The Indian Weekender, 9 April 2021

North Shore?
09 APRIL2021 • VOL 13 ISSUE 04
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Full story: Read Inside

2 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, April 9, 2021
The Indian Weekender
National Party calls for a
parliamentary inquiry on migrant-issues
IWK BUREAU
National Party’s Immigration
spokesperson Erica Stanford is calling
for a parliamentary inquiry for migrant
issues.
A parliamentary inquiry would finally give
a voice to the desperate migrants who feel
unheard and ignored by Jacinda Ardern and
her Government, National’s Immigration
spokesperson Erica Stanford says.
National is calling for Parliament’s
Education and Workforce Select Committee to
open an inquiry into the migrant issues created
by Covid-19 and New Zealand’s closed border,
as well as Immigration New Zealand’s policy
settings and rules.
“Since our border closed a year ago, many of
our temporary visa holders have had their lives
thrown into turmoil,” Ms Stanford says.
“Critical workers – people we invited here
to nurse our elderly and teach in our children’s
classrooms – are being kept apart from their
babies and young children.
“Kiwi businesses already hurt by Covid-19
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have lost vital, highly-specialised workers who
had no option but to return to their families
because their partners and children couldn’t
join them.
These migrants have
had no platform to
share their stories or call
for change. Their letters
and emails have gone
largely unanswered.
The so-called ‘kind’
Government and its silent
Immigration Minister
Kris Faafoi have refused
to give them any kind of
hope or assurance
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“These migrants have had no platform to
share their stories or call for change. Their letters
and emails have gone largely unanswered. The
so-called ‘kind’ Government and its silent
Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi have refused
to give them any kind of hope or assurance.
“A select committee inquiry would allow
MPs to learn how Covid-19 has upended
these migrants’ lives. It would enable us to
put questions to the Minister and authorities
across a wide range of issues, and allow all
workable solutions to be explored, including
the implementation of trans-Tasman and Pacific
travel bubbles.
“With every passing day of inaction, Jacinda
Ardern and Kris Faafoi risk losing more of our
critical migrant workforce and eroding more
of New Zealand’s reputation as a welcoming
destination for migrants.
“I have written to my Labour, Green and
ACT colleagues on the committee seeking
their support for an inquiry. I hope they will
agree that our migrants need a platform for
their voices to be heard and for solutions
to be found.”

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 9, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 3
Kiwi-Indian community slams
NZ govt’s decision on temporary
suspension on flights from India
SANDEEP SINGH
The Kiwi-Indian community is incensed
with what they strongly believe is a
half-baked decision on temporarily
suspending flights from India.
This is a historic and unprecedented decision
where for the first time ever in New Zealand’s
history, citizens and residents will be denied the
right of return to the country of their citizenship.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made this
announcement in a hurriedly called press
conference this afternoon.
The suspension will come into place at 4 p.m.
April 11 and will remain in place till April 28.
The Indian Weekender had been inundated
with messages from the concerned members of
the community who are seeing decision-based
on unconscious bias than actually on science
and logistics.
Sunil Kaushal, President of Waitakere Indian
Association, said, “While we need to ensure
and protect the team of 5 million, some of
the members returning to their families from
one part of the world have been hard done by
this suspension. Why don’t we take the same
measures for other parts of the world where the
strain is pretty nasty?”
Notably, despite the government’s stated
fixation on the numbers of the recent spike in
the number of Covid cases (average of 90,000
every day), it was completely oblivious to the
fact that India is currently the leading nation to
have vaccinated more than 10 million people.
According to the data available on
Coronavirus Resource Centre of John Hopkins
University, a leading global institution that is
collating worldwide data on individual country
responses to the raging Covid-pandemic India
was up top only behind the United States in the
number of people having been vaccinated.
India stands at number two with around 12
million people vaccinated against Covid behind
the US, which has vaccinated around 60,
million people.
Members of the community had asked the
question that why the government had not shown
a proclivity to hand in similar punitive actions
on the countries like the United Kingdom and
the US when the Covid pandemic was raging
in those countries, especially with more deadly
strains. Some members of the community who
have chosen to remain anonymous have raised
questions over the quality of advice that the
government had received from the department
of public health.
“There was no hint given in the press
conference by Public Health Director-General
Dr Ashley Bloomfield earlier in the day of such
an extreme response,” one of the members of
the community asked exasperatingly.
“It was categorically stated that there was no
alarm in the quality of the pre-departure test
in flights from India except that there was a
recent spike in numbers of cases returning with
positive tests in MIQ facility.”
“This is more a question of how the
government is managing the borders and
vaccinating the frontline border workers than
choosing on populistic options of selectively
targeting countries,” they concluded on the
condition of anonymity.
National Party comes out
in support of Kiwi-Indian
Community
Meanwhile National Party has also slammed
the government’s alleged targeting of one
country over the other instead of creating
“smart borders we were promised.”
National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson
Chris Bishop has come out in full support of
the New Zealand-Indian community and is
urging the government to improve their border
management rather than taking recourse to
travel suspension.
National appreciates our New Zealand-
Indian community and places a huge value on
everything they contribute to our country both
economically and socially, Mr Bishop says.
• Continued on Page 6
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4 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, April 9, 2021 The Indian Weekender
Separated migrant fami
at Parliament urging reu
RADIO NEW ZEALAND
A
group
of migrants took to the steps
of Parliament today calling on the
government to allow their families to
enter the country.
Many have had requests for
border exemptions turned down on
numerous occasions.
The government said it was because the
borders were closed - all the while letting in
sports teams and performers like The Wiggles.
“If you are the Queen of England, or if
you are the president of the United States, or
even if you are sweeping the grounds of the
Parliament, nobody wants to be left behind
without their family,” Justin Sobion, one of the
protest’s organisers, said.
I
f you are the Queen of
England, or if you are the
president of the United States,
or even if you are sweeping
the grounds of the Parliament,
nobody wants to be left behind
without their family
“It’s a common issue, it affects every
single person.”
A variety of countries were represented by the
protesters including Iran, the West Indies and
South Africa. About 50 people stood outside
Parliament and others joined in from abroad
via Zoom. For these wives, husbands, mothers,
fathers, sons and daughters, it has been a
year of separation.
“This is an issue that has been swept under
the carpet, it has been silenced,” Sobion said.
He has been separated from his Swiss
national wife for more than a year, but now
after multiple requests and the help of an
immigration adviser she has been granted an
exemption and is in MIQ.
How is it affecting the individuals?
Few others have had success. Many said the
toll on their mental health had been disastrous:
one daughter was refusing to speak to her father
on FaceTime while he was in New Zealand.
Some couples said they had
considered separating.
New Zealand citizen Sameera Bandara
married his wife in his birth country of Sri
Lanka in December 2019.
They applied for her visa in February
2020 but a lack of response is taking a toll
on Sameera.
“It really impacted on me very stressfully. I
go to my GP because I can’t sleep, I’ve got a
very stressful life.
“Imagine - as a full-time solo parent without
any family in New Zealand, I’m on sleeping
pills every night to have a good sleep.”
Sharareh Khojasteh has lived in New Zealand
for three years since coming from Iran as a
refugee. Her husband - her 10-year-old son’s
step-father - is still there.
“So many difficulties. For example, last year
my father passed away. I was ... suffering, it
was shocking. When my husband [is] with me,
he can support my emotions.”
Henco de Beer arrived in New Zealand from
South Africa four days after his son was born.
His wife and two children were due to fly out
on 20 March 2020. The borders closed the
day before.
Since then, he has missed his son’s first
birthday, his daughter’s sixth birthday, and two
wedding anniversaries.
“Besides the birthdays and the milestones,
it’s that every other day in between. To say,
‘good night’, and ‘don’t worry, I’ll see you
soon’, for 450 days, it’s mind-boggling it had to
come to that point.”
The protesters gathered on the lawn in front
of Parliament, sharing their stories, and calling
on the government to come up with a plan to
reunify them with their families.
They also want an urgent select
committee inquiry into the migrant issues
caused by Covid-19.
A letter - written to Prime Minister Jacinda
Ardern, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi,
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins,
and Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic
Communities Priyanca Radhakrishnan - was
accepted by Green MP Ricardo March.
The letter described the situation as “a
critical, humanitarian issue that needs urgent
resolution”.
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The Indian Weekender Friday, April 9, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 5
lies protest
nification
It detailed statistics which they argued
showed many families could have been allowed
to return under the current numbers and capacity
at managed isolation and quarantine facilities.
The letter called for the government to allow
all their families back into the country within
six months.
Immigration minister asks for ‘a little bit of
patience’
A number of MPs from the Green Party,
ACT and National turned out to speak with and
support those there.
National immigration spokesperson Erica
Stanford addressed the crowd.
“This unfolding crisis in New Zealand is a
stain on our society, and it’s an affront to the
mantra of kindness that is being promulgated
by the prime minister.
“The fact that you haven’t seen your children
and your partners in a year is abhorrent, with no
light at the end of the tunnel.”
Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi said the
border had “closed for good reason”.
“There’s managed isolation capacity to
factor in there. I’m asking them for a little bit
of patience. We are considering what we can
do for them. But I’m also mindful of what the
impact that has on New Zealanders who might
want to come home.”
Faafoi and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
said work allowing the families to be reunited
is continuing.
Immigration adviser Katy Armstrong, who
has been advocating for migrants, said they had
been patient for long enough.
“They have just consistently said ‘sorry, the
border’s closed’. But the border’s not closed.
“We know The Wiggles and the other
entertainers have come in. So it’s not that it’s
closed, it’s just the government doesn’t seem to
want these people in.”
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6 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, April 9, 2021
The Indian Weekender
Ugadi celebrations to mark inaugural
event of new community organisation
of Telugu speaking people in Auckland
SANDEEP SINGH
from Kerala, professional Bharatanatyam from
Tamil Nadu, Punjabi song with Bhangra from
Punjab and Bollywood songs.
More about Ugadi festival
The festival of Ugadi or Yugadi, which
literally means ‘’the beginning of a new age’’
(with reference to the commencement of the
Kali Yuga that started when Lord Krishna left the
world), is celebrated as the New Year not only
within the Andhra region but the entire Deccan
region that lies between the Vindhyachal hills
and the Kaveri river, consisting of the states
of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa and
Karnataka.
Traditionally the festivities continue for five
days of merry-making, colours and enjoyment,
with people buying new clothes and jewellery
on this occasion.
Ugadi is a time of family unions. People
gather together to enjoy and feast on this day.
According to ancient traditions, seeking the
blessings of the elders in the family is a must
for a happy year ahead.
A traditional dish called ‘’Ugadi Pachchadi’’
is prepared on this day with jaggery, green
pepper, salt, neem flowers, tamarind and raw
mango pieces symbolic of all the flavours of
‘’life’’.
A special mixture made of neem leaves and
jaggery are distributed among everyone.
Ugadi celebrations this weekend will
mark the inaugural event by Mana
Andhra Telugu Association – New
Zealand (MATA-NZ) – a new community
association for Telugu speaking people in
Auckland.
A cultural event has been planned at Dorothy
Winston Centre on Saturday, April 10 at 5.30
p.m. with a promise to offer a rich display of
Andhra culture comprising of the famous
Kuchipudi dance, Telugu songs, along with
South Indian food, and the organisers are
inviting everyone to take a dip into Telugu
culture.
The Association was recently formed in
December last year with an aim to promote the
Telugu language and cultural events of Andhra
Pradesh among the Telugu speaking people,
especially amongst the younger generation, on this occasion along with a range of cultural and Events Coordinator, Praveen Kumar Kaipu,
and is looking forward to celebrating the Ugadi programs, food and fun associated with our Youth Wing Coordinator and Jaya Kondra,
festival as its inaugural event.
traditional festivity,” Ghouse Majid said. Women’sWomen’s Wing Convenor.
Speaking with the Indian Weekender, Ghouse
The key office bearers of this newly formed Sharing more information about the
Majeed, General Secretary (MATA-NZ), said,
Association include Dr Reginald Samuel, celebrations, Ghouse Majid said, “The event
“There is no better occasion than the festival
President, Shaik Shamsheeruddin, Vice will start with Panchanga Sravanam and filled
of Ugadi, which is an auspicious occasion for
President, Pratap Reddy Nandi Reddy, Founder with scintillating performances, traditional
Telugu people and marks the beginning of the
President and Treasurer, Ghouse Majeed, dances, songs and music from Andhra Pradesh,
new year as the inaugural event.”
General Secretary, Nagabhushanam Gorantla, a traditional folk song from Telangana, Kannada
“We are looking to welcome everyone and
introduce our executive committee members
Joint Secretary, Kiran K Korepa, Joint Secretary song from Karnataka, Mohiniyattam dance
Kiwi-Indian community slams NZ govt’s decision
on temporary suspension on flights from India
• From Page 3
who tested positive had not been vaccinated,
“The people arriving from India with
and that the Government doesn’t appear to
Covid-19 didn’t want to catch this virus or
know why, Mr Bishop says.
pass it on to others. We would hate to see a
“Everyone in New Zealand will want to know
situation where Kiwis are torn apart from
why this border worker wasn’t vaccinated, and
family in India for long periods of time because
how many other staff out there in our border and
our Government can’t get its border defences
MIQ facilities haven’t yet received a vaccine -
right.”
and why they haven’t received a vaccine.
Where are our smart borders?
Has the government been unprepared for
“National has been saying, since January,
such emergence of numbers irrespective of the
that if you arrive in New Zealand from a higherrisk
destination then you should go into a high-
New Zealand citizens and residents from that
countries these cases come from? which bars
are immediately moved to quarantine and have
their results confirmed by a standard PCR test.
risk hotel,” Mr Bishop says.
part of the world to return back to the county.
“Day zero and day one tests are a critical part
“People from higher-risk destinations, like
of our border defences but returnees can be in
“The decision is clearly not based on actual
India, should not be mixing and mingling in
an MIQ facility for up to 24 hours waiting for
science and rationality but on populism,”
MIQ with passengers from the Pacific Islands,
the results, potentially spreading Covid-19 if While they appreciate the need to keep the
for example.”
they are positive.”
team of 5 million New Zealanders safe, they are
Mr Bishop says it’s time for the Government
incensed for being targeted unfairly by being
to introduce rapid antigen testing for all people Why border worker have not been
handed out treatment not shown to other major
getting off international flights in New Zealand. vaccinated?
countries with high incidences of Covid cases.
“You have the results in as little as 15 The most concerning aspect of today’s
Not very long ago, Covid pandemic was
minutes and if anyone tests positive then they Covid-19 revelations is that the border worker
raging very high in countries like the US and
United Kingdom with more deadly strains of
virus, yet the government never had not taken
any such punitive action.
The outrage is at a number of levels and the
community is seeing it where “unconscious
bias” is at play.
National Party slams govt’s half-baked
decision on temporary suspension on flights
from India National Party has slammed the
Choose New Zealand’s
government’s alleged targeting of one country
over the other instead of creating “smart
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borders we were promised.”
National’s Covid-19 Response spokesperson
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the New Zealand-Indian community and is
urging the government to improve their border
management rather than taking recourse to
travel suspension.
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National appreciates our New Zealand-
Indian community and places a huge value on
everything they contribute to our country both
economically and socially, Mr Bishop says.
“The people arriving from India with
Covid-19 didn’t want to catch this virus or
pass it on to others. We would hate to see a
situation where Kiwis are torn apart from
family in India for long periods of time because
our Government can’t get its border defences
right.”
Where are our smart borders?
“National has been saying, since January,
that if you arrive in New Zealand from a higherrisk
destination then you should go into a highrisk
hotel,” Mr Bishop says.
“People from higher-risk destinations, like
India, should not be mixing and mingling in
MIQ with passengers from the Pacific Islands,
for example.”
Mr Bishop says it’s time for the Government
to introduce rapid antigen testing for all people
getting off international flights in New Zealand.
“You have the results in as little as 15
minutes and if anyone tests positive then they
are immediately moved to quarantine and have
their results confirmed by a standard PCR test.
“Day zero and day one tests are a critical
part of our border defences but returnees can
be in an MIQ facility for up to 24 hours waiting
for the results, potentially spreading Covid-19
if they are positive.”
Why border worker have not been
vaccinated?
The most concerning aspect of today’s
Covid-19 revelations is that the border worker
who tested positive had not been vaccinated,
and that the Government doesn’t appear to
know why, Mr Bishop says.
“Everyone in New Zealand will want to know
why this border worker wasn’t vaccinated, and
how many other staff out there in our border and
MIQ facilities haven’t yet received a vaccine -
and why they haven’t received a vaccine.

