They started planning for the trip two years ago to coincide with Rawans 18th birthday, so that she could apply for a visitors visa to Australia on her own.Fearing they were about to be "forcibly abducted", the sisters entered Hong Kong as visitors.The Saudi consulate in Hong Kong did not respond to requests for comment... Michael Vidler, a lawyer for the pair, said Hong Kong immigration authorities have indicated the pair would be "tolerated" in the city until February 28, after which they could be deported.. But the sisters say they are fearful of being returned to Saudi Arabia and facing their familys wrath. While their time in Hong Kong has been marked by anxiety and a poor diet -- at one point subsisting on instant noodles and toast for a month -- they looked calm when they met AFP, wearing hoodies, jeans and sneakers.They are now hoping to be granted asylum in a third country. when we were in Saudi Arabia, we were locked in the house every day," Reem told AFP."Either we will be killed because they want to clear (the) shame we brought as women who left by their own, or they will force us to marry.

He thinks that this is what makes them men," Reem told AFP. my father didnt really stop them. Apostasy or blasphemy is punishable with jail or death sentences in some Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia. The pair, who have adopted the aliases Reem and Rawan, described a deeply unhappy upbringing in a middle-class Riyadh household...."He was only a child but he learned this from his brothers and from his father and from all the men around him, that this is the good way to be a man and to deal with women," Reem said. The sisters concerns deepened after they learned from their lawyer that their passports were revoked in November, leaving them stateless.Reem, who studied English literature in university, hopes to become a writer and counts George Orwells dystopian novel 1984 among her favourite books. The opportunity arrived last September, when the family travelled to Sri Lanka for vacation. But trouble awaited them at the other end.While their parents were sleeping, the sisters retrieved their passports and boarded a flight from Colombo to Hong Kong. Hong Kongs security minister John Lee said Friday that "police have received two separate reports, one regarding missing person(s) and one regarding request for investigation".Such cases appear to be on the rise, with the sisters story emerging a month after 18-year-old Saudi woman Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun drew global attention with her dramatic escape from an allegedly abusive family, gaining refugee status in Canada. our cousins", said Reem.He declined to elaborate further.

The young women, aged 20 and 18, found themselves marooned after Saudi consular officials allegedly intercepted them during a stopover at the citys airport and later revoked their passports.The siblings are the latest example of Saudi women plotting their escape from the ultra-conservative kingdom only to find themselves dodging officials and angry family members at every turn, as the country battles criticism of its human rights record.The sisters suspect their father tracked their movements using Absher, a controversial mobile app that operates as a portal to Saudi government services but also allows men to keep tabs on female relatives.They say they have renounced Islam and fear the death penalty if they return home..They claim they were obstructed by several unknown men at the citys airport, including one who tried to trick them into boarding a plane back to Riyadh.They also claim police attempted to take them to meet with male relatives and Saudi officials. They also believe their uncle may have helped mobilise consular officials through his government connections.Hong Kong: Two Saudi sisters trapped in Hong Kong say chronic physical abuse by male family members prompted them to flee the kingdom, where they now fear they will be forcibly returned..

They decided to bolt for freedom during a family holiday overseas, when their passports would be kept in their parents bag instead of a safe -- and when they would not need permission from a male guardian to travel abroad. So I just want to do everything that I can do in life," she said. Immigration authorities said they would "not comment on individual cases". The pair have lived in hiding in Hong Kong for nearly six months since and have changed locations 13 times for fear of their safety -- hotels, hostels, private homes, and even a boat one night, they say. Critics say the app enables abuse against women, with US lawmaker Ron Wyden urging Google and Apple to remove it from their smartphones."They started to beat me.Even their 10-year-old brother participated and began to police the way they dressed, they say, chiding them for removing their niqabs when dining out."We dont even meet our friends, we dont go out, we dont have any hobbies outside.The sisters say their passport information was stored in the app and may have been used by their parents to track down the flights they booked. They said their onward flight booking to Melbourne had been cancelled and later learned the man was lead wood screw anchors Saudi Arabias consul general in Hong Kong..They claim they were beaten by their father when they were young, and by their brothers when they got older, for small transgressions such as waking up late for prayer."My hope for the future is to settle down, to have a normal life

You would expect ministers meeting each other to solve development issues but in Karnataka they meet only to quell infighting, he said. While the common motive in 1977 was to protect democracy following the Emergency, the opposition joined hands 12 years later after the "record-breaking corruption" of Bofors had hurt the entire nation, he said.In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, some people would ask if he can get allies even though the BJP was leading an alliance of over 20 parties, PM Modi said. Modi said that the BJP contests elections on the issues of development and good governance and the mandates it has received in state after state are historic.PM Modi said Congress is now like regional party and cannot become cementing force or anchor for any alliance of oppn parties against him. The last time these parties formed a government in Uttar Pradesh (in 1993), it could not even last two years.The BJP could have easily formed the government after winning a majority of seats but it took its allies along and made them a part of the new dispensation. They (opposition) have no agenda except to remove Modi.

