Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapoor to star in ‘Malang’

5 March 2019

Mumbai (IANS): Veteran actor Anil Kapoor has teamed up with Aditya Roy Kapoor, Disha Patani and Kunal Kemmu in the upcoming film “Malang”, which will release on February 14, 2020.

Anil tweeted on Monday: “Together we are ‘Malang’. Pleased to announce my first with all these talented artistes. Film releasing on Valentine’s 2020.”

He also posted a photograph of himself with the film’s cast.

“Malang” will have elements of romance, thriller and action. The film is being helmed by Mohit Suri.

Mohit said in a statement: “With ‘Malang’, I am essentially returning to genre I enjoy the most, intense edgy and mad. I hope Malang is as thrilling and exciting an experience for the audience to see as much as it has already been for me.”

It will be shot in Mauritius and Goa from March onwards. Also, “Malang” is being co-produced by Bhushan Kumar of T-Series, Luv Ranjan Films and Northern Lights Entertainment’s Jay Shewakraman.

Pakistan Punjab’s minister quits amid criticism over anti-Hindu remarks

5 March 2019

Islamabad (IANS): Pakistan Punjab’s Information Minister Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan of the ruling PTI was sacked on Tuesday over his derogatory remarks against the Hindu community which drew intense criticism from members of his party and social media users.

While Dawn News quoted Shahbaz Gill, the spokesperson for Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, as saying that Chohan resigned, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) tweeted that he was “removed” and added that “bashing someone’s faith should not be a part of any narrative”.

Chohan’s easing out followed reports that Prime Minister Imran Khan had himself taken serious notice of his remarks, although those reports were denied by the party, according to Dawn.

At an event in Lahore on February 24, Chohan referred to the Hindu community as “cow urine-drinking people”.

“We are Muslims and we have a flag, the flag of Maula Ali’s bravery, the flag of Hazrat Umar’s valour. You (Hindus) don’t have that flag, it isn’t in your hands,” he had said.

“Don’t operate under the delusion that you’re seven times better than us. What we have, you can’t have, you idol worshippers,” he said.

As a video clip of the derisive remarks went viral on Monday, Twitterati on Tuesday using the hashtag “#SackFayazChohan” asked the government to remove him from his post.

Following the criticism from the PTI for his insensitivity towards the Hindus, a minority in Pakistan, the minister apologized and said his comments were directed only at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian media.

“I was referring to Narendra Modi, RAW and Indian media,” he said on Samaa TV’s program Naya Din on Tuesday. “The remarks weren’t meant for any person in Pakistan. My message was for Indians.

“I didn’t demean any religion. The things I said are a part of Hindutva. I said things that are a part of their religion,” he added.

Khan termed Chohan’s remarks as “inappropriate” and said: “We will not tolerate remarks against any minority community.”

The Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Political Affairs, Naeemul Haque, in a tweet said the PTI government “will not tolerate this nonsense from a senior member of the government or from anyone”.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal also took to Twitter, saying: “Pakistan proudly owns the white in the flag as much as the green, values contributions of the Hindu community and honours them as our own.”

Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari on Monday was unequivocal in her condemnation of her fellow PTI member’s remarks.

“No one has the right to attack anyone else’s religion. Our Hindu citizens have given sacrifices for their country”

Finance Minister Asad Umar said: “Hindus of Pakistan are as much a part of the fabric of the nation as I am. Remember the flag of Pakistan is not just green… it is not complete without the white which represents the minorities.”

2020 Toyota Tacoma New Changes to Continue Leadership

5 March 2019

TORONTO, ON: With competition in the midsize pickup segment heating up, the Toyota Tacoma says, “Bring it.” The Tacoma has been America’s best-selling mid-size pickup for 14 years running, and the 2020 models introduced at the Chicago Auto Show are the best-equipped ever.

Nearly all 2020 Tacoma’s debut a new front grille design and new or updated wheel, each tailored to the specific grade. Inside, a new 10-way power adjustable driver seat with power lumbar support adds comfort on all grades SR5 and up. A new multimedia system now includes Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay™ and Amazon Alexa™ compatibility. Tacoma TRD Off-Road will feature a new front grille design, LED foglamp, chrome insert taillamp and Passenger Smart Key entry. To provide a better view of the terrain under the vehicle, Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) is available. A new LED DRL and LED headlight is an available upgrade, as is a LED bed lamp. TRD Off-Road also comes standard with TRD-tuned Bilstein shocks, locking rear differential, Hill Assist Control (HAC), Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control.