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 9, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 7
Auckland Malayali Samajam to celebrate
Christian Easter & Hindu Vishu festivals together
SANDEEP SINGH
Continuing a long-held tradition, Auckland Malayali
Samajam will celebrate Christian Easter and Hindu Vishu
festivals together on Saturday, April 10 at Blockhouse
Bay community centre.
Soby Bernard Thomas, President of Auckland Malayali
Samajam, told the Indian Weekender that celebrating
festivals of all major religions and expressing
solidarity as Keralites regardless of their varied
religious beliefs was a long tradition followed
by Samajam, which they intend to continue
this year as well.
“Continuing our tradition and showcasing what
Kerala stands for – a blissful harmony between all
religions – would be the main theme of this event,” Soby
said.
The event will witness prayers offered to both Jesus Christ and
Lord Vishnu as part of celebrations.
Simultaneously this Easter-Vishu 2021 event will also be
dedicated to all frontline workers and heroes who have shown
tremendous courage, empathy and commitment in keeping New
Zealand safe in the last 12 months of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Indian state of Kerala is globally renowned for the
world-class nurses and frontline health workers emanating
from the state and working all around the world, including
New Zealand.
“We will take a moment to reflect upon and appreciate the
valuable contribution of our frontline health workers for their
incredibly hard work in keeping everyone safe in New Zealand,”
Soby said.
Speaking more about the event, Soby said, “This membersonly
event is designed to entertain our community in every
possible way like dance, music, cultural performances, and
special programmes to entertain children.”
Notably, while Christians around the world celebrate Easter,
marking the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Vishu is a
Hindu festival celebrated in Kerala to mark the start of a New
Year in Kerala and is the first day of the Malayalam calendar.
What is Vishu festival?
Vishu festival is equivalent to Punjab’s Baisakhi, Assam’s
Bihu and Bengal’s Poila Boisakh – all marking the beginning of
harvest season in India.
"This
members-only
event is designed to
entertain our community
in every possible way like
dance, music, cultural
performances, and
special programmes to
entertain
children."
In Kerala, special events are organised by the
community members at small towns, villages
and even at homes and community halls
where the entire community gathers as
one big family welcoming the festival of
harvest or solar New Year.
The most important event in Vishu celebrations is called
Vishukkani, meaning - the first thing Lord Vishnu sees after
waking up. Articles signifying prosperity are ritually arranged
around Lord Krishna, and traditional oil lamps are lit, with the
hope and prayer that these are the things Lord Vishnu will see
first after waking up.
This ritual, it is believed, bring good luck and prosperity to
the community.
Men wear Kasavu Munda, an off-white piece of clothing with
golden or red borders- and women wear Kerala Kasavu sarees
or silk sarees with similar broad red or golden borders on this
auspicious occasion.
A very happy and
bountiful Vaisakhi to all
in the Sikh community
Left to Right: Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern (Leader of the Labour Party, MP for Mt Albert, Prime Minister of New Zealand), Hon Priyanca
Radhakrishnan (MP for Maungakiekie, Minister for the Community & Voluntary Sector, Diversity, Inclusion & Ethnic Communities, and
Youth), Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall (Labour List MP, Minister for Food Safety and Seniors), Marja Lubeck (Labour List MP based in Kaipara
ki Mahurangi), Vanushi Walters (MP for Upper Harbour), Naisi Chen (Labour List MP based in Botany), Ibrahim Omer (Labour List MP),
Dr Gaurav Sharma (MP for Hamilton West), Ingrid Leary (MP for Taieri).
Contact Labour’s Ethnic Communities Team:
09 622 2557 | ethnic_communities_labour@parliament.govt.nz
/multiculturallabour
Authorised by Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