"In any election, a non-ideological and opportunist coalition is the best guarantee for chaos," he said, describing Karnataka as "a trailer of what is possibly in store"."The whole focus is power politics, not peoples progress."Today, these alliances are not motivated by national good but they are about personal survival and power politics.PM Modi rejected the comparison of an opposition alliance with a similar alliance of the then opposition in the 1977 and 1989 elections.Dubbing the next election a choice between governance and development on one side and chaos on the other, the prime minister cited the example of Karnataka, where the Congress-JD(S) alliance "stole the mandate" to form government with "development taking a back seat". Hatred for Modi is the sole gluing force for the opposition," he said.""How long will the dislike and mistrust these parties and leaders have for each other keep them together? They are in direct bitter contests against each other in various states like West Bengal and Kerala.A large and diverse NDA is good for Indias democracy, he said, adding that it is most important to respect regional aspirations and the NDA is committed to fulfilling them.

He also played down his partys losses in the bypolls, especially in Uttar Pradesh, saying the BJP had not done well in some local elections in Gujarat before the 1998 assembly polls but went on to win a two-thirds majority.To a question on whether the BJPs allies are on the same page with it and if the NDA is weaker today, PM Modi asserted that his party views the alliance not as round coupling nuts a compulsion but as an article of faith. Such instability adversely impacts the growth trajectory of our nation," he said.In a swipe at the Congress, he said the main opposition party is fighting a battle for its survival ("astitva ki ladai") and is now running from pillar to post looking for allies after people rejected its "high-handedness".In an interview to Swarajya magazine, he said the opposition has no agenda except to remove him and that "hatred for Modi" is their "sole gluing force" as he expressed confidence that people will vote the BJP back to power in the next Lok Sabha elections.Ridiculing the Rahul Gandhi-led party, the Prime Minister said it is now like a regional party and cannot become a cementing force or anchor for any alliance of opposition parties against him.

The Samajwadi Party, he added, thinks its leader more than anyone else deserves to be prime minister. Which other alliance has such an impressive membership and is serving in so many states?" he said."Hence, we are confident that people will repose their trust in us. They have no agenda except to remove Modi," he said.. It is leading strong coalitions in various states of India.The BJP, he said, contests elections on the issues of development and good governance and the mandates it has received in state after state are historic."The NDA is a large and happy family of over 20 parties. (Photo: File) New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the proposed grand opposition alliance is merely a "grand race" by his rivals to be the prime minister and is driven by "personal survival and power politics".The entire focus in the opposition is on power politics with Rahul Gandhi saying he is ready to be prime minister while Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee is also eying the top post but the Left has a "problem" with her, the prime minister said

Ulpiana Neziri-Lama, a sociologist, foreign ministry official and former TV news anchor, said the problem was greater in rural parts of Kosovo. And that curiosity continues after all these years,” she said. (Photo: AFP) NPLUS.” As Kosovan women strive for more openings, Clinton’s determined bid for the White House has struck a chord.Choosing a red mix-and-match outfit — jacket, skirt and trousers for 50 euros ($56) a piece — financial consultant Miradije Salihu, 46, said she wanted clothes that would double as work and evening wear..jpg Elda Morina-Ymeraga adjusts a dress at her clothing store “Hillary 2” in Pristina.“We wanted to honour the Clinton family in our business,” said owner Elda Morina-Ymeraga, 33.Framed photos hang proudly on the shop walls, recalling the meeting that gave the retailer a “simply incredible feeling”.The top diplomatic job, ambassador to the United States, is currently held by a woman and the secular Constitution sets a 30 percent quota for female MPs — putting Kosovo ahead of even Britain and France in parliamentary gender balance.

