagarika Ghatge, Aditya Pancholi

DIRECTOR(S): Shamim Desai PRODUCER:

Vashu Bhagnani

LOVE GAME RELEASE DATE:

2013

STARING: Randeep Hooda, Rituparna Sengupta, Divya Dutta

DIRECTOR(S): Abhinay Deo PRODUCER: Farhan Akhtar & Ritesh Sidhwani

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MidWeek

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Sonam Kapoor reacts to father's comment on future husband

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fter a series of duds in the last three years, Sonam Kapoor has managed to make a mark with back-to-back hits — Raanjhanaa and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag — this year. Even as she continues to make news for her fashion-conscious avatar, she is also making headlines for her marriage plans. Her father Anil Kapoor went on record saying how her mother has set the criteria for an ideal son-in-law. He also added that Sonam is free to marry anyone of her choice. We talk to the 28-year-old actor about her marriage plans, father’s comments, new home, a possible clothing line and upcoming films. According to your father, your mother has set the criteria for what she wants in her son-in-law. I’m a little too young to marry or settle down. I am like, ‘Not right now, please’ (laughs). It’s so freaky. Interestingly, your father said that you can marry a Chinese or Japanese man if you want to. (Laughs) I don’t think he meant that. I think my father wanted to say that I can marry anyone of any ethnicity as long as I am happy. He said that he isn’t judgmental about any religion, ethnicity or anything else. He is okay with me marrying anyone who will keep me happy. We hear that you have bought a new place for yourself and might move out soon. I am looking at buying something, but I haven’t done it (yet). I have had a very good year as far as work is

Akshay Kumar plans family trip to his kitchen

Akshay Kumar has always spoken proudly of the years he spent struggling in Bangkok. It was during this phase that he developed a keen interest in martial arts and even worked as a chef at a local restaurant. Now, the actor wants to take his family — wife (Twinkle Khanna), son (Aarav) and daughter (Nitara) — back to where it all started. "Since Akshay was all of 17 or 18 years old when he started working here, he is still very attached to it. He spent several years there, before coming back to Mumbai, where he started teaching martial arts and subsequently became an actor," says an insider. The actor, who has an advertising film shoot scheduled in March 2014 in Bangkok, will plan this family visit around then. When contacted, Akshay confirms the news, saying, "I do plan to take my family along to my first workplace. My kids should know where and how I started my career. It’s a coincidence that as my new film (Boss) releases, I realised that my first ever boss in real life still runs the kitchen where I used to work." Akshay last paid the kitchen a quick visit in August with his son and niece.

Nargis Fakhri to don a bikini in 'Main Tera Hero' Contd. from Page 17 While the film tanked at the BO, Kangana is still remembered for her glam avatar. And this time he has convinced Nargis to wear a bikini for a song. Nargis had just one condition - she didn't want a usual Bollywood designer to style her. She got fashion stylist Shyamali Singh on board. David agreed and they shot the song in Thailand this week. Nargis has worn a sea-green, star-spangled lycra bikini and looks like a goddess coming out of the sea." Nargis needs to have a well toned body and she is under strict exercise regime. The source adds, "Nargis was on a high-fibre diet, juices and fruit. She went through a detox routine in Thailand, at a place frequented by Hollywood stars in the mood for de-stressing and detoxing. She also worked out for two hours every day, combined with swimming and yoga."

concerned, but I am definitely not moving out of my parents’ place because I like the comfort of my home. I am finalising and looking at something (buying a house) very seriously as an option right now. But, I am not moving out. Is it true that you were supposed to do Homi Adajania’s next, which Deepika Padukone is doing now? I don’t talk about the films that I am not doing. But according to me, Arjun (Kapoor) and Deepika are the best choices for the film. I don’t have anything to do with the film now. I really love Homi as a director and would definitely love to work with him in the future. Are you and your sister Rhea actually launching a clothing line? That is something I would like to do, but there’s nothing right now that I can discuss. Nothing has really taken shape at the moment (about the clothing line). But I would love to do that for sure. We spotted you at a fashion event (hosted by a fashion portal, farfetch.com) a couple of days ago. Is a new fashion tie-up on the cards? No. My designer Cecilia Morelli (Parikh), who owns the store Le Mill, is a really good friend of mine and she asked me to host a party for her because she has won an award. I just couldn’t say no since I love her a lot. What’s your next acting assignment? I am leaving for Rajasthan for a 20-day schedule to start work on the Khubsoorat (1980) remake.

