The Indian Weekender - 22 March 2024

Read • Watch • Engage
Looking to buy
or sell a business?
Friday, 22 March 2024
Volume 15 / Issue 50
www.iwk.co.nz /indianweekendernz /indianweekender
Awarded ABC’s Top Trusted Advisor 2021
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hemant.g@cmbusiness.co.nz
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ENGLISH
VINGLISH
New campaign wants
English test axed for truck,
bus drivers' residency
RAVI BAJPAI
A
new campaign lobbying for truck
and bus drivers to be spared the
English language proficiency test
while applying for residency is gaining
momentum.
New immigration rules brought in
last year replaced earlier provisions that
allowed an easier pathway to residence
for tradespeople like drivers that did not
require them to clear a test like IELTS.
The rule change in May 2023 has meant
many drivers who have been working
seamlessly in New Zealand are now finding
their dreams of residence impacted heavily,
says Shaneel Kumar, who is spearheading
the campaign.
“We are trying to convince the
government to waive off the English test
requirement.
"At least 750 drivers have joined the
movement over the last few weeks that we
have travelled through Auckland, Hamilton,
Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch,”
says Shaneel Kumar of SNK Consultancy,
an Auckland-based immigration service
provider.
He points to an Indian truck driver who
has been working in Aotearoa for nearly
two-and-a-half years to illustrate his point.
“Under the transport sector’s work to
residence rules, this man became eligible to
apply about six months back.
• Continued on Page 9
IN CINEMAS
NEAR YOU

FESTIVE GREETINGS FOR YOU AND YOUR
LOVED ONES FROM IMPRESSION FAMILY
Happy
PROPERTY & BUILDING
MANAGEMENT SINCE 1999
430 QUEEN STREET, AUKLAND CBD
0800 IMPRESS (0800 4677 377)
www.impression.co.nz

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 22 March, 2024
NEW ZEALAND 3
How a $14-billion man
from India took over
NZ mortgage market
RAVI BAJPAI
Sitting across the table from me,
as Ajay Kumar reaches out for a
handshake, he exudes an air of
unassuming intrigue.
Sporting a plain shirt neatly tucked into
a pair of simple trousers, the man from
Bareilly isn't trying too hard to impress.
His mortgage and life and health insurance
portfolio of more than $14 billion, one of
the biggest among Kiwi-Indian companies,
speaks more for him than any bells and
whistles could.
"Customer is king," he tells me, his lips
puckered and a pause so long it's hard to
tell if he is allowing me time for that thought
to sink in, or waiting for a response. Kumar
takes exceptional pride in servicing the
customer well, an approach he says has
served him successfully for 25 years now.
Global Financial Services Ltd, or Global
Finance, the company Kumar founded in
1999 celebrated its silver jubilee on March
5, 2024.
The company has six offices across
Auckland today, but it started from his
home garage.
"Back then, banks in New Zealand didn't
have too many Indian customers coming in
for loans," explains Kumar. "Many of these
migrants came from rural areas and with
little or no English proficiency they found it
difficult to talk to bankers to get a loan."
Back in 1996, Kumar was himself new to
New Zealand, having moved after working
for nearly 20 years in banking back home.
He worked as a contractual mortgage
broker for local banks before deciding to
launch his own business. Knowledge of
financial processes wasn't the only thing he
had going for him.
"I knew Punjabi. That's why many of my
early clients found it easy to work with me. I
could understand their needs and then take
their case to the banks here."
Kumar's pride in a trademark product his
company offers, the secret sauce that he
says sets him apart from the competition.
"Banks here offer a 30-year home loan in
most cases. But with our understanding of
banking processes, we can help you wrap
up the installments sooner than that."
That claim may sound too good to be
true, but it has stood the test of the law.
A competitor took Kumar to a business
tribunal over that claim several years back.
"We know not every mortgage broker
understands the procedures as we do. We
explained our product to the jury and they
ruled in our favour," Kumar says.
Over the years, Global Finance has won
several accolades for its stellar work in the
country, including honours from leading
banks like Westpac, ANZ and ASB.
"In 2016, we were also featured in Deloitte
Fast50, which is a list of New Zealand's top
50 fastest-growing companies. It's rare for
a company from our industry to get into
that list," Kumar points out.
Beyond the realm of business, Kumar has
regularly helped the Kiwi-Indian community.
He has offered his services to several
religious institutions in times of distress,
helping set up some of Auckland's
pioneering Kiwi-Indian landmarks.
Kumar believes his single-minded focus
on customer journey
and satisfaction has
held his company in
good stead over 25
years.
"We now even
have secondgeneration
customers, and it's
a matter of great
pride for us. Many
of our customers
who left us for other
mortgage brokers
have returned to us
because they know what's best for them."
"We now even have
second-generation
customers, and it's a
matter of great pride for
us. Many of our customers
who left us for other
mortgage brokers have
returned to us because
they know what's best for
them." Ajay Kumar
Road works
Expect delays
during the
upcoming long
weekend
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OFFER VALID : 16/03/2024~31/03/2024
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from Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April (Easter)
Weekend work from Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April
(Easter) at the intersection of the South Eastern Highway
and Tī Rākau Drive will mean that drivers should expect
delays and allow extra time for journeys. Temporary lane
alterations, detours, and speed restrictions will be in place.
Plan your route to avoid delays.
Take extra care, and thank you for your patience
while we build the flyover above Reeves Road.
More information
easternbusway.nz
info@easternbusway.nz
0800 287 929
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Albany / Botany / Glen Eden / Glenfield / Henderson / Mt Eden / Newmarket / Queen St / Stonefields

4
NEW ZEALAND
Maharashtrian boost
for Auckland World
Friday, 22 March, 2024
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
of Cultures Festival
RAVI BAJPAI
Auckland's diverse communities are
gearing up to showcase the richness
of their cultures in the upcoming
World of Cultures festival, an extravaganza
spanning three weeks across the city.
The multicultural festivities from March
23 to April 14, 2024, organised by Auckland
Council promise an array of more than 70
free or low-cost activities and events that
celebrate the vibrant tapestry of the city
and its people.
From Korean kimchi classes to donning
authentic Thai attire and immersing oneself
in the essence of Thai culture, the festival
invites participants to embark on a journey
of cultural discovery.
Kiwi-Indian Anju Desai is championing
the Indian showcase at the festival. The
Maharashtrian who moved to New Zealand
24 years ago is organising six events, some
of which put the spotlight on Indian culture.
You can find her at the Ayurvedic
workshop on healing with spices—a
testament to her deep-rooted connection
to her Indian heritage. Drawing on her
familial knowledge of Ayurveda, Anju has
been conducting these workshops for over
a decade, offering participants insights into
holistic health and wellness practices.
She is also organising a teaching
workshop on Indian street food on March
27, where she will be taking participants on
a culinary journey through the nooks and
corners of Mumbai.
“People have already booked slots for this
"But seeing the impact it
has on people—especially
migrants who find solace
and pride in their cultural
identity—that’s what
keeps me going." Anju
Desai
event. I have already provided participants a
list of spices for cooking at the workshop,”
Anju says.
She is also involved in putting together
a Bollywood dance workshop, a women’s
forum, an art exhibition and a world cultural
fashion show.
World of Cultures is expected to be a
multicultural celebration. Kicking off the
festivities is the ‘Celebrating Cultures in
Howick’ event on March 23 featuring dance
performances, culinary delights, bustling
stalls, and engaging workshops.
For sports enthusiasts and those seeking
a sense of global unity, FootballFest in
Māngere East on April 13 is not to be
missed. As teams representing nations
from across the globe take to the field,
spectators can cheer on their favorites
while reveling in the shared joy of sport.
Meanwhile, Freemans Bay beckons
families and friends to join in the Play
Festival on April 6.
Traditional games, music, and culinary
delights from myriad cultures await
tamariki and adults alike, offering a day of
fun and discovery.
Culminating the festivities is the grand
finale: Mt Roskill War Memorial Park's
annual CultureFest on April 14, where
more than 70 communities and cultures
converge in a celebration of colorful
performances, cultural music, traditional
and contemporary dance, enlightening
discussions, and mouthwatering cuisines.
For Anju, the World of Cultures
celebration is not merely about showcasing
her own culture but also about fostering
understanding and appreciation for cultures
from around the globe.
Reflecting on her journey, Anju shares her
motivation for spearheading these cultural
initiatives. "I do this because when I started,
I wasn't 100% sure this is what I want to
do," she says.
"But seeing the impact it has on people—
especially migrants who find solace and
pride in their cultural identity—that’s what
keeps me going."

Happy Holi
The ACT Party celebrates
alongside you.
David Seymour MP
Authorised by David Seymour MP, ACT Party Leader,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington.
act.office@parliament.govt.nz
act.org.nz