8 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, April 9, 2021
The Indian Weekender
Cricket: Team Chennai wins in style first ever
Tamil Nadu Premier League held in Auckland
SANDEEP SINGH
If the goal of creating Tamil Nadu Premier
League in Auckland, imitating the muchtouted
Indian Premier League, was to
recreate the energy, passion, and showbiz in
the local community level cricket, then it was
clearly visible to some extent in the final match
on Sunday, April 4, which saw Team Chennai
winning over Team Trichy in style.
The three-day cricketing tournament held
over the Easter long weekend (April 2, 3, 4)
witnessed a classy final played between the two
teams where Team Trichy posed a competitive
total of 197 in 20 hours, but the team Chennai
romped home only in 17th over with few
wickets intact.
Organised under the aegis of Kumeu Cricket
Club, TN Premier League 2021 was the first
of its kind cricket tournament for the Tamil
community in Auckland, which literally
followed every step of the famous Indian
Premier League right from team formation,
players bidding & auction, sponsorship and
matches.
Speaking to the Indian Weekender,
Maheshwaran Shanmugam, the organiser who
single handily conceptualised and organised the
League, expressed satisfaction with the interest
received in the concept of the tournament and
the support received from sponsors and the
members of the community.
“I had been sitting on this idea of organising
an IPL style tournament for members of Tamil
community in Auckland for quite some time,
but the real work began about two months ago
when I began discussing the idea with some of
sponsors and supporters.”
“While the overall goal of this sporting event
for the Tamil community youths was to harness
positivity and unity via sports, the IPL style
league generated more passion and enthusiasm
amongst one and all.”
“I have already received interest from the
Tamil community in Wellington and Dunedin
to plan something similar,” Maheshwaran said
excitedly.
Building upon enthusiasm within the Tamil
community in Auckland, the organisers
had reined in Kiwi-Indian youth sensation
Adithya Ashok – the budding cricketer who
has represented the New Zealand U19 team in
the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup held in South
Africa in January 2020, as one of the main
guests at the finals.
Highlights of the three-day tournament
A total of nine matches (20 overs) were
played over the span of three days (Friday,
Saturday, Sunday), with six matches in roundrobin
deciding the position of each team in
the table, and followed by one qualifier, one
eliminator and one final match.
Finals was a high scoring encounter, with
Trichy batted first, scoring 197 in 20 overs with
their skipper Hari scoring 82 of 33 balls and
supported by Sagar with 50 and two wickets.
However, Mohan from Chennai scored a
match-winning knock of 83 from 32 balls
and leading Chennai to finish the match in
the 17th over.
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my friends,” Maheshwaran said.
“Given that it was a short notice for the
inaugural tournament, we finalised to have four
teams and named them on four major cities of
Tamil Nadu – Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli
and Coimbatore,” Maheshwaran said.
“Once the name of teams was finalised, I
advertised them on WhatsApp and Facebook
and soon got sponsors on board buying each
team for $750, who were allowed to choose
captains of their respective teams.”
“Subsequently, players who have registered
(and paid $25) to participate in the tournament
were made available for auction, which began
with a base price of each player at $20 and
could go up to $120,” Maheswaran said.
Speaking more about the experience of
setting up IPL style tournament, especially
among players and sponsors, Maheshwaran
said, “It was thoroughly an exhilarating
experience for everyone, including players,
Pradeep Chakravarthy (Madurai Captain)
was adjudged “Player of the tournament”
with 150 plus runs and five wickets in the
tournament, winning a $100 voucher and a
medal.
Mohan Rathnakumar (Chennai) was
“Batsman of the tournament”, scoring 202
runs, while Adarsh Ramasubramanian was
adjudged “Bowler of the tournament”, picking
up 12 wickets, including six wickets haul in
one single match. Both players received $50
vouchers.
The winning Chennai team took the $750
prize while the runners up Trichhy team took
home the $500 prize.
In all, it was an exhilarating tournament
with some generous support from sponsors,
including Alayam Thiru Murugan temple
(Mangere), sponsoring around 100 lunch packs
for teams and guests attending the finals on
Sunday, April 4.

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 9, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 9
VIRENDER SINGH BRALLI
honoured as the doyen
of Kabaddi in NZ
SANDEEP SINGH
Virender Singh Bralli - the
much-renowned player,
coach and promoter of the
Kabaddi game, has been honoured
as the “doyen of Kabaddi in New
Zealand” on the occasion of national
kabaddi games held at the Takanini
Gurudwara on Sunday, April 4.
Supreme Sikh Society of New
Zealand was joined by NZ Kabaddi
Sports Federation in presenting
this prestigious recognition to Mr
Bralli, who is revered in the wider
community for bringing the passion
of Kabaddi in New Zealand in the
early 1990s and popularising the
game in this country.
Speaking to the Indian Weekender,
Daljit Singh, spokesperson of the
Supreme Sikh Society of NZ, said, “It
is a privilege for the entire team at
SSNZ to honour Virender Singh
Bralli for the contribution in
popularising the game of
Kabaddi in New Zealand.”
“Today, there are more
than ten teams/clubs playing
and competing at the highest
level in Kabaddi leagues, and
this could not have been possible
without the pioneering efforts of
Virender Singh Bralli.”
“Brother Virender Singh has been
"It
is a privilege
for the entire team
at SSNZ to honour
Virender Singh Bralli
for the contribution in
popularising the game
of Kabaddi in New
Zealand"
connected to the
society for the last
30 years, and the
society has also first
awarded him with
a gold medal,” Daljit
Singh said.
A trophy in the shape of the Banyan
tree (Vat or Bargad) – considered as
one of the most venerated trees in
India representing the divine creator
and symbolizing longevity – was
presented to Virender Singh.
Accepting the award with humility
and graciousness, Virender Singh
said, “Thank you to all
of you who gave me this
prestigious award. I’m
overwhelmed with all the
love and good wishes. I
want to express my sincere
gratitude from the bottom
of my heart to members
of NZ Kabaddi Federation
and Supreme Sikh Society
NZ and all kabaddi lovers
of this country.”
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Happy
Baisakhi!
Hon Judith Collins
National Party Leader
Leader of the Opposition
judithcollinsmp • judithcollins.co.nz
Authorised by Judith Collins MP, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

10 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, April 9, 2021
The Indian Weekender
TRANS-TASMAN air travel bubble
to start on April 19, not many MIQ
spaces to be freed, says PM
SANDEEP SINGH
Laying rest to any anticipation that
opening of a Trans-Tasman air travel
bubble will free-up additional spaces in
MIQ facility that could potentially allow more
inward travel into NZ including temporary
migrants ordinarily resident in NZ, Prime
Minister Jacinda Ardern has said that her
government will be reserve 500 spaces for any
contingency in managing the quarantine free
air-travel.
PM Ardern was speaking at the 4 pm press
conference immediately after the cabinet
meeting on Tuesday, April 6.
Conditions for quarantine-free travel between
Australia and New Zealand have been met, and
a bubble will start in less than two weeks, Prime
Minister Jacinda Ardern says.
Cabinet has been meeting today to decide
the date the two-way quarantine-free travel will
start. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern promised
last month to announce on 6 April when the
bubble could begin operating.
The new settings will begin from 11.59pm on
18 April.
Announcing the start date this afternoon,
Ardern said Cabinet had accepted the advice
of the Director-General of Health and was
“confident not only in the state of Australia
but also in our own ability to manage a travel
arrangement”.
“While Queensland has recently undergone
an outbreak connected to the border, this too
looks contained. And Cabinet believes any
residual risk can be managed with additional
precautionary processes such as pre-departure
testing if needed.”
Ardern said a system with three levels -
continue, pause, suspend - would manage the
trans-Tasman bubble.
“Pause” would be a temporary halt to travel
and “suspend” would be longer
term if there was a more serious
outbreak.
Ardern said it was an
important step forward in New
Zealand’s Covid-19 response,
“and represents an arrangement I
do not believe we have seen in any
other part of the world, that is, safely
opening up international travel to another
country while continuing to pursue a strategy
of elimination and a commitment to keeping
the virus out.”
She today said airlines had not been given
any forewarning about when a bubble with
Australia would be opened.
Ardern had previously said the government
had carefully worked through the framework of
a trans-Tasman bubble.
But she warned travelling would not be
without risk and if there was a community
outbreak in Australia, travelling Kiwis may
have to stay put, self-isolate or be tested once
they return.
The three-day lockdown in the Greater
Brisbane area was lifted over the weekend and
there have been no new cases in Queensland
for the second day in a row.
"While
Queensland
has recently undergone
an outbreak connected
to the border, this too looks
contained. And Cabinet
believes any residual risk can
be managed with additional
precautionary processes such
as pre-departure testing if
In northern New South Wales
coronavirus restrictions eased on
Monday night after another
day of no new community
cases.
New Zealand’s tourism
industry has been
waiting impatiently for
quarantine-free visitor
flights between the two
nations to return, giving
a much-needed injection of
life into the sector, which could
bring an estimated $1 billion into the
national economy.
needed."
Hamilton Kirikiriroa
को मिलकर नया आकार दें
आप हमारे दीर्घकालिक योजना के प्ारूप पर
अपनी प्तिक्रिया 7 April िक दें
अपनी आवाज़ सांझा करें
futurehamilton.co.nz पर

2021
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Friday,
CORDIS,
August
Auckland
14, 2020
CORDIS, Auckland
Supported by