Item 'Laila' wasn't for me:

SAMEERA REDDY Actress Sameera Reddy has cleared the air surrounding the item song "Laila" from her forthcoming film "Tezz", and says she was never supposed to groove to the item number. "Unfortunately, me and my lovely producer Ratan Jain have been dragged into this controversy for no reason. I think I need to clarify that being the heroine of the film and the kind of character that I have, there was no song that was for my character, " Sameera said here. There were reports that Sameera is upset with producer Jain, who is said to have replaced her with Mallika Sherawat in the song "Laila". Jain was also reported to be upset with Sameera. But, from what Sameera says, there was no problem between them. The 29-year-old clarifies that the song was made to promote the film and not vice-versa. "Whether it's me or Mallika or anybody, I always say that 'Tezz' is a very good product and it is a very good film. The news about the song is promoting the song more than the film. I am not happy about it because 'Tezz' is what I am promoting, not the song, " said Sameera. "Tezz" also features Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Boman Irani and Kangna Ranaut. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film is slated to release April 27.

I’m not the singing type:

Mallika Despite statements like these, Mallika Sherawat is gearing up for her singing debut! Who knew Mallika Sherawat could sing? The actress will unleash her singing "talent" in an upcoming film alongside Sonu Sood, thanks to composer Santokh Singh Dhaliwal. "Not many know that she has a good voice," says Dhaliwal. "I've worked with her in Kismat Love Paisa Dilli and she has a good understanding of music. She loves the Haryanvi flavour of the tracks in my next, Lucky Unlucky." Mallika admits, "The only thing I'm worried about is people being unable to tolerate my Haryanvi accent! I am not the singing type...I don't even sing in my shower! But I love music so I'm doing this. I will only sing for my own films and look forward to recording the song in the studio." Erm, ok.


MidWeek

bollywood

2012'S MOST DESIRABLE WOMAN What, according to you, makes you the most desirable woman of 2012? I do hope that my desirability comes from my work and the person I am and that it's not just limited to the physical attributes. I am told I come across as a person who is warm and real. At the same time, people aspire to be like me as I am a young achiever without a film industry background. Who would be the most desirable man for you? Not as a daughter, but I find my dad really desirable and admire him for the person he is. In the way that he handles his success or the human being he is or his being an achiever, but yet being simple and humble. Men of that generation are rare to find today. That's what I will want in my man when I decide to settle down. Among my co-stars, at the moment my most desirable man will be Shah Rukh Khan. In my first film Om Shanti Om, I was new and extremely quiet and was just absorbing the experience. Working on Chennai Express has brought me closer to him and I can call him a friend. On a daily basis, I see a lot of goodness in him. He is extremely generous and is the warmest person I have met. And I can say this with a lot of confidence. Ranveer Singh, in a recent interview to us, named you as his most desirable co-star. Do you also find him desirable? He is a friend. Let's not complicate things. He is being really nice and is extremely honest. With him, what you see is what you get. He's like that all the time. The energy he portrays is not put on.

We are working together and he doesn't have a choice at the moment. Today he finds me desirable, tomorrow he will find another. In a fiercely competitive industry, do you feel a sense of achievement reaching the top position ahead of other actresses? Yes, to a small degree. No, because you can't take these things too seriously. Yesterday it was someone else, today it is me and tomorrow again it will be someone else. But yes, I'm happy as it is a result of my work over the years and has not happened overnight. You recently won the Critics Choice Award for the Best Actress at TOIFA. How did you feel? Ecstatic. I got a message while the awards were on at Vancouver and I refused to believe it. Having said that, winning the critics at TO I FA i s a h u g e d e a l . Wi n n i n g B e s t A c t r e s s i s one thing and critics another. I had got a day off and was with my parents in Bangalore that day and was thrilled to have them with me at such a time. I am waiting to return to Mumbai, so that I can collect my trophy and go to sleep with it for a night.