Tacoma Limited’s look is more premium than ever with a new grille design, 18-inch alloy wheels, standard LED DRL and LED headlamps, and chrome taillamp inserts. It also received the upgraded Smart Key operation on the passenger door. The new Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) is standard equipment on Limited-grade Tacoma’s.

Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), standard on every Tacoma grade, includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System, Automatic High Beams and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).

Inside TRD Pro, a new 10-way power seat adds comfort, and the multimedia system is upgraded with the new 8-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, among others. For added convenience, Smart Key functionality now extends to the front passenger door.

The 2020 Tacoma offers a choice of two tough powertrains. The 2.7-litre DOHC 4-cylinder with 159-horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and an available 3.5-litre V6 with 278-horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Both are teamed to a six-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i), and the V6 can also be paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

V6-powered Tacoma’s come standard with the Tow Package – which includes Class IV receiver hitch, automatic transmission fluid cooler, engine oil cooler, power steering cooler, 130-amp alternator, 4 & 7-pin connector with converter, and Trailer-Sway Control. When properly equipped, the Tacoma can pull up to 6,800 lbs. (per the SAE J2807 tow standard).

Acura Marks 30 Years since Debut of Iconic NSX Supercar

5 March 2019

Chicago, ILL: Acura recently marked 30 years since the shot heard ’round the automotive world — the 1989 global debut of the first-generation Acura NSX. The first mid-engined exotic without European pedigree, NSX was a low slung, super light, high-revving machine sporting the world’s first all-aluminum monocoque, titanium connecting rods, a VTEC™ valvetrain and levels of quality and daily driving comfort unheard of in sports cars of the time. Introduced as the NS-X Concept, the precursor to the production NSX, Acura chose the Chicago Auto Show for the global debut, at a press conference held at the Drake Hotel on February 9, 1989

Since its debut, NSX has made an indelible impression on the exotic and supercar world. Its all-aluminum construction and 270-horsepower VTEC V6 were as exotic as anything available at the time, but its conventionally comfortable and ergonomic cockpit and gentle road manners ran sharply counter to contemporary European exotics.

Like its predecessor, today’s second-generation All-new NSX incorporates ground breaking technology. The Acura NSX is the only supercar made in America and the only one utilizing electric motors to enhance every element of dynamic performance, seamlessly combining three-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ with a bespoke twin-turbocharged, mid-mounted V6 engine to deliver an unparalleled range of driving experiences, from all-electric Quiet mode to the ultimate at-the-limit capability of Track mode.

With its multi-material space frame body, ground breaking three-motor Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive™ system , today’s NSX pays homage to the ground breaking nature of the original while exploring altogether new concepts in electrified supercar performance. Also, like the original, the next-gen NSX powertrain design evolved radically from its conceptual origins.

The new Acura NSX Concept that debuted at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show showcased a naturally-aspirated 60-degree V6 mounted transverse behind the seats in a layout similar to the original NSX; however, in the middle of development, the global R&D team decided to take a more challenging path – the creation of an all-new twin-turbocharged longitudinally mounted 75-degree V6. And, similar to the move to a DOHC V6 in the original, the adoption of a new powertrain concept had wide-ranging effects on the body proportions, aerodynamics package and overall design.

Despite the major powertrain change, the development team maintained the original schedule – revealing the production version of the second-generation NSX just three years later at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show.

Indian dossier has no ‘evidence’, says Pakistan as it arrests Masood’s kin

5 March 2019

Islamabad (IANS): A dossier submitted by India lacks “concrete evidence” linking Pakistan with the suicide bombing that killed 40 CRPF troopers, Islamabad said on Tuesday, as it arrested the brother and son of JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar and 42 others as part of a crackdown on Islamist groups following intense diplomatic pressure.

The brother, Mufti Abdur Rauf, and Hammad Azhar, a son of the now reportedly ailing Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief, were among those whose names were mentioned in the dossier India handed over to Pakistan last week, Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Khan Afridi said.