Editorial
Indian agriculture:
Maladies and remedies
Since Independence, the agriculture sector has remained the main source of national income
and occupation in India. In 1947, 72 per cent of the total working population was engaged in
agricultural sector, but still a majority of Indias poor (some 770 million people or about 70
per cent) inhabit the rural areas.
Though due to the high growth rates of the industrial and services sectors, the share of agricultural
share in India’s economy has progressively declined to less than 15 per cent, yet its importance in
the country’s economic and social development can’t be denied.
On road to self-sufficiency
The Green revolution of the 1960s witnessed a drastic increase in total agricultural production,
particularly wheat and rice. The second phase of the Green Revolution further boosted it in the
1980s, which was accelerated further by the liberalisation policy of the late 1990s.
However, the results of the Green revolution were not uniform over the entire country. It
particularly resulted in enhanced cultivation and production of wheat and rice in the northern states,
and other cash crops such as cotton and onion in the western and southern states. But it neglected
the cultivation of pulses and other cereals. Though, India is considered to be a global agricultural
powerhouse, yet the sector suffers from serious maladies. According a World Bank report of 2010,
India is the world’s largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices, and has the world’s largest cattle
herd (buffaloes), as well as the largest area under wheat, rice and cotton. It is the second largest
producer of rice, wheat, cotton, sugarcane, farmed fish, sheep and goat meat, fruit, vegetables and
tea. But in spite of this the Indian farmer remains poor, though he contributes a lot to the economy.
As per experts’ opinion the factors which contribute to the poor performance of the Indian
agricultural sector are multi-dimensional, such as: poor access to reliable and timely market
information to the farmers, absence of supply and demand forecasting, poorly structured and
inefficient supply chains, inadequate cold storage facilities and shortage of proper food processing
units, large intermediation between the farmers and the consumers, besides regional disparities are
some of the major causes of the losses for the farmers.
The World Bank report lists that one of the biggest issues facing the agricultural sector in India is
low yield: India’s farm yield is 30-50 per cent lower than that of developed nations. Average farm
size, poor infrastructure, low use of farm technologies and better farming techniques, decrease
in soil fertility due to over fertilisation and sustained pesticide use, are leading contributors to
low agricultural productivity. Thus, measures to increase productivity will need increasing yields,
diversification to higher value crops, and developing value chains to reduce marketing costs.
The sharp rise in food-grain production during India’s Green revolution of the 1970s enabled the
country to achieve self-sufficiency in food-grains and stave off the threat of famine. Agricultural
intensification in the 1970s to 1980s saw an increased demand for rural labour that raised rural
wages and, together with declining food prices, reduced rural poverty. However agricultural growth
in the 1990s and 2000s slowed down, averaging about 3.5 per cent per annum, and cereal yields
have increased by only 1.4 per cent per annum in the 2000s. The slow-down in agricultural growth
has become a major cause for concern. India’s rice yields are one-third of China’s and about half of
those in Vietnam and Indonesia. The same is true for most other agricultural commodities.
Reforming the sector
What we need is a pragmatic, realistic and holistic approach to be adopted by the policy makers
to address the maladies faced by the Indian agriculturists. Besides resolving the regional disparities
in crop patterns, the government also needs to promote cultivation and change in eating habits
of the populace. One route to this could be propagating the inclusion of millets and other high
nutritious cereals, in the eating habits of the populace. This besides increasing the earning potential
of the farmers in the drought prone or less irrigated areas will also result in making better use of the
cultivable area across the country.
Further action in this regard could be taken by the government by supporting and collaborating
with international institutions like International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
(ICRISAT), which are engaged in popularising the cultivation and use of highly nutritious crops
like millet and sorghum.
ICRISAT, as per its mandate strives to be the change catalyst through a partnership approach
to help rural communities develop their own solutions and engages with them to bring the vision
to reality. Its inclusive approach ensures participation of women and youth, a must in finding
sustainable and profitable solutions, besides contributing to several of the UN SDGs.
As ICRISAT’s research area focuses on the drylands, it has an extra specialisation on crops
that survive in these harsh climates, such as Chickpea and Groundnut, besides nutri-cereals like
Sorghum, Pearl millet and Finger millet. Most of these crops besides being highly nutritious are
also good for the planet as they have a low water footprint, lowers the carbon footprint, are good
for the soils, use fewer chemicals, etc. Further they are good for the small farmer as they survive in
the harshest climates, have multiple uses, have potential to significantly increase yield and cater to
an untapped usage and demand.
Last month, the UN General Assembly unanimously declared 2023 as the International Year
of Millets, the resolution for which was sponsored by India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
while endorsing this announcement expressed gratitude to all the nations, which initiated and
co-sponsored this resolution. In a tweet, he said that India is honoured to be at the forefront of
popularising millets, whose consumption furthers nutrition, food security and welfare of farmers.
Both the cultivation and usage of these cereals and grain legumes could be achieved by focused
efforts initially to popularise these smart foods to bring them into mainstream food habits. The
strategy adopted to achieve this should involve and ensure that small farmers and rural communities
benefit by receiving on-farm support, connecting farmers to value chains, linking smart food with
health activities on the ground, and advocacy for policy support, research and development.
Thought of the week
"Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work
in hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought
to a focus." – Alexander Graham Bell
Indian Weekender : Volume 13 Issue 04
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz
Chief Technical Officer: Rohan deSouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz
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Editor at Large: Dev Nadkarni | dev@indianweekender.co.nz
Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher
is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication
Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent
the views of the team at the Indian Weekender
Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland.
Printed at Horton Media, Auckland
09 April – 15 April 2021
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu
On-and-off
rain and
drizzle
22°
14°
Partly
sunny
24°
13°
Parlty
sunny
25°
14°
Clouds and
sun
24°
15°
A touch o
dafr
This week in New Zealand’s history
25°
25°
10 April 1968
Wahine wrecked in Wellington Harbour
Copyright 2020. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Sunshine
and pactcy
clouds
26°
15°
A few
morning
showers
26°
17°
The sinking of the Lyttelton–Wellington ferry Wahine is New Zealand’s worst modern
maritime disaster. Fifty-one people lost their lives that day, another died several weeks later
and a 53rd victim died in 1990 from injuries sustained in the wreck.
10 April 1973
Labour government cancels Springbok rugby tour
Prime Minister Norman Kirk informed the New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU)
that the government saw ‘no alternative’ to a ‘postponement’ of the planned tour by the
South African Springboks. This decision followed advice from the Police that if the tour went
ahead it would ‘engender the greatest eruption of violence this country has ever known’,
11 April 1869
New Zealand's first royal visit
The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Alfred Ernest Albert, arrived in Wellington as captain of the
frigate HMS Galatea. The first member of the British royal family to visit New Zealand, he
was greeted with haka, speeches and bunting.
12 April 1902
Railway accident in South Africa kills 16
New Zealand soldiers
Sixteen members of the Eighth New Zealand Contingent were killed when their train collided
with a goods train at Machavie (Machavierug), near Potchefstroom in Transvaal. The Eighth
Contingent had only been in South Africa for a few weeks when the accident occurred.
12 April 1913
HMS New Zealand begins tour of nation’s ports
The Royal Navy battlecruiser HMS New Zealand arrived in Wellington to begin a 10-week
tour during which half a million New Zealanders inspected the vessel. Boats ferried Dunedin
sightseers to the ship because it was too large to enter Otago Harbour. Ten sailors deserted in
Auckland.
13 April 1896
National Council of Women formed
Three years after New Zealand became the first self-governing country in which all women
could vote, representatives of 11 women’s groups met in Christchurch’s Provincial Council
Buildings to form the National Council of Women (NCW).