I'd like to thank my audience who tolerated me for 25 years

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ecently Mr.Per fectionist Aamir Khan thanked everyone in cluding his fans and family on completion of his 25 years in Indian Cinema. The actor also expressed his views on Indian Cinema which also celebrates it's 100 years. "I am feeling very happy about me completing 25 years in Indian Cinema. It feels like it was just yesterday when my first debut film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak met it's release. It seems the time has moved fast. When i was new, I had no idea if i would become a star as we used to hear that actors life is for just 5 years. There were lot of insecurities in my hear t when i star ted out. But today our Indian film industry is completing it's 100 years and i complete my 25 years here." said Aamir Khan. Aamir Khan who is presently busy shooting Dhoom 3 and Peekay fur ther added with thanking everyone "First of all i would like to Thank my Writers and Directors who worked with me and gave me good films. I would like to thank Nasir Sahab (Nasir Hussain) who is my uncle and who gave me my first break.

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ON A WING: PRACHI DESAI How often do you travel for business or pleasure? I travel for work almost every week. Sometimes to more than two cities in a week. Holidays are rare. What kind of packer are you? Last minute or meticulous? I was a last-minute packer during my first few work trips, but I figured out that it wasn’t worth the stress. Now I have a permanent bag with the stuff that I need to carry for any trip and the rest of it I throw in depending on the city, season, purpose and duration of the trip. Who packs for you? I pack for myself. I am an obsessed packer! It’s quite the joke among my friends and staff. Everything has to be organised and in its place. I pack in such a manner that I can pick out whatever I want from my bag without looking into the bag. I guess it’s a Virgo trait. What do you focus on when travelling, food, theatre, art? Well every place has its own charm and speciality so I try not to miss that and explore the rest. Things that you never travel without? Camera, phone, credit card, an extra copy of the itinerary, sunblock and a lip gloss that I’m obsessed with. My mom insists I carry a small medical kit. I travel light! Your favourite travel companion would be? My sister, brother-in-law and my besties. Your favourite city in the world? Melbourne and New York. You prefer to use cash/credit card or travel cheques while travelling? Credit card and sometimes cash. How do you pick a destination? I have a list of the places that I want to visit across the world. Milan tops the list. I wish I could stick to my list, but my choice ends up depending on how much time I have in hand. How do you book? Online or travel agent? I am not very par ticular about m y booki n g o p tions.

I would like to thank Mansoor Khan who directed my first film. I would like to thank every actor who worked with me. I would like to thank my Audience who tolerated me for 25 years. They saw my films, Respected me.

AWK WARD!!! When Yuvi bumped into Kim I AM VERY HARSH ON WKW MYSELF: DEEPIKA Former flames Yuvraj Singh and Kim Sharma tried hard to avoid each other at a recent channel bash

Ex flames Yuvraj Singh and Kim Sharma were once again under the same roof. But the cricketer and the starlet preferred to avoid each other and did not even come face-toface at the event. They were spotted at a channel's 20th anniversary bash on Friday night at a hotel in Worli. Says an onlooker, `There were hushed whispers when people realised that Kim and Yuvi were there. But both just kept to themselves. Though Kim appeared to be alert and looking in all directions, Yuvi preferred to stick in a corner with Sushmita Sen who was with her gang of pals. He was seen constantly clicking snapshots with his mobile with select Bollywood folks in his own zone.` Adds the onlooker, `Kim was spotted at a social do after a while. Though she was moving around at the venue, she made sure that she did not come in seeing distance of Yuvraj.` Incidentally over

D

a year ago the two almost came face-to-face at a fashion event. Apparently as soon as Yuvi realised that Kim was around, he preferred to make an exit from the scene. In 2010,

Kim had a hush-hush marriage with Kenyan businessman Ali Punjani and relocated to Nairobi. When asked about the split on Simi Garewal's chat show Yuvi had

stated, `At that time I was just peaking in my career. Yes, I was going to get married, as she has been the main love of my life. She is married now so it's not good to talk about her.`

SUNNY LEONE SUES KRK.

“

I have not done anything. It is Sunny who has tweeted it and then realised her folly. So she deleted it. I did not write anything...