But even in cities women faced discrimination.Serbia withdrew from Kosovo after an 11-week bombing campaign by Nato, backed by then President Bill Clinton.Her family’s first store is on Bill Clinton Boulevard near a huge statue of the former US President, both commemorating his support during the Kosovan struggle for independence from Serbia.Elda Morina-Ymeraga adjusts a dress at her clothing store “Hillary 2” in Pristina.4 per cent of Kosovo’s working age women held jobs, compared with 61.But gender equality is still a far-off goal: a labour force survey conducted in 2014 showed that only 21.“Every local customer first comes out of curiosity to ask what I discussed with Hillary.“She is not only a person who, with her family, has helped Kosovo enormously but she also has unique taste in clothing,” Morina-Ymeraga told AFP in the Hillary 2 store, set in a shabby Communist-era block from the former Yugoslavia that jars with its sharp suits, bright blouses and elegant dresses.“If (Clinton) China wholesale round coupling nuts can successfully run all of her campaign wearing the same style of outfit throughout, why would I not do the same while running my business ”

If Ms Clinton wins the November race, she will be the first woman in charge of the White House, whereas Kosovo chose its first female President, 41-year-old Atifete Jahjaga, five years ago.Bill Clinton was “the first who emphasised the need for change in Kosovo and the need to ban Serbia’s rule over Albanians”, said Morina-Ymeraga, who imports most garments from Turkey but hopes to create her own “Hillary” label.”In 2010, Morina-Ymeraga had the surprise — and publicity boost — of a lifetime when the then US secretary of state paid her main store an unexpected visit during a trip to Pristina. He later gave strong support to Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence in 2008 — a move still unrecognised by Belgrade. (Photo: AFP)A boutique in Kosovo’s capital leaves no doubt about its favoured candidate in the US presidential race — the clues are right in its name and on the racks of smart trouser suits.“The public space is contaminated by sexist comments,” she told AFP, stressing that “this is very widespread.

Promoting the former First Lady as fashion icon — notably her beloved trouser suits — caught on with Kosovo’s female civil servants, politicians and other professionals who make up the store’s main clientele.8 per cent of men.‘Need for change’Morina-Ymeraga’s father set up the first Hillary store in 2002, a few years after the 1998-1999 war between Serbia’s armed forces and the separatist ethnic Albanian rebels in its southern province. Her term ended this month.Pristina’s Hillary boutique and its sister shop, Hillary 2, are a testament to Kosovo’s enduring love not only for the United States but particularly for the Clinton couple.“This was why we started to promote Hillary’s style in Kosovo, offering clothes to women that are identical to those worn by Hillary.“All women of Kosovo should take her as an example,” said 22-year-old student Mimoza Nishori outside the Hillary store.And Hillary, 68, offers a strong role model for women in Muslim-majority Kosovo, which can already claim the Balkans’ first elected female President and upholds gender balance — in law if not in practice

The one question we all want to know is whether a change of guard would mean that fiscal responsibility with respect to the government finances will be relaxed. If there is continuity, markets would be in for a ‘relief’ rally. Change or continuity? Will it make a difference to our investing strategies? How much will politics impact our investment decisions?Let us divide the problem in to two parts. And banks will be afraid to lend. One is the investment environment (bullish or bearish mood, FII perception of the markets etc) and the other is the earnings outlook.Whatever be the outcome, it is useful to have a strategy. Government spending money on infrastructure is rather limited as increased freebies leave little room for development expenditures.

One thing I have been noticing in these past few corrections is that ‘high quality’ does not China spring nuts Suppliers correct too much. He can be reached at balakrishnanr@gmail. With lesser and lesser government controls, the impact of politics on business is considerably less. Yes, some business houses will gain and some will lose, but by and large, there may not be too much impact. And if the broad indices show the fall, some investment in ETFs on the Sensex or the Nifty is worth considering.com). Businesses where the government is the customer tends to be impacted.(The writer is a veteran investment advisor. If we go in to the election manifestos of various parties, the battle seems to be more on freebies than on true economic development. A ripple through effect on mutual funds and lenders, means that non bank credit has to slow down. The policy risks, to my mind seem to be minimal. Irrespective of the party in power, business finds its friends.On the whole, the platform is clean. However, with the PSU bank clean up happening, a lot of businessmen have had to go for bankruptcy or shut shop.

I do not see the usual rush of pre-election result flows in, unless one treats the rally of Friday as something that will happen over the next week, before results are out. And in the list, against each name, put a price that you are happy to buy. Confidence to invest is still not visible and if there is continuity, new investments should happen. GST will at best be tinkered with, but structurally it is a solid concept.A change of guard would mean a ‘wait and watch’, leading to delay. It is best to keep away from it and wait for the Q2 results. At best there would be ‘’shuffling” of lines, some tokenism and so on. The investment environment will be immediately favourable if there is continuity. This gives a sense of comfort to big money that policies will not change. Whether it will be more of the same in the future, no one can say. It would be useful to keep a ‘buy’ list handy. It is best to keep away from that rally and wait for the June quarter results before considering fresh investments. Both of these reforms (irrespective of contradictory claims about the ownership on these two things) are big positives and in a sense limit the damage caused by freebies and there is some control on the flow. Do not get in to a reaction mode but in to a planned call based on outcomes.