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The Indian Weekender Friday, April 9, 2021 FIJI 13
Thank You India: PM
Covid-19 infects
Fiji peacekeepers
Voreqe Bainimarama praises Narendra
Modi as 100,000 doses of AstraZeneca
abroad
arrive on Fiji Airways flight
Almost a quarter of
The Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama
Fiji's troops abroad
praised his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi
have contracted
in ‘putting a welcome pause on the pandemic
politics that have kept valuable vaccines in the
Covid-19.
The military
world’s largest and richest countries’.
commander Rear Admiral
“Your leadership will not be forgotten,”
Viliame Naupoto told
he said as he received the batch of 100,000
doses of AstraZeneca vaccines at the Nadi
FBC News that 110 of the 476
peacekeepers sent on UN missions
International Airport. The AstraZeneca of Fiji’s frontliners, that is, doctors, nurses, COVID-19 vaccine. As we begin the next have the virus.
vaccines, manufactured in India’s Serum
Institute, are known as Covishield in India.
“The latest data on the AstraZeneca
COVID-19 vaccine show that it is both safe and
highly effective. Fiji will accept nothing less,”
Mr Bainimarama said.
The batch will vaccinate the remainder
quarantine and hotel workers, and members of
our Disciplined Forces, Mr Bainimarama said.
“It will also kick-start the second phase of
our vaccine roll-out, which will include the
more vulnerable segments of our population,”
he said.
“I have already registered to receive my
phase of the roll- out, I plan to be among those
vaccinated in the doses from this shipment ––
but as we focus first on our most vulnerable
citizens, I’ve signed up to wait my turn just like
everyone else.”
The shipment arrived via Sydney on a Fiji
Airways flight.
He said 90 of them are in Iraq and the others
on the Sinai peninsula.
Rear Admiral Naupoto said 41 of them were
close to completing their isolation period.
He told the broadcaster that a soldier died but
initial information suggested the death was not
related to the pandemic.
Fiji put on alert for flights from Covid-hit PNG
Fiji's government says all flights from Papua New Guinea
will need to be cleared by the Health Ministry for
Covid-19 threats. PNG's Covid-19 infections surpassed
7-thousand over Easter with the death toll at 67. Fiji's Health
Secretary, Dr James Fong, said New Zealand and Australia had
closed their borders to PNG.
Currently, the only flight into Fiji is through Indonesian airline
Garuda or by chartered flights, said Fong.
"Garuda-Indonesia is familiar with our stand and requirements
for airlines entering Fiji airspace," he said.
"Through this understanding, Garuda-Indonesia did not pick
any passengers from PNG last week, when it called into Fiji."
Earlier, the government urged Fijians living in PNG to return
home if they could.
Fong said they would announce new Covid protocols
specifically for Fijians returning from PNG on a repatriation
flight next week.
According to him, some of the new measures included predeparture,
in-flight, off-loading and quarantine protocols.
Fong said so far Fiji had stopped all travel from PNG until the
new measures were put in place.
Second phase of vaccinations underway
Meanwhile, 50,000 Fijians are eligible to receive the two-dose
Astra-Zeneca vaccine as phase two of the Covid-19 vaccinations
got underway today.
The Health Ministry said this group included front-line staff
at the borders, healthcare workers (including those in private
healthcare), police and military officers, tourism and hotel
workers, and civil servants.
The ministry said those over the age of 60 and people with
medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma and heart conditions
would also be eligible to receive the vaccine.
The General Manager of the Covid Response Unit, Dr Ana
Maisema, said those attending a Special Outpatients Department
(SOPD) clinic with the ministry or with a private healthcare
provider were also eligible.
She said Fiji continued to receive repatriated citizens from
around the world.
Maisema said a list of locations where Fijians could receive
the vaccines would be released soon.
"Since March last year, almost 12,000 people have come
through our borders through repatriations and people who have
work permits," she said.
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14
INDIA
Friday, April 9, 2021 The Indian Weekender
NEWS in BRIEF
World’s two biggest democracies should join hands
on confronting climate change’: John Kerry
US Special Presidential Envoy
for Climate, John Kerry, called
on India to join hands with the US to
confront the climate crisis through a
clean energy transition.
“Our two nations, the world’s two
biggest democracies have a great deal to gain by joining hands and global
leadership to confront climate change now. We must do this,” Kerry said
in his address to the South Asia Women in Energy (SAWIE) Leadership
Summit. Earlier in the day, Kerry met Union environment minister Prakash
Javadekar regarding increasing climate ambition ahead of President Biden’s
Leaders’ Summit on Climate to be held on April 22-23.
“Our two nations, the world’s two biggest democracies have a great deal
to gain by joining hands and global leadership to confront climate change
now. We must do this,” Kerry said in his address to the South Asia Women
in Energy (SAWIE) Leadership Summit.
Earlier in the day, Kerry met Union environment minister Prakash
Javadekar regarding increasing climate ambition ahead of President Biden’s
Leaders’ Summit on Climate to be held on April 22-23.
Covid-19 pandemic in India has worsened, warnings
were given: Govt
The Union health ministry
on Tuesday asked states
badly hit by the coronavirus
disease (Covid-19) to amp up their
RT-PCR testing to at least 70% of the
total samples tested. The suggestion
comes a day after India recorded more than a lakh cases in a day - highest
since the start of the pandemic. The health officials also confirmed that
the second wave in India is worse than the first as the Covid-19 cases are
increasing at a higher rate.
"The impact of the pandemic has increased in the country. Warnings were
given that the situation should not be taken for granted," Dr VK Paul, NITI
Aayog member said at a press conference.
Dr Paul confirmed that the situation has worsened and the speed of
increasing Covid-19 cases is higher than last time.
"We have suggested state governments increase the percentage of RT-PCR
tests, which is reducing in Maharashtra in the last few weeks. Only 60% of
total tests were done through RT-PCR method in Maharashtra last week.
We suggest states take it to 70% or above," Union health secretary Rajesh
Bhushan said in a weekly press briefing.
Central govt official expresses apprehension about
Kumbh becoming Covid-19 'super spreader'
A
senior official in the Central
government, during a
Secretary-level meeting over
the Covid-19 situation in the
country on Monday, expressed
apprehension that the ongoing
Kumbh might become a "super
spreader", according to a top
source in the government. The source said the government is worried about
the Kumbh and discussed this at a high-level meeting on. "If the government
does not decide to end Kumbh before the stipulated time, it may become a
Covid-19 'super spreader'," a member in the high-level meeting said.
"The government is forming a team that will appeal to all with the help of
sadhus and religious leaders to ensure pilgrims, who are visiting the Kumbh,
wear masks and follow social distancing," the source told ANI.
"At the same time, the government also suggested that a message should
be given through TV and radio, and posters should be put up at public places
to create awareness amongst masses that the pandemic is not over yet," the
source added.
All Indians deserve vaccine: Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi advocated vaccination for all and said
every Indian deserves the chance to a safe life, after the resurgence of
Covid cases in the country.
"It's ridiculous to debate needs & wants. Every Indian deserves the chance
to a safe life. #CovidVaccine." he said.
Rahul Gandhi's comment came in the wake of health secretary saying on
Tuesday that vaccines are given to those who need it the most.
Another Congress leader Manish Tewari too attacked this theory and
said, "This is the most obtuse gibberish. Only a Bureaucrat can say it with
a masked straight face. Does Virus have an age distinguishing vector coded
into it's genome sequence? Do young not deserve protection when you are
exporting the vaccine to everybody and their grandmother?"
As per reports Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan had said that, "The aim
of vaccination is not to administer to those who want it but to those who
need it."
India on Wednesday recorded 1,15,736 new Covid-19 cases, the biggestever
single-day surge since the onset of the pandemic early last year, taking
the overall tally to 12,801,785.
India placed 2nd after
US in daily vaccination
numbers
The Union Health Ministry
said that India is placed
second after the US
in terms of daily Covid-19
vaccination numbers.
Accoriding to the Health Ministry
data, the US has been vaccinating
at an average of over 30 lakh
(30,53,566) people per day, while
India is inculcating more than 26
India, Russia
discuss ways
to strengthen
strategic ties
India and Russia discussed
ways to deepen military and
strategic cooperation, including
manufacturing of Russian military
hardware in the country and the
start of talks on creating a free trade
area between India and the Eurasian
Economic Union. These matters
figured in the meeting between
external affairs minister S Jaishankar
and his Russian counterpart Sergey
Lavrov, the focus of whose visit to
New Delhi was preparations for the
annual India-Russia Summit to be
held in the country later this year.
“We talked about the longstanding
partnership in nuclear, space
and defence sectors... We spoke
of connectivity, including the
International North-South Transport
Corridor and the Chennai-
Vladivostok Eastern Maritime
Corridor,” Jaishankar told a joint
news conference after the talks.
Lavrov said the two sides discussed
military cooperation, including the
expansion of the manufacturing of
state-of-the-art Russian weapons in
India under the “Make in India” and
“Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.
“In this strategically important area,
Russia is a major foreign contractor
for India. We are the only partner
that indeed transfers to India cutting
edge military technology,” he said.
“Deepening of military cooperation
lakh daily (26,53,533).
Brazil is in the third position after
India, with an average of 6,23,445
vaccinations per day, while the UK
with a daily average of 4,13,521
vaccinations occupies the fourth
spot, according to the Health
Ministry data.
Addressing a press conference
here, Union Health Secretary Rajesh
serves national interests of both
countries. At the same time, we
respect the right of our Indian friends
to diversify ties in this area,” he said.
Jaishankar said India’s “defence
sector requirements in the past year
were expeditiously addressed” by
Russia – an apparent reference to
the country’s emergency military
needs amid the border standoff with
China in Ladakh sector. According to
a recent estimate by the Stockholm
International Peace Research Institute
(Sipri), Russia was the most-affected
supplier as India’s arms imports fell
33% between 2011-15 and 2016-20.
Vaccine contracts
Collaboration on Covid-19
vaccines figured in the talks, and
Lavrov noted that the Russian Direct
Investment Fund (RDIF) has signed
contracts with several Indian firms
to manufacture about 750 million
doses of the Sputnik V vaccine. He
didn’t rule out further cooperation
to cover manufacturing of Indian
vaccines in Russia, while Jaishankar
said a decision would be made by
regulatory authorities of both sides.
“For us, were those vaccines to be
made in India, it would be one more
affirmation of the importance of
‘Make in India’ and our own vaccine
capacities,” Jaishankar said.
Bhushan said that India also occupied
the second position in ramping up the
vaccination drive after the US.
According to Bhushan, while the
US has vaccinated around 165.05
million people in 112 days, India
has covered 79.11 million people
in its 79-day vaccination drive. The
UK is placed third with 36.9 million
vaccinations till April 3.
The Russian minister also
conveyed a message from President
Valdimir Putin to Prime Minister
Narendra Modi and invited Jaishankar
to visit Russia. Former ambassador
Vishnu Prakash said there are
various difficulties associated with
infrastructure development projects
in Russia’s Far East and the proposed
free trade area with the Eurasian
Besides India’s
resource constraints,
there’s also the
influence of China. It
won’t be easy for us to
compete with China’s
financial resources
and economic muscleflexing.
Russia itself
has been concerned
about increasing
Chinese influence in
these areas
Economic Union. “Besides India’s
resource constraints, there’s also
the influence of China. It won’t be
easy for us to compete with China’s
financial resources and economic
muscle-flexing. Russia itself has
been concerned about increasing
Chinese influence in these areas,”
he said.
'Coming 4 weeks very critical': Govt says second
Covid-19 wave spreading faster than before
The Union health ministry on Tuesday warned that
Covid-19 is spreading at a faster rate in the country
compared to last year. It added that warnings have
been issued to not take th ongoing pandemic lightly,
and that the coming four weeks are very critical in the
country’s fight against the pandemic.
"The impact of the pandemic has increased in the
country. Warnings were given that the situation should
not be taken for granted. The situation of the pandemic
has worsened and the speed of increasing Covid-19 cases
is higher than last time," said Dr VK Paul, NITI Aayog
Member (Health), at a press conference.
"We can still control the pandemic, people's participation
is vital to control the second wave of the pandemic. Next
four weeks are very critical for us, " he added.
Dr Paul stressed on the importance of people’s
participation in combating the pandemic in the coming
weeks, urging the entire country to come together and
fight against the pandemic.
"People's participation is vital to control the second
wave. The next four weeks are going to be very critical.
The entire country has to come together and make efforts
to fight the pandemic." he told reporters. Dr Paul insisted
on practising Covid-19 appropriate behaviour like
wearing masks, practising social distancing, and avoiding
crowds diligently as a measure against the pandemic.
He also requested the masses to get over vaccine
hesitancy, adding that no other country other than India
has opened up vaccination drive for those above the age
of 45. "Request people to get over vaccine hesitancy;
nowhere in the world has vaccination been opened up for
those above 45 years." he said at the press conference.

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 9, 2021
WORLD 15
Bangkok to close 196
nightlife venues amid
new coronavirus cluster
Thailand’s capital Bangkok will close 196 entertainment
venues for two weeks, the city’s governor said, following
a new surge in coronavirus cases.
The venues will be closed from Tuesday until April 19 as they
are located in three districts where some venues are linked to
a new cluster of more than 100 people who tested positive for
coronavirus in recent days, said Asawin Kwanmuang, governor
of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
“We will close entertainment venues in the three districts,
while other venues where cases are found will be individually
closed,” Asawin told reporters.
Thailand reported 194 new COVID-19 cases earlier on
Monday, a rare three-digit figure, which included 45 from
Bangkok’s nightlife cluster.
The country has largely been successful in curbing the spread
of the virus. Since last year it has reported 29,321 cases and 95
deaths.
Bangkok, “red zones”.
Thailand’s COVID-19 taskforce will consider a proposal Under the proposal, nightlife venues in the red zones would be
from the public health ministry to label five provinces, including allowed to open only until 9 p.m. and they cannot serve alcohol.
COVID19:
Brazil has
more than
4,000 deaths
in 24 hours
for first time
Brazil has recorded more than
4,000 Covid-related deaths in 24
hours for the first time, as a more
contagious variant fuel a huge surge in
cases. Hospitals are overcrowded, with
people dying as they wait for treatment in
some cities, and the health system is on
the brink of collapse in many areas.
The country's total death toll is now
almost 337,000, second only to the US.
But President Jair Bolsonaro continues
to oppose any lockdown measures to curb
the outbreak.
He argues that the damage to the
economy would be worse than the effects
of the virus itself, and has tried to revert
some of the restrictions imposed by local
authorities in the courts.
Speaking to supporters outside the
presidential residence on Tuesday, he
criticised quarantine measures claiming
they were linked to obesity and depression
and led to unemployment.
He did not comment on the 4,195
deaths recorded in the past 24 hours.
To date, Brazil has recorded more
than 13 million cases of coronavirus,
according to the health ministry. Some
66,570 people died of Covid-19 in
March, more than double the previous
monthly record.
What is the situation in the
country?
In most states, patients with
Covid-19 are using more than
90% of intensive care unit
beds though numbers have
been stable since the past
week, according to the
health institute Fiocruz (in
Portuguese).
Several states have reported short
supplies of oxygen and sedative. But
despite the critical situation, some cities
and states are already easing measures
limiting the movement of people.
"The fact is the anti-lockdown
narrative of President Jair Bolsonaro has
won," Miguel Lago, executive director
of Brazil's Institute for Health Policy
Studies, which advises public health
officials, told the Associated Press.
"Mayors and governors are politically
prohibited from beefing up social
distancing policies because they know
supporters of the president, including
business leaders, will sabotage it,"
he said.
The far-right president, who repeatedly
played down the virus, raised doubts
about vaccines and defended unproven
drugs as treatment, has seen his popularity
plummet amid criticism of his handling of
the crisis.
"Mayors
and governors
are politically prohibited
from beefing up social
distancing policies because they
know supporters of the president,
including business leaders, will
sabotage it."
He has shifted his tone
on immunisations
recently, pledging
to make 2021
the year of
vaccinations. But
the government
has struggled with the rollout of its
programme.
Critics say his government was slow
in negotiating supplies amid a worldwide
run, leaving Brazil facing delays in
receiving jabs.
Only around 8% of the
population has received at least
one dose, according to the Our
World in Data tracker.
Epidemiologist Ethel Maciel said the
country was in a "dreadful situation",
telling AFP news agency: "At the rate
we're vaccinating... the only way to slow
the extremely fast spread of the virus is an
effective lockdown for at least 20 days."
What is the Brazil variant?
Fiocruz says it has detected 92 variants
of coronavirus in the country, including
the P.1, or Brazil, variant, which has
become a cause for concern because it is
thought to be much more contagious than
the original strain.
The variant is thought to have emerged
in Amazonas state in November 2020,
spreading quickly in the state capital
Manaus, where it accounted for 73%
of cases by January 2021, according to
figures analysed by researchers in Brazil.
NEWS in BRIEF
U.S. says 165 million doses of COVID-19
vaccine been administered so far
The United States has administered more than 165
million doses of COVID-19 vaccines in the country as
of Sunday morning and distributed nearly 208 million, the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.
That is up from the 161,688,422 vaccine doses the CDC
said had gone into arms by Saturday out of 207,866,645
doses delivered. The agency said 106,214,924 people had
received at least one vaccine dose, while 61,416,536 people
have been fully vaccinated as of Sunday.
The CDC tally includes two-dose vaccines from Moderna
Inc and Pfizer/BioNTech,, as well Johnson & Johnson’s oneshot
vaccine as of 6:00 a.m. ET on Sunday.
A total of 7,742,126 vaccine doses have been administered
in long-term care facilities, the agency said.
Covid: US rules out federal vaccine
passports
The White House has ruled out introducing mandatory
federal Covid-19 vaccination passports, saying citizens'
privacy and rights should be protected.
Schemes to introduce such passports have been touted
around the world as a way to enable safe circulation of
people while fighting the pandemic.
But critics say such documents could be discriminatory.
The US said it did not and would not support a "system
that requires Americans to carry a credential".
The country has reported more than 550,000 deaths linked
to the virus and nearly 31 million cases, the highest numbers
in the world, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Addressing reporters, White House press secretary Jen
Psaki said there would be no "federal vaccinations database"
or a "federal mandate requiring everyone to obtain a single
vaccination credential".
Tokyo Olympics: North Korea to skip
Games over Covid-19 fears
North Korea has
announced it
will not take part in
the Tokyo Olympics
this year, saying the
decision is to protect
its athletes from
Covid-19. The decision puts an end to South Korea's hopes
of using the Games to engage with the North amid stalled
cross-border talks.
In 2018, both sides entered a joint team at the Winter
Olympics which led to a series of historic summits.
Pyongyang says it has no cases of the virus but experts say
this is unlikely. The country's health system is thought to be
completely inadequate for dealing with the Covid pandemic,
the BBC's Tokyo Correspondent Rupert Wingfield-Hayes
reports. The announcement makes North Korea the first
major country to skip the delayed 2020 Games because of
the pandemic. The event is due to begin on 23 July.
This will be the first time North Korea has missed a
Summer Olympics since 1988, when it boycotted the Seoul
Games during the Cold War.
The Myanmar beauty queen standing up to
the military
Speeches by beauty pageant
contestants rarely make
headlines. But when Han Lay,
Miss Grand Myanmar, spoke
out last week against alleged
atrocities committed by her
country's military, her speech
turned heads.
"Today in my country Myanmar ... there are so many
people dying," she said at the Miss Grand International 2020
event in Thailand. "Please help Myanmar. We need your
urgent international help right now."
A little over a month ago, Han Lay, who is 22, was on the
streets of Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, protesting against
the military. The unrest in Myanmar began two months ago
when the military seized control of the country, undoing a
democratic election in which Aung San Suu Kyi's National
League for Democracy (NLD) party won by a landslide.
When tens of thousands of people took to the streets
nationwide to protest the coup, the military used water
cannon to disperse them. After a week, the response escalated
to rubber bullets and then live ammunition.