Following the recent reports of adult film star Sunny Leone filing a complaint against Kamaal Rashid Khan for falsely

Angry KRK hits back attributing controversial comments on rape to her on Twitter, Kamaal has decided to retaliate and file a complaint against Sunny. Kamaal tweeted on Wednesday afternoon, "I shall file case against Sunny Leone at Versova police station at 2 pm today. " We spoke to the controversy king himself over the entire episode to which he replied, "I have not done anything. It is Sunny who has

tweeted it and then realised her folly. So she deleted it. She has registered a complaint in Cyber Crime Investigat i o n C e l l against me. But I did not write anything. Now I am going to police station with my lawyer to file a complaint for defaming and using my name falsely for publicity. Now I will make her life miserable by lodging 10 different cases against her in various cities. "

eepika Padukone may have chartered a successful Bollywood career for herself in a short span but the actress says she is rarely happy with her work. The 25-year-old says her selfcriticism helps her do better with each film. "I am very harsh on myself. I am very rarely satisfied with my own work but I am glad that it is like this. I would rather be harsh on myself than be happy with the smallest thing that I do. I compete with myself and challenge myself to do better everyday. It gives me the drive to push myself otherwise I would be stuck in the rut," Deepika said. She proved that she is more than a pretty face with her powerful performance as Veronica in Cocktail, her lone release this year."I am glad that this film happened for people to realise that. I have always believed in my work and myself but sometimes you have to wait for the right script and opportunity to come your way. Cocktail did that for me."She has already won an award for her performance in the film. Deepika, however, says she is more happy to see that the audiences' perception about her has changed for good. "I think awards are always welcome. Big Star awards recently acknowledged my contribution. But I am more happy about the energy shift that I feel from the audiences post Veronica. There is nothing in the world that compensates for that feeling." With her latest film Race 2 ready to hit the screens on January 25, Deepika says she is looking forward to 2013. "I could not have asked for more this year. I invested a lot emotionally into the character of Veronica and I am very happy with the result. It has been a great year for me not only in terms of Cocktail's success but also with the kind of films that I signed post that. I have an interesting line-up for 2013." Deepika is looking forward to a busy year in 2013 with Race 2, Kochadaiyaan and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani releases. She has also reunited with Shah Rukh Khan for Chennai Express after Om Shanti Om besides working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Ram Leela. "Yeh Jawaani... is almost done and we have just started shooting Chennai Express. I am working with Shah Rukh again after four years. The film is true to Rohit Shetty's style. While Ram Leela with Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a love story," says Deepika, adding that Kochadaiyaan with superstar Rajinikanth is ready for release. Talking about Race 2, her first release of the year, Deepika says she plays a manipulative role. "It is for the first time that I am doing an action thriller. The first part was very successful and Race 2 has similar twists and turns. My character Alina is very manipulative and intelligent and she knows how to get her way through whatever she wants."

sports

YOUNIS 'SHOCKED' AT ONE-DAY EXCLUSION

YOUNIS KHAN LAST REPRESENTED PAKISTAN IN ODIS IN MARCH 2013

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ounis Khan was baffled by his continued omission from Pakistan's limitedovers teams. Though a regular in the Test side, he could not find a place in the 16-man squad announced for the five-match ODI series against South Africa, and has been out of the running in limited-overs cricket since the Champions Trophy, when a run of seven innings without crossing fifty forced him out of the squad. "I'm surprised I am not in the one-day team. It's quite shocking for me," Younis said ahead of Pakistan's second Test against South Africa. "I am available for all formats of the game." Pakistan have moved

towards younger players in the shorter forms with the likes of batsman Umar Amin and recently, Sohaib Maqsood, preferred over older hands such as Younis. Pakistan's batting struggled in the Champions Trophy but they recovered well in series against West Indies and Zimbabwe, both of which they won. Younis' concern, though, is that younger players may not have seized the opportunities presented to them. Pakistan's recent victories came on the back of the seniors' performance. Misbah-ul-Haq in particular has been a mainstay with the likes of Mohammad Hafeez also scoring important runs. Nasir Jamshed has made

SHORTENED SA TOUR LIKELY IN DECEMBER

The BCCI president N Srinivasan and his CSA counterpar t Chris Nenzani have "in principle agreed" for India to play three ODIs, a warm-up game and two Tests in South Africa in December, ESPNcricinfo understands. Although no formal statements have been released by the boards, some progress appears to have been made, two days after CSA offered to send "Lorgat on long leave". "Following the board meeting, all we have at this stage is that discussions are still ongoing between BCCI and CSA," said a spokesperson from CSA. The fate of the series will be known when Srinivasan and BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel present the proposed tour itinerary to the BCCI working committee in Chennai on October