6
NEW ZEALAND
Friday, 22 March, 2024
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
Economy slips into
recession as GDP falls 0.1%
Health authorities warn
over ayurvedic remedies
RNZ
RNZ
Medsafe has warned the
public to be vigilant when
consuming Ayurvedic
remedies after several cases of
poisoning have been reported.
Ayurveda is a traditional form
of Indian medicine based around
herbs and massage.
"In the past few months, there
have been eight notified cases of
lead poisoning in people taking
Ayurvedic medicines in New
Zealand," Medsafe said.
"Some of these people have been
extremely unwell, with symptoms
including abdominal pain, nausea,
vomiting and constipation,"
Medsafe said. "Investigations are
underway to identify the products
concerned and where they were
obtained."
The cases of lead poisoning
were reported in Auckland and the
Bay of Plenty, Health New Zealand
said.
"Some patients have also been
admitted to hospital many times,
with two of the patients found to
have such high levels of lead in
their blood that they were at risk of
critical illness and death," Health
New Zealand said.
"Thankfully the patients have
recovered. However, all reported
taking Ayurvedic remedies prior
to becoming unwell," Health New
Zealand said, adding that the
patients took Ayurvedic remedies
to counter such problems as
severe abdominal pain, infertility,
impotence and chronic pain.
Medsafe has warned consumers
to purchase Ayurvedic remedies
only if the ingredients are clearly
labelled and come from a reputable
source.
"If you become unwell after
taking an Ayurvedic medicine, seek
urgent advice from your doctor or
pharmacist. Help is also available
by calling Healthline on 0800 611
116," Medsafe said.
"We have received samples of
some of the products identified in
the lead poisoning cases," Medsafe
said. "They were reported to have
been brought into the country by
a traveller who purchased them in
India. Laboratory testing identified
very toxic levels of lead."
Medsafe is working with other
agencies to identify these products
and remove them from circulation.
"There are no approved
Ayurvedic medicines in New
Zealand," Medsafe said.
The National Poisons Centre is
available to provide advice for any
cases of known or suspected lead
toxicity at 0800 764 766.
The economy fell back into
recession in the fourth
quarter of last year, driven
by weak consumer spending and
wholesale trade.
Stats NZ data showed
seasonally adjusted gross
domestic product (GDP) fell 0.1
percent in the three months ended
December, taking the annual
growth rate to 0.6 percent.
It was the second consecutive
quarter of contraction, following
the previous quarter's 0.3 percent
fall, meeting the technical
definition of a recession.
GDP per capita decreased by
0.7 percent, on the back of higher
net migration, and real gross
national disposable income fell
1.4 percent.
"Wholesale trade was the
largest downwards driver this
quarter, led by falls in grocery and
liquor wholesaling; and machinery
and equipment wholesaling," Stats
NZ national accounts industry and
production senior manager Ruvani
Ratnayake said.
Retail trade activity also fell,
driven by furniture, electrical and
hardware retailing, and food and
beverage.
Retail trade and accommodation
fell 0.9 percent, while wholesale
trade fell 1.8 percent.
Stats NZ said eight out of 16
industries saw increased activity,
including rental, hiring, real estate,
public administration, safety and
defence.
The 2023 general election led to
growth in public administration, it
said.
The primary sector posted
growth of 0.3 percent, after
shrinking in the September
quarter.
Manufacturing rebounded
slightly, but fell 0.4 percent,
following the previous quarter's
3.5 percent fall.
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Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 22 March, 2024
NEW ZEALAND 7
Kiwi-Indian, top
Harcourts agent,
bags $20m church
deal in Papatoetoe
RAVI BAJPAI
Kiwi-Indian Aman Gulia
and David Findlay from
Harcourts have ended a
three-year wait for a church in
the southern Auckland suburb of
Papatoetoe to sell its land, with a
deal close to $20 million.
The 31-year-old from Haryana,
recently named Harcourts’ topselling
agent in Auckland and
northern region, also stars in an
upcoming reality show on New
Zealand’s high-end property
market.
Aman and David are making big
moves in what has traditionally
been a tricky playing field of the
$15m+ market, both in high-end
properties and development
spaces.
“We were surprised to see
interest from nearly 50 buyers
for a deal that would ultimately
require around $50 million to
achieve completion, including
buying the land and then
developing homes,” Findlay says.
Harcourts 32Aman Gulia with
David Findlay from JK Realty
Group based out of Mt Albert.
(Supplied photo)
The Pacific Islanders Samoan
Presbyterian Church owns the
property in question at Wyllie
Road in Papatoetoe.
It was listed for sale back in
October 2021, and despite very
large interest from buyers it
couldn’t sell.
“The church wanted to sell to
the right person, it wasn’t just
about the price,” says Gulia,
The church has only 300
parishioners from 43 Samoan
families and its representative
says they wanted to utilise the
land to fill the housing shortage in
the southern suburb.
The construction company
that bought the land hasn’t
been named yet, but it plans to
build around 100 homes on the
piece of land. A church and a
community facility is planned on
the remaining portion.
Gulia and Findlay have other
“There are a lot of
Kiwi-Indians out
there doing amazing
things in the real
estate space. I'm
just so privileged to
be able to help on
that journey”. Aman
Gulia
similar deals currently, one of
them being 520 Great South Road,
Papakura, a three-hectare site
with RC for 101 residential titles.
The feedback they have received
so far is $20m and currently have
a few buyers off-market.
Gulia is the first Kiwi-Indian set
to feature in ‘Rich Listers’, a real
estate reality show that captures
the drama and rivalry among topselling
agents in New Zealand’s
high-end property market.
The show’s producers say they
picked Aman because of his rather
short yet remarkable journey in
the industry. He became a fulltime
agent in 2020, and in about
three years he made some big
sales, including a few that set
industry records.
"My journey was quite
unexpected and unplanned,”
Aman says. “I arrived in New
Zealand in 2011 with no real plan
or direction, but quickly pursued a
mechanical engineering degree at
Manukau Institute of Technology."
In the year 2021-22, Aman was
reportedly the 11th top-selling
Harcourts agent globally, and is
said to have achieved $150 million
in sales in what was his first full
year as a real estate agent.
He says his engineering degree
brought him closer to the property
market.
"Before I knew it, I had done
a subdivision and made some
money. I loved that process and
wanted to help others, so before
I knew it, I was speaking to
people about development and
subdivision and then got told I
should sell as an agent.”
Aman’s attitude and ambition
got him the role in the second
season of Rich Listers, say the
producers of the show that has
yet to be aired.
The first season launched on
the Bravo television network, but
media partners for the second
edition have yet to be announced.
Before immersing in the
property market as an agent,
Aman managed a company that
helped people subdivide their
properties, a time when he bought
his first house, in Massey.
He says the experience
intrigued him so much he decided
to enroll in a professional course
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Now, Aman is passionate about
helping Aucklanders achieve their
real estate dreams, no matter how
large or small.
“There are a lot of Kiwi-Indians
out there doing amazing things
in the real estate space. I'm just
so privileged to be able to help on
that journey”.
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8
NEW ZEALAND
Friday, 22 March, 2024
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
Accredited Employer Work Visa
flaws spread to health sector
BLESSEN TOM/RNZ
About 20 nurses holding accredited
employer work visas claim to be
jobless at a time when the country
is struggling to deal with a shortage of
healthcare workers.
The healthcare workers were recruited by
a company operating in Canterbury, which
promised them jobs and a valid visa if they
relocated to New Zealand.
However, some workers claim the
recruitment company has left them
stranded without employment, and they
are now facing difficulty securing work
in the country. The labour hire company
responsible for recruiting the nurses denies
the allegations. The nurses are likely the
most recent casualties of the beleaguered
accredited employer work visa (AEWV)
scheme, which has faced intense scrutiny
since being unveiled in 2022.
The case is also believed to be the
first instance in the health sector where
AEWV holders have made allegations of
exploitation.
The health sector has been suffering
nursing shortages for many years,
particularly after the Covid pandemic
impacted staffing levels that were
reportedly already stretched thin. Te Whatu
Ora believed the country was short about
4800 nurses in July 2023.
According to Immigration New Zealand
statistics as of 1 December, almost 50
percent of trained nurses who have
registered to work in New Zealand since
the country's borders opened in 2022 have
arrived from India.
Overseas nurses seeking to relocate
to New Zealand are eligible to work in
the health sector if they receive a skilled
NAME CHANGE
I, Narinder Singh, also known as
Narender Singh, s/o Harnek Singh,
r/o 17A Mahara Avenue, Birkenhead,
North Shore, Auckland, 0626. Passport
number RA474168 declare that the name
'Narinder Singh' and 'Narender Singh'
refers to the same person.
migrant visa, resident visa, straight-toresidence
visa or an accredited employer
work visa. Thirty-seven skilled migrant
visas have been issued since 11 November
2022, with Indian nurses accounting for
16 of these. A total of 1761 straight-toresidence
visas have been issued since 15
December 2022, with Indian nurses also
topping the list at 923 approvals.
A total of 2401 nurses possess accredited
employer work visas, with 1783, or 74
percent, of them hailing from India.
"There have been a lot of enquiries from
nurses regarding jobs in the past few
months and what surprised me was that
they were looking for a job with a valid
AEWV visa," said Sumesh Maharaj, director
of FITMED Recruitment International in
Wellington. The healthcare recruitment
company in the capital helps internationally
qualified nurses with registration and
migration to other countries such as
Australia.
In late 2023, Maharaj observed a
significant uptick in inquiries from newly
arrived Indian nurses in New Zealand,
prompting numerous red flags.
"If they are on a work visa, why are they
asking me to help them find a job?" Maharaj
said. "They would have an employer
already." He said nine nurses had reached
out to him in the past three months seeking
assistance. Originally from South India,
the nurses are currently residing in various
parts of New Zealand.
Maharaj said the nurses' visas stipulated
that they were only permitted to work in a
particular region.
"They were reaching out to me from
Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington, actively
seeking employment, but their visas were
issued solely for work in the Taranaki and
Canterbury regions," he said.
The nurses claim they had been told by
the recruitment company that no healthcare
positions were available, and they were
advised to seek employment independently.
"I suspect they were brought to New
Zealand by a labour hire company and the
enquiries were mostly about healthcare
assistant roles," Maharaj said.
"From my conversations with these
nurses, it appears that over 20 nurses from
Kerala, India, are already in the country and
I think many are on the way as we speak....
"They [nurses] are afraid to complain or
talk to the media because the company that
brought them here has threatened them
with visa cancellations and deportation,"
Maharaj said.
The AEWV process has attracted intense
media scrutiny since reports emerged in
early 2023 that migrant workers on such
visas were finding themselves destitute and
jobless after paying large sums of money to
relocate to New Zealand.
Stephanie Greathead, national manager of
Immigration Compliance and Investigations,
said Immigration New Zealand was
unaware of the Indian nurses' plight. The
Nursing Council of New Zealand also said
it had not received a formal complaint from
any nurses. What's more, the council said
it was not involved in the recruitment of
internationally qualified nurses.
On 28 February, Immigration Minister
Erica Stanford told reporters she planned to
bring proposals for immediate changes to
the accredited employer work visa to
Cabinet within a couple of weeks.
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Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 22 March, 2024
NEW ZEALAND 9
Vishal-Sheykhar
deliver pulsating
evening in New
Zealand debut
IWK BUREAU
Music has a magical ability to bring
people together, and this was
evident in Auckland recently when
Bollywood music duo Vishal and Sheykhar
took the stage by storm.
Their concert, held at the Trusts Arena
in Henderson, Auckland, on March 16, was
nothing short of spectacular, leaving the
audience mesmerised and wanting more.
The duo's three-hour performance was a
rollercoaster of emotions, featuring a mix of
their popular duets and solo hits.
From soulful melodies to foot-tapping
beats, Vishal and Sheykhar showcased
their versatility and talent, captivating the
hearts of the 2700-strong crowd.
What truly set this concert apart was the
• Continued from Page 1
He has taken the language test thrice in
that time, and hasn’t been able to score
more than 5.5, against the immigratoin
requirement of 6.5.”
Shaneel says the man–in his early
40s–has more than 10 years of trucking
experience in India, and has been able to
work perfectly well in New Zealand with his
English proficiency.
“He is faring poorly mostly in the writing
section of the test. It doesn’t seem fair that
someone like him who has worked hard
here and has a family to support is having
to face such a crisis,” Shaneel says.
Under the previous work to residence
scheme, before the Accredited Employer
Work Visa was introduced, drivers and a
few other categories of tradespeople didn’t
have to take an English language test to
apply for work to residence, Shaneel says.
Swapnil Shah and Vinay Mehta with the organising team. (Supplied photo)
audience's enthusiastic response. Nearly
60% of the attendees were on their feet,
dancing and singing along throughout the
entire show. It was a testament to the duo's
ability to connect with their fans and create
an unforgettable experience.
For Vishal and Sheykhar, this concert was
not just another stop on their Australia-NZ
tour. It was their first-ever performance
Truck, bus drivers lobbying for
change in immigration rules
“The assumption presumably was that if
they have worked smoothly for two years,
they must have been reasonably proficient
in English to get by. Also, bear in mind that
New Zealand faces a shortage of drivers
and the immigrations settings for these
workers must be lucrative enough to get
them interested in moving here.”
A change in the language rule will most
likely have to go through the Cabinet and
Parlimant. For now, Shaneel says he is
helping drivers submit individual petitions
to the immigration minister seeking waiver.
“The immigration minister does have
the authority to grant concessions on a
case-to-case basis. While a law change
could take time, we can surely request the
government to consider individual cases
that are genuinely authentic.”
The charity project is offering to file
individual petitions free of charge, asking
drivers to submit their request for help by
the end of this month through this link.
“They simply have go to our Facebook
page and fill a form with their name, date
of birth, passport number–same details
of their family if they have one. Once
we get their details I prepare a statutory
declaration on their behalf and send it back
to them.
“They need to print the form and sign it in
front of a Justice of the Peace and send the
form back to us-we will present the form to
the immigration minister as the applicant's
request,” Shaneel says.
in New Zealand, and they made sure to
leave a lasting impression. In a post-show
interview, they expressed their gratitude to
the Auckland audience, calling it one of the
best shows of their tour.
Behind the scenes, the hard work and
dedication of the event organisers made
this concert a success.
Swapnil Shah, Vinay Mehta, and Pranshi
Group Ltd. deserve special mention for
their efforts in bringing this musical
extravaganza to Auckland.
 The community's response to the
concert was overwhelming, with many
attendees expressing the need for more
such events.
For the Kiwi Indian community, concerts
like these are not just entertainment; they
are a way to stay connected to their roots
and culture, even in a foreign land.
As the concert came to an end, the
audience was left with a sense of euphoria,
grateful for the opportunity to witness such
a memorable performance.
Vishal and Sheykhar's Auckland concert
was more than just a show; it was a
celebration of music, culture, and the power
to unite people from all walks of life.
HAVE A HAPPY
HOLI
Hon Jenny
Salesa
MP for Panmure–Ōtāhuhu
0800 677 253 | 09 274 9231
panmure.otahuhump@parliament.govt.nz
/jenny.salesa.labour
Authorised by Hon Jenny Salesa MP,
Parliament Buildings, Wellington