16 ENTERTAINMENT
Friday, April 9, 2021 The Indian Weekender
(1932-2021)
Bollywood celebrities have
been paying condolences
and mourning the demise
of Padma Shri recipient actress
Shashikala, who passed away on
Sunday at the age of 88.
Veteran actor Dharmendra tweeted
a throwback black-and-white
photograph that seese him strike a
romantic pose with the late actress.
Sharing a few lines remembering
her, the veteran actor wrote:
"Gumnaami ki kokh se paida hoti hai
... Shoharat... ye...Gumnaami ki god
mein so jaati hai ...I am extremely
sad to know that our Shashikala is
no more.... A versatile artist, most
loving person. May God bless her
soul be in peace."
Dharmendra and Shashikala
have appeared in a number of films
together, including Anpadh (1962),
Ayee Milan Ki Bela (1964), Aap Ki
Parchhaiyan (1964), Neela Aakash
(1965), Phool Aur Patthar (1966),
Anupama (1966).
Playback legend Lata Mangeshkar
tweeted: "Guni abhinetri Shashikala
ji ke swargwas ki khabar sunke
mujhe bahut dukh hua.
Wo har tarah ki bhumikaein
badi khubi se nibhaati thi. Ishwar
unki aatma ko shanti pradan kare.
Meri samvedanayein unke pariwar
Bollywood
remembers
late actress
Shashikala
ke saath hai (I'm heartbroken to
hear the news of the demise of
talented actress Shashikala ji. She
used to play a variety of roles with
perfection. May God give peace
to her soul. My condolences with
her family)."
Priyanka Chopra shared the screen
with Shashikala in David Dhawan's
2004 directorial "Mujhse Shaadi
Karogi". She tweeted: "An actor par
excellence, one of the greats of the
golden era... she leaves behind an
indelible mark on cinema. Honoured
to have had the opportunity to work
with her. Om Shanti #Shashikala ji"
Director Anil Sharma recalled
his experience of working with
Shashikala in his 1998 directorial
"Maharaja". Sharma wrote: "RIP
#ShashiKala JI .. great actress ..
Raveena Tandon: Highest jump in
Covid cases in India, let's be careful
M fortunate to work with her in
#maharaja .. heartiest condolence n
prayers." Producer Ritesh Sidhwani
tweeted: "Saddened to learn about the
demise of veteran actress Shashikala
Ji. May she rest in peace. My deepest
condolences and prayers are with her
family and friends."
Singer Adnan Sami shared:
"Saddened to learn that legendary
actress Shashikala ji has passed
away... She was a brilliant & versatile
actress. May she rest in peace...
#Shashikala" ... Actor and TV
personality Naved Jafri posted: "Our
dear Shashikala Ji is no more. She
was a great artist. May the almighty
give the family strength and patience
to bear this irreplaceable loss.
Deepest condolences #ShashiKala
#RIPShashikala."
Shilpa Shetty shares a yoga
asana to cure digestive troubles
Actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra
on Monday demonstrated
a yoga asana that helps
cure digestive troubles, apart from
providing other health benefits as
strengthening abdominal and lower
back muscles and benefitting the
hip and knee joints. The actress said
many people get the asana wrong,
and demonstrated the correct and
incorrect ways in her video.
"To get some movement into our
routine, a lot of us end up doing
exercises that look easy to do and
have a good effect on the body.
However, while dedicating time
to fitness is important, it is also
very important to understand the
technique and flow of each exercise
for it to be fully effective.
"I've noticed a lot of people
choosing the Cycling Yoga flow, or
the Pada Sanchalanasana, to build
core strength and abs. But, they
seldom get the technique right. So,
today while I practiced this flow, I
decided to demonstrate the incorrect
and correct forms too!" she wrote.
Sharing the health benefit of
the asana, she added: "This asana
strengthens abdominal and lower
back muscles. It is good for the hip
and knee joints. It also stimulates
the digestive system and helps cure
digestive troubles. When done right,
this simple-looking asana packs in
quite a punch. Have a great Monday."
Huma Qureshi on why 'Bell Bottom' feels like a comeback film
Huma Qureshi says working in
and Jolly LLB 2, besides Deepa Mehta's
the upcoming Akshay Kumarstarrer
spy thriller Bell Bottom
She looks back fondly at her
web series Leila.
Actress Raveena Tandon #flying in times of Corona ..
reacted to the news that #sanitisedworld #saferthansorry was special for the entire unit because
debut film. "I think once 'Gangs Of
India has reported the please keep wearing your masks. it was the film they shot last year when
Wasseypur' ended I realised what it
highest jump in Covid-19 positive The highest jump in cases reported the first unlock phase started.
takes to act in front of the camera.
cases since October last year. She in India.
"Bell Bottom is going to be a very
Since it was my debut, we all know that
urged everyone to be careful. 'Let's be careful for our own special film for all of us, whether it is
some of the finest actors of our country
Raveena shared a video on
me or the whole cast and crew for that
were part of the film. it was quite a
safety and the safety of others .
Instagram where she can be
matter, because it was the film we shot
wholesome experience," she said.
You might even just be a carrier so
last year when the first unlock phase
She has a special esteem for "Leila"
seen seated in a flight wearing a please be careful around people."
started," Huma said.
are fortunate that we finished the shoot Deepa Mehta. "She is one of those
mask, faceshield and gloves while India has recorded a steady
"It was going back to the film set for peacefully on time. We cannot wait people who pushed me to an end from
spraying sanitiser around her seat. spike in cases for over the past all of us. For actors, normalcy means to share the film with the world," she where I rediscovered myself as an
The video was shot in three weeks. Maharashtra, hearing those words, 'roll camera', added.
actress," she said.
December last year. Sharing Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Punjab, 'action', 'cut', and after that long and Making her Bollywood debut in Huma's other releases coming up are
the video, the actress wrote: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and sudden phase of staying at home, Bell 2012, with Anurag Kashyap's Gangs the Tamil film "Valimai", the web series
"My Paranoia , but rightfully Madhya Pradesh are logging steep Bottom was our first step to normalcy, Of New York, Huma appeared in films Maharani and Zack Snyder's OTT
so. #throwbackdecember2020 rise in daily new cases.
it's like a comeback for everyone. We like D-Day, Dedh Ishqiya, Badlapur release, Army Of The Dead.
Abhishek: Mainstream cinema is not going anywhere
The audience seems to prefer realistic content on OTT
platforms lately, but actor Abhishek Bachchan feels the
importance that mainstream cinema enjoys will never
fade. "The kind of storytelling, songs, dance will not go. You
will get a different aspect of it because of the various platforms
available. You will see a variant of it but mainstream cinema is
not going anywhere. Are protagonists going to be superhuman?
That is something that will change," he said.
The actor says there is a certain trend that thrives in the
industry but it goes away in a few years. "In the '70s and the '80s
rebellious love was a big theme – non-acceptance from the girl's
or boy's side. But that changed in the '90s, where, in Dilwale
Dulhania Le Jayenge, Shah Rukh Khan said I will not run away.
I will win the family over. So you cannot generalise. Storytelling
will adapt as per the wishes of the audience," he says.
He adds that the protagonists of films today cannot be
compared to those of older films.
"I think the audience's tastes change every seven to 10 years.
That's because a new generation of cinema viewers comes in
and with them they bring in their choices, likes and dislikes. You
cannot compare the protagonist from 1940 to 2010. It's always
changed. That's how organically cinema grows," he says.
Meanwhile, the actor, who will soon be seen in the film "The
Big Bull", says that the film was expected to have a theatrical
release but the pandemic forced them to go for a digital premiere
instead. "The film was thought of, envisaged and dreamt of as a
big screen spectacle. If you see the trailer, the songs, as well as
everything else, is larger than life. It has been shot keeping the
big screen in mind. We intended this for the cinemas," he says.
He adds: "Being a film actor, from a film family and having
ILEANA D'CRUZ: I'm hungrier now
for work than when I started out
Social media
validation is not
that important to
actress Ileana D'Cruz,
although she is an
avid user of digital
platforms. Ileana
keeps entertaining her
followers with regular
workout posts.
The actress enjoys a fan following
of 13.1 million on Instagram and 2.7
Twitter followers. Is social media
validation important to Ileana?
"Validation is not that important at
all. I do agree on the motivation part
because oddly enough posting about
my workouts motivates me
to workout as well. So, it
makes me want to get up and
'I should do it'," the actress
told IANS.
"I still feel like there is
so much more I could have
done and there is so much
more that I want to do, and
there is no stopping when
it comes to my work right
now. There is no looking back for
me. I can't imagine doing anything
else and there is so much more I want
to do. I am weirdly hungrier now for
work than how I was when I started
out," Ileana said.
grown up in movie theatres, there is no happier place for me than
inside the movie theatre with popcorn, samosa and a cold drink.
You want to get back to the theatres but the silver
lining is that the audience will
get
to see your work (if you
release digitally)."
In fact, while
they had finished
shooting "The
Big Bull", many
members from
the team were
infected with
Covid during
the post production.