26. The two met with Nenzani on the sidelines of the ICC Board meeting in London on Saturday for finalising the solution to a threemonth impasse. The working committee's decision is nothing but a formal approval once Srinivasan and Nenzani have worked out a solution. As a result, India is likely to star t the tour with one-dayers in the first week of December and end it with the Boxing Day Test. It is unclear whether the BCCI and CSA have reached an agreement over the fate of David Becker, the former ICC Head of Legal and one of several lawyers offering CSA advice, who had criticised BCCI's stand on FTP in the wake of India's decision to prune the South Africa tour. However, the BCCI is likely to pursue the matter de-

starts but his last halfcentury came six innings ago and even though both Amin and Ahmed Shehzad managed to score a fifty each against Zimbabwe, their form as been patchy. Younis said if the younger players were producing to a high standard, he would have more understanding for his own axing. "I am happy if somebody replaces me and performs," he said. "Whenever I share my ideas and experience with the younger guys, I always tell them that it's about performance. I think if the youngsters are here and they perform well, I will be the first one to be happy for them." Younis delivered his assessment on the

selection of the one-day squad with a smile on his face and no malice in his voice and he seemed to be making his statements out of curiosity over his exclusion and not criticism. He went on to clarify he is not targeting the 2015 World Cup but will be happy if he makes it that far. "As long as I am fit, I will carry on playing and I would like to play in all formats. Even after I captained Pakistan in the 2009 World T20, I didn't want to stop playing the twenty-over format (click here for his comments in 2009)," he said. "But once I am not fit anymore and I can see my body is taking strain, then I will be honest enough to say I am going to stop playing."

spite having agreed to tour South Africa. The BCCI's troubled relationship with CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat is understood to be the central reason for the tour being in jeopardy. Becker denied Lorgat had played any role in his deci-

sion to release a statement last week. "For the avoidance of any doubt, Mr Lorgat had nothing to do with my comments. They were my own personal views and neither he nor anyone else at CSA had anything to do with them," Becker said on Sunday.

Don't need to spoonfeed bowlers - Dhoni

India captain MS Dhoni, who had hit the third-highest score for a No. 6 batsman to lift his wobbling side to above 300, admitted that death-overs bowling is a headache that is getting worse for the team, especially with the fifth fielder having to come up inside the circle according to the new rules. Australia required 44 off the last three overs at Mohali, but Ishant Sharma's persistence with either length or shor tpitched bowling played into James Faulkner's game plan as he robbed four sixes to reduce the equation to a far simpler 14 off 12 balls. "I think the last few overs were disappointing, it is an area of concern and it is getting worse. There was a bit of dew but not like in the last game, the individuals will have to step up, you have to back your strength," Dhoni said. "You don't need to spoon-feed bowlers at the international level." Dhoni sympathised with the challenge the bowlers have to tackle with only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle after the Powerplays, but added that holding one's discipline even at the worst of times could prove the most telling difference in the course of a match. "This generation of bowlers, though they have some amount of experience, if you consider the rule changes, with fifth fielder inside [the circle], I think most of the bowlers or all the bowlers are very new because experience doesn't really count at the point of time. "A few bowlers may have off days and that's where you have to make sure you are not giving away too many runs," he said. "Even when you bowl a bad over, try to restrict it in between 15-18 runs, because if you go higher than that, it has a bigger impact on the game." Dhoni predicted such shifts late in the game could become quite common, especially in the course of this series, with pitches favouring batting, the impact of dew and two good sides on display. "In the last game, we performed in the same situation and we were able to put pressure on them," he said. "To some extent, we were in a winning position in this game but I think in this series especially, you'll see quite a few times this balance shifting, and from that point the side that bowls slightly better is the one that will win most of the games". As much as taking wickets restricted the opposition's scoring, the new rules provide the batting side with the opportunity to spark a turnaround, as India themselves proved rising from 154 for 6 in the 32nd over to finish at 303. "Today we kept losing wickets but still we got 300-odd runs," Dhoni said. "So with that fifth fielder inside its becoming a bit difficult and with right amount of partnerships and if you have wickets in hand, you may see the team scoring on the higher end of the 300plus scores". To prepare for such situations, Dhoni said India try to simulate the slog overs by putting fielders in place and checking how far the ball can be hit, even off the outside edge. But net performance does not mirror match situations because there is no "real pressure".