10
IWK BUREAU
NEW ZEALAND
Air New Zealand issued an
apology to two passengers
who claim they were
removed from a flight because
of their size, News portal Stuff
reported.
Angel Harding described feeling
traumatized by a flight attendant
on the Napier to Auckland service
on March 8. She was returning
to Northland with friends after
attending a hui in Hastings.
According to Harding, while
the plane was taxiing, she felt a
sharp pain in her left arm as a
crew member forcibly lowered the
armrest onto her arm.
"I was in shock, and I moved
forward. She started yelling at
me that the pilot can't take off
unless all the armrests were down,
and she was quite aggressive.
I just couldn't believe what was
happening," Harding told 1News.
She was told she should have
booked two seats, despite having
no issues on the flight from Kerikeri
to Auckland and then Auckland to
Napier.
The plane eventually returned to
the gate, and all passengers were
told they would have to leave due
to an "inconvenience." However,
Harding and a friend were not
allowed to reboard.
"I believe they took me off
because of my build, because of
my size. They didn't explicitly say it
was because of that, but they said
it was an inconvenience," Harding
expressed.
Air NZ reportedly offered them
accommodation and meals, and
the airline paid for their seats.
However, the next flight wasn't
until two days later. Seats became
available on a later flight on Friday.
Their story has been picked up
by global media outlets, including
the New York Post and The Mirror.
Alisha Armstrong, Air New
Zealand's General Manager
Customer Care, stated that the
Friday, 22 March, 2024
Air NZ apologises for
removing passengers
due to their size
airline "will continue to work with
the customer directly to address
their concerns."
"We are committed to treating
all customers with respect and
dignity, and we apologize that
these customers received an
inconsistent experience.
"We strongly recommend
customers who require additional
space get in touch with us before
their flight to ensure a safe and
comfortable journey. If there is
space available on the aircraft and
a customer requires extra room,
our teams will reaccommodate
them with an empty seat next
to them. We work to ensure
every customer has a safe and
comfortable journey."
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
Woman burned
during beauty
treatment: 'It was
really terrifying'
DANIELLE CLENT/RNZ
A
mother of three says she
was left humiliated and
unable to hold her baby
after a simple beauty treatment
left "checkerboard" burn marks
to her chest.
The Wellington woman, who
RNZ has agreed not to name,
said she wanted some minor sun
damage removed from her face
and chest.
It was meant to be a little treat,
but instead, the 35-year-old
was left with first- and seconddegree
burns, according to a
doctor who saw the woman
following the treatment.
The clinic told RNZ it accepted
an error made during the
treatment resulted in the burns
but said all health and safety
protocols were followed.
"It's scary in this industry,
which is so prevalent in today's
society, I mean I don't know a
woman who's not going to see
a beauty therapist," the woman
said.
"Myself, I have come to the
game very late in life and been
literally burned. You're playing
Russian Roulette with your skin."
The woman approached
House of Beauty Medi Spa near
Paremata in October after a
recommendation from a friend.
Before meeting her in person,
the clinic booked her in for
several courses of intense
pulsed light (IPL) on her face.
The woman told RNZ she
experienced no adverse reaction
as a result of those treatments.
The woman had two
treatments on her face before
her first appointment for her
chest on 8 February.
She claimed the beauty
therapist was running late, asked
her to sign a consent form with
no consultation about working
on her chest, failed to do a patch
test or clean her skin and did not
wear safety glasses.
The beauty therapist also used
the machine on a higher setting
with no explanation and targeted
moles on her chest, the woman
said.
Experts spoken to for this
story said targeting the woman's
moles created an increased risk
of skin cancer.
House of Beauty Medi Spa
confirmed the machine was used
on the wrong setting.

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 22 March, 2024
NEW ZEALAND 11
The price
of empire :
The moral
obligation of
reparations
Reparation is not an act of charity, rather an act of expiation, for the heinous crimes committed, based on both moral and legal principles.
ANANDITAA
In a seismic shift towards
sovereignty, Barbados
declared itself a republic and
bid adieu to the monarchy on
November 30th, 2021.
The Prime Minister, Mia
Mottley, ever since has been
at the forefront of the push
for reparations from European
countries. She has vociferously
called for a total of $4.9 trillion for
historical injustices wrought upon
the Barbadian people, especially
through the transatlantic slave
trade.
While British Prime Minister
Rishi Sunak dismissed
suggestions of paying reparations
for its complicity in slavery,
arguing against "unpicking
history", Indian Member of
Parliament, Shashi Tharoor
posited reparations as a moral
obligation upon the Western
powers towards their erstwhile
colonies.
This obligation does not serve
as a panacea for the atrocities
inflicted by colonialism, as the
scars of such suffering can never
be wholly assuaged through mere
monetary compensation, nor can
Mumbai-based producer and actor
Ananditaa. (Supplied photo)
the value of lives lost ever be
adequately quantified.
In the analyses of economic
historian Utsa Patnaik, the British
colonial regime pillaged nearly
$45 trillion from India between
1765 and 1938, which is about 15
times the annual GDP of the UK
today.
The Koh-i-Noor, a 109-carat
diamond, stands as a symbol of
the egregious plundering during
their two-century-long reign,
which itself could be valued at
$400 million.
The book ‘Anarchy’, written
by British historian William
Dalrymple, examines the
corporate coup executed by The
East India Company using its
‘privatised’ military force. India's
subjugation commenced not
with the British government but
with a for-profit enterprise that
spread its wings across Asia. This
expansionism fostered the British
Empire into a global hegemon ‘on
which the sun never sets’.
As of 2024, there are 15
Commonwealth realms with
Charles III presiding as their
monarch, which includes New
Zealand, while Antigua and
Barbuda, poised to follow in
the footsteps of Barbados. As
nations such as Barbados chart
their course towards sovereignty
and rectitude, King Charles's
acknowledgment of slavery's
enduring impact underscores the
importance of open dialogue and
reparative justice in our shared
history.
Again, reparation is not an act of
charity, rather an act of expiation,
for the heinous crimes committed,
based on both moral and legal
principles, that are established
in International Criminal Law
stipulated in Article 75 of the
Rome Statute.
Modern-day trade, tax and
debt policies have resulted in
the continued impoverishment
and dependency of many former
colonies.
"We must recognise that upon
attaining independence, nations
received no developmental
aid, educational provisions, or
healthcare support. We must
acknowledge that the Industrial
Revolution was built on the backs
of these nations.
It behoves us, to dismantle
racism in all its shapes and forms.
And, this extends beyond legal
statutes, where people obstruct
democracy, deprive individuals
of their rights, or have prejudicial
attitudes solely based on skin
colour or ethnicity. We must
deconstruct this mentality.
It is only by taking responsibility
for our actions and committing
to restitution that the seeds
of a more equitable and
compassionate world are sown.
Disposable vapes to be banned, more restrictions on retailers announced
RNZ
The coalition will ban
single-use vapes as part
of a crackdown on youth
vaping, aiming to have all the
changes in place by the end of
the year - moves supported by the
vaping industry.
Other measures include
much bigger fines for selling
vapes to under-18s, further
retailer restrictions, and a better
enforcement system to ensure
they are following the rules.
Associate Health Minister Casey
Costello announced the changes.
The Smokefree Environments and
Regulated Products Act would
go through the normal legislative
process - not under urgency - with
an aim to have it implemented by
the end of the year.
However, requirements for
reusable vapes to have removable
batteries and child-proofing
mechanisms will be delayed until
October.
She said reusable vapes were
a key smoking cessation device
and would remain available, but
too many teenagers continued to
use disposable vapes, which can
be thrown out after running out of
juice.
"They're cheap and remain too
easy to get, despite changes under
the previous government. That's
why these cheap, single use vape
products will be banned outright,"
Costello said.
Fines for retailers caught
selling vapes and other regulated
products like cigarettes to minors
would increase from $10,000 to
$100,000, with infringement-level
fines increasing from $500 to
$1000 for individuals and $2000
for businesses.
Licencing and compliance
regimes would be reviewed, with
stronger enforcement of those
penalties, Costello said, and
officials would consult on tighter
restrictions on storefront displays
and staffing requirements.
"There must be clear
consequences for retailers
found supplying vapes, or other
regulated products like cigarettes,
to minors," Costello said.
"The coalition government
is committed to tackling youth
vaping and to continue to drive
down smoking rates to achieve
the Smokefree goal of less than 5
per cent of the population smoking
daily by 2025."
She said new regulations set
to take effect from Thursday -
Christchurch
man jailed for
14 yrs over US
porn videos
CHARLIE DREAVER/RNZ
Christchurch man
Matthew Isaac Wolfe has
been sentenced to 14
years' jail in the United States,
after he helped a friend deceive
and coerce young women to
appear in porn videos.
Wolfe's co-defendant and
fellow New Zealander, Michael
Pratt, who owned the website
GirlsDoPorn, made his first
appearance after being
extradited from Spain, following
more than three years as an
international fugitive.
According to a statement by
the US Attorney's Office in the
Southern District of California,
Wolfe recruited victims, many
of them college students
at the time, using internet
advertisements for clothed
modelling jobs.
Even after the victims learned
the job involved an adult
video shoot, Wolfe admitted to
persuading women to appear in
the videos, telling them that the
videos would never be posted
online.
He also told them that the
videos would never be released
in the US, and that no one who
knew the women would ever find
out about the videos - something
he knew to be untrue.
Wolfe told another codefendant
Theodore Gyi, the
cameraman on hundreds of
GirlsDoPorn video shoots, that if
asked, he should also lie to the
women.
Most of the video shoots took
place at local hotels and shortterm
rental units in San Diego.
Some of the women were
allegedly forced to perform
certain sex acts, which they had
earlier declined to do.
After the victims returned
home, still believing that they
would remain anonymous, clips
of the videos were posted on
heavily trafficked adult film sites,
like Pornhub.
including a ban on vapes with
cartoon or toy imagery, and
limiting flavour names to generic
descriptions - would continue as
planned.
Related changes for reusable
vapes to have removable batteries
and childproofing, would however
be delayed until 1 October "to
ensure sufficient availability
of appropriate resuable vaping
products to continue to support
people to quit smoking".
The Vaping Industry Association
of New Zealand, (VIANZ), which
said it had no connection with the
tobacco industry, welcomed the
planned changes.
"We hope that as part of this
announcement government
is giving thought to how the
regulations will be enforced
and what resources need to be
invested."