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 9, 2021
FEATURES 17
Healthy cooking every day
Easy omelette Basic scrambled eggs
Easier than it looks and a tasty, filling way to start the day!
Ingredients:
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons low-fat milk
• pinch black pepper
• 2 tablespoons each grated cheese,
chopped tomato, chopped ham
and sliced mushroom
Method
• Whisk together eggs, milk and a
little black pepper.
• Lightly oil a small non-stick
frying pan and heat until hot, but
not smoking.
• Pour egg mixture into pan and
gently shake to distribute the eggs
evenly over pan.
• Cook over a medium heat until the
entire base is set. Use a spatula to
lift omelette at the edges to see if
the base is set and cooked all over.
• Sprinkle the grated cheese,
chopped ham, chopped tomato,
and sliced mushrooms over
omelette.
• Use the spatula to fold the
omelette in half. Then use the
spatula to cut the omelette in half.
• Carefully slide omelette onto two
plates. Serves: 2
Lemon-spiced chicken with chickpeas
A spicy, filling one pot
that has a bit of added
zing. Make it a mid-week
must
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 onion , halved and thinly sliced
• 4 skinless chicken breasts , cut
into chunks
• 1 cinnamon stick , broken in half
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• zest and juice 1 lemon
• 400g can chickpea , drained
• 200ml chicken stock
• 250g bag spinach
Method
• Heat the oil in a large frying pan,
then fry the onion gently for 5
mins.
• Turn up the heat and add the
chicken, frying for about 3 mins
until golden.
• Stir in the spices and lemon zest,
fry for 1 more min, then tip in the
chickpeas and stock.
• Put the lid on and simmer for 5
mins.
• Season to taste, then tip in spinach
and re-cover.
• Leave to wilt for 2 mins, then stir
through.
• Squeeze over the lemon juice just
before serving.
Lighter Takes
& Easy Tips
Learning how to make easy scrambled eggs can be fun!
Ingredients:
• 4 eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• Salt and pepper as desired
• Butter
Method:
• Beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper in
medium bowl until blended
• Heat butter in large non-stick
skillet over medium heat until hot
• Pour in egg mixture.
• As eggs begin to set, gently pull
the eggs across the pan with a
spatula, forming large soft curds
• Continue cooking – pulling, lifting
and folding eggs – until thickened
and no visible liquid eggs remain.
Do not stir constantly.
• Remove from heat. Serve
immediately.
• Serves: 2
Marinate chicken breasts, then drizzle with a punchy peanut satay sauce for a no-fuss, midweek
meal that's high in protein and big on flavour
Ingredients
• 1tbsp tamari
• 1tsp medium curry powder
• ¼tsp ground cumin
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated
• 1tsp clear honey
• 2 skinless chicken breast fillets (or use turkey
breast)
• 1tbsp crunchy peanut butter (choose a sugarfree
version with no palm oil, if possible)
• 1tbsp sweet chilli sauce
• 1tbsp lime juice
• sunflower oil, for wiping the pan
• 2 Little Gem lettuce hearts, cut into wedges
• ¼ cucumber, halved and sliced
• 1 banana shallot, halved and thinly sliced
• coriander, chopped
• seeds from ½ pomegranate
Method
• Pour the tamari into a large dish and stir in
the curry powder, cumin, garlic and honey.
Tamarind prawn curry
Our tamarind prawn curry will quickly become a family
favourite. It's quick, healthy and low in fat and calories
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red chilli, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 400g can cherry tomatoes
• 1-2 tbsp tamarind paste (see tip,
below)
• 250g raw king prawns
• 250g cooked basmati rice
handful of coriander leaves, to
serve
Method
Chicken satay salad
• Heat the oil in a frying pan over a
medium heat and cook the onion
for 5-8 mins until light golden.
Stir in the chilli, garlic and ginger,
and fry for another minute before
adding the spices.
• Tip in the cherry tomatoes, swirl
the can out with a splash of water
and stir that into the pan as well.
• Simmer for 5 mins until the
tomatoes burst and the sauce
thickens.
• Stir in the tamarind and prawns,
and simmer for 2-3 mins until the
prawns are cooked.
• Serve the curry on top of the rice,
with the coriander scattered over.
Mix well. Slice the chicken breasts in half
horizontally to make 4 fillets in total, then add
to the marinade and mix well to coat. Set aside
in the fridge for at least 1 hr, or overnight, to
allow the flavours to penetrate the chicken.
• Meanwhile, mix the peanut butter with the chilli
sauce, lime juice, and 1 tbsp water to make a
spoonable sauce.
• When ready to cook the chicken, wipe a large
non-stick frying pan with a little oil. Add the
chicken and cook, covered with a lid, for 5-6
mins on a medium heat, turning the fillets over
for the last min, until cooked but still moist. Set
aside, covered, to rest for a few mins.
• While the chicken rests, toss the lettuce wedges
with the cucumber, shallot, coriander and
pomegranate, and pile onto plates. Spoon over
a little sauce.
• Slice the chicken, pile on top of the salad and
spoon over the remaining sauce. Eat while the
chicken is still warm.
Pomegranate
chicken
with almond
couscous
Jazz up chicken breasts in
this fruity, sweetly spiced
sauce with pomegranate
seeds, toasted almonds
and tagine paste
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 200g couscous
• 1 chicken stock cube
• 1 large red onion, halved and
thinly sliced
• 600g chicken mini fillets
• 4 tbsp tagine spice paste or 2 tbsp
harissa
• 190ml bottle pomegranate
juice (not sweetened; we used
Pom Wonderful)
• 100g pack pomegranate seeds
• 100g pack toasted flaked almond
• small pack mint, chopped
Method
• Boil the kettle and heat the oil in a
large frying pan. Put the couscous
in a bowl with some seasoning
and crumble in half the stock
cube.
• Add the onion to the pan and fry
for a few mins to soften.
• Pour boiling water over the
couscous to just cover, then cover
the bowl with a tea towel and set
aside.
• Push the onion to one side of the
pan, add the chicken fillets and
brown on all sides. Stir in the
tagine paste or harissa and the
pomegranate juice, then crumble
in the rest of the stock cube and
season well.
• Simmer, uncovered, for 10 mins
until the sauce has thickened and
the chicken is cooked through.
Stir through the pomegranate
seeds, saving a few to scatter over
before serving.
• After 5 mins, fluff up the couscous
with a fork and stir through the
almonds and mint. Serve the
chicken on the couscous with the
sauce spooned over.