But Interior Ministry Secretary Azam Suleman Khan quickly added: “It does not mean that action is being taken against only those individuals who are mentioned in the dossier.

“If we have to take over any (organisation’s) assets, we will do so. Assets can be taken over of organisations already declared as proscribed, under the Anti Terrorism Act, 1997.

“If we obtain any further evidence or if we have to investigate any organisation, the government can take any organisation into custody at any time,” he said.

Khan, however, claimed that the Indian dossier lacked concrete evidence against any member to link Pakistan and Pakistanis with the February 14 suicide bombing in Pulwama that led to Indian air strikes on JeM’s biggest training camp at Balakot in Pakistan, seriously straining bilateral ties.

Action will be taken against people if evidence was found during the investigations, he said. “In case we don’t find any evidence against them, we will release them.”

The crackdown came a day after the Pakistan government issued an order to streamline a process for the implementation of sanctions against individuals and entities of all banned outfits as designated by the UN Security Council (UNSC).

Afridi insisted that the action was taken without any foreign pressure, the Pakistani media reported, but informed sources said that intense diplomatic pressure including from Pakistan’s close allies had forced Islamabad to crack the whip.

“In the first phase of our action we have taken 44 people into protective custody. We won’t let anyone use Pakistani soil against anyone so that no force can intervene in Pakistan’s domestic issues,” Afridi said.

The government also froze bank accounts and assets of the organisations banned by the UNSC.

The Interior Ministry said that the actions will continue as per the decisions taken by the National Security Committee (NSC).

Secretary Khan said: “This is across the board – we don’t want to give the impression that we are against one organisation.”

Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal late Monday said that the government had taken over the control of all proscribed outfits operating in Pakistan.

“From now onwards, all kinds of assets and properties of all banned organisations will be in the government’s control,” Faisal had said, adding that the government will now also seize the charity wings and ambulances of such banned outfits.

I intend to show British Columbians how deeply I care about the affordability issues

5 March 2019

BY ANDREW WILKINSON

Leader of BC Liberals

LAST week, I responded to the NDP government’s budget in the Legislature. In particular, I talked about the ways that their initiatives are hurting affordability in B.C. During that speech, I made some references to my experience of renting a home.
I understand that my comments upset people. I can understand why.
Renting, especially in the Lower Mainland, is extremely difficult. Prices are high, and there are not enough units available. The need to urgently address this problem was the central point of my remarks.
Among the solutions I am proposing are:
1. Support a dramatic increase in rental housing supply by:
* Giving builders the certainty they need to invest in building new rentals.
* Working with local governments to cut red tape to speed up new construction.
2. Build additional student housing so that students aren’t competing with other renters for affordable rentals off campus.
3. Maintain and expand our supply of rentals by supporting long-term affordable co-ops.

I was a renter for 18 years. I had some good experiences, and some bad ones. In my speech in the Legislature, I was referring to that time of my life. My comments were not about the general state of renting now, nor were they about people who rent for much or all of their lives.
There are significant differences between my experience in the 1970s and 1980s, and today. The most critical difference is that I had: the opportunity to get a good education, the opportunity to find a good job, and opportunities to build on that foundation.
More than anything else, the lack of these opportunities is what motivates me in the Legislature. Under the NDP, opportunities are fading away. We have significant economic challenges ahead: collapsing housing construction, falling resource revenues, and unstable trade relationships with the U.S. and China. This means less rental supply, higher taxes, and fewer job opportunities.
None of these factors add up to a positive future for renters. We need to do better.
I understand the frustration with my comments and I regret their lack of clarity. I intend to show British Columbians how deeply I care about the affordability issues we face by continuing to hold the NDP to account. Their damaging policies aren’t helping anyone to get ahead in life. In fact, British Columbians are starting to fall behind, and my team and I will do what we can to help.

Most B.C. residents overlook at least one warning sign of investment fraud

5 March 2019

FEWER than half of British Columbians recognize all of the warning signs of investment fraud, according to a new study commissioned by the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC).