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Your present circumstances don't determine
where you can go; they merely determine where
you start." – Nido Qubein
Editorial
Peters sets stage
for better NZ-
IN FOCUS : Picture of the week
India relations
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters’ recent visit
to India, intended to bolster ties between the two nations, has ignited both praise
and controversy. Amidst discussions spanning trade, security, and cultural
exchange, Peters’ remarks on the sensitive issue of a Sikh leader’s killing in Canada
have stirred debate.
However, rather than viewing this incident as a setback, it presents an opportunity for
a nuanced re-evaluation of India-New Zealand relations.
The focal point of contention arose when Peters, in an interview with The Indian
Express, expressed scepticism regarding conclusive evidence linking Indian agents to
the assassination of a Sikh separatist in Canada.
His cautious stance, perceived by some as questioning the credibility of Canada’s
allegations, raised eyebrows because it potentially alluded to New Zealand not singing
from the same song sheet as the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, of which Canada and
New Zealand are members.
Others saw it as something that might be music to India’s ears amidst the mostly
veiled accusations it has received from Canada.
On the contrary, Peters’ remarks, though initially interpreted as provocative, signal a
commitment to transparency and accountability within the Five Eyes alliance.
His insistence on tangible evidence before drawing conclusions exemplifies the
principles of fair judgment and impartiality—values fundamental to effective diplomatic
discourse.
Peters’ subsequent clarification, reaffirming New Zealand’s unchanged stance on the
matter and stressing the importance of allowing ongoing criminal investigations to run
their course, demonstrates a commitment to international norms and legal processes.
By urging restraint and patience, Peters underscores the significance of preserving
diplomatic integrity amidst complex geopolitical dynamics.
The reactions to Peters’ comments underscore the intricacies inherent in diplomatic
relations, particularly in matters concerning security and international cooperation.
Indeed, the controversy surrounding Peters’ remarks presents an opportunity for
introspection and recalibration.
Rather than viewing it as a diplomatic misstep, it should rather be seen as a catalyst
for deeper engagement and understanding between India and New Zealand. By
addressing contentious issues with candour and diplomacy, both nations can foster a
relationship grounded in mutual respect and cooperation.
Peters’ visit to India, characterised by high-level meetings and discussions spanning
various sectors, signifies a broader commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. From
discussions on strategic security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region to exploring
opportunities for economic partnership, the visit underscores a shared commitment to
mutual growth and prosperity.
The Foreign Minister’s engagements with Indian officials, including External Affairs
Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, reflect a
mutual recognition of the strategic importance of India-New Zealand relations.
By emphasising collaboration on issues ranging from climate change to trade and
cultural exchange, both nations signal a desire for a multifaceted partnership rooted in
shared values and aspirations.
Peters’ interactions with representatives from the dynamic state of Gujarat highlight
the importance of engaging with Indian states to maximise economic cooperation and
strategic alignment.
A large part of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand hails from this western Indian state
and many have made their home here for more than a century, while yet maintaining
deep ties with their places of origin in the state. In that sense, choosing Gujarat as part
of his India visit was eminently sensible.
Also, as India continues its trajectory of economic growth and development, tapping
into regional opportunities becomes imperative for fostering robust and sustainable
bilateral relations.
Winston Peters’ comments may have sparked controversy, as they have done many
times throughout his long political career in this country, but they also offer a valuable
opportunity for reflection and dialogue especially with India.
Relations between the two countries have flatlined for at least a decade particularly
during the Labour years. With Winston Peters’ statesmanship, seniority and Mana,
there is every chance that the relationship will now grow.
By navigating the complexities of international relations with diplomacy and
pragmatism, both India and New Zealand can chart a course towards a more resilient
and dynamic partnership.
As Peters aptly stated, “New Zealand and India are two countries that can, should,
and will be doing more together.”
Calcutta University students play with colours ahead of the Holi festival and Basanta Utsav,
at campus in Kolkata on Tuesday.
This week in New Zealand’s history
24 March 1989
RainbowYOUTH formed
RainbowYOUTH was conceived at a Gay and Lesbian Conference held in Auckland on 24
March 1989. Set up mainly to provide a safe place where young lesbians and gay men
could come together, the group was named Auckland Lesbian and Gay Youth (ALGY).
25 March 2020
NZ enters nationwide lockdown in fight against COVID-19
At 11.59 p.m. on Wednesday 25 March 2020, New Zealand entered a nationwide lockdown
designed to prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus around the country.
27 March 1883
The 'Sallies' come to New Zealand
On 27 March 1883 two young English Salvation Army officers, Captain George Pollard and
Lieutenant Edward Wright, arrived at Port Chalmers.
28 March 1923
Forest and Bird founded
The New Zealand Native Bird Protection Society was formed at a meeting in Wellington
called by a local conservation advocate, Captain Ernest ‘Val’ Sanderson. Former prime
minister Sir Thomas Mackenzie was elected as the first president of the new body, which was
intended to complement the work of the New Zealand Forestry League in protecting native
forests.
28 March 1955
NZ cricketers skittled for 26
In recent years most test matches between New Zealand and England have been keenly
contested. This was not the case in 1955.
29 March 1901
Skippers Bridge opened
At 96 m long and 91 m above the river, the Skippers suspension bridge over the Shotover
River near Queenstown in Central Otago is one of the highest and most spectacular in
New Zealand.
Indian Weekender : Volume 15 Issue 50
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
Editor: Dev Nadkarni | dev@indianweekender.co.nz
General Manager: Ravi Bajpai | 020 441 2233 | ravi@indianweekender.co.nz
Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz
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Accounts and Admin.: 09-2173623 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz
Senior Digital Producer: Urjita Bhardwaj | 021 952 246 | urjita@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 NZME, Auckland, New Zealand.
Copyright ® 2022. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Send your suggestions and feedback to editor@indianweekender.co.nz