18 FEATURES
Friday, April 9, 2021 The Indian Weekender
CROSSWORD FreeDailyCrosswords.com
NO: 65
5th February ANSWERS CROSSWORD NO: 65
FreeDailyCrosswords.com
SUDOKU SOLUSIONS AND ANSWERS NO: 65
5th February
ACROSS------------,
ACROSS------------, DOWN
I) What cymbals do 39) Cram into the overhead
I) What cymbals do 39) Cram into the overhead
6) Neurotic worry
11) "My country_
40) Nasty look
42) Some studio of thee
short
6) Neurotic worry
40) Nasty look
"
tapes, for
44) It may gird a geisha
14) Nest on high
45) Elementary school practice
11) "My country_ of thee 42) Some studio tapes, for short
15) Legendary singer Vaughan book
"
16) Genetic component 47) River horses
44) It may gird a geisha
17) One bite and you know it's 49) Stretcher at the gym?
14) Nest on high
45) Elementary school practice
not right
51) Casts out from the body
19) Small hotel
52) Alarm bell
15) Legendary singer Vaughan book
20) Ski hill
53) Giving the once-over
21) Told your dog "Attack!" 55) "Arabian Nights" name
16) Genetic component 47) River horses
23) Bora Bora neighbor 56) Like a good police witness
17) One bite and you know it's 49) Stretcher at the gym?
26) 100-meter runners, e.g.
27) Hardly melodious
61) Go against God
62) Skylit hotel lobbies
not right
51) Casts out from the body
28) Mix again
63) From around here
29) At all times, in verse 64) Big pig
19) Small hotel
52) Alarm bell
30) Type of nut
65) Freeloader
32) Things to wish upon 66) Dust particle
20) Ski hill
53) Giving the once-over
35) Have trouble saying "S"
21) Told your dog "Attack!" 55) "Arabian Nights" name
37) Greek architectural order
23) Bora Bora neighbor 56) Like a good police witness
26) 100-meter runners, e.g. 61) Go against God
CHAPTER OF HISTORY
27) Hardly melodious 62) Skylit hotel lobbies
1c 2L 3A 4s sH
B Clarke K. Dennin er
GA 7N sG 9s 1T
1
28) Mix again
63) From around here
E R I E S A R A NA
29) At all times, in verse 64) Big pig
E 1 k A
N N
30) Type of nut
65) Freeloader
E D
32) Things to wish upon 66) Dust particle
E R S
35) Have trouble saying "S"
37) Greek architectural order
DOWN
I) Front of a semi
2) Hawaiian neckwear
3) What you'll find in a museum
4) Jams with the band
5) Audible dance step
6) Right away, in memos
7) Back of the neck
8) Org. or assoc.
9) Dips for chips
10) They believe in God
11) Three-horned dinosaur
12) Adjective for sanctum
13) White_ Missile Range
18) Agitated
22) Debt markers
23) Chinese weight units
24) Dined at home
25) Sport with betting
26) Jeans fabric
28) Less frequent
31) Manuscript volume
33) Mechanical worker
34) Watch word?
36) Hammer ends
38) Beneficiary's brother, perhaps
41) Moderate's opposite
43) Heralds
46) Symbolize
48) Wooden spinning toy
49) Hidden supply
50) Salk vaccine target
53) Film with many extras
54) "Okey-dokey"
57) Valuable rock
58) Hockey surface
59) Wet-dry_
60) Broad-antlered animal
ob P
T R I
HITORI NO: 65
T 58 1
0 CAL
P ECK
I) Front of a semi
2) Hawaiian neckwear
3) What you'll find in a museum
4) Jams with the band
5) Audible dance step
6) Right away, in memos
7) Back of the neck
8) Org. or assoc.
9) Dips for chips
10) They believe in God
11) Three-horned dinosaur
12) Adjective for sanctum
13) White_ Missile Range
18) Agitated
22) Debt markers
23) Chinese weight units
24) Dined at home
25) Sport with betting
26) Jeans fabric
28) Less frequent
31) Manuscript volume
33) Mechanical worker
34) Watch word?
36) Hammer ends
38) Beneficiary's brother, perhaps
41) Moderate's opposite
43) Heralds
46) Symbolize
48) Wooden spinning toy
49) Hidden supply
50) Salk vaccine target
53) Film with many extras
54) "Okey-dokey"
57) Valuable rock
58) Hockey surface
59) Wet-dry_
60) Broad-antlered animal
Eliminate numbers until there are no duplicates in any row or
column. Eliminate numbers by marking them in Black. You are
not allowed to have two Black squares touching horizontally or
vertically (diagonally is ok). Any White square can be reached
from any other (i.e. they are connected).
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. What does DNA stand for? Deoxyribonucleic acid
2. How many bones are in the human body?206
3. The concept of gravity was discovered by which famous
physicist? Sir Isaac Newton
4. What is the hardest natural substance on Earth? Diamond
5. Which is the main gas that makes up the Earth’s
atmosphere? Nitrogen
6. Humans and chimpanzees share roughly how much DNA?
98%
7. What is the most abundant gas in the Earth’s atmosphere?
Nitrogen
8. Roughly how long does it take for the sun’s light to reach
Earth – 8 minutes, 8 hours or 8 days? 8 minutes
9. Which famous British physicist wrote A Brief History of
Time? Stephen Hawking
10. At what temperature are Celsius and Fahrenheit equal? -40
11. What modern-day country was Marie Curie born in?
Poland
12. What is the biggest planet in our solar system? Jupiter
13. What name is given for the number of protons found in the
nucleus of an atom? Atomic number
14. How many vertebrae does the average human possess? 33
15. What was the name of the first man-made satellite launched
by the Soviet Union in 1957? Sputnik 1
16. Which oath of ethics taken by doctors is named after an
Ancient Greek physician? Hippocratic Oath
17. What is a material that will not carry an electrical charge
called? Insulator
18. Which Apollo moon mission was the first to carry a lunar
rover? Apollo 15
19. How many teeth does an adult human have? 32
20. What is the study of mushrooms called? Mycology
9 April to 15 April 2021 | By Manisha Koushik
ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20)
This is a good week to sort certain previous
issues that have been hanging fire for long.
You will not be found wanting in rekindling
your love life. Your request for accompanying
someone on a trip is likely to be granted, so have
a great time! Catering to a few extra options for
completing a task will not get you bogged down
on the professional front. Marketing personnel
are likely to have it tough, but success is foretold. Lucky No.: 18 /
Lucky Colour: Yellow
TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20)
Someone’s action at work may puzzle you, but
it is best to keep it to yourself. You will need to
steer clear of minor glitches by remaining extra
careful. Spending on someone in the hope that
he or she will help you in return is not advised.
Love for junk food can affect your health
adversely. A family elder’s suspicious nature
can keep you on tenterhooks. You may get sidelined on the social
front, if you don’t interact. Lucky No.:6 / Lucky Colour: Cream
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21)
You are likely to regain lost ground on the
academic front. Things started in this week
will prove most beneficial. You will need to
become financially savvy to raise capital for
something big. Not being in sync with other
family members may make you feel that you
are not being given a fair deal. You may be
taken aback by someone’s brazen attempt to indulge in romance,
but deal with the situation diplomatically. You will remain fit and
energetic. Lucky No.: 11 / Lucky Colour: Lavender
CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20)
A windfall on the professional front cannot be
ruled out. Someone you are promoting is likely
to get established firmly. Your image is likely to
get a boost on the social front. Someone is likely
to get serious with you and compel you to take a
call on the romantic front. Health wise you will
feel on the top of the world. Taking career advice
from those who have been there, done that will be beneficial. Lucky
No.:2 / Lucky Colour: Orange
Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and
fengshui consultant based in India with a global presence through the online channels. She is
available for consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha.com or contact
at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +91-9716145644 • www.askmanisha.com
LEO (JUL21-AUG 20)
Options open to you on the academic front may
appear a bit confusing, but make a considered
choice. Family will be much more supportive of
your ideas. Some of you will have a good time in
the company of friends or cousins. This is a good
week to go enjoy a picnic or visit an old monument.
A love interest is likely to make the first move on the romantic front,
so be prepared! Health and finance appear good. Lucky No.: 9 /
Lucky Colour: Golden Brown
VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23)
There is a possibility of someone you know from
your childhood in this week springing a surprise.
Your desire to visit a tourist destination is likely
to get fulfilled soon. A house or an apartment
may come in your name. Changing your diet and
shunning junk food is the need of the hour and will
have positive effect on your health. Financially,
you will be able to achieve stability. Indecision regarding choosing
the right career may keep your mind in turmoil. Lucky No.:11 /
Lucky Colour: Light Grey
LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23)
Something happening in your personal life
needs to be dealt with patience and forbearance.
There are too many forces pulling you in
different directions. You can be in a mental
turmoil regarding an option on the professional
front, but you will manage to make the right
choice. Depleted bank balance will make you
think twice before incurring any heavy expenditure. Remaining
helpful to others without any selfish motive is your innermost
desire. You may rush headlong into romance. Lucky No. 7 / Lucky
Colour: Lemon
SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22)
An enjoyable time is foreseen outside home.
Those searching for suitable accommodation may
find luck shining on them. Your focus may waver
on the academic front and get you into all sorts of
problems. On the professional front, you may be
hard pressed to prove your mettle. It will be wise
to restrain yourself from spending on things that catch your fancy.
Minor ailments can trouble you.Lucky No.:11 / Lucky Colour:
Peach
SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21)
Superiors are likely to rely on your judgment
at work, so be absolutely sure of what you
recommend. You can find a grouchy family
elder in a lighter mood in this week. Attending a
religious ceremony is on the cards for some. This
is the week when you must find time to spend
with lover. Monetary gains are likely for those
in medical or legal professions. Lucky No.:17 / Lucky Colour:
White
CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21)
Getting a leg up on a rival is only possible if you
play your cards well. You will be torn between
professional and domestic commitments, and
may find it difficult to prioritise. Pressure on
the work front may mount, but you will be able
to counter it well. Some of you may remain
occupied trying to figure out ways to make a
quick buck. Needless risks are best avoided by
those romancing on the sly. Health remains satisfactory. Lucky
No.: 8 / Lucky Colour: Forest Green
AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19)
Winning brownie points on the social front is
indicated. Developments on the professional
front appear favourable. Luck may favour you on
the academic front in getting something that you
desperately want. Some problems being faced on
the personal front are set to get resolved. Returns
from property and investments will keep your
coffers brimming. Your efforts towards maintaining good health
will be richly rewarded. Lucky No. 4 / Lucky Colour: Indigo
PISCES (FEB 20-MAR 20)
Some of you may set out on an official tour.
Your efficiency at work will not let anything
remain pending. Appreciation for something
successfully accomplished on the academic
front is possible. You will be able to save a lot
by being judicious in your spending. Those
planning a family can expect good news. Check
your mood swings as they can upset others in the family. Don’t
undertake a journey that has not been properly planned. Lucky No.:
22 / Lucky Colour: Light Green

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 9, 2021
FEATURES 19
Australians quick to book Queenstown
accommodation ahead of trans-Tasman bubble
South Island businesses are rejoicing over
news the trans-Tasman bubble will soon
be opening.
It came as welcome relief for tourism
operators with quarantine-free trans-Tasman
travel set to come into effect on 19 April.
It has been an agonising wait for many
business owners like Rob Jewell of Fox Glacier
Guiding, who rely heavily on tourists to take
adventure tours on the ice.
He could not be more joyful to welcome
Australians with open arms.
"Now is just a good a time as any. We'll take
it. Happy we have finally got a date and can
plan - I just cant wait."
Queenstown, Franz Joseph, Fox Glacier and
small towns within the South Island have been
hit particularly hard due to lack of tourists.
But now, the trans-Tasman bubble
changes everything.
"
There's no doubt strict
border management
from a year ago was the
right thing to do from a
public health perspective,
so it is time now to also
focus on our country's
economic health and
protecting the livelihoods
of our community
Already, accommodation providers have
experienced a flurry of bookings for Australians
to stay in Queenstown, with many hotels telling
AUCKLAND TO
KOCHI
DIRECT REPATRIATION FLIGHT
RNZ their rooms were close to booked, during
the first week the bubble opened.
Meanwhile, the announcement came just
in time for the winter ski season which was
typically a drawcard for many Australian
visitors, with 53 percent flying direct to the
South Island pre-Covid-19.
"We are absolutely thrilled. About 40
percent of visitors to Queenstown ski fields
are Australian. They breathe a lot of life
into downtown Queenstown and use a lot
of attractions," NZSKI chief executive Paul
Anderson said.
He was still in need of 200-300 staff for
the 2021 ski season and planned to recruit
Australians to fill the gap in time for the flurry.
Prior to Covid-19, 30 percent of all passenger
arrivals and departures at Queenstown Airport
were on trans-Tasman flights.
Australia was Aotearoa's largest international
visitor market, accounting for almost half of all
overseas arrivals, spending $2.7 billion.
It had been challenging without international
guests, Fiordland Jet Co Owner Chris
Adams said.
"For the last couple of weekends Kiwis
have been visiting Te Anau but we are really
looking forward to the Aussie's coming over
and spending their money with us as well."
But buyer beware - when the bubble opens,
travel could come to a halt and visitors on this
side of the ditch could be left stranded.
That's a concern for Queenstown iFly
Owner Matt Wong who said, Aussies would
take a cautious approach and be part of the the
first group of travellers who would "test the
waters" and "likely be people visiting friends
and family".
"If you get stuck it is a bit of a take the risk.
But as we see a softer market over the next two
months, hopefully by July - school holidays we
are gonna see a big influx, especially for that
ski season."
For many businesses this had been a long
and difficult wait, Canterbury Employers'
Chamber of Commerce chief executive Leeann
Watson said.
"There's no doubt strict border management
from a year ago was the right thing to do from
a public health perspective, so it is time now to
also focus on our country's economic health and
protecting the livelihoods of our community."
Flight
Date Departure Time Destination Arrival Status
SQ 0282 21-April-21 AKL 01:15 SIN
08:05 Chartered
SQ 0534 21-April-21 SIN 09:35 COK 11:10 Chartered
ECONOMY CLASS
30KG
$1450
PREMIUM ECONOMY
40KG
$1950
BUSINESS CLASS
50KG
$2650
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