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INDIA RETAIN SQUAD FOR REST OF THE SERIES

JAMES FAULKNER CELEBRATES AUSTRALIA'S WIN, INDIA V AUSTRALIA, 3RD ODI, MOHALI.

Australia steal win with Faulkner blitz While lifting India from 76 for 4 to 303 for 9, MS Dhoni had spoiled James Faulkner's figures at the death. Faulkner took it out on Ishant Sharma at the death in Australia's chase. Rarely, if ever, has a bowler lost it so completely while bowling to a fellow bowler. Australia needed 44 off 18 when Ishant was given the ball. Six balls and 30 runs later off Faulkner's bat, the game was effectively over. Australia's chase had started strongly, but had been suffocated mid-innings, chiefly by Ravindra Jadeja's ten overs for 31 runs. George Bailey and Adam Voges had tried to keep pace, but the asking rate continued to climb. Voges had gamely hung on amid a clutch of middle-order wickets, including his own mix-up with Glenn Maxwell, when Faulkner joined him at 213 for 6. While their partnership lasted and grew, it seemed more a belated and inadequate attempt than a threatening one. Then Ishant was brought back for the 48th over. If you can apply brevity to carnage, here is what happened. Full and wide, four. Short, six. Length, six. Short, two. Short, six. Short, six. By the time he pulled that last six into a shocked Mohali crowd, Faulkner had blasted 54 off 24, and Australia needed 14 off 12. R Ashwin conceded only five in the 49th, but the damage was irreversible. Seeing his blinder of a century being nullified by his bowler's meltdown, Dhoni refused to give in. Seeing Faulkner was basically swinging them into the leg side, he put all the four permissible deep fielders there, including two long-ons. He needn't have bothered. With six needed off four, Vinay Kumar delivered a full toss, and Faulkner swung it over all those deep fielders. One wonders what Dhoni feels seeing his bowlers do what they usually do - lose limited-overs games for him. More than that, one wonders how he manages to keep what he feels to himself when one of his bowlers is going through his latest meltdown. It is hard being Dhoni. When India batted, he twisted his ankle in the 14th over while turning for a second run. He hadn't even faced a ball. He took treatment, reached 50 off 77, and then accelerated to his ninth ODI hundred in the next 30. Dhoni's favourite territory, the final stage of the innings, was yet to arrive. The Australia captain dropped him first ball of the penultimate over, off Shane Watson. Dhoni pulverized 34 off the final 12 deliveries to end unbeaten on 139, the third-highest score by a No 6 batsman, after Kapil Dev and Andrew Symonds. Even if it was normal service coming from Dhoni, that did not make

AUSTRALIA 304 FOR 6 (VOGES 76*, FAULKNER 64*) BEAT INDIA 303 FOR 9 (DHONI 139*, KOHLI 68, JOHNSON 4-46) BY FOUR WICKETS

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the innings any less mind-boggling. The last time Dhoni made an ODI century, in December 2012, he took India from 29 for 5 against Pakistan to 227 for 6. Helping him that day was Ashwin, who was around today as well, showing superb calm in adding 76 for the seventh wicket with his captain. Before that, Virat Kohli had been an equal partner in a fifth-wicket stand of 72, but had fallen against the run of play for his third successive score of 50-plus this series. Admirable as these twin acts were, they were supporting ones. The stage belonged to Dhoni, who once again showed the entire range of his limited-overs batsmanship - from precisely-judged singles to hustling twos, from deftly placed boundaries to the late, towering sixes. And yes, he turned down three singles in the last two overs with Vinay at the other end. Dhoni hit one four in his first 67 deliveries. He ended with 12 fours and five sixes. Faulkner's first eight overs went for 33, including just one run off the 46th. Dhoni hung back in the crease at the end, pulling out scythes, slices, slogs, helicopter-swings. Faulker's last two overs went for 32. Between those two overs, the threat of Dhoni made even as experienced a man as Shane Watson bowl two wides. Before all this Dhoni frenzy, India's specialist batsmen had been roughed up for the second time in three games by Australian pace and bounce, especially by Johnson. But after the Dhoni frenzy, for the second time in the match, Australia frittered away a strong position. A start of 68 for 0 in 12.1 overs became 88 for 3 in 19.1. India's bowlers did well, bringing their side back with tight lines and lengths that squeezed the runs and built pressure. Voges ran hard and kept hitting the odd boundary, but the game was slipping away from Australia. Queerly, Dhoni handed the ball to Kohli in the 40th over, which went for 18, courtesy Brad Haddin. The wicketkeeper's cameo ensured Australia were not completely out of it yet, despite the big overs Dhoni had managed late in India's innings. As it turned out, while they had Dhoni, India also had Ishant, and Faulkner was ready.