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 22 March, 2024
NEW ZEALAND 13
Mortgage rates drop:
What it means for
first home buyers
RAVI BAJPAI
Banks have been slowly
lowering mortgage rates
and it has got us all tied up
in knots, but a leading mortgage
broker says the message is
simple–it’s all good news for
first-home buyers, hopefully from
here on.
New Zealand's property
market is experiencing a surge
of optimism despite recordhigh
interest rates, says Nathan
Miglani of NZ Mortgages, which
has helped hundreds of Kiwi-
Indian clients across Auckland,
Wellington and Christchurch
among other towns and cities.
“All major banks have made
a strategic move by reducing
their long-term interest rates,
offering potential homebuyers
an unexpected glimmer of hope,”
Miglani says.
The current market trend
indicates a significant shift
towards affordability, particularly
11-year-old
among group
who stole car
and crashed
into series of
vehicles
RNZ
Six young people have been arrested
in Auckland after stealing a car
and crashing into three others in
central Auckland.
Officers were called to a crash at
the intersection of Great North Road
and Ponsonby Road about 6.45pm on
Wednesday.
The car, allegedly stolen earlier in Parnell,
had been seen speeding through the
intersection before crashing into a vehicle
waiting at the traffic lights.
Inspector Grant Tetzlaff said the car also
crashed into two other stationary vehicles
before coming to a halt. The occupants then
fled on foot towards Karangahape Road.
No one was injured, but the vehicles
involved were badly damaged.
Two 16-year-olds, one of whom was the
driver, were arrested.
They will appear in the Auckland Youth
Court on Thursday, and police will be
opposing bail for the driver.
The other four youths, aged between 11
and 17, have been referred to Youth Aid.
Inspector Tetzlaff said police were
astounded.
"This was a fast-moving incident,
which could have ended in many different
scenarios."
He hoped the quick arrests would reassure
the community that such actions would not
be tolerated.
for first-home buyers, he points
out, adding that the reduction
in long-term interest rates is an
indication that short-term rates
may also reduce over the next six
to nine months.
“There are loads of discounts
going around and banks are
offering plenty of cashback
deals, providing buyers enticing
incentives. All different banks
have all different rates and pricing,
especially when the deposit is less
than 20 per cent.
“We have a lucrative
environment for those looking
to make their first property
investment. This move is expected
to draw more prospective
buyers into the market and ease
the financial burden on those
grappling with the impact of
the recent economic downturn,”
Miglani says.
Despite the prevailing highinterest
rates, New Zealand's
housing prices have experienced
a notable correction, Miglani says,
with Auckland and Wellington
seeing a decrease of up to 20 per
cent and Christchurch reporting
a drop of 10-15 per cent in house
prices from the peak of mid to late
2021.
“This correction has led to a
more balanced market, making
it an opportune time for firsthome
buyers to enter the property
ladder since there are hardly any
investors around.”
Miglani predicts current
interest rates are likely to remain
stable for the next six months.
However, with retail sales on the
decline, a struggling hospitality
sector, and an increase in
unemployment rates, there are
indications interest rates may see
a downward trajectory towards
the end of Q3 and the beginning
of Q4.
Looking ahead, Miglani
forecasts a positive outlook for
the housing market. Despite the
current challenges, he predicts a 5
per cent increase in house prices
ONE WAY FROM
$799*
12 months from now, emphasising
the current situation presents a
unique opportunity for first-home
buyers to secure their dream
homes at a more affordable rate.
“It's important to note that
each bank is adopting multiple
policies, and interest rates vary
among them. Prospective buyers
are advised to carefully consider
the offerings of each bank to
maximise the benefits available.
RETURN FROM
$1499*
“The dynamic nature of the
current market emphasises the
need for potential buyers to act
swiftly to take advantage of these
unprecedented opportunities,”
Miglani says.

14
INDIA
'Women of this
country stand
like a rock with
PM Modi': Amit
Shah hits out
at Rahul over
'Shakti' remark
Union Home Minister Amit
Shah responded to Rahul
Gandhi’s ‘Shakti’ remarks
and said that the Congress leader
knows nor respects our tradition.
Speaking at the News 18 Rising
Bharat Summit 2024, Amit Shah
said that the women of the country
stand like a rock with PM Modi
“He (Rahul Gandhi) does not
know what he is doing. Women
power in this country stands like
a rock with PM Modi. Nari Shakti
has decided that this time they
will show Rahul Gandhi their true
strength in the elections. Rahul
Gandhi neither knows nor respects
our traditions. Maa Shakti has
been considered the greatest
power in our country for thousands
of years. There can be no greater
blessing than the blessings of a
mother and no greater affection
than the affection of a sister,” he
said.
"The policy of Congress is that
this country should be divided
into two parts, South India and
North India. But Rahul need not
worry, now BJP is so powerful that
Congress will not be able to divide
the country for the second time.
We will not let the country break
into pieces" he added.
Further, speaking on the
Electoral Bonds, the Union Home
Minister pointed out that the BJP
has received Rs 6,200 crore, while
Indi Alliance has also received
more than Rs 6,200 crore.
PM Modi dials Putin
after landslide win,
reiterates India's position
on Ukraine-Russia war
PM Modi congratulates
Putin on re-election,
discusses strengthening
India-Russia partnership and
regional cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi and Russian President
Vladimir Putin held a telephone
conversation today, during
which PM Modi extended his
congratulations to President
Putin on his re-election.
Modi conveyed his best wishes
for the peace, progress, and
prosperity of the Russian people,
according to the Prime Minister's
Office (PMO).
“There is an allegation against
us that we have received a lot of
donations, this is false. We have
received Rs 6,200 crore. Whereas
Indi Alliance led by Rahul Baba has
received more than Rs 6,200 crore.
While we have 303 seats, we have
governments in 17 states, but how
many seats does the Indi Alliance
have?” he asked.
Shah also asserted that after
Narendra Modi became the Prime
Minister, swift action was taken
against black money.
“Out of all the properties
attached by ED, only 5 per cent
belong to people associated with
political parties, the rest belong
to people with black money.
Although the properties that have
Friday, 22 March, 2024
been confiscated are of people
associated with political parties
and are also black money, but
they want that no action should
be taken against them,” Amit Shah
said. He also emphasized that
whoever commits corruption will
face strict action and will go to jail.
“Rs 51 crores are received from
Mamata's minister's house, Rs
355 crores are received from the
Congress MP's house and they
say that no action should be taken.
Can Rahul Baba tell the people of
the country where this money is
going to go? They should answer
this,” he added. The Union Home
Minister further added that the
BJP's target in the Lok Sabha polls
is to cross 400 seats.
EAM Jaishankar terms upcoming Lok Sabha polls
as 'largest electoral logistics exercise on planet'
External Affairs Minister S
Jaishankar on Wednesday
said the upcoming 18th
edition of India's national elections
is the largest electoral logistics
exercise that the planet has ever
witnessed
Delivering the National
Statement virtually on behalf
of the Indian government at the
Third Edition of the Summit for
Democracy organised by South
Korea in Seoul, Jaishankar said
the theme "Democracy for Future
Generations," resonates not just
within the borders of India but
echoes across the globe.
The foreign minister said that,
"With 968 million registered voters,
The two leaders
agreed to make
concerted efforts
towards further
strengthening the
partnership between
the two countries in
the years to come.
“We agreed to
work together to
further deepen and
expand India-Russia
Special & Privileged
Strategic Partnership in the years
ahead,” Prime Minister Modi said
in a post on X.
The two leaders also reviewed
15 million election officials, and
1.2 million polling booths, the
upcoming 18th edition of India's
national elections is the largest
electoral logistics exercise that
this planet has ever witnessed."
progress in various issues
of bilateral cooperation and
exchanged views on regional and
global issues of mutual interest,
the PMO said.
Underscoring the importance of
a transparent democratic process,
he said that the introduction
of electronic voting machines
stands testament to the country's
commitment to transparency,
efficiency, and the sanctity of the
democratic process.
"This shift not only aligns with the
principles of a modern democracy,
but paves the way for greater civic
engagement, especially among
the youth who will inherit the
responsibilities of our democratic
legacy," Jaishankar said.
India's commitment to
conducting free, fair and inclusive
elections underscores the
resilience and adaptability of its
PM Modi reiterated India’s
consistent position on the
Ukraine-Russia war in favour of
dialogue and diplomacy as the
way forward, it added.
democratic machinery, illustrating
that even amidst complexity, the
voice of every citizen matters.
He further said that the goal
is to leave no one behind and let
everyone fully participate in the
electoral process.
"While indeed this is a
celebration of democracy, the
mammoth exercise involves
navigating through urban
sprawls, remote villages and
challenging geographical terrains,
incorporating measures to enable
our senior citizens and differently
abled persons to participate fully
in the electoral process, with the
singular goal of leaving no one
behind," he said.
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
BJP will
cross 400
seats, Modi
will become
PM for third
time: Nitin
Gadkari
Union minister of road
transport and highways
Nitin Gadkari said every
project of the government was
executed in a transparent, noncorrupt
and time-bound manner
Union minister of road transport
and highways Nitin Gadkari on
Tuesday dismissed the allegations
of corruption in electoral bond
scheme and said that the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will
return to power in the upcoming
Lok Sabha elections.
Speaking at the News18 Rising
Bharat Summit, Gadkari said
he did not want to make any
comment on the electoral bond
scheme as it would amount
to contempt of court since
the matter is sub judice in the
Supreme Court. However, reacting
to the allegations that the BJP had
engaged in corruption through
the scheme and a large share
of donations to the party came
from infrastructure companies,
Gadkari said the government had
not awarded a single tender for
infrastructure projects without
e-tenders.
“I have awarded work worth 25
lakh crores in 10 years. In water
issues, in shipping, and later in
the roads sector, ropeways, cable
cars, tunnels, express highways,
we have not done even one work
without e-tenders. [..] Every
project was executed in a manner
transparent, non-corrupt, timebound
and committed to quality,”
he said, and claimed that he was
ready to face the punishment
if even a single person came
forward and said that they had
been asked to pay money to get
work from the government.
Looking back at his ministry’s
work in the last 10 years, Gadkari
said that although there had been
great strides in the building of
tunnels, bridges, expressways and
more, the achievement he was
personally most proud of was
bringing e-rickshaws to replace
cycle or hand-drawn rickshaws.
“One crore people who were being
exploited have been freed, and
they are driving e-rickshaws,” he
said.
He said he was certain that
the upcoming elections would
see three “hat tricks”—the BJP
winning 400 seats and becoming
the first party other than the
Congress to have a third term in
power, Narendra Modi becoming
Prime Minister for the third time,
and Gadkari himself winning the
Nagpur seat for the third time.
He claimed the INDIA bloc
would be defeated, but said
that he believed in emphasising
the achievements of the NDA
government in the last 10 years
to win the people’s support rather
than negatively targeting the
Opposition.