When presented with six scenarios associated with investment fraud, only 44 per cent correctly identified all of them as warning signs:

Guaranteed high returns with little or no risk
Moving money outside the country to avoid tax
A strong push to act now
An offer of inside information
An offer available only to a select few
Being encouraged to invest because friends and family have already done so

A recommendation from friends or family was the least recognized sign, with 61 per cent of British Columbians flagging that as an indicator of a possible fraudulent investment. The most recognized warning sign, chosen by 77 per cent, was a guarantee of high returns with little or no risk.

“B.C. residents aren’t naïve when it comes to investment fraud, with 65 per cent correctly identifying at least four of the six warning signs,” said Pamela McDonald, the BCSC’s Director of Communications and Education. “But one missed sign is sometimes all it takes for someone to be victimized.”

Twelve per cent of British Columbians said they have sunk money into a fraudulent investment, with men being more than twice as likely as women to say they were victims of investment fraud. Among those who said they were victims, a slim majority (53 per cent) said they lost less than $5,000.

Residents of Vancouver Island were most likely (55 per cent) to recognize all six warning signs, compared with 41 per cent in the Lower Mainland / Fraser Valley region.

Men and women in British Columbia are roughly equal in their ability to spot warning signs, but age appears to bring wisdom, with 65 per cent of people over 55 years old being most likely to identify all six scenarios as warning signs, compared with 20 percent of 18- to 34-year-olds.

B.C. residents who are “do-it-yourself” investors or using “robo-advisors” were significantly more aware (68 per cent) of all six warning signs than investors who work with banks or financial advisors, or who invest in something other than securities.

B.C. residents are much more likely than not to agree that fraud is worth reporting. When presented with the statement, “Reporting a fraudulent investment is more trouble than it’s worth,” 59 per cent disagreed, while 16 per cent agreed.

“We are encouraged to see that most people are willing to report investment fraud, rather than just letting it go,” said Doug Muir, the BCSC’s Director of Enforcement. “Our investigators need the public’s help. The sooner we know about scams, the better our chances of preventing further losses.”

To report possible investment fraud in B.C., contact the BCSC by telephone (604-899-6854 or 800-373-6393), by email (inquiries@bcsc.bc.ca) or by filling out an online form at https://ca.research.net/r/bcsc-complaint-form.

Test your own ability to spot suspicious investment opportunities – go to http://www.investright.org/fraud-prevention.

Modi should apologize for questioning IAF capability: Congress

4 March 2019

Congress leader RPN Singh. (File Photo: IANS)

New Delhi (IANS): Questioning the BJP’s claims of 250 causalities in the air strikes in Pakistan’s Balakot, the Congress on Monday demanded of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to apologise for claiming the India Air Force (IAF) felt the absence of Rafale fighter jets.

Countering the Modi’s allegation of the opposition playing politics at the cost of national security, Congress spokesperson R.P.N. Singh accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of politicising the air strikes and trying to reap electoral mileage from it.

With the government yet to give an official count of the number of terrorists killed in the air strikes in Pakistan’s Balakot and Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa declining to comment on the casualties, Singh also demanded to know the basis of BJP chief Amit Shah’s claim of 250 terrorists being killed in the air strikes conducted in the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 security personnel were killed.

“The Prime Minister tried to show that the IAF was weaker because it did not have the Rafale. He should apologise for questioning the capabilities of the IAF and for playing politics on armed forces,” Singh told the media here.

“We have witnessed how BJP leaders, including Shah and Modi, made many political statements on the Pulwama attack and yet accused Congress of doing it. We have a BJP leader (Manoj Tiwari) roaming around in Army fatigues, so who is politicising the issue? It is the BJP?” said Singh and questioned Shah’s claims on the casualties in the air strikes.

“Where are these figures coming from? Air Chief Marshal clearly said that it is government’s duty to count casualties.”

BC Liquor Stores gives thumbs up for dry grad celebrations

4 March 2019

BC Liquor Stores are again giving dry graduation events the ‘thumbs up,’ as part of the BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s annual Support Dry Grad fundraising campaign.

Throughout the month of March, BC Liquor Stores customers are encouraged to donate a dollar or more to support alcohol-free graduation celebrations in their communities. In return, customers will receive a bright ‘thumbs up’ sticker to write their name on and display in-store to show their support for dry graduation events.