Only the auto sector gave up some price thanks to slow down in the sales numbers. That way, you will avoid panic. Let us be clear.The investment environment will be immediately favourable if there is continuity.Hopefully, most invest-ors are holding cash now. So earnings growth would be subdued in any case.If there is a change in the government composition — then the markets could see an immediate correction. Valuations are not cheap (unless we anchor ourselves to 52 week highs) either. This is still ‘under repair’. A sharp correction can be useful to add to the portfolio of high quality stocks. Hopefully, those who invest in direct equities ‘know’ their sto-cks. More noise may happen outside the realm of economics. This week will see the outcome of the battle of the ballot.Today, the banks are far cleaner than an election ago.The other element is one of cronyism. Unless the next government totally changes either the GST structure or the pass through of subsidies by Direct Transfers.

My guess is no. Economic growth is a function of demand. More important is the tightness in liquidity that is being spread by the non-bank sector facing a crisis of confidence. If there is a change of guard, some fall out of favour and some come back to favour. The election results are unlikely to change earnings prospects.If there is continuity in the government, markets would be in for a ‘relief’ rally.Now, let me shift to corporate earnings.Thus, with muted prospects for immediate earnings triggers, market moves will be more based on perception of the election outcome. Every political party needs money and businesses tend to be ‘friendly’ with all parties

That led to people taking to stone pelting and torching vehicles on January 1.The complainant said that KKR members were already arrested for their links with CPI (M). Amrut Marathe, Police Inspector, Vishrambaug, said, “As per the FIR, Sudhir Dhawale, anchor of the programme, Jyoti Jagtap, Sagar Gorakhe, Ramesh Gaichor, Harshali Potdar and many others had sung songs and given speeches that incited violence.”Elgar parishad organisers booked forpromoting enmity and inciting violenceThe organisers of the Elgar Parishad, including members of the Kabir Kala Manch, have been booked for promoting enmity between various groups in Pune on Monday night.”

Mr Marathe said, “They have been booked under Indian Penal code 153A for creating hatred among society, 505 for availing literature inciting people to act against other communities, 117 for abetting commission of offence and 34 for working in groups. “They are just saying that investigation is on track and they would arrest the culprit soon. Even Girish Bapat, guardian minister of Pune district, just enquired and promised speedy justice..Tejas Dhawale, Fantangale’s cousin, said, “We want the police and the government to arrest those who are responsible for the death of Rahul and and for this violence as soon as possible. The state government on Tuesday handed over a cheque of Rs 10 lakh to his mother. We want Ujjwal Nikam be appointed as public prosecutor to represent government against those caused Rahul’s death and the violence,” he said.”Fact sheet Pune businessman, Tushar Ramesh Damgude, filed an FIR against the organisers.The Maratha Kranti Morcha members expansion anchors Suppliers demanded that the government give a time frame within which it would complete the investigation and that compensation be given to those who suffered losses in the violence.”

The FIR claims that songs, speeches and street plays presented at Elgar Parishad by organisers were inflammatory in nature and incited communal differences.The state government on Tuesday handed over a cheque of Rs 10 lakh to his mother. A businessman from Pune, Tushar Ramesh Damgude (37), had lodged an FIR against the organisers at Vishrambaug police station. The Elgar Parishad held in Pune on January 1 Pune: Relatives of Rahul Fantangale (28), the youth who died in the violence that broke out at Bhima-Koregoan in Pune on January 1 on the 200 anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle, have asked for the appointment of Ujjwal Nikam as the public prosecutor for trial. They allegedly said that fight against New Peshwas has begun and they need to fight. Hence KKM members should be booked. He also said, “We are organising a prayer meet on Wednesday to mark the tenth day of Rahul’s death at our village Kanhur Mesai, and we invite all of you to come for the meet. Fantangale’s relatives, along with the members of the Maratha Kranti Morcha, interacted with the media, demanding speedy justice for those who suffered losses in the violence..

There were many book stalls selling literature, which was also inflammatory in nature.The songs and speeches presented at the event were inflammatory in nature and led to stone pelting and torching vehicles on Jan 1. Hence, they presented inflammatory songs and talks with the express intention of creating trouble. “It was the CPI(M)’s strategy to incite dalits to take the violent route instead of a constitutional one.” He also said the police were not saying anything about the case.”When asked if he or his family were associated with any organisations like the Maratha Kranto Morcha, Tejas said, “We would participate in social programmes like morchas held by Maratha Kranti Morcha demanding speedy justice to the girl in Kopardi who was raped and killed, reservation for Marathas in education and government jobs