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 22 March, 2024
WORLD 15
UAE extends visa-on-arrival
policy for these 87 countries
UAE's Ministry of Foreign
Affairs stated that citizens
from 110 nations will be
required to obtain a visa before
arriving in the country.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
updated its visa exemption policy
to allow nationals from 87 more
countries to seek entry into the
country without requiring a preentry
visa.
UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs
stated that citizens from 110
nations will be required to obtain a
visa before arriving in the country.
In 2022, the UAE allowed visaon-arrival
for about 73 countries.
The initiative is meant to bring
ease to travel and simplify the
visiting process for tourists, Gulf
News reported.
However, India is not on the list.
The visa-on-arrival facility
is only available for citizens of:
Albania, Andorra, Argentina,
Austria, Australia, Azerbaijan,
Bahrain, Barbados, Brazil, Belarus,
Despite war, Israel ranks 5th in world happiness report
Despite five months of war with
Hamas, Israel ranked fifth in the 2024
World Happiness Report, which was
released on Wednesday.
The annual report ranked the happiness
of 143 countries based on life evaluation,
positive emotions, and negative emotions,
among other factors. Anat Panti, a happiness
policy researcher at Bar-Ilan University
University in Ramat Gan, explained, "Even
this year, which was one of the most difficult
in the country's history, Israel is ranked in
Belgium, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada,
Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia,
Finland, France, Georgia, Germany,
Honduras, Hungary, Hong Kong
(Special Administrative Region of
China), Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan,
Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kuwait,
Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives,
Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco,
the top five of the international happiness
index. The reason for this lies in the fact
that life satisfaction, the index by which the
level of happiness is measured, is a stable
index over time and refers more to the
characteristics of the country itself such as
the strength of the economy, the degree of
social involvement, and the health services
in the country, than to fleeting feelings."
Finland was ranked as the happiest
country for the seventh consecutive year.
Israel finished behind Denmark, Iceland and
Montenegro, Nauru, New Zealand,
Norway, Oman, Paraguay, Peru,
Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic
of Ireland, Romania, Russia, Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines, San
Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles,
Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South
Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
The Bahamas, The Netherlands,
UK, US, Ukraine, Uruguay, Vatican,
Hellenic, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Armenia, Fiji, Kosovo.
International citizens, interested
in visiting UAE, can either see the
list of exempted countries and the
required visa processes on the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs' official
website or contact the Federal
Authority for Identity, Citizenship,
Ports Security, and Customs (ICP).
UAE Digital Government has
stated that the Gulf Cooperation
Council (GCC) citizens did not
need a visa or any scholarship to
visit the country. Upon arrival at
UAE ports of entry, they can either
gain entry by showing a passport
by the GCC state or an identity
card.
Those meeting the criteria
can acquire a valid entry visa
for 30 days upon arrival, with
an additional grace period of 10
days. Additionally, citizens from
specific countries can obtain a
visa for 90 days upon arrival, Gulf
News reported.
Russia, Ukraine see PM Modi role as peacemaker,
invite him to visit countries after polls
The separate telephonic
conversations that Prime
Minister Narendra Modi
had with Russian President
Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian
counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy
is being seen as a fresh
affirmation of how PM Modi is
being seen as a peacemaker
between the countries that are
locked in a protracted military
conflict, sources said.
During the telephonic
conversation, PM Modi received
invitations from Russian
President Putin and Zelenskyy to
visit the two countries amid the
ongoing conflict, according to
sources.
PM Modi also held a telephonic
conversation with Russian
President Vladimir Putin and
separately with Ukrainian
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
and reiterated India's stand on
dialogue and diplomacy as a way
for the resolution of the ongoing
war against Ukraine, said an
official release.
In conversation with the
Ukrainian President, PM Modi
reiterated India's people-centric
approach and called for dialogue
and diplomacy as the way
forward in the Russia-Ukraine
conflict. The Prime Minister noted
that India supports all efforts for
an early and peaceful resolution
of all issues between the parties.
He added that India would
continue to do everything within
its means to support a peaceful
solution.
After the telephonic
conversation Zelenskyy posted
on X " I spoke with Prime Minister
Narendra Modi to express
gratitude for India's support
for Ukraine's sovereignty and
territorial integrity, humanitarian
aid, and active participation
in Peace Formula meetings. It
will be important for us to see
India attend the inaugural Peace
Summit, which is currently
being prepared in Switzerland.
We discussed the development
of our bilateral relations, which
should include a meeting of
our teams and a session of the
intergovernmental commission
on cooperation in New Delhi in
the nearest future. Ukraine is
interested in strengthening our
trade and economic ties with
India, particularly in agricultural
exports, aviation cooperation, and
pharmaceutical and industrial
product trade."
A PMO release also said that
the two leaders discussed ways
to further strengthen India-
Ukraine partnership in various
spheres. President Zelenskyy
appreciated India's continued
humanitarian assistance for
the people of Ukraine. The two
leaders agreed to remain in touch.
The two leaders agreed to
make concerted efforts towards
further strengthening the Special
& Privileged Strategic Partnership
between the two countries in
the years to come. They also
reviewed progress in various
issues of bilateral cooperation,
and exchanged views on regional
and global issues of mutual
interest.
"While discussing the Russia-
Ukraine conflict, PM reiterated
India's consistent position in
favour of dialogue and diplomacy
as the way forward," a PMO
release said.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin also
shared details of President Putin's
conversation with PM Modi and
said that the former informed the
latter about the ongoing situation
in the war-torn region of Ukraine.
President Putin also
emphasised Ukraine's refusal
to take political and diplomatic
steps to settle the conflict.
"The President of Russia gave
his assessment of the current
state of affairs in the zone of the
special military operation. He
emphasised Kiev's categorical
refusal to take political and
diplomatic steps to settle the
conflict," the President of Russia
said in a statement.
"In connection with the events
of June 24, Narendra Modi
expressed understanding and
support of the resolute actions by
the Russian leadership to protect
law and order and ensure stability
in the country and security of its
people," it added.
Sweden. Afghanistan edged Lebanon as the
least happy country.
"In order to give a more accurate picture
of the state of happiness in all countries,
the editors of the report refer to the average
life satisfaction in the last three years when
calculating the ranking. Therefore, Israel's
ranking in fifth place in the happiness report
marks the stability in life satisfaction in
Israel over the last few years, and not only in
this one," Panti explained.
"For example, even during the Corona
Dubai
International
Chamber
supports
expansion of
two companies
from Dubai
in global EV
market
Dubai International Chamber,
one of the three chambers
operating under Dubai
Chambers, has successfully
supported the international
expansion of two Dubai-based
businesses that provide innovative
electric vehicles (EVs) in new
markets.
The chamber's efforts
contributed to the completion of a
strategic partnership between ONE
MOTO and Global Synergy Trading
DWC LLC that capitalises on global
growth in demand for sustainable
mobility solutions, particularly in
the two-wheeled EV sector.
The chamber facilitated
the partnership between ONE
MOTO, a Dubai-based business
specialising in the field of EVs,
and Global Synergy Trading, a
company from the emirate that
operates in international trade,
warehousing, logistics, and aftersales
support. The partnership
resulted in the launch of ONE-
MOTO Technologies Private
Limited, a new company that will
manage joint overseas operations
in the two-wheeled EV sector for
the Indian market.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah,
President and CEO of Dubai
Chambers, commented, "Dubai
International Chamber is keen to
highlight emerging opportunities
in promising overseas markets
for companies operating in the
emirate.
"We are committed to nurturing
impactful partnerships that
export the expertise of Dubaibased
businesses to the world.
These efforts help to accelerate
economic development and further
consolidate Dubai's position
as a leading global gateway for
opportunities and growth."
Adam Ridgway, Founder and
CEO of ONE MOTO, said, "Dubai
Chambers has been instrumental
in the progress of ONE MOTO's
international expansion and has
contributed to the success of our
partnership with Global Synergy
Trading.
"This strategic step will play an
important role in advancing our
business activities in key global
markets."
period, which was traumatic all over the
world, it was still possible to see that the top
ten of the global happiness ranking includes
more or less the same countries every year."
The annual report is based on data from
US market research company Gallup, and
analyzed by international experts led by
the University of Oxford. In addition to selfassessed
evaluations of life satisfaction,
analysts also assess each country's healthy
life expectancy, freedom, GDP per capita,
social support and more.