In 2019, 55 school districts, equating to 338 schools, will benefit from the proceeds of the Support Dry Grad campaign.

All donations go to the local school district in which the BC Liquor Store is located, and are distributed to public high schools and participating independent schools that are planning alcohol-free graduation activities.

Contributions by liquor store customers top up funds raised by parents, students and teachers who work all year to raise funds for dry graduation celebrations.

Last year, BC Liquor Store customers raised more than $275,000 to help students around the province celebrate their graduations with fun, alcohol-free events and activities, such as skating, bubble soccer, karaoke and excursions to the Vancouver Aquarium.

Blain Lawson, General Manager and CEO, Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB), said: “Every year we look forward to supporting alcohol-free graduation celebrations for students around the province, and every year our BC Liquor Stores customers blow us away with their generosity and support of this important campaign. The LDB’s dry grad campaign is one of our more significant initiatives and highlights our commitment to social responsibility and keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors.”

Rick Mesich, principal, Seaquam Secondary school, Delta, added: “The funding that schools receive from the LDB for dry grad celebrations is invaluable in providing safe, entertaining and memorable events for our graduating students. The funding allows our grad committees to plan special events throughout the school year.”

Quick Facts:

* In 2018, 55 school districts and the Federation of Independent Schools participated, representing more than 344 high schools throughout the province.

* Thanks to BC Liquor Stores customers, more than $275,000 was raised during the BC Liquor Stores’ 2018 dry grad campaign.

* Since its inception in 2001, the campaign has raised more than $6.82 million towards alcohol-free graduation events.

* The Support Dry Grad campaign started in 2001 and is a key part of the BC Liquor Distribution Branch’s corporate social responsibility program – a primary focus of which is to help keep alcohol out of the hands of minors.

Temporary shelter beds to remain open in Vancouver for another year

4 March 2019

PEOPLE experiencing homelessness in Vancouver, including those camping at Oppenheimer Park, will continue to have access to nearly 240 shelter beds, which would normally have closed on March 31.

The Province has approved an additional $3.1 million in operating funding to keep the following eight temporary shelters in the city open for the next 12 months, until March 31, 2020:

* 20 beds at 828 Cambie Street – open 4 p.m. to 8 a.m.

* 12 beds at 1138 Burrard Street – open 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

* 40 beds (increase of 10 beds) at 1060 Howe Street – open 4 p.m. to 10 a.m.

* 16 beds at 131 Dunlevy Avenue – open 6 p.m. to 9 a.m.

* 40 beds at 134 E Cordova Street – open 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.

* 30 beds at 138 E Cordova Street – open 24/7

* 40 beds at 1401 Hornby Street – open 24/7

* 40 beds at 1648 East 1st Avenue – open 24/7 (open at this location until June 2019)

BC Housing, the city and shelter operators regularly monitor capacity levels at all shelters in the community. As the permanent year-round shelters are currently operating at full capacity, extending operation of these temporary spaces is critical and will provide continued shelter options for people living on the streets and those at risk of homelessness.

The city’s homelessness outreach team will continue to work with operators to provide support to guests at shelter sites and ensure residents are connected to income assistance and relevant health supports, and have access to housing.

The extension to these shelter spaces is one part of the Province’s strategy to address homelessness in Vancouver. The Province, in partnership with the City of Vancouver and non-profit housing providers, has also opened 606 new modular supportive housing units over the past year as part of the Building BC: Rapid Response to Homelessness program.

In addition to the temporary shelters, there are 940 permanent shelter spaces in Vancouver currently in operation and 120 extreme-weather response spaces, which open during periods of severe weather. The city also opens warming centres as a life-saving measure for people sleeping outside, allowing them to come indoors when the temperature reaches -5 degrees or feels like -5 degrees.

While access to shelter is critical to ensure the safety of those experiencing homelessness, the Province and city remain committed to delivering more affordable housing to meet the need of people in Vancouver. In the last 18 months, in addition to the modular buildings now open, work has started on more than 2,450 new affordable rental homes in Vancouver as part of the Province’s investments in affordable housing, some of which include shelter-rate units.

To see a map of permanent, temporary and extreme weather response shelters in B.C., visit: http://www.bchousing.org/Options/Emergency_Housing/Map