THE ISHANT SHARMA OVER THAT CHANGED THE GAME WITH 44 NEEDED OFF 18, INDIA SEEMED TO HAVE THE MATCH WELL WITHIN THEIR GRASP. THEN JAMES FAULKNER SLAMMED 30 OFF AN ISHANT SHARMA OVER, AND THE GAME TURNED ON ITS HEAD. HERE'S A BALL-BY-BALL ACCOUNT OF THAT OVER: 47.1 I Sharma to Faulkner, FOUR, full and wide, Faulkner throws the bat at that and connects well, that soars over extra cover for four, the first ball is hit for a boundary and the 50 par tnership comes up. 47.2 I Sharma to Faulkner, SIX, what an amazing hit that is, this was short from Ishant, sat up for Faulkner, who clobbers that to cow corner, he enjoyed that shot, it went a long way beyond the rope, 10 off the first two balls, what will Ishant serve up now? First he has to get the ball back, it went into the crowd and hasn't been returned since. 47.3 I Sharma to Faulkner, SIX, superb hit from Faulkner, that was a length ball, 'hit me' it shouted, Faulkner obliged, that is as straight as they come, over the sightscreen, and some fans in the crowd hang their heads in disappointment. 47.4 I Sharma to Faulkner, 2 runs, goes shor t this time, Faulkner is swinging at everything, connects well, but only a couple to deep square leg 47.5 I Sharma to Faulkner, SIX, this game has turned on its head in five deliveries, fans are stunned into silence as Faulkner reels off another six, another shor t ball and that is hooked behind square leg for another six

47.6 I Sharma to Faulkner, SIX MORE, what on earth? Ishant Sharma had his critics before this game, there aren't going to be many people backing him after this, shor t once more, another pull, right off the middle off the bat, and that sails into the crowd once more, crowd not sure whether to be gobsmacked by this hitting from Faulkner or be thrilled by this sensational turnaround, that's Faulkner's 50 as well

Fast bowler Ishant Sharma retained his place for the remaining four ODIs as the BCCI tweeted an unchanged squad for the ongoing series against Australia after India lost two of the first three matches. Ishant finished with figures of 1 for 63 from eight overs in the third ODI after conceding 30 runs in an over which turned the match in Australia's favour. In the first two ODIs too, his economy rate was eight and 7.77 runs per over respectively. India's pace attack, par ticularly in the death overs, has been a cause of concern for a while now and captain MS Dhoni admitted after the third ODI that the death bowling had become a "headache". Apar t from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has kept his economy rate under six in all three matches so far, the two other pacers India have bowled with - Ishant and Vinay Kumar - have been unimpressive as India conceded more than 300 in all three ODIs. The other pace options in the squad are Mohammed Shami and Jaydev Unadkat, who have not been given a chance in the series yet. Unadkat and Shami were among the top three wicket-takers in the five-match ODI series against Zimbabwe in August as they finished with eight and six wickets, respectively, behind Amit Mishra, who hasn't played in the ongoing series yet, who took 18 wickets. SQUAD: MS DHONI (CAPT.), SHIKHAR DHAWAN, ROHIT SHARMA, VIRAT KOHLI, YUVRAJ SINGH, SURESH RAINA, RAVINDRA JADEJA, R ASHWIN, BHUVNESHWAR KUMAR, ISHANT SHARMA, VINAY KUMAR, AMIT MISHRA, AMBATI RAYUDU, MOHAMMED SHAMI, JAYDEV UNADKAT

INDIA VS. AUSTRALIA 2013

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