16
TIME OUT
i FreeDailyCrosswords.com
ACROSS-----------
1) "Brian's Song" star James
5) Comes out of one's skin
10) Self-congratulatory
14) Radius' comrade-in-arms?
15) Youngest-ever Oscar
winner
16) Folkestone farewell
17) "B 5!" "C 11!"?
19) Took_ (snoozed)
20) Downed
21) Typing type
22) Considers carefully
24) "Emma" author Austen
25) Hersey's bell town
26) Place or site
29) Transverse beam
32) Itsy-bitsy bits
33) "In_ tn1st"
34) Recipe word
35) Cravings
36) Emulate "Old Blue Eyes"
O, O!
1 2 3
14
17
20
26 27 28
32
35
38
41 42
CROSSWORD
37) Kid's "seat" on Santa
38) Alternative to .net
39) Less extroverted
40) TV's "Cosmos" creator
41) Author's explanation
43) Yuletide songs
44) Backup sounds
45) Random sampling
46) "Monkey Trial" teacher
48) Seafood choice
49) Josh
52) Door section
53) John Wayne character,
larger-than-life?
56) More than suggest
57) Recording studio alert
58) Water sport
59) Some antique autos
60) Family men
61) Bud holder
Richard Auer
11 12 13
7th June
DOWN
1) Island south of Florida
2) Dismounted
3) Archer or Heche
4) Endless faultfinder
5) Home of the John Deere
headquarters
6) Like beverages at barbecues
7) A 1 Capp character
8) Fielder's choice?
9) Trooper's warning
10) Wood-surface applications
11) Tropical fruit dance?
12) Great Salt Lake state
13) Adjusts, as a spark plug
18) Multicolored gems
23) "_ on Down the Road"
24) Traffic tangles
25) Eagerness
26)_ the land (how things stand)
27) Alamogordo's county
28) Kinshasa drum?
29) Australian bush call
30) Just right
31) Wonderlands
33) Southern breakfast dish
36) Auto despair site?
37) Marx or Benz
39) Pirate's knife
40) Town of many trials and hunts
42) Plains homes
43) Plays with crayons
45) Lecterns
46) Tim Duncan, for one
47) Kind of package
48) Cold spell
49) Nautical mile
50) Not going anywhere
51) Condemn
54) "Put_ Happy Face"
55) Photo_ (media events)
i FreeDailyCrosswords.com
ACROSS-----------
1) "Brian's Song" star James
5) Comes out of one's skin
10) Self-congratulatory
14) Radius' comrade-in-arms?
15) Youngest-ever Oscar
winner
16) Folkestone farewell
17) "B 5!" "C 11!"?
19) Took_ (snoozed)
20) Downed
21) Typing type
22) Considers carefully
24) "Emma" author Austen
25) Hersey's bell town
26) Place or site
29) Transverse beam
32) Itsy-bitsy bits
33) "In_ tn1st"
34) Recipe word
35) Cravings
36) Emulate "Old Blue Eyes"
O, O!
Friday, 22 March, 2024
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
37) Kid's "seat" on Santa
38) Alternative to .net
39) Less extroverted
40) TV's "Cosmos" creator
41) Author's explanation
43) Yuletide songs
44) Backup sounds
45) Random sampling
46) "Monkey Trial" teacher
48) Seafood choice
49) Josh
52) Door section
53) John Wayne character,
larger-than-life?
56) More than suggest
57) Recording studio alert
58) Water sport
59) Some antique autos
60) Family men
61) Bud holder
1M l.1 1 b
Richard Auer
ATA
N A p
I G H 5
0
T 30 1 3e
D D
E E
N
7th June
DOWN
1) Island south of Florida
2) Dismounted
3) Archer or Heche
4) Endless faultfinder
5) Home of the John Deere
headquarters
6) Like beverages at barbecues
7) A 1 Capp character
8) Fielder's choice?
9) Trooper's warning
10) Wood-surface applications
11) Tropical fruit dance?
12) Great Salt Lake state
13) Adjusts, as a spark plug
18) Multicolored gems
23) "_ on Down the Road"
24) Traffic tangles
25) Eagerness
26)_ the land (how things stand)
27) Alamogordo's county
28) Kinshasa drum?
29) Australian bush call
30) Just right
31) Wonderlands
33) Southern breakfast dish
36) Auto despair site?
37) Marx or Benz
39) Pirate's knife
40) Town of many trials and hunts
42) Plains homes
43) Plays with crayons
45) Lecterns
46) Tim Duncan, for one
47) Kind of package
48) Cold spell
49) Nautical mile
50) Not going anywhere
51) Condemn
54) "Put_ Happy Face"
55) Photo_ (media events)
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
SUDOKU SOLUTIONS
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Your Weekly Horoscope: 22 March - 29 March, 2024
ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20)
You will be preparing to enter into a new
chapter of your life this week, Aries, with
the sun moving into your sign. You may be
developing personal goals, or you could be
met with exciting opportunities. In addition,
you might be uncovering new hobbies and
interests. With the lunar eclipse in Libra, you may be reaching
a turning point in a relationship. You could be taking a big
next step with your partner, or you may be letting go of a
relationship that isn’t working.
.TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20)
You will be making time to be by yourself
this week, Taurus, with the sun moving into
Aries. You may be more emotional than usual,
or you could be low energy and need space
to recharge. You may also be confronting
repressed fears or emotions, and working
to actively heal mindsets that are holding you back. With
the lunar eclipse in Libra, you may experience changes at
work, or you could hear about a job opportunity. You may be
making adjustments to your daily routine too.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21)
You feel support coming from other people
this week, Gemini, with the sun moving
into Aries. Friends might be reaching out,
or you could be organising a group activity.
You may also be attending commitments
for other people, like a birthday party or
a wedding. In addition, you may feel optimistic about the
future goals you’re working towards. With the lunar eclipse
in Libra, you may be developing a creative project, or you
could be discovering hobbies that bring you joy.
CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20)
You will be thinking strategically about your
career goals this week, Cancer, as the sun
moves into Aries. You might be applying to
new jobs or taking on greater responsibilities
within your current role. You may also be
figuring out what type of work you want to be
doing in the long term. With the lunar eclipse in Libra, you
will also be busy with home and family related activities.
LEO (JUL21-AUG 20)
You will be ready to try out new experiences
this week, Leo, as the sun moves into
Aries. You might be thinking of the bigger
picture in life, and you could be travelling
or feeling more connected to your sense of
spirituality. You may also be learning about
new subjects, and you will want to share your knowledge
with people. With the lunar eclipse in Libra, you may be busy
meeting up with friends or attending events in your city.
VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23)
You will be introspective this week, Virgo, as
the sun moves into Aries. You may be facing
patterns and behaviours that are no longer
serving you, or you could be working on how
to better communicate within your close
relationships. On the other hand, you may
be spending quite a bit of money, or you’re looking to save
for your future. With the lunar eclipse in Libra, you may be
preparing to launch a big project at work, or you’re thinking
about starting your own business.
LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23)
You will feel good about your relationships
this week, Libra, as the sun moves into Aries.
You may be spending time with a good friend,
or you could feel closer to your partner. You
may be more confident when dating too,
and you could be getting clear on what your
expectations are in a relationship. With the lunar eclipse in
your sign, you may make important realisations about your
personal goals and how you might prioritise those more.
SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22)
You will be sticking to a routine this week,
Scorpio, as the sun moves into Aries. You
might be making an effort to take care of your
body through regular exercise and eating well.
You may also feel more organised at work, or
you’re being met with new job opportunities.
With the lunar eclipse in Libra, you will also need to carve
out time to rest and be by yourself. You could take a greater
interest in spiritual activities, like meditation, journaling, or
even astrology.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21)
When you got into this new creative project,
you didn't know how long it would take for you
to come to a conclusion, and you're going to
find that what you're involved with may just
take a lifetime. Knowing this puts things into
perspective for you, and in a way, it's exactly
what you need. What's meant by this is that you are a speed
demon; you get things done fast. This week shows you that
some things really take time...if they are to become true
successes.
CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21)
This week has you going over a few memories
that leave you feeling great about your life. Yes,
you've made a few mistakes, but every single
mistake has lead you to this place. The people
and experiences that took you down are the
same people who gave you opportunity to
change, when change was required and here you are today,
feeling good about every single move you've ever made. This
is a huge week for personal healing, Capricorn, and you'll be
doing much of it, as the universe has prescribed.
AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19)
You will be on the go this week, Aquarius,
as the sun moves into Aries. You might be
meeting up with friends, attending events,
taking a trip somewhere, or exploring a new
area of your city. You may also be developing
communication based work, like a website,
newsletter, or podcast. With the lunar eclipse in Libra, you
will be considering your core life beliefs, and you may feel
connected to your spirituality.
PISCES (FEB 20-MAR 20)
Calm and peace come to your rescue, as you
know the world around you is tearing itself
apart, but that you need to remain as calm
and collected as possible. That's not to say
you are in any danger; you aren't. You are just
a passive observer to the world's crazy antics,
and you notice how those antics make other people in your
life on edge. You'll be the person who shows others that
having a Zen attitude might be the best method if one wants
to live a life in peace.

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 22 March, 2024
FEATURE 17
Paneer special recipes
Paneer is rich in protein and calcium and is the best source of nutrition for vegetarians. Not just that, the
richness of vitamin B-complex and magnesium can result in a healthy pregnancy and controlled blood
sugar levels. Leaving aside its nutritious side, you can enjoy paneer as it is with a little salt & pepper. This
is the easiest way to consume paneer and enjoy its various health benefits.
Paneer 65
Ingredients
• 250 gm paneer
• 4 tablespoon rice flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 2 tablespoon yoghurt (curd)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 onion
• 2 green chilli
• 2 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoon corn flour
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 cup refined oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 stalk curry leaves
• 2 tablespoon red chilli sauce
• salt as required
• 1 tablespoon spring onion leaves
Method
• In a bowl, add cornflour and rice flour with 1 tsp
of salt and 1/2 tsp of black pepper and red chilli
powder, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, garam
masala, 1 tsp of lemon juice.
• Now, add your paneer to this batter and coat it well.
Deep fry the coated paneer in a kadhai and keep
them aside.
• Heat some oil in a pan and add the cumin seeds
to it. Now roast the garlic with the cumin seeds
and add finely chopped onions along with chopped
curry leaves. To this, add chilli sauce and tomato
ketchup and salt. Mix it all well on high flame.
• In the end, add some curd with 2 tbsp of water. Let
it bubble and turn the flame to low and add the fried
paneer pieces to this. Coat and combine well, top
with some lemon juice, garnish with spring onion
greens and serve hot!
Cornitos grilled paneer tacos with salsa dip
Ingredients
• 6 taco shells
• 100 ml salsa sauce
• 150 gm cheese sauce
• 50 gm lettuce leaf
• 50 ml virgin olive oil
• 5 gm white pepper powder
• 225 gm paneer
• 50 gm capsicum (green pepper)
• 50 gm jalapeno
• 50 gm coriander leaves
• salt as required
• 1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning
Method
• Marinate paneer with salt, white pepper powder,
olive oil & keep aside for 10-15 minutes.
• Heat the griller with some oil and grill the Paneer
until done.
• Heat some oil in a pan, add taco seasoning, and
then add capsicum and onions. Sauté nicely for 3
to 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Kung pao paneer
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 tablespoon corn flour
• 2 dry red chili
• 1 medium chopped capsicum (green
pepper)
• 1 handful chopped spring onions
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
• gm salt
• water as required
• 1 1/2 tablespoon red chilli sauce
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 1 medium thinly sliced onion
• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• gm black pepper
Method
• In a bowl, add paneer cubes along with
chili powder, salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp
cornflour. Mix everything well.
• Heat oil in a pan and then add paneer
cubes. Shallow fry them till they turn
golden brown in color. Once done,
transfer them to an absorbent paper.
Now, saute garlic on the same pan.
• Now, add onions and red chillies. Saute
• Place Taco shells on boat and line them with
lettuce. Top them with grilled paneer and sauteed
mixture, coriander leaves and jalapeno.
• Then, spread cheese sauce and salsa dip evenly on
top and sprinkle taco seasoning. Serve Tacos with
salsa dip.
them until the onions turn translucent.
Next, add capsicum. and saute it for
2 mins. Once done, add chili sauce,
peanuts, soy sauce, and 1 tbsp cornflour
(mix 1/2 tablespoon of cornflour in 1
tablespoon of water). Mix to combine
everything well. Cook for 3 mins.
• Finally, add fried paneer cubes along
with salt. Mix everything well and cook
for about 1-2 mins.
• Garnish it with spring onions. Your Kung
Pao Paneer is ready. Enjoy.
Paneer veg rolls
Ingredients
9 chapatis
• 1 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 18 leaves coriander leaves
• salt as required
• water as required
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 3 teaspoon dry mango powder
• 3 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cup flour
• For Filling
• 300 gm paneer
• 3 onion
• 2 capsicum (green pepper)
Method
• In a large pan, heat oil over a
medium flame. Add chopped
onions to it and stir fry them till
it turns golden brown. Now, add
capsicums, chopped paneer
cubes and saute for sometime.
• After sometime, add cumin
powder, salt and red chili
powder to it. Mix well. After a
minute add dry mango powder,
coriander leaves and stir the
whole mixture again properly.
Switch off the flame and keep it
aside.
Palak kaddu paneer
Ingredients
• 4 cup spinach
• 4 tablespoon refined oil
• 2 tablespoon garlic
• 1 cup milk
• salt as required
• 200 gm pumpkin
• 2 teaspoon garam masala
powder
• 4 pieces green chillies
• 2 medium onion
• 1/2 kilograms paneer
Method
• To begin with, in a bowl, add
water and ice cubes. Over
medium flame, place a sauce
pan and boil water in it. Now
add washed spinach leaves
in it. Once the spinach leaves
have boiled, drain the water
and transfer spinach into the
cold water bowl. Meanwhile,
chopped pumpkin and paneer
into cubes. Chop spinach
leaves, garlic cloves, and onion
too.
• In a blender, add pumpkin
cubes, chopped spinach leaves,
milk and blend it to a fine puree.
Coriander paneer
Ingredients
• 250 gm paneer
• 1 onion
• 1 tablespoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 2 tablespoon refined oil
• 1 bunch coriander leaves
• 2 green chilli
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1 teaspoon powdered turmeric
• 2 teaspoon lemon juice
Method
• To prepare this delicious side dish recipe,
dice the paneer into cubes and transfer the
pieces into a large bowl.
• Add the red chilli powder, coriander
powder, garam masala powder, salt and
lemon juice to the paneer cubes and coat
them evenly. Keep aside for a while.
• Meanwhile, take the coriander leaves and
wash them properly. Chop them roughly
and add them to a food processor along
with the green chillies and a little water.
Blend into a smooth paste.
• Now knead the flour using
water and make 8 chapatis out
of it. One by one, start filling
the mixture prepared in the pan
above in between the chapatis
and start rolling it tightly from
the sides. Your Paneer veg rolls
are now ready to be served.
Over medium flame, place a
pan and add 1 teaspoon of oil
in it. Now add paneer cubes
in the pan and fry them. Once
fried, transfer paneer into a
bowl and keep aside. Saute
chopped garlic and onion in the
remaining oil that's left in the
pan.
• Next, add the pumpkin puree.
Pour 1 cup of water and season
it with salt. Let the gravy cook
for 3-4 minutes. Add fried
paneer cubes, and stir once. Mix
in garam masala. Let it simmer
until a thick gravy is formed.
• Serve hot with tandoori roti or
naan!
• Heat oil in a pan over medium flame. Then,
add ginger-garlic paste and saute them.
Now, add the onions and cook them until
they turn light brown.
• Once done, add the coriander paste
and let it cook for a while. Sprinkle the
remaining spices and salt as per your
taste. Remember the paneer is already
marinated with some spices. Don't add
too much.
• Then, add the marinated paneer cubes and
cook for a few minutes. Transfer the dish
to a serving bowl and serve hot.

18
ENTERTAINMENT
Ratna Pathak spoke
for other female actors
in the industry: From
Deepti Naval to Deepika
The actor has been vocal
about gender roles in the
film industry and the lack of
opportunities for women.
Ratna Pathak Shah has always
been candid and open in her views
of the Hindi film industry, be it
talking about the lack of better
roles for female actors or the
issue of ageism. Here are a few
times when Ratna spoke about
female actors in the industry and
called for better roles for them.
On Deepika Padukone
In an interview, Ratna talked
about the lack of challenging parts
for female actors in the industry
and said, “They can barely write a
good part for Deepika Padukone,
so how are they going to write a
good part for me? Poor girl, she
has been around for several years
now and she just got one decent
part, something that is really
going to stand the test of time.
India is getting educated and
it is changing in a big way. When
this bunch of kids grow up and
they look back at the kind of films
that were made, they will find it
ridiculous.”
'Family is the
greatest bond...':
Amitabh Bachchan
On Waheeda Rehman
In an interview with Film
Companion last year, Ratna spoke
about Waheeda Rehman after
she was conferred with the
Dadasaheb Phalke Award. She
said, "I'm sorry that a Waheeda
Rehman in our country doesn't
get the parts that she deserves.
What a fabulous woman, and
what a fabulous actress she is! All
Megastar Amitabh
Bachchan's
latest post on his
blog is all about his love
for his family members.
From extending
greetings to his daughter
Shweta and son-in-law
Nikhil Nanda to talking
about family love, Big B
poured his heart out in the
post.
"A day filled with the
love of family and the
greetings and the hilarity
of the 'progress reports' ..
Birthdays galore .. Shweta , the first born, and Nikhil her
husband .. within a day of each other nd the bringing in
of the GOLDEN age -50 years," he wrote.
"At Prateeksha , she was brought to the home , our
first home of our own, when she was barely 2, and
Abhishek a few months old .. and today to see them
celebrate the day in the same home on the same table
and surroundings .. LIFE IS A WONDER ..Children and
grandchildren all together ..Family is the greatest bond
.. of love togetherness and the joys of each other .. may
it ever be in lasting .... and the family at the GOJ .. ? they
are supreme," he added.
He also dropped pictures from his weekly Sunday
ritual. In the pictures, he can be seen happily greeting
fans outside Jalsa. Abhishek Bachchan also made a
special appearance.
Big B was recently spotted cheering for his team
Majhi Mumbai's Indian Street Premier League final
match against Tigers of Kolkata at the Dadoji Kondadev
Stadium in Thane.
Big B is associated with the Indian Street Premier
League (ISPL) as the owner of team Mumbai. The ISPL
is India's tennis ball T10 cricket tournament.Big B's
team 'Majhi Mumbai' lost the final game to Saif Ali Khan
and Kareena Kapoor Khan's Tigers of Kolkata.
they want to do is give her a little
award and stick her in one corner.
Really? Give her a good role, for
Christ's sake. Keep the award.”
On Deepti Naval
Ratna also shared how
wonderful actors like Deepti
Naval were never given their due
in the parallel cinema space.
During a conversation with
Siddharth Kannan last year,
she said, "Aap us zamane ke
filmein dekhe, Deepti Naval jaise
wonderful actress ko kitne role
mile us tarah ki filmon mein? Wahi
chaar the na bande - Naseer, Om,
Shabana, Smita! (Take a look at
the films from that era, how many
films could a wonderful actress
like Deepti Naval do? There
were only four figures, Naseer
(Naseeruddin Shah), Om (Puri),
Shabana (Azmi), Smita (Patil)!)."
Ratna Pathak Shah was last
seen in the film Dhak Dhak. She
has acted in several noteworthy
films in her decades-long
career, including Mirch Masala,
Mandi, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na,
Khoobsurat, Lipstick under my
Burkha, and Kapoor & Sons.
At the trailer launch of Rajesh
Krishnan’s Crew, Kriti Sanon
opened up about how the Tabu
and Kareena Kapoor-starrer is pure
comedy and nothing more. Actor Kriti
Sanon spoke about her upcoming film,
Crew, at the trailer launch in Mumbai
recently.
She also spoke about the stereotypes
surrounding a women-centric film,
but how this one co-starring Tabu and
Kareena Kapoor Khan breaks barriers by
being a pure comedy.
Talking to the press, Kriti said, “I feel,
jab bhi koi women wali film aati hai,
ladkiyan hain, to sab sochte hain ki
serious hai bahot, ya phir kuch mudda
hoga, ya phir men bashing hogi, all that.
Aisa kuch bhi nahi hai as you can see
women can do comedy very very well. (I
feel when there’s a women-oriented film
and it’s about the girls, everyone thinks
it’ll be very serious, or tackle with an
issue or bash men and all that. But this
film does none of that and women can
do comedy very well.)”
Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who
is on roll, opened up about how
he always wanted to be a risktaking
actor to make the country proud.
Ayushmann made his Bollywood
debut with 'Vicky Donor' (2012), a film
set against the background of sperm
donation and infertility, themes that are
often seen as taboos in Indian society.
The film was highly appreciated,
and so were Ayushmann's acting and
singing skills.
From then on, he chose to be a part
Friday, 22 March, 2024
Animal star Triptii Dimri,
who turned showstopper
for Shantnu & Nikhil at the
ongoing Lakme Fashion Week,
says it was an honour for her to
walk the ramp for the designer
duo whose latest collection
projects women as confident
Kriti also called working
with Kareena and Tabu ‘refreshing,’
stating that they often usually work with
men but this was a different experience.
“We usually get to work with men, it was
very refreshing to work with women.
These women are so talented, I have
admired them for years.
We all look up to them in what they
bring to tbe table and for how they’ve
reinvented themselves,” she said,
adding, “The way this film was written
and these characters are, there’s such
life and chemistry between these three.”
Diljit Dosanjh also stars in Crew, and
tells the story of three flight attendants.
The trailer showed how the company
they work for, Kohinoor Airlines, is
bankrupt and the trio come across a
man with gold bars attached to his
chest.
Crew is produced by Ekta Kapoor and
Rhea Kapoor, and will see Kapil Sharma
in a cameo. The film is slated for release
on March 29.
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
There's nothing more
beautiful than a confident
woman: Triptii Dimri
'Women can do comedy very
well': Kriti Sanon on film 'Crew'
of and constantly handpicked such
content films that stood out and spread
a positive message to society.
Some of these social comedies include
'Shubh Mangal Savdhaan', 'Badhaai Ho',
'Article 15', 'Bala', 'Shubh Mangal Zyada
Saavdhan' among others.
Talking about his journey, Ayushmann
said, "As an actor I have always
attempted to walk the road untraveled
and this involved a risk! But then there
is no fun without risk. Like for all you
journalists you take a risk while breaking
individuals.
The actor took to the stage on
day four of the fashion gala where
the designers showcased their
clothing line titled "You".
At the post-show press
conference, Dimri said
collaborating with brothers
Shantnu Mehra and Nikhil Mehra
was an "amazing" experience.
"Being confident and being
inherently powerful in their own
beautiful version... There is
nothing more beautiful than a
confident woman and I think this
show stands for it.
"I felt confident in what I was
wearing. I have always been a
fan of Shantnu and Nikhil. It was
truly an honour for me to be the
showstopper," she told reporters
on Saturday night.
The actor was dressed in
a black lace-corset bodice,
long steel-grey figure-hugging
sequinned skirt and a pair of black
lace gloves. She kept her look
minimal with smokey eyes, sans
jewellery.
According to the designers,
the collection is "a testament
to the power of resilience, and
celebration of the indomitable
spirit of women grounded in
individuality and fortitude".
Nikhil Mehra, one-half of the
designer duo, emphasised the
importance of teamwork in life
and work.
'Trying to still be most risk-taking actor': Ayushmann
exclusive stories and I enjoy bringing to
the forefront, stories that are taboo, are
risky. I feel life is a sum total of all the
risks you take and here I am today trying
to still be the most risk-taking actor
wanting to make my country proud."
Ayushmann was felicitated by the
Maharashtra Press as the Star of the
Decade on Monday.
Expressing gratitude to the members
of the press for helping him through his
journey and then today, acknowledging
his achievements.

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